So far, my problems with the 5500 have all been with the cables. One time a mouse chewed through it. Another time I discovered the bolt on my surge protector terminal was not tight. Not to say the 5500 never has hardware problems. One thing I'd look at is whether it is literally not rotating when power is applied, or whether it is the feedback pot/wiring that is bad. Worth a check so you can trace the wiring better
But one interesting question is what elevation your antenna is frozen at? You could be successful for a while at either end of the pass if it is horizontal (depending on the beam width of your antennas). Maybe a bit more challenging if it is vertical.
On Fri, Mar 27, 2020 at 5:50 PM Michael Hatzakis Jr MD via AMSAT-BB < amsat-bb@amsat.org> wrote:
Jerry,
Just for perspective. That rotor has been up for 15 years or more. Been through multiple major storms, snow, ice, etc and has been flawless for that entire time. This is the first failure in all that time, and more than likely related to sitting dormant for 6 years. So, I would say, that is pretty darn good. Can’t speak for others, but I don’t have an issues with that duration of a failure free period.
Michael Hatzakis Jr MD. K3MH
On Mar 27, 2020, at 2:21 PM, Gerald Witalec jplanner@sbcglobal.net
wrote:
Hi Michael, Been reading a lot on the AMSAT-BB and amazed about how many of you are
having problems with such an expensive rotor.
I have decided not to purchase it and going to build my SAT station
instead with servo motors.
Jerry...W8RQM
On Friday, March 27, 2020, 4:58:27 PM EDT, Michael Hatzakis Jr MD via
AMSAT-BB amsat-bb@amsat.org wrote:
Hi guys/gals,
I used to be very active on the Sats, and for years; have a great
set-up, but thanks to life events, went dark for about 5-6 years.
Trying to find a silver lining in this COVID crisis, while my business
is in the tank, thought I would get back to my love of the birds.
Unfortunately, I turned on my G-5500 controller and suddenly find the
elevation portion of the rotor isnt responding. Rotation is fine. Thanks to my fearless days of my 40’s, the antenna is up on the chimney in a set up thats a little challenging to service, so I am looking for what I can do on the ground to try to debug and prepare first, before embarking on a roof expedition.
What are the common reasons for the elevation rotator to stop
responding? is there much I can do on the ground to debug, and/or prepare when I go up on the roof to check the rotor out? What are the repair options?
Michael Hatzakis Jr MD K3MH mail@hatzakis.net mailto:mail@hatzakis.net <mailto:mail@hatzakis.net
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