[TowerTalk] Re: TowerTalk Digest, Vol 12, Issue 9

[Robin Midgett]

Shaft collars work very well as well; search www.mcmaster.com or 
www.grainger.com .


At 08:05 AM 12/2/2003, you wrote:
>Barry:
>
>      Before you loosen the rotator u-bolts, consider adding a clamp above 
> the top bearing.  I wouldn't rely on the two set secrews in the TB-3 to 
> support the vertical load of the mast and antennas while you're fiddling 
> with the rotator.  You can also add the angle and two u-bolts as Don 
> suggests to keep the antennas and mast from rotating.
>
>On my tower I have mast clamps that I made out of two face-to-face muffler 
>clamps.  Insted of the u-bolt that came with each, I used two long 
>carriage bolts (all-thread will work also) to hold them together around 
>the mast.  One set of clamps I have setting on top of the top bearing; I 
>don't rely on the bearing's set-screws for weight support.  I have a 
>second set on the mast about an inch above the middle shelf.  When I have 
>to remove the rotator, I'll lower this second clamp onto the shelf and 
>tighten it.  This way I'll have two fairly heavy clamps that support the 
>vertical load of the mast and antennas while the bottom support (rotator) 
>is missing.
>
>You'll probably have to cut or grind a bit off the facing ends of the 
>clamps' saddles so they can fit around the mast without hitting each 
>other. Also, consider getting clamps one size smaller than the OD of your 
>mast. For my two inch mast I bought inch and seven-eighths clamps.
>
>GL es be safe de
>Gene Smar  AD3F

Thanks,
Robin