[TowerTalk] Rotor swap query

[Roger (K8RI) on TT]

On 11/17/2014 9:11 PM, John McCormick via TowerTalk wrote:

You really do not need a gin pole (assuming the rotator is inside the tower.
You only need to remove the weight of the mast on the rotator.
loosen the two mast clamps enough to be able to lift the mast, maybe a 
quarter inch. Just use a large screwdriver under the mast to pry it up.  
use a pair of 2 X 4s or a piece of angle iron and a U-bolt across the 
horizontal rungs of the tower. Using the 2 X 4s or U-bolt, clamp the 
mast so it presents no load to the top of the rotator.   You may need to 
clamp the angle or 2 X 4s to prevent the mast from turning.  One end of 
the 2 X 4s can straddle a tower leg.

Once the mast is clamped and supported, remove the mast clamps from the 
rotator.  Remove the 4 bolts holding the rotator to the acessory shelf. 
disconnect the cable from the terminal strip and slide the rotator out 
sideways and slide the new one back in, and replace the clamps, tighten 
them and remove the angle/U-bolt, or 2 X 4s. The mast does not have to 
set down on the rotator bell.

73 and good luck

Roger (K8RI)

> My question: What's the best procedure for swapping out the rotor? Will I be able to lift up the mast and beam 18 inches and place it on a wooden brace in the tower, while I make the swap, securing the base of the mast with some ropes or wires to keep it from moving laterally? Am I foolish to even attempt this without a gin pole, helping me lift the weight from the ground?
>
> Some other specifics:
>
> + US Tower TX-455, with a KF7P work platform installed (cranks down to 22 feet, but I don't have the tilt-over fixture at this point)
> + 5-element yagi (57 pounds)
> + WARC rotatable dipole (about 10 pounds)
> + 10-foot mast, 2-inch diameter (25 pounds)
> + one thrust bearing installed at top of tower
>
> Thanks for any thoughts directly or through the list.
> 73s, John/N0FCD ( N0FCD at yahoo.com )
>
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-- 

73

Roger (K8RI)