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Posted: 10/13/2010 3:39:20 PM EDT
This type of building I've seen many times over the years...there's one down a long lane near me, and I saw them out west too. Is it a weather station of some type? The one near me has ancillary equipment on poles that look like weather-related stuff. Microwave? Radio?
It's bugging the piss out of me, and I saw this on motorcycle site so it piqued my curiosity...figured someone here will know.  |
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Posted: 10/13/2010 3:52:37 PM EDT
[#1]
Isn't that an airplane navigational beacon?
PS: I thought you were dead or banned or something......  !
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Posted: 10/13/2010 3:54:32 PM EDT
[#2]
VORTAC - VHF Omnidirectional Range/Tactical Aircraft Control
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Posted: 10/13/2010 3:54:54 PM EDT
[#3]
Quoted:
VORTAC - VHF Omnidirectional Range/Tactical Aircraft Control QFT. |
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Posted: 10/13/2010 3:56:01 PM EDT
[#4]
Quoted: VORTAC - VHF Omnidirectional Range/Tactical Aircraft Control Cool, good to know. See, I thought the symbolism of the big butt-plug thingie would come into play. But, it turns out to be much less sexy. |
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Posted: 10/13/2010 3:56:07 PM EDT
[#5]
Quoted:
Quoted:
VORTAC - VHF Omnidirectional Range/Tactical Aircraft Control QFT. Yup. |
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Posted: 10/13/2010 3:56:51 PM EDT
[#6]
Quoted: VORTAC - VHF Omnidirectional Range/Tactical Aircraft Control This |
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Posted: 10/13/2010 4:00:25 PM EDT
[#7]
So, the mechanics of this are that a pilot can be lost and look on his instruments and see these things right?
"Delta Six Nine Alpha, I've got the big butt-plug thingie on my six, copy that". Roger. |
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Posted: 10/13/2010 4:00:59 PM EDT
[#8]
One of these.....
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Posted: 10/13/2010 4:03:41 PM EDT
[#9]
Quoted: So, the mechanics of this are that a pilot can be lost and look on his instruments and see these things right? "Delta Six Nine Alpha, I've got the big butt-plug thingie on my six, copy that". Roger. They're used to navigate. You set your VOR radio to the frequency of the VOR station and your VOR instrument shows its heading from you (and some show distance). You can hop from one to another across the country. |
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Posted: 10/13/2010 4:08:27 PM EDT
[#10]
Quoted: Quoted: So, the mechanics of this are that a pilot can be lost and look on his instruments and see these things right? "Delta Six Nine Alpha, I've got the big butt-plug thingie on my six, copy that". Roger. They're used to navigate. You set your VOR radio to the frequency of the VOR station and your VOR instrument shows its heading from you (and some show distance). You can hop from one to another across the country. You're making my head hurt. Where's the butt-plug come in? Don't tell me that's a naturally occurring design feature. It has to mean something. |
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Posted: 10/13/2010 4:19:37 PM EDT
[#11]
Omnidirectional antennas, how do they work?
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Posted: 10/13/2010 4:22:05 PM EDT
[#12]
Quoted: Omnidirectional antennas, how do they work? Apparently, not like a butt-plug. |
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Posted: 10/13/2010 4:22:55 PM EDT
[#13]
Quoted:
Omnidirectional antennas, how do they work? Magnets or Magic? |
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Posted: 10/13/2010 4:32:18 PM EDT
[#14]
Quoted: Quoted: Omnidirectional antennas, how do they work? Magnets or Magic? Well, I'm not into aviation, but I know a thing or two about what two adults do in the privacy of their own homes. So, ya know, I can connect the dots. |
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Posted: 10/13/2010 4:46:09 PM EDT
[#15]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Omnidirectional antennas, how do they work? Magnets or Magic? Well, I'm not into aviation, but I know a thing or two about what two adults do in the privacy of their own homes. So, ya know, I can connect the dots.  Sig line material right there.
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Posted: 10/13/2010 4:51:08 PM EDT
[#16]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Omnidirectional antennas, how do they work? Apparently, not like a butt-plug. I'd suspect that butt-plugs have a definite direction.... The deal with the huge phallic device is that it sends radio signals that are different depending on what direction ('radial') you are located at relative to the sex toy. So, the hum sounds different if you are east vs. northeast of the device. Since the toy is fixed in place, knowing what direction leads to it (plus knowing what direction leads to other toys at nearby locations) gives you a 'fix' aka a known position. What you do when you reach that location is really up to you...typically a course change to find the next VOR (toy) is called for. 
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Posted: 10/13/2010 4:54:18 PM EDT
[#17]
Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Omnidirectional antennas, how do they work? Apparently, not like a butt-plug. I'd suspect that butt-plugs have a definite direction.... The deal with the huge phallic device is that it sends radio signals that are different depending on what direction ('radial') you are located at relative to the sex toy. So, the hum sounds different if you are east vs. northeast of the device. Since the toy is fixed in place, knowing what direction leads to it (plus knowing what direction leads to other toys at nearby locations) gives you a 'fix' aka a known position. What you do when you reach that location is really up to you...typically a course change to find the next VOR (toy) is called for. Right on, understand it completely now....I just had to wrap my ass around the concept. |
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Posted: 10/13/2010 4:56:13 PM EDT
[#18]
You dont just hop from one to another, that limits you to going where the beacons are.
You use two to triangulate to your position to get an exact reading on where you are, and can make course corrections with your compass based on the map, your plotter, and your knowledge of where you are. Helpful if you have two VOR receivers in the plane....also helpful if the VOR head in the plane is accurate and not routinely 40 degrees off.
(GPS is way more better though)
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Posted: 10/13/2010 4:59:25 PM EDT
[#19]
Quoted: VORTAC - VHF Omnidirectional Range/Tactical Aircraft Control I turn my GPS off every once in awhile at night just to stay in practice with the VOR and DME equipment. But I've got to admit, I've gotten spoiled with a GPS.  |
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Posted: 10/13/2010 5:01:10 PM EDT
[#20]
Digital mosque.
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Posted: 10/13/2010 5:03:15 PM EDT
[#21]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Omnidirectional antennas, how do they work? Magnets or Magic? Fuckin miracles. |
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Posted: 10/13/2010 5:08:23 PM EDT
[#22]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Omnidirectional antennas, how do they work? Magnets or Magic? Fuckin miracles. Ha... isn't that what those clown guys sing about... I forget what song it was but the whole premise was crazy. |
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Posted: 10/13/2010 5:08:46 PM EDT
[#23]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
So, the mechanics of this are that a pilot can be lost and look on his instruments and see these things right? "Delta Six Nine Alpha, I've got the big butt-plug thingie on my six, copy that". Roger. They're used to navigate. You set your VOR radio to the frequency of the VOR station and your VOR instrument shows its heading from you (and some show distance). You can hop from one to another across the country. You're making my head hurt. Where's the butt-plug come in? Don't tell me that's a naturally occurring design feature. It has to mean something. You're alive? I thought they had a eulogy for you already 
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Posted: 10/13/2010 5:53:40 PM EDT
[#24]
Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: So, the mechanics of this are that a pilot can be lost and look on his instruments and see these things right? "Delta Six Nine Alpha, I've got the big butt-plug thingie on my six, copy that". Roger. They're used to navigate. You set your VOR radio to the frequency of the VOR station and your VOR instrument shows its heading from you (and some show distance). You can hop from one to another across the country. You're making my head hurt. Where's the butt-plug come in? Don't tell me that's a naturally occurring design feature. It has to mean something. You're alive? I thought they had a eulogy for you already How do you know you're not dead and remembering this? Or, is this a dream? If you wake up and your butt feels like a big white plug rammed it, you'll know. May I rest in peace. |
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Posted: 10/13/2010 5:55:51 PM EDT
[#25]
I hate to tell you this, but you should have read the signbefore entering the road to the building
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Posted: 10/13/2010 5:56:40 PM EDT
[#26]
those buildings are really docking stations for giants. They walk up, set down on them and get a mega colonic that cleanses them. Once cleansed they are no longer angry and mean therefore do not destroy humanity. This is a very secret government project and is the only thing that stands between us and destruction at the hands of giants with irritated bowels.
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Posted: 10/13/2010 5:57:16 PM EDT
[#27]
Quoted: I hate to tell you this, but you should have read the signbefore entering the road to the building saw this on motorcycle site |
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Posted: 10/13/2010 5:58:58 PM EDT
[#28]
Quoted:
VORTAC - VHF Omnidirectional Range/Tactical Aircraft Control OPSEC man, you need to be carefull what you post. 
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Posted: 10/13/2010 6:00:40 PM EDT
[#29]
It's been answered; it's a VORTAC transmitter.
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Posted: 10/13/2010 6:02:02 PM EDT
[#30]
Quoted:
So, the mechanics of this are that a pilot can be lost and look on his instruments and see these things right? "Delta Six Nine Alpha, I've got the big butt-plug thingie on my six, copy that". Roger. Maybe. If someone explains to you how the navigation indicator works you'll think they're nuts. |
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Posted: 10/13/2010 6:02:34 PM EDT
[#31]
Quoted: Quoted: VORTAC - VHF Omnidirectional Range/Tactical Aircraft Control OPSEC man, you need to be carefull what you post. Is it a secret? If so Wikipedia done spoiled it. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VHF_omnidirectional_range |
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Posted: 10/13/2010 6:12:18 PM EDT
[#32]
Is this the same as TACAN?
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Posted: 10/13/2010 6:25:25 PM EDT
[#33]
Quoted:
Is this the same as TACAN? Tacan is the mil-spec version. Higher operating frequency and more accurate. Often collocated in the same butt plug. |
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Posted: 10/13/2010 6:32:32 PM EDT
[#34]
Quoted:
Quoted:
So, the mechanics of this are that a pilot can be lost and look on his instruments and see these things right? "Delta Six Nine Alpha, I've got the big butt-plug thingie on my six, copy that". Roger. They're used to navigate. You set your VOR radio to the frequency of the VOR station and your VOR instrument shows its heading from you (and some show distance). You can hop from one to another across the country. Hell, I thought all pilots just use GPS now. They don't need no stinking vacuum instruments. |
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Posted: 10/13/2010 6:38:11 PM EDT
[#35]
Guys, it's just a BBQ shack.
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Posted: 10/14/2010 5:57:59 AM EDT
[#36]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Is this the same as TACAN? Tacan is the mil-spec version. Higher operating frequency and more accurate. Often collocated in the same butt plug. Thanks, that clears up a question that I've had since my Fly Navy days. |
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Posted: 10/14/2010 6:00:35 AM EDT
[#37]
Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: So, the mechanics of this are that a pilot can be lost and look on his instruments and see these things right? "Delta Six Nine Alpha, I've got the big butt-plug thingie on my six, copy that". Roger. They're used to navigate. You set your VOR radio to the frequency of the VOR station and your VOR instrument shows its heading from you (and some show distance). You can hop from one to another across the country. You're making my head hurt. Where's the butt-plug come in? Don't tell me that's a naturally occurring design feature. It has to mean something. Imagine a compass, it works similar to that. Except the needled doesn't point to north, it points to the station whose frequency you selected |
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Posted: 10/14/2010 6:41:53 AM EDT
[#38]
UFO inflator, watch out the next few days.
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Posted: 10/14/2010 8:08:20 AM EDT
[#39]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
So, the mechanics of this are that a pilot can be lost and look on his instruments and see these things right? "Delta Six Nine Alpha, I've got the big butt-plug thingie on my six, copy that". Roger. They're used to navigate. You set your VOR radio to the frequency of the VOR station and your VOR instrument shows its heading from you (and some show distance). You can hop from one to another across the country. You're making my head hurt. Where's the butt-plug come in? Don't tell me that's a naturally occurring design feature. It has to mean something. Imagine a compass, it works similar to that. Except the needled doesn't point to north, it points to the station whose frequency you selected Maybe it points to the transmitter. A standard VOR indicator shows your position relative to a selected radial from the transmitter, either on it, or to one side or the other. The To-From flag indicates whether you're inbound or outbound radial from the transmitter. None of that tells the pilot whether he flying toward or away from the station, another piece of equipment is required, a compass (well, really three, your brain and a map are also required). An ADF reciever points directly at the transmitter; that requires a different strategy to fly to the transmitter in a straight line in the wind. This is completely different equipment and principle that VORTAC operation. |
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Posted: 10/14/2010 8:42:59 AM EDT
[#40]
Quoted:
VORTAC - VHF Omnidirectional Range/Tactical Aircraft Control VORTAC is a VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range) beacon and TACAN (Tactical Air Navigation) beacon located together at one site. VOR is actually a misnomer as it provides bearing rather than range information. TACAN provides bearing and range info, the latter through the DME (Distance Measuring Equipment) portion. A beacon that uses VOR for bearing and DME for range is called VOR-DME. The bearing info provided by TACAN is more accurate than VOR info. I don't know that the situation is now, but twenty or so years ago most General Aviation aircraft used VOR for bearing and had DME only equipment for range (if that). Military aircraft used both "sides" of the TACAN system and also carried VOR equipment for backup. I'd guess everyone uses inertial or GPS now. That's purely a guess as I gave up dating pilots a long time ago. Jane |
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Posted: 10/14/2010 8:54:47 AM EDT
[#41]
Quoted:
Quoted:
VORTAC - VHF Omnidirectional Range/Tactical Aircraft Control VORTAC is a VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range) beacon and TACAN (Tactical Air Navigation) beacon located together at one site. VOR is actually a misnomer as it provides bearing rather than range information. TACAN provides bearing and range info, the latter through the DME (Distance Measuring Equipment) portion. A beacon that uses VOR for bearing and DME for range is called VOR-DME. The bearing info provided by TACAN is more accurate than VOR info. I don't know that the situation is now, but twenty or so years ago most General Aviation aircraft used VOR for bearing and had DME only equipment for range (if that). Military aircraft used both "sides" of the TACAN system and also carried VOR equipment for backup. I'd guess everyone uses inertial or GPS now. That's purely a guess as I gave up dating pilots a long time ago. Jane Are you the woman that ran the personals ad in the "New Yorker" that said, "No attorneys or airline pilots need apply."? 
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Posted: 10/14/2010 9:06:33 AM EDT
[#42]
Quoted:
Are you the woman that ran the personals ad in the "New Yorker" that said, "No attorneys or airline pilots need apply."?
Nah, I don't have anything against pilots. I just can't keep up with them anymore, got old. I'm certain attorneys are perfectly fine also, though I've never dated one. Jane |
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Posted: 10/14/2010 9:14:01 AM EDT
[#43]
I first laid hands upon one of those antennas back in 1968 while working for Butler-National, prototyping and testing DME transponders.
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Posted: 10/14/2010 9:16:21 AM EDT
[#44]
Its part of the Bush Chaney Haliburton Earthquake Hurricane Vote Republican Zombie machine. Stay away from it, othewise you will shake, fart a whirlwind, and turn into a republican voting zombie.
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Posted: 10/14/2010 1:39:58 PM EDT
[#45]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Are you the woman that ran the personals ad in the "New Yorker" that said, "No attorneys or airline pilots need apply."?
Nah, I don't have anything against pilots. I just can't keep up with them anymore, got old. I'm certain attorneys are perfectly fine also, though I've never dated one. Jane Old pilots don't do a real good job of keeping up with themselves, they just work hard to look that way. |
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Posted: 10/14/2010 1:43:40 PM EDT
[#46]
That is an emergency enema tube for Obama in case he can't make a speech in that area.
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Posted: 10/14/2010 1:59:08 PM EDT
[#47]
Quoted: The device in the OP's photo is a VOR-DME. The center cone houses the DME.Quoted: VORTAC - VHF Omnidirectional Range/Tactical Aircraft Control VORTAC is a VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range) beacon and TACAN (Tactical Air Navigation) beacon located together at one site. VOR is actually a misnomer as it provides bearing rather than range information. TACAN provides bearing and range info, the latter through the DME (Distance Measuring Equipment) portion. A beacon that uses VOR for bearing and DME for range is called VOR-DME. The bearing info provided by TACAN is more accurate than VOR info. I don't know that the situation is now, but twenty or so years ago most General Aviation aircraft used VOR for bearing and had DME only equipment for range (if that). Military aircraft used both "sides" of the TACAN system and also carried VOR equipment for backup. I'd guess everyone uses inertial or GPS now. That's purely a guess as I gave up dating pilots a long time ago. Jane There is also the Doppler VOR (DVOR) A DVOR is usually much larger in diameter, and has different looking antennas, and more of them. The antennas for a DVOR look sort of like umbrellas - a half-sphere on top of a post. They're not mounted on the circumference, either. They're mounted on about a 30' diameter, with the entire counterpoise (the flat disc that everything is mounted on) being at least 60' diameter. DVOR systems can be provided with or without DME. I have designed counterpoise structures for 30' VOR and VOR/DME, and 60', 90' and 120' DVOR systems. ETA: Found a photo on the Googles of a VOR-DME on a counterpoise that's my design:  |
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Posted: 10/14/2010 2:39:04 PM EDT
[#48]
Quoted: Quoted: The device in the OP's photo is a VOR-DME. The center cone houses the DME.Quoted: VORTAC - VHF Omnidirectional Range/Tactical Aircraft Control VORTAC is a VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range) beacon and TACAN (Tactical Air Navigation) beacon located together at one site. VOR is actually a misnomer as it provides bearing rather than range information. TACAN provides bearing and range info, the latter through the DME (Distance Measuring Equipment) portion. A beacon that uses VOR for bearing and DME for range is called VOR-DME. The bearing info provided by TACAN is more accurate than VOR info. I don't know that the situation is now, but twenty or so years ago most General Aviation aircraft used VOR for bearing and had DME only equipment for range (if that). Military aircraft used both "sides" of the TACAN system and also carried VOR equipment for backup. I'd guess everyone uses inertial or GPS now. That's purely a guess as I gave up dating pilots a long time ago. Jane There is also the Doppler VOR (DVOR) A DVOR is usually much larger in diameter, and has different looking antennas, and more of them. The antennas for a DVOR look sort of like umbrellas - a half-sphere on top of a post. They're not mounted on the circumference, either. They're mounted on about a 30' diameter, with the entire counterpoise (the flat disc that everything is mounted on) being at least 60' diameter. DVOR systems can be provided with or without DME. I have designed counterpoise structures for 30' VOR and VOR/DME, and 60', 90' and 120' DVOR systems. ETA: Found a photo on the Googles of a VOR-DME on a counterpoise that's my design: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v226/DzlBenz/image015.jpg Nice work, great design. The "butt-plugginess" of yours is less obvious, and for that I give you 3 internets. |
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Posted: 10/14/2010 2:44:13 PM EDT
[#49]
Quoted: I only designed the structure - the galvanized steel parts. Also, I've seen very wide, blunt buttplugs. Um, I mean, I know a guy who has seen them. In movies. Yeah.Nice work, great design. The "butt-plugginess" of yours is less obvious, and for that I give you 3 internets. |
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