[TowerTalk] Help needed testing a rotor

[Jon Zaimes]

Hi Eric,

Have you replaced the starting capacitor in the control box (if it is still
located there)? Common cause of intermittent operation and a cheap part.

If you haven't already, look at the tower with binoculars to make sure the
coax hasn't fallen and is binding somewhere, preventing rotation. I see many
cases where tape used to hold the coax has given out over time and the
original coax loop falls.

If you have or can borrow a "stock" control box -- without the Rotor EZ -- I
would try that to make sure it isn't a controller problem.

And look at the troubleshooting section in the rotor manual. There are some
ohmmeter tests you can make in the shack, for resistance and voltage.

73/Jon

Jon P. Zaimes, AA1K
Tower climber for hire
http://www.aa1k.us/
Cell: 302-632-2353

Reviews of AA1K tower work on eham website:
http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/12922

Hug your favorite tower every day, and always stay connected to it.

-----Original Message-----
From: TowerTalk <towertalk-bounces at contesting.com> On Behalf Of Eric
Rosenberg
Sent: Thursday, December 20, 2018 1:08 PM
To: towertalk at contesting.com
Subject: [TowerTalk] Help needed testing a rotor

The CD-45 rotor on my roof tower has been getting stuck on an intermittent
basis.

The rotor sits about 3 feet from the top of the roof tower, where there's a
thrust bearing. The mast extends another 3-feet and holds a
F12 C3-SS.

When it happens, it's always pointed in roughly the same direction. 
While I can sometimes get it to move after it stops, I usually have to wait
some time (later in the day or the next day or so) before it will operate
correctly.

It's happened when connected to both the original control box (with Rotor-EZ
box added) and a DCU-3.  The DCU- 3 flashes "MOTOR" on the screen when it
happens.

I haven't done any maintenance in some time, so I am assuming it's the rotor
and/or thrust bearing that needs to be re-built or replaced.

Are there any tests I could perform before calling in help, as for medical
reasons I can't do this work myself?

Thanks & 73,

Eric W3DQ
Washington, DC
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