[TowerTalk] Rotator and Beam advice requested

[Ron W8RJL]

You are both right.
Retract, "Home", the SteppIR elements to reduce chance of lightning strike 
and in case a fiberglass tube falls off you don't want the wind to whip 
around the copper tape.
I always HOME my 3 element SteppIR when I finish operating for the day.
73, Ron W8RJL

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "StellarCAT" <rxdesign at ssvecnet.com>
To: "tower" <towertalk at contesting.com>
Sent: Sunday, August 21, 2016 4:24 PM
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Rotator and Beam advice requested


> are you sure you're not confusing winds with storms? My understanding was 
> that it should be retracted if there is any chance of lightning greatly 
> reducing the exposed area.
>
> g.
>
>
>
> -----Original Message----- 
> From: Jeff Draughn
> Sent: Sunday, August 21, 2016 12:23 AM
> To: john at kk9a.com
> Cc: towertalk at contesting.com
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Rotator and Beam advice requested
>
> As I understand it, the purpose behind retracting the elements (copper
> beryllium tapes) during high winds is to prevent damage to the tape if the
> elements movement should become too violent or if a fiberglass element
> housing should be damaged or just fall off. The tape could be damaged or
> unable to retract.
> Jeff, N0OST
>
>
> On Saturday, August 20, 2016, <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 <javascript:;>>
>> Subject:        Re: [TowerTalk] Rotator and Beam advice requested
>> From:   Stan Stockton <wa5rtg at gmail.com <javascript:;>>
>> 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
>> <javascript:;>> 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 <javascript:;>
>> > Laguna Niguel, CA
>> >
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>>
>>
>>
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>
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