In a message dated 3/8/2008 5:16:17 P.M. Pacific Standard Time,
gerald@saboe.net writes:
> I need to work on the rotator shelf in my USTower HDX-772. I've been told
SOP is to have tower completely retracted, use UST lowering device to
tilt-over tower to near horizontal onto support stands, and then extend to
expose
the rotator section in the top section.
Well, I do it a little differently since not everyone has a lowering
fixture. I extend the tower until the rotator shelf is exposed and then stop
the
tower movement. Block each section with steel pipes, 2x4's or U-bolts on the
legs so that it won't move no matter what happens. Then climb up and do your
work.
> Should Prelube 6 or another type lubricant be used on the load-bearing
tower steel tubing to help reduce friction when extending/retracking the tower
while horizontal? Seems an unfortuate amount of galling of load bearing
galvanized steel tubing will occur with this process.
You can't get away from it so you have to live with it. Unless your
tower is being pulled up equally by cables on all 3 sides, the pull will be
off
center and unequal which will slide on one or two legs but not all three.
Using any lubricant is of marginal utility and not worth the effort IMO. The
slight galling isn't anything to worry about.
What is more important is:
1 - Periodic inspection and cable lubing (at least annually)
2 - Exercising your mechanism by running it up and down once a month or so.
3 - Not always leaving your tower in the same extended or retracted
position; e.g. at the limit switches. Leave it at other places above the
bottom limit
and below the top limit. This will minimize any possible cable kinking from
always being bent over a loaded pulley at the same place all the time.
Cheers,
Steve K7LXC
TOWER TECH -
Professional tower services for hams
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