[TowerTalk] Rotor load bearing weight

[Bob K6UJ]

Patrick,

Solid, well thought out info.  I love your disclaimer clause !

I am installing an Orion 2800 in my tower soon and this thread is
very timely for me. Great information from you guys............


73,
Bob
K6UJ

On 4/25/16 8:02 AM, Patrick Greenlee wrote:
> I think it is the universal answer, "It depends."  In the case of a 
> Kurt Andress converted prop pitch motor (a small one) he told me to 
> let all the weight (over 250 lbs) rest on the rotor/rotator before 
> tightening the clamping bolts/set screws on the thrust bearing(s.) I 
> can see how a marginal unit might turn a heavier antenna and mast than 
> it could safely support without accelerated wear or catastrophic 
> failure. Surely the manufacturer must offer max load capacity ratings. 
> I would not advise getting close to any published specs for fear of 
> shortening the life of the equipment.
>
> If you choose to let the rotor/rotator carry the load then perhaps you 
> would consider mounting the unit above nuts on vertical bolts so that 
> in normal use the weight is carried by the rotor/rotator which is 
> supported by the nuts on the vertical mounting bolts. With a little 
> clearance below the nuts you could lower the nuts which would transfer 
> the load to the bearing and remove the load from the rotor/rotator.  
> This would free the rotor/rotator to be removed and leave the 
> antenna(s) and mast in a safely supported manner.  You would want to 
> secure the bolts to handle torque or otherwise they might flex 
> sufficiently to cause a failure.  This is not so complicated to do as 
> it is for me to describe in text. While the rotor/rotator is removed 
> you should secure the mast from rotating or it might destroy the coax 
> loop that lets the mast and antenna(s) rotate.
>
> Caveats:
>
> 1. I am not a degreed mechanical engineer.
> 2. My meds might not be properly titered.
> 3. The second paragraph above is my conjecture, unsupported by 
> experience and previously unreviewed by competent authority.
> 4. Fitness for any specific use is purely coincidental.
> 5. Use of anything in the commentary above is solely at the risk of 
> the user as it is submitted for its entertainment value, if any and no 
> other use is recommended, authorized, or intended.
>
> Patrick        NJ5G
>
>
> On 4/24/2016 11:30 PM, Chuck Gooden wrote:
>>
>>
>> Should the rotor in a tower, bear the weight of the antennas and 
>> mast?   Or should the weight be on a bearing plate, and allow the 
>> rotor to be easily removed?
>> What are the pros and cons of either approach?
>>
>> Chuck Gooden N9QBT
>>
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