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Re: [TowerTalk] CDE Ham II

To: TowerTalk@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] CDE Ham II
From: Steve <steveac@charter.net>
Date: Tue, 11 May 2004 21:08:38 -0400
List-post: <mailto:towertalk@contesting.com>
Thanks Bill and also Brad, W9FX, for the advice.

The lubricant is smooth and slippery, no grit or caking. I'll take that as a good sign and go with it.

73,

Steve

Bill Coleman wrote:


On May 10, 2004, at 7:41 PM, Steve wrote:


After all these years, is that lubricant on the ball bearings still a functioning lubricant? Or is it of questionable character and should be replaced? If so, with what?


You can probably tell this the best. Touch the lubricant and rub it between your fingers. If it feels smooth and slippery, it's still good. If it feels dry and gritty, it probably needs to be replaced.

I'd wager that you'll find the lubricant is in good shape. Most of these rotators survive 23 years OUTSIDE and still function, yet yours was kept sheltered.

I have a Ham-M series 5 from 1972 that I rebuilt back in 2000. Who knows what this poor rotator had been through, but internally it was in good shape.

Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASEL        Mail: aa4lr@arrl.net
Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!"
            -- Wilbur Wright, 1901

I bought a CDE Ham II rotor in 1976, used it for about five years and removed
it from service with the intent of getting my beams back in the air in short
order. I replaced a few parts in 1981 and lubricated the ball bearings. Turns
out that "in short order" turned into 23 years :(


It was stored during that time in attics, barns and sheds. Dry but subject to
ambient outside temperatures (or greater when it was in the attic). I hooked
it up on the bench and it works. Removed the top casting to take a look at
the ball bearings. They are shiny and coated with the lubricant I put on them
23 years ago, a lubricant that I bought from CDE for just that purpose.


After all these years, is that lubricant on the ball bearings still a functioning
lubricant? Or is it of questionable character and should be replaced? If so, with what?


Thanks.

Steve
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