In a message dated 2/8/2006 2:37:29 P.M. Pacific Standard Time,
penwiper@bis.midco.net writes:
> Steve what determines when to replace the Cable on the Tower Winch?
Hi, Phillip --
The industry standards are:
1) damage to the cable. This means deformed, kinked or obvious damage.
2) broken strands. You can have up to 6 broken strands and still be in spec.
3) rust. Real rust - not just surface rust.
To be honest, I haven't seen a ham tower cable that was bad enough to be
replaced. Especially based on the above criteria. I'll bet you a nickel that
yours isn't that bad either.
> I have a HDX 555 tower and would like to replace it with the Original
Size Cable or one size larger.
Oops - you have to go with the original size; the whole tower is designed
around it.
If in doubt, WWUSTS? What would US Tower say? Your job is to follow the
manufacturer's specs.
> If things go right I will also put an Electric Winch on the Tower. Do you
sell this kind of Cable or could you steer me to where I can get the Good
Cable. My old cable isn't frayed but I am redoing the tower and Coax and
antenna system and want to get it right the first time. I can't afford a
screw-up
cause things only happen when the WX is 25 to 35 below zero.
In the remote chance that you actually need new cables, get them from
the factory.
As far as adding a winch to your tower, it's not an easy job plus the
main haul cable will have to be replaced as it's probably too short for a
winch. You need more cable to go thru the winch mechanism.
If you really want to do something helpful to your crank-up and its cables,
get some cable lubricant and do a PM once or twice a year. (Champion Radio -
_www.championradio.com_ (http://www.championradio.com) - sells the PreLube 6
which is recommended by wire rope manufacturers.)
The other things you can do to prolong the service life of your cables
are:
1) exercise the tower a couple of times a months. Just run it up and down
once or twice.
2) don't always park it at the same places. Vary the extended and retracted
stop point - that way the cables don't take a set at the limits.
Those, along with the aforementioned PM, should keep your cables in good
enough shape to last for years.
Cheers,
Steve K7LXC
Champion Radio Products
Cell: 206-890-4188
PS - These were really good questions so I've posted this on TowerTalk. I
hope you don't mind.
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