Folks,
I'm beginning to frame up an article for the July/August NCJ "Contesting on a
Budget" column. The topic will be to look at the benefits, costs, and
considerations associated with raising a tower from 50 feet to 70 feet. Here
are some of the thoughts I have:
Benefits:
You will hear and work dx which was previously unavailable. My estimate is
that you will add an S unit.
Occasionally get to run dx, especially during non-contest times.
Be able to raise your lowband antennas.
Add the possibility of mounting a tribander in a fixed direction to add contest
flexibility.
Possibly decrease RF in your shack and get rid of unresolved problems.
Considerations:
If you live in a hill, or have a good view, perhaps there will not be as great
a benefit.
Now you always must use proper safety equipment when climbing.
Perhaps this is the time to replace coax, or go to a bigger antenna.
It becomes more noticable
Is a permit required?
You will need to locate a gin pole for the last few sections.
Could your signal be worse to certain areas?
Costs:
Probably you will be moving away from the simple house bracketed tower and will
have to add real anchors and guy wires.
You might have to relocate the tower and use two sets of guy wires.
Two sections of tower, turnbuckles, clamps, rotor cable, coax, tape
If you have been in the situation where you have raised your tower I'd love to
hear from you and learn what you came across. Thanks.
Ralph
K9ZO
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