It has been 2 and a half years now, and I've learned a few things,
although, more would be better.
Failures--the tower was a classic. Light tower, for testing, and
not enough clamps on the guys. Had more sections, so back up with some
improvements. Next was a bearing. It lasted a bit over two years, so
not too bad, and I caught it before anything else was damaged. Last was
the tail. A couple of years ago someone warned of the limitations of
aluminum. They were spot on. Tail is on the roof.
Good stuff--ALT behaved itself well, cheap glass blades have survived
90 KPH winds (measured) with no furling. Scary though.
Cost-- had the tower (free). Bought the blades ($120). Built the ALT so, cost was Magnet ($250) bearings ($4) wire ws free from a sympathetic local rewinder, Small welding cable ($60) and finally four
free D-8D batteries.
It's been fun, is worthwhile, especially considering cost, now it's time to get serious.
bj