On 5/27/2014 8:31 PM, jpk5lad@cox.net wrote:
Hi Mike --
The manufacturers of the TX2 (CDE, HyGain, MFJ) always specified it to be
operated vertically to maintain that the weight of the mast and antenna array
would provide the proper downward thrust on the bearings.
The only problem I see in a sideways operation is the terrible stress a heavy set of
antennas and/or an overly long mast which could provide a fierce moment arm on the body
of rotator. If the rotator was sufficiently down inside the tower and you had a good
bushing or bearing on the top to capture most of the array support weight, that might be
enough but I'd still be a bit afraid of doing much turning. It might depend on quite a
few factors: array weight, how far down it's mounted, etc. An engineer might be able to
put some figures to that but it seems like the term, "It depends" figures in a
whole lot.
I normally test the Ham series rotators in the vertical position, but
have done it in the horizontal as well. I'd not put much of a load on
one in the horizontal as it does not have the proper load on the bearings.
"I would not think", meaning I don't know for sure, that you could
rotate a fairly large (meaning a hundred # or so) VHF array supported by
a thrust bearing as a test. As others have said, don't let it get rained
on in that position.
73 & good luck,
Roger (K8RI)
If the tower was horizontal enough so that someone else could help support the
upper part of the mast while someone turned the TX2 from the shack, I wouldn't
think that would place excessive stress on the rotator's body.
I hope this helps. These notes are not based on any fancy engineering
calculations, just my opinion. It's barely worth twice what you paid for it.
Good luck and 73,
Jim - K5LAD
---- Mike Fahmie via TowerTalk <towertalk@contesting.com> wrote:
Is it safe to operate the TX2 while it is laying on its side ?
I don't find anything in the manual EXCEPT for this step in the CHECK OUT
section:
D. With the rotator sitting in the upright position
and connected to the control unit by the 8-
wire cable, plug the control unit power cord
into a receptacle.
That statement raised my caution flags. The rotor is mounted in the tower and
the tower is tilted down to horizontal. I'd like to run it briefly to check
things out before I hand crank it vertical.
-Mike-
WA6ZTY
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