Patrick,
Solid, well thought out info. I love your disclaimer clause !
I am installing an Orion 2800 in my tower soon and this thread is
very timely for me. Great information from you guys............
73,
Bob
K6UJ
On 4/25/16 8:02 AM, Patrick Greenlee wrote:
I think it is the universal answer, "It depends." In the case of a
Kurt Andress converted prop pitch motor (a small one) he told me to
let all the weight (over 250 lbs) rest on the rotor/rotator before
tightening the clamping bolts/set screws on the thrust bearing(s.) I
can see how a marginal unit might turn a heavier antenna and mast than
it could safely support without accelerated wear or catastrophic
failure. Surely the manufacturer must offer max load capacity ratings.
I would not advise getting close to any published specs for fear of
shortening the life of the equipment.
If you choose to let the rotor/rotator carry the load then perhaps you
would consider mounting the unit above nuts on vertical bolts so that
in normal use the weight is carried by the rotor/rotator which is
supported by the nuts on the vertical mounting bolts. With a little
clearance below the nuts you could lower the nuts which would transfer
the load to the bearing and remove the load from the rotor/rotator.
This would free the rotor/rotator to be removed and leave the
antenna(s) and mast in a safely supported manner. You would want to
secure the bolts to handle torque or otherwise they might flex
sufficiently to cause a failure. This is not so complicated to do as
it is for me to describe in text. While the rotor/rotator is removed
you should secure the mast from rotating or it might destroy the coax
loop that lets the mast and antenna(s) rotate.
Caveats:
1. I am not a degreed mechanical engineer.
2. My meds might not be properly titered.
3. The second paragraph above is my conjecture, unsupported by
experience and previously unreviewed by competent authority.
4. Fitness for any specific use is purely coincidental.
5. Use of anything in the commentary above is solely at the risk of
the user as it is submitted for its entertainment value, if any and no
other use is recommended, authorized, or intended.
Patrick NJ5G
On 4/24/2016 11:30 PM, Chuck Gooden wrote:
Should the rotor in a tower, bear the weight of the antennas and
mast? Or should the weight be on a bearing plate, and allow the
rotor to be easily removed?
What are the pros and cons of either approach?
Chuck Gooden N9QBT
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