[TowerTalk] Ham-IV rotator brake noise

[Ralph Parker]

I've often puzzled over my urban neighbour's lack of complaints about my 
Ham-IV, clanking away day and night as I contest, DX, whatever, over the 
last 20 years or so. Loud enough to wake the dead, I've often thought. 
Why aren't they mad at me?

Is there any way to quiet that beast?
I've thought of perhaps some gradual application/release of power to the 
brake, to ease it into/out of position?
A different brake material might not stand up to the rigours of constant 
use.

I know there are tricks to ramp up/down the start/end of the rotation 
cycle, but I don't think that they affect the application/release of the 
brake.
I've just moved, and don't want to annoy a whole new set of neighbours.
Any ideas?

VE7XF