[TowerTalk] HF winch

[Patrick Greenlee]

I think you will be greatly disappointed trying to run that winch with a 20 
amp supply.  If you insist on trying, consider that it is better to 
experiment by trying to lift the tower than to lower it.  If the winch were 
used to lower the load via its "power out" capability you might get the 
tower down and then find you can't raise it back up.  Those winches are 
notorious current hogs and as you may have noted by the duty cycle specs, 
are rated at the edge of or past the envelope.  I hope you are successful 
and safe in your efforts.  If it works just fine lifting the tower on a 20 
amp supply with no other assistance then I owe you a Root Beer float the 
next time we are together.

The brush type DC motor in that puppy doesn't care about good filtering or 
precise voltage control. If you can come by a good used xformer that will 
put out 12 to 18 volts at 50 amps then slap on a full wave diode bridge 
rated for maybe e about 100 amps (put it on a heat sink) and you are ready 
to go.  Alternatively find a 24 to 30 volt xformer with a center tap and put 
on a two diode bridge with cooling for the bridge and go for it.  A slow 
blow fuse or thermal breaker rated at or above the max current in normal use 
would be a good idea too.  Another possibility is a heavy duty battery 
charger, typically on wheels and will have a start position that sources 
serious amps, well above the normal charge rates.  These are duty cycle 
limited so choose wisely "grasshopper" and consider adding a fan to lengthen 
the duty cycle. I have seen working used units go for under $50.  Check the 
specs on the Harbor Freight u nit.  It might just make the cut.  Consider 
you will have a terrific battery charger/jump starter as well as a winch 
power supply.

73 and best of luck,

Patrick NJ5G

-----Original Message----- 
From: Mike Reublin NF4L
Sent: Monday, February 03, 2014 6:46 AM
To: towertalk reflector
Subject: [TowerTalk] HF winch

I picked up a 2500 lb. rated 12V. winch from Harbor Freight intending to use 
it for tilting my HG-70HD tower. Weight with antennae and rotor etc. is 
between 1200  and 1300 lbs.  I was hoping to run it from a 20A power supply.

I plan on a pulley arrangement that will give me a 2:1 advantage. I could go 
to 3:1.

If I read the specs right, the winch draws 55 amps when the load is 1000 
lbs. The duty cycle is 45 seconds on, 14 MINUTES off. Mounting is 2 bolts, 
M8-1.25x35 mm.

Seems a tad sketchy. Your opinion?

73, Mike NF4L
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