[TowerTalk] Adjustment of the Fulton K1550 winch clutch

[Joe - WDØM]

I also replaced the Fulton K1550 with a K2550 and really enjoy the 
difference.  It's MUCH easier to crank up the tower.  Replacement was 
fairly easy.  There's a "how to" illustrated page on my web site if you 
care to check it out before making your decision.

http://www.wd0m.com

Click on "Ham Radio", then "Fulton K2550 on TX455".

73

-- 
Joe Hannigan - WDØM
Pagosa Springs, CO

http://www.WD0M.com
http://www.pagosarocks.com
http://www.quiltqueen.net



Dino Darling wrote:
> Having just gone through a 1550 FAILURE on a TX-455 tower, I don't
> recommend trying to fix the winch.  A new one is much cheaper than
> repairing the tower and antennas!
>
> We (AA6PW and I) replaced the K1550 with a K2550.  More cranks, but much
> easier to raise!  It was almost a direct bolt on.  It required a couple
> of small modifications to make work (add washers as spacers and turn the
> spool bolt around).
>
> Dino - K6RIX
> dino at k6rix.com
>
> -------- Original Message --------
> Subject: RE: [TowerTalk] Adjustment of the Fulton K1550 winch clutch
> From: "Ed" <ehekman at cox.net>
> Date: Thu, April 03, 2008 11:48 pm
> To: "'Dino Darling'" <dino at k6rix.com>
> Cc: <towertalk at contesting.com>
>
> Dino,
>
> Thanks for the detailed explanation of how it works. To be a little more
> clear, I should explain that the crank/clutch shaft has been bent and
> may
> require replacement or at least straightening and inspection and
> reassembly.
> It sounds like the adjustment is not very critical. I will do some
> experimenting with it to see how critical the adjustment is.
>
> Ed
> WB6YTE
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Dino Darling [mailto:dino at k6rix.com] 
> Sent: Thursday, April 03, 2008 9:04 AM
> To: ehekman at cox.net
> Cc: towertalk at contesting.com
> Subject: RE: [TowerTalk] Adjustment of the Fulton K1550 winch clutch
>
> The clutch plate is actually on a screw or for lack of a better
> description, is SELF ADJUSTING.
>
> The spool is attached to one side of the clutch pack via a gear on one
> end. The other side of the clutch pack is secured to a cog. The crank
> shaft is threaded with the spool clutch pack. The weight of the tower
> is trying to unspool the cable off the spool. The spool rotates and
> spins the spool clutch pack on the threaded shaft, tighter against the
> stationary cog pack until it stops. As the clutch material wears, it
> will screw farther onto the threaded shaft.
>
> When you lower the antenna, the cog holds one end of the clutch pack
> stationary. The spool pack is being unscrewed (loosened), allowing the
> spool to rotate. Since the spool is constantly trying to spin the pack
> (tighten) until it stops, as soon as you stop turning the handle, the
> spool stops.
>
> When you raise the tower, the clutch pack is tight and the whole
> assembly ratchets over the cog.
>
> If you lower your tower all the way down and take the weight off of the
> cable and spool, you can actually rotate the spool by hand and really
> see what the spool pack does. Play with it, you won't hurt it. Under
> normal use, you can't see the loosing and tightening effect of the spool
> pack because of the minimal movement.
>
> DO NOT ADJUST ANYTHING! It is SELF ADJUSTING. Lube your cables and
> bushings once a year as a minimum!
>
> Dino - K6RIX
> dino at k6rix.com
>
> The tower came with a K1550 winch. I understand that this winch uses a
> clutch to lock the winch when the tower is extended. I understand also
> that
> the clutch should be automatically released when the handle is turned to
> raise the tower and the clutch is engaged by the cable tension from the
> weight of the upper tower sections. There are two nuts on the clutch
> shaft
> that set the clutch pad spacing or pressure. I know that the manual says
> clearly not to adjust these however on this winch they have definitely
> been
> readjusted. How are these adjusted to ensure proper operation of the
> clutch?
>
>
>
>