On Mon, 19 Dec 2011 21:42:19 +0000 (UTC), Frank Wilson
wrote:
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.
Look for an "orchard ladder". It has a pipe stabilizer on the other
side to keep from bending the mast with your weight.
https://www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&q=orchard+ladder
I'm hoping to design in the ability to be able to lower the pipe for
maintenance.
Tilt over masts and towers are available commercially from the various
tower suppliers. You will not like the price. You can also make your
own. Look at the photos for ideas:
https://www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&q=tilt+over+mast
If you change your mind about the guy wires, it can be done quite
easily with a base mounted hinge point. You also won't need a heavy
weight mast as a simple 10+5ft, 1 5/8" dia, will suffice if you keep
the weight down. For example, no rotator. If wind loading is a
problem, go to an antenna with a smaller wind load, such as a 19dbi or
24dBi barbeque grill parabolic dish. As for the kids, you might try
installing springs on the guys. When they crash into the guy wires,
the damage will be minimal.
I was worried about that. I'm over 200 pounds.
Ok, get a heavy duty ladder and work with a mattress under the ladder.
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.
That will work, but ever fitting will weaken the mast and possibly
make it wobble. For mounting the TV antenna, you can build some
manner of adapter or creative mounting contrivance. I have a mess of
these for the occasion (except mine are 1/4" aluminum and much
larger). Make your own to fit.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/250838545235
Would the typical TV antenna fit onto a 1 inch ID water pipe?
That you could have figured out yourself.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nominal_Pipe_Size
1.315 OD which is less than 1.625 for the TV mast. Yes, it will fit.
--
# Jeff Liebermann 150 Felker St #D Santa Cruz CA 95060
# 831-336-2558
#
http://802.11junk.com
# http://www.LearnByDestroying.com AE6KS