[TowerTalk] U.S. Tower rotor shelf position

[Mike O'Brien]

I'm in the process of topping a new heavy-duty 55-foot U.S. Tower
crankup with TX2 rotor, mast and a couple of medium-size antennas.
	Although I cannot cite any solid engineering reasons, I would feel more
comfortable if the mast extended deeper into the top section of the
tower than the factory rotor shelf, which is a mere four feet from the
top.
	The factory shelf is welded into place, so moving it is not practical.
However, I'm wondering if anyone has experience with extending a mast
through the factory shelf (perhaps incorporating an additional thrust
bearing there) to a second rotor mounting shelf installed, say, another
four feet deeper into the tower section.
	I believe U.S. Tower sells separate rotor mounting shelves, but I don't
know if they are bolt-in units or if they, too, require welding. I know
I can easily ascertain the answer to that question by contacting U.S.
Tower -- but before I do, I thought I'd solicit the collective wisdom of
this group concerning the advisability of such a modification.
	Perhaps I should just do what Steve frequently advises and just go with
what the manufacturer provides (even if seeing the rotor so close to the
top of the tower does make me a teeny bit nervous)...

	Thanks, and 73...

	Mike, K0MYW

--
FAQ on WWW:               http://www.contesting.com/towertalkfaq.html
Submissions:              towertalk@contesting.com
Administrative requests:  towertalk-REQUEST@contesting.com
Problems:                 owner-towertalk@contesting.com
Search:                   http://www.contesting.com/km9p/search.htm