[Towertalk] crank up cable/rope replacement ?

[David L. Thompson]

I agree with Steve K7LXC that the rust is probably not a problem.  Prelube 6
will do the job.  Check the pulleys on each section.

There are probably enough people here on towertalk to scare up a few UST
owners.  See if you can get a copy of the manual that comes with the tower.
I am surprised the original owner did not have it.  It explains the tower,
the raising mechanism, and shows you the expected base.  My older Tristao
came with a T of plywood with the holes for holding the tower already
drilled out.  You would place this on the top of your base platform (after
digging the required hole).   You place the base bolts in the holes and pour
concrete around these making sure they don't move.  The base detail is
fairly exact
(mine is) as to concrete and reinforcing rod.  I suggest you get a
professional concrete company to do this. (its several yards of concrete).
I used the leftover for a floor under my deck which is right next to the
tower.

I would suggest you buy a tower raising fixture from UST.  This may get them
into the game and help with getting the required documentation.  The tower
tilts over and the hard part is getting it in place the first time.  The
tilt over mechanism is great and will raise the tower with antennas from the
ground.  You will find its a chore to do this so don't plan on doing this
very often!  Remove the fixture once the tower is up and store it to save it
from rusting up.

You have a nice tower.  However you will find that the cost of the tower is
only a portion of the overall expense.  The base and suggested tower raising
fixture will add plenty.  If its only 5 years old and the motor is Ok then
you can safely put it up and forget it for at least 5 more years.  I have
changed the wire rope 3 times in 33 years and the winch once. I do not have
the motorized version but have helped install three 89 footers with motor.
One is on St. Simons Island GA and the galvanized parts hold up real well
even near salt water.

73 Dave K4JRB