Antenna Tram/Trolley project. First Real Test! July 16, 2005.


Testing the fit of the Muffler clamps with the trolley and 2" mast for fit.

Same thing, different angle on mast.

First fitting of the trolley on the 40 meter antenna with 3" boom and clamps.
As you can see the way I have it fit now it is too close to the boom to mast plate,
I won't be able to get the ubolts on the mast through and nuts on, will have to
reposition it in a minute.

Panned back view.

Another view.

And another...

Here I've slide the trolley back under the muffler clamps, next pic is better.

By sliding the trolly bar back under the mast clamps and re-tightening
I've freed up enough room to get the ubolts through the plate and get the
nuts on them when it's up on the tower.

This shot shows the flexibility of the trolley. When the antenna is at the top
of the tower I can easily pull the beam to me even if the cable at the front of
the tram is at a higher angle. Done this way I can easily lash the trolley to the
mast and have both hands free to bolt the mast in place! (hopefully!)

different angle.

Another closeup.

Here is my first REAL test of the trolley! Apologies that the pictures from
here on aren't better, it was almost sunset and getting a bit dark.
Notice how the antenna is almost laying flat. With the trolley there is no
side to side (horizontal circular) movement and the low center of gravity
pretty much keeps it from tilting from left to right. The winds were fairly
light but I believe it will fair well with stronger windw too.

Further back angle. If you look carefully you can see that if I didn't
have the Force 12 beam on the tower the 40 meter beam would just about fall
flat into place where it is now. At this point I have some coax attached to it and am doing a quick swr test.
The analyzer shows it in the low CW section of the band. I had forgotten
completely about the metal tram interacting with the antenna since it is
mounted right behind the driven element! Also the metal cable is fairly
parallel to one of the elements. I will have to try again with just a long
rope sling and see how it looks.

One end of the cable attached to Wendy's truck with a come-along.

Another antenna shot, you can also see my truck at the other end of the
field with the other cable attached to it as a back-guy so there is even
tension on the mast.

Last shot of the day! Wendy was a great help getting this tram and cable
test today done!

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