[TowerTalk] Falling limbs on guys

[Dennis W0JX]

This issue is precisely why I elected back in 1977 to invest in a freestanding tower. In my first, second, third, and fourth homes (I've moved quite a bit), either the lot sizes, or presence of many trees, prevented a guyed tower situation. I started with a 60 foot Universal tower and added bottom and top sections to a height of 80 feet.

Now I have a situation where the antenna system has grown in wind load and I must consider some type of safety guy system to protect the tower. It is surrounded by big, taller (85 feet and higher) trees. This was a deliberate strategy to hide the tower from neighbors and the public. (BTW, I have never had a tower permit - even in the socialist republic of Minneapolis, MN.)

After 12 years at this QTH, I can predict with a high degree of certainty, where the trees and limbs will fall. Study these patterns and see if you can clear enough space for the guys to be relatively free of this potential falling debris.

Better yet, consider one of the strong, free-standing AN Wireless or Trylon steel towers. When you add up the cost of all of the guy wire, turnbuckles, insulators, anchors, and concrete of the not only the base but also of the guy concrete PLUS the cost of tree-trimming to accommodate the guy system, you might be surprised to find that the cost difference between the two systems is not that great.

73, Dennis W0JX/8
Milan, OH