[TowerTalk] Tic Ring - schematic needed, and also troubleshooting help

w5wz at w5wz.com w5wz at w5wz.com
Sun Dec 13 18:09:38 EST 2020


1.  I'm in need of a schematic for the Tic Ring controller model 2100C

2.  Mid-summer 2020, I replaced the pot with a DXE-TICGEN-POT, and 
everything worked fine until Hurricane Laura blew in with 85mph gusts.  
After that, the ring wouldn't turn.  I assumed physical binding from the 
high winds.  I finally went up the tower yesterday to investigate.  
Indeed there was binding.  I loosened the motor, manually rotated the 
antenna to the direction indicated on the controller, and bolted the 
motor back down.  KW5MOM activated the controller in the shack.  The 
motor properly turns both CCW and CW.  However, the position on the 
controller does not change.  In this condition, the ring keeps turning 
until something physically stops it (coax wrapped around the tower).

As it sits, the controller reads the position as 320 degrees.  With the 
CCW, WIPER and CW wires disconnected from the controller, I checked the 
resistance of the wires to the motor on the tower (approx 300 feet of 
control wire).

The readings are:
CCW to CW ~ 560 ohms
CCW to WIPER ~ 260 ohms
CW to WIPER ~ 290 ohms

These readings seem logical to me, as the controller indicates 320 
degrees.

When the motor is turning the ring, the wiper ohms do not change.  My 
first thought is the little gear in the motor for the pot shaft is 
broken/slipping and not turning the pot.

However, I also must wonder why the controller design allows the motor 
to run if there is no indication of movement.  Seems to be a recipe for 
stretching/breaking coax.

--Scott, W5WZ


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