[TowerTalk] crankups, coax, and rotator

[Al Williams]

I am about to replace the coax and rotator cabling on my LM470 crankup tower.

FYI the reason for replacing is that the m2 Orion rotator finally quit working after much losing of its position.  I found that the pigtail connector pins had literally disintegrated and was replaced by a mucky material.  I had not waterproofed the connector.  It only took about two years to fail completely.

I didn't use coax stand offs on the mid sections of the crankup because my "intuition" told me it might be a problem and doesn't help unless the coax was tied
securely at each standoff (to reduce the weight at the top).  I am considering using a piece of heavy garden hose to help distribute the weight of the coax when it bends at the top toward ground.  I am also planning to use LM400 or LM600 coax--maybe hardline?  I have two towers, one with a 200' and the other with a 400' run to the shack.

All comments will be appreciated

k7puc