[TowerTalk] Window ladder line & crank-up tower

[Jim McDonald]

I hung an 80M inverted vee fed with window-line balanced feeders hung off a
cross-arm at the top of my 89' crank-up tower.  I don't have the feedline
attached to the top of any sections (yet?) and have the bottom of the
feedline temporally attached at the bottom of the tower.  I do have the
feedline twisted to minimize wind loading, but it still acts like a sail in
high winds.
 
Before I lowered the tower partially, I had visions of being being lifted
off the ground when I was holding the bottom of the line.  Well, it was an
uplifting experience.
 
Is there a satisfactory solution to using window line with a crank-up tower
of this height?  If I use wood or other non-conductive standoffs, assuming I
can figure out how to attach them to the tower, I fear the feedline will
wrap around the tower or get caught in it if it's partially or fully
retracted.
 
Would true open line be better?
 
I think not being able to attach it to a fixed tower makes balanced feeders
a deal killer with any significant wind.
 
I know, shunt feed the tower, though the tower isn't always fully extended
(it's only permitted to 75').
 
Ideas appreciated.
 

Jim N7US