[TowerTalk] Struts on the KT 34 XA

[Joe - KC2TN]

I would definitely go with the backstays/struts.

My KT34XA was up for 20 years with the original Phillystran supports. I then
took it down to convert it to a KT36XA with the M2 kit and used the same
backstays to put it back up.

I've attached some pages from the manual to show you how the Phillystran was
locked down using small Blocks of plastic and a looping method through holes
in the block. You could fashion them yourself with little trouble.

Get the Phillystran and don't alter the manufacturer's design.

Good luck!

Joe - KC2TN
"If you're sure of everything,
        and it still doesn't work,
           one of the things you're sure of is wrong!"


-----Original Message-----
From: towertalk-bounces at contesting.com
[mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com]On Behalf Of David Thompson
Sent: Thursday, April 14, 2005 5:12 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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