Re: Rotators for loop antenna (continued)...8
Hi Rolf,
?
I used a PVC conduit fitting and filled in the gaps with potting compound. I cut out an 1/8" 6061-T6 aluminum plate and mounted the PVC fitting to it then added the U bolts.
?
Everett N4CY
In a message dated 8/26/2024 9:09:09 AM Central Daylight Time, groups@... writes:
?
Hi Everett,
?
Nice work.
?
from where did you get the housing for the amplifier with the clamps?
?
73, Rolf
__________________________________________________________________
PLATH SIR-2115, G69/31DDC, PERSEUS, ?SIGNALHOUND , AFEDRI, GRX-LAN
T2FD, G5RV, WELLBROOK 1530/ALA-100, DISCONE, NTi GA3005, STAMPFL X ONE
go2MONITOR, go2DECODE, Signal Analyzer
?
?
Here is my 4' loop that I rolled out of 1.5" 6061-T6 Aluminum tubing. I am using fiberglass military tent poles for the support mast. The amplifier is one of my Improved LZ1AQ loop amps. It is mounted on a rotor. I am able to get 28 to 29dB nulls.
In a message dated 8/23/2024 2:28:57 PM Central Daylight Time, 1rfsam@... writes:
Thanks for the suggestion, Fred!
Simon
On Fri, Aug 23, 2024 at 12:12?PM Fred Moore via groups.io
<n40cla@...> wrote:
>
> Why don't you place your rotor under the tripod, put a real thrust bearing on the top of the tripod that the real mast will sit on.? Then place a smaller pipe on the rotor that slides up into the mast and bolt the two pipes together. This way all the weight above the rotor actually is sitting on the top of the tripod and not on the rotor.? The only thing the rotor is doing now is rotating a 2 ft or 3 ft piece of pipe and the bolt through the rotor pipe and the mast pipe is turning the weight above the tripod.
>
> Fred
> N4CLA
>
> On Fri, Aug 23, 2024 at 3:01?PM Holmzie N2EXG via groups.io <p.holmzie@...> wrote:
>>
>> An advantage is not having to run guy wires and more penitrations, plus the support will all come from the existing tripod.
>>
>> I did this to to 2 alliance rotors and an RCA over the years.? Some of my other (easier) solutions were to mount the rotator UNDER ...at the bottom of the tripod!? Make an insulating bearing out of PVC at the top of the tripod. Make a plate or bracket to firmly mount the rotator base, (above any possible standing water).
>>
>> You can always "slit"? or stack one or more PVC diameters or sections, to makeup a thicker homegrowen bearing, glue 'em up, glue 'em together) to make 'em thicker, (even using hose clamps or a vice).? Inserting the PVC spacer and clamp it down at the top of the tripod just enough to allow free rotation (with a little grease!).
>>
>> I also used hose clamps to hold the slit tripod's PVC bearings to the right diameter while loosely inserting the mast through the tripod and the rotor.? Once in place, I slowly tightened everything up so the greased PVC bearing was held firmly In place by the groved indentations of the bolts...
>>
>> The one cavet is to not ever mount a rotator where it may sit in water!? Don't set a rotator outside unless it is elevated and? vertical.? If your flat roof floods and water comes up to the rotator, that's bad.
>>
>> Sorry 'bot running on like this.? I'm faithful follower here!
>>
>> Holmzie n2exg
>
>
|
Re: Rotators for loop antenna (continued)...8
Hi Everett, ? Nice work. ? from where did you get the housing for the amplifier with the clamps? ? 73, Rolf __________________________________________________________________ PLATH SIR-2115, G69/31DDC, PERSEUS, ?SIGNALHOUND , AFEDRI, GRX-LAN T2FD, G5RV, WELLBROOK 1530/ALA-100, DISCONE, NTi GA3005, STAMPFL X ONE go2MONITOR, go2DECODE, Signal Analyzer ?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Everett N4CY via groups.io
Sent: Friday, August 23, 2024 9:37 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [loopantennas] Rotators for loop antenna (continued)...8? Here is my 4' loop that I rolled out of 1.5" 6061-T6 Aluminum tubing. I am using fiberglass military tent poles for the support mast. The amplifier is one of my Improved LZ1AQ loop amps. It is mounted on a rotor. I am able to get 28 to 29dB nulls.
In a message dated 8/23/2024 2:28:57 PM Central Daylight Time, 1rfsam@... writes:
Thanks for the suggestion, Fred!
Simon
On Fri, Aug 23, 2024 at 12:12?PM Fred Moore via groups.io
<n40cla@...> wrote:
>
> Why don't you place your rotor under the tripod, put a real thrust bearing on the top of the tripod that the real mast will sit on.? Then place a smaller pipe on the rotor that slides up into the mast and bolt the two pipes together. This way all the weight above the rotor actually is sitting on the top of the tripod and not on the rotor.? The only thing the rotor is doing now is rotating a 2 ft or 3 ft piece of pipe and the bolt through the rotor pipe and the mast pipe is turning the weight above the tripod.
>
> Fred
> N4CLA
>
> On Fri, Aug 23, 2024 at 3:01?PM Holmzie N2EXG via groups.io <p.holmzie@...> wrote:
>>
>> An advantage is not having to run guy wires and more penitrations, plus the support will all come from the existing tripod.
>>
>> I did this to to 2 alliance rotors and an RCA over the years.? Some of my other (easier) solutions were to mount the rotator UNDER ...at the bottom of the tripod!? Make an insulating bearing out of PVC at the top of the tripod. Make a plate or bracket to firmly mount the rotator base, (above any possible standing water).
>>
>> You can always "slit"? or stack one or more PVC diameters or sections, to makeup a thicker homegrowen bearing, glue 'em up, glue 'em together) to make 'em thicker, (even using hose clamps or a vice).? Inserting the PVC spacer and clamp it down at the top of the tripod just enough to allow free rotation (with a little grease!).
>>
>> I also used hose clamps to hold the slit tripod's PVC bearings to the right diameter while loosely inserting the mast through the tripod and the rotor.? Once in place, I slowly tightened everything up so the greased PVC bearing was held firmly In place by the groved indentations of the bolts...
>>
>> The one cavet is to not ever mount a rotator where it may sit in water!? Don't set a rotator outside unless it is elevated and? vertical.? If your flat roof floods and water comes up to the rotator, that's bad.
>>
>> Sorry 'bot running on like this.? I'm faithful follower here!
>>
>> Holmzie n2exg
>
>
|
Re: Kits and Parts sad news.
Best news all year, my new right knee not withstanding.
Kits and Parts has been my go to for odd RF parts.
The RF amps they no longer offer were a wonderful bargain for the price.
?
|
Re: Kits and Parts sad news.
You are right, Diz¡¯ passing is very sad. This is however old news: Kits And Parts was sold to Mike Maiorana ?KU4QO. So hopefully there is no reason to think that this will change any time soon.
?
?Karl Heinz - K5KHK
|
Kits and Parts has been my go to source for ferrites and other RF odds and ends. A friend just told me Dieter "Diz" Gentzow, W8DIZ, lost his battle with his illness yesterday, March 3rd, 2024. I have no idea how long Kits and Parts will continue, so it might be a good idea to think about parts they have that you will need and get that order in pronto.
|
Re: Rotators for loop antenna (continued)...8
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Fri, Aug 23, 2024 at 3:50?PM Everett N4CY via <everettsharp= [email protected]> wrote:
Fred,
?
It is an RCA and it works well, when I can keep the squires from eating my wires.
?
Everett
In a message dated 8/23/2024 2:46:12 PM Central Daylight Time, n40cla@... writes:
?
Good afternoon Everett,
?
Fred Moore here, N4CLA
?
Can you tell me what model rotator you are using?? I might be interested in obtaining one.
?
Fred
On Fri, Aug 23, 2024 at 3:37?PM Everett N4CY via <everettsharp= [email protected]> wrote:
Guys,
?
Here is my 4' loop that I rolled out of 1.5" 6061-T6 Aluminum tubing. I am using fiberglass military tent poles for the support mast. The amplifier is one of my Improved LZ1AQ loop amps. It is mounted on a rotor. I am able to get 28 to 29dB nulls.
?
?
?
Everett N4CY
In a message dated 8/23/2024 2:28:57 PM Central Daylight Time, 1rfsam@... writes:
?
Thanks for the suggestion, Fred! Simon On Fri, Aug 23, 2024 at 12:12?PM Fred Moore via <n40cla= [email protected]> wrote: > > Why don't you place your rotor under the tripod, put a real thrust bearing on the top of the tripod that the real mast will sit on.? Then place a smaller pipe on the rotor that slides up into the mast and bolt the two pipes together. This way all the weight above the rotor actually is sitting on the top of the tripod and not on the rotor.? The only thing the rotor is doing now is rotating a 2 ft or 3 ft piece of pipe and the bolt through the rotor pipe and the mast pipe is turning the weight above the tripod. > > Fred > N4CLA > > On Fri, Aug 23, 2024 at 3:01?PM Holmzie N2EXG via <p.holmzie= [email protected]> wrote: >> >> An advantage is not having to run guy wires and more penitrations, plus the support will all come from the existing tripod. >> >> I did this to to 2 alliance rotors and an RCA over the years.? Some of my other (easier) solutions were to mount the rotator UNDER ...at the bottom of the tripod!? Make an insulating bearing out of PVC at the top of the tripod. Make a plate or bracket to firmly mount the rotator base, (above any possible standing water). >> >> You can always "slit"? or stack one or more PVC diameters or sections, to makeup a thicker homegrowen bearing, glue 'em up, glue 'em together) to make 'em thicker, (even using hose clamps or a vice).? Inserting the PVC spacer and clamp it down at the top of the tripod just enough to allow free rotation (with a little grease!). >> >> I also used hose clamps to hold the slit tripod's PVC bearings to the right diameter while loosely inserting the mast through the tripod and the rotor.? Once in place, I slowly tightened everything up so the greased PVC bearing was held firmly In place by the groved indentations of the bolts... >> >> The one cavet is to not ever mount a rotator where it may sit in water!? Don't set a rotator outside unless it is elevated and? vertical.? If your flat roof floods and water comes up to the rotator, that's bad. >> >> Sorry 'bot running on like this.? I'm faithful follower here! >> >> Holmzie n2exg > >
?
?
|
Re: Rotators for loop antenna (continued)...8
Fred,
?
It is an RCA and it works well, when I can keep the squires from eating my wires.
?
Everett
In a message dated 8/23/2024 2:46:12 PM Central Daylight Time, n40cla@... writes:
?
Good afternoon Everett,
?
Fred Moore here, N4CLA
?
Can you tell me what model rotator you are using?? I might be interested in obtaining one.
?
Fred
On Fri, Aug 23, 2024 at 3:37?PM Everett N4CY via <everettsharp= [email protected]> wrote:
Guys,
?
Here is my 4' loop that I rolled out of 1.5" 6061-T6 Aluminum tubing. I am using fiberglass military tent poles for the support mast. The amplifier is one of my Improved LZ1AQ loop amps. It is mounted on a rotor. I am able to get 28 to 29dB nulls.
?
?
?
Everett N4CY
In a message dated 8/23/2024 2:28:57 PM Central Daylight Time, 1rfsam@... writes:
?
Thanks for the suggestion, Fred! Simon On Fri, Aug 23, 2024 at 12:12?PM Fred Moore via <n40cla= [email protected]> wrote: > > Why don't you place your rotor under the tripod, put a real thrust bearing on the top of the tripod that the real mast will sit on.? Then place a smaller pipe on the rotor that slides up into the mast and bolt the two pipes together. This way all the weight above the rotor actually is sitting on the top of the tripod and not on the rotor.? The only thing the rotor is doing now is rotating a 2 ft or 3 ft piece of pipe and the bolt through the rotor pipe and the mast pipe is turning the weight above the tripod. > > Fred > N4CLA > > On Fri, Aug 23, 2024 at 3:01?PM Holmzie N2EXG via <p.holmzie= [email protected]> wrote: >> >> An advantage is not having to run guy wires and more penitrations, plus the support will all come from the existing tripod. >> >> I did this to to 2 alliance rotors and an RCA over the years.? Some of my other (easier) solutions were to mount the rotator UNDER ...at the bottom of the tripod!? Make an insulating bearing out of PVC at the top of the tripod. Make a plate or bracket to firmly mount the rotator base, (above any possible standing water). >> >> You can always "slit"? or stack one or more PVC diameters or sections, to makeup a thicker homegrowen bearing, glue 'em up, glue 'em together) to make 'em thicker, (even using hose clamps or a vice).? Inserting the PVC spacer and clamp it down at the top of the tripod just enough to allow free rotation (with a little grease!). >> >> I also used hose clamps to hold the slit tripod's PVC bearings to the right diameter while loosely inserting the mast through the tripod and the rotor.? Once in place, I slowly tightened everything up so the greased PVC bearing was held firmly In place by the groved indentations of the bolts... >> >> The one cavet is to not ever mount a rotator where it may sit in water!? Don't set a rotator outside unless it is elevated and? vertical.? If your flat roof floods and water comes up to the rotator, that's bad. >> >> Sorry 'bot running on like this.? I'm faithful follower here! >> >> Holmzie n2exg > >
?
?
|
Re: Rotators for loop antenna (continued)...8
Yes it is an RCA Rotor..
?
Everett
In a message dated 8/23/2024 2:41:47 PM Central Daylight Time, 1rfsam@... writes:
?
Thank you, Everett, looks great! That's also RCA rotator, right? Looks like you have about 4' between the rotator and the loop? In my case I have ~10ft mast and it's somewhat center heavy (big IP67 PVC box). Regards, Simon On Fri, Aug 23, 2024 at 12:37?PM Everett N4CY via groups.io <everettsharp@...> wrote: > > Guys, > > Here is my 4' loop that I rolled out of 1.5" 6061-T6 Aluminum tubing. I am using fiberglass military tent poles for the support mast. The amplifier is one of my Improved LZ1AQ loop amps. It is mounted on a rotor. I am able to get 28 to 29dB nulls. > >? > > Everett N4CY > > In a message dated 8/23/2024 2:28:57 PM Central Daylight Time, 1rfsam@... writes: > > > Thanks for the suggestion, Fred! > Simon > > On Fri, Aug 23, 2024 at 12:12?PM Fred Moore via groups.io > <n40cla@...> wrote: > > > > Why don't you place your rotor under the tripod, put a real thrust bearing on the top of the tripod that the real mast will sit on.? Then place a smaller pipe on the rotor that slides up into the mast and bolt the two pipes together. This way all the weight above the rotor actually is sitting on the top of the tripod and not on the rotor.? The only thing the rotor is doing now is rotating a 2 ft or 3 ft piece of pipe and the bolt through the rotor pipe and the mast pipe is turning the weight above the tripod. > > > > Fred > > N4CLA > > > > On Fri, Aug 23, 2024 at 3:01?PM Holmzie N2EXG via groups.io <p.holmzie@...> wrote: > >> > >> An advantage is not having to run guy wires and more penitrations, plus the support will all come from the existing tripod. > >> > >> I did this to to 2 alliance rotors and an RCA over the years.? Some of my other (easier) solutions were to mount the rotator UNDER ...at the bottom of the tripod!? Make an insulating bearing out of PVC at the top of the tripod. Make a plate or bracket to firmly mount the rotator base, (above any possible standing water). > >> > >> You can always "slit"? or stack one or more PVC diameters or sections, to makeup a thicker homegrowen bearing, glue 'em up, glue 'em together) to make 'em thicker, (even using hose clamps or a vice).? Inserting the PVC spacer and clamp it down at the top of the tripod just enough to allow free rotation (with a little grease!). > >> > >> I also used hose clamps to hold the slit tripod's PVC bearings to the right diameter while loosely inserting the mast through the tripod and the rotor.? Once in place, I slowly tightened everything up so the greased PVC bearing was held firmly In place by the groved indentations of the bolts... > >> > >> The one cavet is to not ever mount a rotator where it may sit in water!? Don't set a rotator outside unless it is elevated and? vertical.? If your flat roof floods and water comes up to the rotator, that's bad. > >> > >> Sorry 'bot running on like this.? I'm faithful follower here! > >> > >> Holmzie n2exg > > > > > > > > > >
|
Re: Rotators for loop antenna (continued)...8
Good afternoon Everett,
Fred Moore here, N4CLA
Can you tell me what model rotator you are using?? I might be interested in obtaining one.
Fred
On Fri, Aug 23, 2024 at 3:37?PM Everett N4CY via <everettsharp= [email protected]> wrote:
Guys,
?
Here is my 4' loop that I rolled out of 1.5" 6061-T6 Aluminum tubing. I am using fiberglass military tent poles for the support mast. The amplifier is one of my Improved LZ1AQ loop amps. It is mounted on a rotor. I am able to get 28 to 29dB nulls.
?
?
?
Everett N4CY
In a message dated 8/23/2024 2:28:57 PM Central Daylight Time, 1rfsam@... writes:
?
Thanks for the suggestion, Fred! Simon On Fri, Aug 23, 2024 at 12:12?PM Fred Moore via <n40cla= [email protected]> wrote: > > Why don't you place your rotor under the tripod, put a real thrust bearing on the top of the tripod that the real mast will sit on.? Then place a smaller pipe on the rotor that slides up into the mast and bolt the two pipes together. This way all the weight above the rotor actually is sitting on the top of the tripod and not on the rotor.? The only thing the rotor is doing now is rotating a 2 ft or 3 ft piece of pipe and the bolt through the rotor pipe and the mast pipe is turning the weight above the tripod. > > Fred > N4CLA > > On Fri, Aug 23, 2024 at 3:01?PM Holmzie N2EXG via <p.holmzie= [email protected]> wrote: >> >> An advantage is not having to run guy wires and more penitrations, plus the support will all come from the existing tripod. >> >> I did this to to 2 alliance rotors and an RCA over the years.? Some of my other (easier) solutions were to mount the rotator UNDER ...at the bottom of the tripod!? Make an insulating bearing out of PVC at the top of the tripod. Make a plate or bracket to firmly mount the rotator base, (above any possible standing water). >> >> You can always "slit"? or stack one or more PVC diameters or sections, to makeup a thicker homegrowen bearing, glue 'em up, glue 'em together) to make 'em thicker, (even using hose clamps or a vice).? Inserting the PVC spacer and clamp it down at the top of the tripod just enough to allow free rotation (with a little grease!). >> >> I also used hose clamps to hold the slit tripod's PVC bearings to the right diameter while loosely inserting the mast through the tripod and the rotor.? Once in place, I slowly tightened everything up so the greased PVC bearing was held firmly In place by the groved indentations of the bolts... >> >> The one cavet is to not ever mount a rotator where it may sit in water!? Don't set a rotator outside unless it is elevated and? vertical.? If your flat roof floods and water comes up to the rotator, that's bad. >> >> Sorry 'bot running on like this.? I'm faithful follower here! >> >> Holmzie n2exg > >
|
Re: Rotators for loop antenna (continued)...8
Thank you, Everett, looks great! That's also RCA rotator, right? Looks like you have about 4' between the rotator and the loop? In my case I have ~10ft mast and it's somewhat center heavy (big IP67 PVC box). Regards, Simon On Fri, Aug 23, 2024 at 12:37?PM Everett N4CY via groups.io <everettsharp@...> wrote:
Guys,
Here is my 4' loop that I rolled out of 1.5" 6061-T6 Aluminum tubing. I am using fiberglass military tent poles for the support mast. The amplifier is one of my Improved LZ1AQ loop amps. It is mounted on a rotor. I am able to get 28 to 29dB nulls.
Everett N4CY
In a message dated 8/23/2024 2:28:57 PM Central Daylight Time, 1rfsam@... writes:
Thanks for the suggestion, Fred!
Simon
On Fri, Aug 23, 2024 at 12:12?PM Fred Moore via groups.io
<n40cla@...> wrote:
Why don't you place your rotor under the tripod, put a real thrust bearing on the top of the tripod that the real mast will sit on. Then place a smaller pipe on the rotor that slides up into the mast and bolt the two pipes together. This way all the weight above the rotor actually is sitting on the top of the tripod and not on the rotor. The only thing the rotor is doing now is rotating a 2 ft or 3 ft piece of pipe and the bolt through the rotor pipe and the mast pipe is turning the weight above the tripod.
Fred
N4CLA
On Fri, Aug 23, 2024 at 3:01?PM Holmzie N2EXG via groups.io <p.holmzie@...> wrote:
An advantage is not having to run guy wires and more penitrations, plus the support will all come from the existing tripod.
I did this to to 2 alliance rotors and an RCA over the years. Some of my other (easier) solutions were to mount the rotator UNDER ...at the bottom of the tripod! Make an insulating bearing out of PVC at the top of the tripod. Make a plate or bracket to firmly mount the rotator base, (above any possible standing water).
You can always "slit" or stack one or more PVC diameters or sections, to makeup a thicker homegrowen bearing, glue 'em up, glue 'em together) to make 'em thicker, (even using hose clamps or a vice). Inserting the PVC spacer and clamp it down at the top of the tripod just enough to allow free rotation (with a little grease!).
I also used hose clamps to hold the slit tripod's PVC bearings to the right diameter while loosely inserting the mast through the tripod and the rotor. Once in place, I slowly tightened everything up so the greased PVC bearing was held firmly In place by the groved indentations of the bolts...
The one cavet is to not ever mount a rotator where it may sit in water! Don't set a rotator outside unless it is elevated and vertical. If your flat roof floods and water comes up to the rotator, that's bad.
Sorry 'bot running on like this. I'm faithful follower here!
Holmzie n2exg
|
Re: Rotators for loop antenna (continued)...8
Guys,
?
Here is my 4' loop that I rolled out of 1.5" 6061-T6 Aluminum tubing. I am using fiberglass military tent poles for the support mast. The amplifier is one of my Improved LZ1AQ loop amps. It is mounted on a rotor. I am able to get 28 to 29dB nulls.
?
?
?
Everett N4CY
In a message dated 8/23/2024 2:28:57 PM Central Daylight Time, 1rfsam@... writes:
?
Thanks for the suggestion, Fred! Simon On Fri, Aug 23, 2024 at 12:12?PM Fred Moore via groups.io <n40cla@...> wrote: > > Why don't you place your rotor under the tripod, put a real thrust bearing on the top of the tripod that the real mast will sit on.? Then place a smaller pipe on the rotor that slides up into the mast and bolt the two pipes together. This way all the weight above the rotor actually is sitting on the top of the tripod and not on the rotor.? The only thing the rotor is doing now is rotating a 2 ft or 3 ft piece of pipe and the bolt through the rotor pipe and the mast pipe is turning the weight above the tripod. > > Fred > N4CLA > > On Fri, Aug 23, 2024 at 3:01?PM Holmzie N2EXG via groups.io <p.holmzie@...> wrote: >> >> An advantage is not having to run guy wires and more penitrations, plus the support will all come from the existing tripod. >> >> I did this to to 2 alliance rotors and an RCA over the years.? Some of my other (easier) solutions were to mount the rotator UNDER ...at the bottom of the tripod!? Make an insulating bearing out of PVC at the top of the tripod. Make a plate or bracket to firmly mount the rotator base, (above any possible standing water). >> >> You can always "slit"? or stack one or more PVC diameters or sections, to makeup a thicker homegrowen bearing, glue 'em up, glue 'em together) to make 'em thicker, (even using hose clamps or a vice).? Inserting the PVC spacer and clamp it down at the top of the tripod just enough to allow free rotation (with a little grease!). >> >> I also used hose clamps to hold the slit tripod's PVC bearings to the right diameter while loosely inserting the mast through the tripod and the rotor.? Once in place, I slowly tightened everything up so the greased PVC bearing was held firmly In place by the groved indentations of the bolts... >> >> The one cavet is to not ever mount a rotator where it may sit in water!? Don't set a rotator outside unless it is elevated and? vertical.? If your flat roof floods and water comes up to the rotator, that's bad. >> >> Sorry 'bot running on like this.? I'm faithful follower here! >> >> Holmzie n2exg > >
|
Re: Rotators for loop antenna (continued)...8
Thanks for the suggestion, Fred! Simon On Fri, Aug 23, 2024 at 12:12?PM Fred Moore via groups.io <n40cla@...> wrote:
Why don't you place your rotor under the tripod, put a real thrust bearing on the top of the tripod that the real mast will sit on. Then place a smaller pipe on the rotor that slides up into the mast and bolt the two pipes together. This way all the weight above the rotor actually is sitting on the top of the tripod and not on the rotor. The only thing the rotor is doing now is rotating a 2 ft or 3 ft piece of pipe and the bolt through the rotor pipe and the mast pipe is turning the weight above the tripod.
Fred
N4CLA
On Fri, Aug 23, 2024 at 3:01?PM Holmzie N2EXG via groups.io <p.holmzie@...> wrote:
An advantage is not having to run guy wires and more penitrations, plus the support will all come from the existing tripod.
I did this to to 2 alliance rotors and an RCA over the years. Some of my other (easier) solutions were to mount the rotator UNDER ...at the bottom of the tripod! Make an insulating bearing out of PVC at the top of the tripod. Make a plate or bracket to firmly mount the rotator base, (above any possible standing water).
You can always "slit" or stack one or more PVC diameters or sections, to makeup a thicker homegrowen bearing, glue 'em up, glue 'em together) to make 'em thicker, (even using hose clamps or a vice). Inserting the PVC spacer and clamp it down at the top of the tripod just enough to allow free rotation (with a little grease!).
I also used hose clamps to hold the slit tripod's PVC bearings to the right diameter while loosely inserting the mast through the tripod and the rotor. Once in place, I slowly tightened everything up so the greased PVC bearing was held firmly In place by the groved indentations of the bolts...
The one cavet is to not ever mount a rotator where it may sit in water! Don't set a rotator outside unless it is elevated and vertical. If your flat roof floods and water comes up to the rotator, that's bad.
Sorry 'bot running on like this. I'm faithful follower here!
Holmzie n2exg
|
Re: Rotators for loop antenna (continued)...8
Thank you for your subjections! I was thinking about mounting rotator under the tripod. But then I will need to extend the mast itself. It's doable too. I think I will leave the rotator where it sits right now but mount a parallel big diameter Schedule 80 PVC pipe in parallel that will be attached to the tripod via clamps and hold the bearing right under the first loop. I can make this PVC also to rest on the balcony's floor to make things more stable. Regards, Simon On Fri, Aug 23, 2024 at 12:01?PM Holmzie N2EXG via groups.io <p.holmzie@...> wrote:
An advantage is not having to run guy wires and more penitrations, plus the support will all come from the existing tripod.
I did this to to 2 alliance rotors and an RCA over the years. Some of my other (easier) solutions were to mount the rotator UNDER ...at the bottom of the tripod! Make an insulating bearing out of PVC at the top of the tripod. Make a plate or bracket to firmly mount the rotator base, (above any possible standing water).
You can always "slit" or stack one or more PVC diameters or sections, to makeup a thicker homegrowen bearing, glue 'em up, glue 'em together) to make 'em thicker, (even using hose clamps or a vice). Inserting the PVC spacer and clamp it down at the top of the tripod just enough to allow free rotation (with a little grease!).
I also used hose clamps to hold the slit tripod's PVC bearings to the right diameter while loosely inserting the mast through the tripod and the rotor. Once in place, I slowly tightened everything up so the greased PVC bearing was held firmly In place by the groved indentations of the bolts...
The one cavet is to not ever mount a rotator where it may sit in water! Don't set a rotator outside unless it is elevated and vertical. If your flat roof floods and water comes up to the rotator, that's bad.
Sorry 'bot running on like this. I'm faithful follower here!
Holmzie n2exg
|
Re: Rotators for loop antenna (continued)...8
Why don't you place your rotor under the tripod, put a real thrust bearing on the top of the tripod that the real mast will sit on.? Then place a smaller pipe on the rotor that slides up into the mast and bolt the two pipes together. This way all the weight above the rotor actually is sitting on the top of the tripod and not on the rotor.? The only thing the rotor is doing now is rotating a 2 ft or 3 ft piece of pipe and the bolt through the rotor pipe and the mast pipe is turning the weight above the tripod.
Fred N4CLA
On Fri, Aug 23, 2024 at 3:01?PM Holmzie N2EXG via <p.holmzie= [email protected]> wrote: An advantage is not having to run guy wires and more penitrations, plus the support will all come from the existing tripod.
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I did this to to 2 alliance rotors and an RCA over the years.? Some of my other (easier) solutions were to mount the rotator UNDER ...at the bottom of the tripod!? Make an insulating bearing out of PVC at the top of the tripod. Make a plate or bracket to firmly mount the rotator base, (above any possible standing water).??
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You can always "slit"? or stack one or more PVC diameters or sections, to makeup a thicker homegrowen bearing, glue 'em up, glue 'em together) to make 'em thicker, (even using hose clamps or a vice).? Inserting the PVC spacer and clamp it down at the top of the tripod just enough to allow free rotation (with a little grease!).?
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I also used hose clamps to hold the slit tripod's PVC bearings to the right diameter while loosely inserting the mast through the tripod and the rotor.? Once in place, I slowly tightened everything up so the greased PVC bearing was held firmly In place by the groved indentations of the bolts...
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The one cavet is to not ever mount a rotator where it may sit in water!? Don't set a rotator outside unless it is elevated and? vertical.? If your flat roof floods and water comes up to the rotator, that's bad.
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Sorry 'bot running on like this.? I'm faithful follower here!
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Holmzie n2exg
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Re: Rotators for loop antenna (continued)...8
An advantage is not having to run guy wires and more penitrations, plus the support will all come from the existing tripod.
?
I did this to to 2 alliance rotors and an RCA over the years.? Some of my other (easier) solutions were to mount the rotator UNDER ...at the bottom of the tripod!? Make an insulating bearing out of PVC at the top of the tripod. Make a plate or bracket to firmly mount the rotator base, (above any possible standing water).??
?
You can always "slit"? or stack one or more PVC diameters or sections, to makeup a thicker homegrowen bearing, glue 'em up, glue 'em together) to make 'em thicker, (even using hose clamps or a vice).? Inserting the PVC spacer and clamp it down at the top of the tripod just enough to allow free rotation (with a little grease!).?
?
I also used hose clamps to hold the slit tripod's PVC bearings to the right diameter while loosely inserting the mast through the tripod and the rotor.? Once in place, I slowly tightened everything up so the greased PVC bearing was held firmly In place by the groved indentations of the bolts...
?
The one cavet is to not ever mount a rotator where it may sit in water!? Don't set a rotator outside unless it is elevated and? vertical.? If your flat roof floods and water comes up to the rotator, that's bad.
?
Sorry 'bot running on like this.? I'm faithful follower here!
?
Holmzie n2exg
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Re: Rotators for loop antenna
You can couple a short piece of pipe to the backside of the rotator mounting bolts with another set of mast clamps and run up another mast/pipe parallel to just under the loop. Then space another set of opposing clamps from that section to the rotating mast. Use a short section of PVC pipe around the rotating mast to provide discontiuity but allow rotation. Use green or lithium grease.? You will have enough to spend a little time adjusting the spacing just right?? This would a nice support bearing and take some of the stress off the rotor housing.
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Note that your rotor bearings are just sleeve bearings and have a lot of "slop" in them.? Your 2-loop array doesn't look to have more windload than a typical TV antenna, but in a windy area on top of a roof,it can provide additional support.
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Good luck,
Holmzie n2exg
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Re: Some thoughts on cases for exterior loop antenna amplifiers
To Mike M.
Are those Carlon PVC cases?
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I live 20ish miles south of Lexington KY, say 25 miles south of 38 degrees north latitude.
My PVC cases sure don't look like that after a few years! And, unless vented, always have water inside!
I've placed an empty Carlon case with a small hole in the bottom on a fence post and will check it next spring, April 1st.
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Re: Some thoughts on cases for exterior loop antenna amplifiers
Hi Mike,
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Thanks for posting those photos.
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To be honest I'm amazed it held up so well.
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Although the box is exposed to the elements, the outer surface shows no sign of oxidisation, which is usually a white powdery substance, or of water ingress via the side mount four screw holes or F connector. The box lid fixing screws also have a tendency to react with the aluminium and fuse together.
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Maybe the UK weather, or level of pollutants is somehow different, but I know what it would look like if it had been in my back yard for that length of time.
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I think you have somehow been lucky.
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Regards,
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Martin
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Re: Some thoughts on cases for exterior loop antenna amplifiers
Sorry I'm late to the discussion. I am moving and was taking down an active antenna and decided to open up two boxes that have been outside to see how they look inside. I am located in western Wisconsin USA in a climate that sees below zero (F) in the winter and last summer had some 100 degree (F) days. This spring and summer has had above average rainfall with many 1" and 2" rains. The two boxes have been outside for almost three years. The antenna amp was at a previous house in the same climate for several years before that. Here is the antenna amp box installed outside (this is a e-field probe, not a loop). These are waterproof boxes with no holes. The PCB is not conformal coated:
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Here is the common mode choke box installed outside:
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Here is the inside of the amp:
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Here is the inside of the common mode choke:
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I have had similar amps outside for at least 15 years with similar results to these. So at least in my case I have not had to worry about ventilation or conformal coating. Your mileage may vary.
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Mike M
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Re: Rotators for loop antenna
Hi Simon, Yep, totally agree and I'm Ok to spend more money on quality rotator. I was actually thinking about Yaesu G800DXA. That's one step up - should be holding even better. And looks like I really need just a motor (Yaesu sells it separately) as I can literally see my antenna through the window and have no need for precise azimuth control of the Control unit. Also it appears that newer Yaesu motors are DC (older ones were AC, like many other rotators). That means that I can just drive it with 2 wires by reversing polarity. Will keep me from drilling another hole through the wall (have extra 3 wire connection going through the wall already). But looks like it will be a good idea to still use a thrust mast bearing maybe 1-2 feet above the rotator. In the manual Yaesu states that rotating portion of the mast shouldn't be high, otherwise thrust bearing is needed. Although I don't have a 40m Yagi made of stainless steel... Regards, Simon KM6MUL On Thu, Aug 22, 2024 at 9:44?AM Simon via groups.io <ohhellnotagain@...> wrote:
Hi
If you got $300 or so available just go buy a yaesu 450 rotator.. job done, safe, looks good (Wife and Landlord friendly.) reliable and holds resale value.
Have one here holding up tein 2m tagi¡¯s and 10m yagi.. year old, looks as new and on Dartmoor so very open to high winds and rain ( and sun.)
Job done, forget about, especially if you up high on balcony, last thing one needs is an antenna hanging from cable over someone¡¯s head! $300 ( or so, mine i had buy bottom clamps.) well spent.
Simon g0zen
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Everett N4CY