I'm also deeply skeptical of just using U-bolt clamps to do this job -
far better to pin the joints with grade 8 bolts, so you never have to
worry about their working loose through seasonal temperature changes and
wind forces.
73, Pete N4ZR
Check out the new Reverse Beacon Network
web server at<https://reversebeacon.net>.
For spots, please use your favorite
"retail" DX cluster.
On 8/20/2022 7:29 PM, Grant Saviers wrote:
A lot depends on what rotator and how tall is the tower?
I would recommend machined internal sleeves either of solid 6061 or
tubing with enough wall thickness to machine the od to fit the mating
tube id's. I don't think slitting and expanding 6061 is practical
with adequate wall thickness - min 1/8".
With a top thrust bearing, there will only be the tube or pipe weight
on the bottom rotator. That tube will only have to handle the
rotation torque loading, no side bending from wind. Probably 1-1/4
NPT pipe would be strong enough, backyard engineering. Threaded
couplers with a 3/8 gr5 thru bolts in drilled holes to prevent
unscrewing.
However, I'm not in favor of adding a long torque tube spring to an
already complex tower-rotator-mast-boom-elements dynamic system.
Grant KZ1W
On 8/20/2022 16:08, Dave KØEKL wrote:
To ease maintenance I want to relocate my rotator to the bottom of my
tower.
The existing mast is 2" diameter ¼" wall 6061-T6 aluminum tubing. The
rotor is 8 feet below the top of the tower / thrust bearing.
What is the best way to join additional lengths of tubing together to
reach the bottom? I'm thing about buying tubing that is 2" ID,
cutting it into 18" or 24" sections, slitting it and slipping it over
the 2" OD sections to be joined and clamping with SS U-bolt clamps
like those sold by DX engineering. Will this provide enough coupling
friction between sections to prevent slippage?
Also, can I get away with using 1/8" in wall 2" OD tubing from the
existing mast to the base of the tower or should I use ¼" wall all
the way to the bottom.
Thanks.
-Dave K0EKL
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