Lee Buller wrote:
>
> Ladies and Gentlemen...
>
> IT seems to me that there are a lot of engineering types on the various
> reflectors. I am sure glad they are here, but...... Now, don't get me
> wrong, I like engineers. I wanted to be one, but calculus and girls got in
> the way.
>
> When can something be so over engineered that it is not longer fun, in the
> sense that amateur radio is suppose to be fun? I guess we can talk about
> the fine points of all subjects, but when does it become facts and figures
> and not fun.
>
> Sure, lets have good engineering practice. Lets make sure our towers are
> safe, but are we having fun? I remember the guy who got me into this hobby
> was a railroad telegrapher. He had no engineering degree, but he built
> things by the seat of his pants. He had fun and taught be how to have fun
> with the hobby too. He was on the air very early with SSB, actually DSB,
> but he was on the air with it.
>
> So, can we over engineer this stuff...or can we just have good common sense?
> Are we having fun?
>
> Comments and flames are welcome, but share with the whole community. :-)
>
> Lee 8>)
> k0wa@southwind.net
>
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> Problems: owner-towertalk@contesting.comHowdy!
I am an engineer and an amateur. I had to reduce the height of my first
tower (actually a modified push up pole) by ten feet. I had correctly
analyzed the in-place strength, but it wan't strong enough to stand the
erection stress. I got better and have actually designed some hurricane
proof stuff.
Your point is well taken. Common sense and mechanical aptitude are at
least as important as engineering calculations. Then again a safety
factor is nice....
The best looking and probably strongest installations I have seen have
all been done by technicians, draftsmen, etc. In fact, my stuff doesn't
look all that good - but I am really having fun. Beside having fun, the
other key thought is don't take any chances where safety is concerned.
73 de John ,WA5TWL
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