[TowerTalk] Side Mounts

[K7LXC@aol.com]

In a message dated 99-02-24 15:30:39 EST, davidc@bit-net.com writes:

<< And if I choose the wrong materials?  If I leave something improperly
 treated to resist salt corrosion?  If I fail to conpensate adequately for
 the occasional high winds in along the Gulf? (I will be within 10 miles
 of the coast)f

       Okay, good questions. Tower hardware should consist of galvanized (hot-
dipped preferred) or stainless steel. You can get Rohn leg U-bolts from W7NI.
Get to know your local salvage yards - they probably have the angle iron
you're looking for. Mine even has a big stack of hot-dipped angle. You could
even use aluminum plate for the rotator and top bushing plates. Use of these
materials should give you adequate protection from the elements but as many
TowerTalkians know, in a hostile saltwater environment anything you use will
eventually get eaten up. Do the best job you can and check everything out
during your annual tower inspection. 

       None of the appurtenences you mentioned have a rated windspeed so you
probably want to err on the side of over-engineering. I know an IIX mount that
has supported a TH7 for years with no problem in an 80 MPH windspeed zone.    

      If you get the reprints that I mentioned previously, I think that many
of your questions will be answered. 
 
 >>Just as many on TowerTalk encourage folks to have a professional
 design the tower system for safety, should one not also consider
 having a professional design (and perhaps build) a critical element
 for keeping a tri-bander attached to the side of that tower ... and
 not accidently have it become an unguided missle in a storm?
 
       Good idea. The sidemount is an appurtenence and is not directly a
structural member of the tower. Nonetheless good engineering is always
appropriate. 

>>I have great confidence in my ability to accomplish many things,
 just am concerned about some of the unique issues now that I
 am moving into the unfamiliar territory of salt and high winds.  Am
 I given to understand that these are not worthy of serious concern?
 I'd love to save $200. and do it myself, but not at the risk of a 
 disasterous failure!  >>

        Well, what's your county windspeed for starts? What antenna are you
planning on sidemounting? What kind of tower?

Cheers,  Steve   K7LXC

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