Ask HN: Engineering problem – How can a fat Dad climb a tree? | Hacker News Reader

Ask HN: Engineering problem – How can a fat Dad climb a tree?

5 pointssigmaprimus11 comments

I'm 47 and pushing the maximum capacity of a little giant ladder. I would like to install a LTE modem in a tree in order to facilitate a stable connection to a rural home. The home owner is in his 70s and has been a kind supportive friend. There is not the option of hiring a young person but fortunately money is not an issue (within reason). What would be the safest way for a heavy older person to climb and then top a tree, to strap an antenna attached to a pole on the trimmed top of the tree? The tree in question is a fir tree and we are looking at 75' to where the tree will be topped.

I am thinking a platform with a pulley or ratchet strapped ladder might work. Thanks.

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How experienced are you in topping trees and installing antennas?

IMO the safest way for a heavy older person to climb and then top a tree is to have the right safety equipment, years of experience doing this kind of thing and some other experienced person to help.

Other than that, if you're willing to risk life and limb, at least hire an expert to assess your materials and proposition.

Oh, and if you really end doing this, try topping and attaching an antenna to a... say 8' tree first. That way you can learn the basics from simple maiming, instead of more severe outcomes.

I climbed trees when I was much skinnier and very young, as far as hiring someone..TBH I wouldn't even know where to start. I should have added that the branches on the tree are not important and could be cut.

Have you tried calling a tree service? To me, that would solve the "chainsaws in high places" part of the problem. It might also introduce you to people who climb trees and do side jobs on Saturdays.

Also, have you considered how to arrest lighting? A high hunk of metal with a conductor to the ground is an attractive nuisance for atmospheric electrical charge.

Been giving this a thought while sleeping. Instead of the whole tree thing, I'd go for a high pole buried in a hole, with the modem installed beforehand obviously.

I agree, after some thought and discussion we have decided use 4 inch PVC pipe with threaded end connectors glued on each section. This will allow us to mount the modem on the top section then assemble the pole adding bottom sections from the ground with minimal ladder work until the desired signal quality is achieved. As a side benifit we will be able to use the pipe as a conduit for the 12V DC power lines. We are still going to tether it to the tree but will only need to secure the first twenty feet using a ladder and ratcheting straps.

Thanks for the advice and I will update on the results once finished.

Tree-topping? August Hunicke has a hilarious gallery of fails: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSSqc6uBFz_yx-LBrjyRrvw

(Also, questions about lightning safety and electrical grounding.)

Sorry when I click your link I get an error. I know it is dangerous, and I intend to video it, hopefully it's a winning clip.

Heres my Youtube,not too many videos...I will post one on whatever I end up doing.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClZhfeO2GvjvscN5KwqWeBQ

AlSo the LTE modem has a WiFi router built in so a signal booster bridge should serve the house with a lightning gap, plus this house is in a hole so lightning isn't an issue ATM.

Scissor or articulated boom lifts. From $90 / 4 hour hire, and up very quickly.

Edit: sorry, is that 75 "feet"? If so, no can do with a lift, they top up at 60 feet (20 meters).

75 feet?! Sounds very risky. I would hire an arborist.

All my other ideas are pretty unworkable....drone....tethered weather balloon...

What about ViaSat? Why does it need to be LTE?

Unfortunately his inlaws didn't cancel the service and I was unaware of how bad the connection is. Now it's too late to cancel and he is locked into a contract.

Ps. I also considered the drone idea but he needs a more solid solution than a drone draping an antenna, I would either like to mount a yaggi or the entire modem sealed in a tupperware with drain holes.

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