[TowerTalk] Climbing alone ?

[K7LXC]

In a message dated 97-12-11 09:37:00 EST, w4an@contesting.com writes:

> The cold hard truth is that if I had to wait for someone to be with me 
>  when I climbed, I wouldn't have any towers up.  I have 5 up in less than 
>  3 years with no help except on 2 or 3 days in all that time.  
>  
>  Would it be better to have someone with me?  Sure.  But it's just 
>  realistic at my remote location.  You do what you have to do to get the 
>  job done.  And you carry a lot of life insurance. 

      Yes, you go with what you've got. If you're clever enough to figure out
how to do things by yourself that usually take a couple  of people, you're
doing pretty well.

     Local OSHA laws require a ground person at all times when there is
someone on the tower. This person's primary function is a safety spotter if
the climber gets into trouble.
>  
>  The 2mtr handy is a good idea.  I normally carry one with me too.  Of 
>  course I think being in good shape and being careful is more important.  
>  
     A 2M rig is a good idea. Even better is a cell phone. Many new phones
have an emergency number that you only have to press one button to activate.
Terry Dubson, K6JL, ex-W6MKB, built a huge system with monobanders from 1296
to 80M BY HIMSELF. But he always had a phone with him so he could call his
neighbor, 911, etc. if necessary. 

     Just be careful out there. Accidents can happen to anyone.

73,  Steve   K7LXC

    

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