[TowerTalk] Ham IV rotor

[Tower (K8RI)]

<snip>
> When you inspect the rotor, check the four self-tapping
> screws that hold the top and bottom halves of the housing
> together. See if they are backing out, sheared off, or
> missing. These screws are a major weak link in the Ham IV,
> especially rebuilt units, because aluminum is removed from
> the upper housing each time these screws are removed and

To reinstall these "self tapping" screws, insert them and then rotate them 
*backwards* while holding a light pressure on the screwdriver until you feel 
the "click" of them dropping into the threads. Then gently turn forward to 
make sure they are aligned with the old threads.  Done carefully (you may 
have to repeat the back and fourth movement to get the alignment) the screws 
will not remove any additional metal.  They should feel like any other screw 
with very little resistance until nearly tight.

This also works in almost any "self tapping screw" installation such as 
electrical panels.
It also adds life to the installations.

Roger Halstead (K8RI, EN73 & ARRL Life Member)
N833R, World's Oldest Debonair (S# CD-2)
www.rogerhalstead.com

> reinstalled. If the two halves of the housing start to
> separate, erratic meter movement is the first symptom.
>
> See my previous postings on this subject.
>
> Dave Hachadorian, K6LL
> Big Bear Lake, CA
> _______________________________________________
>
> See: http://www.mscomputer.com  for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless 
> Weather Stations", and lot's more.  Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with 
> any questions and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.
>
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