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[TowerTalk] Re: Rotator Cable Alternatives

To: <towertalk@contesting.com>
Subject: [TowerTalk] Re: Rotator Cable Alternatives
From: n3rd@ix.netcom.com (Dave Hawes)
Date: Sun, 23 Mar 1997 13:30:34 -0400
On 22 Mar 97, Roger L. Elowitz wrote:

> I wonder if you've thought of some interesting schemes for disconnecting the
> cable from the rotor as cheaply.  There always seems to be a time that must
> happen and it's a bear of an effort disconnecting six or eight conductors
> from screws in all the wrong places.  

About 3 feet from the rotator, cut the wire and put a terminal strip
in line.  On the side going back to the control box, use full ring
terminals.  On the side going to the rotator, use "locking spade
lugs" for ease of removal/reinstallation.  After installation, two
coats of clear akrylic enamel spray (brand name Krylon is readily
available) will serve to protect the metallic parts on the terminal
strip from corrosion.  The Krylon drys within minutes, so two coats
is easily done. (The Krylon breaks away easily when needed for
future maintenance.)  Finish the job by neatly coiling and taping
the excess cable in a way that it won't get kicked when climbing the
tower.

We've done this at N3RS and other FRC stations for many years, and it 
works well.  Not real pretty, but very effective.

73 - Dave N3RD
n3rd@ix.netcom.com
http://www.QTH.com/topten

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