[TowerTalk] Problems with YAESU Rotor
Albert C. Burnham
w4rim@ix.netcom.com
Sat, 13 Feb 1999 06:43:24 -0800
Mike, et al:
I had a G-800S for about 7 years. For most of it's life, it rotated an A3;
later it rotated a C4SXL -- and finally a M2 log periodic.
Never had a problem with the control box, other than needing to replace the
light.
About two years ago, I moved to a hilltop location where we get extremely
strong winds (50 mph fairly regularly, and 80-100 mph at least a few times
per year).
Guess what? The Yaesu rotor bit the dust after being up here for about two
years. Totally chewed up inside -- don't think its demise was mere old age.
Due to my rather extreme wind location, I now have a M2 log periodic and an
Orion 2800 rotor.
If you regularly get big winds, you may wish to consider a beefier rotor.
73,
Al, K6RIM
______________________
At 08:10 AM 2/13/99 -0600, Richard Thorne wrote:
>
>Mike:
>
>Just a quick note on the Yaesu's and square footage ratings. They really
>don't tell you a lot.
>
>They use a a K-Factor to determine load. The K Factor is the turning radius
>of the antenna multiplied by its weight. The K Factor rating of the G-800
>is 1299 ft-lbs. Not sure what the dimensions or weight is of the ham pro
>but go through that calculation. The K Factor is more important than the
>square footage of the antenna.
>
>I have a G1000SDX and its currently turning a 30' boom C4XL. The rotor is
>doing a good job.
>
>Mike Holley wrote:
>
>> Hello ,
>> My Name is Mike and I am looking for reliability data from
>> present and past users of YAESU Antenna rotors ,in particular the
>> G-800SDX model .
>> I have had one in service for the last five years during which I have
>> had two failures of the control unit and the most recent (This month
>> Feb.) of a total destruction of the rotator unit due to gusts of high
>> winds (50/60 mph)
>> A brief history of the Yaesu G-800SDX
>> Purchased in 1994
>> Installed in a 70 ft Self supporting tapered tower on a rotor platform
>> 6ft below to top of the tower ,
>> The antenna (One only) is a 4 element 20 mtr monoband (HAM-PRO) which
>> has a published wind surface area of 8.4 sq.ft. (well below the maximum
>> capacity of the Yaesu rotor specs of 15 sq.ft) .The antenna was attached
>> to the rotor with a 2 inch schedule 40 seamless aluminium heavy wall
>> pipe (10')and weight supported by a commercial grade ball race thrust
>> bearing which was installed to absorb all the vertical weight of the
>> antenna .
>> weight and balance was addressed at all times during the installation .
>> FAILURE No. 1
>> In 1995 (Less than one year after installation the controller failed to
>> operate and because of it's complexity (Electronic/Electrical) and No
>> Service manual obtainable ) had to be returned to YAESU repair
>> department in California .
>> A small DC motor and one carbon resistor were found defective and
>> replaced
>> at a cost of $80.33 Plus S&H
>> Failure No. 2
>> In 1998 the same two components failed again and had to be replaced at
>> a further cost of $81.40 Plus S&H
>> FAILURE No.3
>> IN 1999 within the last two weeks (Jan.Feb) it was noticed that the
>> antenna was wind milling during relative high wind gusts ,it was also
>> observed that the co-ax feed line had broken away from the feed point on
>> the antenna .
>> When the rotator was brought down an opened it was discovered that the
>> total electro/mechanical assembly with the one exception the small DC
>> drive motor was completely destroyed beyond any possibility of repair .
>> The only salvageable parts were ,the upper and lower housing and the
>> ball bearing races .
>> With an e mail to YAESU with a brief history of what had taken place
>> and to enquire if a complete internal sub assembly was available or do
>> I have to purchase a whole new rotator minus the controller . The reply
>> was that complete sub assemblies were not available but that a
>> replacement Rotor less the controller was .
>>
>> A decision I have to make now is to I replace the Rotor or install
>> another brand of rotor . which will entail a lot of tower work .
>> I would be most interested to hear from any other YAESU G-800SDX users
>> that has experienced any form of problems as this will help me decide on
>> the next route to take .
>> Thank you one and all for taking the time to read this .
>> Respectfully
>> Michael Holley VE7AVM
>> e mail address <mholley@quik.com>
>> 73 - Michael, VE7AVM @ VE7KIT
>>
>> Message timed: 11:28 on 11 Feb 99
>> Message sent using WinPack V6.4
>>
>> --
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>
>
>
>--
>73,
>Richard Thorne - N5ZC (Ex. KA2DSY, N2BHP, WB5M)
>Amarillo, TX
>
>
>
>--
>FAQ on WWW: http://www.contesting.com/towertalkfaq.html
>Submissions: towertalk@contesting.com
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>
>
>
\\|//
(@ @)
---------------------oOO---(_)---OOo-------------------------
Albert C. Burnham, K6RIM
409 Summit Drive
Corte Madera, CA 94925
Phone: (415) 924-6783
FAX: (415) 924-6678
E-mail: w4rim@ix.netcom.com
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