[TowerTalk] TX-472MDP cable replacement instructions

[Alan Swinger]

Fritz - Recall that the TX-472MDP is a constant tension system. I have the same tower and have replaced the cables and some pulleys twice since I bought it new  in 2010. The first time I had a US Tower tech do it, but their prices have gone into the outrageous range! The last time - about 3 yrs ago - I hired KC1XX, Matt Strelow, who flew down in his plane from NH w/ one helper and re-cabled my tower in 2 hrs (I had all the cables from US Tower) - I had it tilted over w/ antenna off. I am sure it would have taken me a week plus to do what they did in 2 hrs! Matt and team then went to another local Ham and recabled his HDX 472 which was still vertical and carrying his beam and other antennas in another couple of hrs . . . and then flew home to NH! The cost was much less than UST's estimate by half. 

So, suggest you call KC1XX or another pro and pay for somebody who knows what they are doing! . . . unless you are a pro at this challenge.

73, Alan K9MBQ




-----Original Message-----
From: <fritz at k4oaq.com>
Sent: Jun 30, 2021 2:52 PM
To: <TowerTalk at contesting.com>
Subject: [TowerTalk] TX-472MDP cable replacement instructions


I have a US Tower TX-472MDP that needs the cable replaced. I have the 3 cables. I've search internet but can't find any discussion of how to proceed. I've looked at how one might go about it & concluded I can probably do it. Here's my stab at it. 1 - Tilt tower over to horizontal 2 - Unscrew big tension screw (make sure there's no tension in cable) 3 - Carefully look at cables & figure out which one to do first. 4 - Take one end loose. Connect rope or new cable to the loose end. (If you use rope, don't forget to replace it with the new cable.) 5 - Take other end of same cable loose & start pulling. (Solicit XYL to "help" - XYL mite need to be replaced - keep options open.) 6 - Loosen pulleys & screws as needed. 7 - Proceed similarly with remaining two cables. 8 - Reconnect the big tension screw. 9 - Move tower up a foot to see if it works. 10 - If not, add addendum for these instructions. Disclaimer: These instructions might fall under the category of "Fake News"! Advice welcome! Fritz K4OAQ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ TowerTalk mailing list TowerTalk at contesting.com http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk