[TowerTalk] Leaning Tower
K7LXC@aol.com
K7LXC@aol.com
Sat, 4 Dec 1999 11:15:36 EST
In a message dated 99-12-04 01:03:33 EST, jonk@jskent.com writes:
> Last night we in L.A. had one of our Santa Ana winds. This
> big blow was clocked (rumour has it) at 76mph. I don't think
> it was that much because at that speed you can't stand up
> and I could. Maybe it was 60mph as forecasted. Anyway, this
> morning I saw that my 55' Tristao Tower with a M2 40mtr
> dipole and TH7DX, was leaning. On closer inspection, it looks
> like one of legs at the base is buckled slightly just above the
> mounting bracket. The braces on each side of this leg are also
> slightly buckled. The tower, extended 3/4 of the full length is
> now leaning about 8" out of plumb. This has me puzzled and
> dismayed. 76mph and 15sqfeet of antenna are both within
> specs. If I had suspected otherwise, the tower would have been
> reeled in. How can one explain this and what can one do to
> repair this? I'd rather repair than claim insurance and replace.
Puzzled? First of all, your tower is only rated for 50 MPH - not 76.
The difference in wind pressure is DRAMATIC - over double.
Second if that's really a Tristao tower, then it's getting long in the
tooth. I would estimate that it might be 15-20 years old or more. Plenty of
time for some deterioration in the materials.
Yes, file a claim with your insurance company and then have a
PROFESSIONAL tower crew come in and remove it. DO NOT attempt it yourself.
Welcome to crank-up reality. "Well, if I would've known that the winds
were coming in I would've lowered it." You shot yourself in the foot with
this one. Especially with towers lacking positive pull-down, you're SOL
trying to get it down in a wind. Good luck with your new tower.
Cheers, Steve K7LXC
Tower Tech
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