Hi All,
All the component parts of the GB7JB system have been available for about a week now.
However, as you may or may not already know, from the e-mail updates, the 'cherry picker' that was used to install the existing GB3JB system, is no longer available.
Therefore, there will be an obvious delay in getting the GB7JB system on the air, because it's not that simple to install the antenna, without a 'cherry picker'.
Several options are being considered, as follows:
This latter option is proving to not be as simple as it sounds.
There is a significant cost implication, around £430 inc delivery and VAT, for the day (!). Plus, there is also a HSE requirement for the operator to be IPAF qualified for specifically operating 'cherry pickers', or as they seem to call them Mobile Articulated Boom Lifting equipment.
The further implication of this is that either the hire company has to provide a qualified operator, at around £250 per day, or I (or someone) will have to go on a training course that costs about £185.
If there is anyone out there who has the relevant IPAF qualification, I'd love to hear from you. At least that would save some of the un-anticipated cost.
If there is anyone out there who has a 'cherry picker', I'd really, really, really love to hear from you.
So, that is the current situation.
Sorry folk's, I'm not going to get it on air by the end of February.
All the component parts of the GB7JB system have been available for about a week now.
However, as you may or may not already know, from the e-mail updates, the 'cherry picker' that was used to install the existing GB3JB system, is no longer available.
Therefore, there will be an obvious delay in getting the GB7JB system on the air, because it's not that simple to install the antenna, without a 'cherry picker'.
Several options are being considered, as follows:
- I have had several offers from individuals, to climb the tower and install the system, subject to a site inspection and risk assessment, etc. However, bearing in mind the antenna system is quite cumbersome, this is not my personally preferred method. Safety first.
- I am also investigating the hiring of a 'cherry picker'.
This latter option is proving to not be as simple as it sounds.
The further implication of this is that either the hire company has to provide a qualified operator, at around £250 per day, or I (or someone) will have to go on a training course that costs about £185.
If there is anyone out there who has the relevant IPAF qualification, I'd love to hear from you. At least that would save some of the un-anticipated cost.
If there is anyone out there who has a 'cherry picker', I'd really, really, really love to hear from you.
So, that is the current situation.
Sorry folk's, I'm not going to get it on air by the end of February.
Cheers & 73's
Dave, G3ZXX.