[TowerTalk] Frozen Rotor

[K8RI on Tower Talk]

<snip>

>
> 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 are a number of possibilities.

>
> There could be some ice in the tower sleeve.  Is that the most likely?

This is the most likely, but I'd think you'd be able to see some movement if 
only slight.
You could get some one to operate the rotor... Just bump it in one direction 
and then the other while watching the instalation.  You should hear the 
motor and at least see it try.

> Shouldn't the G-1000 be able to break through?  The rotor does not slip
> against the mast.  (Indicator does not move.)
>
Try the visual check and see what happens.  Don't keep trying though and 
over heat the motor.

> What do people do to prevent this?  Lubricate the sleeve, provide a
> weather shield, heating tape, ...?

Lubricating the sleeve is a kinda dicy proposition.   There are some greases 
that will work, but they are messy and if you get water in the grease 
nothing will turn.
The mast should be a relatively loose fit, but not wobbly.

On ham in Alma MI took the top of a spray paint can, cut a hole in it to 
just slip over the mast.  He slid the top down to the point where it 
extended down over the top of the sleeve nearly 2 inches.  He then used 
Silastic RTV (TM) to seal it to the mast  It made an excellent weather cover 
and has been in use for years.

Of course this method requires it be done before the antenna is mounted.

I've also seen pieces of innertube wrapped around the mast  (at least two 
turns)  so they flared out a bit and extended down over the sleeve by 
several inches.  You can use a couple of SS hose clamps in this case to hold 
the rubber in place.  They should clamp tight enough to keep water from 
getting inside and running down mast.

Now if I could just figure out how to get the water out of the motor on mine
Hey!  The temperature is up to a balmy 28F and it works!Balmy 28? It was 7 
below with a high of 8 to 10.

Roger Halstead (K8RI, EN73 & ARRL Life Member)
N833R, World's Oldest Debonair (S# CD-2)
www.rogerhalstead.com
>
> 73, Martin AA6E
>
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>
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