[TowerTalk] Using older rotor cable?

[Tower (K8RI)]

"To Me" rotor cable is one of the items I worry about least.  If the stuff
is mechanically sound and the jacket not cracked or broken I'd not be
concerned about it.

The rotor cable I'm using at present is new, but on the old tower I had
stuff that was over 30 years old and spliced.  The cable was sound as were
the splices. That cable had been used at Breckenridge, Farwell, and finally
here.  It was spliced as I didn't have a piece long enough and planned on
ordering a new piece to fit.  I wasn't going to stop the project until new
cable arrived.  I promptly forgot about it and the stuff was still working
when I took the tower down a couple years ago.

Do I advocate scrimping on rotor cable? No.  If you have the time (and
money) I'd put in all new *quality* cable.  When I put up the new tower I
put in all new cables including 6 228 foot runs of LMR 400, two rotor cables
(one for the rotor and one for the remote antenna switch) and two RG-6 runs
for the TV antennas.

It took me nearly two years to finish the tower project so I had no excuse
for not having every thing on hand. <:-))

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


>     In my opinion, cable that old should be replaced.  The fact that you
are
> questioning replacement indicates that you have some doubt in its overall
> service capability.  If it is difficult to service your rotor, I
definitely
> would replace it.  If you have a crankup/ tilt over tower where it is
> relatively easy to service your rotor, then, maybe its worth the chance.
>
>     For what it is worth.
>
>             73,
>
>
>             Bernard, WA4OEJ
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Lou Laderman" <lladerman at earthlink.net>
> To: <towertalk at contesting.com>
> Sent: Saturday, May 29, 2004 10:12 AM
> Subject: [TowerTalk] Using older rotor cable?
>
>
> > I'm refitting my rotor, and have rotor cable that's 18 years old but
> > seems to work just fine. The "outside" run looks to be in good shape (a
> > bit "dirty gray" in color, otherwise it appears sound), and I'm
> > contemplating just reusing it to avoid the expense of new cable and
> > running a replacement line (about 150'). Coax should be replaced over
> > time due to UV and weather issues, but what about rotor cable? Any
> > thoughts if I should I replace the cable or can safely reuse it?
> >
> > 73,
> >
> > Lou, KB0CJ
> >
> > Louis N. Laderman
> > Email:  lladerman at earthlink.net
> > Office Email:  lou_laderman at spectrumbrands.com
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> >
> > 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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>
>
> _______________________________________________
>
> 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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>