[TowerTalk] 40 meter repair/tramming

[K7LXC@aol.com]

In a message dated 9/13/00 6:32:44 PM Pacific Daylight Time, n4kg@juno.com 
writes:

> I have used 1/2 inch nylon rope, secured to the masts with 
>  clove hitches, as my trolley rope for the past 25 years, installing
>  or removing several dozen antennas up to 100 lbs.

    Maybe we're not talking about the same thing. A tramline (typically steel 
cable) is a line where the load is under the line and suspended by a pulley 
whereas the antenna sits on top of a trolley line and the antenna is slid up 
the line (typically ropes). The tram system is MUCH easier to rig and use 
than a trolley set-up. 
>  
>  Yes, it takes some time to do the rigging, but I assume it also
>  takes some time to rig the slings for maneuvering the antenna
>  on the tower.  

    Sure, that's a wash but on the tower you don't have to rig the haul line, 
tramline, comealong, etc. 

> It is MUCH easier, and faster, to replace element tips on the ground than 
on the tower.  

    Well, THAT'S true. 
>  
>  At worst, I would wager that bringing the 2L40 to the ground for
>  repair would take no longer than repairing it on the tower and
>  at best, would be less time intensive, assuming a 3 man team.

    Repairing it on the tower will take one guy about 30-60 minutes. Rigging 
up the tramline, repairing the antenna on the ground and re-installing it 
will take your 3-man crew and 60-90 minutes. Splitting hairs (hares?) but I 
prefer to do things the quickest  and easiest way I can.  

Cheers,   Steve    K7LXC
Tower Tech 

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