My mast has slipped about 30 degrees in the rotor after over four years with no slippage. Prior to noticing this I wasn't aware of any recent windy days. Before taking corrective action, I'm thinking
John, I have no explanation for the slippage, you didn't say if the U-bolts were loose. The U-bolts are also available from C.A.T.S. rotor service. I would use a lock washer and/or some Loc-Tite (the
Yagis are usually mounted to the mast at the balance point. This is almost always not the center of the boom length because of the different element lengths. As a result varying wind forces cause sur
I'm pretty sure that it is generally accepted that threads/grooves/spikes/etc are not the solution. It is better to maximize the surface area and generate uniform pressure over it. The wrap-around cl
You cannot get a 1/4 SS u-bolt very tight. Can you use 5/16 SS or a stronger grade of steel?. You can buy u-bolts at McMaster Carr and you can slightly adjust the size using a mallet and a vise if ne
Here's an off the shelf solution: http://www.tennadyne.com/slipp_nott.htm Chris KF7P _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ TowerTalk mailing
I don't know if your rotator has the hole for a "pin" or not. Can you pin the mast to the rotator? On my rotator, a Tailtwister, I use, IIRC, a 5/16 SS bolt through the mast and through the rotator "
Author: "Roger (K8RI) on TT" <K8RI-on-TowerTalk@tm.net>
Date: Wed, 02 Oct 2013 00:42:28 -0400
I have no explanation for the slippage, you didn't say if the U-bolts were loose. The U-bolts are also available from C.A.T.S. rotor service. I would use a lock washer and/or some Loc-Tite (the remov
Is there a reason you can't enlarge the clamp holes to take a larger diameter u-bolt? It will take a milling machine to properly move the hole center of the existing hole, but that is very easy to do
Author: "Roger (K8RI) on TT" <K8RI-on-TowerTalk@tm.net>
Date: Wed, 02 Oct 2013 03:13:27 -0400
On 10/2/2013 2:14 AM, Grant Saviers wrote: Is there a reason you can't enlarge the clamp holes to take a larger diameter u-bolt? It will take a milling machine to properly move the hole center of the
Hmm.. I suspect that you know more about this stuff than I do. However, you state, "I did some testing with a spare rotor, a short piece of mast and a torque wrench. I lubricated the threads to preve
Lubricating threads makes a big difference, and here is a chart that helps http://www.portlandbolt.com/technicalinformation/bolt-torque-chart.html Grant KZ1W Lubricating the threads drastically chang
I don't see that it address stainless hardware. Steve W1SRD Lubricating threads makes a big difference, and here is a chart that helps http://www.portlandbolt.com/technicalinformation/bolt-torque-cha
I haven't tried this but would it work to have a flat steel plate about 1/2 inch thick with four holes on the back side of the rotator (where the U bolt normally goes) and then use straight bolts get
Author: "Roger (K8RI) on TT" <K8RI-on-TowerTalk@tm.net>
Date: Wed, 02 Oct 2013 15:31:57 -0400
Lubricating the threads drastically changes the torque required to establish a given amount of stress in the bolt. Likewise I don't remember the figures, but tightening a 1/4" u-bolt to the same torq
Thanks to all who responded on this issue. It appears that there is no perfect solution. The weak link for the HAM-III and related rotors is the limited strength of a 1/4-20 U-bolt. I'm reluctant to
Author: "Roger (K8RI) on TT" <K8RI-on-TowerTalk@tm.net>
Date: Sun, 06 Oct 2013 13:51:21 -0400
It appears that there is no perfect solution. The weak link for the HAM-III and related rotors is the limited strength of a 1/4-20 U-bolt. As a thought; How about drilling a matching indentation into