[CQ-Contest] Ice Storms in NE

[k3bu at optimum.net]

This is terrible! Very sorry for anyone that has to go through just looking at the destruction.
Had my share of similar damages, but just on one tower.
The only solution is to have inserted heating cables inside the elements and booms. That can be reinforced using inside double tubing. Cables of various lengths are available for gutter heating or for plumbing heating with built in sensors. Considering the material and labor required for repairs, it might be very worth while. 

Yuri, K3BU.us

----- Original Message -----
From: Robert Chudek - K0RC 
Date: Monday, December 15, 2008 1:51 pm
Subject: Re: [CQ-Contest] Ice Storms in NE
To: K5NZ at aol.com, cq-contest at contesting.com

> I'm not certain where our local contester found this link, but 
> here's a 
> slideshow with photos of the damage at KC1XX.
> 
> http://gallery.me.com/wlmyers#100029&bgcolor=black&view=grid_
> 
> Mother nature can be a brute. Toward the end there are photos of 
> the 
> "sheath" of ice on the guys, elements, and booms. I don't know 
> how you can 
> design antennas for a 2" radial ice situation.
> 
> 73 de Bob - KØRC in MN