[TowerTalk] Rotator Choice for Larger Yagi

[Bob K6UJ]

Ralph,

I researched rotators for a while and decided on the OR2800.  It is a 
very popular
unit designed for large antenna loads and is used by a number of big contest
stations.  It has proven to be very reliable.  It has a shortcoming 
though but
there is a remedy.
Its shortcoming is water intrusion through the very top of the rotator,
getting past the seal and down into the reduction gearing.  It happens 
gradually and
after a number of years you end up taking the rotator out and repairing 
it with new seals, etc.
They supposedly remedied this but reports show the issue is reduced but 
still there.
I contacted several contest stations and learned that they install a 
flashing over the top of their 2800's
to shed the water away and have eliminated the problem.  The flashing 
used is either fabricated or off
the shelf roof vent flashing designed to seal around roof vent pipes.  
There are sheet metal
ones and flexible rubber boot ones available.  I am going to use a 
rubber boot flashing over my 2800.
I've decided to use the Oatey Master Flash boot. They are EPDM rubber 
and UV resistant.  You just cut the top off at the ring that corresponds 
to your mast dia., in my case 2 inches.  Slide it on the mast above the 
rotator and clamp on with a SS hose clamp. Trim off the square rim on 
the bottom end so it is round and you are good to go.  Below is one of 
the Oatey boots for an example.  They have different sizes available.  
Just pick a boot with a range that will fit your mast at the top and 
large enough diameter at the bottom to hang down over the rotator.

http://www.amazon.com/Oatey-14052-0-25-Inch-4-Inch-Master/dp/B0002YU3LU/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1461649068&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=oatey+14502+master+flash

Anway, that is what I am doing.  Hope this helps.

73,
Bob
K6UJ




On 4/25/16 5:34 PM, Ralph Parker wrote:
>> The M2 OR2800 will handle up to 35 square feet of antenna and support 1800
>> pounds. It also fits in the tower nicely because of its triangular shape.
> I've spent the last few weeks trying to pick a rotator for a new installation.
> Indeed, the OR2800 looks good, but I've read too much about water ingress,
> rust and the indifference of the manufacturer.
> Comments?
>
> VE7XF
>
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