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Re: [TowerTalk] freestanding tower (not crank-up)

To: JC Smith <jc-smith@comcast.net>
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] freestanding tower (not crank-up)
From: Fred Roberts <froberts@ispwest.com>
Reply-to: w6tkv@arrl.net
Date: Wed, 01 Jun 2005 14:55:16 -0700
List-post: <mailto:towertalk@contesting.com>
JC-

You didn't say how big your lot is, but it sounds like your original 
plan for dead center is the safest spot for it.  Why not ask your XYL 
what kind of xxxx she would like (just fill in the appropriate car, 
ring, fur coat, trip, or whatever for xxx).  Then you both can be happy 
with how it worked out.

73-
Fred, W6TKV

JC Smith wrote:

> Greetings to the group.
> 
> It's been a few years since I was on here so pardon me if I'm asking about
> something that was recently discussed.
> 
> I was about to erect my new (slightly used) TX-742MDP tower when the XYL
> decided she didn't like the location we had previously picked (dead center
> on the property).  So now the tower location is off to the side and
> unfortunately near some fairly tall trees.  That means the crank-up/down
> feature will not be useful, as I would hit the trees before getting half way
> down.  That also means I really shouldn't use a crank-up tower as I will
> have to install the antenna with the tower erect and extended, a no-no for
> sure although I imagine there a few of us who have done it.  I've climbed my
> share of crank-up towers when they were retracted, but not extended.  Also,
> I won't be able to keep it lowered in case of winds.  Soooo... I'm going to
> need a heavy-duty (beefier than the TX-742) freestanding (guys are
> definitely out) tower of at least 70' in height (80 or 90 would be even
> better).  I'd love to put a MonstIR on it, but the yard isn't big enough to
> assemble one so I'm looking for something that will handle the (hopefully) 4
> ele. StepIR and a shorty forty, or at the very least, the 3 ele. StepIR and
> a shorty forty.  (Just for reference, rounded up to be conservative:
> MonstIR - 24 sq.ft., 4 ele. - 10 sq. ft., e ele. - 7 sq. ft., shorty forty -
> 7 sq. ft., rotor, mast, small vertical - 3 sq, ft.)  That means a minimum of
> 17 sq. ft. of stuff up there, and hopefully it will handle 20 sq. ft.
> 
> Now the question: what towers are available that will do this and are they
> easy or difficult to climb?  Partial horizontal bracing between legs (as
> opposed to all diagonal) would sure be nice.  Round as opposed to flat tower
> elements better?
> 
> While I'm at it, is there any consensus on brands of 2 element, shortened 40
> meter Yagis?  I remember the Leasonized (I think that was the term)
> Cushcrafts used to be popular.  Wonder if Cushcraft ever beefed the things
> up so you don't have to modify them before you use them?  M^2?  HyGain?
> Force 12?
> 
> I should add that I'm in an area blessed with no ice and moderate winds... a
> protected valley, which is both a blessing and a curse.
> 
> OK, that's enough.  I'd sure appreciate some help from the group.  If there
> was a recent discussion of any of this, please refer me to the thread and
> I'll check the archives.
> 
> Thanks & 73 - JC, k0hps@amsat.org
> 
> (Oh yes, the TX-742MDP as well as the MA-550MDP w/rotor base & Az/El setup
> I'm currently using will be for sale.  SF Bay Area.)
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> 
> See: http://www.mscomputer.com  for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless 
> Weather Stations", and lot's more.  Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with any 
> questions and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.
> 
> _______________________________________________
> TowerTalk mailing list
> TowerTalk@contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
> 
> 

_______________________________________________

See: http://www.mscomputer.com  for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless Weather 
Stations", and lot's more.  Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with any questions 
and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.

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