[TowerTalk] TowerTalk Digest, Vol 44, Issue 53
jcowens at netscape.com
jcowens at netscape.com
Tue Aug 15 11:54:01 EDT 2006
Hi strength, non-shrinking grount is very available at the usual big box hardware stores (Lowes, Home Depot). If your mounting plate is close to the concrete slab, and you use nuts below and above the mounting holes, I don't think you need it. I believe its purpose is to relieve stress on the tower base from flexing at the mounting holes which is minimized by small clearance and double bolting. I keep my tower base clear and clean, and spray liquid galvanizing material on any surfaces that exhibit and tendancy to rust. If you want to really go overboard, you could guy the bottom section which will increase your towers survivability. You can't guy above that level as it puts downward stress on the crank mechanism.
John Owens - N7SEJ
--- towertalk-request at contesting.com wrote:
From: towertalk-request at contesting.com
To: towertalk at contesting.com
Subject: TowerTalk Digest, Vol 44, Issue 53
Date: Tue, 15 Aug 2006 09:16:54 -0400
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Today's Topics:
1. Re: High tension lines (Richard M. Gillingham)
2. Towers/Antennas Near 138kV Transmission Lines (Roger Parsons)
3. Re: Steam Pipe for Masting (K7LXC at aol.com)
4. Re: UST base grouting (K7LXC at aol.com)
5. Re: Fwd: Rotor connector waterproofing? (Orcena Lyle)
6. grouting (Michael J. Castellano)
7. Re: High tension lines (Pete Smith)
8. TA-33 Classic Feed Model TAC-33K (WA3GIN @ Arlington County, VA)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Message: 1
Date: Tue, 15 Aug 2006 08:10:23 -0400
From: "Richard M. Gillingham" <rmoodyg at bellsouth.net>
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] High tension lines
To: <towertalk at contesting.com>, "Craig Clark" <jcclark at wildblue.net>
Message-ID: <002201c6c063$c9318980$6400a8c0 at shack>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
reply-type=original
Brodeur is known as a "Fear Monger". He is selling books, not protecting
the public. The majority of his writing has no basis in fact. "The Zapping
of America" is a an excellent example of his fraud.
Gil, W1RG
----- Original Message -----
From: "Craig Clark" <jcclark at wildblue.net>
To: <towertalk at contesting.com>
Sent: Tuesday, August 15, 2006 6:30 AM
Subject: [TowerTalk] High tension lines
> With all due respect, there has not been a correlation of cancer to
> high tension lines. In 1979, Brodeur wrote "The Zapping of America"
> where he tried to correlate cancers to proximity to high tension
> lines and electrical substations. He followed up with several other
> long screeds in the New Yorker Magazine on the same subject. All were
> long on emotion but short on science.
>
> At Ham Radio Magazine, we supported quite a bit of research on RF
> radiation and cancers working with some of the best in the field of
> radio and epidemiology. As I remember, this was the area Overbeck
> was most concerned about due to his activity on the VHF/UHF
> bands. What we found was that non-ionizing radiation was unlikely to
> cause any form of cancer. This is what you have around power lines
> and HF amateur radio stations.
>
> I know nothing about the medical reasons of susceptibility to
> cancer. I do know that Brodeur was manipulating facts to prove his point.
>
> Finally, I personally would not locate my ham station anywhere near a
> high tension line.
>
> Good luck!
>
>
>
>
>
> 73, Craig Clark, K1QX
>
>
> RADIOWARE AND RADIO BOOKSTORE
> PO BOX 209
> RINDGE NH 03461
> 603 899 6957
> WWW.RADIO-WARE.COM
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> TowerTalk mailing list
> TowerTalk at contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
------------------------------
Message: 2
Date: Tue, 15 Aug 2006 13:19:47 +0100 (BST)
From: Roger Parsons <ve3zi at yahoo.com>
Subject: [TowerTalk] Towers/Antennas Near 138kV Transmission Lines
To: towertalk at contesting.com
Message-ID: <20060815121947.50030.qmail at web31812.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1
One QTH I had in England was about a mile from some
400kV lines. During damp or misty weather (ie nearly
all the time in England!), the noise from the lines
made operation on 160m or 80m almost impossible -
S9+++ on the transmit antenna. There was no actual
fault on the line - the noise came from all along it -
and I presume the problem was caused by corona. I
would take a lot of persuading to get a house that
close to any EHV line again.
I find it whimsical that over here line noise seems to
be mostly caused by loose hardware on distribution
lines and is generally worse in dry weather!
73 Roger
VE3ZI/G3RBP
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------------------------------
Message: 3
Date: Tue, 15 Aug 2006 08:23:31 EDT
From: K7LXC at aol.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Steam Pipe for Masting
To: towertalk at contesting.com, aa6dx at arrl.net
Message-ID: <c28.142054.321316c3 at aol.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
In a message dated 8/13/2006 10:33:35 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,
towertalk-request at contesting.com writes:
> Howdy TTers .. I have available some 2?' sections of black steam pipe,
2.5"
(OD? ID?) --- Heavier than regular pipe .. apparently bent at the ends, so
'bout 17' good .. Anybody know about using such piping for masting? I
guess would be good for holding up other pipes for dipole ends, but ...
wondering if would work for yagi stacks ??? Going to go have a peek
tomorrow. $25 each seems reasonable..
Yes, the price is reasonable but using it for antenna mast
applications comes with some warnings. Pipe is not rated for strength since it just
carries liquids. I think I saw that pipe yield strength is down somewhere
around 30,000 psi - good enough for a tribander close to the top of the tower or
VHF/UHF arrays in not so windy areas but not good for much else. Caveat emptor.
Cheers,
Steve K7LXC
TOWER TECH
------------------------------
Message: 4
Date: Tue, 15 Aug 2006 08:23:39 EDT
From: K7LXC at aol.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] UST base grouting
To: towertalk at contesting.com, jperalta at tampabay.rr.com
Message-ID: <408.6271480.321316cb at aol.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
In a message dated 8/13/2006 11:35:11 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time,
towertalk-request at contesting.com writes:
> A friend and I were discussing his installation of a UST TX-455. I
mentioned that it's a good idea to use a non-shrinking grout under the
base. To which he replied that UST said that grouting isn't needed if
the leveling bolts are used. I checked their website and the TX-455
foundations diagram does state this.
> I was thinking that if the leveling bolts are used that is when grouting
was needed. If for nothing else to keep water from standing around the
bolts. Doesn't the grout provide some load support for the base? And if
you don't use leveling bolts and the base is setting directly on the
slab how could you use the grout.
Yes, the grout takes some of the vertical load - that's why you're
supposed to use non-shrink grout. The problem is that it's not easily available. I
get mine thru a masonry supply store but they don't sell at retail. Your big
box hardware stores are hard pressed to have it so using it becomes a little
problematic.
Cheers,
Steve K7LXC
TOWER TECH -
Professional tower services for hams
Cell: 206-890-4188
------------------------------
Message: 5
Date: Mon, 14 Aug 2006 13:32:41 -0500
From: "Orcena Lyle" <olyle at usfamily.net>
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Fwd: Rotor connector waterproofing?
To: <jmltinc at aol.com>, <towertalk at contesting.com>
Message-ID: <009901c6bfd0$07440980$0200a8c0 at orcenadesktop>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Here in Minnesota, in the land of the 3M Company, here's how I learned to waterproof connections of all sorts.
Wrap Scotch #23 around the joint. #23 stretches, covers every little bump, and fuses to itself. #123 is the same, only heavier, and works for larger areas.
#23 (and #123) is UV sensitive, so must be covered with Scotch #88 (regular vinyl electrical tape) to protect it.
People say that they have taken this tape arrangement off of joints and found them dry years later.
73 de Orcy W?QT
----- Original Message -----
From: jmltinc at aol.com
To: towertalk at contesting.com
Sent: Friday, August 11, 2006 7:55 AM
Subject: [TowerTalk] Fwd: Rotor connector waterproofing?
-----Original Message-----
From: jmltinc at aol.com
To: w3yy at cox.net
Sent: Fri, 11 Aug 2006 7:54 AM
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Rotor connector waterproofing?
The problem with waterproofing connectors is that what works for one, does not work for another.
My Elmer insists on electrical tape and a silicone product called Welders Cement available at Walmart. He tapes his connector and liberally spreads the Welders Cement over the joint. It is much easier to remove than Coax-Seal. It has never worked for me, and he too has failures. I mention this procedure as he has been a ham for 50 years and still uses it.
Electrical tape has micropores in it that, in my experience, suck water but do not release it as readily. Coax-Seal does not like to give up water either, is difficult to apply, and worse to remove.
It seems to me, instead of trying to keep the water out (which also keeps the water in), a better option is to have no place for the water to go. Stuf by Cross Devices shrinks as it ages, which tends to suck water.
You could try dielectric grease. I have used this method for several years now and have had no water problems (lucky?). I use it in rotor and coax connectors, liberally squeezing it into the connector cavity (cable side too) and spread it across the threads.
Good luck!
John, N9RF
-----Original Message-----
From: w3yy at cox.net
To: towertalk at contesting.com
Sent: Thu, 10 Aug 2006 10:16 PM
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Rotor connector waterproofing?
Tom -
Interesting observation about the long-term effectiveness of the tape!
73, Bob - W3YY
----- Original Message -----
From: "Tom McAlee" <tom at klient.com>
To: "TowerTalk" <towertalk at contesting.com>
Sent: Friday, August 11, 2006 1:36 AM
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Rotor connector waterproofing?
> According to the SteppIR manual:
>
> "In the event you require more silicone wrap, Home Depot carries Model
> HTP-1010 Gardner Bender Silicone Rubber Fusion Tape in their electrical
> department, UPC code: 032076560102; Radio Shack and Wal-Mart are
> authorized
> retailers fro the brand we buy, Tommy Tape. You can also purchase extra
> from us, at $7 per 20 foot roll".
>
> By the way, I was less impressed with the tape when I peeled it off 18
> months later than I was when I first put it on. It seemed like a nice
> sealer when I put it on. After baking in the sun during that time, it
> seemed to lack the tightness and adherence that it had originally.
>
> I had started using it all over the place. After seeing it 18 months
> later,
> I am now back to Plasti-Dip or Coax Seal (placed on top of electrical tape
> to make it easier to remove).
>
> 73,
> Tom, NI1N
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Keith Dutson" <kdutson at sbcglobal.net>
> To: "TowerTalk" <towertalk at contesting.com>
> Sent: Thursday, August 10, 2006 5:46 PM
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Rotor connector waterproofing?
>
>
>> This reminded me of another option. Lately I have been using one layer
>> of
>> 88 and another layer of rubber fusion tape. This is the tape used to
>> seal
>> the fiberglass joints on a SteppIR Yagi. I purchased my tape off the
>> Internet. So far it has been holding up quite nicely.
>>
>> 73, Keith NM5G
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: towertalk-bounces at contesting.com
>> [mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of JC Smith
>> Sent: Thursday, August 10, 2006 3:18 PM
>> To: K7LXC at aol.com; towertalk at contesting.com; WW5L at gte.net
>> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Rotor connector waterproofing?
>>
>> You could use Scotch 88 then Scotchcote then another layer of 88. I did
>> that to "repair" (more like "replace"... they were really shot) the
>> plastic
>> trap caps on an old HyGain tribander and it's still good after 10+ years.
>> However, for removable connection covers I would prefer 88 followed by
>> Scotch 23 (rubber splicing tape) and then another 88.
>>
>> 73 - JC, K0HPS
>> [snip]
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> TowerTalk mailing list
>> TowerTalk at contesting.com
>> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
>>
>>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> TowerTalk mailing list
> TowerTalk at contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
>
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------------------------------
Message: 6
Date: Mon, 14 Aug 2006 22:17:11 -0400
From: "Michael J. Castellano" <km1r at comcast.net>
Subject: [TowerTalk] grouting
To: <towertalk at contesting.com>
Message-ID: <000601c6c010$eaa6fda0$1d3eea47 at icsn4cw6p19ok9>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Grouting under base flanges is used for:
1) prevention of water entry under tower base flanges.
2) keeping critters like wasps and hornets from building a condo.
3) to a very small extent, prevention of nuts from loosening. The nuts should have to depend on grout fhor their integrity)
4) deterrent (not prevention) to someone loosening the flange bolts.
5) aesthetics
6) satisfy the local building codes, laws.
grouting adds little if any load bearing capaqcity, and it is not meant to do so.
Non shrinkable grout is readily found in construction supply stores, or ask a local contractor where HE buys his.
In a pinch (and I mean in a pinch) you can use a good quality mortar mix.
Did 5 years of construction before getting crazy and doing tower work!
stay safe and keep smiling
73
Mike KM1R
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------------------------------
Message: 7
Date: Tue, 15 Aug 2006 08:52:50 -0400
From: Pete Smith <n4zr at contesting.com>
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] High tension lines
To: <towertalk at contesting.com>
Message-ID: <6.2.0.14.2.20060815084846.04d2b3b0 at mail.adelphia.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
20-odd years ago, when my mother was diagnosed with ALS, my father became convinced that it was electric fields from nearby high-voltage transmission lines that were responsible. He paid $250 to some charlatan for a little handheld field meter that claimed to show dangerous levels. Needless to say, it was a fraud.
The history of the FCC imposition of RF exposure limits on amateur stations would make a wonderful case study of how pseudo-science gets turned into regulation. Not that there is any shortage!
73, Pete N4ZR
At 08:10 AM 8/15/2006, Richard M. Gillingham wrote:
>Brodeur is known as a "Fear Monger". He is selling books, not protecting
>the public. The majority of his writing has no basis in fact. "The Zapping
>of America" is a an excellent example of his fraud.
>
>Gil, W1RG
>
>----- Original Message -----
>From: "Craig Clark" <jcclark at wildblue.net>
>To: <towertalk at contesting.com>
>Sent: Tuesday, August 15, 2006 6:30 AM
>Subject: [TowerTalk] High tension lines
>
>
>> With all due respect, there has not been a correlation of cancer to
>> high tension lines. In 1979, Brodeur wrote "The Zapping of America"
>> where he tried to correlate cancers to proximity to high tension
>> lines and electrical substations. He followed up with several other
>> long screeds in the New Yorker Magazine on the same subject. All were
>> long on emotion but short on science.
>>
>> At Ham Radio Magazine, we supported quite a bit of research on RF
>> radiation and cancers working with some of the best in the field of
>> radio and epidemiology. As I remember, this was the area Overbeck
>> was most concerned about due to his activity on the VHF/UHF
>> bands. What we found was that non-ionizing radiation was unlikely to
>> cause any form of cancer. This is what you have around power lines
>> and HF amateur radio stations.
>>
>> I know nothing about the medical reasons of susceptibility to
>> cancer. I do know that Brodeur was manipulating facts to prove his point.
>>
>> Finally, I personally would not locate my ham station anywhere near a
>> high tension line.
>>
>> Good luck!
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> 73, Craig Clark, K1QX
>>
>>
>> RADIOWARE AND RADIO BOOKSTORE
>> PO BOX 209
>> RINDGE NH 03461
>> 603 899 6957
>> WWW.RADIO-WARE.COM
>>
------------------------------
Message: 8
Date: Tue, 15 Aug 2006 09:11:46 -0400
From: "WA3GIN @ Arlington County, VA" <wa3gin at erols.com>
Subject: [TowerTalk] TA-33 Classic Feed Model TAC-33K
To: Towertalk <towertalk at contesting.com>
Message-ID: <44E1C812.8080808 at erols.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
Hi folks,
Just received a new TA-33M with TAC-33K feed.
I've never seen a driven element feed like this one. Its a clever
implementation. Where the two ends of the driven element converge at the
boom a hollow insulated coupling is provided so that the two sections
slip into the insulator, making the connection water resistent and
eliminating the need to split the feed-line coax wand weather proof the
coax shield, etc. In the middle of the insulator is an SO-239
connection. Inside the insulator there are two pieces of coax (I'm
guessing RG8) center conductor (shield removed but insulation remaining
with the ends swrink wrapped) that are simply slid inside each end of
the driven element. That is it. No direct connection to the elements.
I'm guessing this is Mosley's version of a "BETA" matching system.
Any thoughts on this technique or clarification as to whether this is
indeed a "BETA" match?
73,
dave
wa3gin
------------------------------
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End of TowerTalk Digest, Vol 44, Issue 53
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