The Sidewinder consists of a system of shelves mounted to the tower with a "gate" as shown in the picture. The shelf on the top is the bushing shelf, which carries the bushing for the gate. The bushing is made of a high quality Nylon impregnated with graphite. This material is U.V. resistant & wear resistant. The bushing is fastened to its shelf with four 1/4" stainless steel bolts and Nylon lock nuts. The shelf is made of 1.5" x 1.5" x 3/16" aluminum angle. The shelf is secured to the tower in three places with 1/4" stainless steel U-bolts & lock nuts.

The gate consists of two vertical round masts & two square standoff arms. The masts, inner & outer, are approximately 2" outside diameter, with heavy walls. The inner mast fits in the clamps of the rotator at the bottom & in the bushing hole at the top. The inner mast is nominally 48" tall, subject to change per customer requirements.  The outer mast is where the antenna(s) get mounted. It is normally 26" tall, with 8" below, between & above the standoff arms. The standoff arms are 1.5" square with 1/8" walls. The standoff distance is determined by the tower on which the gate will be used.

Not shown in the photo is the optional thrust bearing shelf, which mounts to the tower just above the rotator when used. It is made to carry the thrust bearing, which is chosen & supplied by the customer. The thrust bearing & shelf assembly relieves the rotator of the vertical (thrust) & lateral (radial) forces normally imposed onto the rotator in the absence of the assembly. Additionally, having the thrust bearing shelf with an appropriate thrust bearing will support the gate & antenna assembly in the event of rotator failure, allowing the removal of the rotator without concern for the security of the antenna & gate assembly; they stay on the tower while the rotator is replaced or repaired.

The shelf on the bottom is the rotator shelf, which supports the rotator. The frame of the rotator shelf is made of 1.5” x 1.5” aluminum angle (updated photo coming soon). The rotator mounts on a 3/16" aluminum plate which is welded to the frame. The rotator plate is drilled for both Hy-Gain & Yaesu rotator bolt patterns; please notify us if you have different requirements. The rotator shelf is fastened to the tower by three 1/4" stainless steel U-bolts with Nylon lock nuts for a strong, rust free, vibration proof attachment.

This product is subject to change per customer requirements and or design improvements. The description given herein is intended to convey the basic idea & architecture of the Sidewinder. We have thus far produced the Sidewinder for Rohn 25G, 45G and 55G towers. Please notify us of the particular tower on which you plan to install the Sidewinder at the time of order.

Please note that as the Sidewinder rotates the antenna, the antenna boom will come very near the tower legs at each end of the rotation arc. This means that there must be sufficient spacing between the elements along the boom (the element in front of & in back of the boom to mast plate) in order for the tower to fit between the elements at the end of the rotation arc. This space is approximately 13 inches (minimum from element to mast plate) for the Sidewinder for Rohn 25G tower, and approximately 48 inches for Rohn 45G & 55G. Let us know what antenna you'd like to use with the Sidewinder & we will model it to insure the fit in advance.

The basic Sidewinder, including bushing shelf, gate, rotator shelf & attachment hardware costs $425.00 for Rohn 25G, and $475.00 for 45G & 55G. The optional thrust bearing shelf costs an additional $135.00. Please allow approximately $75.00 for ground shipping. Or better yet, see us at a nearby hamfest in order to save the shipping costs.

 IDC Technology Home

Send E-mail to Robin K4IDC

IDC TECHNOLOGY & ITS ASSOCIATES ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ACCIDENTS OR INCIDENTS INVOLVED IN THE IMPROPER INSTALLATION, USE OR REMOVAL OF THIS PRODUCT. ALWAYS USE UTMOST CAUTION & WEAR PROPER SAFETY EQUIPMENT WHEN WORKING ON & AROUND TOWERS