[TowerTalk] Using US Tower HDX-572MDPL Raising Fixture

[Joe - WDØM]

I just lowered and raised my TX-455 - it's 
typical.  Can't speak for the 572,  but I have to 
give the 455 a little push before it starts to 
tilt over. I see that as a good thing.  I'd 
rather have it stable in the vertical 
position.  I use a very small crowbar to start it 
on the way.  I reel out a small amount of cable 
first, give it a nudge until the cable is tight, 
then just a bit of pressure with my hand is enough from that point on.

73,
Joe
WDØM

At 06:26 PM 10/28/2006, Dr M J DiGirolamo wrote:
>Hi Gang,
>
>         Some 10 days ago I used a crane to set my US Tower HDX-572MDPL to its
>base.
>
>         Today I tilted it over using the 
> "raising & lowering fixture" so I could
>mount the rotator and set the mast in place.  However, I stumbled upon the
>unexpected.
>
>         After removing all but the two hinging 
> bolts, the tower did not want to
>tilt on its own.  Tower was without a mast or 
>antennas on it.  I ended up using
>both a crow and lever bar to encourage it to 
>tilt over.  I'd estimate it was as
>much as 10 degrees off normal before there was enough lateral force component
>for the tower to lower on its own as I let the cable out.
>
>         Questions:  Is this normal?  Are there 
> those with experience who would
>share how they deal with this situation?
>
>73,
>
>Mike DiGirolamo, W4XN
>Charlottesville, VA