[TowerTalk] Big Boy rotor question

[Eric Scace K3NA]

   I haven't see the Big Boy so can't comment on specifics.  However another possibility is that the bolts are stretching; i.e.,
they are too thin (and/or of the wrong material) for the load placed on them.

   If you tighten them up (not overtighten) and have taken steps to prevent the nuts from loosening, and the system continues to
work loose, then stretch should be considered.  The solutions to stretch include:
   a) bolts of different material
   b) larger bolts of same material
   c) more bolts (to distribute the load without overtightening)
   d) redesigned system to transfer the load from the mast, or from the rotator to its tower mount, as appropriate.

-- Eric K3NA

-----Original Message-----
From: towertalk-bounces at contesting.com
[mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com]On Behalf Of Gregg Seidl
Sent: 2003 September 15 Monday 20:53
To: TowerTalk at contesting.com
Subject: [TowerTalk] Big Boy rotor question


I have a pst-51b and I'm having some trouble with it.It is turning a 4 stack
of 432-13 wl's with about 13 sq. feet of windload.Well within its specs.The
bolts that hold the rotor to its base plate are loose.I have never seen this
before,I have 2 other big boys here and they are fine.I don't know if they
were loose from the getgo or what.The other 2 rotors are equally loaded.They
are mounted down 9-10 ffet inside the tower with bearings.I don't know if
they can be tightened or what.I also have another question.The clamps that
came with mine are lousy.It is a pipe with a flange welded on one side,the
flange bolts to the flange on the rotor.I CAN NOT seem to keep those bolts
tight no matter what.Is there another type of clamp out there to use that I
have missed.The bolts don't break or anything but trying to work someone 500
miles out on 432 with your beams rocking back and forth 20 degrees is a
$#^%.   Gregg K9KL


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