[SixClub] tower questions

[Mike (KA5CVH) Urich]

On 11/29/05, Ben Ramler <ben_ramler2002 at yahoo.com> wrote:

> Now could I get some guidence on towers? I never owned
> one before and I was wondering the most cost effective
> ones are? is there even such a thing?

Mike wrote

Roger gave you some good advise and I would only add a couple of post
scripts to it.

IMHO

First, join tower talk
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/Towertalk there is a
wealth of knowledge and resources on that list and I believe Roger is
a regular contributor there.

Second, determine what you want to do with the tower. I.E. how many
and which antennas etc.  This will allow you to know how much weight
and wind load you need to support.  Now you can begin looking at
various towers and see just how much tower you need to support that
effort for given height and winds common to your locale.  For larger
projects or coastal locations this will start limiting your choices
real quick.  Generally speaking height will equal wind load / budget.

Third, I'm in the process of moving out of the city (LaPorte, a
Houston Suburb) to the country to get away from high taxes & insurance
and the ability to erect towers.  I'm planning on a going with an AN
Wireless Tower http://www.anwireless.com I have swapped a few emails
with the founder/owner and have found his responses to questions to be
very prompt, simple and courteous.  I think they are just waiting on
me to place my order now.  My first tower project once we move is a
70' tower with loooong C3i yagi's for 50/144/222/432 with my CX-333
vertical on top.  I'm going with LMR feedline, Yeasu rotor, and have
yet to decide on which mast head pre-amps yet. I'm also going to hang
a G5RV off it as well.

Last, you can see my little modest neighborhood tower here. 
http://www.ka5cvh.com/photos/thumbnails.php?album=9 I did a few things
wrong but learned from the project.  Right now the only thing on my
tower is the CX-333. Everything else is being gathered, inventoried
and stored for the move.

As always, YMMV

--
Mike Urich, KA5CVH
http://ka5cvh.com