Thanks for posting the flaws again.
Looks like one of the recent improvements is removal of the dimples. Both
surfaces (front and back) on the mast clamps are now ground off at the
factory.
Since the mechanism has also been strengthened, this rotator may finally be
up to the task to rotate large arrays. However, thanks to comments from
Frank W3LPL, I do not intend to be the first to find out. Instead of using
it to turn the top-of-stack 4el 40 meter Yagi, I think it will do nicely
turning the top-of-stack 5 el 20 meter Yagi instead.
Now to look into a prop-pitch and suitable controller...
73, Keith NM5G
_____
From: K7LXC@aol.com [mailto:K7LXC@aol.com]
Sent: Monday, April 23, 2007 7:05 AM
To: towertalk@contesting.com; kdutson@sbcglobal.net
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Mast slipping
In a message dated 4/22/2007 7:11:18 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,
towertalk-request@contesting.com writes:
> Frank,
> Are you saying the Orion has a basic design flaw that no amount of
strengthening or improvement will correct? If so, please elaborate.
Did you miss my recent 4-20 Orion post where I spelled out exactly
what the design flaws were? Here it is again:
> It's an Orion design flaw, the mast clamp has 2 problems. First, the
surface where the nuts and bolts seat are dimpled - not flat. Over time,
the
wind motion causes the washers to pound the dimples flat, thus loosening up
the
nuts; then the mast is loose and starts moving. The problem can be
eliminated
by milling or grinding those surfaces flat.
> Secondly only 2-3 teeth per surface of the clamp actually contact the
mast,
resulting in very little clamping. Then you get the teeth being worn down
as
the mast moves back and forth and it loosens some more.
> You can re-tighten everything and it'll probably be good for a couple of
years. For a 4L SteppIR, you can also pin the mast. Pinning works for
everything except a MonstIR which tends to shear them off.
Cheers,
Steve K7LXC
TOWER TECH
_____
See what's free at AOL.com <http://www.aol.com?ncid=AOLAOF00020000000503> .
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