[TowerTalk] Frozen Rotor

[MIKE GREENWAY]

To prevent any icing in the tower tube I use a rubber plumbing transition
that has a 2 inch diameter hole on one end and maybe 4 inch or so on the
other.  With 2 inch end on the mast with a hose clamp the 4 inch end easily
covers up the tower opening.  The whole length of the assembly is around 6
to 8 inches.  These can be found in the plumbing department of Home Depot or
Lowes.  It is nicer to place the assembly on the mast during initial
installation but it can be done afterwards by just cutting lengthwise,
installing and seal the cut with some silicone sealant..  HD and Lowes  may
carry larger rubber transitions but I have never looked.  73 Mike K4PI


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "K8RI on Tower Talk" <k8ri-tower at charter.net>
To: <towertalk at contesting.com>
Sent: Wednesday, January 19, 2005 6:03 PM
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Frozen Rotor


> <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
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> >
> > 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.
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > TowerTalk mailing list
> > TowerTalk at contesting.com
> > http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
> >
>
>
> _______________________________________________
>
> 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.
>
> _______________________________________________
> TowerTalk mailing list
> TowerTalk at contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk