The K7NV style clamp will be back in stock hopefully by the end of March. Both
for 2" and 3" masts.
It mates perfectly with our new rotator.
I have been using the DXE rotator now for 6 months and it works great.
We have many in service around the country. Two very nice design points are
that it uses a counter like K0XG, K7NV prop pitch, etc. so if the mast slips -
calibration from the ground is very easy. The Green Heron controller provides
the limit stops. The other feature is if the counter fails you can replace it
easy - side door- so you do not have to remove the rotator.
Best to place an order now - so that when the clamps come back in stock - you
are ahead of the line.
73
Tim K3LR
CEO DX Engineering
-----Original Message-----
From: TowerTalk [mailto:towertalk-bounces@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Richard
Thorne
Sent: Wednesday, February 1, 2023 12:39 PM
To: towertalk@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Ring Rotors and Swinging Gates
John,
I replaced the stock mast clamp on my 2800 with one that K7LXC used to
sell via championradio.com . I don't think he sells it any longer.
I picked it over the K7NV style for ease of installation. The K7LXC
option uses several u-bolts (I think 6 u0bolts if I recall correctly).
I was able to remove the old clamp and install the new clamp without
having to move the rotor or raise the mast. If you go the K7NV version
(available from dxengineering) you'll need to lower the rotor or raise
the mast.
In your case, since it will be a new install, the K7NV clamp is probably
the way to go.
I just checked DX engineering and I don't see the K7NV clamp. They used
to pair it up with their new RT4500HD rotor. Maybe Tim, K3LR, can jump
in here with a suggestion.
Rich - N5ZC
On 2/1/2023 10:15 AM, John Webster NN1SS wrote:
> All:
>
> First, many thanks again for all of the great responses. As a result, my
> way forward at this time is the swinging gate solution. The IDC Technology
> "Sidewinder" is at the top of the list. It seems beefy enough and looks
> like it will maintain a vertical position under a load which in New
> Hampshire can mean more than just the weight of the antenna. Heavy wet snow
> really piled up on the 404C a week or so ago. It also has an optional
> thrust bearing shelf to make rotor replacement simple. I like that.
>
> So... Now on to rotor. I have a non-working Orion 2800 which has seen the
> shop once but failed a second time with the same break release issue. It's
> been sitting on the shelf for 7 years but perhaps could be made to work.
> It's in otherwise good shape and I like the control box. The alternative is
> an Orion 2300 which I used for a few years to turn a 6 ele mono 20. It's
> even older (purchased used from K1ZM who I'm sure gave it a workout) but I
> had it up on the bench a month ago and it still works. Direction indicator
> needle jumps around a bit when it turns but I don't see that as a big issue
> at the moment. I also have a spare Green Heron box that I think could be
> made to work here as well. Best of all, it's free. And, given that the
> Sidewinder has the thrust bearing shelf, I could replace it relatively
> quickly if/when the time comes.
>
> The downside - and this I see as a real downside for this solution - is the
> mast clamp assembly. Here I'm curious as to how those of you have addressed
> the slippage issue. I really hated climbing 90' on a windy winter day the
> Friday before ARRL CW to reposition the mono 20 yet another time. This will
> be an issue if I use the Sidewinder as the inner mast has a 2" diameter. I
> wish it had more for the rotor clamp to grab on to. Many years ago, I was
> told once by one of my antenna Elmers to never ever pin the mast to the
> rotor mast clamp. But in this case, I'm wondering what is the worst that
> could happen if I do that.
>
> Again, advice here is very much appreciated.
>
> 73,
> John
> NN1SS
> _______________________________________________
>
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