[TowerTalk] Temporary Mast Guide

[Bob Selbrede, K6ZZ]

Hi Mike,

A mast raising fixture would be a nice addition for the
re-installation but some sort of lower mast support will be
necessary (I think) to keep the mast from tipping or being
"pulled to the side" by the lowering mechanism.  With only
the top plate and thrust bearing in place, I'm worried the
mast will tip after I pull the rotator and then I'll be
hosed...

Bob

----- Original Message Follows -----
From: "Portable" <noddy1211 at sbcglobal.net>
To: <k6zz at ccis.com>, <towertalk at contesting.com>
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Temporary Mast Guide
Date: Mon, 9 Feb 2009 22:31:35 -0800

> How about a Mast Raising fixture from US Towers?
> 
> Mike
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: towertalk-bounces at contesting.com
> [mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Bob
> Selbrede,  Folks,
> 
> Looking for suggestions on how best to support a 27' x
> 3/8" wall crome molly mast while lowering it into the
> tower to access the antennas at the top.  Unfortunately,
> this installation doesn't include a lower mast plate to
> keep the mast centered while raising and lowering the
> mast.  My primary concern is keeping the mast from tipping
> after I pull the rotator.  With 6' in the tower and 21'
> out of the top, as soon as the mast is pulled out of the
> rotator it will want to tip due to the antennas at the top
> of the mast.
> 
> My first inclination is to fabricate a temporary support
> out of unistrut or angle iron and attach it above the
> rotator.  The mast alone weighs 200lbs and the antennas
> add another 100lbs so it needs to be fairly sturdy and
> still allow for unrestricted movement of the mast as it is
> lowered.
> 
> Fortunately this is on a crankup so it doesn't need to be
> done at nose-bleed heights.  When it goes back up I may
> add a lower "mast anchor plate" to aid in pulling rotators
> for service, etc.
> 
> 73, Bob K6ZZ
> 
> _______________________________________________
> 
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> TowerTalk mailing list
> TowerTalk at contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com 
> Version: 8.0.233 / Virus Database: 270.10.19/1941 -
> Release Date: 02/09/09 06:50:00
> 
> _______________________________________________
> 
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> TowerTalk mailing list
> TowerTalk at contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk