We used the hoist to build the dome today. It was a total success! Building the dome normally takes about 8 hours, and there is no way to really speed that up much, since we only have one tall ladder. This results in people who want to help sitting around with not much to do. The build today took about 4 hours from start to finish, with about 4 people total. Since all the work is done from the ground, additional people will bring that time down significantly.
Details on the construction of the hoist will follow in a separate post. For now, here are some photos for your enjoyment.
The hoist is up and guyed out.
A magnetic inclinometer was used to make sure the mast stayed within the allowable nine degrees of variation from vertical.
It begins.
So far so good…
Because the hook is to one side of the mast, the mast started to lean as the dome was constructed. Some adjustment of the guy lines fixed this.
Nearly done!
Complete!
Tomorrow, we will take down the mast, as we would at an event, then put it back up again and do everything in reverse.
