[TowerTalk] Tower Suggestions???

[k0myw at att.net]

Tom,

I am happy with my U.S. Tower 55-foot crank-up/tilt-over tower.

The point others have made about the limited use of the tilt-over feature once a large beam is installed atop the tower is valid. But so is the comment that ladder rungs are easier to stand on than tower rungs. Perhaps it would be possible for you to install the tower close enough to another structure, thus making access to antennas possible from a rooftop -- although there are disadvantages associated with such arrangements.

For routine cranking up and down of the tower, if you want to avoid the "Armstrong method" of winch operation, a hefty electric drill can provide low-cost mechanical muscle.

One consideration seldom mentioned is delivery expense. U.S. Tower, which is headquartered in California, recently added a plant in Kansas, greatly reducing shipping costs to the Midwest (I think your QTH is in Minnesota). It even is possible to pick it up at the factory yourself. So when you're shopping, be sure to take shipping costs into consideration.

Good luck!

Mike, KØMYW

 

-------------- Original message from K0PYK : -------------- 

> 
> TowerTalk, 
> 
> I would like a recommendation on a crankup or tilt-over tower or similiar idea 
> for the home qth. I purchased a Explorer 14 Beam and rotor from another ham. 
> Part of the deal was that I take it down. It was a good experience climbing the 
> tower and removing the beam, mast and 2 meter vertical. A local ham kindly 
> donated his tower climbing equipment, which definately made the job easier. 
> Things went real smooth for my first time. The reason for my question is that I 
> just turned 50 and the thought of continually climbing a tower to make 
> changes...that is, as I get older, there needs to be a easier, safer, way. I 
> surely don't relish the thought of doing this when I am 60+. Curious as to your 
> thoughts. 
> 
> Tom, K0PYK 
> 
> 
> --------------------------------- 
> Do you Yahoo!? 
> Win 1 of 4,000 free domain names from Yahoo! Enter now. 
> _______________________________________________ 
> 
> See: http://www.mscomputer.com for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless Weather 
> Stations", and lot's more. Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with any questions 
> and ask for Sherman, W2FLA. 
> 
> _______________________________________________ 
> TowerTalk mailing list 
> TowerTalk at contesting.com 
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk