Firstly - Batteries/Turbine.
Went to the site again, this morning, Tuesday 2nd October.
The turbine is still charging OK, and the terminal battery volts are also OK.
One battery had 13.46 volts across it's terminals, whilst the other was at 13.59 volts. Measured with the turbine stationary, and with the repeater in RX mode.
Secondly - Tower.
I also meet a guy, with a BIG digger, courtesy of Cotswold Archaeology, who are a Registered Charity, and who have been contracted by the Water Company to check out the site, before they go randomly digging it up, to install part of a new water main system.
It was very interesting watching the Archaeologist doing a radar check on the area, before the hole was dug ... just in case.
I revisited the site, again today (Wednesday 3rd), and it would appear that they have found some things that they were not expecting to find, in the trenches that have so far been opened. If / when I can find out more, I'll let you know.
So folks, we now need to get the tower (see pic at bottom) into the hole, and vertical, prior to the delivery of a load of concrete.
I revisited the site, again today (Wednesday 3rd), and it would appear that they have found some things that they were not expecting to find, in the trenches that have so far been opened. If / when I can find out more, I'll let you know.
So folks, we now need to get the tower (see pic at bottom) into the hole, and vertical, prior to the delivery of a load of concrete.
Not being a structural engineer of any kind, I'm not really qualified to determine what additions or modifications, need to be carried out on the tower base, or to come up with suggestions as to how the 15m tower should be got into the hole, and held securely vertical, whilst the concrete sets.
So, I've now got to the part where I say, "I've done my bit... for now".
Once it's up, and concreted in, I'm quite happy to deal with the install of antennas, cables, and solar panel, etc.,
I'm also quite happy to deal with the co-ordination of the process, and dealing with the concrete suppliers, or any other suppliers, etc.,
We will also need to have some form of anti-climbing devices fitted, in an attempt to prevent any "idiots" attempting to climb up the tower.
My gut feel, is that anyone with some portable welding gear, could well be of tremendous help.
I would suggest that all those of us who are going to be involved in this part of the process have a meeting, on site, at the earliest possible date.
The forecast for the area, for this coming SUNDAY, 7th, October, currently looks good - Cloudy, but dry, according to the met office. Can I suggest, after lunch, say 3:00 pm on site.
Perhaps those who have indicated they are happy to get involved with this part of the project, would kindly get in touch, re site meeting, asap, along with anyone else who feels that they can "bring something to the party", as the saying goes.
Can I just add, that I feel that we owe a debt of gratitude, not only to Dick G0XAY, for donating his tower to us, but also to Onward Driver Training and Cotswold Archaeology. Without their freely given assistance and support we would not be in the situation of being able to move the project forward.
You will note that I have added links to their respective web sites, to the "Useful Links" page.
Can I just add, that I feel that we owe a debt of gratitude, not only to Dick G0XAY, for donating his tower to us, but also to Onward Driver Training and Cotswold Archaeology. Without their freely given assistance and support we would not be in the situation of being able to move the project forward.
You will note that I have added links to their respective web sites, to the "Useful Links" page.
Cheers & 73's
Dave, G3ZXX