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UER Forum > Archived Rookie Forum > tower Climbing help! (Viewed 1649 times)
BloodBoss 


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tower Climbing help!
< on 4/10/2012 11:08 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
So im getting interested in maybe climbing a cell phone/radio/whatever tower. but have zero knowlage about how/safety/security, ect. if someone could help me out, or direct me to the thread with it that would be great

Tastee-Freeze 


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Re: tower Climbing help!
<Reply # 1 on 4/11/2012 12:15 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Before you do anything, check for ground crews, and make sure the weather is nice, it can get balls-shrivellingly cold up top of those things. Other than that, be prepared for a long haul, ropes are recommended, but I personally prefer not to use them, it's an extra hassle that can slow you up and get you arrested.
Some basics are as follows:

1) If there are people there, or if it is a well travelled area, like near a highways, or road, or is inside a city, Do. Not. Do. Your odds of being spotted increase exponentially by the amount of people that pass by the tower.

2) If you hear sirens (unless you can actually see the vehicle, and it's anything other than an ambulance), move your shit and GTHO.

3) Be prepared for a long haul, what may look like a short climb from the bottom could take nearly an hour to top. Those things look tall and they are. Eat a decent amount of food before going up, a caffeinated drink or two doesn't hurt either. But keep it simple, ralphing at 150 feet won't do much for your self esteem.

4) DON'T TAKE UNNECESSARY RISKS! I cannot stress this point enough. If you fall from anywhere over seventy five feet, you are effectively screwed. I took a dive once from about thirty-five feet because I thought it would be funny to toss a rock at an old abandoned bees nest. It wasn't abandoned. I couldn't move for an hour and a half, actually had to call the cops to come get me because I couldn't move, I had broken my foot and was in a cast for several months after, and a brace for even more.

5) That last post brings me to the fact that you shouldn't climb alone.
I like to. Hell, I prefer to. Just me, the tower and the wind. But it is a lot safer to climb with a buddy. Even if your friend happens to be a well tied rope and a good set of caribiners.


That should about cover it, I think, if you stick by these guidelines, you should be alright, also, I should mention this: if you start to feel excessively hot. Get down. There are different levels of micro waves for different towers, there are usually warning signs on the fence at the base of the tower, keep an eye out for these, because radiation burns are bad news. Death is even worse news.
I don't think I missed anything excessively important, so you should be alright, stay safe and bring a friend if it's your first time.
[last edit 4/11/2012 12:19 AM by Tastee-Freeze - edited 2 times]

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BloodBoss 


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Re: tower Climbing help!
<Reply # 2 on 4/11/2012 12:36 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Posted by Tastee-Freeze
Before you do anything, check for ground crews, and make sure the weather is nice, it can get balls-shrivellingly cold up top of those things. Other than that, be prepared for a long haul, ropes are recommended, but I personally prefer not to use them, it's an extra hassle that can slow you up and get you arrested.
Some basics are as follows:

1) If there are people there, or if it is a well travelled area, like near a highways, or road, or is inside a city, Do. Not. Do. Your odds of being spotted increase exponentially by the amount of people that pass by the tower.

2) If you hear sirens (unless you can actually see the vehicle, and it's anything other than an ambulance), move your shit and GTHO.

3) Be prepared for a long haul, what may look like a short climb from the bottom could take nearly an hour to top. Those things look tall and they are. Eat a decent amount of food before going up, a caffeinated drink or two doesn't hurt either. But keep it simple, ralphing at 150 feet won't do much for your self esteem.

4) DON'T TAKE UNNECESSARY RISKS! I cannot stress this point enough. If you fall from anywhere over seventy five feet, you are effectively screwed. I took a dive once from about thirty-five feet because I thought it would be funny to toss a rock at an old abandoned bees nest. It wasn't abandoned. I couldn't move for an hour and a half, actually had to call the cops to come get me because I couldn't move, I had broken my foot and was in a cast for several months after, and a brace for even more.

5) That last post brings me to the fact that you shouldn't climb alone.
I like to. Hell, I prefer to. Just me, the tower and the wind. But it is a lot safer to climb with a buddy. Even if your friend happens to be a well tied rope and a good set of caribiners.


That should about cover it, I think, if you stick by these guidelines, you should be alright, also, I should mention this: if you start to feel excessively hot. Get down. There are different levels of micro waves for different towers, there are usually warning signs on the fence at the base of the tower, keep an eye out for these, because radiation burns are bad news. Death is even worse news.
I don't think I missed anything excessively important, so you should be alright, stay safe and bring a friend if it's your first time.


thank you so much! there is a pretty large cell phone tower in the middle of the forest by my house. are those any more dangerous to climb then other kinds of towers? electic shock sort of stuff.

Tastee-Freeze 


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Re: tower Climbing help!
<Reply # 3 on 4/11/2012 12:42 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Cell phone tower? No, sorry, I can't really help you there, I prefer radio broadcast ones, you can get higher. Are you talking about a cell tower that's built in a tripod, or just a single tower?

Entry to the rooftop playground is free, if you look up enough to know it's there.
-Dsankt on 'The Crane Style'
BloodBoss 


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Re: tower Climbing help!
<Reply # 4 on 4/11/2012 12:44 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
um well i havnt been up there in a while im not sure what the tower is like. i just know its pretty big, but not tall. it is on top of a pretty large mountain though. so awesome veiws. it might actually be a radio broadcast tower. im going to hopefully hike up there soon again to scope it out.

Tastee-Freeze 


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Re: tower Climbing help!
<Reply # 5 on 4/11/2012 12:51 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Hiking... Oh joy. Bring snacks. Haha, you're going to be hungry, though that really depends on the size of the mountain. If it's a broadcast tower you should be fine, as long as it isn't bristling with long range antannae and receiver dishes. Plus, its up high, so yes, epic views (bring a camera, I want pics), and if it's on top of a mountain, there shouldn't be too many people up there. You picked a ripe spot my friend.

Entry to the rooftop playground is free, if you look up enough to know it's there.
-Dsankt on 'The Crane Style'
BloodBoss 


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Re: tower Climbing help!
<Reply # 6 on 4/11/2012 12:54 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Posted by Tastee-Freeze
Hiking... Oh joy. Bring snacks. Haha, you're going to be hungry, though that really depends on the size of the mountain. If it's a broadcast tower you should be fine, as long as it isn't bristling with long range antannae and receiver dishes. Plus, its up high, so yes, epic views (bring a camera, I want pics), and if it's on top of a mountain, there shouldn't be too many people up there. You picked a ripe spot my friend.


if i got a picture of the tower would you be able to tell me weather or not is an okay one to climb?

Tastee-Freeze 


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Re: tower Climbing help!
<Reply # 7 on 4/11/2012 1:41 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
I can't tell much just from a glance, the warning signs at the base are usually the best indicator. Either that or google for similar towers. They tend to build them in a fairly similar method, using the same design for one tower. I find that single towers, while shakier, tend to be more fun. While tripods are usually used to house the heavier duty equipment, since they are sturdier.

Entry to the rooftop playground is free, if you look up enough to know it's there.
-Dsankt on 'The Crane Style'
BloodBoss 


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Re: tower Climbing help!
<Reply # 8 on 4/11/2012 1:45 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
this tower i know is a tripod or bigger base. it has a few of those things that are round with almost fabric covering the top, they kind of look like drums. are those something i should worry about?

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Re: tower Climbing help!
<Reply # 9 on 4/11/2012 1:53 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Posted by GASMASKGOLDER
this tower i know is a tripod or bigger base. it has a few of those things that are round with almost fabric covering the top, they kind of look like drums. are those something i should worry about?


Those are usually Microwave dishes from what I know.

Do they look like this? http://www.feature...-Dishes-372693.jpg
[last edit 4/11/2012 1:54 AM by urbexkeith - edited 2 times]

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Tastee-Freeze 


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Re: tower Climbing help!
<Reply # 10 on 4/11/2012 1:54 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
I'm not too sure, the towers I usually climb tend to be more the remot type, that sounds like a big broadcast tower. But I could be wrong. I'd have to do some research, but as long as you don't stay in the field too long, as in over three hours, you should be able to escape with minimal damage to your brain cells ^.^
Seriously though, there's a reason people research the unknown. I'm just speaking out of experience.

Entry to the rooftop playground is free, if you look up enough to know it's there.
-Dsankt on 'The Crane Style'
HomeFree1984 


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Re: tower Climbing help!
<Reply # 11 on 4/11/2012 1:57 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
This thread has some useful information: http://www.uer.ca/...d=1&threadid=99708

I love climbing towers, and wish you luck. Just remember to always think ahead and put safety first.

BloodBoss 


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Re: tower Climbing help!
<Reply # 12 on 4/11/2012 2:14 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Posted by HomeFree1984
This thread has some useful information: http://www.uer.ca/...d=1&threadid=99708

I love climbing towers, and wish you luck. Just remember to always think ahead and put safety first.

like any other UE! in my opinion at least...


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Re: tower Climbing help!
<Reply # 13 on 4/11/2012 8:50 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
dont listen to tastee-freeze, he's giving you bad advice that can and will get you killed or, if you're lucky, only seriously injured.

Learn the difference between the different types of towers and their tell-tales. There are many different kinds of transmitters, and they all pose unique dangers. Those circular transmitters you're talking about can be very dangerous, and will have high voltage lines connecting to them.

Research how to identify radiative masts like AM radio towers - these will kill you if you touch them.

Get a harness and rope tethers made from dynamic climbing rope.

Dont worry about sirens unless they're from a car at the base of the tower. If cops are coming for you, and you're at the top, chances are high you wont be able to get down in time anyway. No use freaking out and getting in a panic.

climb with a partner, or at least let someone know where you're going

there are plenty of people here that legitimately know their way around these towers - listen to people who actually know what they're talking about. I'm no expert, but there are people in that other thread who are. ask lots of questions and do your research, you'll be fine.



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Re: tower Climbing help!
<Reply # 14 on 4/14/2012 11:24 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Wear a good pair of high top boots suitable for climbing. For the love of god don't go barefoot.
Bring a good pair of gloves as well.

Your security measures were inadequate.
How unfortunate for you.
Tastee-Freeze 


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Re: tower Climbing help!
<Reply # 15 on 4/15/2012 6:24 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Posted by terapr0
dont listen to tastee-freeze, he's giving you bad advice that can and will get you killed or, if you're lucky, only seriously injured.

Learn the difference between the different types of towers and their tell-tales. There are many different kinds of transmitters, and they all pose unique dangers. Those circular transmitters you're talking about can be very dangerous, and will have high voltage lines connecting to them.

Research how to identify radiative masts like AM radio towers - these will kill you if you touch them.

Get a harness and rope tethers made from dynamic climbing rope.

Dont worry about sirens unless they're from a car at the base of the tower. If cops are coming for you, and you're at the top, chances are high you wont be able to get down in time anyway. No use freaking out and getting in a panic.

climb with a partner, or at least let someone know where you're going

there are plenty of people here that legitimately know their way around these towers - listen to people who actually know what they're talking about. I'm no expert, but there are people in that other thread who are. ask lots of questions and do your research, you'll be fine.





Hey, before you go calling BS, these are the guidelines that I myself go by. I have several towers under my belt, and I've seen some nice views to boot. This set of guidelines hasn't killed me yet, so consider that before saying it'll kill the bugger. Seriously. Think about it before you call something like that.

Entry to the rooftop playground is free, if you look up enough to know it's there.
-Dsankt on 'The Crane Style'
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Re: tower Climbing help!
<Reply # 16 on 4/15/2012 5:55 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Ok, after everybody has his own opinion on this one.

I will give the opinion ham radio people have in general.
I know there are some that don't need a harness, but people drive without a seat belt, if they like to risk their life fine.

Now I always wear an OSHA approved harness when I get on a tower. Why?
Because I go on ham radio towers and the insurance only covers me wearing such a harness. All the following will be for a similar reason unless otherwise stated.

Boots, yes you should wear boots. Good boots, because sometimes you need to step on the angled part and this can hurt when you wear shoes or flip flops.


Gloves, take them and trust me that you need them.


A helmet, one the one hand insurance reasons, on the other hand, I don't like to bang my head on the tower. Can happen real quick, and this way I won't have to worry about it.

Lanyards, you should have the shock absorbing type. And you should have two, or a Y shaped one. So you can leave one always attached on the tower.

Lanyards, it's great to have one that is going around the tower and is connected to you. This way, you have kind of hands free operation and you won't fall unless your legs give up or slip.

I always have a short lanyard with me, so I can connect myself to the tower. But this is when I work on them and I need to use more strength without slipping. This is not needed for a climb only.

And last but not least, use the restroom before you go up, and if you think it takes longer, take some water and a snack.




Now all this said, I talk from personal experience. I repair quite some heavy antennas on some towers, I took a full tower down, piece by piece, and I did some emergency repairs in a high wind situation.

I always have a good ground crew, as these jobs can't be done alone.
For talking with them, I recommend a 2 way radio, I use mu ham radio, and a external mic, so you don't have to handle the radio. Keep it somewhere, were it can't fall. The Mic clips to the harness.


I hope this makes things a little clear from someone that does this on a semiprofessional base.

Tastee-Freeze 


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Re: tower Climbing help!
<Reply # 17 on 4/15/2012 7:15 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Well, I think that pretty much summed up the entire purpose behind this thread. I have no beef with those statements, seems legit.

Entry to the rooftop playground is free, if you look up enough to know it's there.
-Dsankt on 'The Crane Style'
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Re: tower Climbing help!
<Reply # 18 on 4/16/2012 12:53 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Posted by Tastee-Freeze



Hey, before you go calling BS, these are the guidelines that I myself go by. I have several towers under my belt, and I've seen some nice views to boot. This set of guidelines hasn't killed me yet, so consider that before saying it'll kill the bugger. Seriously. Think about it before you call something like that.


How can you defend your arguments when you yourself admit to performing almost no formal research and don't even know how to differentiate between the different types of towers. You said you didnt know what those drum style transmitters did, and said he should be fine standing around them, as long as it's just for a couple of hours. All shit poor advice.

Just because you've climbed towers and not died doesnt mean that he wont. I dont care if you're fucking superman, touch a live AM radio tower and it will kill you. They're easy as hell to spot, if you know what to look for. There are plenty of dangerous things on many towers, they're nothing you cant work around, but only with the right equipment, training & knowledge. Do some research before you start giving out dangerous advice to strangers on the internet.


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Re: tower Climbing help!
<Reply # 19 on 4/16/2012 12:53 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Be extremely careful about radiation. Do your homework. Honestly, I'd say if you don't know someone who works in the field who can really confirm that the tower you're going to climb is safe, then don't do it.

Sure, cell towers are usually pretty distinct and safe, but they're usually so small they aren't even worth it, and the bigger ones can easily have extra antennas on the structure that are very easy to miss.

"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go..." -Dr. Suess
UER Forum > Archived Rookie Forum > tower Climbing help! (Viewed 1649 times)



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