[TowerTalk] To pin or not

[Jeff Singer]

Hi all,

I use Yaesu rotors and big KLM antennas, and have tried it both ways.
Obviously, there is no way to keep the KLMs from turning in the puny Yaesu
clamps, so I've opted to pin. However, if you use Yaesu's supplied pin, it
will simply shear off on both ends at the first gust of wind, so you MUST
use SS bolts.

Yes, the 4130 was a bear to drill through, but if you start with brand new
titanium-tipped bits and go from smaller to larger while using some
lubrication (and you exercise some patience, as well), you'll eventually get
through. And I never have to re-orient the antennas (KT-34XA & 40M4 on same
mast) anymore. They used to spin like tops!

73 de Jeff K2KV
k2kv@reallybig.com

> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-towertalk@contesting.com
> [mailto:owner-towertalk@contesting.com]On Behalf Of K7LXC@aol.com
> Sent: Monday, September 06, 1999 6:05 PM
> To: clewis@ro.com; jackcolson@x-press.net; TowerTalk@contesting.com
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] To pin or not
>
>
>
> In a message dated 99-09-06 17:49:54 EDT, clewis@ro.com writes:
>
> > But, Steve, Yaesu's instructions are very explicit in telling
> us to pin with
> >  the bolt provided! When I, as a believer in non-pinning,
> called Yaesu's
> tech
> >  support, I was told I must pin. Actually, considering that the
> 800SD(X) has
> >  no brake, this might be the proper thing to do. We can either
> crank the
> hell
> >  out of the clamps with no pin, and risk cracking them, or
> snug-em up gently
> >  per Yaesu's directions and pin. Wind blown rotation in the
> case of these
> >  rotators will just change its azimuth since there's no brake ("braking
> >  torque" is a result of gear-reduction and friction). With no
> brake, there
> >  should be less risk of gear failure. So...I pinned. When the
> wind blows it
> >  around, I just turn it back where it belongs. Just trying to follow the
> >  'Prime Directive' ;>).
>
>      Okay, okay - I'll concede the point.
>
>      The original poster asked about *his* situation. I stand by
> my advice to
> 'not pin' since he's dealing with 4130 which will be a bear to
> drill. It's
> more of a practical consideration to me. I guess with the Yaesu
> 'prone-to-break' clamps, they're just ensuring that the mast won't slip
> inside the clamps.
>
> Cheers,    Steve   K7LXC
>
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