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Some photos of mine. Updated often! Click a picture to see a larger version. (800x600)

Tower Trailer(s)

The Amherstburg Radio Club wanted to build a Tower Trailer for use primarily on Field Day, but also available for any other events we might need it for. It's a 30ft collapsible tower mounted on a small utility trailer, which is small and lite enough to be pulled behind any car. The base of the tower sits on a hinged base, and is cranked upright via a hand crank. That's the main drawback: it does require three or more people to set this one up. All the members of the Amherstburg Radio Club, as well as other volunteers in Amherstburg helped put the tower together, drawing upon the main concept design from Dave, VE3HKO.

Here's a shot of said trailer at Field Day, June 27, 2009:

Dave wanted to improve upon this "first try" homemade design, and set out to do just that. He often jokes that the "squirrels in his head" are always pulling levers. It's not uncommon to visit Dave, only to be greeted with the words: "I was thinking last night about..." It's true. Dave is always thinking. Or, at least his "squirrels" are... :)

He wanted a one-person tower trailer design, and he wanted this one to be for ARES use, since he is the Emergency Coordinator for Essex South. To that end, he needed another trailer. With luck, he stumbled upon an old House Trailer that hadn't been used in a long while, and was up for sale. The owner had just replaced the wheels and tires, as the old ones had rotted away. He knew the trailer needed plenty of work, so the selling price was low. When Dave saw the trailer, he knew it would be perfect for the job, even though he only needed the frame and wheels. He told the former owner of his plans, and what it would be used for. Having a sense of Community, the trailer owner sold the trailer for even less. The trailer was stripped to it's frame, and the ARES Tower Trailer project was set into motion.

Princess Auto, the Candy Store for Hams, was the place for all of this trailer's needs. A 1-ton hydraulic engine lift arm was to be the key component in this new design. That arm, with some modifications, was going to be what lifted the tower upright. One person, pumping the jack, would be all it takes to get the tower upright once in position. The tower was another 30ft legth, but this time, two of the three lengths would be permanently mounted to the trailer. The third and top section would be the only one requiring one or two persons to setup. Once upright, the trailer's frame and stabilizer legs would keep the tower upright in most weather conditions. All lights were replaced with LED lights to cut down on power usage, and to prevent having to constantly change dead bulbs. All wiring is also brand new. Once again, this trailer is also lite enough to be pulled by any vehicle.

Here's some pictures of the trailer under assembly in Dave's carport, courtesy of Nelson, VA3NDJ: