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Re: [TowerTalk] Sealing rotor connectors

To: <towertalk@contesting.com>
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Sealing rotor connectors
From: <john@kk9a.com>
Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2025 00:04:05 -0400
List-post: <mailto:towertalk@contesting.com>
I have not used hy-gain rotators in over three decades but I had a number of
prop pitch rotators and lightning protectors with exposed terminal screws.
Initially I coated  some them with a liquid tape but then I discovered that
there were no issues ever with the uncoated connections.  Of course the
hardware stainless steel and I used good terminal lugs and there was no
trapped water.

John KK9A


Jon Zaimes, AA1K wrote:

On my own towers I don't seal them. Let them breathe! Any sealant put over
the terminals just makes future maintenance more difficult.
HyGain did sell a spacer to elevate the rotor about an inch. It provided
some protection for the terminal strip. I've only seen one of these on a ham
tower and not sure it was of any benefit (but was harder to install/remove).
Putting a fat washer on each bolt between the rotator plate and the rotator
helps to allow for water drainage but most installations I see don't have
these. Rotator accessory plates usually have a big hole for the terminal
strip which does a great job of getting rid of the water.
When rebuilding any HyGain rotator, I get the terminal strip replaced with a
flat plate and feedthrough with a 3-4' length of rotator cable (no
connector). I terminate this in a 4x4x2" Carlon weatherproof box mounted on
the tower with a barrier strip inside to connect to the main rotator cable
to the shack. Much easier for maintenance than those screws on the original
HyGain terminal strip.
73/Jon

Jon P. Zaimes, AA1K
Tower climber for hire
Felton, Delaware
http://www.aa1k.us/
Cell: 302-632-2353


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