Tower and antenna installation - Summer 2025
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During Summer 2025, two Versatower T120 120' three section telescoping towers were installed along with a Momobeam two element W6NL style 40m Yagi and a GXP 12-3 WARC triband Yagi with three elements on 30m, four elements on 17m and five elements on 12m. Thanks to my local mate and top engineer Rhys G, Ian G3WVG and Rich M5RIC for their hard work in the challenging climate of the West Wales hilltop. Also a special thanks to Andy G4PIQ and Dave G4BUO for supplying the towers.
The two Versatower T120s are collected from the M6T contest site in Suffolk with G4BUO, M0BCT and G4PIQ assisting.
A Volvo tractor unit with heavy duty crane, coupled with an extendable trailer were the perfect tools for the job.
I was treated to a guided tour of the M6T station - their excellent 80m four square is shown here.
It was great to see old friends; L-R: G4BUO, G4BWP, Brenda, G4PIQ and M0BCT at M6T.
The eight-hour road journey from Suffolk to West Wales was only the first part of the operation - two local friends were then needed to transport the towers the 'final mile' to the GW8DX QTH along the steep 1.25 mile track using more suitable equipment.
A Manitou telehandler makes light work of unloading the towers.
Rhys D and Arwell made short work of the transport up to the GW8DX QTH.
Some of the new hardware needed for the installation.
Rhys G and Eirian arrive at the GW8DX QTH on what turned out to be the hottest day of the year in West Wales.
The first base and main sections are installed with the help of a JCB off-road telehandler with a reach of 40'.
The blazing sunshine contuined throughout the day.
Taking a well-earned break in the blazing sunshine.
Whilst the telehandler was on site, we used the opportunity to make some mechanical adjustments to the recently installed giant OptiBeam tribander.
Betsy, the DX dog, keeps a close watch on proceedings despite the heat!
Ian G3WVG begins unpacking the GXP WARC tribander.
Prior to the installation of the new antennas, Ian G3WVG took part in the RSGB IOTA contest from the GW8DX station.
Ian G3WVG setting up a new Spid BIG RAK rotator in the HD Versatower head unit.
Two new Spid BIG RAK rotators and Yaesu GS-065 thrust bearings in slightly modified HD Versatower head units.
Rhys G makes some final adjustments.
The Versatower T120s were produced without a luffing winch system - they are counterbalanced towers with weight plates fitted. We decided this was too unpredictable for our liking; Rhys G expertly fabricated new luffing systems for both T120s using Fulton K2550 safety winches.
The weather changes quickly at 1000' ASL in West Wales - Rhys' had his hood up becuase of the cold wind - in July!
Several on-site repairs and modifications were required.
Rich M5RIC stands by the GXP 12-3 boom after Ian G3WVG had carefully assembled it. GXP antennas aren't supplied with detailed instructions - so often assembly becomes a 'trial-and-error' process!
Ian G3WVG enjoys a beer and a packet of crisps with local farmers in the infamous Jem Tavern pub - the pub a firm favourite with GW8DX visitors!
A pair of new Green Heron RT-21 controllers and Spid BIG RAK rotators are setup and tested.
Rich M5RIC connecting a rotator controller.
The Momobeam MONO40T certainly isn't designed to be built and installed on a tilting tower - despite this, we managed it - but wouldn't recommend it for an inexperienced builder/installer!
GW8DX & M5RIC check the tuning of the GXP WARC tribander at the base of the tower - all is well on three bands!
7.5mm Deltex guying cable supplied by DX Avenue (F2DX) has been used on both Versatower T120 towers. First impressions are excellent and there appears to be zero stretch, even in gusty winds that frequent the location - even in summer.
Initial testing of the new antennas has been very positive. Pictured is Rich M5RIC, for scale!
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