[TowerTalk] Short Top Section for Attic Installation

[Jim Lux]

Insect proofing is a matter of appropriate mesh - it might slide around but we're not talking about an engine crankshaft at 3000 RPM for hours. 
Icing is easy - move to a warmer climate - seriously - that's an interesting point. I would think at some point, you'd be looking at some sort of shaft seal, perhaps with a heater? I had some experience with a 3m dish with an az/el that had a temperature constraint - it couldn't work at cold temps, and yes, it would get stuck if it rained and then froze.  Even if your setup has a rubber boot, I think you'd need to think about it getting stiff and brittle - so pick the right materials.  Does ice stick to HDPE?  That's sort of my go-to for mechanical stuff that needs to be slippery, easy to machine, and doesn't need high speed.

Replacing the boot is basically - the boot is more than 360 degrees wide so it has a split and it's just overlapped. 

On Tue, 21 Apr 2026 16:00:04 -0300, Mike Smith VE9AA via TowerTalk <towertalk at contesting.com> wrote:

I find these antenna discussions fascinating.



Mechanicals aside, how would you weather -and- insect proof such an affair?



In my neck of the woods, I'd also be worried about it icing up, then turning
it and (unknowingly) ripping the weather proof barrier/boot or roofing
shingles all apart.

Secondarily, how would you replace the "rubber boot" (or whatever) down the
road?



Many years ago now, in CQ or QST magazine there was a mobile VHF contest op
who had a system like this...mast through the roof of his van(?) and the
rotor inside on the van floor (I think). Maybe someone recalls the
details.



As Artie Johnson (1960-70's TV show-"Laugh in") used to say : "Very
interesting"



GL



Mike - Keswick Ridge, NB, Canada



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