[TowerTalk] Raising a mast on a tower with antennas still on it

[Don Tucker]

Appreciate all the ideas, especially use of the simple muffler clamp(s) 
for holding the mast from slipping back down. I had looked at a 2-piece 
2-inch shaft collar at $12 plus shipping, but it was blue oxide carbon 
steel, here on the coast a no no (and I want to leave it on the mast). 
Found a SS version for just a bit less than 3X the regular steel price, 
but still a lot more expensive than muffler clamps, (but couldn't leave 
the muffler clamp in place).

Since I only need about 6 inches of rise it looks like a small hydraulic 
jack or similar might work, will need to look again at clearances.

Yes, to get to the rotator, the inner section must be held out when the 
tower sections are lowered. I've some steel to put through the section 
and can secure it (even though the down weight forces of the 
section/mast/rotator/beams will be more than enough to keep the cross 
piece from slipping). This is the only downside I have re crankups, 
rotator access.

Questions - what's the general feeling about pining the mast to the 
rotator? I've done both over the last near 70 years. Is there a better 
rotator mast clamp than what comes with the T2X's (I do shim as 
necessary)? Our _peak_ winds in the winter rarely exceed 90 MPH and over 
the last 23 years average at 70 max.

I own the the original HyGain electric tower raising package for the 
HG-70HD, but have never broken it out of the boxes. 500 cranks up and 
500 down, good for the soul (and arms). The home-built tilt over fixture 
modeled on the TRX-80 is a 4 pulley system so it takes awhile to see 
action when tilting. That I would like to motorize -  at 88 my cranking 
stamina is someone diminished!!!

Great ideas on so many topics from all the TowerTalk users. Tnx folks!

Don W7WLL


On 4/30/2024 7:27 AM, Mike Fatchett W0MU wrote:
> Excellent point!  Something I do out of habit but failed to describe.
>
> W0MU
>
> On 4/30/2024 1:12 AM, Leeson wrote:
>> Please be sure to use redundant means of supporting the mast and 
>> antennas. There was an frightening accident a number of years ago 
>> when the bolts on a thrust bearing holding a mast snapped and it fell 
>> back down, trapping the climber by the hands. Don't let this happen 
>> to you! For example, use an extra muffler clamp or two on the mast at 
>> the tower top to secure it.
>>
>> Dave W6NL
>>
>> On 4/29/24 4:59 PM, Mike Fatchett W0MU wrote:
>>> You should be able to secure the mast and tie back to the tower in 3 
>>> places holding it in place. You must have the tower cranked up 
>>> enough to access the rotor.  pull the plate holding the mast, remove 
>>> rotor and rotor plate if needed. Reverse to put in. Alternatively 
>>> rent a crane or a man life. You can also crank up the mast if you 
>>> have the rotor out with a bottle jack or clamp a come along end to 
>>> the mast and tie the other end above and crank away.
>>>
>>> All much easier on a Rohn tower with bearing.
>>>
>>> W0MU Mike
>
> _______________________________________________
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> TowerTalk mailing list
> TowerTalk at contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk