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HexLock for Hexbeam type antennas

What is a HexLock - The HexLock is a device that will let you tilt your tower all the way to the ground to work on your HexBeam type antenna, rotator, or tower. It works by letting the Hexbeam swivel up and out of the way as the tower is lowered. When the tower is in the operational position the antenna is locked into position. The locking mechanism is powered by gravity.

No more climbing to work on any part of your antenna, tower or rotator.

Specifications

- Supported Antenna Types:

Hexbeam, Hexxbeam, Spiderbeam, K4KIO HexBeam, G3TXQ Hexbeam

- Maximum recommended antenna capacity: 6 sq ft wind load, 30 lbs
- Tower mast U-bolts: 2 inch is standard (optional V-Bolts for 1 inch to 2 inch masts if requested)
- Antenna mast V-bolts: supports masts between 1 inch to 2 inches
- Plates are 1/2 inch 6061 aluminum
- Hardware: stainless steel
- Weight: 10 pounds
- Added wind load of HexLock: 0.50 sq ft (net increase over 2 inch mast)
- Wind rating: 100 MPH
- Pivot and bearing 1 inch shaft and Acetal/Rulon thrust bearings
- Integrated gravity lock

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Quick Links

* Click for Prices and Ordering information

* Click for HexLock Pictures and operation

* Click for Frequently Asked Questions

* Click for Customer Pictures and comments

* Click for Commercial Links - companies we work with

* Click for Company Information

Tiltover Tower -- Here is a Yahoo group dedicated to crankup and tiltover tower users. You may be interested in joining.

Click to join CrankupTiltoverTowers

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CQ Magazine - New Products - October 2012

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QST New Products - November 2012

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Price and Ordering

HexLock $275 + $32 shipping & packaging materials

Shipping charge is for the continental U.S.

Contact me for Alaska, Hawaii, Canada and international shipping

Click to email: al@nn4zz.com

The package is 9 X 9 X 21 inches and weighs about 12 lbs.

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HexLock Pictures and Dimensions

Shown above in the "operational position". Lock is engaged.

2 " tower mast at the bottom.

Antenna mast shown is 1.5 " (V-Bolts support any mast size from 1 to 2 inches)

Plates are connected by the 1 inch diameter shaft with 2 Rulon thrust bearings. The HexLock locks the plates and prevents any pivoting motion due to the wind.

When the tower is tilted the HexLock swings out and unlocks the plates. The plates do not move and continue to rest on the stopping pin held by gravity.

When the tower is raised this action is reversed. The plates are held in position by gravity and when the tower is raised to about 60 degrees, the HexLock engages to prevent any movement when the tower reaches the operational position.

As the tower approaches the tilted over or maintenance position, the antenna can be lifted up to allow the tower to be fully tilted to the horizontal position.

The antenna is now parallel to the ground and fully accessible. All parts of the tower and rotator are near chest level.

The antenna can be tilted beyond 90 degrees and rested on the tower. There is a drill for an optional stop bolt if you want to limit the tilting. The bolt is not shown but will be provided and can be removed if you want to tilt further.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q - What type of towers and rotators are supported?

A - The HexLock works with any type of tiltover tower or tiltover mast. It will not work with fixed towers. The rotator may be mounted above the tower or inside the tower. The rotator is mounted below the HexLock. The HexLock is mounted directly below the antenna

Q - What were the design considerations for the HexLock?

A - The design focuses on strength, quality, and durability. All of the hardware is stainless steel to withstand years of exposure to the elements. The HexLock uses high quality U-bolts from DX Engineering. The plates are 6061 aluminum and machined on a CNC for dimensional accuracy.

Q - The design looks fairly simple, what were the challenges in developing the HexLock?

A - The size and location of every drill must be in precisely the correct location to insure the overlap, which in turn controls leveling and locking action. The key design element is the gravity lock to eliminate the need to climb and unlock for maintenance. The pivot bearing uses an oversize 1" diameter statinless steel shaft since the lateral forces on the bearing are quite high at the 100 MPH high wind rating. The plates are 1/2 inch thick for strength. All of my designs are "over built" so your antenna won't be damaged in a high wind condition.

Q - Why did you develop the HexLock, do you anticipate a large market?

A - The initial responce is better than anticipated, the hexbeam antennas are very popular and often mounted on tiltover towers. Our company goal is to develop products that make working on Amateur Radio antennas and towers safer and more convenient. Over the last few years HexBeam owners who are familiar with my TiltPlate and QuadLock asked me to develop something for them. Our focus is on safety, convenience and quality.

Q - What type of pivot bearing is used and what is the load rating?

A - There are two Acetal (or Rulon) bearings on a 1 inch diameter stainless steel shaft. They are rated for 1,000 lbs which is well beyond the weight of the antennas supported.

The plates are a full 1/2 inch thick to provide a strong and solid bearing surface.

Q - What maintenance is reqired

A - No maintenance is required, the HexLock is assembled using all stainless steel hardware and maintenance free bearings.

Q - Do I need to change the V-Bolts for the antenna mast if I want to use a different size mast?

A - No, the V-Bolts accept antenna masts from 1 inch to 2 inches in diameter. Many of the HexBeam type antennas use non-standard masts sizes including 1.25 inches, 1,75 inches, 1.9 inches. All of the U-Bolt & V-Boltt hardware is from DX Engineering.

Q - My main tower mast is less than 2 inches, can I use the V-Bolts for the main mast also?

A - Yes, if the main tower mast up to the HexLock is 1.75 inches to 2 inches, the 2" U-bolts are preferred. However if you use a smaller main mast, I can supply the V-Bolts for both the tower mast and antenna mast.

Q - Are there installation instructions?

A - Installations will vary depending on the type of tower, antenna, and user preference for rotator location and mast length. Rather than specific instructions, here are some general guidelines.

The diagram below shows an installation with a U.S Towers tubular crank up / tilt over tower. The 2 inch mast between the rotator and bottom of the HexLock is typically 3-15 feet in length. The rotator can be mounted just above the top of the tower (as shown) or there can be a section of mast between the tower and rotator.

The mast between the top of the HexLock and the Antenna needs to be short and is typically about 1 foot long. This puts the antenna just a few inches above the HexLock. It is important to mount the HexLock just below the antenna so the antenna remains close to the ground when the tower is tilted over in the maintenance position. Also there is some play (about 1/8 inch) in the locking mechanism to insure it engages and disengages properly. Keeping the antenna close to the HexLock also keeps the antenna as level as possible due to the play.

Tip - after mounting the HexLock to the main mast, install the short hexbeam mast and align it before tightening the upper V-bolts. That way you can insure the hexbeam will be level. There is some play in the upper V-bolt holes to allow this adjustment. If you use a longer upper mast (e.g. 2-3 feet ) this is more important as any offset will be amplified.

Q - Will the Hexlock allow me to tilt my tower beyond horizontal (i.e. 90 degrees) ?

A - Yes, some towers pivot more than 90 degrees and the HexLock will accomodate it per the diagram below.

Q - How does the payment process work? Is my credit card information safe?

A - The payment process is handled thru PayPal but you don't need to have a paypal account. For International orders I'll send you an invoice that includes the shipping cost. Either way, you can use your credit card or PayPal account (if you have one). Your credit card information is NOT provided to me from PayPal.

Q) I don't have a PayPal account (and don't want one), can I still pay the invoice with my credit card?

A - The PayPal screen can be confusing, click here for a "step by step" to pay using your credit card and WITHOUT a PayPal account.

Q - How will my HexLock be shipped?

A - The HexLock will be securely bubble wrapped, boxed and shipped via UPS domestically. The box is 9 X 9 X 21 inches and weighs about 12 lbs. You will receive an email with your tracking number and can expect delivery in 3-5 days in the lower 48 states.

Q - What about International shipping?

A - International shipping rates vary considerably (usually around $50 to $100). Generally USPS Priority mail is least expensive option for Europe and other countries. International delivery is typically 6-10 days. Please email me for the rates to your location. A proforma invoice will be provided to help with customs pickup. Please be sure to include your PHONE NUMBER when ordering as this is needed for the CP-72 USPS customs form.

Q - What is the lead time to get a HexLock built?

A - I keep the components in stock and will usually assemble and ship your HexLock within 3 days of receiving your order. Delivery is between 3-5 days.

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Customer Pictures

Click Here or on the thumbnail to go to the Picture Page

Jim / WB5AAA - Homemade Hexbeam, SN #001

30-Mar-2013 Shipped Serial #14 this week. Hope to have more customer pictures to post soon.

Send us your HexLock pictures. They could help someone that has a similiar antenna or tower setup.

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Company Information

Company: NN4ZZ TiltPlate is a family owned LLC (Limited Liability Corporation)

Location: We are located in Loganville Georgia, (30 miles east of Atlanta)

Founded: The LLC was established on October 26, 2009 and is co-owned by Al Ludwick / NN4ZZ and Cal Ludwick. Lida Ludwick (XYL) provides shipping and administrative support.

Safety and Convenience

Mission: The mission of our company is to provide safety and convenience products for yagi and quad antenna users with tiltover towers. Our products, the TiltPlate, QuadLock and HexLock are designed to allow antenna maintenance from the ground without the need for a tall ladder or expensive bucket lift. It is our goal to provide the best quality product possible at a reasonable cost. To that end we use the best components, a robust design, and quality manufactuing processes.

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