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Our Bigfoot Tower
Our Bigfoot Tower
This magnificent portable tower, made by US Towers in Texas and affectionately called “Bigfoot,” was donated to SARC by Telus in 2013. Telus’s only proviso was that we use it for club activities and not sell it. Extending to 105 ft when fully deployed, it is the envy of other radio clubs in the Lower Mainland.
Bigfoot is stabilized by four outrigger leveling arms and three guy cables extending from the first tower section at the 20 ft level, attached to suitable anchors. When used at the OTC, we employ two-ton concrete blocks permanently located at strategic points around the staging area.
Raising the Tower
Raising the Tower
Once in place, the tower is raised from a horizontal storage position on its trailer to vertical by a hydraulic pump and cylinder. The tower sections are then extended to the desired height by an electric winch, powered by an integral 3 kW Generac generator. We have since modified the setup so that 110V and 220V power are available externally via a supplementary outlet.
Transport and Storage
Transport and Storage
Because Bigfoot weighs nearly 10,000 lb, only large vehicles can legally tow it. We have relied on Gord Kirk VA7GK for this task in past years. When not in use, it is stored at Firehall 11 in Surrey.
Upgrades and Reliability Improvements
Upgrades and Reliability Improvements
Following a generator electronics failure in 2023, which temporarily prevented the extended tower from being lowered, it was recognized that future generator malfunctions could pose a serious problem. As a result, an external power connection for the electric winch was installed by Steve VE7SXM in 2024.
Recent Deployments
Recent Deployments
In recent years, Bigfoot has been deployed in a grassy area near the OTC. This location offers the added advantage of providing an ideal anchor point for one end of our wire antennas.
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