[AK-VHF] 2m Array Down

[Edward R Cole]

We've had very strong winds yesterday and today.  I discovered my 2m 
array came down last night.  My wife heard a big noise about 9pm and 
thought something hit the house.

The array was mounted on a Hazer lift and it appears it dropped which 
indicates the brake failed and maybe the hauling cable broke, as 
well.  The array stopped before hitting the ground so antennas look 
OK, but the 50-foot Rohn-25 tower is bent near the base.  All the 
guys went slack but this is normal when the array is lowered.  I 
realized that the top guys to the tower were not attached (which is 
normal for operating eme).  Had they been attached to the guys the 
tower might have survived.

Still strong winds so have not gone out to inspect, closely.  I 
suspecting one of the Hazer guy attachment gave way to cause the tower damage.

At this late in the season, probably unlikely to get tower down for 
repair (if possible).  It will take a boom truck to pick it off (not 
safe to climb).  Ground has been rain soaked for the last month or 
tow so will not likely support a boom truck.

6m eme array looks fine.  4.9m dish was removed last month and is on 
the ground with weights on the edge.  Pictures later.

73, Ed - KL7UW
   http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
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