[TowerTalk] freestanding tower (not crank-up)

[JC Smith]

Greetings to the group.

It's been a few years since I was on here so pardon me if I'm asking about
something that was recently discussed.

I was about to erect my new (slightly used) TX-742MDP tower when the XYL
decided she didn't like the location we had previously picked (dead center
on the property).  So now the tower location is off to the side and
unfortunately near some fairly tall trees.  That means the crank-up/down
feature will not be useful, as I would hit the trees before getting half way
down.  That also means I really shouldn't use a crank-up tower as I will
have to install the antenna with the tower erect and extended, a no-no for
sure although I imagine there a few of us who have done it.  I've climbed my
share of crank-up towers when they were retracted, but not extended.  Also,
I won't be able to keep it lowered in case of winds.  Soooo... I'm going to
need a heavy-duty (beefier than the TX-742) freestanding (guys are
definitely out) tower of at least 70' in height (80 or 90 would be even
better).  I'd love to put a MonstIR on it, but the yard isn't big enough to
assemble one so I'm looking for something that will handle the (hopefully) 4
ele. StepIR and a shorty forty, or at the very least, the 3 ele. StepIR and
a shorty forty.  (Just for reference, rounded up to be conservative:
MonstIR - 24 sq.ft., 4 ele. - 10 sq. ft., e ele. - 7 sq. ft., shorty forty -
7 sq. ft., rotor, mast, small vertical - 3 sq, ft.)  That means a minimum of
17 sq. ft. of stuff up there, and hopefully it will handle 20 sq. ft.

Now the question: what towers are available that will do this and are they
easy or difficult to climb?  Partial horizontal bracing between legs (as
opposed to all diagonal) would sure be nice.  Round as opposed to flat tower
elements better?

While I'm at it, is there any consensus on brands of 2 element, shortened 40
meter Yagis?  I remember the Leasonized (I think that was the term)
Cushcrafts used to be popular.  Wonder if Cushcraft ever beefed the things
up so you don't have to modify them before you use them?  M^2?  HyGain?
Force 12?

I should add that I'm in an area blessed with no ice and moderate winds... a
protected valley, which is both a blessing and a curse.

OK, that's enough.  I'd sure appreciate some help from the group.  If there
was a recent discussion of any of this, please refer me to the thread and
I'll check the archives.

Thanks & 73 - JC, k0hps at amsat.org

(Oh yes, the TX-742MDP as well as the MA-550MDP w/rotor base & Az/El setup
I'm currently using will be for sale.  SF Bay Area.)