[TowerTalk] Struts on the KT 34 XA

[Keith Dutson]

I think the boom cable is there to keep the boom from drooping.  The az and
el patterns will be altered with boom droop.  You could replace with steel
or aramid (e.g. Phillystran).

73, Keith NM5G

-----Original Message-----
From: towertalk-bounces at contesting.com
[mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of David Thompson
Sent: Thursday, April 14, 2005 4:12 PM
To: towertalk at contesting.com
Subject: [TowerTalk] Struts on the KT 34 XA

I have a very early KT 34 XA (it was the KT 34X when I bought it).  The
overhead struts are made of fairly thin aircraft cable.  The strut on the
director side broke summer before last and the strut on the reflector side
broke coming down.  I looked at both cables and they have rusted through.

My question is do I need to replace them?  The antenna went thru two
hurricanes last summer and numerous high winds.  One actually bent the last
director just before the boom on one side.  I have some 1200 lb synthetic
rope that I can use.  I will have to use a clamp near the ends of the boom
as from the roof its hard to reach the existing boom clamps.  I would need a
lift and after discussing this with several other hams I just don't think
its worth the $$$.

One ham told me he had his up for several years near the GA coast with no
struts and had no problems.  Mine has had essentially no structs for several
years if the rust is any indication.

Ideas??

Thanks Dave K4JRB


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