[TowerTalk] HAM III x HAM IV and others

[Rob Frohne]

Hi Roger, et. al.,

When the wind really blows, I hold the brake down and let the antenna
rotate by turning the motor to the direction it wishes to be.  I then
release the brake lever so the brake is re-engaged.  That way the
antenna doesn't tend to more than swing back and forth a quarter of a
turn or so if the mast rotates in the rotor, and I can recalibrate it
without climbing the tower (using the adjustment on the rotor control
box).

73,

Rob, KL7NA

On Thu, 2008-06-05 at 12:51 -0400, Roger (K8RI) wrote:

> >   
> Having used to old Ham series on antennas as large as full size KLM 5L 
> 20 meter and 6 L 15 meter antennas (42 foot booms) I'd add
> two points:  Don't use the rotator when the wind is strong.
> 
> If necessary (as a last resort) use the motor to stop/slowdown one if 
> you discover the wind is causing it to turn or even accelerate when the 
> brake is released.  Although hard on the motor, it can handle this sort 
> of thing on an intermittent basis and do so much better than the brake 
> or stops.  Just don't do it often, or for more than a couple of 
> seconds.  IE. Hit reverse and then engage the brake. Even a momentary 
> pause will allow the brake to engage without tearing things up.
> 
> 73
> 
> Roger (K8RI)