[TowerTalk] Rotor Cabling Query

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

On 2021-04-05 4:04 PM, ve4xt at mymts.net wrote:
> since the transformer that powers the motor circuits is in series 
> with the brake switch.
The same transformer powers brake and motor.

 >> On Apr 5, 2021, at 9:56 AM, john at kk9a.com wrote:
 >>
 >> You can save a lot of heavy gauge wire by using a rotator without a
 >> brake.

Not really.  Some of the Yaesu rotators are rated for motor current of
4+A DC (at maximum rotational speed and load).  That's close enough to
the 5A AC of the Hy-Gain brake to make no difference in wire size
requirements.

73,

    ... Joe, W4TV


On 2021-04-05 4:04 PM, ve4xt at mymts.net wrote:
> You also don't get power to the motor without engaging the brake switch, since the transformer that powers the motor circuits is in series with the brake switch.
> 
> 73, kelly, ve4xt
> 
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Dave Hachadorian" <k6ll.dave at gmail.com>
> To: "reflector Towertalk" <towertalk at contesting.com>
> Sent: Monday, April 5, 2021 2:26:29 PM
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Rotor Cabling Query
> 
> And, if you disconnect the brake wire, the brake will never release!
> 
> 
> Dave Hachadorian, K6LL
> Yuma, AZ
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: john at kk9a.com
> Sent: Monday, April 5, 2021 11:20 AM
> To: towertalk at contesting.com
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Rotor Cabling Query
> 
> No, Hy-Gain uses a spur gear drive which offers very little resistance
> to turning so they need a wedge to maintain position.
> 
> John KK9A
> 
> 
> 
> Robert Harmon k6uj wrote:
> 
> So will the HyGain Tailtwister hold securely with no creeping if I
> disconnect  the brake wire ?   I have had the typical stuck brake
> scenario with my old Tail Twisters in the past and I like the
> idea of not using the brake circuit if possible. I always let it coast
> to a stop anyway.    I have a new TailTwister replacement going up in
> a couple of weeks.
> 
> 
> Bob
> K6UJ
> 
> 
> 
>> On Apr 5, 2021, at 9:56 AM, john at kk9a.com wrote:
>>
>> You can save a lot of heavy gauge wire by using a rotator without a
>> brake. A brake adds controller complexity, it sometimes sticks and
>> it requires two extra conductors. I believe only Hy-Gain uses
>> brakes. I have not owned a rotator with a brake in decades and even
>> my 60 ft boom antennas to not creep in the wind.
>>
>> John KK9A
>