[TowerTalk] Rotator and Beam advice requested

[Matt Lovewell]

Hi Stan,

It wouldn't reduce the wind load, but it would slightly decrease the weight of the tubes and the mass of the swinging elements once they get going in a wind.  Really though, the primary reason to retract the elements is because if a big wind was to cause a failure of the fiberglass sweeps/tubes and the elements were retracted the repair would be even easier and cheaper than an aluminum antenna because the elements were retracted and protected.

Best,

Matt - W0MLD

> On Aug 19, 2016, at 8:19 PM, Stan Stockton <wa5rtg at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> I thought a StepIR had some kind of conductive flexible tape on inside of fiberglass.  If so, what's up with retracting elements to reduce wind load?
> 
> Stan, K5GO
> 
> Sent from Stan's IPhone
> 
> 
> 
>> On Aug 19, 2016, at 7:44 PM, Chris Hoelzle <choelzle at cox.net> wrote:
>> 
>> Hello All. I am putting up a 80 foot Rohn 55G. I am in a 115 mph wind zone.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> I need Beam advice - I have just about settled on a StepIR DB36. Even though
>> the specs show 100 mph for the beam, in talking to the factory, I am told
>> "it will be fine" as long as you retract the elements in high wind. Is that
>> true or should I go a different direction?
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> I like the simplicity of the StepIR as my alternative will be multiple beams
>> and ring rotators and all that fun.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Second question - Assuming I go with the 55G and the DB36, can anyone guide
>> me to a good reliable rotator that I won't have to rebuild every year.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Thanks so much
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> NN6CH
>> 
>> Chris Hoelzle 
>> choelzle at cox.net 
>> Laguna Niguel, CA 
>> 
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