Mike wrote:
> My new question is:
> --------------------
> How often do you RETRACT the crank up, and for what reason(s). (My permit
> conditions indicate that they should be cranked down "when not in use". Do
> others have this condition?)
> --------------------
The obvious answer to this question in my mind is a packet station connected
to the local network 24/7.  In this case, the station is *always* in use.
Of course, to the town, you stay connected to the local packet system to be
able to provide disaster communications etc.
 
> I would like to be able to:
> 
>     1. have a tower which will feasibly handle the loading my design calls
> for.
Yup, fixed and guyed towers have more design capability.
>     2. side mount antennas.
Seen this done on numerous crankups, including several Ring Rotor installations.
>     3. not worry about being around to crank down the tower every time it's
> windy.
True.
>     4. Not have to fill two 5X5X10 foot holes with cement.
Whoa there...instead you'd have to fill *eight* holes for two guyed
towers, with a total amount of concrete approaching that of two free-standing
crank-ups.
<snip>
>     1/4 the concrete
See above...
>     1/10 the cost
Probably more like 1/3 to 1/2 the cost, after concrete and guying hardware etc.
Been there, have the bills.
>     no hoist system to fail (as a practicing engineer, less to go wrong is
> always nice)
This is still the single best argument in my eyes.  However,I succesfully 
used the financial hardship argument when I litigated my tower permit with
my town.
-- 
======================================================================
J.P. Kleinhaus, W2XX  (fdba AA2DU)
E-mail:  w2xx@cloud9.net
As we say in the software business:  "You are hosed."  
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