[TowerTalk] Need Advice on Long Run of Cables to Tower

[Joe Giacobello]

I am getting ready to install a second LM-470 and I have to run 
hardline, 115 VAC, rotor cable and Ameritron remote switch cable from 
the shack to the tower.  My guess is the total run will be around 500 
feet. Since I know a lot of you have already installed runs of this 
length, I have the following questions:

   1. Do I have to worry about voltage drop for the 115 VAC on a run of
      that length?  The AC is needed for raising and lowering tower.
   2. Do I have to worry about voltage drop for the rotor voltage? 
      Should I be using heavy gauge rotor cable?
   3. I will only need two positions on the Ameritron switch.  Can I get
      10 conductor cable suitable for both the rotor (8) and the switch (2)?
   4. There has been a lot of discussion of running cables in conduit
      over the years.  What is the consensus opinion on the best way to
      do this?  My recollection is that some provision has to be made to
      allow for the evaporation of condensation.  Is it permissible to
      run all the cables above in a single conduit?

I know there has been discussion of some of these topics before but 
searching the archives is a pretty tedious task.  If someone can provide 
the information in a nutshell, I'd be most appreciative.


73, Joe