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[TowerTalk] Rookie Question... FINAL

To: "'Al Zelna'" <mr.mri@epix.net>, <towertalk@contesting.com>
Subject: [TowerTalk] Rookie Question... FINAL
From: "Al Zelna" <mr.mri@epix.net>
Date: Sun, 23 Oct 2005 06:30:37 -0400
List-post: <mailto:towertalk@contesting.com>
Problem solved!

I didn't get wet this time.  Thanks to all who responded with advice and
suggestions.  The problem was a partially broken wire to the controller's
pod strip on #2.

BTW... anyone know of a good brake delay circuit for a CDR Series #1
controller?


Thanks,

Al Zelna, N3KAE



 

> -----Original Message-----
> From: towertalk-bounces@contesting.com [mailto:towertalk-
> bounces@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Al Zelna
> Sent: Wednesday, October 12, 2005 08:15 AM
> To: towertalk@contesting.com
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Rookie Question... Addendum
> 
> 1.    The rotor and controller were tested and passed with the small run
> of smaller gauge cable.  No testing was made with the large gauge cable
> prior to installation.  But I wish I did!
> 
> 2.    The rotor is on the tower with the TA-33 currently masted.
> 
> 3.    The wiring was triple checked prior installation.  The rotor-end of
> the cable was already wired and sealed when hoisted and mounted to the
> tower.  Afterward, I lifted the controller-end, fed it down the tower
> center, and ran it back to the patio for testing.  That is when I realized
> it did not turn.
> 
> 4.    I wish I had a manual for the rotor and controller prior to
> installation.  Thank you for the lead on where to find it.
> 
> 
> The NE PA monsoon season started on Friday... might I add, during the time
> the TA-33 was being lifted.  There is no end in sight.  Once the rain
stops,
> I will be on the tower "quad-checking" the wiring scheme, testing
> continuity, and measuring voltages.  Now that I know where to get the
> manual.
> 
> I know the rotor cable and the Ham-M rotor are well within their max run
> distance.  I do not know if I am asking too much of the CDR controller.
> This is why I thought the starter cap.
> 
> So is it everyone's opinion a properly functioning "vintage" CDR should be
> able to turn a properly wired Ham-M rotor at this distance... with this
size
> cable?
> 
> I will keep the list posted and thank you for the insight.
> 
> 
> Al, N3KAE
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: towertalk-bounces@contesting.com [mailto:towertalk-
> > bounces@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Al Zelna
> > Sent: Tuesday, October 11, 2005 09:53 PM
> > To: towertalk@contesting.com
> > Subject: [TowerTalk] Rookie Question
> >
> > Hello list,
> >
> >
> >
> > I am the proud owner of a newly erected/resurrected 45' galvanized
tower,
> > Mosley TA-33, Ham-M rotor and vintage CDR rotor controller (brown
bakelite
> > housing).  I completed this project just in time for the PA QSO Party
this
> > past weekend.  The problem and question surrounds the rotor.
> >
> >
> >
> > I tested the rotor and controller in the shack before going up and it
> worked
> > fine.  I used approx 75' of small gauge cable that came with the
package.
> > The distance from tower-top back to the shack is 213'.  Small gauge
cable
> > was out of the question, so I purchased 225' of Tex Com R84 (2x12ga
> 6x16ga)
> > rotor cable from Texas Towers.  I am told the cable will handle a 300'
max
> > run.
> >
> >
> >
> > The long and short of it is the rotor does not turn.  I can't even hear
> the
> > brake click!  The soldered ring-terminals are connected properly to the
> > rotor and controller.  Although I have yet to check continuity. and I
> > realize this could certainly be the problem, I wonder about the motor
> > starter cap in the controller being the culprit.
> >
> >
> >
> > Does anyone have advice regarding the controller or cap?
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> >
> >
> > Al, N3KAE
> >
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> >
> > See: http://www.mscomputer.com  for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless
> Weather
> > Stations", and lot's more.  Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with any
> questions and
> > ask for Sherman, W2FLA.
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > TowerTalk mailing list
> > TowerTalk@contesting.com
> > http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
> 
> _______________________________________________
> 
> See: http://www.mscomputer.com  for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless
Weather
> Stations", and lot's more.  Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with any
questions and
> ask for Sherman, W2FLA.
> 
> _______________________________________________
> TowerTalk mailing list
> TowerTalk@contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk

_______________________________________________

See: http://www.mscomputer.com  for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless Weather 
Stations", and lot's more.  Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with any questions 
and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.

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