[TowerTalk] Re: [Antennas] Rohn 25 - safety

[Dan Gannon, WA5ANF]

Ivo Pezer, 5B4ADA/9A3A wrote:
> 
> I installed 40 feet of Rohn 25 today. Third and fourth
> section (on top) don't sit properly on the lower sections.
> Third section needs to come 1cm down to allow both bolts to
> go in. First set of guy wires is installed on this section,
> so it sits firmly, but without bolts. Fourth section moved
> only to the upper hole of lower section, and is temporarily
> secured by bolts but has to go about 5cm down to get second
> set of bolts in (the lower hole of the fourth/top section is
> aligned with a upper hole of the third section). There will
> be another piece of Rohn 25 2,20 m long with a bearings and
> mast on top and second set of guy wires. Plan to put
> temporary guy wires on the top of the fourth section, before
> last piece goes up. Since last piece is heavier (mast and
> bearings) it might be lifted with a crane.
> 
> Any hints how to move sections down? Jumping moved it, but
> not as much as expected.  Is it safe enough to continue with
> last section??
> Friend of mine, who was doing rigging, thinks that it's safe
> enough.
> If it goes up well, will test it as P3A next weekend. If
> not, QRX till CW.
> Ivo, 5B4ADA/9A3A
> 
> ------
> Submissions: antennas@qth.net

Ivo,

I am no tower expert, but I have had experience with many
installations of Rohn 25G and what you discribe it not right.

One should ALWAYS check the alignment of the pieces ON THE
GROUND before going up.  In my opinion, it is critical that
all pieces fit properly and that ALL bolts be in place.
More importanlty, is that the tower be PLUMB.

Are these new sections of tower?  Are the ends damaged?
What will be the final height?  How many sets of guys?

Be careful.  Those things can and do fail.

73,

Dan
WA5ANF

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