New Raslouw PTAWUG Highsite

[fern_za]

Hi All

It was suggested to me that I start a thread to show our work
Here are pics of one of the new high sites that has come up for the ptawug
This site replaces the old Raslouw highsite and is about 700 meters north west of the old site

The Benefits over the old site are

1) Ability to install a larger tower
2) Easier access
3) Automated diesel generators for backup power as the area suffers from frequent power outages

Initial site visit was in February and weekend after weekend the community worked together to complete out project

The site will consist of two towers of about 120meters apart; the main 18 meter mast and a secondary 4 meter mast, the links will be split among them as each as different LOS and it helps with the noise etc. The two masts will be interlinked by 1gpbs fibre.

So here are the pics for those who are interested

There are many pictures taken as the whole community project is well documented therefore I have selected a few below.
For those who want the full story all will be on the RL wiki page soon

Mast construction

The tower being 18 meters tall (12 meter tower ontop of a 6 meter tank)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7084/7303652372_349036b5f3.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7083/7303669312_d0e231ae5b.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7234/7303667008_3cc31bfbbe.jpg
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8162/7303663776_d68af0b8cc.jpg
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8158/7303657446_b26407bfb1.jpg

Ground Resistance Test for the Earth Mat

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7071/7303716638_c484467b25.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7224/7303720784_62e7c6a0f5.jpg
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8020/7303725498_cb2fb40d55.jpg

Tower Installation

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8165/7303742340_27ccf6729a.jpg
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8017/7303743804_1dc7675bf4.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7235/7303744416_5a1f04cb53.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7219/7303745062_b94b1d9d32.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7219/7303755908_3630fd063e.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7079/7303810248_5a39b43b84.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7079/7303810248_5a39b43b84.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7073/7303811198_6cefeb99aa.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7088/7303770178_941f2f3a41.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7238/7303823554_22b2ff59ce.jpg
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8008/7303775086_95aa648e4c.jpg

Earth Mat Trenching

All trenching is 1 meter deep

http://www.flickr.com/photos/79705326@N06/7303845678/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/79705326@N06/7303841208/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/79705326@N06/7303838566/

Earth Mat Cable 90 meters 70mm bare copper cable

http://www.flickr.com/photos/79705326@N06/7303857612/

Earth Mat installation

Multiple 2 meter long copper rods are installed at 1 meter deep and interconnected to the 70 mm bare copper earth cable

http://www.flickr.com/photos/79705326@N06/7303888836/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/79705326@N06/7303873200/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/79705326@N06/7303877898/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/79705326@N06/7303884528/

Testing the earth mat to see if it passes standards and passes way better than the accepted standards

http://www.flickr.com/photos/79705326@N06/7303919090/

Base of tank is also connected to the earth mat

http://www.flickr.com/photos/79705326@N06/7303904222/

Installation of crows foot which is connected to the earth mat via the 70mm earth cable

http://www.flickr.com/photos/79705326@N06/7303908182/

Automated Diesel generator that will self start when the power is out

http://www.flickr.com/photos/79705326@N06/7303937038/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/79705326@N06/7303933164/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/79705326@N06/7303930690/

Antennas installed

http://www.flickr.com/photos/79705326@N06/7303958272/

UPS Cabinet

http://www.flickr.com/photos/79705326@N06/7303964478/

Building the Equipment Cabinet

http://www.flickr.com/photos/79705326@N06/7303982136/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/79705326@N06/7303979928/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/79705326@N06/7303977298/

Equipment Cabinet finished

http://www.flickr.com/photos/79705326@N06/7303967416/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/79705326@N06/7303974096/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/79705326@N06/7303970474/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/79705326@N06/7304005682/

Installing the fiber

http://www.flickr.com/photos/79705326@N06/7304014904/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/79705326@N06/7304016382/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/79705326@N06/7304017944/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/79705326@N06/7304012728/


Secondary Mast

http://www.flickr.com/photos/79705326@N06/7304054844/

I would just like to say thank you to all those who have contributed to this project

Regards

 

[Freaksta]

Thanks for the post, very interesting! If I may ask what has this one project set you guys back? I wish we could just get one of these towers up in PE!

 

[jabezz]

Awesome work Fern

 

[cobuss]

That is seriously impressive...
Well done guys!

 

[PeekNPoke]

Very cool post Fern, it was great being part of this installation and I'm looking forward to a few weekends off, as I'm sure you too !

 

[Swoosh]

Good work fern!!! Looks awesome!

 

[wetkit]

Great work there guys !!!
Why the extra pipes at the top of the tower?

 

[Fiemies]

A professional piece of work. Commitment like this, to the community, is rare. We owe you Fern!

 

[fern_za]

@PeekNPoke, I agree We never thought that is was going to be so much work, but in the end it payed off

@wetkit, the extra pipes are the thinner than the masts pipes , they are there as mounts for the various antennas