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Need Help Identifying Plugs On An ANTENNA ROTOR
- Thread starter Ez2cDave
- Start date
Oh, yes . . . "Basic" disassembly is definitely in the plans ( NOT the Gear Train ) !
The exploded drawing in the manual gives a "hint" to what lies within. I'll definitely open it up in an "inverted" position, to avoid chasing 98 Ball-Bearings all over the place !
Set it inside a cardboard box when you take it apart. That keeps all the bearings from running away and leaving little grease tracks across the floor.
Ez2cDave,
I was thinking something like this. I searched Google for AMP circular connectors. Not sure if this an AMP brand but AMP does make weather proof connectors.
https://www.digikey.com/products/en?mpart=206705-1&v=17
73's
David
I was thinking something like this. I searched Google for AMP circular connectors. Not sure if this an AMP brand but AMP does make weather proof connectors.
https://www.digikey.com/products/en?mpart=206705-1&v=17
73's
David
If that's the only alternative, I'd have to figure out how to get it to both mount and seal on a curved surface.
Got my fingers crossed !
I have taken several rotators apart and do this all the time. I just cut the sides down to a couple inches so they don't get in the way yet still keep the bearings contained.
Ez2cDave,
I believe there are many different types available. They are not all equipped with a flange mount.
I have seen some that are like a "bulkhead" type mount that could be sealed with a flat fiber washer/ O ring or similar.
It looks like the mount ring (with the screws) on your rotor may be on a flat surface. There appears to be a machined "step" in the housing that the chrome ring sits in.
Another possibility would be to remove the current plug, fabricate a small curved plate that will fit what you removed and install a short 12" pigtail through your replacement plate using a grommet with a cable mounted plug. Shouldn't be too hard to weather proof that set up.
73's
David
I believe there are many different types available. They are not all equipped with a flange mount.
I have seen some that are like a "bulkhead" type mount that could be sealed with a flat fiber washer/ O ring or similar.
It looks like the mount ring (with the screws) on your rotor may be on a flat surface. There appears to be a machined "step" in the housing that the chrome ring sits in.
Another possibility would be to remove the current plug, fabricate a small curved plate that will fit what you removed and install a short 12" pigtail through your replacement plate using a grommet with a cable mounted plug. Shouldn't be too hard to weather proof that set up.
73's
David
That makes a lot of sense . . . The good news is that if any bearings are messed up or missing, they should be a "standard" size and fairly easy to find, if necessary.
The one internal part that worries me ( other than the Gear Train ) is the potentiometer that operates the "direction needle" on the meter. Hopefully, they are still available, if the original one has crapped out.
Ez2cDave,
Take your time, think it through, think it through, think it through, measure 5 times, cut once and trial fit everything. Take lots of before pictures.
I am thinking the pigtail thing may be the best option. Require less clearance inside the housing. Leaving the pigtail long enough to secure it well to the tower or mast...............
I'm thinking this through a lot myself.............
73's
David
Take your time, think it through, think it through, think it through, measure 5 times, cut once and trial fit everything. Take lots of before pictures.
I am thinking the pigtail thing may be the best option. Require less clearance inside the housing. Leaving the pigtail long enough to secure it well to the tower or mast...............
I'm thinking this through a lot myself.............
73's
David
From what I understand, the original plug was only "waterproof" because it had a rubber "boot" that was pulled up over it after it was screwed in place . . . I might be wrong about that, however.