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Re: [TowerTalk] Trylon safety rail system

To: wc1m@msn.com, K7LXC@aol.com, towertalk@contesting.com,n0rq-lists@sbcglobal.net
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Trylon safety rail system
From: "Pat Barthelow" <aa6eg@hotmail.com>
Date: Mon, 02 Jul 2007 08:17:57 -0700
List-post: <mailto:towertalk@contesting.com>
I've gptta learn more about the safety cable system.  We eventually will 
need one at Jamesburg.


I still think that a paradigm shift to considering a stout, new, pressure 
treated, class one utility pole, about $7K for 120 ft,  delivered to your 
lot  (but not upright, thats extra) solves a LOT of problems.
(look up McFarland poles for a pole spec/cost calculator)

The wood pole probably looks less intrusive to neighbor's eyes, than a steel 
lattice tower, in most cases does not need guys, can last 50 years, is 
ENORMOUSLY strong, may not even need concrete foundation, depending on the 
capacity of the ground.   Rule of thumb for utilities for hole depth, , is 2 
ft plus 10 percent of height   Mounting a vertical safety cable is a snap, 
(hmmm...)  and maybe even a raising/lowering fixture for your antennas 
because of the lack of guys is also a snap.
It seems like an engineer could design a Rohn pointy top that had a lift 
motor to the top of the pole, and perhaps some same cables, as your safety 
cable, running through the pointy top legs, or attached tubes, to keep 
lateral stability.  Simply flip the switch, and bring your rohn top section 
with your antenna stack down to a comfortable working level, for service.

Some folks dont like pole climbing steps, but I find them quite fine, and 
you can keep your lanyard attached continuously all the way up the pole, 
simply by hiking it up over each climbing step as you ascend.
Seems to solve a LOT of problems, and I dont know why it is not used more 
often.

Sincerely, Pat Barthelow     aa6eg@hotmail.com
http://www.jamesburgdish.org
Jamesburg Earth Station  Moon Bounce Team
http://www.cq-vhf.com

>From: "Dick Green" <wc1m@msn.com>
>To: <K7LXC@aol.com>, <towertalk@contesting.com>,<n0rq-lists@sbcglobal.net>
>Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Trylon safety rail system
>Date: Mon, 2 Jul 2007 10:39:53 -0400
>
> > Yes, climbing a tower by  leapfrogging your lanyards is tedious but
> > it's safe and there are pretty limited  options.
>
>Even more limited when you have three TIC rings in the way!
>
>Steve, do you have experience with any of the cable safety systems out
>there? Are they effective? Are they any less expensive?
>
>In my case, I'd probably have to run four separate cables between the TIC
>rings and top. I suspect that the available systems stand off from the 
>tower
>too far to be run inside the TIC rings -- there's only 2-3 inches of
>clearance I think. In any case, I'd have to unclip to climb over the rings
>(using the fall arrest lanyards, of course), then reclip.
>
>I agree that leapfrogging lanyards is safe and tedious, but it's also
>fatiguing. I have a Y-lanyard and have to unclip/reclip every three steps
>(I'm only 5'8"). That's a lot of squeezing with one hand while holding on
>with the other. It takes over 120 squeezes to climb up to 110' and back
>down. I find it one of the most tiring aspects of tower climbing. It's also
>slow, which significantly extends the amount of time on the tower. Seems to
>me that a safety cable or rail would really cut down on the fatigue and
>time, thus providing a greater level of safety.
>
>Of course, the need is greatest while doing major work on the tower. Now
>that I'm nearing completion of my 4-antenna installation, climbing should 
>be
>a less frequent requirement. Still, I'd love to have a safety system on the
>tower.
>
>73, Dick WC1M


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