[TowerTalk] Ring Rotors

[Grant Saviers]

I agree side mount + swing arm is a good option.

Although my 7 K0XG R65 rings have worked great minus one motor failure, 
I would do side mounts for future (unlikely) towers.

The advantages of side mounts are lower cost & weight, using standard 
rotators, and if desired with multiple beams on a long mast between 
rotator and top support.

The side mount disadvantages are less rotation (but still can get 
~250*), some offset load on the tower (use 6 guys or star brackets), and 
easily fabricated or purchased unique parts, although you/PE need a design.

I think the updated Orion 2800 is a better choice than the Yaesu for 
very big beams.

Grant KZ1W

On 1/30/2023 06:48, john at kk9a.com wrote:
> Last summer I put an OptiBeam OB4-40 on a Rohn 65 K0XG ring with a prop
> pitch motor drive. I have another K0XG ring turning a homebrew 5el 20m beam.
> The K0XG rotator is a beast, mine are over 400 pounds and it makes my TIC
> 1032 Rings look like kid's toys. Unfortunately it appears that K0XG products
> are no longer being manufactured. Richard is almost 76 years old so maybe he
> quietly retired. Hopefully he is doing OK. Actually no one in the US is
> selling tower rotating hardware either but that is another subject. Prior to
> installing my K0XG Orbital Rings, I turned a homebrew very heavy 6el 60ft
> 20m OWA (with 1 1/4 elements) and also two shortened 40m elements on the
> same boom using a 3 decade old TIC 1032 and it worked OK. The rotator uses
> two German windshield wiper motors so it is surprising it turned this load.
> A TIC rotator may work for your however it would be nice if there was a
> beefed up version.  If you cannot find a K0XG ring for sale on the used
> market another option may be a heavy-duty rotating side arm using perhaps a
> Yaesu G-2800 or a modified clamp M2 OR2800 rotator so you can have at least
> partial rotation.
> 
> GL
> John KK9A
> 
> 
> 
> John Webster NN1SS wrote:
> 
> 
> 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
> 
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