[TowerTalk] Broken Alpha Spid

[Grant Saviers]

I have both up about 9 years on two HDX589s.  Orion moving a DB36 and a 
86ft 80m dipole.  A Yaesu 2800 moving a 4L steppIR (no trombones) + 2x 
6m loops + 11L 2m yagi.  The DB36 replaced a scratch built W6NL 40m 
Moxon about 18 months ago. Stock Orion clamp, but the DB36 clamps spun 
2x on the 2" alloy mast, so I made new ones and used grade 8 bolts, now 
ok.  A DB36 is a lot of antenna, it plus 80m dipole have worked fine on 
the Orion. (which is tricky to get into an HDX589).

CW is to use aftermarket Orion mast clamps, but my stock ones have 
worked fine.  I always tighten 3x with a torque wrench over a period of 
several days. You won't break the Orion clamp, the Yaesu is die cast Al 
so more care is needed.  Same to not bottom the 8mm bolts into the Yaesu 
base casting. I don't pin anything.

Both are very good, but I would go with the Orion since it seems the 
early problems are sorted. Its turns counter is a plus over the Yaesu 
pot and Orion has real thrust and radial bearings rather than steel 
balls on die casting Al Yaesu.  If you have ever fixed a Yaesu 
controller, the proper fix for a broken one is a Green Heron.

btw the HDX589 has a steel tube sleeve for the radial bearing so all the 
weight for the antenna stack is on each rotator.

Grant KZ1W

On 2/26/2020 07:29, W0MU Mike Fatchett wrote:
> It appears that my Alpha Spid cut loose in some heave wind recently.  I 
> am looking to upgrade to something else.  I am turning a 4 ele SteppIR 
> with the 30/40 loop and a 2 ele Cushcraft 40.
> 
> The Yaesu 2800 and Orion 2800 have been suggested.  I heard that you 
> have to be careful with the Yaesu and the mounting bracket as you can 
> break it.  I have a Green Heron Controller.
> 
> It has also been suggested to get the NV or LXC mounting brackets for 
> the Orion.
> 
> Any other thoughts?
> 
> W0MU
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