50' Universal Tower Install

This project began late July when I ordered a 50' free standing aluminum tower from Universal towers.  While waiting for the delivery, we started the hole.  There is only 1 way to describe that process at my QTH, Rock, Rock and More Rock.

Th truck arrives in early Aug.

Th truck arrives in early Aug.

Courteous and Helpful Driver. I was able to throw each of the bundled sections over a shoulder and walk them 300 yards to my garrage. It amazes me how light this thing is.

Courteous and Helpful Driver. I was able to throw each of the bundled sections over a shoulder and walk them 300 yards to my garrage. It amazes me how light this thing is.

The hole begins. I made it 9 inches before hitting solid rock.

The hole begins. I made it 9 inches before hitting solid rock.

It is now September and that is the heaviest Jack hammer I could rent. If you look at the sides of the hole you will see the solid rock I have had to contend with.

It is now September and that is the heaviest Jack hammer I could rent. If you look at the sides of the hole you will see the solid rock I have had to contend with.

24 inches woohooooo, only 30' to go and I have been on the jack hammer for 2 days.

24 inches woohooooo, only 30' to go and I have been on the jack hammer for 2 days.

I would go until I gave out on jackhammer, then XYL would spell me by moving the rocks out of the hole. She is the greatest!

I would go until I gave out on jackhammer, then XYL would spell me by moving the rocks out of the hole. She is the greatest!

Not bad for a Cancer Survivor!

Not bad for a Cancer Survivor!

Early November, frame is starting to come together. I did not want to have to use wood in the hole but there was simply no other way to do it.

Early November, frame is starting to come together. I did not want to have to use wood in the hole but there was simply no other way to do it.

Still working the frame.

Still working the frame.

Saturday, 28 November 2009. Cement truck is behind me washing out. Pictured is my best friend who is not even a ham, but dropped what he was doing, drove 30 miles to help with the poor. Plans called for 4 yards, I ordered 5 to be on the safe side and avoid a 2nd haul and surcharge.

Saturday, 28 November 2009. Cement truck is behind me washing out. Pictured is my best friend who is not even a ham, but dropped what he was doing, drove 30 miles to help with the poor. Plans called for 4 yards, I ordered 5 to be on the safe side and avoid a 2nd haul and surcharge.

4 Levels purchased from lowe's for 3.99 each. I taped them into position with packing tape. Guide wires are dacron rope and were ABSOLUTELY need. When the 4 yards started to flow it was almost impossible to keep the tower square; and those guide ropes helped immensely.

4 Levels purchased from lowe's for 3.99 each. I taped them into position with packing tape. Guide wires are dacron rope and were ABSOLUTELY need. When the 4 yards started to flow it was almost impossible to keep the tower square; and those guide ropes helped immensely.

Pretty good picture of the top frame I had to build for the antenna to sit on. I tried to level it up with it just sitting on the bottom of the hole and found that to be impossible. This system, while much more elaborate proved to be invaluable.

Pretty good picture of the top frame I had to build for the antenna to sit on. I tried to level it up with it just sitting on the bottom of the hole and found that to be impossible. This system, while much more elaborate proved to be invaluable.

Looks level to me.

Looks level to me.

Contact: N5OU