Wireless

Best of the ISP-Lists

Build Your Own Tower

Members of the ISP-Wireless list discuss the pros and cons of setting up your own towers. Anyone who does decide to build their own should work with qualified electricians and lawyers.

On the ISP-Wireless list in November, SH inquired,

"Have any of you set up your own towers? Any advice on doing it yourself?"

A couple of respondents shared their personal experiences:

[WW recounted] "I don't know how much knowledge you have about towers, but I had very little. My partner and I just put up a 100' tower from Rohn Industires.

We had a crane come in and stand it for us. I found a man who works for a tower company nearby; he gave us some tips. He is now our permanent tower climber and does all of our cabling. It did help to get input from someone with experience. We were also fortunate in one respect because a friend owns the property, and the city has a tower on the same hill for the police, ambulance, and fire departments—and two cell towers lease ground space from him. Since he isn't charging the city, they couldn't really complain about us putting up a tower."

[JP offered] "For some good general information, I recommend the ARRL (Amateur Radio Relay League, or Ham Radio) Handbook at www.arrl.org. Most Ham Radio operators have some decent information about towers.

www.TexasTowers.com and www.AESHAM.com (Amateur Electronic Supply) are both good sources of information and good places to compare prices. Their catalogs are also a wealth of information about the different parts of a tower and key accessories. Personally, I have taken down and put up my own towers. It's not a trivial task, and it's best left to a professional.

Hire someone, and make sure they have proper insurance and bonding, not to mention experience and the proper tools. Keep in mind that you'll need a small building or area to supply power and set up your hardware. You may also need to secure the area to keep intruders and kids out; you will be liable if someone climbs your tower and falls. You may need, want, or be required to have insurance."

[AG advised] "Check out Radio Shack. They've got 48 foot towers, and bases for them as well. This might be some help, but you still have to erect the tower."

[PY added] "Also remember that the height limits drop off the closer you get to an airport. It's based on a slope from the airport to the top of the antenna."

[JS concluded] "Check with local and state officials to get regulatory info. If you've never done it yourself, hire an experienced company or a Ham Radio club. Safety first and last: as we say, 'The fall won't kill you; the sudden stop will…'"

—End

 

Related articles:
	[Sep. 13, 2000]	Licensing for Antennas and Towers
	[Aug. 29, 2000]	SBC Outsources Tower Buildout
	[various]	Legal Resources