Yes, I took a lightning hit to my quad a while back. In addition to
taking out a number of items in the shack, the tower motor was
incapacitated. Although I had a spare motor for replacement, I had the
original repaired locally for $75.
73, Joe
K2XX
On 12/12/2011 8:28 PM, Rich Hallman - N7TR wrote:
> I have heard of others taking their motors to a local electric motor
> shop to be rebuilt. Costs normally are pretty low compared to a new
> replacement...and these motors are pretty common.
>
> Rich N7TR
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: towertalk-bounces@contesting.com
> [mailto:towertalk-bounces@contesting.com] On Behalf Of K0DAN
> Sent: Monday, December 12, 2011 5:02 PM
> To: Fred Hurd
> Cc: TowerTalk@contesting.com
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Rain Water Getting Into TX-472 Motors
>
> I don't have that brand tower but the solution is rather generic.
>
> A cover for the motor can never hurt, but when you search for a
> replacement motor, look for something that is rated for "wash-down
> service". This is still not a "submersible" motor (!) but is rated for
> wet environments (think farm machinery, food processing, etc., electric
> motors which are out in the elements or or spray washed frequently).
>
> Even a wash-down motor can have its problems....those little
> compartments which contain the control relays, starter caps, etc., can
> leak, and should be inspected periodically, gaskets replaced, also
> protected with a bead of silicone caulk.
>
> If your motor is exposed to a lot of blowing rain, ice melt, etc., take
> steps to identify the source and protect the motor. Run the motor
> frequently...lack of use is a definite no-no.
>
> Change the oil in the gearbox once a year and inspect/lube pulleys,
> bearings, etc..
>
> A small amount of annual preventative maintenance will go a long way to
> extending the life of your motor, but eventually they will all need
> replacement.
>
> Remember, the tower manufacturers don't build their own motors....they
> buy them from electric motor suppliers, so if you look hard enough you
> will find a suitable replacement and will not have to spend the big
> (marked up) bucks by buying a replacement from the tower mfgr.
>
> Hope this helps.
>
> 73
> dan
> k0dan
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Fred Hurd
> Sent: December 12, 2011 06:12 PM
> To: towertalk@contesting.com
> Subject: [TowerTalk] Rain Water Getting Into TX-472 Motors
>
> The motor unit installed on my TX-472 US Tower has been soaked
> internally by rain water leaking into the motor housing resulting in
> motor rusting and corrosion internally. Now the motor is drawing too
> much current to start up and blowing the electrical source fuse. Contact
> with the motor manufacturer reveals that these motors were not designed
> to be exposed constantly to weather but used primarily with generators
> within weather protected housing.
> I am curious if other TX Tower owners have experienced similar problems
> with the motors being damaged by rain water. Has anyone found a
> replacement motor that can survive heavy rain? Or is the only solution
> using a cover over the motor?
>
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