Last year I purchased a pneumatic 11m mast that can support a head load of 35kg. Currently I use an SPID RAU rotator from AlfaRadio mounted at the top of the mast to rotate antenna’s. At 6kg the rotor is reasonably light but for a while I’ve felt it would be better placed at the base as this removes 6kg from the top of the mast.
This little project will need modifications to the masts support/tilt-over base, a new rotor – as the SPID won’t take the vertical load – and an interface between the rotor and mast.
The project has taken the first step. After drafting an engineering drawing of the rotor/mast interface a local engineering company made one for me. For reference the rotor is a Prosistel PST-641D and the mast is a Total Mast Solutions / Fireco 115mm (base tube) pneumatic mast.
I’ll post again next month when I hope to receive the new PST-641D rotor and progress the next stage in the project.
Andrew
G0RVM
Thanks Andrew. Interesting idea. I shall also be purchsing the same mast for my shack as you know. May need to consider similar when it comes to rotators. Sounds expensive though. I’m afraid to say I’ve long aince burnt my bridges with my ex colleagues in engineering who may have been able to machine me something simlar and from top grade stailess steel or similar. Might do a bit of bridge building!!! Mark