The KA1RCI Repeater Network
Established 1984

The North 80 Foot Repeater Tower

Clearing the woods & reinforcing the rusted stubs

August - 2010

We have been trying to get the repeater tower down to replace the antennas for a few years now; each time we have made an attempt something always stop the project. Over grown trees in the way, then the primary tower mounts at the base were found to be compromised by rust, and my work schedule screwing up planned vacation time for the project, etc.
 
Today we finally took another step forward. All of the big trees were cut down last fall, and Bruce helped haul away all the big stuff, however there were still many little trees and ground cover directly in the area where the top of the tower ends up in the woods. Dad and I spent several hours this morning clearing out all the "sucker", little trees, bushes, and debris in the area where the top of the tower will end up in the woods when it is cranked down for the maintenance.

 Bill KA1VKD clearing small trees and brush Saturday morning August 7th, 2010

 (click on images to enlarge)

After a break for lunch, I had another burst of energy, spending a few more hours out in the woods. The three main mounts that bolt into the top section of the hinged base plate are even more damaged by the rust. It looks like less than half of the steel is still there now.

If I do not get the tower down, mother nature will... SOON!

These photos were taken in August 2010 and the rust damage is much worse.

 (click on images to enlarge)

 I managed to piece together all the bolts and clamps that will hopefully reinforce the tower so I can tilt it down safely. The large anchor bolts are secured to the tilt base, then each leg of the tower has two sets of clamps bolted to the legs of the tower and to the new anchor bolts. 

(click on images to enlarge)

Now that all these extra bolts and clamps are in place I should be ready to "attempt" dropping the tower the next time I can grab some vacation days...

 

(click on images to enlarge)

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