[NLRS] US tower MA series question

Tue, 19 Aug 2003 07:42:57 -0500

I have not done the complete investigation and analysis of the TX Series 
like I did of the MA series.

They appear to be slightly better:
http://www.texastowers.com/txseries.htm with the 10.3 sq.ft. at 70 MPH, but 
they show nothing at 80 and nothing for ice load. Minnesota is an 80 MPH 
wind district, and I think I remember some ice up there.

They do not have the weld problem on the base that I mentioned on the MA 
series. BTW that particular problem can be eliminated by building your own 
base. But they still only carry an 50 MPH wind rating extended, and no ice.

I would be more comfortable about the TX series, but extended it does not 
meet the standard design spec in the extended position for your 
location.  So it comes down to whether the building department will let you 
put it up, and is willing to give you the benefit of the doubt by saying 
the retracted specs are good enough for them.

If I was going to keep it down 90% of the time, and would put in a weather 
station to warn me about high winds, and never leave the place unless the 
tower was retracted, (I think I covered my ass enough there) I would try to 
put one up. They are very neighbor friendly.

My only thought is how much does a TX 472 give you over a TX 455? is it 
worth it? Depends mainly on the local terrain. the only reason I mention it 
is because the "fall zone" on a 55 foot tower is smaller than a 72 foot 
tower,and might make a difference in with the local officials depending on 
your lot size.

Steve

At 05:48 PM 8/16/2003, John P. Toscano wrote:
>Steven H Sawyers (na0ia) wrote (about the US Towers tubular towers):
>
>>Even retracted, there is another problem: The base that holds the tower 
>>has a very critical weld to the flange that is over-stressed unless it 
>>has been x-rayed. (and they don't)
>
>Steve, is this also a problem with their lattice style towers?  I almost 
>got a screaming deal on a used TX-472 (72-foot crank up, tilt-over), but 
>it slipped away from me.  I continue to lust after one, but not if it is 
>not mechanically sound.
>
>John (W0JT)
>
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