[TowerTalk] durability

[Tom Rauch]

> mph. Most urban areas are built in low wind locations. The problem
> arises when the average wind is high with day after day of winds over
> 30 mph. We have had people make statements that Force 12 elements

My location is middle western Georgia, although my antennas are 
in a clear area and above the tree lines. It is the mild breezes that 
set my antennas elements into vibration.

> don't vibrate and therefore don't need rope in them or will not fail
> from wind induced vibration. I know this is false because if you take
> an element and swing it around you will hear and feel the vibration
> from the element. 

I know it is false because on any day when the breeze is over 
maybe ten MPH, I can hear the antenna elements vibrating. Since 
the antennas are 30 feet or more apart, there is no mistaking (when 
on the tower) which antennas vibrate.

It seems silly to have a disagreement about this, because adding 
rope INSIDE the element can't possibly change the ice loading or 
wind loading of the element. It might not do any good, but it 
certainly can't do any harm to the antenna.

>From here on out, I'll never install another antenna without rope 
dampers and end caps. I've learned my lesson.


73, Tom W8JI
W8JI@contesting.com 
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