FW: [TowerTalk] Frozen Rotor

[Ken Kinyon]

I  wonder if the mast and whatever it passes thru at the top of the tower
are different metals with different coefficients of expansion.  when it gets
cold the sleeve contracts more and binds on the mast.  A thin lubricant
might help.  however if this is the problem, the best solution would be more
slop in the fit between the two.  I would not think ice is the problem,
because it would not melt with the temperature in the teens.
73,
Ken W7TS

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Kenneth E.  Kinyon
34 Princeton Circle
Longmont, CO 80503-2106
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E-mail: W7TS at comcast.net
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> -----Original Message-----
> From: towertalk-bounces at contesting.com
> [mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com]On Behalf Of Martin AA6E
> Sent: Wednesday, January 19, 2005 9:55
> To: towertalk at contesting.com
> Subject: [TowerTalk] Frozen Rotor
>
>
> Winter greetings!
>
> With the help of a good antenna guy, I installed a roof-mount
> tower (20
> ft Rohn 25) with a Yaesu G-1000 holding up a 3-el SteppIR on an 8 ft
> mast.  Nothing exotic here, but it gets out nicely.
>
> We've had a couple of nights this winter of below 10F.  I've found the
> rotor just won't budge until morning, when things warm up into the
> teens.  What's going on?
>
> There could be some ice in the tower sleeve.  Is that the
> most likely?
> Shouldn't the G-1000 be able to break through?  The rotor
> does not slip
> against the mast.  (Indicator does not move.)
>
> What do people do to prevent this?  Lubricate the sleeve, provide a
> weather shield, heating tape, ...?
>
> 73, Martin AA6E
>