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| KARLock |
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The KARLock is an optional locking device for your TiltPlate. If you live in a high wind area or just feel more comfortable with a device to prevent the antenna from lifting in high winds, you may want to consider a KARLock for your Tiltplate. The price is $190 plus shipping. The lock is "gravity powered" and made up of three components: the pivot block, the catch rod, and the catch plate. The pivot block attaches to the moveable TiltPlate. The pivot block is machined from a single block aluminum and attached with set screws. The catch rod is shaped to catch the latch and pull tight when the moveable plate lifts due to high wind. It is cut from 1/2 inch aluminum plate for high strength and low weight. The catch plate is 1/2 in thick aluminum plate. It is secured to the mast using 2 inch (or 2 1/2 inch) U-bolts from DX Engineering. A direct rotor mount version will be developed but is not available initially. A heavy duty stainless steel catch bolt is mounted on the plate. Operation - in the normal operational position the catch rod swings freely about 1/4 inch below the catch bolt. When tilting the tower over for maintenance the catch rod pivots clear of the catch bolt well in advance of any movement or separation of the Tiltplates. In the event of high winds, as the moveable plate lifts, the catch rod engages the catch bolt. The lifting motion is stopped. See video below. Design features Does not require the user to climb the tower to lock or unlock in normal use Does not require cables, poles or other attachments to lock or unlock in normal use Does not add additional wind load Is simple, reliable, and weighs less than 5 pounds Uses top quality parts consistent with the TiltPlate itself Prevents antenna lifting in any wind speed up to the maximum 100 mph rating Can be installed on existing STANDARD and MONSTER TiltPlates by the user. Can still be opened in the event of icing Thanks to Kirk/K6KAR for encouraging me to develop this option and thanks to both Kirk and Jerry/K3BZ for volunteering to test the the prototypes. During the development of the KARLock, we looked at wind powered locks, magnetic locks, and other ideas sent in by folks. In the end, we settled on a gravity based lock that would work best for the wind speed rating and all of the antenna configurations supported by the TiltPlate.
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Read the KARLock reviews on eHam click here |
| Pictures, Video, and Installation instructions |
 TiltPlate in normal operating position Lock arm not engaged (swings freely about 1/4 inch below catch)  Tilting the tower The tower is beginning to be tilted over (only about 5 degrees in this picture) Catch rod is moving away from catch  Lock engaged - simulated high wind condition In the normal operating position, if the moveable plate lifts, the lock will engage and prevent further movement |
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Components - close up  Pivot Block with set screws and stainless steel pin for catch rod  Catch Rod  Catch Plate, stainless steel hardware, DX Engineering U-bolts Accepts either 2 inch or 2 1/2 inch ubolts |
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The video is about 1 minute long and shows the KARLock in operation. The file size is about 8 mb.
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Installation Instructions Click here for Installation instructions |
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