Hello Jack,
As reported in prior posts, having some weight on the rotator is a good
thing, as they are designed for a vertical load, which helps keep their
bearings seated and wearing evenly. This also seems to help them resist
lateral loads from wind, which try to push the mast back-and-forth down at
the rotator level. Just be sure you are not over-loading the rotator
weight-wise.
What I did was to install a second thrust bearing above the rotator.
During normal operation, I have the clamping bolts tight on the upper thrust
bearing and loose on the lower bearing, with all the weight being taken by
the rotator (I also have a Yaesu 800 SDX). For maintenance, I lift the mast
and antenna assembly up just enough to clear the rotator, and tighten the
clamp bolts on both bearings to hold it in place. Then I can remove the
rotator.
--...MARK_N1LO...--
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