[TowerTalk] OR-2800 - thrust nearings, use em.

[Les Kalmus]

I have reconstructed my OR-2800.
The weight of the mast sits on a bearing which is supported by the outer 
case of the rotor and then the shelf under it.
When the mast rotates, this bearing supporting the weight, also rotates 
and is the main support for the antenna system.

The motor and its associated gear train do not directly carry any weight.
I think Jason, with whom I have gone back and forth when I was working 
on my rotor, is saying that there is a published maximum load.
Don't exceed that maximum and the less you put on the mechanism, the 
less wear and tear in the long run.
I am pretty sure he is not saying that you need to support the antenna 
system weight with a thrust bearing.
You probably should use a thrust bearing for vertical linearity with 
minimum friction while rotating.

Les W2LK

On 3/4/2013 12:29 PM, K8RI wrote:
> On 3/4/2013 10:41 AM, Jim Thomson wrote:
>> A buddy of mine contacted m2 regarding the topic of placing all the 
>> weight onto the
>> bearing inside the OR-2800.  Interesting response  from m2.
>>
>> Jim   VE7RF
>>
>
> Something that I wonder about, are the people we talk to the people 
> who developed these rotators or "the new guard".  Then I wonder if 
> either are engineers.
>
> In the case of the Hy-Gain rotators I'm pretty sure we are talking new 
> people as that design has evolved from the old CDE? line over many 
> years with not all that many mechanical changes.
>
> A design like the Hy-Gain, or ham series which are nothing but a pair 
> of U shaped races.  Those need at least a minimal ore load as Steve 
> said. Lift the load on those and you end up with a very shaky 
> mechanical system.
>
> I've never seen the inside of the Orion series so I can't comment on 
> them.
>
> 73
>
> Roger (K8RI)
>> ................................................................................................................ 
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Hi,
>>
>> I have a OR2800PX rotor. I am told that all the weight (mast, antennas)
>> should be placed on the rotor. I am interested to know the why. And what
>> could go wrong if all the weight is not put on the rotor.
>> Thanks.
>>
>> XXXX
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>>
>> Hello  XXXX,
>>
>> That's a good question. Who told you that?
>>
>> The rotator can withstand a lot of weight - it has an 1800 lb (818 kg)
>> Vertical Load Capacity.
>>
>> However, as with any mechanical system the more one reduces stresses 
>> in the
>> system, the longer a system will last - generally speaking.
>>
>>
>> Regards,
>> Jason Boyer, N6EY
>> _______________________________________________
>>
>>
>>
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