[TowerTalk] Replacing cable on US Tower

[Ian White, G3SEK]

Following up on the good advice from Steve, K7LXC:

To re-thread the cables, you're going to have to put your hands inside
the nested tower sections, so...

Never re-thread a nested tower that isn't EXACTLY HORIZONTAL. Block the
tower up securely, so that support failure cannot start sections moving
like a 20ft guilloutine.

Use a wooden lever to make sure all the sections are well settled before
you put your hands in there. Any sudden movement can deliver a nasty
bite.

Treat the cables carefully, and be very patient to avoid kinking or
trapping them. Unreel the cables first. and get all the twists out of
them before you start, not inside the tower. Inspect the new cables
carefully - if they're defective in any way, don't use them (so don't
replace cables with a contest coming up!).

Never haul on a cable to straighten it out - in fact never haul on a
cable that isn't already straight. To thread a cable, use pull ropes and
long wooden "needles" wherever you can.

Just treat this as major maintenance which requires preparation, take
your time and be careful.

73 from Ian G3SEK          Editor, 'The VHF/UHF DX Book'
                          'In Practice' columnist for RadCom (RSGB)

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