Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
I start working out how to raise Mast #2 - a smaller version of my 62ft / 19m main mast system. The plan was to use a tree, pulley, winch and a small falling derrick arrangement to get the mast up safely. In theory, simple. In practice… not quite.
This became a proper design-and-failure day: fitting lifting eyes, setting up thrust bearings, testing pulley geometry, discovering stretchy rope problems, and realising the whole lifting system needed a rethink.
By the end, the plan changes completely. Out goes the tree-pulley shortcut, and in comes a proper full-size falling derrick system with a new ground anchor point, better rope, temporary “orphan” guys, and a much safer lifting geometry.
This is the sort of practical engineering I enjoy - try it, watch what fails, understand why, learn, rebuild.
Next step: getting Mast #2 up around 40ft with the improved system.
Enjoy your radio.
#hamradio #amateurradio #dxcommander #antenna #yagi #mast #engineering #homebrew
I start working out how to raise Mast #2 - a smaller version of my 62ft / 19m main mast system. The plan was to use a tree, pulley, winch and a small falling derrick arrangement to get the mast up safely. In theory, simple. In practice… not quite.
This became a proper design-and-failure day: fitting lifting eyes, setting up thrust bearings, testing pulley geometry, discovering stretchy rope problems, and realising the whole lifting system needed a rethink.
By the end, the plan changes completely. Out goes the tree-pulley shortcut, and in comes a proper full-size falling derrick system with a new ground anchor point, better rope, temporary “orphan” guys, and a much safer lifting geometry.
This is the sort of practical engineering I enjoy - try it, watch what fails, understand why, learn, rebuild.
Next step: getting Mast #2 up around 40ft with the improved system.
Enjoy your radio.
#hamradio #amateurradio #dxcommander #antenna #yagi #mast #engineering #homebrew
