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

[Mike Fatchett W0MU]

I would rather have the mast twist a bit then have the rotor destroyed.  
My rapidly failing memory....I can remember all the most insignificant 
stuff in the world, thinks someone once made a plate with ridges on it 
that helped.  It you pin it use a shear pin.  You can get them at 
tractor stores they use them in all the PTO lines.

W0MU

On 4/30/2024 4:05 PM, Don Tucker wrote:
> 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
>>
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