[TowerTalk] installing monster masts in towers(and

[Craig Sande]

This is in response to Kirk's (K6KAR) question...

I am certainly no expert on the matter, but thought this might be
useful information for the group.  A friend of mine built me an
intermediate plate with built in collar that has three bolts to grip
the mast when the rotor is not installed.  When the rotor is
installed, the bolts will be backed off and the intermediate plate
won't be serving any function.  The Orion rotor will be able to take
the vertical and horizontal forces exerted upon it and therefore I
feel that a thrust bearing on the intermediate plate is not necessary
and may actually increase the chance of binding if the three plates
aren't perfectly aligned.

The intermediate plate will be located 28" below the top plate and the
rotor plate will be at 58".  I will likely use some sort of collar or
clamp above the top plate when working on the mast with the rotor out
as additional security.

Pictures of the intermediate plate can be found at www.ae7i.com.

73,  Craig AE7I