Re: [amsat-bb] To open, or not open it

[n4xeo <n4xeo@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

At 11:02 PM 10/10/2002 +0100, Francisco Costa wrote:
>----- Original Message -----
>From: Paul Willmott <pwillmott@northrock.bm>
>To: <gjmouse@neo.rr.com>; <amsat-bb@amsat.org>
>Sent: Wednesday, October 09, 2002 11:19 PM
>Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Yaesu Rotor REPLY
>
> > I havn't cracked the case open yet on the 5500 unit, I need to get an
>impact
> > driver, those screws are in tight!
>
>They sure are!
>I have my 5400 down, and before I put it up again
>(on the new tower) I thought it might be a good idea
>to do maitenance on it, in order to avoid future problems.
>The first job was to gave an anti corrosion treatment to
>the U bracket (that connects the az with the ev rotator)
>who was looking pretty rusty.
>The second task was open the elevation rotator and
>replace grease and any bearing ball (if necessary).
>Well, even with an impact tool, opening the case wasn't
>easy as I supposed it was. I only removed one screw,
>and the head was so damaged I can't use it anymore.
>So, I question myself: should I gave up my inicial idea
>and trust luck, or open it and do the job, even I have
>to smash all the screws?
>Any opinion from "rotator guru's" is wellcome!
>
>73 F.Costa, CT1EAT
>http://www.qsl.net/ct1eat
>
>P.S. FYI, the unit is working fine (since 1996) and has been
>         light used. Not much strong winds, but many days of
>         hot temperatures...


I would take it apart and replace the ball bearings in it. You will have to 
use a hacksaw to cut the heads of the screws off. This isn't a problem if 
you make the cut between the screw head and washer. Once you get the two 
halves apart, you can unscrew the screw studs out with a pair of pliers no 
problem.

The problem is that there was NEVER any anti corrosion protection put on 
the threads when it was put together. This is common with about anything 
that is bolted together when it is made. They don't want to waste the time 
doing it.

I would recommend that anyone that has a NEW rotor, take one screw out at a 
time and lube it up so it can't corrode. This will allow you to take it 
apart years from now.
I would also put a small bead of RTV sealant around the seam on the top and 
both sides to help keep water out. DO NOT put any on the bottom. You want 
it to be able to drain!!

I guess that one of these days I should just write up a do and don't list 
for rotors. I know that I've put out a lot of tips on here so just try and 
take a look back and see if you can find them.


73, Bill N4XEO

E- Mail mailto: n4xeo@amsat.org
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