[SBE] Theft of copper radials

[Dan Rapak]

I've been following this thread for awhile. I seem to recall many years 
ago (the 70's perhaps?) that a station was having problems with their 
ground radials being stolen repeatedly. They did a little engineering 
work and ultimately received permission from the FCC to replace the 
radials with barbed wire. Cheaper to replace the barbed wire 
periodically when it deteriorated than to constantly replace the stolen 
copper. There was reportedly very little impact on their signal coverage 
and the thievery abruptly ceased.

I'm sure the effect on signal coverage would have a great deal to do 
with the conductivity of the native soil, but for what its worth.....

Dan Rapak