[TowerTalk] Quiet antenna rotators?

[Pat Barthelow]

I  totally agree with Mark's Statement...

But, I wonder if there is an easy circuit that could ramp up the brake 
solenoid voltage in a gradual way that would lessen or eliminate the clack 
that presently occurs.  Problem being, I think, for the brake wedge to seat 
solidly, it may have to have some momentum in its final travel movement to 
overcome friction, for it to seat fully in the notch of the rotator.

You might even be able to house the circuit inside the control box, lifting 
the lead to the brake solenoid coil, and inserting a circuit generated  
ramped voltage.

Sincerely, Pat Barthelow     aa6eg at hotmail.com
http://www.jamesburgdish.org
Jamesburg Earth Station  Moon Bounce Team
http://www.cq-vhf.com

>From: "Mark Beckwith" <n5ot at n5ot.com>
>To: <towertalk at contesting.com>
>Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Quiet antenna rotators?
>Date: Mon, 30 Jul 2007 21:11:36 -0500
>
> > I have a neighbor "commenting" (for now) about the noise
> > of the Ham-IV rotator I am using.

>Question: is the noise made by a HAM-series rotator excessive or
>unreasonable?  It is not silent, but I don't think it's excessive or
>unreasonable.  It's certainly not as loud as starting your car.
>
>Perhaps one could begin cutting one's grass at 7am and when THAT complaint
>came in, it would be an easy negotiation - "I'll wait until later in the
>morning to cut my grass if you'll quit complaining about the sound of my
>rotator."
>
>Neighbors.  Sheesh.
>
>Mark, N5OT