Mike,
A friend of mine in Vermont, WJ1Z, used a Dayton-Lainson motorized winch
w/ clutch system on a crankup lattice tower, for several years. Worked
fine.
Still working, far as I know.
But he didn't leave it in the weather. I would permanently mount it, simply
moving the cable from the hand winch to the motorized unit. I say would...
I intend to, come Spring, when I put my tower up. It can't be remoted,
but that's not a big deal.
Jim
-----Original Message-----
From: Michael Hatzakis, Jr [mailto:mikehatzakis@yahoo.com]
Sent: Tuesday, August 19, 2003 07:00
To: K7LXC@aol.com; David@giuliani.org; jimjarvis@comcast.net
Cc: towertalk@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] MA-550 advice...
A few comments. I agree with all of Steve's comments also.
1. MA-550 is easy to raise and lower with the hand crank, but if you do
it more than a few times a week, all the way up and down, it can get tiring.
I raise or lower it half-way maybe once or twice a week and it's not a big
problem. The weight of 435 lbs is much easier to handle and was an easy
install. To move than the 900+ lbs with the motor and the extra $1400 or so
is signfiicant. The crank over package is a must for antenna maintenance.
2. I've heard of people buying Dayton engineering winches as an
aftermarket modification. Everyone I have heard of has said good things
about this approach. I was about to buy one when the manufacturer would not
warrantee it if it were used vertically rather than the spec'd horizontal.
I decided to wait and see.
3. Despite a permit and no applicable CC&R, used this tower to reduce
visible impact. It's a big improvement over my old lattice-type tower in
terms of looks. When it's all the way up, there are some visitors to my
place who say they didnt even notice it driving by.
4. The MARB-550 and MAF-550 are very solid and have no concerns about
their ability to handle the tower. I used a 4 x 4 x almost 6' base. I am
not worried about the base, even though I added the US Tower 20 mast. I
lower it if the wind picks up. It is close to the house and even though it
makes me nervous being so close, I dn't feel the need to mess with the
factory design. The rotor base in my opinion is a must. Having a rotor at
the base is terrific and a Tailtwister moves it without hesitation.
5. Suggest buying a wx monitor such as the Davis Engineering to keep track
of wind at the tower top. I have alarms set at 25mph. It does sway in the
wind and creaks occassionally.
Bottom line. I love the tower. It's a great system. If you would like
photos to help you decide, let me know. Good luck.
Michael K3MH
Michael Hatzakis, Jr MD
Physiatrist, Treating Individuals with Neuromuscular Disabilities
Consultant, Information Technology Based Health Care Solutions
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