[AK-VHF] Hazer cable failure

[Edward R Cole]

Follow-up:

Cable is 1/8-inch 7-19 galvanized cable with working strength of 
400-lbs, and breaking force of 2,000-lbs.  My load is around 100-lbs 
so guess the cable was shot!

I've found a local replacement which I will likely pick up tomorrow 
and install on Friday.  Also will need a new safety break-bar which 
will be steel this time (about 5-inch by 1/4-inch bar 
stock).  Original aluminum bar broke in two pieces with the force of 
falling array and Hazer cage across steel cross bar of the 
tower.  Might look for a new hard hat (old own is probably out of 
cert.). Noggin is OK.
------------
In other news, I think I have figured out why 1296 was not working 
and was simple wiring error of 12vdc for TR relay.  So that should be 
functional by Saturday, providing the cable replacement goes well 
(hoping to use old cable to pull new cable thru the tower-top pulley 
to avoid climbing the tower).

I still need to remove the 900-MHz 60w amp to gain access to 
re-install preamp.  Maybe get that done on Friday if enough time and wx nice.

Be fun to try two new bands during the Saturday Net.

73, Ed - KL7UW



At 01:14 AM 7/4/2016, Edward R Cole wrote:
>While lowering my 2m-eme array tonight the winch cable broke and the 
>array free-fell about five feet. Fortunately it was almost fully lowered.
>
>Don't think there is any damage to the Hazer though I had the brake 
>disengaged to lower it  The bottom edge of the Hazer cage stopped at 
>the winch level so antennas did not impact anything (still about 3-4 
>feet above ground).  But something hit my head at the end of travel 
>which caused some bleeding and a little pain.  I'm thinking the 
>bottom edge of a fiberglass equipment box was it and not anything 
>metal (luckily).  Guess I will wear my hard hat for raising/lowering 
>the array from now on.
>
>I had just been looking at the cable unreeling from the winch and 
>noticing some rust; wondering how long one could have use of cable 
>before needing replacement.  Turned out only seconds.  Cable failed 
>(pulled apart just a few inches out of the winch).  It was 
>originally installed in 1998 (so guess I discovered its life-cycle).
>
>I'll order replacement from Glenn-Martin Tower (maker of the winch 
>and Hazer) and will have to climb to top of 50-foot Rohn-25 tower to 
>re-string the cable as a knot in the cable will not pass thru the 
>tower-top pulley.
>
>Temp QRT on 2m-eme and local 2m-SSB.
>
>73, Ed - KL7UW
>http://www.kl7uw.com
>     "Kits made by KL7UW"
>Dubus Mag business:
>     dubususa at gmail.com

73, Ed - KL7UW
http://www.kl7uw.com
     "Kits made by KL7UW"
Dubus Mag business:
     dubususa at gmail.com