[TowerTalk] Rotator for MA550

[Rick Karlquist]

The real issue is probably:

Is the MA550 strong enough for the Yagi when the wind blows?
I just bought a 2 element SteppIR for my
MA-550.  I also have a 4 element SteppIR
at another QTH on a lattice tower turned by an AlfaSpid.
I wouldn't want to put the 4 element on the MA-550 unless I was
going to crank it down in high winds.

I used to have a KT34 on the MA550 and a HAM-M
turned it with no problem.  I didn't leave it up
in high winds.  I remember that the antenna would
slip on the mast in high winds, so the HAM-M never
really got much of a workout.  The rotating base
structure is specifically designed for the HAM-M
through HAM-IV rotators, as you can probably figure
out if you look at it.

I have 20 year old UBC calcs for the MA-550 and it certainly
isn't rated for much antenna area at 70 MPH.

Rick N6RK

Kim Bottles said:
> Gentlemen,
>
> I just picked up a used MA550 with rotating base. Is the Ham IV strong
> enough to turn this thing? I will be putting my 4 element SteppIR (10
> Square feet WL, 80 pounds) on it.
>
> What rotator is the "best" solution that will fit the rotating base
> fixture?
>
> Thanks!
>
> Kim Bottles - K7IM
>
> Ps. Does anyone have a manual for this MA550 that they would be willing
> to copy for me? (I have the drawing from US Tower's website, but if
> there is any other information that came with it originally, I would
> like to see what it has to say. Thanks again.)
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