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Watch out for 'deals'? on 'Heights Towers'! Over the years, we have painstakingly explained to many customers and non-customers in the tower market about the difference between current production of 'Heights towers' manufactured by us, and different models of towers made before 1994, by our predecessors or different tower manufacturing companies. We do this out of a wish to honestly communicate with customers so that they clearly understand the kind of product they are purchasing. We do not need or expect anyone to buy a tower from us. We are totally open to buying used towers of any kind, if it is a good deal for the user. Unfortunately, we have noticed a recent trend of auction businesses and individuals endeavoring to take advantage of our good name and product in order to sell over-priced, misrepresented tower products. These products should in no way be confused with our currently produced towers (post 1994) designed and manufactured per our published (see tech pages) specs. Don't be fooled! There are unscrupulous sellers, and auction companies that enable them, of various sorts, who think because they have the name 'Heights' attached to a tower, that they can cash in and make hundreds, even thousands more than the items are worth. Not only are these outfits attempting to defraud unsuspecting Ham radio operators and other hobbyists, they are flirting with the real possibility of being on the receiving end of a costly lawsuit. We would encourage them to desist before it is too late. We continue to offer many FAQs on this and related subjects. If you are interested, please read them to get an idea of the details and implications of buying any used towers. We support used tower buyers on any of our general tower models since 1994, except for certain Fold Over Kit items before 2000. Most items we support, but we do change--more accurately to say 'improve' in almost every way-- our product line from time to time. Not annually, like automobile companies, but from time to time, as we realize a better design. |
Space does not permit full explanation of all the facets of our design improvements. One major trend you would note if researching our past lines has been a move toward the elimination of non-corrosive material in any function. This means no more old, pre circa 1989 use of steel Roller guides in telescoping towers. We can not replace those items, and since 1994, our aluminum Roller Guides will no longer fit the old tower section design (pre-1994). There are other changes in Fold Over Kits and tower sections. Again, we would ask you to read about our current products, including our history page, to comprehend the full evolution involved. Please accept it. (Do not try to negotiate out of it!) We can not and will not stay with the PAST, if the PAST is not working or not working as well! Look forward! We do. As reasoning individuals, we are obliged to do so. Towers should be regarded as utilitarian products (despite their sometimes beautiful appearance), not as antique novelties; just because a car says 'Model-T', does not mean it's as effective or functional as a new Ford Taurus right off the assembly line. The Model-T or -A may make a great, certifiable show-car, but not one you would want to use for business or personal travel. We leave you with the following age-old proverb: Buyer beware! On a colloquial, and perhaps legal note, when you see trouble coming down your street, it's better to cross the street before it gets to you, than have a big mess on your hands when it comes to greet you (my mom used to say something like that). Best wishes to all (even pesky con-artists and junk dealers), Drake Heights Tower Systems |
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March 2008. Time flies. Well, our reconstruction from Hurricane Ivan, way back in September 2004 is not pretty much complete. Yes, the effects take quite a while to mop up from. It's hard to describe to the uninitiated or non-believer. In general however, things are improving on many levels and we want our customers to know that. Cheers! |
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Several Hurricanes hit Florida this year packing 145 mph sustained winds passing right over our first 'Hurricane' tower, which was installed in West Palm Beach, FL in June 2004. The tower, shown in picture right, is 92 foot in height and rated for 150 mph winds. This tower and many others which were rated at much lower windspeed survived without any problems. |
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We produce hurricane towers to withstand the severest windload ratings in Florida and the Carribean. At this time, they are self-supporting in heights up to 140 feet for more moderate wind speeds of around 110 mph. Please see our stacked, tapered tower list for further information. Thank you and be safe! |
OTHER NEWS:
Dateline: March 2004 New Tests Confirm that Fold Over Kits lift BIG Towers:
Tests performed from February 26 to March 26, 2004 on actual 88 ft. and 120 ft. towers confirm the ability of our current Fold Over Kit design to lift large payloads. Our previous tests in 2001 demonstrated that our motorized Fold-Over-Kits could lift an extremely heavy duty 72 ft. tower with over 330 lbs. of dead-weight attached 4 ft. above the apex of the tower. We did further testing with taller towers to confirm that our mathematical interpolations of the earlier tests were accurate, and our expectations were satisfactorily met. Our smaller gearmotor (1105 in. lbs. output) lifted 60# on the end of a 120 ft. tower, whereas a new large gearmotor lifted 145# on the end of a 120 ft. (4.4 sq.ft. model) tower without any stalling or drive reversal. Both gearmotors easily lifted over 230# on the top of an 88 ft. tower. Some flexing of the tower occurs in the horizontal position before fold up, but the tension and displacement of the structure, of course, subsides in the vertical erect position.
Stronger Gearmotors available at a reasonable price: Our new stronger gearmotors may be ordered at only $100 more in price than the regular gearmotor, which sells for $815. So, our super heavy-duty gearmotor runs for only $915.
"Voltage Drop" may be the worst enemy: Like any electrically powered working device, our gearmotors require proper electrical service with minimal voltage-drop to work efficiently. Customers with generator-powered electricity or sub-standard wiring/electrical infrastructure may experience difficulty operating their motorized Fold Over Kits. Our gearmotors require near total efficiency, that is near 120 Volts AC electricity, to generate their specified torque output. Electrical lines that are distant from main facility power supply or perhaps generator supplied power, may experience what is commonly referred to as voltage drop. Any time voltage falls more than a few percentage below the specified voltage that a motor is designed for (in this case 120 Volts AC), that motor will experience a dramatic loss in efficiency. This effects gearmotors with a large drop in output torque, thus possibly rendering some motorized Fold Over Kits unable to lift specified amounts. Voltage drop occurs where insufficiently heavy enough wiring is used from main electric service. For instance, any time you use a long extension cord, you can measure voltage drop on its outlet, and this is more noticable if you are putting a larger amp drawing motor or appliance on the end. Sometimes this drop is overlooked because the motor compensates for the loss of voltage by drawing more amps. However, this is an unsafe and foolish game to play with any motorized appliance, as the additional amperage will sooner or later burn the motor and will not operate the motor to specified output efficiency anyway. Ask your local lawn-cutting professional who ever uses electrical lawn tools whether this is true or not. Then ask a motor manufacturer regarding larger motor efficiencies. Unfortunately, this problem can manifest istself in some areas of tower work, where consumer and commercial customers sometimes try to stretch their electrical service 'beyond its means'. Locations of towers are often located at some distance from main electric power sources. This 'stretching' of the power capacity in lines may not be noticed with the lower power needs of radio equipment, but will certainly be noticable when running 1/2 or 3/4 HP gearmotors.
Always be careful when testing or working with electricity. Electricity has the power to damage property, can cause injury and even death! Hire a licensed electrician when installing new power lines.