[TowerTalk] Sick Tailtwister-Update

[Julio Peralta]

This is a common problem with Hy-Gain/CDE rotors that have the wedge
brake. This one of the reasons I've changed out my ham IV and my TX2 for
Alfa-Spid rotors.

If this happens again try this; if the rotor gets stuck at the end of
CCW rotation short terminal 4 to 6 then rock the motor back and forth,
for Stuck CW rotor short terminal 5 to 8 and rock the motor.

What this does is short the appropriate limit switch allowing you to
rock the motor and free up the rotor.

Julio, W4HY

-----Original Message-----
From: towertalk-bounces at contesting.com
[mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Bernard(wtrone)
Sent: Tuesday, October 25, 2005 7:12 AM
To: NØATH; towertalk at contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Sick Tailtwister-Update


     I would like to thank everyone who responded to my inquiry with
hints and suggestions!

    As I had mentioned, I had made a complete set of voltage and
resistance measurements.  They were all "right-on."  I could hear the
brake click when the brake release was pushed and the limit switches did
not appear to be open.  I want to especially thank those who suggested
that I listen for motor hum with my ear to the tower and those that
suggested that the rotor may be "stuck" at the end of one of the stops.

    To make a long story short, the rotor was at the end of the
clockwise rotation and I could hear a hum when either of the CW or CCW
buttons was pushed.  I waited until we had some wind, which was this
past Saturday, and tried pushing the brake release several times
followed by pushing the CCW button(was at the end of the CW rotation)
for about 15 seconds.  It took several series of this, but the rotor
finally started turning.  Maybe the wind was just right.

    Anyhow, it is working now and I would like to give a BIG thanks for
all of those that helped!!!!


            73s,


            Bernard, WA4OEJ

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "NØATH" <N0ATH at Charter.net>
To: "Bernard(wtrone)" <wtrone at comcast.net>; <towertalk at contesting.com>
Sent: Sunday, October 16, 2005 6:01 PM
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Sick Tailtwister


Barry, while the brake is released, can you detect any hum from the
motor 
indicating it is trying to turn? If yes, then you probably have a brake 
problem.
All there is are the 4 springs and the pin that could be wrong. ( I
think ) 
otherwise I would check my wiring - two or three times very carefully.
The 
motors are normally fairly resistant to failure. G,luk / Dave / NØATH


From: "Bernard(wtrone)" <wtrone at comcast.net>
To: <towertalk at contesting.com>
Sent: Sunday, October 16, 2005 2:26 PM
Subject: [TowerTalk] Sick Tailtwister


    I have a sick tailtwister.  It won't rotate either CW or CCW.  I
checked 
the fuses, OK.  I measured the voltage at the control unit with the
cable 
disconnected as per the manual, Voltages=OK.  I measured the pin to pin 
resistances as per the manual, resistances= OK.  I tried a new motor
start 
capacitor, Nothing/ No Rotation.  I can hear the solenoid click when I 
depress the brake switch.  With cable attached, brake button pushed and
CW 
pushed, I read about 18.4 VAC on the two terminals.  About the same
voltage 
on the other two terminals with the bake button pushed and the CCW
button 
pushed.

    I'm beginning to wonder if the brake mechanism might be broken.
But, 
before I take the tower down (it is a fold over), I would like to be
sure 
that I have checked everything that I can from the ground.

    Any ideas?

        73s

        Bernard, WA4OEJ _______________________________________________



_______________________________________________

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.

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