[Boatanchors] FS: AB 577/GRC Mast system

[Dave]

Greetings;

AB-577/GRC mast system, complete:

*Description*

The AB-577 mast is an all-aluminum tower designed to be field deployed 
by one or more people. It does not require a prepared surface or 
foundation of any kind. The kit consists of a launcher, eight tube 
sections, guy wires and all hardware and tools to assemble a 50 foot 
mast (see complete parts list below). Useful for any application 
requiring a temporary or permanent tower such as lighting, surveillance, 
emergency communications or RF survey work. The quick erection time also 
makes the mast very useful for antenna experimentation and use in 
neighborhoods where a permanently installed tower is not allowed.

*Erection*

Tower and guy locations are laid out using the supplied radius rope. The 
tube carrier is removed from the launcher and the locking pins for the 
brake, the elevator and the winch reel are removed. The top adapter is 
attached to a mast section and the mast section is installed and locked 
with the brake in the top of the launcher. The top guy ring is installed 
over the top adapter section and the longest guy wires are connected to 
the guy ring. The antenna may be attached to the top adapter at this 
time or after the launcher has been guyed. Anchors are installed and the 
base of the launcher is pinned to the ground. The first set of guy wires 
is connected to the top of the launcher and adjusted using the built in 
level to hold the launcher in a vertical position. The elevator 
mechanism is lowered to the bottom of its travel. A tube is inserted and 
clamped to the already installed top section. The brake is released and 
the winch is used to raise the elevator platform and tube to its 
uppermost position. The mast is locked in place and the elevator is 
lowered back to the bottom. Another tube is installed and the process is 
repeated. During the installation of the fifth tube the middle guy ring 
and associated guy wires are attached to the mast. When all mast 
sections have been installed, the guy wires are secured to the anchors 
and tensioned. Under windy conditions or when erecting to 75 feet, the 
guy wires should be tended by additional people to maintain the tower in 
a perfectly vertical position. The entire mast sits on a bearing 
assembly and may be rotated from the base using the supplied wrench. 
This allows for antenna positioning from the ground without the use of a 
rotor.

*
Parts List for AB-577/GRC*

Description

	

Qty

Mast base (launcher)

	

1

Carrier assembly (for mast sections)

	

1

Mast section (5 inch diameter)

	

8

Bag, roll type (for anchor components and tools)

	

1

Anchor, guy (36" screw type)

	

3

Stake, guy GP-112 (rock and ice stake)

	

3

Stake, GP-2

	

4

Bag, BG-102 (for guys and accessories)

	

1

Guy assembly, blue (36 or 39 feet)

	

3

Guy assembly, white (44 or 47 feet)

	

3

Guy assembly, red (62 or 65 feet)

	

3

Guy attaching ring, top

	

1

Guy attaching ring, middle

	

1

Adapter, antenna (top section 2.35" dia. x 7" H)

	

1

Clamp, rim clenching (joins sections)

	

8

Halyard (radius rope)

	

1

Winch assembly (gearbox and handle)

	

1

Wrench, spanner (for rotating mast from base)

	

1

Technical manual (Reproduction)

	

1

Hammer, 6 or 8 lb

	

1


The mast system has not been used in several years and has been stored 
in my container warehouse. It was purchased as a "second tower" for use 
with long wire antennas. There is a second AB577 mounted to the rear of 
my 21' travel trailer (which has a complete station and will soon be for 
sale) which provided the second support.

The system is in excellent mechanical condition showing normal wear and 
cosmetics.

I prefer pick up as shipping will be quite expensive. I will deliver 
within 100 miles of Houston, TX for the cost of gasoline (truck gets 
18mpg). If I have a committed sale I will bring the system to the Austin 
Summerfest in August or to the Texas City Hamfest.

Reason for sale: The local HAMS seem to have very little interest in 
portable operations. I have not been able to put together a team for any 
portable operations such as IOTA or Grid chasing in several years.At age 
76 doing a "one man" is getting to be a bit difficult.

PRICE: FOB 77328  $875.00 firm.

Dave, W5WP