[TowerTalk] Rotor options besides a Prop Pitch?

[john at kk9a.com]

I have not seen your book but this is great information Steve for anyone 
buying a rotator.

Rotating torque does not tell the whole story, most of the time and 
almost all of the time at my station the rotator is not turning the 
antenna. It is just holding the antenna in position as the wind tries 
move it so you need a unit robust enough not to break. Of course antenna 
balancing can help. I had a two Hy-Gain HDR-300 that had a lot of torque 
but they required yearly servicing turning moderately large Telrex 
beams. It is important that the rotator has a good mast clamp and it is 
also important to have a reliable direction indicating system. K7NV prop 
pitch rotators are extremely robust and reliable. Also the Reed switch 
along with a Green Heron controller make a reliable direction system.

John KK9A



k7lxc wrote:


>  I'd like to thank everyone for your rotor recommendations regarding my 
> post seeking the "strongest and most reliable rotor".? The "Prop Pitch" 
> was the big winner with almost no competition!
Hiya, Dick --
     Correcto mundo. They are the best.

>  I'm seeking strong and reliable rotors for multiple towers and may not 
> need a PropPitch for towers with smaller antenna loads.? Such as, for a 
> tower holding a single HF Yagi with a 36' to 42' boom and 18 to 20 
> sq.ft. of wind load, besides?a Prop Pitch are there any strong and 
> reliable rotor options for this size antenna load?
     I have a chapter devoted to rotators in my UP THE TOWER book where I 
have a chart of rotator specs, with the PP having the highest rotating 
and brake torque. Just looking at those 2 specs, two of the TIC 
Ringrotors are next followding by a Big RAK Alfaspid followed by a 
Prosistel 71D. Anyway, there are 28 rotators listed and they all have 
their good points and some negatives.

     Among my personal favorites are the M2 Orion (with a Green Heron 
control box and Champion Radio Products mast clamp - NOT the factory 
stuff) and the Yaesu 2800.

     The whole book is available from championradio.com.

Cheers & GL,Steve     K7LXCTOWER TECH
and
Champion Radio ProductsCell: 206-890-4188