[TowerTalk] "Roll your own" tower/mast.

[Roger (K8RI)]

jimlux wrote:
> veblencf wrote:
>   
>> John, This may be a bit simplistic but it may also resolve
>> your issues.
>> It has recently come to my attention that my local PUD while
>> removing power poles that have been trimmed by a fast moving
>> vehicle have needed a way to conveniently dispose of these
>> power poles that are now excess to their needs. Also, they
>> are no longer tall enough to match the other power poles.
>> The crews removing the poles have been known to leave them
>> on various neighbors property in a upright position suitable
>> for use as antenna. Did I mention that these dimensionally
>> challenged poles still range in length from 45 to 60 feet
>> long??, this is down from their original height of 90 feet
>> prior to “ vehicular pruning”?? 
>>
>>     
>
> Indeed..this is a good source for poles.  And you can stack them (either 
> one on the end of the other, like W6AM did, or 2-3 on the bottom in a 
> triangle holding up another one as a second tier).  As you say, a lot 
> depends on acquiring them through informal channels, and if you can get 
> them to help you plant them that's even better.  After all, the same 
> truck that moves them around often has a big auger on it to dig the 
> hole. Depends a lot on whether it's a civil servant or a contractor 
> doing the work, and the vigorousness of the current campaign on "fraud 
> waste and abuse".
>
> There *is* a downside to wooden poles.  I've not had to climb many 
> telephone poles in my life, and I'll be perfectly happy to never have to 
> climb another of those splinter ridden things again.
You haven't really  lived until you've "hugged' a telephone pole.
Don't ask and I'm still trying to forget.
However I could give a very graphic description of what happens when 
your climbers lose their grip if anyone really needs to know.

73

Roger (K8RI)

>   My friends who 
> have worked for cable TV companies (and climbed many a pole) are even 
> more vehement in their comments.  Bucket trucks rule!
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