[TowerTalk] Ring Rotors

[Gary Johnson]

A datapoint for you. At N6RO, there’s an old M Squared 40M4LLDD on a swingarm, currently turned by a BIG-RAK. Specs say it weighs 185 lbs. It’s been up there since the mid-1980s and somehow just keeps working, though rotators have been replaced a number of times. The swingarm was built by N6BT, who also helped build the tower and everything else (this was long before my time). That mount is welded up from angle iron and water pipe, nothing fancy. The only problem we’ve had recently is that the fixing bolts on the RAK have crushed the mast, and it keeps slipping and needs regular re-tightening. Our winds are fairly mild here in NorCal but if it gets going >40 MPH sometimes the thing won’t turn.  Again, just a datapoint, but shows that it can work reasonably well. A nice ring rotator might be best. Hopefully you can find one.

-Gary NA6O

> 
> I have a JK 404C side mounted to a Rohn 45 tower. It is currently fixed on
> EU. It works great but now I want to rotate it. However, its weight (170
> lbs) limits my choices.  The new TIC rings are not an option. I would
> gladly buy a new one from K0XG if only he would answer my emails or return
> my calls. So at the moment I'm stuck. Any help would be appreciated. Or if
> you have one that you can sell, let's talk. But keep in mind, this thing is
> 170 lbs.
> 
> 73,
> John
> NN1SS