In a message dated 98-12-27 03:38:19 EST, ni6w@yagistress.minden.nv.us writes:
> It may be best for me not to answer these types of questions publicly. They
> seem
> to generate too much controversy.
Controversy? I don't think the topic is controversial. I APPRECIATE
your knowledgeable and technical input.
>
> I thought that this venue was for open discussion of these things related
to
> towers and antennas. And was aimed at enhancing the knowledge of
subscribers
> regarding these issues.
It is. The whole idea of TowerTalk was to present a forum where
questions (and everyone's got them) could get answered and topics discussed. I
think that it's been successful in its mission. And the most important basic
discussion is PROPER ENGINEERING.
Kurt, you're one of only a handful of TowerTalkians whose technical
expertise I trust on a consistent basis. Heck, I don't even trust 99% of hams
to be able to tie a decent knot properly. TowerTalk is endeavoring to provide
parameters and advice that anyone can follow safely. Anyone wanting to
consider "out of the box" scenarios is always told to "get a PE involved" for
obvious reasons. And ALL of these discussions are appropriate.
But I will always draw the line at exceeding or 're-engineering' a
manufacturer's specs without proper engineering involvement. I have worked on
over 125 amateur installations over the years and I have seen so many
mistakes, problems and under-engineering that sometime it'll make a whole Up
The Tower column or maybe two. That's why I wrote the "Ten Most Common Tower
Building Mistakes" because I kept seeing the same potentially fatal tower
mistakes. TowerTalk was my attempt to keep people out of trouble and I think
that we do a pretty good job of it.
> Is there another reflector where it is more appropriate to discuss things
> beyond
> "just doing what the Mfgr says?" Sometimes, what they say is not entirely
> correct
> or complete.
> This falls into the same category as antenna projected areas and safe wind
> speeds.
>
> Someone please point me to the site where these discussions are
appropriate.
>
TowerTalk as far as I know is the ONLY place where amateur tower and
antenna construction is discussed. Maybe you're looking for a structural
engineering reflector. I know that there are some broadcast engineering venues
(maybe www.sbe.org {?} or www.broadcast.net).
We're all learning as a result of your posts so please keep 'um coming.
Cheers, Steve K7LXC
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