[TowerTalk] Common Planetary Gear Rotor Failure?

[Tony]

All,

It's my understanding that Yaesu rotors rely on planetary gear reduction 
instead of an actual brake to stop the mast and antennas from spinning. 
If that's the case, what happens when the stationary torque is exceeded? 
Do they normally spin without failure, or are they likely to break 
internal parts?

I have a Yaesu 800 series that failed many years ago. I never got around 
to taking it apart to inspect the damage and was wondering what I might 
find. It still runs smoothly under light load, but it does make a 
"clicking" sound when turning bigger, heavy antennas.

Thanks,

Tony -K2MO