Howdy, TowerTalkians --
Tnx to all for their input on the Orion and its mast clamping problems.
While I've seen some bolt stretch that is probably a contributing factor to
mast slippage, it seems that the main problem is that there isn't much surface
area on the clamps to really hold a big torsional load. While the SlippNott
may help, it hasn't been verified that it'll actually fit the Orion since it
was designed for Hy-Gain rotators.
So it occurred to me that if we added more surface area to the clamps,
that would probably take care of the slippage problem. My proposed solution is
to get some relatively thin pieces of 2" ID pipe or tubing and weld a piece
onto each clamp since there's plenty of scope left in the clamps for this
sized mast. This should significantly add holding power to the rotator and
inexpensively to boot.
This may contribute to more torsional stresses being put on the rotator
gears but, short of a prop pitch, I don't see any other options.
Cheers,
Steve K7LXC
TOWER TECH
Professional tower services for amateurs
Cell: 206-890-4188
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