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Re: [TowerTalk] TowerTalk Digest, Vol 44, Issue 53

To: <towertalk@contesting.com>
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] TowerTalk Digest, Vol 44, Issue 53
From: <jcowens@netscape.com>
Date: Tue, 15 Aug 2006 08:54:01 -0700
List-post: <mailto:towertalk@contesting.com>
Hi strength, non-shrinking grount is very available at the usual big box 
hardware stores (Lowes, Home Depot). If your mounting plate is close to the 
concrete slab, and you use nuts below and above the mounting holes, I don't 
think you need it. I believe its purpose is to relieve stress on the tower base 
from flexing at the mounting holes which is minimized by small clearance and 
double bolting. I keep my tower base clear and clean, and spray liquid 
galvanizing material on any surfaces that exhibit and tendancy to rust. If you 
want to really go overboard, you could guy the bottom section which will 
increase your towers survivability. You can't guy above that level as it puts 
downward stress on the crank mechanism.

John Owens - N7SEJ

--- towertalk-request@contesting.com wrote:

From: towertalk-request@contesting.com
To: towertalk@contesting.com
Subject: TowerTalk Digest, Vol 44, Issue 53
Date: Tue, 15 Aug 2006 09:16:54 -0400

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Today's Topics:

   1. Re: High tension lines (Richard M. Gillingham)
   2.  Towers/Antennas Near 138kV Transmission Lines (Roger Parsons)
   3. Re: Steam Pipe for Masting (K7LXC@aol.com)
   4. Re: UST base grouting (K7LXC@aol.com)
   5. Re: Fwd:  Rotor connector waterproofing? (Orcena Lyle)
   6. grouting (Michael J. Castellano)
   7. Re: High tension lines (Pete Smith)
   8. TA-33 Classic Feed Model TAC-33K (WA3GIN @ Arlington County, VA)


----------------------------------------------------------------------

Message: 1
Date: Tue, 15 Aug 2006 08:10:23 -0400
From: "Richard M. Gillingham" <rmoodyg@bellsouth.net>
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] High tension lines
To: <towertalk@contesting.com>, "Craig Clark" <jcclark@wildblue.net>
Message-ID: <002201c6c063$c9318980$6400a8c0@shack>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
        reply-type=original

Brodeur is known as a "Fear Monger".  He is selling books, not protecting 
the public.  The majority of his writing has no basis in fact.  "The Zapping 
of America" is a an excellent example of his fraud.

Gil, W1RG

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Craig Clark" <jcclark@wildblue.net>
To: <towertalk@contesting.com>
Sent: Tuesday, August 15, 2006 6:30 AM
Subject: [TowerTalk] High tension lines


> With all due respect, there has not been a correlation of cancer to
> high tension lines. In 1979, Brodeur wrote "The Zapping of America"
> where he tried to correlate cancers to proximity to high tension
> lines and electrical substations. He followed up with several other
> long screeds in the New Yorker Magazine on the same subject. All were
> long on emotion but short on science.
>
> At Ham Radio Magazine, we supported quite a bit of research on RF
> radiation and cancers working with some of the best in the field of
> radio and  epidemiology. As I remember, this was the area Overbeck
> was most concerned about due to his activity on the VHF/UHF
> bands.  What we found was that non-ionizing radiation was unlikely to
> cause any form of cancer. This is what you have around power lines
> and HF amateur radio stations.
>
> I know nothing about the medical reasons of susceptibility to
> cancer.  I do know that Brodeur was manipulating facts to prove his point.
>
> Finally, I personally would not locate my ham station anywhere near a
> high tension line.
>
> Good luck!
>
>
>
>
>
> 73, Craig Clark, K1QX
>
>
> RADIOWARE AND RADIO BOOKSTORE
> PO  BOX 209
> RINDGE NH 03461
> 603 899 6957
> WWW.RADIO-WARE.COM
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> TowerTalk mailing list
> TowerTalk@contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk 



------------------------------

Message: 2
Date: Tue, 15 Aug 2006 13:19:47 +0100 (BST)
From: Roger Parsons <ve3zi@yahoo.com>
Subject: [TowerTalk]  Towers/Antennas Near 138kV Transmission Lines
To: towertalk@contesting.com
Message-ID: <20060815121947.50030.qmail@web31812.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1

One QTH I had in England was about a mile from some
400kV lines. During damp or misty weather (ie nearly
all the time in England!), the noise from the lines
made operation on 160m or 80m almost impossible -
S9+++ on the transmit antenna. There was no actual
fault on the line - the noise came from all along it -
and I presume the problem was caused by corona. I
would take a lot of persuading to get a house that
close to any EHV line again.

I find it whimsical that over here line noise seems to
be mostly caused by loose hardware on distribution
lines and is generally worse in dry weather!

73 Roger
VE3ZI/G3RBP



                
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------------------------------

Message: 3
Date: Tue, 15 Aug 2006 08:23:31 EDT
From: K7LXC@aol.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Steam Pipe for Masting
To: towertalk@contesting.com, aa6dx@arrl.net
Message-ID: <c28.142054.321316c3@aol.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

 
In a message dated 8/13/2006 10:33:35 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,  
towertalk-request@contesting.com writes:

>  Howdy TTers .. I have available some 2?' sections of black  steam pipe, 
2.5" 
(OD? ID?)  --- Heavier than regular pipe ..  apparently bent at the ends, so 
'bout 17' good ..  Anybody know about  using such piping for masting?  I 
guess would be good for holding up  other pipes for dipole ends, but ... 
wondering if would work for yagi  stacks ???   Going to go have a peek 
tomorrow.  $25 each  seems reasonable..  


        Yes, the price  is reasonable but using it for antenna mast 
applications comes with  some warnings. Pipe is not rated for strength since it 
just 
carries liquids. I  think I saw that pipe yield strength is down somewhere 
around 30,000 psi - good  enough for a tribander close to the top of the tower 
or 
VHF/UHF arrays in  not so windy areas but not good for much else. Caveat emptor.
 
Cheers,
Steve     K7LXC
TOWER TECH 


------------------------------

Message: 4
Date: Tue, 15 Aug 2006 08:23:39 EDT
From: K7LXC@aol.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] UST base grouting
To: towertalk@contesting.com, jperalta@tampabay.rr.com
Message-ID: <408.6271480.321316cb@aol.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

 
In a message dated 8/13/2006 11:35:11 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time,  
towertalk-request@contesting.com writes:

>  A friend and I were discussing his installation of a UST  TX-455. I
mentioned that it's a good idea to use a non-shrinking grout  under the
base. To which he replied that UST said that grouting isn't  needed if
the leveling bolts are used. I checked their website and the  TX-455
foundations diagram does state this.

>  I was  thinking that if the leveling bolts are used that is when grouting
was  needed. If for nothing else to keep water from standing around the
bolts.  Doesn't the grout provide some load support for the base? And if
you don't  use leveling bolts and the base is setting directly on the
slab how could  you use the grout.
 
    Yes, the grout takes some of the vertical load -  that's why you're 
supposed to use non-shrink grout. The problem is that it's  not easily 
available. I 
get mine thru a masonry supply store but they don't  sell at retail. Your big 
box hardware stores are hard pressed to have it so  using it becomes a little 
problematic. 
 
Cheers,
Steve    K7LXC
TOWER TECH -
Professional tower services for hams
Cell: 206-890-4188



 


------------------------------

Message: 5
Date: Mon, 14 Aug 2006 13:32:41 -0500
From: "Orcena Lyle" <olyle@usfamily.net>
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Fwd:  Rotor connector waterproofing?
To: <jmltinc@aol.com>, <towertalk@contesting.com>
Message-ID: <009901c6bfd0$07440980$0200a8c0@orcenadesktop>
Content-Type: text/plain;       charset="iso-8859-1"

Here in Minnesota, in the land of the 3M Company, here's how I learned to 
waterproof connections of all sorts.

Wrap Scotch #23 around the joint.  #23 stretches, covers every little bump, and 
fuses to itself.  #123 is the same, only heavier, and works for larger areas.

#23 (and #123) is UV sensitive, so must be covered with Scotch #88 (regular 
vinyl electrical tape) to protect it.

People say that they have taken this tape arrangement off of joints and found 
them dry years later.

73 de Orcy  W?QT
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: jmltinc@aol.com 
  To: towertalk@contesting.com 
  Sent: Friday, August 11, 2006 7:55 AM
  Subject: [TowerTalk] Fwd: Rotor connector waterproofing?


  -----Original Message-----
  From: jmltinc@aol.com
  To: w3yy@cox.net
  Sent: Fri, 11 Aug 2006 7:54 AM
  Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Rotor connector waterproofing?


  The problem with waterproofing connectors is that what works for one, does 
not work for another.
   
  My Elmer insists on electrical tape and a silicone product called Welders 
Cement available at Walmart. He tapes his connector and liberally spreads the 
Welders Cement over the joint. It is much easier to remove than Coax-Seal. It 
has never worked for me, and he too has failures. I mention this procedure as 
he has been a ham for 50 years and still uses it.
   
  Electrical tape has micropores in it that, in my experience, suck water but 
do not release it as readily. Coax-Seal does not like to give up water either, 
is difficult to apply, and worse to remove.
   
  It seems to me, instead of trying to keep the water out (which also keeps the 
water in), a better option is to have no place for the water to go. Stuf by 
Cross Devices shrinks as it ages, which tends to suck water.
   
  You could try dielectric grease. I have used this method for several years 
now and have had no water problems (lucky?). I use it in rotor and coax 
connectors, liberally squeezing it into the connector cavity (cable side too) 
and spread it across the threads.
   
  Good luck!
  John, N9RF
   
   
  -----Original Message-----
  From: w3yy@cox.net
  To: towertalk@contesting.com
  Sent: Thu, 10 Aug 2006 10:16 PM
  Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Rotor connector waterproofing?


  Tom -

  Interesting observation about the long-term effectiveness of the tape!

  73, Bob - W3YY

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: "Tom McAlee" <tom@klient.com>
  To: "TowerTalk" <towertalk@contesting.com>
  Sent: Friday, August 11, 2006 1:36 AM
  Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Rotor connector waterproofing?


  > According to the SteppIR manual:
  >
  > "In the event you require more silicone wrap, Home Depot carries Model
  > HTP-1010 Gardner Bender Silicone Rubber Fusion Tape in their electrical
  > department, UPC code: 032076560102; Radio Shack and Wal-Mart are 
  > authorized
  > retailers fro the brand we buy, Tommy Tape.  You can also purchase extra
  > from us, at $7 per 20 foot roll".
  >
  > By the way, I was less impressed with the tape when I peeled it off 18
  > months later than I was when I first put it on.  It seemed like a nice
  > sealer when I put it on.  After baking in the sun during that time, it
  > seemed to lack the tightness and adherence that it had originally.
  >
  > I had started using it all over the place.  After seeing it 18 months 
  > later,
  > I am now back to Plasti-Dip or Coax Seal (placed on top of electrical tape
  > to make it easier to remove).
  >
  > 73,
  > Tom, NI1N
  >
  > ----- Original Message ----- 
  > From: "Keith Dutson" <kdutson@sbcglobal.net>
  > To: "TowerTalk" <towertalk@contesting.com>
  > Sent: Thursday, August 10, 2006 5:46 PM
  > Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Rotor connector waterproofing?
  >
  >
  >> This reminded me of another option.  Lately I have been using one layer 
  >> of
  >> 88 and another layer of rubber fusion tape.  This is the tape used to 
  >> seal
  >> the fiberglass joints on a SteppIR Yagi.  I purchased my tape off the
  >> Internet.  So far it has been holding up quite nicely.
  >>
  >> 73, Keith NM5G
  >>
  >> -----Original Message-----
  >> From: towertalk-bounces@contesting.com
  >> [mailto:towertalk-bounces@contesting.com] On Behalf Of JC Smith
  >> Sent: Thursday, August 10, 2006 3:18 PM
  >> To: K7LXC@aol.com; towertalk@contesting.com; WW5L@gte.net
  >> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Rotor connector waterproofing?
  >>
  >> You could use Scotch 88 then Scotchcote then another layer of 88.  I did
  >> that to "repair" (more like "replace"... they were really shot) the
  >> plastic
  >> trap caps on an old HyGain tribander and it's still good after 10+ years.
  >> However, for removable connection covers I would prefer 88 followed by
  >> Scotch 23 (rubber splicing tape) and then another 88.
  >>
  >> 73 - JC, K0HPS
  >> [snip]
  >>
  >> _______________________________________________
  >>
  >>
  >>
  >> _______________________________________________
  >> TowerTalk mailing list
  >> TowerTalk@contesting.com
  >> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
  >>
  >>
  >
  >
  > _______________________________________________
  >
  >
  >
  > _______________________________________________
  > TowerTalk mailing list
  > TowerTalk@contesting.com
  > http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
  > 

  _______________________________________________



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------------------------------

Message: 6
Date: Mon, 14 Aug 2006 22:17:11 -0400
From: "Michael J. Castellano" <km1r@comcast.net>
Subject: [TowerTalk] grouting
To: <towertalk@contesting.com>
Message-ID: <000601c6c010$eaa6fda0$1d3eea47@icsn4cw6p19ok9>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Grouting under base flanges is used for:

1) prevention of water entry under tower base flanges.

2) keeping critters like wasps and hornets from building  a condo.

3) to a very small extent, prevention of nuts from loosening. The nuts should 
have to depend on grout fhor their integrity)

4) deterrent (not prevention) to someone loosening the  flange bolts.

5) aesthetics

6) satisfy the local building codes, laws.

grouting adds little if any load bearing capaqcity, and it is not meant to do 
so.

Non shrinkable grout is readily found in construction supply stores, or ask a 
local contractor where HE buys his.

In a pinch (and I mean in a pinch) you can use a good quality mortar mix. 

Did 5 years of construction before getting crazy and doing tower work!

stay safe and keep smiling

73
Mike KM1R
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------------------------------

Message: 7
Date: Tue, 15 Aug 2006 08:52:50 -0400
From: Pete Smith <n4zr@contesting.com>
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] High tension lines
To: <towertalk@contesting.com>
Message-ID: <6.2.0.14.2.20060815084846.04d2b3b0@mail.adelphia.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

20-odd years ago, when my mother was diagnosed with ALS, my father became 
convinced that it was electric fields from nearby high-voltage transmission 
lines that were responsible.  He paid $250 to some charlatan for a little 
handheld field meter that claimed to show dangerous levels.  Needless to say, 
it was a fraud.

The history of the FCC imposition of RF exposure limits on amateur stations 
would make a wonderful case study of how pseudo-science gets turned into 
regulation.  Not that there is any shortage!

73, Pete N4ZR

At 08:10 AM 8/15/2006, Richard M. Gillingham wrote:
>Brodeur is known as a "Fear Monger".  He is selling books, not protecting 
>the public.  The majority of his writing has no basis in fact.  "The Zapping 
>of America" is a an excellent example of his fraud.
>
>Gil, W1RG
>
>----- Original Message ----- 
>From: "Craig Clark" <jcclark@wildblue.net>
>To: <towertalk@contesting.com>
>Sent: Tuesday, August 15, 2006 6:30 AM
>Subject: [TowerTalk] High tension lines
>
>
>> With all due respect, there has not been a correlation of cancer to
>> high tension lines. In 1979, Brodeur wrote "The Zapping of America"
>> where he tried to correlate cancers to proximity to high tension
>> lines and electrical substations. He followed up with several other
>> long screeds in the New Yorker Magazine on the same subject. All were
>> long on emotion but short on science.
>>
>> At Ham Radio Magazine, we supported quite a bit of research on RF
>> radiation and cancers working with some of the best in the field of
>> radio and  epidemiology. As I remember, this was the area Overbeck
>> was most concerned about due to his activity on the VHF/UHF
>> bands.  What we found was that non-ionizing radiation was unlikely to
>> cause any form of cancer. This is what you have around power lines
>> and HF amateur radio stations.
>>
>> I know nothing about the medical reasons of susceptibility to
>> cancer.  I do know that Brodeur was manipulating facts to prove his point.
>>
>> Finally, I personally would not locate my ham station anywhere near a
>> high tension line.
>>
>> Good luck!
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> 73, Craig Clark, K1QX
>>
>>
>> RADIOWARE AND RADIO BOOKSTORE
>> PO  BOX 209
>> RINDGE NH 03461
>> 603 899 6957
>> WWW.RADIO-WARE.COM
>>



------------------------------

Message: 8
Date: Tue, 15 Aug 2006 09:11:46 -0400
From: "WA3GIN @ Arlington County, VA" <wa3gin@erols.com>
Subject: [TowerTalk] TA-33 Classic Feed Model TAC-33K
To: Towertalk <towertalk@contesting.com>
Message-ID: <44E1C812.8080808@erols.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed


Hi folks,

Just received a new TA-33M with TAC-33K feed. 

I've never seen a driven element feed like this one.  Its a clever 
implementation. Where the two ends of the driven element converge at the 
boom a hollow insulated coupling is provided so that the two sections 
slip into the insulator, making the connection water resistent and 
eliminating the need to split the feed-line coax wand weather proof the 
coax shield, etc. In the middle of the insulator is an SO-239 
connection. Inside the insulator there are two pieces of coax (I'm 
guessing RG8) center conductor (shield removed but insulation remaining 
with the ends swrink wrapped) that are simply slid inside each end of 
the driven element.  That is it.  No direct connection to the elements. 
I'm guessing this is Mosley's version of a "BETA" matching system.

Any thoughts on this technique or clarification as to whether this is 
indeed a "BETA" match?

73,
dave
wa3gin



------------------------------

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End of TowerTalk Digest, Vol 44, Issue 53
*****************************************



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