View Full Version : My new MonstIR
Climbing that tower wasn't easy, but it was sure as heck fun!
A pic for you to enjoy. The neighbors are contemplating what's next. One of them was overheard having a virtual coronary today.
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1381/1485621265_bdafc6eb25_b.jpg
CU on the bands!
The skinny for those of you interested:
The antenna is a SteppIR MonstIR
Tower is an AN Wireless HD-70 self supporting
Rotor is a Pro.Sis.Tel PST71D
Got permits for everything. Made sure that NO ONE could have an easy time challenging me.
The antenna is fed with a bury flex jumper but I have 7/8" Heliax going up this weekend.
n4bfd
10-04-2007, 11:28 PM
Hmm, wonder how long it will be before someone comes over to complain about RFI? It will be a good test http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
Looks good!
Precisely why I'm giving it a few days before actually hooking up anything to the antenna.
If someone complains about TVI - I'll point to the hanging unconnected jumper and say, " 'taint me!"
Nothing prettier than a brand new tower and beam. Congratulations!
That's a BIG antenna. In the picture it looks small. Maybe someone can snap a pick while you are on the tower for reference.
Looks nice!
Quote[/b] (AB3BK @ Oct. 04 2007,19:28)]That's a BIG antenna. #In the picture it looks small. #Maybe someone can snap a pick while you are on the tower for reference.
Looks nice!
Yes indeed. It's a 40m - 6m beam. 3 ele on 40, 4 on 20-10, 6 on 6.
The largest elements are 70ft in width.
Did I mention it does general coverage too?
Oh boy, CQWW this year is going to be fun.
I would have loved to help you put that up. Next time send me an e-mail!!
KC9ECI
10-05-2007, 12:47 AM
I'm helping a local fellow put his up next weekend. I think I have a new home for contests.
Quote[/b] (kc2rgu @ Oct. 04 2007,19:41)]I would have loved to help you put that up. #Next time send me an e-mail!!
Didn't know you were available to help, but next time I'll let you know!
KU0DM
10-05-2007, 12:50 AM
What's the turning radius?
And Congrats!
A local Ham has one that I have used before...fun fun fun!
73
Quote[/b] (KC9ECI @ Oct. 04 2007,19:47)]I'm helping a local fellow put his up next weekend. #I think I have a new home for contests.
I think N2RJ is going to operate multi-op single transmitter for CQWW SSB.
Quote[/b] (KU0DM @ Oct. 04 2007,19:50)]What's the turning radius?
And Congrats!
A local Ham has one that I have used before...fun fun fun!
73
They say it's 30ft, but I don't buy that. Why? Each element on each side is 35ft.
I need to clip those trees out of the way. I may <s>bribe</s> donate to the local volunteer FD and have them come out and help me. I've been thinking of joining actually.
Quote[/b] (N2RJ @ Oct. 03 2007,18:38)]Yes indeed. #It's a 40m - 6m beam. #3 ele on 40, 4 on 20-10, 6 on 6.
How is it a 6el on 6m? 2 x 3 elements side by side?
KC9ECI
10-05-2007, 01:07 AM
Quote[/b] (N2RJ @ Oct. 04 2007,20:01)]I may <s>bribe</s> donate to the local volunteer FD and have them come out and help me. #I've been thinking of joining actually.
Do it, you'll never regret it.
Quote[/b] (AB3BK @ Oct. 04 2007,20:03)]Quote[/b] (N2RJ @ Oct. 03 2007,18:38)]Yes indeed. #It's a 40m - 6m beam. #3 ele on 40, 4 on 20-10, 6 on 6.
How is it a 6el on 6m? #2 x 3 elements side by side?
There's a 6m passive element kit that I did not install. That's getting installed for eskip season next year when I take the antenna down for annual maintenance.
KC9ECI
10-05-2007, 01:45 AM
I'd expedite that 6M install, you wouldn't want to miss a good auroral opening.
n4bfd
10-05-2007, 01:56 AM
6m eskip cranks up a bit in the winter too.
I just worked NZ5N on meteors a minute ago FN10>EL96.
See my sig! HI
kf4vgx
10-05-2007, 03:56 AM
A man and his hobby http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif !
You will go far http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif .
W4DFW
10-05-2007, 04:05 AM
Quote[/b] (N2RJ @ Oct. 03 2007,19:25)]The skinny for those of you interested:
The antenna is a SteppIR MonstIR
Tower is an AN Wireless HD-70 self supporting
Rotor is a Pro.Sis.Tel PST71D
Got permits for everything. Made sure that NO ONE could have an easy time challenging me.
The antenna is fed with a bury flex jumper but I have 7/8" Heliax going up this weekend.
OUTSTANDING!!! A thing of BEAUTY!!
KB3LIX
10-05-2007, 06:47 AM
S W E E T !!!
PA5COR
10-05-2007, 08:08 AM
Congrats on an beautifull antenna setup ;)
K0RGR
10-05-2007, 11:21 AM
Oh! Now I have wipe the drool off my display...
I was thinking LPDA for my next antenna, but maybe there is a better solution...
Your new antenna picture will not show on this Internet cafe computer............For 23 cents per minute I expect better. Oh well, kinda used to it by now. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
Just checked into the shipping rates getting a 80' HD tower shipped over here......... Not too bad. Will be putting my name back in the hopper for a MonstIR soon.
Will work you MonstIR to MonstIR in 2008 if all goes according to plan.
Tom ZD7X
Looks nice,a Great antenna,I should have my Mosley Pro 67-C-3 up by next Saturday,its a Monster antenna also-133 lbs-here comes the crane oh boy oh boy- hear you in the pileups soon.
73/GL/DX
Paul K8PG - CW IS !!!http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
kb9xn
10-06-2007, 03:10 AM
Congrats on the new install. I have a 4 element w/30-40 at 75 feet that just went up last week. What a blast I have been having on all of the bands.
By the way, I saw on the STEPPIR YAHOO REFLECTOR today that the lead time for a SteppIR antenna is about 16 to 18 weeks and they just had a price increase on September 1. They raised prices about 9 percent but it is well worth it.
I am contemplating ordering another antenna for delivery in the spring because I have a tower standing here with nothing on top of it.
I think I will enjoy CQWW this year.
73, Howard
n2jso
10-06-2007, 02:20 PM
Very nice! You're going to be loud on 40m!
Good luck with it, and good DX!
If you want to move your neighbors coronary along get the Cushcraft 2 element 40 meter yagi http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif
BTW, nice set-up, hope it brings much DX upon you.
n4bfd
10-07-2007, 01:38 AM
Why, is it bigger than the 3 element MonstIR?
Quote[/b] (WS2L @ Oct. 06 2007,09:42)]If you want to move your neighbors coronary along get the Cushcraft 2 element 40 meter yagi #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif
BTW, nice set-up, hope it brings much DX upon you.
Actually the MonstIR is 3 ele on 40... Maybe why they got a heart attack when the beam was going up!
Quote[/b] (K3VR @ Oct. 06 2007,21:09)]AWESOME!
And Brian, since it's you I gotta say it - all I need to go with that big beam is a nice amp with a "toooob with haaandles"
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif
Ha! My dear fellow, by sheer coincidence I have just procured just such a toooob to go with my new 5 element home brew monoband beam which will placed precisely at one wavelength above the ground!
http://i21.tinypic.com/15oumap.jpg
kn4ds
10-07-2007, 05:07 AM
Quote[/b] (K3VR @ Oct. 07 2007,01:00)]Ha! My dear fellow, by sheer coincidence I have just procured just such a toooob to go with my new 5 element home brew monoband beam which will placed precisely at one wavelength above the ground!
Wow... with that, and an appropriate power supply, you should be able to obliterate undesired signals coming from the Great White North...
I look forward to lots more QRM on 20 meters!
Ha! You'll never live this one down Dave. I can hear it now. "On queer zed, Dave, KE4UWL, an ARRL VE, actually stated that he is looking forward to hearing more QRM... and Riley, in his Gettysburg bath house, is still sooo confused."
http://i23.tinypic.com/263wt1w.jpg
Ryan, tell us how you got the tower together. How big was the hole; did you use a crane; how many guys on the erection crew; how much concrete did you need; did you use a backhoe; was the SteppIR easy to assemble; how'd you carry it up the tower; how did you like dealing with AN wireless; etc?? Give us the pictures, the details!!
I have pics of everything EXCEPT how it got up. The reason was that my wife was taking photos, but of late her work load has increased exponentially so she had to report to work that day.
How I got the tower together - it was shipped completely knocked down, to save freight. I got a bucket of bolts, nuts and other hardware and some angle iron pieces. Bolted that together in seven ten foot sections. The top section was fully assembled because it was more complicated (it has a mast bearing plate, rotor plate and intermediate plate to stabilize the mast if the rotor needs service.) The sections are held together by splice plates and inter-sectional angle braces. I had three of my fellow club member help me connect the sections together. A socket wrench and a few other wrenches were pretty much all we needed.
To erect - four plus myself and the crane op. You can do it with 2-3 guys. We lifted the tower close to the top then raised it vertical and lowered it onto the base, where we bolted the splices and connecting angle braces.
Concrete - 17 yards of 4000psi high strength concrete.
Backhoe - I had a contractor dig the hole. He used a backhoe. I could have done it myself but my work schedule at that time was extremely busy. If you're digging with a shovel you're looking at some time. I would recommend not doing that!
SteppIR MonstIR - pain in the butt to assemble. So many parts and you have to be careful to get everything just right. It is a real monster of an antenna.
How I carried it up the tower - crane. Only way I could. The antenna is 267lbs.
Dealing with AN Wireless - outstanding. Dan is the best. He is extremely knowledgeable and gives you a delivery date that he meets or exceeds. The towers are also over engineered. I am confident this tower will stand up to the worst of it. E-mail is best, as Dan is a busy man, but he responds within a day. He likes to use truck freight (cheapest and also he has arrangements with them) so make sure you are ready to receive. I had to rent a forklift to unload the tower.
I have more pics which I will post sometime soon.
KC9ECI
10-07-2007, 02:15 PM
I've been involved in SteppIR installations before, how many trips to the hardware store did it take?
N8GAV
10-07-2007, 02:27 PM
I thought "He who shall not be named" has two tooobs with handles? But have no fear Brian I have 3 of them sitting around for back ups so if you need them let me know http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif Rayn I be looking to hear you on that monster, are you a wavelenght above the ground http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
Great. I'm really looking forward to seeing the pics Ryan. I love the AN Wireless towers, but I'm considering a heavy duty, 60 foot, Universal (http://www.universaltowers.com/pdf/HD_models/05-model%23-hd-21-60.pdf) tower for my second tower because eventually I want to move it to our retirement home.
The Universal only needs a 5x5x6 foot hole and it's rated for 21 square feet at 80 mph, so it will easily hold a 5 element monobander for 20 meters and a Yaesu G-1000DXA (http://www.texastowers.com/g1000dxa.htm) with room for a 6 meter beam next summer. The SteppIR looks like a great antenna, but the delivery lead time is long and I want to get this thing in the air before the snow flies. By the way, for anyone considering a new rotor, I have a Yaesu rotor and thrust bearing on my other tower and they've worked flawlessly for over 10 years.
Quote[/b] (KC9ECI @ Oct. 07 2007,09:15)]I've been involved in SteppIR installations before, how many trips to the hardware store did it take?
About four or five... http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Quote[/b] (K3VR @ Oct. 07 2007,09:51)]Great. I'm really looking forward to seeing the pics Ryan. I love the AN Wireless towers, but I'm considering a heavy duty, 60 foot, Universal (http://www.universaltowers.com/pdf/HD_models/05-model%23-hd-21-60.pdf) tower for my second tower because eventually I want to move it to our retirement home.
The Universal only needs a 5x5x6 foot hole and it's rated for 21 square feet at 80 mph, so it will easily hold a 5 element monobander for 20 meters and a Yaesu G-1000DXA (http://www.texastowers.com/g1000dxa.htm) with room for a 6 meter beam next summer. The SteppIR looks like a great antenna, but the delivery lead time is long and I want to get this thing in the air before the snow flies. By the way, for anyone considering a new rotor, I have a Yaesu rotor and thrust bearing on my other tower and they've worked flawlessly for over 10 years.
Well to each his own. I wanted a MonstIR and for that I had to get a tower that could handle >30 sq ft wind load (which this tower does at 90mph). The rotator is a prosistel PST71D which honestly could turn the whole tower. Double worm gear and all of that jazz.
Heavy as azz but worth it.
If the mechanics in the SteppIR hold up, you'll be an old man before you need to service the system. Do the SteppIR's have a rep for lack of req'd hardware? If I didn't think I'd be moving this one, I'd buy an AN Wireless tower. Over engineered is an understatement of immense proportion. Your tower will outlive us both.
KC9ECI
10-07-2007, 03:49 PM
Quote[/b] (N2RJ @ Oct. 07 2007,09:56)]Quote[/b] (KC9ECI @ Oct. 07 2007,09:15)]I've been involved in SteppIR installations before, how many trips to the hardware store did it take?
About four or five... http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
You got off easy. I wouldn't install a SteppIR on a day that the hardware store was closed, not if I lived more than a couple miles from one.
Quote[/b] (KC9ECI @ Oct. 07 2007,08:49)]Quote[/b] (N2RJ @ Oct. 07 2007,09:56)]Quote[/b] (KC9ECI @ Oct. 07 2007,09:15)]I've been involved in SteppIR installations before, how many trips to the hardware store did it take?
About four or five... http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
You got off easy. #I wouldn't install a SteppIR on a day that the hardware store was closed, not if I lived more than a couple miles from one.
Spend 4 grand on an antenna and still have to buy parts at the local hardware store to get it installed. Now that is hilarious !!!!!!!!!!!
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif
W8NSI
10-07-2007, 07:53 PM
Quote[/b] (N2RJ @ Oct. 04 2007,12:38)]Quote[/b] (AB3BK @ Oct. 04 2007,19:28)]That's a BIG antenna. In the picture it looks small. Maybe someone can snap a pick while you are on the tower for reference.
Looks nice!
Yes indeed. It's a 40m - 6m beam. 3 ele on 40, 4 on 20-10, 6 on 6.
The largest elements are 70ft in width.
Did I mention it does general coverage too?
Oh boy, CQWW this year is going to be fun.
I am really envious. 40 is my favorite band. I currently have a full wave loop for 40 which works ok but I am looking at a vertical as a dx antenna. I may try a 3 or 4 ele wire beam aimed at europe on 40
W4INF
10-07-2007, 07:56 PM
GUD CW! ;->
Quote[/b] (kq9j @ Oct. 04 2007,20:00)]Nothing prettier than a brand new tower and beam. Congratulations!
What he said!
Quote[/b] (aa9ya @ Oct. 07 2007,11:14)]Quote[/b] (KC9ECI @ Oct. 07 2007,08:49)]Quote[/b] (N2RJ @ Oct. 07 2007,09:56)]Quote[/b] (KC9ECI @ Oct. 07 2007,09:15)]I've been involved in SteppIR installations before, how many trips to the hardware store did it take?
About four or five... http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
You got off easy. #I wouldn't install a SteppIR on a day that the hardware store was closed, not if I lived more than a couple miles from one.
Spend 4 grand on an antenna and still have to buy parts at the local hardware store to get it installed. Now that is hilarious !!!!!!!!!!!
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif
Not really. I mostly had to go to buy tools, and one bolt i broke...
cu2jt
10-20-2007, 12:25 AM
That's a beautiful antenna, Ryan, but I bet you did not use it on our 40M contact on the Nitewatch net. You were mobile and that antenna would be something mounted on a car...
Anyway, nice to work you, mobile or not...
I hope to be able to put up the junior model, 20-6M 3-el version later this year.
Yeah, thanks for the short contact anyway, Gary.
We got home a bit after the net ended. We had to make a couple of pit stops. Maybe I'll catch you another night.
The loudest stations BY FAR are running SteppIR antennas..........No joke, just amazing antennas!!!
I will join the crowd sometime in 2008 with a MonstIR at 80'.
Tom ZD7X
Ryan, this is exciting, but a bit intimidating, too.
If you don't mind my asking, how much did the tower cost? The crane? With the tower components as delivered, how much does it weight and what are the shipped dimenions? (No semi-truck can make it down my driveway and I usually have to pick up trucked items at their depot.)
Are you going to rent a crane every year to lower the antenna for maintenance?
I like the height, the lack of guys, and the look of that tower. But I have a feeling I will not like the stuff printed on the invoice.
Rick "a little too impressed" Denney
KA4DPO
10-22-2007, 03:24 PM
Maintenance? MAINTENANCE?
Maintenance schmaintenance, if it falls down it wasn't strong enough. If it stays up it wasn't high enough. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Nice antenna RJ.......
WB2WIK
10-22-2007, 08:44 PM
Shouldn't require annual maintenance.
I "maintain" my beams about every 3-4 years, and that's usually because a big bird (or flock) bent an element or the "UV resistant" tie-wraps eventually failed from UV radiation and broke and needed replacement. To do that stuff, I just climb the tower and do what's needed; I don't drop the antennas to the ground or rent a crane.
Steve "it's not a big deal" WB2WIK/6
Quote[/b] (WB2WIK @ Oct. 22 2007,13:44)]Shouldn't require annual maintenance.
I "maintain" my beams about every 3-4 years, and that's usually because a big bird (or flock) bent an element or the "UV resistant" tie-wraps eventually failed from UV radiation and broke and needed replacement. To do that stuff, I just climb the tower and do what's needed; I don't drop the antennas to the ground or rent a crane.
Steve "it's not a big deal" WB2WIK/6
On that MonstIR, if one of the reflectors or front director elements is bent, you'll not only have to climb the tower, but float 30 feet or so out to the end of the boom where the element is.
I was wondering if Ryan thought that the mechanical components of the SteppIR antennas needed annual maintenance.
Rick "for whom climbing anything over 20 feet is a big deal, unless he wants to be single" Denney
WB2WIK
10-22-2007, 09:46 PM
The MonstIR elements wouldn't bend, they're reinforced fibreglas tubing.
A "bend" would be a "break."
I've never heard of that happening, although anything's possible. A Pterodactyl could land on one and probably break it.
I'd want to catch that on video, and then I'd be so rich I could buy a lot of spare beams. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
WB2WIK/6
Quote[/b] (kr9d @ Oct. 22 2007,09:37)]Ryan, this is exciting, but a bit intimidating, too.
If you don't mind my asking, how much did the tower cost? The crane? With the tower components as delivered, how much does it weight and what are the shipped dimenions? (No semi-truck can make it down my driveway and I usually have to pick up trucked items at their depot.)
Are you going to rent a crane every year to lower the antenna for maintenance?
I like the height, the lack of guys, and the look of that tower. But I have a feeling I will not like the stuff printed on the invoice.
Rick "a little too impressed" Denney
Tower prices are at anwireless.com. Whole package including shipping was around $4k-$5k.
Foundation was expensive too. Excavation, two truckloads of 4000psi concrete. I think it came up to a few grand as well.
Crane? $500/half day, $1000/day. Stupid me paid $1200 because I didn't research to find out that the local tree service co also does crane rental and are much cheaper, so I got charged $200 in travel time by another company far away. Next time!
Other costs? Almost $1200 in coax (andrew heliax) and connectors. No expense spared there, but ebay was very helpful. 0.5db loss on HF, 0.9dB on 6m. Sunday morning I worked a QRP station running 1 watt. Every dB counts. Lightning protection, ground rods, wire, rotor ($2500), rotor cable etc.
I can say that my project easily came up to more than $10,000, approaching $15,000. I am still tallying the receipts.
But I love the hobby, I make a decent amount of money and I only live once. I was tired of being a dipole diptard. I want a BIG signal. That I got.
For maintenance? Annual? Maybe not. I will rent a boom truck for servicing the antenna in the air if need be. I will inspect annually the tower and stuff, but not the antenna. If it breaks, SteppIR stands behind their product with 2 years warranty.
I climb my own tower for all tower maintenance. Full body harness (DBI/Sala), 3/8" safety lifeline, positioning belt and backup fall arrest is what I use.
The sections are 300lbs each. I bought it knocked down. It came on two skids. You need a forklift to unload it from the truck. This is NOT rohn 25g or any of that light duty stuff. The tower can withstand hurricane force wind with its current and future planned loading. BTW, the wind was really kicking up today when I was up there. It shook a bit but was fine otherwise.
Quote[/b] (WB2WIK @ Oct. 22 2007,16:46)]The MonstIR elements wouldn't bend, they're reinforced fibreglas tubing.
A "bend" would be a "break."
I've never heard of that happening, although anything's possible. A Pterodactyl could land on one and probably break it.
I'd want to catch that on video, and then I'd be so rich I could buy a lot of spare beams. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
WB2WIK/6
Actually they do bend. You should see the picture they had at Dayton with one all loaded up with ice. It looked like it was made out of wire. You should also see how it dances in hurricane force wind. It's like it was doing some hawaiian dance or something, shaking from side to side.
Quote[/b] (ZD7X @ Oct. 20 2007,07:28)]The loudest stations BY FAR are running SteppIR antennas..........No joke, just amazing antennas!!!
I will join the crowd sometime in 2008 with a MonstIR at 80'.
Tom ZD7X
I still have to work you... One of my best directions is to Africa.
n4bfd
10-23-2007, 12:14 AM
Had any actual complaints from the neighbors not that it has been up a bit?
No complaints to my face, but they have been talking amongst themselves. My house is pretty visible as I am at the end of the cul-de-sac, so of course they'll think my huge erection is an eyesore.
This is why I religiously preach to ANYONE wanting to put up a tower - talk to your town/city first, and GET A PERMIT, if needed. If someone tells you no permit, get it in writing with their name and position and always get a second opinion.
No permit and the tower nazis will be able to take you down easily.
KC2ESD
10-24-2007, 02:31 AM
N2JR, you Monster is a Beauty. It makes my Vertical stand up strait. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
WB2WIK
10-24-2007, 03:41 PM
Quote[/b] (N2RJ @ Oct. 22 2007,15:59)]Quote[/b] (WB2WIK @ Oct. 22 2007,16:46)]The MonstIR elements wouldn't bend, they're reinforced fibreglas tubing.
A "bend" would be a "break."
I've never heard of that happening, although anything's possible. # A Pterodactyl could land on one and probably break it.
I'd want to catch that on video, and then I'd be so rich I could buy a lot of spare beams. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
WB2WIK/6
Actually they do bend. #You should see the picture they had at Dayton with one all loaded up with ice. #It looked like it was made out of wire. #You should also see how it dances in hurricane force wind. #It's like it was doing some hawaiian dance or something, shaking from side to side.
No, I meant take a permanent bend. Aluminum or steel tubing can (take a permanent bend, after which it must be replaced), but I don't believe fibreglas can. The bending you're referring to is "flexing," and it should recover from that.
I've never seen fibreglas tubing take a permanent bend. It just kind of shatters when that happens, and then it's "broken." I've actually never heard of this happening to a SteppIR antenna.
WB2WIK/6
Oh, of course it's not going to take a permanent bend at all... It will suffer failure way before that.
Quote[/b] (N2RJ @ Oct. 22 2007,15:59)]Actually they do bend. You should see the picture they had at Dayton with one all loaded up with ice. It looked like it was made out of wire. You should also see how it dances in hurricane force wind. It's like it was doing some hawaiian dance or something, shaking from side to side.
That would be AB5K in central Texas. Ice storm we had at the beginning of the year.
Here is the picture from his website:
http://www.ab5k.net/images/Ice2007/Steppirs.jpg
I hope he retracted his elements before that happened!