[Amps] Alpha 87A Blower - Resolved

[Charlie Young]

Many thanks for all the prompt responses.

AE0Q answered my question about the proper way to install the plastic rotor on the shaft.  He uses no heat, it just pushes on.

However, K5MM offered to sell me a NOS Alpha blower which he had as a spare for an amp he previously sold.  In the interest of saving time, I have gone with that option.  Thanks Ron.

I will keep the Dayton motor and plastic rotor wheel as spares.

Now to put this thing back together once the new blower arrives.

I am a regular reader of this list and once again it has come through.  What a valuable resource!!

73 Charlie N8RR

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From: Charlie Young<mailto:weeksmgr at hotmail.com>
Sent: Friday, January 14, 2022 12:28 PM
To: amps at contesting.com<mailto:amps at contesting.com>
Subject: Alpha 87A Blower

Three years ago I acquired by trade an Alpha 87A with a defective blower.  This was to help a friend who did not want to hassle with the Alpha any more because he had just replaced this blower within the last year or two.  The Alpha was surplus to my needs but I have decided to repair it.   When I got the amp, I tried to get a blower from Alpha but the OEM unit was unavailable.  They recommended a Dayton generic replacement motor, which needed to be modified.  I have the new blower they recommended.  In addition I purchased from Alpha a new rotor to go on this motor shaft.

This plastic rotor is made by Advanced Air in Florida.  It comes with a compression ring around the central hub where the 3/8” shaft goes through.  The rotor is a compression fit on the shaft.  I have not attempted to install the rotor on the shaft yet.  Has anyone done this install?  My plan is to heat the rotor with a heat gun and try to press it on the shaft.  I think the compression ring, if removed, would be a bear to reinstall down inside the motor housing, so I am inclined to leave it in place and just heat up the whole thing.   Any guidance before I attempt this rotor install on the motor shaft?

This blower is a bear to access.  It is tempting to rear mount a blower and be done with it, since the amp is for my own use and I don’t care about reselling it.  Anyone done that.  I think it would be relatively simple.

Thanks.

73 Charlie N8RR

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