Best of the ISP-Lists

Fixed Wireless Technology

Cinder Blocks: A Key Wi-Fi Technology

Members of the ISP-Wireless list eagerly assert that cinder blocks are central to the provision of fixed wireless broadband Internet service.

[August 27, 2002]

On the ISP-Wireless list in July, DD inquired,

"We need to set up a non-penetrating roof mount, and I would love to get cinder blocks up there, but we have to climb two ladders to get to the point where we need the blocks. Are there any other ways besides cinder blocks to keep the mast weighed down, or any easier ways to get the cinder blocks up there?"

Some respondents suggested that it's best to just haul them up the most direct way possible:

[MV advised] "Just carry 'em up. You'll appreciate sitting at a desk that much more the next time you do it!"

[TI agreed] "I regularly carry them up ladders one at a time, with my forearm through one of the holes. It keeps my weight forward, and allows me to keep two hands on the ladder. You get a bit bruised, but it saves a trip to the gym."

[RB added] "A good rope and a couple of pairs of leather gloves will go a long way toward getting the job done. Keep one guy down below tying them on, and put another guy up top hauling them up. Taking turns isn't a bad thing either. Beats carrying them up one or two at a time, and it's safer, too. Watch out for those windows, though..."

Others discussed the possibility of using a backpack to balance the weight:

[EB offered] "Put the cinder blocks in a backpack. It might take a few trips, and your back is gonna hurt, but you're going to have to carry them up there somehow."

[TD warned] "Beware of heavy things in backpacks. I did exactly what you're describing, and while I was climbing the ladder, the weight unzipped the backpack and everything fell out of it. Nearly knocked out my other tech. Probably the most careless thing I ever did on a roof. Could have been tragic. So make sure your backpacks aren't zippered. Zippers, heights, and safety don't mix."

Others recommended some alternate options:

[DR observed] "Tessco sells a non-penetrating mount with plastic water tanks for ballast. You add antifreeze to the tanks, and fill with water. They're a bit more expensive than cinder blocks, but it beats hauling the blocks up: all you have to do is run a hose up there."

[EH noted] "We use discarded inner tubes. Cut one into three pieces, fill with sand, and close the ends with wire. Works like a charm."

Still others looked at sand bags as an another idea:

[MB asked] "Why not use sandbags? They're much easier to carry up a ladder."

[CC countered] "Sandbags rot."

[MS agreed] "Do not use sandbags for anything that has to stay there for a long time."

[RS recalled] "We used some sandbags last summer with 'never-rot' bags: they rotted, and the sand blew away. We now are using cinder blocks because cinder blocks may be heavy, but they do the job."

—End