[TowerTalk] Equalizer plate dimensions

[Grant Saviers]

Two comments from my perspective,

1. Are you sure the crankup you have is designed for guys?  The UST 
crankups with guys have mechanical locks when each section is extended.  
They must be released to lower the tower.  The UST HDX-589 provided PE 
calcs and done by my PE show slim (IMO) safety margin in the hoist 
cable, so guying it above the bottom section would be a bad idea.  The 
sum of all the vertical components of guy tensions (9 guys for your 
tower) plus the tower dead load must be within the cable and pulley 
assembly load capacities at the maximum rated wind speed.  A tall order 
IMO again.

2. Each tower is different but pivoting equalizers are not used on all 
towers.  The Rohn R65 concrete anchors guy attach plates are welded to 
the rods that go into the 4x6x2' buried concrete dead men.  In that case 
the rods are set at a specific angle w.r.t ground and each guy then 
pre-tensions equally.  There is little tension interaction since the 
plate can move only by bending the rod.  Not so with a pivoting 
equalizer.  It isn't clear to me why a pivoting equalizer is good for 
the tower in high winds.  Can other tower-talkians explain how?

Grant KZ1W

On 8/2/2018 13:43 PM, David Aslin G3WGN wrote:
> Hi Towertalkians,
> I have a pair of telescopic towers that are similar in size to a US Tower HDX-589.  The manufacturer specifies guying at 3 levels, but does not provide equalizer plates.  I'm mindful of the Towertalk prime directive, but as the manufacturer is no longer in business, I can't consult them on this topic.  Seems to me that equalizer plates are a wise precaution at this high wind location, but I'm open to the wisdom of the Towertalk crowd.
> In order to fabricate some 3-way equalizer plates I need dimensions of, for example, the Rohn equalizer plates.  Would any kind soul care to measure theirs or provide a specsheet that shows plate thickness, hole sizes and placements? The Rohn catalog is silent on the key points!
> 73, David G3WGN  M6O
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