[TowerTalk] T2X cable connection at rotor

Bob Shohet, KQ2M kq2m at kq2m.com
Sun Aug 12 11:43:56 EDT 2018


First, remove the rusted terminal strip and cut a piece of 1/4” thick clear plexiglass to fit the space and screw in.  Make sure that you drill a small hole for the cable through the plexiglass and connect each wire of the cable internally into the rotator.  The other end of each wire should be connected to a 

Delco 8-way connector trailer plugs:

https://www.delcity.net/store/8!Way-Connector-Loop/p_8776.h_84494.r_IF1003?mkwid=sQG1PDYhP&crid=38094426869&mp_kw=&mp_mt=&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI3rqajdOt1gIVi1mGCh1JBw6FEAQYASABEgKgPfD_BwE

Absolutely the best to use.  I have used them on ALL of my T2X and Ham IV rotators (8 of them) with only ONE failure in 19 years – which happened when I pulled too hard on one cable at an angle and broke off one of the pins when I carelessly tried to disconnect the plug too quickly.  All of the other plugs have been pulled out and put back in innumerable times without incident whenever I swap rotators.  Be sure to use a nice film of silicone grease on each tine of the 8 tines of the plug as well as putting it into each of the pin holes on the female connector.  Then pull it out and push it back in a few times to spread the grease properly and tape carefully around both plugs with Scotch 88 or Scotch 33 electrical tape. 

You will have a sturdy waterproof connection that will last for many years without failure or headaches;  which, in the BRUTAL winds and weather at my qth on a hilltop in Western, CT, is proof positive of the durability of anything that is up and working on my towers.  :-) 

73

Bob KQ2M


From: Chuck Dietz 
Sent: Sunday, August 12, 2018 10:02 AM
To: Jim 
Cc: Bob K6UJ ; Towertalk Reflector 
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] T2X cable connection at rotor

I used the plugs for years without problem before changing rotor brands. It
sure makes it easier to switch out rotors and alleviates the corroded
screws problem.

Chuck W5PR

On Sun, Aug 12, 2018 at 7:05 AM Jim <jimw7ry at gmail.com> wrote:

> Good lugs, tight screws on the stock terminal strip.  Solder the lugs. Not
> too much solder to prohibit the screw heads from seating properly on the
> lugs.
>
>
> And your right, plugs are not the best idea. Too much possibility for
> water egress.
>
> 73
> Jim W7RY
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: TowerTalk [mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of
> Bob K6UJ
> Sent: Saturday, August 11, 2018 11:32 PM
> To: Towertalk Reflector <towertalk at contesting.com>
> Subject: [TowerTalk] T2X cable connection at rotor
>
> I am replacing the old rotator cable going to a T2X on my tower.  Can you
> recommend a better solution for connecting the wires to the rotor other
> than the stock solution ?  I see the newer T2X's have an inline plug but
> heard that it isn't very reliable. thanks,BobK6UJ


More information about the TowerTalk mailing list