Notes on Ridge Tower

September 2008

Installed by W0CG, WA9S, W8AV. Used two 25G sections from N8LGP. Coated with epoxy primer and finish, then camouflage paint. Guys Phillystran. Base is set over rebar set in drilled holes in rock.

November 2008

W8WTS and W0CG noted both guys had been vandalized - cut in NE direction. Repaired temporarily.

February 2009

Replaced Philly guys with 10 foot 1/4 inch EHS tails, installed secondary guys, and sheathed secondary guys in grey plastic conduit.

10 July 2009

Inspected completely by W0CG and K8LEE. All intact, zero maintenance needed.

17 July 2009

Installed RCS-4 remote control relay box at tower. Tests good. After the test, wired around the box with a barrel for reliability until control box can be installed in shack.

3 November 2011

K8LEE found that the center grip in the coax switch can in the shack was loose, resulting in arcing and a burned center pin on the PL-259. Replaced with a B&W can and all is OK. This accounted for intermittent Ridge performance and RF interference in the shack during CQWW SSB.

21 March 2017

Cleaned rusty spots with DeWalt drill and sandpaper and wire brush. Put on coat of epoxy primer. Nearly all rust was on zig zags. 2.0 hours on tower.

23 March 2017

Painted entire tower except for bottom 18 inches with white epoxy finish paint. 1.75 hours on tower.

20 March 2023

Second session following initial work with K4LD two weeks earlier. Painted from top to near base, grey finish epoxy, total of 3.0 hours on tower.