To me, it's a no brainer. 150 dollars to almost certainly lengthen the
life of a much more costly rotor?
Let's suppose the rotor's specs will take that compressive weight.
Wouldn't logic indicate that, regardless, it will last longer if we don't
press all that weight on the rotor 24 by 7, forever?
Moreover, the clamp that comes with even my M2 Orion rotor is not rated the
best by many on this list. There's a better replacement but (so far) out
of stock. Until I can get it replaced, it seems likely to last longer if
_it_ doesn't have to deal with the compressive load, at least, especially
as it seems plausible to me that ordinary physics will transfer some of
that downward load from side to side (e.g. a strong wind) sometimes.
I'm sure it's not a perfect solution, but it seems quite likely that it is
at least worth the money.
Larry Wo0Z
On Tue, Feb 26, 2013 at 8:24 PM, Michael Goins <wmgoins@gmail.com> wrote:
> Thrust bearings (like baluns) seem to be one of those things that create a
> lot of confusion in the ham community. They are used to keep the antenna
> centered on the rotor to eliminate side strain, or to take compressive
> strain off the rotor, or both, depending on who one talks to about them.
>
> I'm putting a T-8 on a HG-52-SS that does not have a thrust bearing on it
> at the moment. Everything I read about CDE rotors indicate that there is no
> need because the rotor can handle the weight if a short mast is used
> minimizing the leverage effect. Other readings say to use one because it's
> important to hold the antenna weight off the rotor. Many thrust bearings do
> not have any way to hold the antenna off the rotor seemingly to be only for
> keeping the mast centered in the rotor. That appears to me the purpose - to
> minimize any lever-like lateral pressure on the rotor generated by the
> antenna and mast induced by wind.
>
> There are lots of HG-52-SS towers in ham service and apparently no factory
> thrust bearing available, and while the Rohn TB-3 and Array Solutions
> version (and others) are adaptable, they require a few holes to be drilled,
> not necessarily an easy project 20+ feet off the ground.
>
> Is a thrust bearing really needed or is it something that most of us do
> just because?
>
> Mike, k5wmg
> Fast cars, slow boats, good dogs, and summers off to write
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