[TowerTalk] TowerTalk Digest, Vol 34, Issue 4

Sun Oct 2 21:44:12 EDT 2005

I lost the url to the dropping of the tower that appeared a couple days 
ago. Can someone resend it to me?
Thanks, Jim/WB4GWX

-----Original Message-----
From: towertalk-request at contesting.com
To: towertalk at contesting.com
Sent: Sun, 02 Oct 2005 19:45:21 -0400
Subject: TowerTalk Digest, Vol 34, Issue 4

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Today's Topics:

   1. Re: Rohn 55G Tower Damage, etc. (K7LXC at aol.com)
   2. Using a camera to determine direction (FireBrick)
   3. Re: Lubricating air variable capacitors (Jim Lux)
   4. trying to figure out what kind of tower I have (Jess (AI9L))
   5. Lift cable, Galv Steel, vs Stainless (Pat Barthelow)
   6. Explorer 14 rain detuning (ec1cwg at dxhunters.com)
   7. Re: Lift cable, Galv Steel, vs Stainless (David Hachadorian)
   8. Re: Lubricating air variable capacitors (Tod - ID)
   9. Fw:  Lubricating air variable capacitors (AA6DX - Mark)
  10. Re: Lubricating air variable capacitors (Barrie Smith)

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Message: 1
Date: Sun, 2 Oct 2005 12:16:51 EDT
From: K7LXC at aol.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Rohn 55G Tower Damage, etc.
To: towertalk at contesting.com, n9en at voyager.net
Message-ID: <1d7.46304143.307161f3 at aol.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

In a message dated 10/2/2005 9:03:38 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
towertalk-request at contesting.com writes:

>  A couple days after the storm, I took a 24" long brass-
bound mahogany contractor's level and checked the
tower at various points, to see how far it was now out of
plumb. At the section coming out of the concrete, it was
off approx. 1/16" (in 24"), just above the lower set of
guy wires, it was off about 3/16" and just above the top
set of guy wires, it was off about 1/4".

    Can you see damage in the tower where it actually bent?

     You're allowed to be out of plumb 3 inches in 100 feet and still be 
in
spec. It doesn't sound like there's actual damage so if it was my tower 
I'd go
ahead and plumb-and-tension it back into shape with no harm done.

    I'm not sure why your turnbuckles were loose; maybe they weren't
tensioned properly to begin with and the wind slamming loosened them up 
or maybe
the
anchors crept a little bit. In any case I don't think you've got a 
fatal
problem. Go ahead and P&T it and keep an eye on it for further 
developments. I
think
you're over-reacting to some perceived 'damage'.

Cheers,
Steve   K7LXC
TOWER TECH -
Professional tower services for commercial and amateur
Cell: 206-890-4188

------------------------------

Message: 2
Date: Sun, 2 Oct 2005 11:27:42 -0500
From: "FireBrick" <w9ol at billnjudy.com>
Subject: [TowerTalk] Using a camera to determine direction
To: <towertalk at contesting.com>
Message-ID: <024d01c5c76e$3a2f5e40$6e01a8c0 at HS2>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
    reply-type=original

> Is there any good reason to not use a little wireless
> X10 type camera pointed at a mast with directional
> markings as a directional indicator?
>
> The context is someone using a prop-pitch or other
> rotor where there is no built-in indicator or the
> indicator system has failed and the cost to repair
> is prohibitive.
>
> The little cameras are cheap, may be readily stuffed
> into a tiny weatherproof box, and can grab what little
> power they need from the rotator supply.
>
> WDYT?

I took a little different approach.
I mounted the camera under the boom, oriented in direction of boom.

Becuase I know what is around me...I can see what direction I'm at.

http://24.14.49.4:8080/

or

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/w9ol/WX/HH.htm

------------------------------

Message: 3
Date: Sun, 02 Oct 2005 09:39:35 -0700
From: Jim Lux <jimlux at earthlink.net>
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Lubricating air variable capacitors
To: Steve <steveac at charter.net>, towertalk at contesting.com
Message-ID: <6.1.1.1.2.20051002093418.01f04fc8 at mail.earthlink.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed

At 08:10 AM 10/2/2005, Steve wrote:
>I have recently acquired a used Johnson 153-6-1 air variable capacitor
>for use in an antenna tuner. Looks to be in pretty good condition, but
>it does not turn as freely as one would expect.
>
>Is it likely that lubrication would free it up some?

Might also just be crud in the bearings.

>Is it OK to lubricate this type of capacitor? With what? And where?

What kind of bearings does it have? (oilite bushings, for instance?)

--
There's two sort of approaches for this.. one is to dunk it in a tank 
of an
appropriate cleaning solution (water and soap? solvent?), possibly 
using an
ultrasonic cleaner (although some materials are destroyed by 
ultrasonic),
and then relubricate it.

The other is just to lube it and go.

As for what kind of lubricant.. light oil (aka 3-in-1 oil) might work
nicely.  So might one of the solvent/lube combinations (like 
BreakFree..
little teflon particles in a carrier).  A trip through the gun section 
of
your local sporting goods store or K-mart might be useful.  All sorts 
of
cleaner/lube stuff available for close tolerance mechanical devices.
(Although it's unlikely you'll need powder residue solvent)

WD-40 is not a lubricant.

------------------------------

Message: 4
Date: Sun, 2 Oct 2005 12:43:38 -0500
From: "Jess (AI9L)" <ai9l at core.com>
Subject: [TowerTalk] trying to figure out what kind of tower I have
To: "TOWER TALK" <towertalk at contesting.com>
Message-ID: <001901c5c778$d5d387e0$b7b7d6d8 at ai9l2>
Content-Type: text/plain;   charset="Windows-1252"

I recently found a 65 foot tower it is in 5 sections the bottom section 
is 4
feet  the next section is 16 feet the next two are 20 feet the top 
section is 5
feet and tapers to a point the face of all sections is 14" except that 
the top
section tapers down it is built like rohn hbdx tower except heavier 
material and
all sections are the same size. has any one here ever seen a tower like 
this
????. I want to find a rotor plate and thrust bearing plate for it 
thank you
JESS COLVIN http://www.qsl.net/ai9l

outgoing mail checked by
NORTON ANTIVIRUS

------------------------------

Message: 5
Date: Sun, 02 Oct 2005 14:03:56 -0700
From: "Pat Barthelow" <aa6eg at hotmail.com>
Subject: [TowerTalk] Lift cable, Galv Steel, vs Stainless
To: towertalk at contesting.com
Message-ID: <BAY106-F18E9D697DD3577299FD823FB810 at phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed

I am reviewing the engineering calculations for a Triex LM 354 tower, a
paper copy of which is signed and sealed by a Civll Engineer.  The 19 
page
doc, gives the uninitiated a small, insight into the calculations, 
including
the mathematical equations used, for all aspects of mechanical 
engineering
of that particular tower.  One calcualation, that of  loads on, and 
thus
tensile strength requirements of, the lift cable, I am examining for 
insight
to viability of stainless steel lift cable substitute for galvanized 
steel
iin hopes of eliminating worries of deterioration due to corrosion.
The LIFT CABLE STRESS Calcs:
(Quote)
1/4 x 7 x 19 galv aircraft cable
Maximum Breaking Strenght  = 7000 lbs
Factor of Safety = 7000/540  = 13.0  >3.0
(Unquote)

(where 540 is a calculated value of tension on the bottom run of the 
cable.)

If I interpret this line correctly, is it saying:

Factor of Safety is 13.0 which is much greater than a minimum factor of
safety of  3, therefore easily passes.

Is this an good interpretation of what the Engineer writes?
If so, then stainless steel lift cable, which according to most wire 
tables,
has only slightly less tensile stregth than similar galvanized steel 
cable,
should also easily meet requirements for lift cable for ham towers..
Or am I, as an unprofessional observer missing or assuming too much?
Tnx...
73, DX, de Pat Barthelow AA6EG aa6eg at hotmail.com

------------------------------

Message: 6
Date: Sun, 2 Oct 2005 23:36:32 +0200
From: <ec1cwg at dxhunters.com>
Subject: [TowerTalk] Explorer 14 rain detuning
To: "towertalk" <towertalk at contesting.com>
Message-ID: <01bb01c5c799$5e8d00f0$23c33c0a at TEST>
Content-Type: text/plain;   charset="iso-8859-1"

Hi there,
I?m a proud owner of a HyGain Explorer 14 antenna. I?ve experienced 
some
detuning on rainy days. SWR increase from 1.1 to 1.5 or even 2 in all 
three
bands. I?ve talk with another fellow here with the same ?problem?.
My antenna was completely refurbished a year ago. Installed a new 
BN4000 balun,
cleaned all traps and hardware, changed plastic caps and added Penetrox 
and
Scotch tape on all joints, including balun connections. Changed all 
coax cable
with a new LMR400. So far it?s not a big problem but I?m affraid that 
this could
be worse during winter time with ice and snow. I will climb up the 
tower
tomorrow afternoon and wondering if any of you have had a similar 
experience
with your HyGain antennas.
73s!
EC1CT Fernando
E-mail: ec1cwg at dxhunters.com
URE & ARRL member

------------------------------

Message: 7
Date: Sun, 2 Oct 2005 21:46:01 -0000
From: "David Hachadorian" <k6ll at adelphia.net>
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Lift cable, Galv Steel, vs Stainless
To: "Towertalk Reflector" <towertalk at contesting.com>
Message-ID: <004a01c5c79a$daa20770$0402a8c0 at newegg>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
    reply-type=original

----- Original Message -----
From: "Pat Barthelow" <aa6eg at hotmail.com>
To: <towertalk at contesting.com>
Sent: Sunday, October 02, 2005 9:03 PM
Subject: [TowerTalk] Lift cable, Galv Steel, vs Stainless

> then stainless steel lift cable, which according to most wire
> tables,
> has only slightly less tensile stregth than similar galvanized steel
> cable,
> should also easily meet requirements for lift cable for ham towers..
> Or am I, as an unprofessional observer missing or assuming too much?
-----------------------------

That would be a good question for Karl Tasjian. On his web site price
list, he lists 1/4" stainless lift cables for the LM237 and LM470, but
not the LM354.

Dave Hachadorian, K6LL
Yuma, AZ

.

------------------------------

Message: 8
Date: Sun, 2 Oct 2005 18:23:13 -0500
From: "Tod - ID" <tod at k0to.us>
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Lubricating air variable capacitors
To: "'Jim Lux'" <jimlux at earthlink.net>, <towertalk at contesting.com>
Message-ID: <1128295806_11439 at S3.cableone.net>
Content-Type: text/plain;   charset="iso-8859-1"

Jim:

>
> WD-40 is not a lubricant.
>

As I understand it WD-40 is very similar to a light weight diesel fuel. 
I am
sure it is a petroleum based product. I would have expected it to have 
some
lubricating properties . Could you or someone on this list expand on 
this to
give me an idea of the WD-40 limitations.

Tod, K?TO

------------------------------

Message: 9
Date: Sun, 2 Oct 2005 16:37:19 -0700
From: "AA6DX - Mark" <aa6dx at arrl.net>
Subject: [TowerTalk] Fw:  Lubricating air variable capacitors
To: "TowerTalk" <TOWERTALK at contesting.com>
Message-ID: <052001c5c7aa$3cd7a3a0$1108a8c0 at radio>
Content-Type: text/plain;   charset="iso-8859-1"

----- Original Message -----
From: "AA6DX - Mark" <aa6dx at cox.net>
To: "Tod - ID" <tod at k0to.us>; "'Jim Lux'" <jimlux at earthlink.net>;
<towertalk at contesting.com>
Sent: Sunday, October 02, 2005 4:36 PM
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Lubricating air variable capacitors

Actually .. slippery kerosene.  Check the TT archives for more info ..  
NOT
lubricant, other than short time .. and .. then, beware, do not put on 
tower
cables, as within a short period of time comes the "ketones" .. bad 
news,
not lubricant.  Actually, been there, done that .. aaarrrggghhhh ... 
but,
that was many logbooks ago.. 73, Mark  AA6DX

----- Original Message -----
From: "Tod - ID" <tod at k0to.us>
To: "'Jim Lux'" <jimlux at earthlink.net>; <towertalk at contesting.com>
Sent: Sunday, October 02, 2005 4:23 PM
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Lubricating air variable capacitors

Jim:

>
> WD-40 is not a lubricant.
>

As I understand it WD-40 is very similar to a light weight diesel fuel. 
I am
sure it is a petroleum based product. I would have expected it to have 
some
lubricating properties . Could you or someone on this list expand on 
this to
give me an idea of the WD-40 limitations.

Tod, K?TO

_______________________________________________

------------------------------

Message: 10
Date: Sun, 2 Oct 2005 17:43:06 -0600
From: "Barrie Smith" <barrie at centric.net>
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Lubricating air variable capacitors
To: "Tod - ID" <tod at k0to.us>, "'Jim Lux'" <jimlux at earthlink.net>,
    <towertalk at contesting.com>
Message-ID: <001b01c5c7ab$09eae050$0a01a8c0 at barrylww3pb8pz>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
    reply-type=original

It's mostly kerosene, and dries up, leaving a gummy residue.

It does lubricate for a short period.  It's a fair penetrating oil.

After use, it should be followed-up with a "real"oil, or lubricant, 
such as
(SAE 30 motor oil, or 3 in 1.

It's expensive kerosene.  It's only saving grace is that it comes in a
spray-can, enabling one to get it where they want it, and, often, where 
it
should not be.

73, Barrie, W7ALW

----- Original Message -----
From: "Tod - ID" <tod at k0to.us>
To: "'Jim Lux'" <jimlux at earthlink.net>; <towertalk at contesting.com>
Sent: Sunday, October 02, 2005 5:23 PM
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Lubricating air variable capacitors

Jim:

>
> WD-40 is not a lubricant.
>

As I understand it WD-40 is very similar to a light weight diesel fuel. 
I am
sure it is a petroleum based product. I would have expected it to have 
some
lubricating properties . Could you or someone on this list expand on 
this to
give me an idea of the WD-40 limitations.

Tod, K?TO

_______________________________________________

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

------------------------------

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

End of TowerTalk Digest, Vol 34, Issue 4
****************************************

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