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John Galt
Forward, March
Premium
join:2004-09-30
Happy Camp
 ·CenturyLink
1 edit | Tower Alternative...When Appearance Counts I had a discussion with a client recently where the need for a tower is apparent. The client mentioned that a "tower" might not be acceptable for this area, due to "appearance issues". He wanted some suggestions on other alternatives that didn't look so "tower-y". Height is not an issues, just appearance.
In my area there are many of these types of light poles. It struck me that they have clean lines, and, while tall, would probably meet my clients requirements for appearance.
I did some research and found out that these poles are called "high mast luminaire supports". I called a couple of manufacturer's and talked with them. I got the best response from these folks:
»www.panthercitylighting.com/index.html
We had a discussion about what I intended to use the masts for....they were amused! Another use for their product, and a whole new market! We discussed modification of the arm bracketing on the top. For a nominal fee they would custom fabricate something suitable for sector antennas (my design). It would be fabricated and then hot dip galvanized, insuring long life. They said that they could install "handhole" access ports as I needed (at the top, in this case...see pic).
What I like about this solution is that the masts are pole stepped, making it easier to do service if necessary. The masts present a clean appearance. Just for reference, the lights shown in the pictures have a reflector diameter of 24"...so imagine how inconsequential a sector or even panel-type antenna would look. These masts look like tiny cellular towers. I plan to finish off the installation using a traffic signal control cabinet...very strong and secure, designed for electronics, and matches the rest of the installation. For example:
»www.econolite.com/pdf/cabinets/e···ures.pdf
Installation of the mast is a snap...two hours maximum. Truck pulls up, crane picks them, stacks them...you're done. Crane time is minimized, especially if you have a "game plan" in advance.
Another benefit of this type of pole is that when you talk to the local inspection authority, you show them a picture of one of these, with the lights on them, and they have no problem with this...because you are not installing a "tower". You're installing a "light pole".
I was quoted a price based on the maximum configuration (as it relates to wind loading) and was quoted $8000, shipped, for a single. The salesman assured me that the actual cost would be substantially less than that, in actuality, especially if I ordered a number of them, but I told him that I wanted the maximum price for my budgeting.
Thought you all might be interested...!
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|  nortexcomp
join:2005-01-24
Arlington, TX
| Re: Tower Alternative...When Appearance Counts I am very interested in something like this and was about to go exploring to see if it was feasible. That company you sited is 20 minutes away from me, so maybe I will drop by. $8,000 is a little steep for what I had in mine. I was thinking $5,000 tops. How tall was the pole that they quoted you on? Also does the $8,000 include the equipment box or just the pole? Thanks for posting this. | |
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John Galt
Forward, March
Premium
join:2004-09-30
Happy Camp
·CenturyLink
| Re: Tower Alternative...When Appearance Counts said by nortexcomp  :$8,000 is a little steep for what I had in mine. I was thinking $5,000 tops. How tall was the pole that they quoted you on? Also does the $8,000 include the equipment box or just the pole? Thanks for posting this. As I indicated, the salesman quoted me a price for the 100 foot "mondo-rated" pole since I wanted to make sure that I had enough money in the basket for the job. He said that the price would be about $5,600 or so, and if I scaled back on the loading requirements, it would be cheaper still. Bulk purchase (6 or more), even cheaper still.
The enclosure is about $1,500 for a stainless steel model, cheaper for the painted steel and aluminum. Very heavy duty...
I am glad you found some value in the post.
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| mogooder
join:2002-11-26
Washougal, WA
| John;
Just for your info, ODOT did some hiway work on I-5 north of Portland, they took down some poles like your pictures (70' +/-) and left them at the Jantzen Beach transportation office, in a field, at last inquire they were moved to the ODOT salvage yard in Salem to be sold as scrap. Might be cheeper than 8000.00,
mogooder
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"The Secret is in the RITHMATIC" Henry Hudson | |
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John Galt
Forward, March
Premium
join:2004-09-30
Happy Camp
·CenturyLink
| Re: Tower Alternative...When Appearance Counts These are good to have in the "toolbox" also, but they are typically shorter than the high mast poles.
Sometimes shorter is better (as in "height not needed") and aesthetics is still a consideration.
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