[TowerTalk] Rotator Question - Repair or Replace

[Grant Saviers]

My rebuild Yaesu process:

Clean the races thoroughly. If there are some ball divots in the 
aluminum, use some 180 grit sandpaper to reduce them, perfection isn't 
needed. Replace the bearing balls with stainless ones from McMaster. 
Lubricate with full synthetic TFE loaded SuperLube.  Lightly lube the 
gears also.

Getting the "timing" correct of the potentiometer vs the gears is 
important.  Hopefully, you marked the cases before separating and didn't 
move the pot.  It's confusing to get aligned if off.

If the controller pointer o-ring "drive belts" are flabbed out 
(sticky/nfg pointer), my solution was to toss it into the nearest trash 
and buy an RT21 from Green Heron.  Fixing a Yaesu once was enough.

Yaesu mechanics are worth fixing.

Grant KZ1W

On 8/26/2021 03:00, Stan Stockton wrote:
> Keith,
> 
> Since you took it apart, if you think you can put it back together I would recommend you clean it up and, provided you believe replacement of the bearings will make it work as it should, put it back together and see what happens.  It will cost next to nothing for 98 3/8” ball bearings.  If you then want a new one to have the most reliable option, you will still have something you can sell if it works.
> 
> Stan, K5GO
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>> On Aug 26, 2021, at 12:51 AM, tommy at k6ye.com wrote:
>> Keith,
>>
>> I have yet to see any place repair Yaesu rotators. I have a G-2800SDX that has been chugging for many years. Originally it turned a C-4XLD but now handles a 4-L SteppIR. If it ever fails, I will replace it like-for-like. Note well that there are other choices to be had. Good luck in your quest.
>>
>> Semper Fi,
>>
>> Tommy - K6YE
>> DX IS and CW RULES
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On 2021-08-25 20:58, Keith Dutson wrote:
>>> I have a Yaesu G-1000 rotator.  It was installed on my 150 foot tower
>>> in 1999 to turn a Force12 C-4XL.  Over the years the antenna has
>>> sustained a lot of damage from three hurricanes and several lightning
>>> strikes.  My tower climber took it down and also removed the rotator,
>>> which stopped working some time ago.  I took the rotator apart and
>>> discovered that all of the bearings are rusted.  I assume they are
>>> ruined.
>>> Would it be advisable to find someone to repair the unit, or just
>>> purchase a replacement?
>>> 73, Keith NM5G
>>> _______________________________________________
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