On 10/9/2014 10:19 AM, Ralph Mowery wrote:
"rickman" wrote in message
...
Why is a guyed ladder a "Rube Goldberg contraption"? All that matters
is the strength of the materials and the mechanics of the design. I
expect a ladder designed to carry 250 lbs of person to be more than up to
the task of holding a 15 lb antenna. Likely much more so than most of the
antenna towers that would be used for similar applications.


For short time usage such as field day I am sure it is ok.
For long term usage at home I don't think I would do it with a very large
antenna. Ladders are designed to lay on a wall at a certain angle. That is
why the legs are sort of an I beam type of construction. They are not made
to take sideways torque like a large beam would put on with the wind load.

I'm not sure what "sideways torque" is exactly, but an I beam is an I
beam. I don't think a ladder has any inherent weaknesses that would
preclude it from being used as a mast. Masts often have a rather
smallish diameter pipe at the top. The structure of a ladder is much
more substantial than that.

With adequate guy wires I expect a ladder would make a very good mast.
The only real issue is that of cost and convenience. I haven't priced
tower sections but I know long ladders are not cheap.

--

Rick