[TowerTalk] Rotators again

[Pete Smith]

At 07:45 AM 6/14/2004, Alan AB2OS wrote:

>So you are saying that running the coax down through the mast and rotator 
>doesn't really allow one to dispense with a rotor loop?
>
>That was another of the things I liked about the AlfaSpid -- although, if 
>I am reading their online info. correctly, these things are significantly 
>more expensive than I thought: exchange rate problem?



Second question first -- The US dollar has declined considerably against 
both the Canadian dollar and the Euro; I assume that the AlfaSpid rotators 
are imported from somewhere in Europe or JA.

I think K8RI has a good point -- the 360-degree twist would not be good for 
either the coax or any connectors.  However, I've often wondered why more 
hams don't use the trick that seems to be universal on the TV trucks with 
the pneumatic masts -- they wind the coax around the mast instead of having 
a free-standing loop.  All you do is run the rotator to one stop 
(clockwise, for example) and then wind the coax around the mast 3-4 turns 
in that direction.  As the rotator turns counterclockwise, the coax wrap 
simply gets somewhat looser.  Secure at both ends to prevent stress on 
connectors and you're done.

73, Pete N4ZR
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