[TowerTalk] Fiberglass guys

[Frank Donovan]

Pat,

I use Polygon fiberglas rod for most of my guys (aproximately 90 guys on
8 towers).  Among the advantages: 

- Fiberglas guy rod costs about half the cost of Phillystran (tm) of the
same strength.
 
- Like Phillystran, non-conductive Polygon guys completely eliminate the
possibility of guy interaction with Yagis, verticals, dipoles etc.

There are disadvantages:

- Like Phillystran, fiberglas guy rod may be damaged by a dropped tool or
by rubbing on other objects such as tree limbs. 

- Fiberglas rod is very dangerous if handled carelessly!  It is shipped in
a large diameter coil, and lots of potential energy is stored in that coil
awaiting removal of the packing materials (the natural state of the rod is
straight -- not coiled).  If the end of the coiled rod gets away from the
handler, someone could be badly injured (eyes, teeth etc).

- The fiberglas rod MUST be uncoiled immediately after receipt from the
manufacturer.  The rod will fracture if stored in coiled form.

73
Frank
W3LPL
donovanf@sgate.com

On Thu, 20 Mar 1997, Patrick Barkey wrote:

> Could I prevail upon N3RR or one of the other users of fiberglass rod
> guys to give us some more information about them?  I have tried calling
> the manufacturer ( Polygon Co. (800) 918-9261) twice, and can't seem to
> get them to return my calls.
> 
> Specifically, what are the advantages of using fiberglass guys over
> Phillystran?  Disadvantages?  Special tools needed?  Overall cost?
> 
>    -- Pat
>       N9RV


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