How do you keep the tube from bending?

[satcustomer]

The biggest obstacle I'm having in setting up my motorized FTA system is trying not to bend the tube when tightening the mounting bracket (holding the motor) to the tube (on a wall mount). Unfortunately, the tube has compressed in on two different occasions which has caused the once level tube to no longer be. I'm now on my third "durable" tube which is designed to support a bigger dish than my 90cm. How have you prevented your tube from bending?

 

[voomvoom]

Sounds like you don't know your own strength? I'm not currently using any wall mounts, although I have in the past. Never had any problems with collapsing tube. I use schedule #40 pipe for my ground poles.

Al

 

[brentb636]

I'd say just "snug it up firmly". I've had the same tendency myself, but realistically, once you bite into the metal, that's tight enough !

 

[satcustomer]

Yeah, it's been really frustrating because I've been having this problem for a while and I really want to get this job done so I can surf the birds. On this "latest and greatest" tube, we'll try not to use too much elbow grease in supporting the bracket to the tube.

 

[iafirebuff]

Incredable Hulk!

 

[mikekohl]

As mentioned earlier, heavy pipe such as schedule 40 steel, which normally has a 1/4 inch wall, should not bend. On the other hand, if you are using many lighter weight chain link fence posts (typical 2-1/2 inch outside diameter), it may have a thinner wall and be subject to bending. One possible solution would be to mix a very wet batch of cement, and pour down the tube so that it cannot bend.
Do not pour all the way to the top, to avoid problems with expansion past the top of the mast.

 

[LordAlex]

Just need to control that bionic arm! Both poles I put motors on were just galvanized fence posts 1 5/8 and 2 3/8 . A $15 torque wrench from harbor freight might ease your mind. 30 ft/lbs should be more than enough and not crush the pole.

:

 

[Eastcoast]

I always have that trouble of over tightening certian bolts and when I installed my SG2100 I bent the brackets on the opposite side of the motor.So in future is 30 ft/lbs good?I have never seen any recommendations from the manuacturers.

Dave

 

[Wescopc]

For a soft bolt, the torque should not exceed 10-12 foot pounds. Here is a web site with some torque values for us bolt sizes: http://www.raskcycle.com/techtip/webdoc14.html
Bob