[TowerTalk] antenna sling for tramming

[K7LXC at aol.com]

In a message dated 5/11/2008 6:53:54 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,  
towertalk-request at contesting.com writes:

>   My techniques works OK on a relatively light antenna  like the 40-2CD, 
but I
found the heavier SteppIRs have a tendency to rotate  in the straps i.e., the
boom rotates) When that's happened, I've had to  secure the straps with hose
clamps, but I think this is a bad idea because  hose clamps have sharp edges.
I'd like to find a better way to secure the  straps to the boom.


    Well, the main problem is that the SteppIRs have  the elements above the 
boom which makes them top-heavy and want to turtle or  pitch-pole upsidedown. 
The KLM/M2 has the same problem being top-heavy. Just  about all other 
antennas have the elements below the boom or thru the boom.  

Using hoseclamps is okay. Just check your slings  after using them. I doubt 
any damage will happen. 
 
    The only way to get around this is to use a  tiller of some sort. It 
attaches to the boom and the other end slides up the  tramline. There are 
discussions in the archives at _www.contesting.com_ (http://www.contesting.com) . 


>  Soon I'll be tramming the heaviest antenna I've attempted: a  Cal-AV 
2D-40A,
at 17 sq ft wind load and 165 lbs. Needless to say, I'll  wait for a calm
day. But with such a large antenna. I want to make sure the  sling technique
is as sound as possible.



        The weight shouldn't be a  big problem. It's the top-heavy thing that 
you're fighting. BTW you might want  to double-block your haul line for an 
antenna this heavy. That'll cut the haul  weight in half. 
 
Cheers,
Steve    K7LXC
TOWER TECH 



**************Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family 
favorites at AOL Food.      
(http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001)