|
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
|
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
|
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
|
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
|
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 > >
|
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
|
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 > >
|
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 > > > > > > > > > >
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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 > >
?
?
|
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 > >
?
?
|
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
>
>
|
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
>
>
|
Hi Everett, Do you by any chance remember what is the weight of your assembled loop plus Fiberglass pole? Regards, Simon On Mon, Aug 26, 2024 at 7:17?AM Everett N4CY via groups.io <everettsharp@...> wrote:
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
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
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
|
Simon, I did not weigh it, but there was very little weight to it. The aluminum tubing is very light IN WEIGHT.
?
Everett N4CY
?
In a message dated 8/26/2024 9:19:53 AM Central Daylight Time, 1rfsam@... writes:
?
Hi Everett, Do you by any chance remember what is the weight of your assembled loop plus Fiberglass pole? Regards, Simon On Mon, Aug 26, 2024 at 7:17?AM Everett N4CY via groups.io <everettsharp@...> wrote: > > 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 > > > > 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 > > > > 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 > > > > > > > > > > >
|
Thanks for the info ? 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: Monday, August 26, 2024 4:17 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [loopantennas] Rotators for loop antenna (continued)...8? 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.
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
>
>
|
Thanks, Everett! Simon On Mon, Aug 26, 2024 at 7:30?AM Everett N4CY via groups.io <everettsharp@...> wrote:
Simon, I did not weigh it, but there was very little weight to it. The aluminum tubing is very light IN WEIGHT.
Everett N4CY
In a message dated 8/26/2024 9:19:53 AM Central Daylight Time, 1rfsam@... writes:
Hi Everett,
Do you by any chance remember what is the weight of your assembled
loop plus Fiberglass pole?
Regards,
Simon
On Mon, Aug 26, 2024 at 7:17?AM Everett N4CY via groups.io
<everettsharp@...> wrote:
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
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
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
|
I finally have some updates.
Decided to keep inexpensive RCA rotator but also added Yaesu GS-050 thrust mast bearing. Took me awhile to make a holding bracket for GS-050. Had to buy a small drill press for that :)) Happy I did that - very useful thing to have.
I use 2" schedule 80 PVC conduit (~ 2.3" O.D.) as a support column for GS-050. Everything feels more stable now. Also planning to do some guy wires (GS-050 has attachment points for that).
Some pictures:
?
?
?
?
Regards,
Simon
KM6MUL
|
Nice work!
?
73,
Joe F. KC8RKL
|
Simon, nice job in design and fabrication. About 15-years ago we made a few hundred of a similar device to mate the RCA to the mast and lower end of a loop bracket. The first batch was stainless steel, but we decided that the weight savings of aluminum was a better idea. The mast clamp accommodated up to 2,25" dia. and the loop bracket was simply an "L-bracket" with a number of bolt holes to hold home-brew loops with another pattern for the Pixel loop (now DX Engineering). We found out quickly that those rotators lived much longer with the added support of a bearing to act in both thrust and lateral support. It seemed that the bearings made with either gray or black plastic pipe (rather than white PVC) lasted, without wear. We suggested that the installer use synthetic auto grease (EG: Shell Rotella wheel bearing grease) all around the mast and ID of the bearing. I took mine down to donate to the local Ham club last Fall. It was originally installed in 2009 and still working fine, despite New England WX. It did need a good cleanup and a spray of paint and we re-lubed it which was the only maintenance. BTW: it doesn't hurt to brush on some UV-resistant polyurethane all over the actual rotator to help weather seal it. We did 3 coats. Again, nice engineering on your part. Enjoy,
Bob, N1KPR AmComm/Dynametrics
-
- Youtube: N1KPR
- Youtube: Ham Radio Doctor
Engineering, where enigma meets paradox
On Monday, November 11, 2024 at 11:21:39 AM EST, rfsam via groups.io <1rfsam@...> wrote:
I finally have some updates.
Decided to keep inexpensive RCA rotator but also added Yaesu GS-050 thrust mast bearing. Took me awhile to make a holding bracket for GS-050. Had to buy a small drill press for that :)) Happy I did that - very useful thing to have.
I use 2" schedule 80 PVC conduit (~ 2.3" O.D.) as a support column for GS-050. Everything feels more stable now. Also planning to do some guy wires (GS-050 has attachment points for that).
Some pictures:
?
?
?
?
Regards,
Simon
KM6MUL
|
|
|
Everett N4CY
Bob, N1KPR