The first question is, what are you using for a rotator,
Wind area of the antenna?
What size mast?
Describe the saddle clamps?
All three need to be able to handle the load.
It is possible to tear the gears out of a rotator.
As a guess, I don't think you have a lot of wind area, relatively speaking.
So I'd start with the rotator.
Any of the ham series rotators has a wedge type break.
I assume you are using a TV type rotator as it has no break?
You should be able to find a Ham series rotator used for a reasonable
price. They happen to be easy to rebuild as well, but if you undertake
that, find one of the web sites with directions.
Once the rotator is settled, comes the mast size. It normally would be
1.5 to 2 inches Outside Diameter
Mast clamps need to fit the mast. They need a good gripping surface.
Many mast clamps have teeth, but regardless, the clamp needs to grip the
mast tightly.
I had a really good size array, and In a strong wind, I tried to turn
the antennas. I released the break and hit the rotator switch, but in
that short time the wind took the mast pass the micro switches and tore
up, 5 LMR 400 UF cables.
73 es good luck
Roger (K8RI)
On 4/1/2016 Friday 11:38 PM, Douglas Ruz / CO8DM wrote:
Hi,
I installed a modify spiderbeam few days ago. Spreaders are 7m long because
I added 2 elem (shortened) on 40m.
Few days ago, during a windy day, both U bolts with saddle clamps in the
rotator fail...the antenna mast (aluminum tube) rotate inside the saddle and
broke both coax cables.
I quickly tie a pipe between the center hub and one leg of to tower until I
find a solution.
Maybe I need a Brake mechanism to protect the rotator. Some kind of
mechanism to operate with a rope from the bottom of tower.
It is very interesting...the center hub is connected with an U bolt with
saddle clamp to the alum mast...I think strong winds will turn the center
hub, so, I need protect the center hub too.
Any idea ?
Thanks,
Doug, CO8DM
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73
Roger (K8RI)
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