Hi John,
Robin K4IDC here. I can modify the rotor end of the SideWinder gate for a
larger diameter if you like. When you're ready to discuss, please let me
know directly. I don't always read the TowerTalk traffic.
Thanks,
Robin Midgett K4IDC
On Wed, Feb 1, 2023 at 10:15 AM John Webster NN1SS <nn1ssnh@gmail.com>
wrote:
> 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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