[TowerTalk] How do I replace the main cable on a motorized telescoping tower?

[Steve Babcock]

Scotty,
Below is a “cut-and-paste” from an old email I sent last year. This is how I replaced the main lift cable on the HDX-589mdpl, but I’m sure the same basic idea can be used.
Can be done with tower standing.

…..be careful…

de steve ve6wz.

> Lali,
> I have replaced the main lift cable twice on my UST-589.
> The last time was about 6 years ago, and my memory is not perfect but I can 
> give you the "basic idea". I don't recall all the details, but you should get 
> the idea as you proceed.
> I have replaced the cables once when the tower was laying down, and another 
> time standing up. It is easiest to do while standing.
> Not sure if yours is up or down.
> 
> 1. Find or get a 6X6' fence post timber or similar large block and stand it 
> **inside** the base, standing on the concrete against one leg, and position it 
> so that the first section will stop on it when cranking the tower down. (by the 
> "first" section, I mean the biggest section being lifted by the lift cable).
> The idea is to "rest" the tower on this block when the tower is cranked down. 
> If I recall I used about a 3' or 4' timber. The tower cannot be fully retracted 
> but almost all the way down.
> **do not crank the tower down yet or you will break the pull-down cable**
> 
> 2. **block all the sections with heavy gauge pipe** very carefully for safety 
> in case anything breaks (you don't want to get your hans sliced off) and then 
> reach inside and **disconnect the pull down cable** which is attached to the 
> top section.
> 
> 3. **pull out the pipe blocks**, and then engage the motor to crank the tower 
> down.....the main lift cable will go slack when it stops on the supporting 
> timber. The tower is now resting on the support timber.
> 
> 4. **re-block the tower for safety** and replace the main lift and or sheaves 
> as needed. I pulled the new lift cable into the tower using the old one to make 
> sure I got it right.
> 
> If your tower is lying down, the same procedure applies, but you may need to 
> use a come-a-long to remove the tension.
> The key is to remove the pull-down cable.
> 
> good luck, and be careful.
> 
> de steve VE6WZ
> 
> 
> On 2016-06-27, at 4:26 PM, Lali wrote:
> 
> > Dear All,
> > 
> > I am looking for a step by step instruction how to replace the #9 base cable.
> > I talked to USTOWER but they don't have anything like that.
> > 
> > Thanks,
> > 
> > Lali, VE3NE
> 
> On Jul 7, 2017, at 8:53 AM, Scotty <scotty at ashiko.com> wrote:
> 
> 
> Needs some advice on the procedure to replace the main cable on a telescoping 3-section tower that is motorized with positive pull-down.  It is a US Tower TX455MDP and was bought 24 years ago from US Tower, back in 1993. Many strands are broken and there is no doubt this main cable must be replaced.  I investigated the other cable and it is fine and will not be replaced.  I have removed the old main cable.  I have a 100 foot long replacement cable.  3/16 inch 7 x 19 GAC with the loop and thimble with compression sleeve installed on one end.
> 
> Advise is requested or a step by step procedure to install the new main cable would be great.
> 
> Scotty W7SW
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