Introduction
This document is a compilation of written commentaries by many people. As such,
it is meant to be a reference resource to find the opinions and experiences of our
peers about topics related to communication towers. It is not an ultimately
authoritative compendium of all knowledge on the subjects, so care should be
exercised in applying its contents.
The original editor, Mark Lowell, N1LO, started this collection of tower related
information by painstakingly sifting through the archives of the TowerTalk reflector.
Below are Mark’s comments from his website.
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GUYED TOWER TOPIC SUMMARY - Still under construction..
Version: 01-19-2000
Check http://www.qsl.net/n1lo for the latest update
The existence, accuracy, content and organization of any section may change at any time as new
discoveries, understandings, and concepts arise. I add new sections whenever appropriate.
By Mark D. Lowell, N1LO. First posted in November 1998
This document is a series of notes that I have made concerning guyed towers and installation that
started after reading and digesting the message archives of the TowerTalk forum sponsored by the
folks at www.contesting.com. The archive is located at:
http://www.contesting.com/_towertalk/
I have also combined ideas from other readings and personal experiences as well. I have
paraphrased some subjects after reading the general consensus of many messages. In other
cases, the originators of these messages have already addressed the topic in the most eloquent
form, and I have simply copied their messages here.
I have concentrated mainly on subjects relating to standard, Rohn, guyed towers, and not crankup
or self-supporting types. I most whole-heartedly agree with an opinion once expressed on the
TowerTalk reflector: "There is nothing stronger, safer, or more cost effective than a good guyed
tower."
***WARNING***
Tower climbing can be hazardous to your health! You can hurt yourself and others very easily while
engaging in climbing and rigging. The information here is provided on an as-is basis and, naturally,
I can assume no responsibility for your safety, or how you interpret or implement the techniques I
have described here. Do not perform a procedure that you are not comfortable with. Think ahead,
get familiar with all of your materials, and teach the people assisting you about the methods and
dangers. Again, in all matters, *you* are the one who is the most in control of your own safety. A
complete understanding of both the risks you take, and the solutions available to you, are the best
tools at your disposal. I bid you safe journeys.
***WARNING***
This is a work in progress, growing as I gather information from individual postings by experienced
professionals and amateurs in many walks of life, from all over the globe, and from my own
personal experiences. I present it for personal use and benefit of all who read it and find something
of value. I have nothing to gain from this except the joy of learning itself, and the satisfaction of
helping others. And, of course, it will help me put up my own tower!
If this information has helped you, I would enjoy receiving a QSL card or email from you.
Mark, N1LO - n1lo@hotmail.com
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Pat Thurman, K7KR, added considerable effort to take the original plain text
version and convert it to .PDF format with hyperlinks to make it a very user friendly
resource.
Both N1LO and K7KR have given permission for their work to be made available
on the K7NV web site. Kudos go to Mark and Pat for doing such a fine job, and
THANKS!
It is my hope that this document continues to grow in its scope and depth of
collected knowledge about tower related things. Those wishing to contribute more
knowledge to this collection may contact k7nv@contesting.com
73, Kurt, K7NV