On Sun, 18 Dec 2011 23:00:10 -0800, Jeff Liebermann wrote:
Why do you need to lower the pipe?
A 12ft step ladder should be sufficient.

I guess I could buy a 12-foot step ladder - but the footing is
problematic as it's on a slope.

I'm hoping to design in the ability to be able to lower the pipe for
maintenance.

Get a 12ft ladder. Without guys, the pipe will not support your
weight so forget about slithering up the pipe using foot pegs or an
ascender.

I was worried about that. I'm over 200 pounds.

You'll have a problem trying to get the 1.625" U bolts that come with
the typical TV antenna to fit the pipe.

I didn't realize this. I guess I'd remove the 1 1/2" water pipe end cap
at the top of the pole and then thread on a reducer to reduce it down to
1 inch for a couple of feet at the top.

Would the typical TV antenna fit onto a 1 inch ID water pipe?