Minimum sized rotor for Cushcraft MA5B

[AF5CC]

I am going to be getting a Cushcraft MA5B soon-wherever I go pick it up from the seller-and hoping to get it up in the next few months.  Now I need a rotor for it.  Would like to avoid spending too much on a rotor that would be overkill for this sized of a beam.  What would be about the minimum sized rotor that would handle the MA5B with a little room to spare?

73 John AF5CC

[K2DC]

The MA-5B is 3.22 sq. ft. of wind load.  It appears that an Alliance U-100 or U-110 will do the job.  Norm's has either on rebuilt with controller for $150.

http://www.rotorservice.com/prod1%20rotor%20sales.htm

  The CD-44 or CD-45 will do the job, but mast mounting is not recommended (if that's what you had in mind.  I've only had HAM (-M, -II and -III) here.  They are more expensive, but may be worth it for reliability and ease of repair support.  I've never had a Yaesu rotor, but I see threads all the time on horror stories about lack of parts and factory support.  Hope this helps.

73,

Don, K2DC

[AD5X]

Use a cheap U105 TV rotator.  They are less than $100.  And then add a TB105 thrust bearing.  I think I paid $25 for mine at R&L Electronics, but the price might have changed.  I show the proper way to use the TB105 in the "Articles" section of my website at www.ad5x.com.

Phil - AD5X

[AF5CC]

I have discussed with Norm about using the Alliance rotor and he says it is too small for the antenna.  I would guess it would work for a while until a big wind hit and then it might damage it. Probably the same for a TV rotor.

73 John AF5CC

[KD8GEH]

A TR44 would be the best bet or a small yeasu like a G-450 IMO. A TV rotor will work fine, but the cheaper ones (like the home depo) last only a couple years. I would go with an AR22 but im very poor The 5B is a small very light antenna.

73 and enjoy  KD8GEH

[K0CWO]

I have a Cushcraft 13B2 and a Comet GP-3 sitting on top of a U105 TV rotator and TB105 thrust bearing in an almost identical fashion AD5X installed his.  It sits on top of my house 30 feet above the ground and has been there since 1997.  I has been a trouble free setup for me.

73, BJ
k0cwo

[N6AJR]

RE: Minimum sized rotor for Cushcraft MA5B

« Reply #2 on: Today at 05:18:04 AM »


Quote
 

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Use a cheap U105 TV rotator.  They are less than $100.  And then add a TB105 thrust bearing.  I think I paid $25 for mine at R&L Electronics, but the price might have changed.  I show the proper way to use the TB105 in the "Articles" section of my website at www.ad5x.com


I used a tv rotor and the TB 105 thrust bearing and it does hold  a ma5b . I would really look around for a yaesu 400 series, or even a ham 2 or 3 rotor to be on the safe side  but the tv rotor with thrust bearing will work.

[VA3WXM]

I used a Yaesu G-450 for almost 10 years with my MA5B and had no issues.

[AJ0Z]

I too use a Yaesu G-450A with a mast mount.