Towertalk
[Top] [All Lists]

Re: [TowerTalk] Rotor swap query

To: "Roger (K8RI) on TT" <K8RI-on-TowerTalk@tm.net>
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Rotor swap query
From: Dan Hearn <n5ardxcc@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 18 Nov 2014 10:12:04 -0800
List-post: <towertalk@contesting.com">mailto:towertalk@contesting.com>
I have replaced the rotator,lift cables,and pulley bearings on my TX472 by
myself as described here.in an article on our SDXA web page.

http://www.sdxa.org/?p=265   The TX472 is on the left side of the picture.

It is also possible to rent a Man lift to access the rotor with the tower
extended enough to access the rotator. I have seen a trailer mounted unit
at our Home Depot and others at rental yards.
  I always have several muffler clamps available to keep the mast from
sliding down when the rotator is removed.

73, Dan, N5AR

On Mon, Nov 17, 2014 at 6:55 PM, Roger (K8RI) on TT <
K8RI-on-TowerTalk@tm.net> wrote:

> On 11/17/2014 9:11 PM, John McCormick via TowerTalk wrote:
>
> You really do not need a gin pole (assuming the rotator is inside the
> tower.
> You only need to remove the weight of the mast on the rotator.
> loosen the two mast clamps enough to be able to lift the mast, maybe a
> quarter inch. Just use a large screwdriver under the mast to pry it up.
> use a pair of 2 X 4s or a piece of angle iron and a U-bolt across the
> horizontal rungs of the tower. Using the 2 X 4s or U-bolt, clamp the mast
> so it presents no load to the top of the rotator.   You may need to clamp
> the angle or 2 X 4s to prevent the mast from turning.  One end of the 2 X
> 4s can straddle a tower leg.
>
> Once the mast is clamped and supported, remove the mast clamps from the
> rotator.  Remove the 4 bolts holding the rotator to the acessory shelf.
> disconnect the cable from the terminal strip and slide the rotator out
> sideways and slide the new one back in, and replace the clamps, tighten
> them and remove the angle/U-bolt, or 2 X 4s. The mast does not have to set
> down on the rotator bell.
>
> 73 and good luck
>
> Roger (K8RI)
>
>  My question: What's the best procedure for swapping out the rotor? Will I
>> be able to lift up the mast and beam 18 inches and place it on a wooden
>> brace in the tower, while I make the swap, securing the base of the mast
>> with some ropes or wires to keep it from moving laterally? Am I foolish to
>> even attempt this without a gin pole, helping me lift the weight from the
>> ground?
>>
>> Some other specifics:
>>
>> + US Tower TX-455, with a KF7P work platform installed (cranks down to 22
>> feet, but I don't have the tilt-over fixture at this point)
>> + 5-element yagi (57 pounds)
>> + WARC rotatable dipole (about 10 pounds)
>> + 10-foot mast, 2-inch diameter (25 pounds)
>> + one thrust bearing installed at top of tower
>>
>> Thanks for any thoughts directly or through the list.
>> 73s, John/N0FCD ( N0FCD@yahoo.com )
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> TowerTalk mailing list
>> TowerTalk@contesting.com
>> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
>>
>
>
> --
>
> 73
>
> Roger (K8RI)
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> TowerTalk mailing list
> TowerTalk@contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
>



-- 
Dan Hearn
N5AR
_______________________________________________



_______________________________________________
TowerTalk mailing list
TowerTalk@contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk

<Prev in Thread] Current Thread [Next in Thread>