Roof towers indeed offer a practical solution for radio enthusiasts facing restrictions from homeowners’ association (HOA) codes or limited lot space for ground towers. Their versatility in supporting various types of antennas, including fixed, single-axis, or twin-axis rotators, makes them a valuable option for optimizing radio frequency coverage. From 20 meters to centimeter frequencies, the range of antennas compatible with roof towers is diverse, catering to different needs and preferences within the amateur, academic and public safety radio community. Popular antenna options like tracking Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite antennas, VHF and UHF Yagi’s, and HF Hex Beams are well-suited for installation on roof towers, enhancing communication capabilities for operators despite space constraints or regulatory limitations.
This You Tube video shows the assembly of the smaller tower. You will want to use the manual as your primary guide as the newer towers are slightly different.
Below is a Thrust Bearing connected to the collar pieces that set the angle on the Tower Legs. Previously this was made with four right-angle pieces of aluminum and when you bolt down the legs to it, they point straight down with no spread. As you are assembling you have to bend the legs outward in two different axis in hopes of getting an eight degree slope in respect to the centerline of the Thrust Bearing. I found it challenging to achieve with one person. It came to me that we could laser cut four pieces of aluminum flat plate and bend it to 98 degrees it so the leg angle is baked in from the start, thus sparing the installer the more difficult part of assembly. For me, this cut the assembly time from an hour to 20 minutes and its a perfectly straight tower. Patent pending.
