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Re: [TowerTalk] T2X Sticking

To: "towertalk@contesting.com" <towertalk@contesting.com>
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] T2X Sticking
From: Jack Berry <we5st@yahoo.com>
Reply-to: Jack Berry <we5st@yahoo.com>
Date: Tue, 27 Nov 2012 08:47:13 -0800 (PST)
List-post: <towertalk@contesting.com">mailto:towertalk@contesting.com>
Had the same issue with my T2X. I installed the Rotor-EZ board in the 
controller and have not had the problem a single time in the many months since 
I installed it. It's made by a company called Idiom Press (Full disclosure - I 
have no connection to them).

The board modifies the hy-gain controller with features that go way beyond just 
preventing the sticking you mention. To prevent sticking, a brief command is 
issued to bump the rotator in the opposite direction and then a second later it 
turns to the preset you entered. The calibration knob is used to set the 
desired bearing heading when not using software to set the heading. The paddles 
retain the same function.  

I use it with DXLabs logging software and together they make it a "point and 
click" controller like a Green Heron.
The only down side is the instructions for installation - a little sketchy but 
manageable. Well worth the effort in my opinion.

73,
Jack - WE5ST



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Message: 2
Date: Mon, 26 Nov 2012 13:18:28 -0500
From: Mike <k4gmh@arrl.net>
To: towertalk@contesting.com
Subject: [TowerTalk] T2X Sticking
Message-ID:
    <CAOfCAiK0-_qYSfuo-Xc=3e2LPCFqyv816wP9dqd=Y9yd9ngk+w@mail.gmail.com>
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Hello,

What can be causing my T2X to stop turning after a high wind gust?

Have a T2X that won't turn after experiencing a strong, more than 30 MPH,
wind.  Then a day or two later the wind has subsided and the T2X starts to
turn.  For example, on Saturday gusts were up to 45 MPH.  The T2X stopped
turning after the high winds subsided (didn't try to turn the T2X in the
high wind).  On Friday, the T2X did turn okay (low winds - 10 MPH max.).
Sunday evening with calm conditions, wind 10 MPH max., the T2X turned
okay.  This no turn scenario has happened other times.

Do not try to turn the T2X when the wind is strong.  When do try to turn
the T2X, release the brake, try to turn it CCW and the CW.  Neither
direction works until after a day or two of relatively quiet winds.

The T2X is at 120 ft on the tower and approx. another75 feet to the shack.
Use 12 gauge wire for supplying power to release the solenoid in the T2X
and 14 gauge for motor and sensor.  The phase reversal capacitor is located
at the rotor.  The solenoid voltage out of the controller is as expected
(don't remember exactly the value, but was within spec.).

Any help on figuring out the problem will be helpful.

  73,
  Mike, K4GMH
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