[TowerTalk] TIC RING

[Michael Dinkelman]

> 
> I have a friend with a much older model of the same ring, and he's had
> ongoing problems with the pot, which we think are due to moisture seeping
> in. Every time the temperature falls below freezing, the pot stops moving,
> even though the motor continues to move. This is a very bad situation,
> because the ring has no physical limits or limit switches, so it freewheels
> and destroys the coax and/or antenna. Once the temperature warms up, the pot
> moves and readings return to normal. I've taken that darned motor down a
> half-dozen times and we've replaced the pot, added waterproofing, etc., and
> it still happens. We're beginning to suspect something wrong in the cabling
> or connectors, but don't have any evidence yet. However, I've heard numerous
> stories of people having problems with pots on the older motors.


I had pot problems three years in a row. Taking them apart, they were 
wet inside. The last time, 3 years ago, I soldered on the wires, then 
dipped it twice in liquid tape. Obviously, that doesn't totally seal the 
shaft (make sure it still turns) but I haven't had a problem since then 
(knock on wood). I've probably just jinxed myself. I do keep extra pots
around now.

chees
dink, n7wa