Tower Top Plate
(Chapter 2):This is the top after removing it from the truck. We laid it down flat and lifted it to the top. I have no action shots of this since it took place after dark.
This is the top after setting it in place on top of the pilings.
Another view from farther away:
Standing on top looking down on the 15/16" bolt holes for the inner part of the bearing:
Another shot of the dish viewed from the top of the tower:
AZ/EL Mount Bearing Plates:
These next two pictures are of the upper and lower plates which attach the AZ/EL mount to the outer part of the bearing. The shorter bolts attach the lower bearing plate to the 8" X 8" I-beam which runs through the middle of the AZ/EL mount. The longer bolts span through the 8" thickness of the mount and "sandwich" it in between. Every other bolt is inserted through 3/4" steel pipe which reinforces the connection between the upper and lower plates. My "spare" 263 pound X 30" crane bearing is on the right.
The bolts which are not inserted through 3/4" pipe are longer simply because I had them on hand. I will tighten them through 1 1/2" pipe spacers. This whole assembly weighs nearly 500 pounds.
The END.