[TenTec] [Bulk] Re: Rohn 25G; hinged bases

[Bob McGraw - K4TAX]

While I do use about 1 cu/yd of concrete for the base, I always set stubs in 
the concrete, allowing them to stand about 6" to 8" above the concrete.  The 
stubs are 1" dia cold roll steel bar with a J turned on the end in the 
concrete.  The concrete is finished 4" to 6" above grade with a crown to 
shed water, ice and snow.  The tower stacks over the stubs and is attached 
by the 2 per leg bolts.  This arrangement assures that water will not build 
up in the legs.    When I get ready to remove the tower, unbolt it and haul 
it away.  No leaving of the expensive tower section in the concrete.

I had a personal friend killed as a result of a guyed tower falling while he 
was on it.    Towers are nothing to be conservative about when erecting time 
comes.  Even of more concern when removing them as weather causes 
deterioration of supports and guy hardware.

I don't care what luck one has had with their tower nor for how long.   If 
it is not installed and maintained correctly........it is dangerous.

73
Bob, K4TAX








----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Gary Branch, N5BI" <gabranch at att.net>
To: <rmcgraw at blomand.net>; "Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment" 
<tentec at contesting.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 12, 2013 12:39 PM
Subject: Re: [Bulk] Re: [TenTec] Rohn 25G; hinged bases


>I always set my tower  base into concrete.  I dig a 4' deep hole, that is 
>2" diameter.  I put 4"of sand first, then 6" of  gravel into the hole and 
>then insert the base.   This allows for moisture drainage for the tower 
>legs..so they won't burst from frozen water build up.   I Pour concrete 
>into the hole around the base section, until it reaches ground level.  Then 
>I mount a 6" form(aluminum flashing) at ground level, around the exposed 
>tower section, and continue my pour.  The raised concrete level keeps the 
>tower legs out of contact with the ground.  This method helps to retard 
>rust where the tower legs come in contact with the concrete,  by raising 
>the exposed tower above the dirt..easy to check for rusted or unstable 
>legs..All tower installations should always be installed according to 
>manufacturers specs..Don't take short cuts..that's how we die on towers.
>
> 73, Gary, N5BI ..
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Robert Mcgraw" <rmcgraw at blomand.net>
> To: "Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment" <tentec at contesting.com>
> Sent: Monday, February 11, 2013 6:08 PM
> Subject: [Bulk] Re: [TenTec] Rohn 25G; hinged bases
>
>
> Please read  Rohn installation documents.  As a tower moves there is
> uplifting of the legs on the upwind side and a downward force on the
> downwind side.
>
> Not having the correct concrete pier at the base is a very dangerous
> situation.
>
> 73
> Bob, K4TAX
>
>
>> roger
>>
>> i dont know where this came from but a ham friend of mine did use a house
>> bracket and a ground mount i took it down for him it wasnt in concrete
>> you really dont need it. i have 1 100ft tower guyed tower strait in the
>> ground no concrete and another 120ft same deal of course they are guyed
>> very well.
>>
>> those towers have now been up 15 years and no problems.
>>
>> by the way he had a 7 el. thunderbird on top of it plus a 2 mtr ant. so
>> dont be afraid. if you need me just drop a note i can advise.
>>
>> all things are possible in Christ Jesus our savior
>>
>> --- On Sat, 2/9/13, Roger Rippy <svtincup at yahoo.com> wrote:
>>
>>
>> From: Roger Rippy <svtincup at yahoo.com>
>> Subject: [TenTec] Rohn 25G; hinged bases
>> To: "TenTec at contesting.com" <TenTec at contesting.com>
>> Date: Saturday, February 9, 2013, 1:29 PM
>>
>>
>> Thanks for the comments regarding hinged bases and lifting towers with
>> Rohn 25G; especially those
>> who took the time to respond off-line with their experiences, pictures,
>> and suggestions. It was
>> great that WA7U even offered to help climb the tower if necessary!!
>> Thanks to these comments
>> I have decided that I will stick with Plan A and order the free standing
>> (non-hinged) tower kit
>> from Hill Communications. I do not need a wobbly tower; I do not want to
>> use guys on a short
>> tower (35'); and I do not want to bracket the tower to the house. So now
>> comes the fun part....
>> Hi Hi 73s W7RIP Roger Rippy Bozeman, Montana
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>
>
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