[TowerTalk] Mast slipping

[john at kk9a.com]

One could certainly design a better method of clamping than the Orion mast 
clamp, however apparently the rotator will destruct when connected to very 
large antennas. I spent some time looking at K7NV's prop pitch rotators and 
some of them appear to use a mast clamp similar to the Orion.  Is this the 
same problematic clamp that is on the Orion 2800?    Some K7NV's prop pitch 
rotators use his mast clamp, which apprears to be a better option.  Besides 
using a prop pitch I would also consider a large Prosistel or even a TIC 
ring rotator with two motors for turning your top 40m beam.

John KK9A


To: towertalk at contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Mast slipping
From: W3LPL
Date: Sun, 22 Apr 2007 18:32:04 -0400 (EDT)
List-post: <mailto:towertalk at contesting.com>

Keith,

I know this isn't a popular message; however...

The actual experience of three different PVRCers who tried to turn full size 
3
element 40M Yagis and SteppIR MonstIR Yagis with Orion 2800 rotators is that
the rotator was quickly destroyed by normal heavy
winds.

You don't want your new antenna project keeping you awake at night
during heavy winds!  That's no fun.

My recommendation is that you sell that 2800 and purchase a rebuilt
prop pitch from K7NV.  You will sleep well and it will not de destroyed by 
any
wind.

I'm not down on 2800 rotators, I have four of them and they are great
for anything smaller than a full size 3 element 40M Yagi or a SteppIR
MonstIR.

73!
Frank
W3LPL