[TowerTalk] Rookie Question... Addendum

[Al Zelna]

1.	The rotor and controller were tested and passed with the small run
of smaller gauge cable.  No testing was made with the large gauge cable
prior to installation.  But I wish I did!

2.	The rotor is on the tower with the TA-33 currently masted.

3.	The wiring was triple checked prior installation.  The rotor-end of
the cable was already wired and sealed when hoisted and mounted to the
tower.  Afterward, I lifted the controller-end, fed it down the tower
center, and ran it back to the patio for testing.  That is when I realized
it did not turn.

4.	I wish I had a manual for the rotor and controller prior to
installation.  Thank you for the lead on where to find it.


The NE PA monsoon season started on Friday... might I add, during the time
the TA-33 was being lifted.  There is no end in sight.  Once the rain stops,
I will be on the tower "quad-checking" the wiring scheme, testing
continuity, and measuring voltages.  Now that I know where to get the
manual.

I know the rotor cable and the Ham-M rotor are well within their max run
distance.  I do not know if I am asking too much of the CDR controller.
This is why I thought the starter cap.

So is it everyone's opinion a properly functioning "vintage" CDR should be
able to turn a properly wired Ham-M rotor at this distance... with this size
cable?

I will keep the list posted and thank you for the insight.


Al, N3KAE
 



 

> -----Original Message-----
> From: towertalk-bounces at contesting.com [mailto:towertalk-
> bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Al Zelna
> Sent: Tuesday, October 11, 2005 09:53 PM
> To: towertalk at contesting.com
> Subject: [TowerTalk] Rookie Question
> 
> Hello list,
> 
> 
> 
> I am the proud owner of a newly erected/resurrected 45' galvanized tower,
> Mosley TA-33, Ham-M rotor and vintage CDR rotor controller (brown bakelite
> housing).  I completed this project just in time for the PA QSO Party this
> past weekend.  The problem and question surrounds the rotor.
> 
> 
> 
> I tested the rotor and controller in the shack before going up and it
worked
> fine.  I used approx 75' of small gauge cable that came with the package.
> The distance from tower-top back to the shack is 213'.  Small gauge cable
> was out of the question, so I purchased 225' of Tex Com R84 (2x12ga
6x16ga)
> rotor cable from Texas Towers.  I am told the cable will handle a 300' max
> run.
> 
> 
> 
> The long and short of it is the rotor does not turn.  I can't even hear
the
> brake click!  The soldered ring-terminals are connected properly to the
> rotor and controller.  Although I have yet to check continuity. and I
> realize this could certainly be the problem, I wonder about the motor
> starter cap in the controller being the culprit.
> 
> 
> 
> Does anyone have advice regarding the controller or cap?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> 
> 
> Al, N3KAE
> 
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> 
> See: http://www.mscomputer.com  for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless
Weather
> Stations", and lot's more.  Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with any
questions and
> ask for Sherman, W2FLA.
> 
> _______________________________________________
> TowerTalk mailing list
> TowerTalk at contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk