Re: Antenna Rotor wont turn
Mikepier
> I have a fairly new antenna rotor (about 2 years old). The box is
> turning the dial, but the antenna is not rotating. The wire
> connections are ok on the control box, so I assume a wire broke at the
> motor from wind. However, before I go on the roof, I want to test the
> voltage output at the control terminals. What should I expect for
> voltage, and is it AC or DC?
>
> I should also mention that it's about zero deg. outdoors, and was
> wondering if all or most rotors simply will not turn when it's this
> cold. Anyone know?
>
> And, lets say that I am seeing power at the control box. Can a meter
> on the resistance range show whether I have a connection both inside
> and outside the rotor motor. (in other words, show the motor
> windings).
> Being this frikkin cold outdoors, I want to do as much testing from
> indoors first......
>
> BTW It's a THREE wire type (I know some have four)
> I cant tell you the brans, because it's not on the control box
> (duh....)
>
> Thanks
>
> LM
Not much you can do at this point since you can't go on the roof. That
is where you should test if you have voltage. The motor might have a
"dead" spot in it, or it might be frozen or have a loose connection.
Wait until you can go on the roof but in the meantime do not attempt
to turn the rotor from the box otherwise you might burn out the motor.
dicko
On Wed, 28 Jan 2009 00:22:34 -0600, lett...@invalid.com wrote:
>I have a fairly new antenna rotor (about 2 years old). The box is
>turning the dial, but the antenna is not rotating. The wire
>connections are ok on the control box, so I assume a wire broke at the
>motor from wind. However, before I go on the roof, I want to test the
>voltage output at the control terminals. What should I expect for
>voltage, and is it AC or DC?
>
>I should also mention that it's about zero deg. outdoors, and was
>wondering if all or most rotors simply will not turn when it's this
>cold. Anyone know?
>
>And, lets say that I am seeing power at the control box. Can a meter
>on the resistance range show whether I have a connection both inside
>and outside the rotor motor. (in other words, show the motor
>windings).
>Being this frikkin cold outdoors, I want to do as much testing from
>indoors first......
>
>BTW It's a THREE wire type (I know some have four)
>I cant tell you the brans, because it's not on the control box
>(duh....)
>
>Thanks
>
>LM
Bah! I hate 3 wire rotors....
On mine, any time the temperature dropped below 32 degrees, it stopped
turning. I could predict to the instant when it would stop by
looking at a thermometer. I only assume water gets into it and
freezes the shaft. I never could see any when I replaced and inspected
it. Oh yeah, it would never turn the full 360 degrees either.
There's no position sensor so it doesnt know if its in sync with the
control box. This was my second unit. The first unit died with some
other problem that I forget.
Its just a dc motor. one wire is ground and then the other two have
24v applied to either wire depending on direction of turn.
If possible, just wait untill warmer weather and see if it starts.
working. Wait, the only fix I knew was to replace the unit. So
replace it now, wait and replace it later, the end result is the same.
-dickm
TimR
>
> - Show quoted text -
Most antenna rotors are mounted very badly. They are designed so the
antenna sits on top of the bearing with nothing to take the side load.
As wind moves the antenna back and forth, the bearing (which is
designed ONLY to resist a downward force) has to restrain the large
antenna from moving back and forth. The bearing fails and burns out
the motor.
If you mounted the rotor on the mast, went up a couple feet and ran
the shaft of the antenna through an additional bearing, your rotor
would last forever. Some ham antennas are done this way.