[TowerTalk] Need install a BRAKE to protect antenna and rotator...

[Roger (K8RI) on TT]

The first question is, what are you using for a rotator,
Wind area of the antenna?
What size mast?
Describe the saddle clamps?

All three need to be able to handle the load.
It is possible to tear the gears out of a rotator.

As a guess, I don't think you have a lot of wind area, relatively speaking.

So I'd start with the rotator.
Any of the ham series rotators has a wedge type break.
I assume you are using a TV type rotator as it has no break?
You should be able to find a Ham series rotator  used for a reasonable 
price.  They happen to be easy to rebuild as well, but if you undertake 
that, find one of the web sites with directions.

Once the rotator is settled, comes the mast size. It normally would be 
1.5 to 2 inches Outside Diameter

Mast clamps need to fit the mast.  They need a good gripping surface. 
Many mast clamps have teeth, but regardless, the clamp needs to grip the 
mast tightly.

I had a really good size array, and In a strong wind,  I tried to turn 
the antennas.  I released the break and hit the rotator switch, but in 
that short time the wind took the mast pass the micro switches and tore 
up, 5 LMR 400 UF cables.

73 es good luck

Roger (K8RI)


On 4/1/2016 Friday 11:38 PM, Douglas Ruz / CO8DM wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I installed a modify spiderbeam few days ago. Spreaders are 7m long because
> I added 2 elem (shortened) on 40m.
>
> Few days ago, during a windy day, both U bolts with saddle clamps in the
> rotator fail...the antenna mast (aluminum tube) rotate inside the saddle and
> broke both coax cables.
>
> I quickly tie a pipe between the center hub and one leg of to tower until I
> find a solution.
>
> Maybe I need a Brake mechanism to protect the rotator. Some kind of
> mechanism to operate with a rope from the bottom of tower.
>
> It is very interesting...the center hub is connected with an U bolt with
> saddle clamp to the alum mast...I think strong winds will turn the center
> hub, so, I need protect the center hub too.
>
> Any idea ?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Doug, CO8DM
>
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-- 

73

Roger (K8RI)


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