Last but not least is getting the feedlines to the shack. After getting a lot of good advice from the great bunch on the TowerTalk reflector (see contesting.com for details on subscribing), I installed a run of 4" PVC perforated drain pipe from the base of the tower to my shack window. The pipe is buried about 6" underground with a layer of 3/8" crushed stone underneath for drainage.
The conduit lying in place before burial. I pulled the feedlines and pull rope through as I cemented the 10' sections together. The beginning of the trench can be seen to the left of the conduit. Total length is 60'. The shack is right there behind the window (The small building near the tower is my shed). |
Closeup of the shack end of the conduit after assembly. From here the feedlines go up to the window. Note that only 45 degree bends are used, and the final egress faces down to keep the rain out. To keep critters out, I used a standard end cap and cut a wedge out of it just big enough for the feedlines to pass through. It is not glued on, to allow for easy removals & additions. |
This page last updated on 1 May 2000