So looking at various property listings I see external TV antenna towers. Usually mounted next to a building. Where can I buy.
My application is for a tv antenna. I do not want to pole mount or do I want a bunch or attachment points on the building. I am thinking something like 25-30' or so. These seemed to be common in the 30's, 40's and 50's

Not specifically TV, but this site has treated me well over the years:

DX Engineering

A free-standing, thirty foot tower is going to be fairly substantial. It won't be cheap, unless you can find a "free to a good home--just come and get it" thing. It will require a base in a fairly substantial bit of concrete. It will be a job getting it erected.

Last one I helped erect, many, many years ago: The tower was assembled on the ground, fastened two of the three tower legs to the base--as a hinge, ran a big ol' rope over the house with something to protect the shingles on the ridge, secured the rope to a vehicle hitch, hauled it partway up, mounted antenna and rotor, and secured the cabling to the tower, carefully hauled the tower erect (there was a crew on ropes opposing), inserted the third bolt, and tightened all three.

I've put up a couple of Rohn 25 towers for myself and others. Pretty simple but depending on where you live, you may need a permit to make it legal...if that interests you.

Also, I'd check into the specs before going too far. Here are specs for the Rohn 25 towers.

https://www.3starinc.com/the-r...nications-tower.html

I built a 35’ tower using a company called Talley located in SoCal.

The most expensive part was the digging, concrete, rebar and the tower embed for the base.

quote:

Originally posted by wxdave:
Not specifically TV, but this site has treated me well over the years:

DX Engineering

100% vouch. My friend Tim Duffy, K3LR, runs DX Engineering. Deal with them in confidence, no worries.

Depending on where you live, if you are near a HamRadioOutlet store, they are also very good.

EDIT TO ADD: There are usually some used towers needing removal. Old Hams die off, etc, and no one will use it again. To do this, you'll need someone to dismantle and remove the tower. Other Hams do this for others, but you'll have to check with some current Hams in your area that know of one, and get a few Hams to get it done, then take it to your property, and work with you to get it reinstalled.
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quote:

Originally posted by ensigmatic:
A free-standing, thirty foot tower is going to be fairly substantial. It won't be cheap, unless you can find a "free to a good home--just come and get it" thing. It will require a base in a fairly substantial bit of concrete. It will be a job getting it erected.

For anyone who's been in the business, a simple 30' tower is a walk in the park.

A couple hours work and you can have anything up to 68' erected on site. That is, of course, after the base is set. Another hour or so to dig and set base in concrete.

Yep, I also believe you can find someone around town with a tower that just wants it gone. At least that is how I got my 30' tower that my CB antenna sits on. Talk to some local junkers around town, they may even have one sitting around you can buy for cheap.

They are kind of an uncommon thing, at least lately with all the new fangled satellite and wifi devices and such. But, they can still be found out there. New ones are out of control on price, used is the way to go. Might need a little TLC, but what doesn't?

Good luck in your quest!

quote:

Originally posted by wxdave:
Not specifically TV, but this site has treated me well over the years:

DX Engineering

Yep, DX Engineering.

I have a 3Star close to me and was able to hookup my trailer and drive to their location for a Rohn 25G tower. They were good to work with.

A good antenna tower safety review would help avoid any antenna being blown onto your home with the tower due to high winds.

Got my trianglur one at a local ham radio shop.
Best price around

I built a custom home for a soon to be retired Mobil executive who was a HAM radio nut. He chose a tract of land that had a large hill.

We installed a retractable ham radio tower that extended up to 75 ft if I remember correctly.

Here is an example of what I’m talking about…

http://www.heightstowers.com/telescoping-towers.html

I will tell you that the foundation required engineering drawings that the company provided but we had to fabricate a rebar cage that cost about a grand and it took 9 yards of concrete for the foundation…

Thanks guys. Great information. As usual

And consider a lightening mitigation system while you are at it

You will need a 3ft x 3ft x 3ft hole with concrete this would support a 30 to 40ft free standing above ground tower without guy line cables and or anchoring to house.. most tower sections are approx 10ft lengths.... place at least 2 feet into concrete with a couple of inches of gravel for drainage.... stack tower after concrete has set or possibly stand stacked tower then pour concrete if you have several bodies to help stand it up assembled..... 30ft should free stand unless you live in a high wind area. ... Buying new tower sections from a supplier will not be cheap.... used sections maybe $50.... but free if you take down is better but you will need experienced help..... towers already standing can be a hazard due to rusted legs at ground level to colapse when trying to take down. Trust me on this because have seen it happen with a buddy riding down a 35ft section resulting in a broken leg / broken pelvis and spent several weeks in hospital after a medivac chopper flight from tower sight to hospital. ...Check local ordinaces for possible building code requirements and or permits. ................................... drill sgt.

quote:

Originally posted by YooperSigs:
And consider a lightening mitigation system while you are at it

Ground the tower and he'll be GTG.