[TowerTalk] Recommendation for mast on bottom mount rotator

[Don Moman VE6JY]

For your application I'd use 1.5 IPS Sked 40 water pipe (1.9" OD) with
the 4 bolt flanges (usually weld on) to couple them.  Drilling/pinning
is a potential problem area for wear in the years down the road. 

73 Don
VE6JY

-----Original Message-----
From: towertalk-bounces at contesting.com
[mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Bill Turner
Sent: Saturday, September 16, 2006 3:24 PM
To: towertalk at contesting.com
Subject: [TowerTalk] Recommendation for mast on bottom mount rotator


I'm going to move my rotator to the bottom of my 80 foot tower and would
like recommendations for the mast. I will support it at the top with a
thrust bearing, and at least one, possibly two, non-thrust bearings part
way down to prevent side to side movement.

My question is what would be a good mast material? It would only have to
support it's own weight and I'm wondering if 2 inch water pipe would be
suitable? How about 2 inch EMT? The upper mast section which actually
holds the antenna is high-strength steel.

I would drill and pin the couplers to keep them from coming loose. The
antenna is a four element quad, about 65 pounds.

Is there a better way? I want to do it right, so within reason, cost is
not a factor.

All suggestions appreciated.

Bill, W6WRT
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