Several people have emailed me a detailed installation manual that has the exploded parts drawings. Thank you!
--Roy K3RLD
On Tue, Jan 29, 2019 at 5:01 PM Roy Dean royldean@gmail.com wrote:
Patrick,
I found the installation instructions, too. I was hoping more for dissassembly/lube instructions. However, I've got both halves split open and cleaned up already, and it was pretty easy. I actually got this rotator from Stephen (VE4NSA) who is also on this list.
So far, the rotor appears to be in good shape. No signs of water intrusion, gears are still looking good and all have grease on them. The ball bearings all had grease, as well, although it was very thick and a lot had oozed out and was dry on the exterior of the housings (WD-40 cleaned that up nicely). My wife is due home any minute and is likely to be upset when she sees this exploded rotator spread across the dining room table)
I will likely lube the gears with lithium grease, and was going to use synthetic axle grease on the bearings, but perhaps somebody has a more appropriate suggestion? This assembly was sold to me as a "tech special", so the controller actually needs some work, too (I believe it was one of the gages didn't register.... was that you that had the same issue?)
One other question to the group, was recommendations for the control wire. I think I remember somebody suggesting network cable wire? Is there anywhere where I can find the small 8-pin connectors (look to be DIN)? I'm hoping to use new connectors and make "extension" cables of different lengths depending on how I am using the system, so I'll need male and female connectors.
--Roy K3RLD
Hey Roy, I just found the installing instructions somewhere, but can't find them atm! But: I bought a used G-5400B about two years ago and it has done more than 10k observations on my SatNOGS station #37 now. It was laying around for about 15 years before I bought it and for sure was used a while. It is still working and the only issues I am now dealing with are at the controller box. Best regards, 73, Patrick, DL4PD