evandewindt Posted July 18, 2011 Share Posted July 18, 2011 I found a guy who is selling a radio tower near my house and is willing to deliver it. I took a look at it today and it has alot of surface rust and could probably look really nice with some TLC.My only concern is going above 25' with my mega tree incase something gives during a wind storm and the tower goes crashing into a neighbors yard possibly hurting someone or something.is this tower worth $300 or should i keep looking??http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/for/2474095541.htmli really do like the idea of being able to climb my mega tree to attach the lights and other things without having to rent a lift.I thougt about just buying it and using one section to stay at 20' but having the convenience of climbing the tower. The guy has to sell it by the weekend so maybe he will get desperate and sell it to me for really cheap...what are your guys thoughts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 19, 2011 Share Posted July 19, 2011 you need a base...need to consider that when it comes to erecting and stabilizing it. The pic suggests you have some, but not all, you need. But for a short 20 foot section, you could definitely improvise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg Young Posted July 19, 2011 Share Posted July 19, 2011 There is a lot that goes into anchoring a tower. The base is the most important part.Having 3 towers currently (Rohn 25G - 25 ft tower, Rohn HDBX - 40 foot tower, and Universal Aluminum - 100 foot tower - all freestanding, nonguyed) and having ibeen involved in the installation of many more over the years, I have some experience. Even my small 25 ft tower (for satellite work) required a good concrete base. You also need to consider the mix of concrete required for the specific application you have in mind. A call to the tower manufacturer can provide you that information.Why the fuss about a proper base? Why not just dig a section of the tower into the ground to serve as a base? Because you are talking about physically climbing it. That changes the picture significantly.Assuming you don't want to go through all of this, for what may only be temporary (seasonal) use, I would suggest you look into either a jump up pole, winch system, etc or renting a lift. Either of those approaches are much safer than climbing a tower.GregPS I assume you know even for a "short climb" you would need to purchase a climbing harness, etc... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dale J Posted July 19, 2011 Share Posted July 19, 2011 I totaly agree with Greg, dont buy it. it is not what you need for a mega tree, if you plan on becomming a ham and doing some hf work then ok. but yes you will need to dig a big hole and buy a couple of yards of concrete. there are many other ideas out there for mega tree supports. (dont buy the tower) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 19, 2011 Share Posted July 19, 2011 From a cost standpoint, and with the very valid risks that Greg laid out re climbing, would agree it is not a good approach.I do like Dale J's other suggestion...get your ham ticket..then buy the tower...:cool: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evandewindt Posted July 19, 2011 Author Share Posted July 19, 2011 Thanks for all the great advice guys! In years past I've just been using a 20' flag pole and attach everything to a clip then just hoist it up. I usually attach three guy wires to keep it stable in the wind. It's been working well except a couple years back it snapped in half and came crashing down.I did plan to pour a concrete base for it and keep the tower under 30 feet. Kinda random but I actually do have a fall harness, I have it from my old job and it's basically brand new...I had also planned to use the structure of the tower for an an industrial look/decoration during Halloween... Was thinking of using some uplighting on the inside with some strobes ..Guess I still have alot to consider.. The main thing being the concrete block I'll have to pour... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg Young Posted July 20, 2011 Share Posted July 20, 2011 evandewindt wrote: Thanks for all the great advice guys! In years past I've just been using a 20' flag pole and attach everything to a clip then just hoist it up. I usually attach three guy wires to keep it stable in the wind. It's been working well except a couple years back it snapped in half and came crashing down.I did plan to pour a concrete base for it and keep the tower under 30 feet. Kinda random but I actually do have a fall harness, I have it from my old job and it's basically brand new...I had also planned to use the structure of the tower for an an industrial look/decoration during Halloween... Was thinking of using some uplighting on the inside with some strobes ..Guess I still have alot to consider.. The main thing being the concrete block I'll have to pour...Since you are going that route, be sure to call the tower manufacturer if you don't have the instructions that came with the tower. They will advise the you of the correct dimensions for its base, as well as the type of reinforcement suggested (rebar pattern) and the mix of concrete that should be used.Remember also that with your tower, since it is going to be a permanent install, you will need to ground the tower's legs (all 3) using a strapped ground system to avoid any ground potential differences (which becomes a major factor in lightning strikes). To do this properly we are talking 3 ground rods, each a minimum of 8 feet in length.Do it right, do it once! Good luck!Greg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J_Plak Posted July 20, 2011 Share Posted July 20, 2011 also I totally agree with CQ CQ Greg,and check to see if you can put up a radio tower on your land Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg Young Posted July 20, 2011 Share Posted July 20, 2011 J_Plak wrote: also I totally agree with CQ CQ Greg,and check to see if you can put up a radio tower on your land--... ...-- .--- . .-. .-. -.----. .-. . --. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Amedee Posted July 20, 2011 Share Posted July 20, 2011 73JERYGREG--... ...-- .--- . .-. .-. -.----. .-. . --. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J_Plak Posted July 20, 2011 Share Posted July 20, 2011 73GREG_RON--... ...-- .--- . .-. .-. -.----. .-. . --. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Amedee Posted July 20, 2011 Share Posted July 20, 2011 Had not realized how long it's been since I used Morse Code !!! Best regards !One of my ex wives sold all my gear 28 years ago..Made me lose intrest I guess. My 140' Rohn tower hurt the most !!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Don Gillespie Posted July 21, 2011 Share Posted July 21, 2011 Ron Amedee wrote: Had not realized how long it's been since I used Morse Code !!! Best regards !One of my ex wives sold all my gear 28 years ago..Made me lose intrest I guess. My 140' Rohn tower hurt the most !!!Now I get it, I thought there was something wrong with my computer morse code good way to keep the rest of the guys out of the loop including me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 21, 2011 Share Posted July 21, 2011 "reading" it, like on these posts, is much different than copying it by ear. By ear, it becomes a second language...you hear words, not letters... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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