Once the tower base was constructed, the 10 bay TV antenna had to be pulled up the 5 miles of muddy road to the top of Paradise Ridge. Then the antenna was tested on the ground for damage and lifted on top of the tower.
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We started out early in the morning getting everybody lined up at Gritman Memorial Hospital |
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The mud on the road was a foot thick. Of course we could not have waited till summer. |
The truck had to be pulled by a cat. |
The Antenna is so long a steerable trailer is used much like a long fire truck. |
Even with all the advanced planning the antenna gets wedged in a tight curve. Gordon Law contemplates what to do next. We end up digging the side of the hill away. |
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At last the antenna arrived at the transmitter site atop Paradise Ridge |
The antenna is made up of 10 sets of 4 "bat wings" and a lot of connecting wave guide, all of which had to be inspected before lifting the antenna on to the tower |
All of the antenna wave guide is pressurize to prevent moisture from getting in. Days were spent testing for leeks in sub-zero weather
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A "Ginn Pole" is attached to the side of the tower. It extends high above the top of the tower and is used to hoist the antenna above the tower. For prospective note the man on the right working on top of the tower to attach the antenna. (at right) The tower guys wave down to us that the antenna was secure and ready to go. |
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