I typically doubt people who speak in absolutes.
If crank up towers were such a problem, why would they continue to be sold?
Personally, I've had crank up towers most of my ham career (since 19667. I
have not had any problems.
Around the late 60's or early 70's, I bought a very tall Heights aluminum
crank up tower (forget the exact height....in the eighty's). I had a 24'
mast out of the top. I had no problems. Almost everyone else I knew who
had an aluminum non-crankup tower had them come down...even though rated as
"self supporting" and even though they guyed them, they still came down.
What conclusion should one draw from that? Maybe none?
In 1980 I bought my first house and I bought a Hy-Gain HG54HD. Worked fine,
never a problem. Had a xmas tree of 4L monobands (10 15 20) on it. Around
1987, I moved and bought a Tristao (later US Tower) TX472....I also "moved"
the HG54 to the new qth.
Both are up, both no problems. Last year I replaced the cabling on the
TX472 as a precaution. This year I'll be doing the same (if it doesn't snow
before I get to it) on the HG54. I have never had anything bind, stick,
break, etc. I love these towers.
I have multiple monobanders, including 40m. I also have wires on 80 and 160
hanging off the crankups that are NOT balanced...they pull to one side. I
even had a 2L triband quad (fixed south) mounted on a leg of the TX472. It
is mounted on the top of the 2nd (from the botton) section. Still no
problems. Neither has positive-pull down.
I don't like climbing (acrophobia), so crankups are the answer for me. And
belive me, my wife appreciates NO GUY WIRES.
de Doug KR2Q
_______________________________________________
See: http://www.mscomputer.com for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless Weather
Stations", and lot's more. Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with any questions
and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.
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