[TowerTalk] Rotator and Beam advice requested

[Grant Saviers]

Tape extended or retracted the wind load is the same.  If the fiberglass 
tube breaks, the BeCu tape (looks like 16mm film with sprocket holes) is 
not damaged if retracted.  An much easier and cheaper fix.  If the 
housing breaks it still might make a difference for the tape survival.  
I think there is also some benefit to fully retract now and then to 
clean the tape.

The current gen housing is much improved over the original design.

Grant KZ1W

On 8/20/2016 18:34 PM, john at kk9a.com wrote:
> There may be some reason, but I do not know what it is.  I stayed at AI6V's
> (sk) QTH in Aruba a few times and he requested that I retract the elements
> of his 4 element StepIR after use. Unfortunately the elements quit extending
> and the antenna has not been used in years.
>
> John KK9A
>
>
> To:	Chris Hoelzle <choelzle at cox.net>
> Subject:	Re: [TowerTalk] Rotator and Beam advice requested
> From:	Stan Stockton <wa5rtg at gmail.com>
> Date:	Fri, 19 Aug 2016 20:19:35 -0500
>
> 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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