I'm building a bird watch tower, but my main purpose is to put my satellite dish on top. I live in a wooded area in Kentucky, and my internet provider has limitations on height, so I need to ensure it's tall enough to reach a signal without being overly ambitious. I'm planning a 4x4 tower with steps around it, built on an 8x8 concrete pad. I know the height should be balanced with stability, and I'm not experienced in constructing tall structures. My previous projects include building and repairing decks, but none have been higher than 8 feet. I'm considering additional diagonal supports for stability, but I'm unsure if I should dig and concrete those as well. I'm looking for any advice or tips, and what problems I might encounter while building this tower. Thanks!
2 Answers
Have you thought about putting the satellite dish on your roof instead? I get that you might be dealing with tree height issues, especially living on a hill. If your mobile home is lower than the trees, maybe you could strategically clear a pathway through some of the thick trees, keeping in mind that you don’t want to harm your wind protection. It’s worth considering!
One idea is to maximize the internal space and install ladders on alternating sides so that if you fall, it’ll only be an 8-foot drop. You might also want to consider adding a trap door at the top to keep the elements out. Another fun idea is a pulley system to lift your tools up, maybe with an arm that lets you safely move them around after they're raised. Just a thought!