Re[2]: [TowerTalk] Preform Guy Grip Install

Dave Raymond-CSUS04 Dave_Raymond-CSUS04@email.mot.com
Wed, 9 Apr 1997 16:38:00 -0500


Message authorized by:
    : blckhole@ripco.com@INTERNET at EMAIL

     Keith:
     
     You're absolutely correct.  PLP has a very broad product line with 
     many variations of preform products.  I recently purchased some 
     "preforms" from them for my rotating 130' Rohn 55.  I was about to 
     purchase them from a large amateur tower dealer.  I thought I'd check 
     with PLP directly to see if I could save a few bucks...it was a good 
     thing I did.
     
     To make a long story short, I did save quite a few bucks (like about 
     half the price).  BUT, more importantly, the PLP representative would 
     not sell me anything until I gave him specific information on my 
     application.  He was aghast that the preforms I was about to buy from 
     the amateur tower supplier were "absolutely the wrong ones to use" 
     even though they came from PLP.   Of course, he refused to sell me or 
     even give me a price quote on the incorrect ones (I didn't want to buy 
     them anyway) I'm sure due to obvious liability reasons.  
     
     He not only wanted the guy wire size, he wanted to know which way the 
     guy wire spiraled (which way it laid), the tower height, tower type, 
     how much square feet of wind load on the tower, exactly how the tower 
     was guyed, and the length of each guy wire.  
     
     Only then would he quote/sell me the correct preforms.  We have many 
     substantial amateur towers here in Iowa using PLP preforms...none have 
     failed (knock on wood).  
     
     Preforms are a great product...but you must be careful about your 
     choice of product.
     
     73,
     
     Dave
     W0FLS
     
     P.S.  The PLP rep also cautioned me about using some 3 or 4 strand 
     preforms (what the power utilities use) that I had on hand.  He said 
     they are designed for short guy wire applications and would almost 
     certainly fail over time if used in tower applications where the guy 
     wires may well reach over 100'.  I realize he may be more than a 
     little biased, but why take chances in losing a large tower/antenna 
     investment?


______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Preform Guy Grip Install
Author:  owner-towertalk@contesting.com@INTERNET at EMAIL
Date:    4/9/97 10:50 AM


Pat Barthelow wrote:
>
> NEEDED; FAQs re Preformed, Guy Grips;
     
I suggest you start by calling Preformed Line Products Company (PLP) in 
where-ever Michigan and request their catalog.  It has a wealth of 
information concerning what amateurs commonly refer to as "preforms" or 
"grips".  My catalog is at home - I'm sure someone here has their phone 
number...
     
This reference source will show you the proper procedures for installing 
these products, as well as give you all the guidance you need in 
selecting the proper termination.
     
BEWARE !  PLP makes hundreds of different kinds of terminations - each 
one engineered for a specific type of "cable".  One can NOT grab any old 
PLP product for a certain diameter cable and expect it to safely work on 
galvanized guy strand.
     
PLP makes terminations for galvanized, ungalvanized, stainless, 
aluminium, phosphore bronze, ect - right hand lay, left hand lay - 7 
strand, 14 strand, ect ect ect ect - you get the picture !
     
---------------------------###----------------------------- 
PROBE ELECTRONICS 100 Higgins Road, Park Ridge IL 60068 USA 
Keith J. Morehouse /  W9RM  / Society of Midwest Contesters 
847-696-2828  FAX: 847-698-2045  e-mail: blckhole@ripco.com 
---------------------------###-----------------------------
     
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