Mike,

   Also check the spec on the amount of concrete used.  I would bet on cell towers and other commercial free standing tower the concrete pour yardage is more than 2.  I would tend to believe the average base size for a cell tower has over 8 yards specified!  A larger free standing tower with multiple legs would have many yards of concrete per leg.

   By pouring it against undisturbed soil, there will be less compaction and shifting.  Yes, it can shift (study the flow dynamics of moistened soil).  Also, you must allow the concrete to settle and compact and if it's doing that against forms, with free space around it, the chance of shifting is larger with a comparatively lower weight factor involved in a smaller pour (typically in the less than 2.5 yard range).  It just has to do with the un-homogeneous way concrete will be delivered, trapped air quantities, etc.

   If the tower manufacturer recommends it, then I would tend to believe there's a darned good reason.

The Silicon Tape now has the TV Hawkers selling it for relatively cheap.  I have bought it from these guys and it is the same stuff (I had several rolls of Rescue Tape previously).

Here's the link:

https://www.mightyfixit.com/flare/next?tag=im|sm|go|tm&a_aid=011&a_bid=bc30650e&chan=G&data1=TM

Tip:  Give them a fake phone number (or your bosses, ex, etc) to avoid calls.

I agree, you have been very lucky.  Tree's aren't grounded, yet they are stuck by lightning all the time.  Funny thing is, since the energy has no low impedance path to where it want's to be, it usually blows the tree up!

With all that very low impedance (relatively) coax braid into your house, would you like that to experience the same? 

I'll ground my tower - thank you.

Best answer - try it.

One thing to remember, Quads use full wave length elements.  Yagi's are generally half wave length.

Bob's son is running the company.  I have ordered several times and had my order filled very quickly.  YMMV, but I would order from them again if I had the need.

Mine shipped today...

Mine Shipped Today.

Mostly when that sort of thing happens - it's due to the rules or qualifications of the installer.  Sometimes, the rules are so strict things get blocked that should not.

However, a SPAM filter does not work on the phone system.

You are very welcome Carr.

Jim

I also vote for the LED replacement lamps.  Here's a way to do it:

Take one of the jumbo LEDs.  Cut the Dome portion off (Dremel tool works great).  Glue it to the back of the meter (I used GOOP, which is a really thick rubber cement like adhesive).  Of course, feed the LED with an appropriate resister according to it's specs and the supply voltage.

I did this to a Heathkit SB Series Meter and it looks great!

On the Pro III there are no known Easter Eggs.  Download the Service Manual.  Most of the Pro III is aligned mainly via good ole fashioned pots.  There are service menus, but they do not go too deep into the actual radio to completely screw it up.  Mostly meter calibrations.

Here's a link to the Pro III service Manual:  http://ftp.qrz.ru/pub/hamradio/schemes/icom/IC-756PRO3_Ser_Man_2007jun.pdf

I did get an answer from Roger last week.  He's had some problems to phones and computers induced by lightning.  Try giving him a shout and see what happens.  Since he hasn't charged my card yet, there is no harm, no foul.  Just aggravating as I can't plan for the antenna party.

I've used a 4" grinder with a metal cutoff wheel.  Bending using the Armstrong method, knees and one of those WorkMate type bench/Vise combos.  A piece or 2 of pipe or conduit helps.  Once the concrete is poured, pretty doesn't matter.   

Interestingly, almost 1 year later and I got all those pennies together a month ago and order that Quad.  Now, I'm having a similar experience as the OP.....

No answer to E-Mails.  Maybe a yearly trek taken to Ohio?  We'll see......

Too bad you didn't like the K8RA paddle.  They are made very well and are a bargain.  I've had mine for over a year and love it.  Jerry's commitment to the sale and support is second to none.  Best way I can describe it is Jerry is the DX Engineering of keys.  If it's not right, he'll make it right.

I had an issue where I sheared the head off one of the locking screws on my P-4.  I sent Jerry an E-Mail and while on vacation he answered.  I explained what happened and since it was really my fault, asked him to let me know what the new part cost.  Jerry would hear nothing about me paying.  He even had someone send the part while he was still drinking from glasses with little umbrellas!   

Jerry is a class act and offers a great product!   

Thanks Jerry...