[TowerTalk] Re: BEAM- How to get it up??

[Tom Wagner]

I put up an X9 in May using a crane.  Please note that
 that this changes how you should handle
the "boom shelf" installation.  For those who are not familiar
with the new Cushcraft boom-to-mast clamp, they have 
created a U-shaped channel in their clamp.  This channel
is mounted on a plate, which is u-bolted to the mast.  With
the channel in place, one can lay the boom into the channel
and easily mount the rest of the boom-to-mast hardware.

When using a crane, one should handle things differently.
The antenna will be attached to the crane using two slings.
This makes it easy for the crane operator to keep the 
antenna level.  It has another effect that you should note.
The antenna will not be easily swung in the horizontal
plane, since the ball or boom of the crane will likely be to 
the side of your mast in order to get the boom to touch the
mast.  

What does this mean for you?  Simple.  Don't tighten the
boom-to-mast clamp to the mast until you have the antenna
at the point you want it.  Reverse the normal procedure -- 
don't set the boom into the clamp, set the clamp under the
boom.  You can then tighten the clamp (the crane won't get
tired), and mount the top of the clamp.  Once the top is on
(loosely), you can take off the slings and slide the boom 
so that the bolts can be inserted through the boom.

I hope this is understandable.  When I put up mine, 
tightened the boom-to-mast clamp three times before I 
got it right.  I hope you won't have to.  

Tom - N1MM

----- Original Message ----- 
From: Derf <ke4ros@hotmail.com>
Newsgroups: rec.radio.amateur.antenna
Sent: Tuesday, October 12, 1999 7:57 PM
Subject: Re: BEAM- How to get it up??


>Thanks to all who responded. I am considering a crane (seriously), and
>I know a helicopter pilot and crop duster (hi hi). I'll consider all
>ideas and do something... I kinda like the "pull it up a track" idea.
>Whatever I do will also be determined by the amount of people I can
>muster..
>
>thanks again
>73
>derf
>
>In article <7tvhg8$qva$1@nnrp1.deja.com>,
>  Derf <ke4ros@hotmail.com> wrote:
>> I've always used wires for antennas, this will be my first beam. I
>have
>> a Rohn 25 70' tower with two sets of guys (at about 32' and 65'). Guys
>> are broken up with insulators. The antenna is a Cushcraft X7, 7
>> elements, 18'boom and longest element is about 37'. What are some ways
>> to get it to the top? The guys seem to be the biggest obstacle. I
>could
>> use some pretty specific instructions. I live out in the country, so
>> help from local hams is hard to come by.
>>
>> thanks
>> 73
>> derf
>> ke4ros@hotmail.com
>>
>> Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
>> Before you buy.
>>
>
>
>Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
>Before you buy.


--
FAQ on WWW:               http://www.contesting.com/towertalkfaq.html
Submissions:              towertalk@contesting.com
Administrative requests:  towertalk-REQUEST@contesting.com
Problems:                 owner-towertalk@contesting.com
Search:                   http://www.contesting.com/km9p/search.htm