Evaluation of Tall-Tower Lighting

A prototype of high-intensity rotating obstruction lighting was installed on the KOCO-TV tower at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, during the period between November 1965 and February 1966. Testing began in March 1966 to optimize the system and obtain operational parameters that would satisfy the requirement of providing obstruction identification for at least 3 miles during 3-mi1e meteorological visibility conditions. Numerous failures or deficiencies interrupted the tests and extensive system changes were required in design or engineering of the hardware involved.

Tests were resumed in September 1966. The variable parameters of the obstruction lighting system were evaluated and selection of the preferred operational characteristics was completed in December 1966.

It was recommended that white light be used in a minimum of three beacons for each tower providing 40 flashes per minute in a synchronous mode of operation. Such lighting, along with existing tower marking, was considered adequate for protection of associated guy wires as well as the main tower structure.