[TowerTalk] MA-550 advice...

[Michael Hatzakis, Jr]

A few comments.  I agree with all of Steve's comments also.  

1.  MA-550 is easy to raise and lower with the hand crank, but if you do it more than a few times a week, all the way up and down, it can get tiring.  I raise or lower it half-way maybe once or twice a week and it's not a big problem.  The weight of 435 lbs is much easier to handle and was an easy install.  To move than the 900+ lbs with the motor and the extra $1400 or so is signfiicant.   The crank over package is a must for antenna maintenance.

2. I've heard of people buying Dayton engineering winches as an aftermarket modification.  Everyone I have heard of has said good things about this approach.  I was about to buy one when the manufacturer would not warrantee it if it were used vertically rather than the spec'd horizontal.  I decided to wait and see.

3. Despite a permit and no applicable CC&R, used this tower to reduce visible impact.  It's a big improvement over my old lattice-type tower in terms of looks.  When it's all the way up, there are some visitors to my place who say they didnt even notice it driving by.

4. The MARB-550 and MAF-550 are very solid and have no concerns about their ability to handle the tower.  I used a 4 x 4 x almost 6' base.  I am not worried about the base, even though I added the US Tower 20 mast.  I lower it if the wind picks up.  It is close to the house and even though it makes me nervous being so close, I dn't feel the need to mess with the factory design.  The rotor base in my opinion is a must.  Having a rotor at the base is terrific and a Tailtwister moves it without hesitation.

5. Suggest buying a wx monitor such as the Davis Engineering to keep track of wind at the tower top. I have alarms set at 25mph.  It does sway in the wind and creaks occassionally.

Bottom line.  I love the tower.  It's a great system.  If you would like photos to help you decide, let me know.  Good luck.

Michael  K3MH


Michael Hatzakis, Jr MD 
Physiatrist, Treating Individuals with Neuromuscular Disabilities 
Consultant, Information Technology Based Health Care Solutions

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