[TowerTalk] M2 Orion 2800 question

[Clay Autery]

Wow.... with that much potential repair cost, I would replace that bolt 
with a cross-drilled bolt-head and safety wire it.

______________________
Clay Autery, KY5G
(318) 518-1389

On 07-Jul-18 22:23, Les Kalmus wrote:
> I experienced this. The cause was the small 1/4" SS bolt into the top 
> of the output shaft had come loose which allowed the shaft to drop. 
> This caused a lot of play between the splines inside the base tube of 
> the mast plate and the splines on the output shaft. I had to replace 
> the shaft. Ultimately, I had to replace the mast plate too. If things 
> aren't worn too much you could probably tighten that bolt without 
> replacing anything. I used Loctite on it to make sure and never had 
> the problem again.
>
> Les W2LK
>
>
> On 7/7/2018 5:14 PM, Dick Allardyce (N4RA) via TowerTalk wrote:
>> While working on my tower yesterday I discovered a problem with my M2 
>> Orion 2800PX rotator.  I noticed a lot or rotational freeplay.  
>> Probably about 20 degrees.  In addition, the output shaft wobbles 
>> about its axis by about the same amount (10-20 degrees).  I didn't 
>> know I had this problem so I was under the impression that the unit 
>> was working properly.  I suppose the mast was holding the pieces 
>> together.
>>
>>
>> My question:  Has anyone had a similar problem and what might be 
>> involved to fix it?  Specifically, is this a DIY repair or will the 
>> whole unit have to go back to M2 for repair.  The Operating 
>> Instructions has a drawing of the interior that leads me to believe 
>> the internal  thrust bearing might be compromised.  That could 
>> account for the wobble, but I don't know about the rotational freeplay.
>>
>>
>> Any theories or suggestions?
>>
>>
>> Thanks
>>
>> Dick
>> N4RA