This weekend, K0TQ and AB0S spent a whole lot of time (6 hours) on K0WA's
tower replacing the top section, mast, rotor, etc. They put up heavier
stuff in preparation for a larger antenna. I want to thank them publicly.
Although the larger antenna was not ready to ascent to new heights we did
put up a TA-33 until the other antenna (TH-6DXX) is rebuild and ready.
To raise and lower the antenna, we used the tram system described on the
reflector earlier this year. My observations are as follows....
===>Do not use nylon rope. It streaches way to much. Should be a help rope
like a climing robe that will not streach.
===>The sling has to be made just right or problems will occure.
===>A "tiller" needs to be installed to keep the antenna parallel to the
tram line....but...what is the best way to do that?
===>The tram line rope needs to be tied at least 2 to e times higher than
the sling height above the boom.
Here are some of my questions.....
Do you use a come-along to tension the tram line?
Do you use 1/8" aircraft cable for the tram line so there is no flex?
How do people make the sling on the boom? We used norman hemp, tied in the
middle and balanced. Do people you cable that is semi-perminantly installed?
How long is the tiller and does it lead or follow the boom? Does it have
its own pully...or do you use a carabiner? How tight is the tiller attached
to the tram rope/wire...in other words...do you use a rope to attach the
tiller to the tram line or do you use something rigid?
Comments from the experts are needed. The TH6 is waiting and the bands are
getting pretty good.
Thanks people....
Lee Buller
k0wa@southwind.net
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