All:
First, many thanks again for all of the great responses. As a result, my
way forward at this time is the swinging gate solution. The IDC Technology
"Sidewinder" is at the top of the list. It seems beefy enough and looks
like it will maintain a vertical position under a load which in New
Hampshire can mean more than just the weight of the antenna. Heavy wet snow
really piled up on the 404C a week or so ago. It also has an optional
thrust bearing shelf to make rotor replacement simple. I like that.
So... Now on to rotor. I have a non-working Orion 2800 which has seen the
shop once but failed a second time with the same break release issue. It's
been sitting on the shelf for 7 years but perhaps could be made to work.
It's in otherwise good shape and I like the control box. The alternative is
an Orion 2300 which I used for a few years to turn a 6 ele mono 20. It's
even older (purchased used from K1ZM who I'm sure gave it a workout) but I
had it up on the bench a month ago and it still works. Direction indicator
needle jumps around a bit when it turns but I don't see that as a big issue
at the moment. I also have a spare Green Heron box that I think could be
made to work here as well. Best of all, it's free. And, given that the
Sidewinder has the thrust bearing shelf, I could replace it relatively
quickly if/when the time comes.
The downside - and this I see as a real downside for this solution - is the
mast clamp assembly. Here I'm curious as to how those of you have addressed
the slippage issue. I really hated climbing 90' on a windy winter day the
Friday before ARRL CW to reposition the mono 20 yet another time. This will
be an issue if I use the Sidewinder as the inner mast has a 2" diameter. I
wish it had more for the rotor clamp to grab on to. Many years ago, I was
told once by one of my antenna Elmers to never ever pin the mast to the
rotor mast clamp. But in this case, I'm wondering what is the worst that
could happen if I do that.
Again, advice here is very much appreciated.
73,
John
NN1SS
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