| Author |
Message |
    
Airplane1
Intermediate Member
Username: Airplane1
Post Number: 232
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Monday, December 13, 2004 - 9:44 am: | 
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Hi, anyone know what the surface area of antenna means, I`m thinking that that is what I need to know to buy a rotor to turn it, Is this correct?
Like if the area of antenna is 4sq ft I need a rotor rated as that or higher.
Thanks, Roger |
Bruce
Senior Member
Username: Bruce
Post Number: 1873
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Monday, December 13, 2004 - 9:58 am: |
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it is what the antenna looks like to the wind
( think of it as melting the ant down and making it a flat solid plate ) |
Sarge
Junior Member
Username: Sarge
Post Number: 17
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 14, 2004 - 3:58 pm: |
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It's a measure of how much wind the antenna "catches". Obviously a whip-like antenna such as the "Big Stick" will have a lower "wind loading" or "surface area" figure than a 3-element beam antenna. The beam has more parts hanging in the wind.
You are correct about the antenna rotator. If the antenna is listed as having a 4.5 sq ft of wind loading or surface area, your rotator must have at least the same rating. But it is better to get a rotor rated for more than the antenna figure - especially if you have high winds or ice storms in your area. |
Airplane1
Intermediate Member
Username: Airplane1
Post Number: 238
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 15, 2004 - 8:19 am: |
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Sarge, Thanks alot for your answer to my question, it was a big help.I have a U100 rotor rated at 5 wind loading,I was thinking of getting the MaCo Comet and it has a wind loading of 4 so that should work for me.
Rog
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Bruce
Senior Member
Username: Bruce
Post Number: 1880
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 15, 2004 - 9:18 am: |
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without a thrust bearing the u-100 would not support a CB beam. Also it dosn't have a good break so if you get strong winds it has limited abilty to hold a antenna in one spot. Ive used several on 6 meter beams and they work ok but a CB beam would REALY be pushing it. |
Airplane1
Intermediate Member
Username: Airplane1
Post Number: 239
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 15, 2004 - 11:28 am: |
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thanks Bruce,
I`ll keep that in mind, I`m going to try it though and maybe get away with it for a short time till I can afford a good rotor.
my buget is very limited so I need to spend my money right the first time so if I can get by that way i`ll be very happy. thats wy I ask so many questions on this forum so I can get very good info to make the best choices.
Thanks again Bruce and Sarge,
Rog |
