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Comment by unkeen | Hacker News Reader

How is it possible that these towers have not been made more difficult to access? Is it usual for them to be secured only by a low fence?!

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There's a broader area protected by a high fence with barbed wire. They had access there, cause the father is a radio engineer and have friends on various sites.

It's also in bordered by two farms, with a flood plain across the street, in a rural part of St. Charles County, in MO. Granted, home builders keep building subdivisions closer and closer, but just 10-15 years ago the closest residence was a mile or so away (outside the couple farm houses).

There's also danger/warning signage around the entire property, on all fences (including those around the towers).

Is that the KH0J transmitter? I've driven past that countless times and it seems so run-down I've often wondered if it was still transmitting. So many times I've wanted to park in the lot and take a gander... Probably for the better that I haven't!

Yep! Honestly this site is about average in terms of local tower site upkeep. Many station owners let their sites run a bit wild, unfortunately.

Seeing the frequency on the sign with the FCC station ID brought back fond memories of the former licensee, KIRL. I listened to 1460 in the late 60's and early 70's when it played top 40 rock and roll. A nice alternative to the top 40 powerhouse at the time, KXOK 630.

There'll be a higher external fence for access by vehicles and people who need to go near the tower (someone is mowing that grass), the short fence is just a reminder to go no further unless authorised.

The tech is so old-school that it predates the fear culture.

The AM radio tower that I know is near me has a short wooden fence close to the tower, and then a larger area surrounded by a high fence with barbed wire tops and warning signs.

Jeff's dad works there :)

As soon as some kids jump over the fence and at least one of them ends up in a hospital with a severe condition, those fences will get replaced.

Technically the morgue is in the hospital…

Death is a pretty severe condition, too.

Highly incompatible with life.

Sounds bad, is it reversible?

Yes but it takes 3 days.

They tried to confirm this anecdote with a proper blind study, but the study kept proclaiming, "I can see now!"

And several doctors have to interact with you even if you’re dead.

Most train tracks don't even have a fence.

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