[Towertalk] Universal aluminum

[K7LXC@aol.com]

In a message dated 8/31/02 5:22:33 AM Pacific Daylight Time, 
N8KU@longwire.com writes:

> I am finalizing plans to put up my first tower, I have settled on a 
Universal 
>  80' with 30" base. I am interested in comments, tips, suggestions, etc.
>  
    Typically aluminum towers are somewhat more expensive than a steel one 
plus some of the manufacturers discourage you from climbing them. Aluminum 
towers are used primarily by amateurs - professional standards do not 
typically include them.

>  This tower will be primarily for Internet access, but I do plan to put a 
30m  
>  ground plane on top. Still trying to figure a way to attach some solid 
>  radials instead of wires. 

    Huh? This is a large antenna so you've got some pretty challenging 
mechanical problems to overcome. Have you modeled it to see how it will 
perform up there? I'm sure some antenna guys will have more educated 
comments. 
  
>  I have heard that the base (just 3 posts) is a little difficult to line 
up, so 
>  I plan to weld a couple of rebars on to them to hold them together while 
>  concrete is poured.
>  
    I don't think you can weld rebar to aluminum. How does the base fixture 
come from the manufacturer? 

    Heck, this is aluminum - just bend it until you get it where you want 
(slightly facetious comment). 

Cheers,
Steve     K7LXC
TOWER TECH -
Professional tower services for commercial and amateur