Dr. Jonathan Kramer's Cell Tower Photo Gallery

Copyright 2000-2023 Dr. Jonathan Kramer


Most viewed - Camouflaged Sites
cells.glendale.3flags.coversoff-closeup.200507.P1010057.jpg
Close-up of a cellular/PCS flagpole without the covers4630 viewsThis is a close-up shot of how antennas are stacked in a faux flagpole. All three flagpoles in this photo are really cell towers. The center flagpole is an AT&T Wireless (now Cingular) site in Los Angeles, California. Verizon shares this site with Verizon and Nextel. The flagpole is 85' tall and 25" in diameter. It's manufactured by Chameleon Engineering.2 comments
cellonhouse.1.jpg
Faux chimney antenna site 1 of 23984 viewsThe antennas are in a faux chimney. The base station equipment is adjacent to the house in the lower right portion of the photo. Spotted in Southern California.
cells_chimney_losangeles_201208_P1040004.jpg
Santa: Don't slide down this chimney!3311 viewsA faux chimney site at a community church in Los Angeles.
cells_7880golfcrest_sandiego_20090912_verizon_monopine_DSCN1623.jpg
3085 views
cellonhouse.2.jpg
Faux chimney antenna site 2 of 22929 viewsThe antennas are in a faux chimney (center of roof).
com-camouflage.gif
Camofulaged AML Receive Site?2740 viewsBack in 1983 Storer Cable was trying to secure a microwave-receive site on a hillside in San Juan Capistrano. The architect retained by Storer lost most of his hair trying to get a design that would pass muster with the City. One night, in a fit of frustration, he came up with this design. We never submitted this one to the City. Pity. It would have been fun!
cells_ca_dana-point_201108_DSC_0231.jpg
2232 viewsCan you guess which of the light standards contains the site antennas?
cells_verizon_sprint_fairviewrd_20120808_DSC_0134.jpg
Would Verizon please let the Sprint Nextel inside?2173 viewsThe inside of the building is occupied by Verizon. Verizon's antennas are behind the faux tiles. Sprint's Nextel cabinets are outdoors adjacent to the building, and its antennas are on H-Frame mounts (see the associated pictures).
cells.glendale.3flags.3covers.200507.P1010066.jpg
Hint: It's Not Canneroni2167 viewsThese are three section covers of a faux flagpole barely in the City of Los Angeles, California. They're off while Verizon's works on its antennas (see the photos in this gallery).
camoDSC02691.jpg
Pine tree stealth site2142 viewsWhile it stands alone above the hill, this is actually a very good camouflaged site. Sufficient faux foliage coverage to hide antennas. 1 comments
cells_towerco_sprint_2035Cal_Corona_20090825_DSCN1365.jpg
So-So Sprint Monopine2033 viewsSprint's monopine, located in Corona, California, is a good example of what happens when the antenna array extends past the branches. Also note the degraded and falling-off panel covers (socks). This site is now managed by TowerCo.
DSC02410.JPG
Another sickly cell-pine1963 viewsIt looks like hardly any imagination was used to design this sad tree tower site.1 comments
cells_missionviejo_margar_trabuco_20080204_DSCN9129.jpg
Camo Clock Tower in Mission Viejo, California1905 viewsA very tasteful clock tower cell site in Mission Viejo, California.
camoDSC00132.jpg
Southern California palm tree cell site.1885 viewsAlong side a major freeway in the Los Angeles area, this cell site is hardly noticeable from the freeway.
cells.palmdesert.cellpalmdate.pa190017.jpg
Is that a Diamond-shaped date?1882 viewsThe diamond-shaped device belong the cell antennas is a flat panel microwave antenna. In many cases, the purpose of this antenna is to save the carrier the cost of leasing a data line from the local telephone company. The trade off is that the antenna weakens or destroys the camouflage nature of the site. Not recommended in most cases. How 'bout the fact that the panel antenna supports aren't cut off above the panels. Also notice how the 'bark cladding' stops below the level of the palms. Not a complete camo solution by any means. Finally, is there a brighter green that might draw the eye even more effectively than the panel antenna on the right side? I think not!
cells_verizon_sprint_fairviewrd_20120808_DSC_0099.jpg
Would Verizon please let the Sprint Nextel inside?1870 viewsThe inside of the building is occupied by Verizon. Verizon's antennas are behind the faux tiles. Sprint's Nextel cabinets are outdoors adjacent to the building, and its antennas are on H-Frame mounts (see the associated pictures).
camoDSC00146.jpg
Camo site atop broadcast center1861 viewsMajor network studio in Los Angeles. Transmission facilities hidden behind decorative work on top of the building. 1 comments
cells_the_palms_oxnard_201011_DSC_0026.jpg
This Was a Faux Water Tank1861 viewsThis is "Version 2" of the prior-existing faux water tank site (search on the term "Oxnard" to see the Version 1.0). Multiple carriers at this site, located at The Palms shopping center in Oxnard, California.
cells.eaglemountain.shea.larson_cactus.20050823.P1010058.jpg
Close-up of Cellular Cactus1856 viewsAt Eagle Mountain Inn, Arizona. Manufactured by Larson-USA (utilitycamo.com), and operated by Sprint.1 comments
glendale.tri.cell.200212.DS.jpg
Camouflaged flagpoles1850 viewsSpotted in Glendale, California.
cells.irvine.ca.003.jpg
Sending out 'the word'1835 viewsA cell site within a church cross. The antennas are behind removable panels above the cross arm. The equipment cabinets are behind the brick wall to the right in the picture.1 comments
camoDSC00136.jpg
False 3rd story on office building1789 viewsAntenna room constructted on top of an existing office building. Windows are not real, but instead painted upon translucent plastic materia. Roof room accessible from access door on right end.
cell.verizon.mtso.SchertzTx.jpg
Verizon MTSO cell and microwave tower1699 viewsThis is an interesting 63-ish foot communications tower in Schertz, Texas. It's owned by Verizon Wireless.
cells.colorado.vzw.bison.i25.20060323.DSCN4181.jpg
A Powerful Bison1699 viewsVerizon's cellular bison, located in Carr, Colorado, serves I25. This closeup shot shows how the antenna panels are affixed to the metal body of the bison.2 comments
DSC_0332.JPG
1679 views
cells_montebello_chetholifieldpark_20080209_DSCN9157.jpg
Monoblah (Oops...Monopalm)1667 viewsThe design of this monopalm site leave much to be desired, including the use of real bark cladding in lieu of the bark tape applied to the pole. Also, the antennas lack the camouflage of overhanging palms, and also lack covers. This is a run-of-the-mill design, at best. Montebello, California
cells.lakeelsinore.monopine.20050426.P4260027.jpg
Monopine - Lake Elsinore, California1647 viewsThis monopine has some of the hallmarks of a good design, including very good branch coverage and the use of camouflage antenna panel covers.3 comments
cells_oceanside_womensclub_20091208_amtower_vzw_bad_leaf_covers_DSC_0107.jpg
Mono Eucalyptus Antennas1639 viewsThe antennas atop a mono-eucalyptus in Oceanside, California. American Tower should spend a bit of time fixing the antenna covers.
cells.cellrock.pana.small.PC040017.jpg
Panoramic view of the Rocky Peak Wireless Rocks and Wireless Sign1601 viewsHere are 5 of the 6 cell rocks at Rocky Peak. The cell sign is hidden behind the cell rock in the foreground. Note that cell rocks are on concrete pads.

The equipment building with the small microwave antenna belongs to Nextel. The hidden building with the larger microwave antenna belongs to AT&T Wireless. Other carriers are in fenced cages below AT&T and Nextel.

This site houses Cingular, Sprint, Verizon, AT&T Wireless, and Nextel, and serves the Ronald Regan Freeway (SR118) at the east end of the Santa Susana Pass between Simi Valley and the San Fernando Valley.

Save for one of the Nextel rocks (shown in this gallery), there are no RF warning signs to alert the public to (suspected) high level RF fields around this easy-to-access site.
2 comments
cell.clock.downey.P2170015.jpg
What time is it?1589 viewsIt's time to make a cell phone call. This is a multiple carrier cell site.
camoDSC02645.jpg
Disguised as Bricks1561 viewsAnother example of disguise painting used to conceal antennas on a complex surface. From a distance, they are barely noticeable.
oxnard.cell.watertank.jpg
Not much water, but lots of signal1558 viewsLocated in at a shopping center in Oxnard, California, the cell antennas are located below the faux water tank.3 comments
cells_pubstorage_balboa_20071124_DSCN8558.jpg
Almost a Flagpole Site1558 viewsThe panels are missing at this flagpole site in the San Fernando Valley (Los Angeles, California). This is a good close-up showing the antenna and cables. By the way, most sites don't use bungee cords to hold the flag pole rope.
smaller_cells_sanmarcos_cricket_krcrock_20070718_IMG_1558.jpg
Mono Cypress1546 viewsCricket Wireless has constructed this attractive mono cypress in San Marcos, California. The BTS equipment is located against the wall of the building.
cellularpcs_sfv_whtmanairpark_sprint_20100531_DSC_0391.jpg
1500 views
camoDSC00156.jpg
Simple plastic covering.1497 viewsThis antenna structure looks more like a large swamp cooler on top of a building, but it is constructed out of translucent plastic panels to shield from view, but not interfere with RF.
camoDSC00121.jpg
Disguised as part of the brickwork1496 viewsThis antenna array is cleverly painted to match the color and texture of the building. Downtown LA intersection, yet barely noticeable.
cells_towerco_sprint_2035Cal_Corona_20090825_DSCN1361.jpg
So-So Sprint Monopine1494 viewsSprint's monopine, located in Corona, California, is a good example of what happens when the antenna array extends past the branches. Also note the degraded and falling-off panel covers (socks). This site is now managed by TowerCo.
cells_unknwn_ug_bts_hunt_bch_mcdonalds_edinger_200801_DSCN8901.jpg
Another Big Mac Site1479 viewsThe carrier has its equipment in an underground vault in the grass area of this McDonald's in Huntington Beach, California. Notice the two green vents in the background.
cells_t-mobile_hunt_bch_mcdonalds_edinger_200801_DSCN8897.jpg
T-Mobile's McDonald's Flagpole Site BTS Equipment1475 viewsThis is the ancillary equipment cabinets and panels (power, telephone; back-up power socket; etc.) that make the flagpole site in front of the McDonald's emit that popular PCS aroma.
westale.caltrans.PA170033.jpg
Fake Cell Pine Diseased Tree1474 viewsThis has got to be one of my favorite cell trees...perhaps the worlds worst cell pine design. Yes, Nextel is to be commended on this design, not found in nature, spotted in West Los Angeles, California. Compare this to Nextel's truly good design for a cell pine.2 comments
DSC02646.JPG
Camo-ish on-building cell site (close-up)1459 viewsLook at how the antennas are covered with the brick-link material. Also note the color bands on the antenna cables. The color bands are used to show the service technician which cables are for transmitting, and which are receiving. The color bands also indicate additional information such as the antenna 'sector' and data transmission.
cel.signcell1.jpg
Sign of the times (1 of 2)1435 viewsThe cell site antenna is seen at the top of the outdoor advertising sign. Spotted in Connecticut.
camoDSC02687.jpg
Unhidden and hidden1415 viewsOn this hillside are located two wireless structures. One is obviously not hidden and the other one is.
camoDSC00154.jpg
Disguise site to look like a chimney1376 viewsThis antenna site in Los Angeles is designed to look like a chimney. Note the panel covers.
cells.irvine.4200Trabuco.Sprint.20051204..DSCN0707.jpg
Towering Signal1369 viewsSprint's site in Irvine along the I-5 Freeway features an unusual antenna configuration where one of the sector antennas is turned 90 degrees to serve another sector. It's the antenna on the right side.
DSC_0329.JPG
1369 views
cells.pine.P1300008.JPG
Cell Pine (multiple carrirers)1364 viewsCell pine tree (multi carriers) with more antennas mounted on the building in the background.1 comments
cells_oakland_ca_20080410_nxtl_DSCN9335.gif
Now you see it; now you shouldn't.1349 viewsAs an example of how to ALMOST construct a camouflaged site, look at this photograph. Nextel's camo box fails to extend the flashing around the top of its enclosure. As a result, from ground level you can see the coaxial cables running over the top parapet to the camo box. I've created a photo simulation to illustrate how little it would have taken to complete the camouflage for this site, and the benefits of that little effort. Planners, think about these things...they will make a great difference in the result of your work.
camoDSC00168.jpg
Close-up of antenna disguise fascia1345 viewsHere is a close-up photo of the false wall or fascia hiding these antennas. A better design would have completely hidden the antennas.
camoDSC00167.jpg
Roof fascia.1342 viewsHidden by a false fascia, the antennas on top of this building are barely noticeable.
cells_yucca_vly_cing_20071225_DSCN8748.jpg
Wireless Adobe1342 viewsLooking at the west and south sides of Cingular's wireless adobe site. It's on a bluff above California Highway 62 southeast of Yucca Valley, California. It appears to be 'just another house on a hill' until you get up close and personal. The site is owned by InterConnect Towers LLC (FCC ASR 1050520).
camoDSC00116.jpg
On top of a roof access.1341 viewsFalse cupola constructed around the top of a roof access doorway. Conceals antennas.
405gettypine2.DSC01233.jpg
Cellular Pine Tree1341 viewsIn the Sepulveda Pass between West Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley (California). 2 comments
cells.palmdesert.stmargaretsepisocpal.sprint.cellpalm.came.engr.20051022.PA220011.jpg
Monopalm with Hidden Antennas1320 viewsSprint's monopalm at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church in Palm Desert, California uses a design by Chameleon Engineering. The antennas are mounted inside the 'growth pod' below the palms. This view looks upwards to see how the grown pod radone is set out from the trunk of the palm.3 comments
cells_sd_tower_201003_dsc_0525.jpg
1312 views
cells_piedmont_20100610_tmob_piedmontcommchurch_dsc_0206.jpg
Outstanding T-Mobile Church Site1305 viewsThis is a photograph of T-Mobile's outstanding installation in the exiting bell tower of the Piedmont Community Church in Piedmont, California. The antennas are hidden behind the faux vents. T-Mobile originally proposed a faux stained-glass design, but the City's planners wisely opted for the vent design far more in keeping with the normal look of a bell tower.
cells_diamondbar_t-mobile_monocypress_20080424_DSCN9505.jpg
T-Mobile Monocypress in Diamond Bar, California1300 viewsA very hard to find (good) monocypress site built by T-Mobile in Diamond Bar, California. I drove by it several times before spotting it!
cells.palmdesert.palmtrees.jpg
Two very different camo cell palm trees1295 viewsNotice the striking design differences between the two cell palms One uses a light round trunk; the other a darker square trunk with a diamond cross-hatch design. Also notice the difference in palm coverage. The Time Warner Palm Desert headend self-supporting tower can been seen in the background of the enlarged photograph.
cell.westminster.ca.DSC0130.jpg
Welcome to Town!1294 viewsHere's a clever way of hidding a cell site inside a City sign.
P9260013.JPG
Mismatched Bricks1291 viewsHere is an example of a faux building extension with a poorly matched 'brick' facing. There's no doubt that this design does not effectively hide the antennas behind the faux brick facing. Notice that no effort was made to match the brick patter of the underlying building thereby highlighting the 'out of place' nature of the extension.
1 comments
cells_sana_fe_nm_1st_bap_church_20101227_DSC_2211.gif
Just One Element Would Have Made This...1290 views...a great camo site. In December 2009 I photographed this Santa Fe, New Mexico site and made an animated GIF showing what could have been done to hide the antenna. I wasn't happy with the base photo, so I want back in December 2010 and shot a better base photo. This animated GIF shows far more clearly what might have been added to effectively camo this church site.
cellularpcs_tmob_ps_balboa_20100531_DSC_0431.jpg
1288 views
PB120025.JPG
Cingular underground cell site equipment1254 viewsThe BTS equipment vault, in the foreground, serves a Cingular's light standard microcell. The green pedestal houses the power company meter, and is subject to removal if the power company allows unmetered or remotely metered service sometime in the future.
cell.enc.flag.P1300001.jpg
Short Flag Pole1253 viewsUS/Mexican Relations.
nextelSR91I110PA070039.JPG
Cell Pine with Antenna Panel Covers1251 viewsHere's a Nextel site at the intersection of the CA SR91 and I110. It's a good design, and uses what I lovingly call "pine needle slip covers" on the panel antennas.

Good branch coverage down the trunk. Good texturing on the trunk, too.

Nice job, Nextel!
cells.cerritostownecenter.P1050003.jpg
Multi-carrier cell site in Clock Tower1245 viewsThe Cerritos Towne Center (Cerritos, California) sports this impressive multi-carrier cell site clock tower. Photo taken just after sunrise on a rainy day.3 comments
cells_montebello_chetholifieldpark_20080209_DSCN9161.jpg
Monoblah (Oops...Monopalm)1245 viewsA close-up of the poorly designed antenna configuration at the top of the monopalm located at Chet Holifield Park in Montebello, California.
camoDSC02695.jpg
Close-up of antennas on pine tree stealth site1237 viewsHere is a close-up of the antenna mounting pattern on the pine tree stealth site.
cells_towerco_sprint_2035Cal_Corona_20090825_DSCN1369.jpg
So-So Sprint Monopine Close-up1236 viewsThis is a close-up of the panel array located at Sprint's monopine, located in Corona, California, is a good example of what happens when the antenna array extends past the branches. Also note the degraded and falling-off panel covers (socks). This site is now managed by TowerCo.
cells_7880golfcrest_sandiego_20090912_verizon_monopine_DSCN1629.jpg
1236 views
cell.irvine.spect.DSC01264.jpg
Spectrum from the Spectrum1228 viewsThis camo cell site is at the Irvine (California) Spectrum shopping center.
att.neal.Stealth.jpg
Pt. Sur (Ca.) Lighthouse Water Tank1213 viewsAT&T Wireless rebuilt this tank in Big Sur to house a cell site (thanks to Neal McLain for this photo). Check out Neal's site www.antennastructures.blogspot.com.
cells.lake.els.vzw.cypress.closeup.20060207.DSCN1264.jpg
A Sassy Looking Mono-Cypress1207 viewsVerizon's mono-cypress tree in Lake Elsinore is Sassy! (Sorry, bad joke: That's VZW's site name...go figure!) Here's a close-up of the tree coverage.2 comments
cells.cellrock.inside.PC040016.jpg
Peeking Inside a Wireless Rock1199 viewsThis is what an antenna looks like mounted inside a cellular rock. The two coaxial cables indicate that the antenna is actually two antennas inside one radome: one for transmit, and one for receive. Another panel antenna can easily be added on the mounting pole in the foreground.
cells.fountainhills.larson_cactus.20050823.P1010017.jpg
Bolts Holding Down Cactus?!1192 viewsThis detail show shows how the faux cactus is bolted to the concrete pad. The faux rock hiding the coaxial cables can be seen at the rear of the cactus. Larson-USA design. www.utilitycamo.com
DSC03204.output.JPG
What's that below the fans?1190 viewsTake one poorly configured camouflaged cell palm tree and then abandon any desire to keep it camouflaged. How? Just add non-camo antennas bolted onto the 'trunk' below the fans as seen in this photograph. To see what this cell palm looked like before the addition of the bolt-on antennas, see "...before the mast" in this section!
cells_arizona_200908_eastvalleyfreewillbapchurch_mesa_az_cing_DSCN1278_20090804.jpg
Very Large Mono-Cross1189 viewsThe East Valley Free Will Baptist Church in Mesa, Arizona features a very large mono-cross. This site was constructed by Cingular.
smaller_cells_sanmarcos_cingular_uspo_20070718_IMG_1578.jpg
Time for a new Flag and some paint1183 viewsThe flag flying at this Cingular site, located at a Post Office in San Marcos, California is ready to be replaced. Disposal is subject to the U.S. Flag Code. Also, a wee-bit of paint is about due, here, too!
cells_sprint_murrieta_rock_20090703_DSCN1083.jpg
Monorock, Interrupted1176 viewsSprint has demonstrated that it can build very nice monorock sites. This isn't one of those good sites. Too many square edges, and not continued around the back enough to hide the edges from passersby. For an example of how Sprint does this type of design correctly search this site for "Now You Don't See It, and Now you Don't!"
cell.sanclementepreschurch.jpg
A Blessed Signal1172 viewsSpreading the word from the tower of a church.
cells_nm_santafe_52OldLasVegasHwy_monopine_20091228_DSC_0126.jpg
Sickly Monopine1170 viewsOff of the Old Las Vegas Highway outside of Santa Fe, this poorly designed monopine stands out like the sore thumb it is. The branch coverage, branch count, and panel antenna socks are inferior. A properly designed and executed monopine would not all the antenna stand-off arms to be seen, much less be painted a highly visible green.

By the way, in this case, Las Vegas refers to Las Vegas, New Mexico, rather than to Lost Wages, Nevada.
cell.flag.DSC05047.JPG
The many colors of Red, White, and Blue1167 viewsFlag maintenance (and federally required lighting) should be a condition of approval of flag cell sites like the one above. Note that some of the red color stripes have faded to orange.1 comments
cells.sprint.temescalcyn.i15.P3090072.jpg
Sprint Camo Cell Pine1165 viewsThis Sprint site, under construction as photographed, features a tree designed and installed by Radian Communications Services Corp. The branch coverage is excellent, and the panel antennas are virtually invisible due to branch coverage and camo covers. So, who says it can't be done right? Quite nice!1 comments
cells_sf_dsc01343_2300chestnut_sf_20010714.jpg
Close enough to Camo1165 viewsThis is a close-up of the 2300 Chestnut St. site in San Francisco. Note that this photo was taken in 2001. Do you see the antennas?
cells_getty_200107_FLP00021.jpg
Monopalm in the Sepulveda Pass1157 viewsWorking on the little tree (July 2001). This monopalm is located on Sepulveda Blvd. south of Mulholland off of the I-405 freeway in Los Angeles.
cells_nextel_mcdonalds_norwalk_cupola_20080225_DSCN9239.jpg
Waves in the Shakes?1155 viewsMickyD's hosts this Nextel site in Norwalk, California.
cells.camp.pend.20051115.cing.nextel.DSCN0469.jpg
Is that an AIRCRAFT warning light on the tree?1151 viewsI continue to update the gallery with new photos of this ever-changing site. The latest is the addition of new panel antennas.4 comments
cells_nextel_rivsdeco_20080403_DSCN9314.jpg
1146 views
cells_t-mobile_hunt_bch_mcdonalds_edinger_200801_DSCN8907.jpg
No Buns!1146 viewsT-Mobile's flagpole site at a McDonald's in Huntington Beach, California is not yet complete. This closeup shows the antenna, the tower-mounted-amplifiers, the remote tilt activators, and all the other fun stuff that makes this site play.
cell.output.PA070025.jpg
What time is it? It's Cingular Time!1131 viewsHere's an attractive Cingular Wireless clock tower cell site in Buena Park, California. The BTS equipment is located at ground level behind the block wall.
smaller_cells_sanmarcos_cingular_uspo_20070718_IMG_1567.jpg
One bump too many1131 viewsThis Cingular site cable transition to a flagpole site at the USPO in San Marcos, California features impacts. It's too close to the driveway.
cells_sd_springvalley_201003_cket_DSC_0474.jpg
Yet another ____ Pole1123 viewsOnce again we have a flag pole antenna site missing an important element: The Flag! This is a Cricket site in Spring Valley, California. Notice that the GPS antenna is visible above the CMU wall enclosing the BTS cabinets; it's a bad design, and unnecessary.
cells.palmcell.wla.natl.I10.DSC01984.jpg
Cell Palm head1115 viewsThis is a close-up of a cell palm. Note the GPS antenna stuck on to right-side of the frame for the panel antennas.2 comments
cells_arizona_200908_3929_s_rural_rd_tempe_az_unk_DSCN1340_20090804.jpg
Mono-cross1113 viewsTight close-up of the mono-blah-cross at a Mesa, Arizona church. Notice that the antenna cover at the top is askew.
cells_piedmont_20100610_tmob_piedmontcommchurch_dsc_0216.jpg
Outstanding T-Mobile Church Site1102 viewsThis is a photograph of T-Mobile's outstanding installation in the exiting bell tower of the Piedmont Community Church in Piedmont, California. The antennas are hidden behind the faux vents. T-Mobile originally proposed a faux stained-glass design, but the City's planners wisely opted for the vent design far more in keeping with the normal look of a bell tower.
cells_camo_tower_torrance_20080110_2carriers_DSCN8840.jpg
Camouflaged Antenna, Exposed BTS Cabinets1100 viewsNotice the BTS cabinets of the two carriers installed on the roof of this shopping center adjacent to the tower camouflaging the antennas. This photo take from an adjacent commercial site parking lot.
cells.cingular.20050606.westmnstr.memorial.park.P6060075.jpg
No Dead Zones Around This Site1099 viewsCingular's very slick stand-alone site is located on the grounds of a cemetery.2 comments
DSC02677.JPG
Camo-ish on-building cell site1097 viewsThis is an example of how surface mounted antennas can be detailed to blend, if not disappear, into the background of the structure.
cells_yucca_vly_cing_20071225_DSCN8743.jpg
Wireless Adobe1093 viewsLooking southwest to Cingular's wireless adobe site. It's on a bluff above California Highway 62 southeast of Yucca Valley, California. It appears to be 'just another house on a hill' until you get up close and personal. The site is owned by InterConnect Towers LLC (FCC ASR 1050520).
cells_berkeley_vzw_20080410_dscn9329.jpg
Barn There; Done That1093 viewsVerizon's site along I-580 in Berkeley, California is hardly noticeable to 'civilians' driving by at a raging 3 miles per hour.
cells_abq_cwnctl_20090921_DSCN1729.jpg
1089 views
cells_oceanside_20091208_sprint_DSC_0125.jpg
Sprint's Signal is SMOK'N!1089 viewsThis is a faux chimney site, built by Sprint, in Oceanide, California.
DSCN3864.JPG
Irvine, Califoria multicarrier site1089 viewsThis is an outstanding multicarrier camo site in Irvine, CA
cells_oakland_nxtl_20080410_dscn9340.jpg
Days'd and Confused1085 viewsNextel need only extend the flashing to and across the top of its antenna enclosure to make this a very good site.
cells_abq_vzw_20090921_DSCN1700.jpg
1085 views
cells.barrington.gateway.flag.DSC01946.JPG
Waving the Flag and the Signal1083 viewsThis camo flag is adjacent to a major freeway. Note that under federal law the flag must be illuminated at night (it's not).
cel.signcell2.base.jpg
Sign of the times (2 of 2)1077 viewsNotice how the base station equipment is mounted on the advertising sign pole mount.
cells.fountainhills.larson_cactus.20050823.P1010016.jpg
Faux Cactus, Faux Rock1074 viewsThe faux rock on the bottom center of the cell cactus hides the cable entry into the Saguaro cactus design. Larson-USA design.
cellularpcs_sfv_1350Roscoe_20100531_DSC_0385.jpg
1074 views
cells_irv_train_20080321_DSCN9293.jpg
Good signal track(ing)1073 viewsThis is the multi-carrier radio tower at the Irvine, California AMTRAK station.
DSC_0328.JPG
1073 views
ontario.2palms.beforeaddon.DSC01853.jpg
"...before the mast"1072 viewsHere's what the camo cell palm looked before the bolt-on antennas were added (see "What's below the fans?" photograph in this section).
DSCN8778.JPG
Wireless Adobe1068 viewsCingular's wireless adobe site on a bluff above California Highway 62 southeast of Yucca Valley, California. It appears to be 'just another house on a hill' until you get up close and personal. The site is owned by InterConnect Towers LLC (FCC ASR 1050520).
cells.cellrock.PC040009.jpg
Wireless Rock1067 viewsThis 'rock' houses one or more wireless antennas. The lifting ring bolt at the top of the rock is a nice touch. Santa Susana Pass, California. 1 comments
cells.yucipa.amtwr.underconstr.200308.DSC03200.JPG
Cell Pine under construction - Close up1065 viewsHere's a close-up of the branch attachment pegs for this cell pine. Notice how well the cables, seen at the very top of the photograph, are hidden by the branches. Also, notice the faux pine needle cover on the antenna to the right of the trunk. A good job by American Tower.
cells.cingular.temecula.mcdonalds.tatteredflag.P3090071.jpg
Cingular Flag Pole (Close-up)1060 viewsThis photograph highlights the reason for conditioning wireless flag pole sites flying the American Flag to routinely inspect the condition of flag, and to follow the requirements of the United States Code, Title 36, Chapter 10. As seen in this photo, the US Flag on the Cingular camo flag pole is tattered.1 comments
cell-i5-SanDCA-P1300007.jpg
Is that an AIRCRAFT warning light on the tree?1059 viewsThis site is on USMC property in San Diego County. The red light on the trop of the cell pine tree warns off low flying helicopters. Notice how the bark cladding stops at the level of the lowest branches. Also notice how much reflective the trunk is without the cladding. The bark cladding should have been extended all the way up the tree trunk.
DSC05256.JPG
Oh, say can you see!!1059 viewsAn example of a flag pole cell site.
cells.to.cingular.PB120017.jpg
Radome above light standard1056 viewsThis Sprint* site, in Thousand Oaks, California, is a low-impact micro cell designed to serve a small area of twisty streets.

*Thanks for clearing this up, Jimmy!
1 comments
cells_oceanside_womensclub_20091208_amtower_vzw_DSC_0118.jpg
1055 views
cellpalmI405InglewoodBlvdPA070046.JPG
A Sad Little Cell Palm1054 viewsIt is a cell pine? It is a monopole with a few palms attached? It is an example of how to 'sell' the community on a cell pine without delivering? You decide.

No texture on the pole; no real attempt to provide adequate palm cover.

Spotted off the I405 near Inglewood Blvd. in the Southbay area of Los Angeles.
1 comments
cells_t-mobile_hunt_bch_mcdonalds_edinger_20080119_DSCN9059.jpg
With the 'buns' in place1044 viewsT-Mobile's antennas are now covered at this McDonald's site in Huntington Beach, California
cells_arizona_200908_3929_s_rural_rd_tempe_az_unk_DSCN1341_20090804.jpg
Mono-cross1044 viewsClose-up of the mono-blah-cross at a Mesa, Arizona church. Notice that the antenna cover at the top is askew.
cells.wla.almostcamo.200507.P1010007.jpg
Well, it's mostly a camo site!1035 viewsNotice how the panel antennas peek over the top of the faux-whatcha-ma-call-it. This is possibly due to an antenna change out that didn't consider (or perhaps care) about the length of the new antenna.

Not a good design.
1 comments
cells_arizona_200908_amtwr_fcc_asr1011592_DSCN1307_20090804.jpg
Lots of Signals1035 viewsThis multi-carrier, multi-owner site is in Mesa, Arizona. The tower registration shows Verizon as the anchor of the lattice tower. The City of Mesa has multiple sites on the top of its water tank.
carson.aat.flagpole.i405.P8200013.jpg
Camo ____ Pole Site1033 viewsThis ____ pole site is owned by AAT Communications Corp. It's been quite a while since a ____ has flown on this ____ pole. It sure would look better if a ____ were flying here, wouldn't you agree? Gosh, I'd even be willing to bet a nickel that a ____ was featured in the design as approved by the city.
cells.SantaMarChristianHighSchool.Nextel.20051028.PA280019.jpg
Nextel Field Light Standard Radome Antenna Mount1028 viewsNextel's Santa Margarita Christian High School site (Rancho Rancho Santa Margarita, California) uses a field light standard to support the antennas, and the radome that covers those antennas.

The mountain in the background/right of the field light standard is Santiago Peak, the key radio site in Orange County, California.
cells_enc_cardiff_20080227_DSCN9253.jpg
Cardiff Sports Park1027 viewsMulti-pole, multi-carrier site in the Cardiff Sports Park in Encinitas, California.
cells.shoppingcenter.P8090021.jpg
Cell Pine1026 viewsHere's a good merged image photo close-up of a cell pine (monopine) in Walnut, California. Notice the large 'acorn' (microwave dish antenna) that's front and center on the trunk. In most case in metro areas, the purpose of having a microwave dish is (1) to provide back-haul from the cell site to the mobile telephone switching office (MTSO), and (2) to save the cost of leasing data lines from the local phone company. The first purpose is required; the second should not be considered a valid justification in most metro cases.

Also notice that most--but not all--of the panel antennas have slip-on camouflage covers. This photo highlights the significant difference in appearance between covered and merely painted panels.

The bark cladding stops at about the level of the microwave dish. It should have gone all the way to the top as you can see the flat, more reflective metal surface above the cladding.
cells_nextel_rivsdeco_20080403_DSCN9310.jpg
1023 views
DSC_0331.JPG
1023 views
cells_chinohills_fauxwindmill_20080424_DSCN9481.JPG
Faux Windmill Site1020 viewsThis is a Verizon faux windmill in Chino Hills, California
cells_clrmotmesa_sandiego_attws_20090912_DSCN1578.jpg
1016 views
PC040012.JPG
Nextel's RF warning sign on its Wireless Rock1012 viewsThis is the RF warning sign on Nextel's rock. How do we knot this is a Nextel rock? Call the phone number on the warning sign and find out for yourself.
cells_santafenm_asr1256669_195MuttNelsonRd_20081227_DSCN0457.jpg
AT&T Monopine in Santa Fe, NM998 viewsAT&T's monopine site is above the 599 Bypass around Santa Fe, New Mexico (Mutt Nelson road)
cells_anaheim_riverdale_park_vzw_w_micro_t_mob_bckgrnd_20090623_DSCN00883.jpg
Dish on a Light995 viewsLocated in a community park in Anaheim California, Verizon's foreground light standard site features a back-haul microwave antenna. The background light standard is T-Mobile's. Both lights have aircraft warning beacons due to their location adjacent to a hospital heliport (far background, also with panel antennas!).
cells.yucaipa.pine.DSCN0760.jpg
Another Sad Little Cell Pine993 viewsThis cell pine, owned by American Tower, is a fairly poor design as far as camo goes. Like other poor designs for cell pines, this design contains too few branches, and the 'crown' of vertical branches is a dead-giveaway.5 comments
cells_cresthaven_to_201011_DSC_0104.jpg
AT&T Camo Light Standard990 viewsAT&T's camo light standard site at Cresthaven and Westlake Blvd. in Thousand Oaks, California. The antennas are within the radome above the light arm. The GPS antenna above the radome should not be visible based on the plans approved by the Planning Commission.
cells_sprint_murrieta_rock_20090703_DSCN1006.jpg
Monorock, Interrupted987 viewsFront view of Sprint's monrock highlights the poor design that has many sharp edges; is incomplete; and sports a GPS antenna sticking up above the rock. Yuck.
cells_abq_cwnctl_20090921_DSCN1720.jpg
979 views
cells_sprint_balboa_20071124_DSCN8551.jpg
Blessed be Sprint978 viewsA sprint site inside a faux bell tower at a church in the San Fernando Valley (Los Angeles, California).
cells.yuca.pine.DSCN0720.jpg
Cell Pine970 viewsNot a bad tree design execution, save for the lack of branch coverage over the antennas.1 comments
cells.cellrock.PC040008.jpg
Cell Rock969 viewsHere is a cellular rock housing an antenna. The antenna serves the 118 Freeway in the Santa Susana Pass between the Simi Valley and the San Fernando Valley.
cells_sd_faithon54th_201003_tmo_cket_DSC_0506.jpg
964 views
cells_cresthaven_to_201011_DSC_0110.jpg
AT&T Camo Light Standard 963 viewsAT&T's camo light standard site at Cresthaven and Westlake Blvd. in Thousand Oaks, California. The antennas are within the radome above the light arm. The GPS antenna above the radome should not be visible based on the plans approved by the Planning Commission.
cells_towerplz_temecula_attws_sprint_20090704_DSCN1128.jpg
A Tower that's Really a Tower961 viewsAT&T and Sprint occupy the tower above this building in Temecula, California. The antennas are located adjacent to the 'windows', and the equipment cabinets are hidden by the roof parapets. The name of the center is, oddly, the Tower Plaza! A very good design, indeed.
cells.peabody.MAIN_STR_05_0.jpg
"Thick as a brick?" #2 of 2960 viewsFaux brick penthouse wall. Antennas behind the panel at the far end.
Photo courtesy of Peabody Engineering.
3 comments
cells_oceanside_20091208_sprint_DSC_0130.jpg
Sprint's Signal is SMOK'N!959 viewsAnother view of Sprint's faux chimney site in Oceanside, California.
cells_getty_200107_FLP00025.jpg
Getting ready for pulling the coax cables up the tree958 viewsThe worker prepares the coax cables for insertion into the trunk of the monopalm by laying them out flat on the ground. From here, a pull rope will be used to raise the cables into the trunk, and up to the level of the antennas.
709 files on 5 page(s) 1