[TowerTalk] Mast Collars

[W0UN -- John Brosnahan]

Many big antennas are supported by muffler clamps from the boom plate
to the mast.  The forces associated with rotation are usually much higher
than the dead weight of the antennas.  My suggestion for back-to-back
muffler clamp saddles was made to address the issue of supporting the
dead weight of the antennas during repair work on the rotator.  But I am
sure they would hold under continuous duty.  If you are a belt and suspenders
kind of guy then use two sets of them at 90 degrees to each other.

Most hams are not willing to spend the money to do it right with proper
clamping.  I always recommend doing it right.  The muffler clamp solution
is one that works well and is within the budget of most hams and is
readily available.

John   W0UN

At 01:07 PM 8/5/2003 -0500, Bob Gates wrote:
>I somehow missed the first posts on this subject.  But I am curious if any of
>the suggestions take into consideration the weight of the antennas.  I am
>looking to install two yagis with a combined weight of about 160#.  The 
>muffler
>clamps would not appear to be strong enough, but I wonder about the "split
>collar" and the "scaffolding collar".  Your thoughts would be most 
>appreciated.
>Regards,
>
>Bob  KG7KW
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