Ah-Ha!
FINALLY SOLVED!!!
Ultimately, there were 2 problems, both inside the single motor.
1. The set screw in the gear on the pot shaft was slipping on the
shaft. Solution - used a Dremmel tool to grind a small flat spot on the
pot shaft for the set screw to seat on.
2. A screw holding the pot bracket to the motor was loose, allowing the
pot assembly and gear to move about 1/16-inch. The pot shaft gear would
engage the drive gear for counter-clockwise rotation but disengage for
clockwise rotation. This intermittent behavior was the real challenge
to find. 1 drop of thread-locker on the screw and then tightened. I had
to pretty much disassemble the motor and remove the drive gear to access
this loose screw.
Regretfully, I didn't take any pictures of the problems and the
solutions. I was so elated to finally resolve this issue that had been
ongoing for a couple of years and roughly 20 trips up and down the
tower.
Things previously tried that did not fix the problem:
Re-align the motor and ring (multiple times). It would work for a short
period of time and then fail again. I suppose the jarring of the motor
caused the pot bracket to move such that the gear re-engaged.
Replace the pot.
Replace the control box.
Thoroughly test the control cable, including connectors.
Thoroughly examine the TicRig for mechanical issues.
Cry.
Stomp my feet.
Whimper.
Blame a politician.
Ha!
Thanks to all who shared hints, tips and experiences.
--Scott, W5WZ
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