[AK-VHF] [Moon-Net] 2m Array Down

[Edward R Cole]

I may have a backup to the 2m-eme array (maybe).  I installed two 
11-element KLM yagis in Vpol above my 6m eme yagis.  So all move with 
az-el.  The KLM yagis are rated for 2 kW PEP.  I would have to 
retrofit one of my 2m-eme preamps and TR relay to run eme on those 
antenna.  KLM claimed 13 dBd gain (I wonder).

I have 50-foot of LDF4-50A 1/2-inch line to the tower base and 
33-foot of LMR-600 up the tower.  Two-way splitter is made of RG-11 
with LMR-400 phasing lines.  Driven elements are folded dipoles with 
coax baluns.

Assessing the situation later.

73, Ed - KL7UW

At 08:49 AM 11/2/2020, Edward R Cole via Moon-net wrote:
>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:
>   dubususa at gmail.com
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73, Ed - KL7UW
   http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
   dubususa at gmail.com