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Re: [TowerTalk] Need help buying first tower

To: towertalk@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Need help buying first tower
From: Richard Bell <richfbell@sbcglobal.net>
Date: Sun, 11 Apr 2021 14:14:24 -0500
List-post: <mailto:towertalk@contesting.com>
Not to rain on the parade but did they give you a budget or at least some 
guidance on money you can request/spend?

Best know what your financial parameters before you get started?

W5BXE 

> Message: 1
> Date: Sun, 11 Apr 2021 09:15:26 -0700
> From: Ross Tucker <rjtucke@gmail.com>
> To: "TowerTalk@contesting.com" <towertalk@contesting.com>
> Subject: [TowerTalk] Need help buying first tower
> Message-ID:
>   <CABzhooEhwvZjvV3dWsBFKaJBpdfAk5Le2P9zR+=EwD-KBFatrA@mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
> 
> Hello all!
> 
> I have been offered a position at my high school to teach ham radio as a
> class. The administration also said that they would be willing to have a
> tower installed! The one problem is that I have zero experience with real
> towers. I was wondering if one or more of you might be willing to
> correspond with me to walk me through the whole process.
> 
> To be honest, I don't even know what I need. The absolute #1 constraint is
> that it must be over-engineered for safety - if anything falls and damages
> school property during monsoon season, I will be extremely fired. XD
> Low-maintenance is also important, as I'm a busy teacher with a small child
> at home. Height needs to be at least 20 or 30' to get above the nearby
> buildings. Self-supporting (no guy wires) is also necessary. As for
> antennas, since the station will only be operated during school hours, I
> was thinking of just a mono-band 20 m beam for HF and a 2m/70cm vertical
> for local repeaters. Finally, in the future, I'd like to install a
> satellite array on a shorter mast, nearby.
> 
> Would anybody be willing to mentor me through this process?
> 
> Thank you for your time-
> Ross Tucker, PhD, NS7F
> Arizona State University / Herberger Young Scholars Academy
> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 2
> Date: Sun, 11 Apr 2021 16:22:34 +0000
> From: john nistico <electric911inc@hotmail.com>
> To: Ross Tucker <rjtucke@gmail.com>, "TowerTalk@contesting.com"
>   <towertalk@contesting.com>
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Need help buying first tower
> Message-ID:
>   
> <BL0PR05MB557005B262060A14FBA1152E91719@BL0PR05MB5570.namprd05.prod.outlook.com>
> 
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252"
> 
> I?d go with a 40 foot crank up tower in that position.
> 
> Get Outlook for iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef>
> ________________________________
> From: TowerTalk <towertalk-bounces@contesting.com> on behalf of Ross Tucker 
> <rjtucke@gmail.com>
> Sent: Sunday, April 11, 2021 12:15:26 PM
> To: TowerTalk@contesting.com <towertalk@contesting.com>
> Subject: [TowerTalk] Need help buying first tower
> 
> Hello all!
> 
> I have been offered a position at my high school to teach ham radio as a
> class. The administration also said that they would be willing to have a
> tower installed! The one problem is that I have zero experience with real
> towers. I was wondering if one or more of you might be willing to
> correspond with me to walk me through the whole process.
> 
> To be honest, I don't even know what I need. The absolute #1 constraint is
> that it must be over-engineered for safety - if anything falls and damages
> school property during monsoon season, I will be extremely fired. XD
> Low-maintenance is also important, as I'm a busy teacher with a small child
> at home. Height needs to be at least 20 or 30' to get above the nearby
> buildings. Self-supporting (no guy wires) is also necessary. As for
> antennas, since the station will only be operated during school hours, I
> was thinking of just a mono-band 20 m beam for HF and a 2m/70cm vertical
> for local repeaters. Finally, in the future, I'd like to install a
> satellite array on a shorter mast, nearby.
> 
> Would anybody be willing to mentor me through this process?
> 
> Thank you for your time-
> Ross Tucker, PhD, NS7F
> Arizona State University / Herberger Young Scholars Academy
> _______________________________________________
> 
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> TowerTalk mailing list
> TowerTalk@contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 3
> Date: Sun, 11 Apr 2021 09:42:18 -0700
> From: "Steve Jones" <n6sj@earthlink.net>
> To: "'Ross Tucker'" <rjtucke@gmail.com>,    <towertalk@contesting.com>
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Need help buying first tower
> Message-ID: <000201d72ef1$a38a39e0$ea9eada0$@earthlink.net>
> Content-Type: text/plain;    charset="us-ascii"
> 
> Ross,
> Look into US Tower's MA-40 crank-up tubular mast with a small SteppIR yagi
> on top.  Crank the mast down when the wind blows.  Also, it tilts over, so
> you can do all antenna work standing on the ground.
> 73,
> Steve
> N6SJ
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: TowerTalk <towertalk-bounces@contesting.com> On Behalf Of Ross Tucker
> Sent: Sunday, April 11, 2021 9:15 AM
> To: towertalk@contesting.com
> Subject: [TowerTalk] Need help buying first tower
> 
> Hello all!
> 
> I have been offered a position at my high school to teach ham radio as a
> class. The administration also said that they would be willing to have a
> tower installed! The one problem is that I have zero experience with real
> towers. I was wondering if one or more of you might be willing to correspond
> with me to walk me through the whole process.
> 
> To be honest, I don't even know what I need. The absolute #1 constraint is
> that it must be over-engineered for safety - if anything falls and damages
> school property during monsoon season, I will be extremely fired. XD
> Low-maintenance is also important, as I'm a busy teacher with a small child
> at home. Height needs to be at least 20 or 30' to get above the nearby
> buildings. Self-supporting (no guy wires) is also necessary. As for
> antennas, since the station will only be operated during school hours, I was
> thinking of just a mono-band 20 m beam for HF and a 2m/70cm vertical for
> local repeaters. Finally, in the future, I'd like to install a satellite
> array on a shorter mast, nearby.
> 
> Would anybody be willing to mentor me through this process?
> 
> Thank you for your time-
> Ross Tucker, PhD, NS7F
> Arizona State University / Herberger Young Scholars Academy
> _______________________________________________
> 
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> TowerTalk mailing list
> TowerTalk@contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
> 
> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 4
> Date: Sun, 11 Apr 2021 12:15:41 -0500
> From: "chuck.gooden" <chuck.gooden@comcast.net>
> To: john nistico <electric911inc@hotmail.com>, Ross Tucker
>   <rjtucke@gmail.com>,    "TowerTalk@contesting.com"
>   <towertalk@contesting.com>
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Need help buying first tower
> Message-ID: <eebf66$82ib@vesa03.kjsl.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
> 
> Ask if the school has any lifts.? My high school did for painting and 
> adjusting lights on the stage.? Knowing if the do and the height and lift 
> capacity my help in determine how high.On the other hand, you may be able to 
> put a tower on the roof too.? They may even pay for a commercial 
> install.Chuck K9LC
> -------- Original message --------From: john nistico 
> <electric911inc@hotmail.com> Date: 4/11/21  11:22 AM  (GMT-06:00) To: Ross 
> Tucker <rjtucke@gmail.com>, "TowerTalk@contesting.com" 
> <towertalk@contesting.com> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Need help buying first 
> tower I?d go with a 40 foot crank up tower in that position.Get Outlook for 
> iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef>________________________________From: TowerTalk 
> <towertalk-bounces@contesting.com> on behalf of Ross Tucker 
> <rjtucke@gmail.com>Sent: Sunday, April 11, 2021 12:15:26 PMTo: 
> TowerTalk@contesting.com <towertalk@contesting.com>Subject: [TowerTalk] Need 
> help buying first towerHello all!I have been offered a position at my high 
> school to teach ham radio as aclass. The administration also said that they 
> would be willing to have atower installed! The one problem is that I have 
> zero experience with realtowers. I was wondering if one or more of you might 
> be willing tocorrespond with me to walk me through the whole process.To be 
> honest, I don
> 't even know what I need. The absolute #1 constraint isthat it must be 
> over-engineered for safety - if anything falls and damagesschool property 
> during monsoon season, I will be extremely fired. XDLow-maintenance is also 
> important, as I'm a busy teacher with a small childat home. Height needs to 
> be at least 20 or 30' to get above the nearbybuildings. Self-supporting (no 
> guy wires) is also necessary. As forantennas, since the station will only be 
> operated during school hours, Iwas thinking of just a mono-band 20 m beam for 
> HF and a 2m/70cm verticalfor local repeaters. Finally, in the future, I'd 
> like to install asatellite array on a shorter mast, nearby.Would anybody be 
> willing to mentor me through this process?Thank you for your time-Ross 
> Tucker, PhD, NS7FArizona State University / Herberger Young Scholars 
> Academy______________________________________________________________________________________________TowerTalk
>  mailing listTowerTalk@contesting.comhttp://lists.contesting.com/mail
> man/listinfo/towertalk______________________________________________________________________________________________TowerTalk
>  mailing 
> listTowerTalk@contesting.comhttp://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 5
> Date: Sun, 11 Apr 2021 17:30:01 +0000 (UTC)
> From: Don Rasmussen <wb8yqj@yahoo.com>
> To: "towertalk@contesting.com" <towertalk@contesting.com>
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Need advice climbing small tower
> Message-ID: <1555257942.446004.1618162201612@mail.yahoo.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
> 
> Thanks guys,
> 
> Here are the hi-res photos from the last time I did the job. Not enough room 
> to work at the top is the problem. The tower will lay down toward the gate 
> but not with the hexbeam on top. I would consider a lift, a ladder, or 
> possibly welding a better crank up tower or crank up mast to the existing 
> base. I just cant seem to shimmy up there to work on the antenna as in 2010 
> (these photos).?
> 
> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_AdhP0Ri5D51y6P-FAPXPTSyblW8_7M_/view
> 
> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aHXssn0pBT7dZMBsYn4wVCLpts75cuJ8/view
> 
> 
> de Wb8yqj Don?
> Carlsbad, Ca. USA?
> 
> An extension ladder would be the choice I would make. A 24 foot extension
> ladder would allow you to reach something 21 feet high.
> What is on the tower? Can it be laid over? Is it next to a building where a
> rope could go over the roof to ease it down?
> 
> Chuck W5PR
> 
>> On Sun, Apr 11, 2021 at 1:15 AM W0MU Mike Fatchett <w0mu@w0mu.com> wrote:
>> Climbing belts are out. Full body harnesses are what we should be using
>> today.??If you are not comfortable the stay off and hire a professional
>> or find some help.??They do make pretty small lifts these days
>> especially for that height.
>> Be safe!
>> W0MU
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> On Saturday, April 10, 2021, 08:04:06 PM PDT, Don Rasmussen 
> <wb8yqj@yahoo.com> wrote: 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Hello all,
> 
> I have a 20 foot aluminum self standing tower with a 15 foot steel mast 
> inside.?
> 
> The spacing is so narrow at the top half of the tower I just can seem to get
> situated to work. My feet press together in the tower and with my eyes
> at the 20 foot level the tower comes to a point so no lateral stability above 
> the waist.?
> 
> Ten years ago it was easy - it seems.?
> 
> I have a climbing belt but am considering a ladder this time or any other
> trick short of an exterior lift since it wont fit in the gate.?
> 
> Any suggestions welcome!
> 
> de Wb8yqj Don
> http://wb8yqj.yolasite.com/antennas.php
> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 6
> Date: Sun, 11 Apr 2021 17:43:59 +0000
> From: Wayne Kline <w3ea@hotmail.com>
> To: Don Rasmussen <wb8yqj@yahoo.com>, "towertalk@contesting.com"
>   <towertalk@contesting.com>
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Need advice climbing small tower
> Message-ID:
>   <MN2PR01MB5918CDD54A446E5290AA0C118F719@MN2PR01MB5918.prod.exchangelabs.com>
> 
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
> 
> Don,
> 
> I agree with Chuck  an extension ladder  extended then lashed to the tower 
> with   ratchet straps .
> 
> Wayne ,W3EA
> Sent from Mail<https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550986> for Windows 10
> 
> From: Don Rasmussen via TowerTalk<mailto:towertalk@contesting.com>
> Sent: Sunday, April 11, 2021 1:30 PM
> To: towertalk@contesting.com<mailto:towertalk@contesting.com>
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Need advice climbing small tower
> 
> Thanks guys,
> 
> Here are the hi-res photos from the last time I did the job. Not enough room 
> to work at the top is the problem. The tower will lay down toward the gate 
> but not with the hexbeam on top. I would consider a lift, a ladder, or 
> possibly welding a better crank up tower or crank up mast to the existing 
> base. I just cant seem to shimmy up there to work on the antenna as in 2010 
> (these photos).
> 
> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_AdhP0Ri5D51y6P-FAPXPTSyblW8_7M_/view
> 
> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aHXssn0pBT7dZMBsYn4wVCLpts75cuJ8/view
> 
> 
> de Wb8yqj Don
> Carlsbad, Ca. USA
> 
> An extension ladder would be the choice I would make. A 24 foot extension
> ladder would allow you to reach something 21 feet high.
> What is on the tower? Can it be laid over? Is it next to a building where a
> rope could go over the roof to ease it down?
> 
> Chuck W5PR
> 
>> On Sun, Apr 11, 2021 at 1:15 AM W0MU Mike Fatchett <w0mu@w0mu.com> wrote:
>> Climbing belts are out. Full body harnesses are what we should be using
>> today.  If you are not comfortable the stay off and hire a professional
>> or find some help.  They do make pretty small lifts these days
>> especially for that height.
>> Be safe!
>> W0MU
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> On Saturday, April 10, 2021, 08:04:06 PM PDT, Don Rasmussen 
> <wb8yqj@yahoo.com> wrote:
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Hello all,
> 
> I have a 20 foot aluminum self standing tower with a 15 foot steel mast 
> inside.
> 
> The spacing is so narrow at the top half of the tower I just can seem to get
> situated to work. My feet press together in the tower and with my eyes
> at the 20 foot level the tower comes to a point so no lateral stability above 
> the waist.
> 
> Ten years ago it was easy - it seems.
> 
> I have a climbing belt but am considering a ladder this time or any other
> trick short of an exterior lift since it wont fit in the gate.
> 
> Any suggestions welcome!
> 
> de Wb8yqj Don
> http://wb8yqj.yolasite.com/antennas.php
> _______________________________________________
> 
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> TowerTalk mailing list
> TowerTalk@contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
> 
> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 7
> Date: Sun, 11 Apr 2021 12:52:34 -0500
> From: Chuck Dietz <w5prchuck@gmail.com>
> To: Wayne Kline <w3ea@hotmail.com>
> Cc: Don Rasmussen <wb8yqj@yahoo.com>,    "towertalk@contesting.com"
>   <towertalk@contesting.com>
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Need advice climbing small tower
> Message-ID:
>   <CAOk0j18OfO_AHKmRD4j2J_aPsfnp9piAW_7zryBva1ndzyOjcg@mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
> 
> You would feel a lot better with a full body harness. Have you tried
> climbing it with one foot on each side of one of the vertical members?  I
> tried it on some Rohn 25 and it works well. You have more room for your
> feet.
> 
> Chuck W5PR
> 
>> On Sun, Apr 11, 2021 at 12:44 PM Wayne Kline <w3ea@hotmail.com> wrote:
>> Don,
>> I agree with Chuck  an extension ladder  extended then lashed to the tower
>> with   ratchet straps .
>> Wayne ,W3EA
>> Sent from Mail<https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550986> for
>> Windows 10
>> From: Don Rasmussen via TowerTalk<mailto:towertalk@contesting.com>
>> Sent: Sunday, April 11, 2021 1:30 PM
>> To: towertalk@contesting.com<mailto:towertalk@contesting.com>
>> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Need advice climbing small tower
>> Thanks guys,
>> Here are the hi-res photos from the last time I did the job. Not enough
>> room to work at the top is the problem. The tower will lay down toward the
>> gate but not with the hexbeam on top. I would consider a lift, a ladder, or
>> possibly welding a better crank up tower or crank up mast to the existing
>> base. I just cant seem to shimmy up there to work on the antenna as in 2010
>> (these photos).
>> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_AdhP0Ri5D51y6P-FAPXPTSyblW8_7M_/view
>> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aHXssn0pBT7dZMBsYn4wVCLpts75cuJ8/view
>> de Wb8yqj Don
>> Carlsbad, Ca. USA
>> An extension ladder would be the choice I would make. A 24 foot extension
>> ladder would allow you to reach something 21 feet high.
>> What is on the tower? Can it be laid over? Is it next to a building where a
>> rope could go over the roof to ease it down?
>> Chuck W5PR
>>> On Sun, Apr 11, 2021 at 1:15 AM W0MU Mike Fatchett <w0mu@w0mu.com> wrote:
>>> Climbing belts are out. Full body harnesses are what we should be using
>>> today.  If you are not comfortable the stay off and hire a professional
>>> or find some help.  They do make pretty small lifts these days
>>> especially for that height.
>>> Be safe!
>>> W0MU
>> On Saturday, April 10, 2021, 08:04:06 PM PDT, Don Rasmussen <
>> wb8yqj@yahoo.com> wrote:
>> Hello all,
>> I have a 20 foot aluminum self standing tower with a 15 foot steel mast
>> inside.
>> The spacing is so narrow at the top half of the tower I just can seem to
>> get
>> situated to work. My feet press together in the tower and with my eyes
>> at the 20 foot level the tower comes to a point so no lateral stability
>> above the waist.
>> Ten years ago it was easy - it seems.
>> I have a climbing belt but am considering a ladder this time or any other
>> trick short of an exterior lift since it wont fit in the gate.
>> Any suggestions welcome!
>> de Wb8yqj Don
>> http://wb8yqj.yolasite.com/antennas.php
>> _______________________________________________
>> _______________________________________________
>> 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
> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 8
> Date: Sun, 11 Apr 2021 14:08:11 -0400
> From: Michael Murphy <mike@ki8r.com>
> To: Don Rasmussen <wb8yqj@yahoo.com>
> Cc: "towertalk@contesting.com" <towertalk@contesting.com>
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Need advice climbing small tower
> Message-ID:
>   <CA+iQqtgyjOVSU90D3ifbddXEsU4+uY_LmOvJDeyQya0v6oO9Aw@mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
> 
> Looks like Rohn 20.  You can always put one foot on one side of the
> triangle and one on another.  That would give you a little more room.
> 
> - Mike - KI8R
> 
> On Sun, Apr 11, 2021 at 1:30 PM Don Rasmussen via TowerTalk <
> towertalk@contesting.com> wrote:
> 
>> Thanks guys,
>> Here are the hi-res photos from the last time I did the job. Not enough
>> room to work at the top is the problem. The tower will lay down toward the
>> gate but not with the hexbeam on top. I would consider a lift, a ladder, or
>> possibly welding a better crank up tower or crank up mast to the existing
>> base. I just cant seem to shimmy up there to work on the antenna as in 2010
>> (these photos).
>> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_AdhP0Ri5D51y6P-FAPXPTSyblW8_7M_/view
>> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aHXssn0pBT7dZMBsYn4wVCLpts75cuJ8/view
>> de Wb8yqj Don
>> Carlsbad, Ca. USA
>> An extension ladder would be the choice I would make. A 24 foot extension
>> ladder would allow you to reach something 21 feet high.
>> What is on the tower? Can it be laid over? Is it next to a building where a
>> rope could go over the roof to ease it down?
>> Chuck W5PR
>>> On Sun, Apr 11, 2021 at 1:15 AM W0MU Mike Fatchett <w0mu@w0mu.com> wrote:
>>> Climbing belts are out. Full body harnesses are what we should be using
>>> today.  If you are not comfortable the stay off and hire a professional
>>> or find some help.  They do make pretty small lifts these days
>>> especially for that height.
>>> Be safe!
>>> W0MU
>> On Saturday, April 10, 2021, 08:04:06 PM PDT, Don Rasmussen <
>> wb8yqj@yahoo.com> wrote:
>> Hello all,
>> I have a 20 foot aluminum self standing tower with a 15 foot steel mast
>> inside.
>> The spacing is so narrow at the top half of the tower I just can seem to
>> get
>> situated to work. My feet press together in the tower and with my eyes
>> at the 20 foot level the tower comes to a point so no lateral stability
>> above the waist.
>> Ten years ago it was easy - it seems.
>> I have a climbing belt but am considering a ladder this time or any other
>> trick short of an exterior lift since it wont fit in the gate.
>> Any suggestions welcome!
>> de Wb8yqj Don
>> http://wb8yqj.yolasite.com/antennas.php
>> _______________________________________________
>> _______________________________________________
>> TowerTalk mailing list
>> TowerTalk@contesting.com
>> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
> 
> 
> -- 
> ---------------------------------------------
> *Michael Murphy - KI8R*
> 
> mike@ki8r.com
> 
> www.ki8r.com
> 
> *614-371-8265 *
> 
> ---------------------------------------------
> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Subject: Digest Footer
> 
> _______________________________________________
> TowerTalk mailing list
> TowerTalk@contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> End of TowerTalk Digest, Vol 220, Issue 11
> ******************************************

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