[TowerTalk] Putting in First Tower

[K7LXC at aol.com]

>  Well the weather here in Colorado is finally getting to  the point where 
I need to get of my backside and start setting plans to get my  first tower 
put up here in Loveland, Co. I have 6 10? sections and one top  section 
plus 1 8? section (all 25G). Depending on who I have talked to in person  I 
have got mixed information on using burring the 8? section or setting a base  
plate for the tower. Which is the better route? 
 
Howdy -
 
        Wow - whole books have been  written on this topic. In fact I 
suggest you get my UP THE TOWER book available  from _www.championradio.com_ 
(http://www.championradio.com) . It was  written for you and will answer most of 
your questions. 
 
        I recommend burying the  bottom section in concrete. Tower erection 
with a base plate and temporary guys  has more potential problems. 
 
>  Also In my google searches I have found not tied and true  method (free 
info) for the depth of the whole to dig for the base and how to set  the 
rebar be it I go with encasing a tower section in cement or with purchasing  a 
base plate for the tower. Below is what I know that I need to do:
- Cement needs to be 3000 PSI rated
- I want to go  bigger on the whole just in case I want to go higher than 
what I currently have  on hand
 
        Don't bother - the size  doesn't have any effect on the height or 
capacity of a guyed tower. The base  mostly just keeps the tower from 
sinking. 
 
>  What I do not know:
- Best way to  accomplish digging of the hole and setting it up for the 
tower
 
            These  are relatively small holes that can be dug by hand. Feel 
free to use a little  excavator if you want. 

- Disturbed or  undisturbed
- Rebar pattern
- Dimensions (x by y by z (where z is the depth)
 
            You  should get a copy of the Rohn catalog for these specs. You 
can find an online  one via a google search. 

- How to properly setup the anchors for the guy  wires
 
            Rohn  catalog. 
 
>      - Can I guy to the same point from  different heights if my height 
requires a guy at ?a" feet and another at ?b?  feet.
 
            Yes.  


Cheers & GL,
Steve      K7LXC
TOWER TECH
and 
Champion Radio Products
Cell: 206-890-4188