Dave,
Six years for the T2X on that KLM antenna you mentioned isn't too bad. On
the "ratings" for the Yaesu rotator, remember that the designer probably
assumes a well-balanced load on a calm day in the engineering lab. As I
recall, the KLM Log with 40m kit is a pretty ugly load... it may be mounted
close to its CG but I doubt KLM ever worried about wind-balancing. That kind
of asymmetry is probably going to tear up the Yaesu rotator, because
terrific forces are developed as the antenna "wanders" a bit during gusting.
The T2X has very good holding power, but its main drawback is that it won't
turn big loads when the wind blows. Once you get the antenna pointed where
you want it, the braking works well.
I've noticed that "wind compensation" of asymmetric booms and antennas (even
shock absorbers for rotators) has become something of a sub-science over the
past few years. For the guys who have nothing better to do than busy
themselves with these methods... well, it's something to do. But the real
solution is to put a prop pitch motor up there and stop worrying about the
details.
Cute control boxes sell rotators... but prop pitch motors turn and hold
antennas.
73, Glenn K6NA
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