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[TowerTalk] Jammed T2X Rotator

To: <towertalk@contesting.com>
Subject: [TowerTalk] Jammed T2X Rotator
From: Roger Borowski" <K9RB@arrl.net (Roger Borowski)
Date: Fri, 22 Feb 2002 12:24:11 -0500
The CDE/Hygain bell style rotators, including the T2X, are cast to turn
concentric with a mast of 2 1/16" diameter. Don't ask why, as its been this way
since the first HAM-M's of the mid 1950's. To paraphrase from the manual; On
any inside tower installation, great care must be exercised to get the top mast
shimmed to exact center of the rotor mast support (or mounting plate). The
geometry is such that a 2 1/16" diameter mast would be exactly centered. For
each 1/16" less diameter used, 1/32" thickness shims must be used against the
"V" support area and the mast. To center a 2" diameter mast, use 1/32" shims.
Accordingly, a 1 7/8" diameter standard pipe size mast would require 3/32" shim
thickness.
Additionally it has been suggested to tighten the rotator to the mast first
where an adjustable rotor mounting plate is used. The the rotator to mounting
plate bolts should be tightened and finally the mounting plate to the tower
legs. This is especially important if a trust bearing is used above the
rotator. Best Wishes, -=Rog-K9RB=-
PS; Suitable Brass, Aluminum, steel, and Stainless Steel shim stock in various
thicknesses, widths, and lengths are available in some of the better and well
stocked hardware stores, among other sources.

----- Original Message -----
From: Henrik Weiss <ozling@mail.dk>
To: Gary Dixon <gdixon@fmtc.net>; Robert Shohet <kq2m@mags.net>;
<towertalk@contesting.com>
Sent: Friday, February 22, 2002 11:53 AM
Subject: SV: [TowerTalk] Jammed T2X Rotator


>
> Interesting.
> I have just (or my rotator has) undergone a MAJOR retrofit as I worked my
> way through the disassembly of it after 10 years of being subject to weather
> and rust. Why does it stick ?
>
> BTW, my rotator was completely worn off. I had to reinstall new ball
> bearings at the bottom, grind of all the rust in the housing, on the brake
> wedge pal, replace the gear and pinion kit as it was missing some "teeths",
> replace the wire inlet socket with new weather proof type, replace the
> capacitor in the control box.
>
> But before all that I had a field day with all sorts of tools just trying to
> get the rotator housing apart. The bolts were STUCK like really STUCK.
>
> Lesson to learn: Never overestimate correct lining of rotator versus mast
> center as load will enduce heavy stress and destroy the mechanics and never
> use mild steel plate,that corrode very fast, for rotator support as the rust
> will "travel into the rotator.
>
> Now that my rotator plays again, on the working bench, I have a question.
> Does anyone know a good way of achieving center positioning of rotator to
> the mast ?
>
> Henrik
> OZ1ING
>
> -----Oprindelig meddelelse-----
> Fra: owner-towertalk@contesting.com
> [mailto:owner-towertalk@contesting.com]På; vegne af Gary Dixon
> Sendt: 21. februar 2002 14:25
> Til: Robert Shohet; towertalk@contesting.com
> Emne: Re: [TowerTalk] Jammed T2X Rotator
>
>
>
> Bob, the T2X rotators are very famous for this problem. When it has happened
> to me I would climb to the beam just above the rotator and rock it back and
> forth slightly while someone in the shack would depress the break release
> and turn the beam in the proper direction away from South. It is about a 15
> second fix after you get to the beam or rotor.
>
> Just remember, " Never turn a T2X  completely South and release the break".
> The break wedge will jam a large % of the time.
>
> Have a nice climb today.
> 73s, Gary, K4MQG
>
> PS: Never heard anything about the jumper thing you were describing, but
> will be interested in hearing about it. Someone has to depress the break
> release on the control box in the shack to put voltage on the rotor to
> disable the break wedge.
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Robert Shohet" <kq2m@mags.net>
> To: <towertalk@contesting.com>
> Sent: Thursday, February 21, 2002 7:18 AM
> Subject: [TowerTalk] Jammed T2X Rotator
>
>
> >
> > Hi Guys,
> >
> > I managed to jam my T2X against the Southern stop (on the Eastern side)
> last
> > night.
> >
> > I know that there is a "cure" for this by using a jumper between two
> > terminals but I can't remember which ones.
> >
> > Likewise there is a "cure" for a T2X jammed against the Southern stop (on
> > the Western side).
> >
> > Anyone remember which terminals to put the jumper on for either or both
> > "jams"?
> >
> > Thanks for your help.
> >
> > 73
> >
> > Bob KQ2M
> >
> >
> >
> > ________________________________________________________________________
> > Where do you get ICE bandpass filters & beverage matching boxes?  The
> > same place that pays for the hosting of this list:  The eHam Store.
> > Order online at http://store.eham.net.
> > -----------------------------------------------------------------------
> >
> > -----
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> >
>
>
>
> ________________________________________________________________________
> Where do you get ICE bandpass filters & beverage matching boxes?  The
> same place that pays for the hosting of this list:  The eHam Store.
> Order online at http://store.eham.net.
> -----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> -----
> FAQ on WWW:               http://www.contesting.com/FAQ/towertalk
> Submissions:              towertalk@contesting.com
> Administrative requests:  towertalk-REQUEST@contesting.com
> Problems:                 owner-towertalk@contesting.com
>
>
>
> ________________________________________________________________________
> Where do you get ICE bandpass filters & beverage matching boxes?  The
> same place that pays for the hosting of this list:  The eHam Store.
> Order online at http://store.eham.net.
> -----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> -----
> FAQ on WWW:               http://www.contesting.com/FAQ/towertalk
> Submissions:              towertalk@contesting.com
> Administrative requests:  towertalk-REQUEST@contesting.com
> Problems:                 owner-towertalk@contesting.com
>
>


________________________________________________________________________
Where do you get ICE bandpass filters & beverage matching boxes?  The
same place that pays for the hosting of this list:  The eHam Store.
Order online at http://store.eham.net.
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