K1IR: "The big one is coming...which way should I point the antennas?"
Icing is one factor which W6QHS is probably not familiar with.
If you expect icing, the elements should be aligned with tips into the
wind since they will collect the least ice in that direction. The boom
will collect more but it is stronger and probably guyed. I speak from
personal experience with high winds (two over 140 MPH) and with a couple
of rare spring ice storms in Colorado...fortunately not at the same time!
In one instance I lost power before I could align the tips into the wind
and I lost all antennas on that tower. The combination of wind and ice is
wicked no matter which way your antennas are pointed! Hope you don't get
any significant icing from this storm.
73, Bill W4ZV
--
FAQ on WWW: http://www.contesting.com/FAQ/towertalk
Submissions: towertalk@contesting.com
Administrative requests: towertalk-REQUEST@contesting.com
Problems: owner-towertalk@contesting.com
|