On April 27, 2009 Manuel Collazo of the University of Miami RSMAS Machine Shop and myself, Michael Shoemaker of AOML OCD, began the process of preparing the ICON station designated LCYI2 for installation near the Little Cayman Research Center. Our first step was the transportation of the Pylon from the research station down to the salt dock by flat bed trailer where it wou
ld be leaded and staged for deployment. Our next step on April 28 was the installation of the masts which support the navigation light, GOES antenna and the lightning brush. When done with the masts we then tackled the solar panel installation. On April 29 the final part of the preparation was performed which called for drilling out a section at
the base of the pylon and mixing 750lbs of lead shot with epoxy resin to fill the ballast chamber at the bottom. We then patched the area with tri-axial Fiberglass cloth and compressed it with peel ply for an overnight cure. Our final day's work on April 30 consisted of removal of the peel ply and painting the section with anti-fouling paint then moving up to the top end of the pylon and applying reflective tape and designator lettering.
Photos by Claire Dell