[Boatanchors] Guy Wire Insulator Placement

[Glen Zook]

Unfortunately, aluminum towers are just not as sturdy as steel towers!  A while back, I helped a local amateur radio operator get his quad out of his neighbor's tree when the aluminum tower failed in a windstorm.  The load on the tower was significantly LESS than the rating.  I have heard of similar problems with aluminum towers elsewhere.

Also, a 60-foot self supporting tower  that can support any reasonably sized yagi is going to be pretty wide at the base.  Most towers are not installed using "Johnny balls"!  The vast majority are installed using a section installed in concrete poured in a hole against undisturbed soil.
 
Glen, K9STH


Website:  http://k9sth.com


________________________________
 From: Rob Atkinson <ranchorobbo at gmail.com>
To: Bill Stewart <cwopr at embarqmail.com> 
Cc: boatanchors <boatanchors at mailman.qth.net> 
Sent: Tuesday, July 23, 2013 10:20 PM
Subject: Re: [Boatanchors] Guy Wire Insulator Placement
 

If you only want to go up 50 or 60 feet, I'd consider a free standing
tower.  Then johhny balls and guys are a moot subject.
I'm told the Mosely TA33 is a good beam, but only covers 10, 15 and
20.   Have you considered a quad?   Work well at low heights; small
turning radius.

A 40 foot free standing aluminum tower could be wenched over for work
on the ground.

important question re tower height:  what is your local topography
like?   i.e., tower down in a hole; up on a hill, on flat ground...?

Just some ideas but disclaimer:  I have never owned a tower, never
owned a beam, rotator, any of that and never been a big DX chaser or
high band op.  just a dipole here at 35 feet for the high bands.  All
information above is from listening and reading.

One thing I'd avoid is those cable/pulley crank ups.  Unless you are a
professional mechanic and really know how to treat them, I'd stay away
from them.