[TowerTalk] cord reel for a inverted L

[Ian White G/GM3SEK]

Jim Brown wrote:
>On Thu, 3 Nov 2005 15:17:50 -0600, FireBrick wrote:
>
>>I'm wondering if anyone ever used a automatic windup cord reel on
>>their crank up tower?
>
>Ron Steinberg, K9IKZ, was playing with several ideas for a reeler of
>some sort for an inverted vee supported from his crank-up.
>
A few years ago, I asked for brainstorming solutions to this problem via 
the magazine column. There were several interesting suggestions (eg 
suspended weights in two deep holes in the ground, optionally disguised 
as a matched pair of wishing wells) but it did flush out an idea that 
works: run the ends of the inverted-V through pulleys, with long bungee 
cords tied back to the tower. If the cords are long enough, and the 
right grade, they provide a good tension over a wide range of tower 
heights.


-- 
73 from Ian G/GM3SEK         'In Practice' columnist for RadCom (RSGB)
http://www.ifwtech.co.uk/g3sek