[TowerTalk] SOLVED - Intermittent rotation- TIC RING 1022E

[w5wz at w5wz.com]

Ah-Ha!
FINALLY SOLVED!!!

Ultimately, there were 2 problems, both inside the single motor.

1.  The set screw in the gear on the pot shaft was slipping on the 
shaft.  Solution - used a Dremmel tool to grind a small flat spot on the 
pot shaft for the set screw to seat on.

2.  A screw holding the pot bracket to the motor was loose, allowing the 
pot assembly and gear to move about 1/16-inch.  The pot shaft gear would 
engage the drive gear for counter-clockwise rotation but disengage for 
clockwise rotation.  This intermittent behavior was the real challenge 
to find. 1 drop of thread-locker on the screw and then tightened.  I had 
to pretty much disassemble the motor and remove the drive gear to access 
this loose screw.

Regretfully, I didn't take any pictures of the problems and the 
solutions.  I was so elated to finally resolve this issue that had been 
ongoing for a couple of years and roughly 20 trips up and down the 
tower.

Things previously tried that did not fix the problem:
Re-align the motor and ring (multiple times). It would work for a short 
period of time and then fail again.  I suppose the jarring of the motor 
caused the pot bracket to move such that the gear re-engaged.
Replace the pot.
Replace the control box.
Thoroughly test the control cable, including connectors.
Thoroughly examine the TicRig for mechanical issues.
Cry.
Stomp my feet.
Whimper.
Blame a politician.

Ha!

Thanks to all who shared hints, tips and experiences.

--Scott, W5WZ