Anemometer pole / mast HELP!

[rjd1000]

just installed a new 20ft alluminium pole for my anemometer bits

sold as rigid suitable for satellite dishes, tv antenna etc

yet with a few bits and bobs of light kit at the top it is swaying around a fair bit in 30mph winds as it is made up of severeal interlocking poles

anyone know if this is ok / normal?

or do i need to find some way of holding it still nearer the top as it is bolted hard to a post up to 5ft high

[Cumbrianwolf]

Your pole is working correctly and you will need to guy it to maintain stability as most poles will wobble unless it was a strong structure such as large steel scaffolding pole that was buried into the ground using concrete for instance. What you need to do is connect a collar of some kind near to the top and bring at least three lines of rope or heavy fishing line out an angle of say 45 degrees from the pole in the form of a tripods legs then tie the lines off to something solid and it should remain much steadier.

[rjd1000]

Your pole is working correctly and you will need to guy it to maintain stability as most poles will wobble unless it was a strong structure such as large steel scaffolding pole that was buried into the ground using concrete for instance. What you need to do is connect a collar of some kind near to the top and bring at least three lines of rope or heavy fishing line out an angle of say 45 degrees from the pole in the form of a tripods legs then tie the lines off to something solid and it should remain much steadier.

Thanks very much for your reply

i have ordered a steel wire guy set with 3 50cm steel spikes

hopefully that'l sort it!

[Cumbrianwolf]

That kit will most certainly work for what you want and glad I could help you out.
Seasons greetings.

[Paul C]

I wouldnt mind seeing a few photos of your setup

How is it attached to the ground ?

cheers

[rjd1000]

will post a few pics of new setup when complete

old one i had a 12ft single pole bolted to a large wooden post which was enough to support it

new 20ft pole made of interlocking sections so is not rigid and secure in the same position

[rjd1000]

the pole is solid now but leaning ever so slightly to one side when viewed in certain directions.

is this because the angles of the 3 wires aren't quite equal?

[Cumbrianwolf]

Yes and even a slight wind can push it one way or another and it can be difficult to get it plumb line straight and my advice if does not cause any problems to your sensor then just leave it be and claim ignorance is bliss. Happy New Year

[rjd1000]

slight adjustments and it is now dead straight and solid.

now have my anemometer at 22ft instead of 12ft and the values seem much better now

might actually record a gale in the next decent storm (hopefully a long time away)