[TowerTalk] First Tower

[Edwin Karl]

Larry:

You are wise to plan on paper before trying anything...

To that end, first find out what the wind speed is in your area. RS-222 
is the standard for
tower load and design. if I recall. Then plan accordingly. Do not get 
the idea you can guy
a free standing design to make it "stronger". You will merely add to the 
compression load
on the tower and could cause a collapse.

I think most tower manufacturers can give legitimate wind load spec, 
just make sure it's
the same speed as you encounter in your location. Be careful putting the 
rotor on top
of the tower with a medium or smaller antenna. It strains the bearings 
and could fracture
the casting that is added to the bottom of the rotor. That's what thrust 
bearings are for.

Look carefully at the design of the concrete base. In my opinion, most 
drawings for
"ham" towers are inadequate in most soil. Again my opinion, bigger is 
better for tower
foundations. You might look at EHam reviews of manufacturers. Some are 
better than others.

Often overlooked is cost of insurance. Check with your broker to see if 
the "auxiliary structure" is
covered by the company.

Good Luck, We're All Counting On You ...!"

ed K0KL