Insect proofing is a matter of appropriate mesh - it might slide around but
we're not talking about an engine crankshaft at 3000 RPM for hours.
Icing is easy - move to a warmer climate - seriously - that's an interesting
point. I would think at some point, you'd be looking at some sort of shaft
seal, perhaps with a heater? I had some experience with a 3m dish with an az/el
that had a temperature constraint - it couldn't work at cold temps, and yes, it
would get stuck if it rained and then froze. Even if your setup has a rubber
boot, I think you'd need to think about it getting stiff and brittle - so pick
the right materials. Does ice stick to HDPE? That's sort of my go-to for
mechanical stuff that needs to be slippery, easy to machine, and doesn't need
high speed.
Replacing the boot is basically - the boot is more than 360 degrees wide so it
has a split and it's just overlapped.
On Tue, 21 Apr 2026 16:00:04 -0300, Mike Smith VE9AA via TowerTalk
<towertalk@contesting.com> wrote:
I find these antenna discussions fascinating.
Mechanicals aside, how would you weather -and- insect proof such an affair?
In my neck of the woods, I'd also be worried about it icing up, then turning
it and (unknowingly) ripping the weather proof barrier/boot or roofing
shingles all apart.
Secondarily, how would you replace the "rubber boot" (or whatever) down the
road?
Many years ago now, in CQ or QST magazine there was a mobile VHF contest op
who had a system like this...mast through the roof of his van(?) and the
rotor inside on the van floor (I think). Maybe someone recalls the
details.
As Artie Johnson (1960-70's TV show-"Laugh in") used to say : "Very
interesting"
GL
Mike - Keswick Ridge, NB, Canada
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