[TowerTalk] Rotator cable and mast questions

[Andreas Hofmann]

I got a GH controller as well. In order to change to 20V, do you change settings in the controller, or something else?

Thanks
Andreas


-----Original Message-----
From: TowerTalk [mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Jim Chaggaris
Sent: Saturday, December 01, 2012 9:26 AM
To: Towertalk
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Rotator cable and mast questions



 
Well, the Alpha Spid can operate from 12-24V.  I use a GH controller with the output voltage to 20V +/-.
 
73,
Jim N9WW
 James Chaggaris
President
PowerOne Corp./PowerOne Environmental
2325 Dean Street
Suite 200
St. Charles, IL 60175
Phn: 630.443.6500
Fax: 630.443.6505

-----Original Message-----
From: "Al Kozakiewicz" <akozak at hourglass.com>
Sent: Saturday, December 1, 2012 10:04am
To: "'Andreas Hofmann'" <Andreas.Hofmann at microsoft.com>, "'towertalk at contesting.com'" <towertalk at contesting.com>
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Rotator cable and mast questions



When I first read this I thought, "yet another ham overengineering thing". Then I actually did the engineering.

400' of 12 AWG annealed is 0.635 ohms, whould would drop approximately 2.5 volts at 4 amps.
The same run with 16 AWG would drop about 6.5 volts.
The same run with 10 AWG would drop 1.6 volts.

I came to 2 conclusions:
1. Rotator motors should be designed for 24, or better, 48v!
2. 12/2 is a reasonable compromise, though 10 AWG wire is only about $0.10 per foot more.

Al
AB2ZY

-----Original Message-----
From: TowerTalk [mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Andreas Hofmann
Sent: Saturday, December 01, 2012 2:35 AM
To: 'towertalk at contesting.com'
Subject: [TowerTalk] Rotator cable and mast questions

Hi group,



I am in the final stretch of getting my DB18 up onto a MA 550. Rotator arrived today, its an alfa spid RAK, top mounted. Questions:



1. What rotator cable? I am trying to figure out what rotator cable requirements there are. I know it can draw 2 to 4 amps at 12V. My run will be roughly 200 feet from controller to rotator. I am thinking a 12-2 (2 wire 12 gauge) cable and a smaller one for the sensor. Is 12 gauge adequate for this length?



2. What mast material? I need a 3 - 4 feet mast below the rotator and another 3.-4 feet mast between rotator and antenna. Went to Home Depot, they have galvanized 2 inch water pipe (with 1/8 " wall). Is that adequate. Its called schedule 40. In K7LXC's book I read that either "for small antennas or mounted right on top of tower, I can get away with pipe". Schedule 40 seems to have a yield strength of 30,000 lb/inch^2. Will this be strong enough for my application? If not, what are other good places to purchase drawn aluminium tube? Plumbing supply?





Thanks, Andy

KU7T

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