Rotor/controller problem

Lab Rat · 01-20-2006, 10:16 PM

Hi guys! I just finally got an HD receiver this past week and it works great, but I ran into an unexpected problem with my antenna... I have an archerotor rotor and controller I got at radio shack approx 8 years ago and we hadn't used this in the past several years... I tested the rotor out last week and all was well- until now. It is stuck and I'm not sure if the problem is with the motor or the controller box- I noticed the box made a different sound than normal so I went out to see if the antenna was moving and it wasn't so I had my wife move the controller while I climbed up the antenna to see if I could see/hear anything- it was humming slightly but it wasn't moving- I was able help it move by twisting the mast while it was humming. I then came back inside and disconnected the 3 wires from the controller and now the indicator on the controller won't even move or make any sound at all when I turn the knob whether the 3 wires are connected or not. Can anyone tell me if this sounds like an issue with the controller box or is it the motor itself? I'm hoping it's the controller because I don't know how I'll change the rotor way up there- I was scared to death just climbing and hanging on for dear life

Thanks for any input you can provide!!

midnite · 01-20-2006, 11:33 PM

LR, it sounds like your drive unit is history. The fact that it would move when you "helped" it would indicate a mechanical problem. You could fool with it but the new ones are so great (and inexpensive) it doesn't seem worth it. The only other thing I can think of, a long shot, is that your wire to the rotor is bad so not enough amperage is getting to the unit. You'll want new wire for your new rotor anyway so you could change that out first and see. The new ones don't use a dial control like yours but instead an digital controller and a remote. You program the peak headings into the remote assigning them the channel numbers. The when you tune to channel 4 (for instance) you just push 4 on the rotator remote and it goes to the proper position. Even better, the controller will work with most other TV remotes so only a single remote is needed. Check Warren or Stark Electronics on the web for the best price on a CM9521.

johnp37 · 01-21-2006, 10:06 AM

I have had the CM 9521a remote rotator running my ota antenna for over a year.Reliable and accurate as long as you set it up properly by the book. If you have issues doing it yourself, consider a professional install.And absolutely replace the rotor wire.Good luck.

Lab Rat · 01-21-2006, 01:44 PM

Thanks guys! I'll look into the CM9521... Shouldn't the controller unit in the house do something when I turn the knob though? (regardless if its connected to the drive unit or not?)

midnite · 01-21-2006, 11:35 PM

LR, I don't really know about that type. Maybe it has blown its fuse, circut breaker, or transformer while straining to turn your seized drive unit. Is there a fuse on it?

01-20-2006, 10:16 PM	#1
Lab Rat What is HD? Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 2	Rotor/controller problem Hi guys! I just finally got an HD receiver this past week and it works great, but I ran into an unexpected problem with my antenna... I have an archerotor rotor and controller I got at radio shack approx 8 years ago and we hadn't used this in the past several years... I tested the rotor out last week and all was well- until now. It is stuck and I'm not sure if the problem is with the motor or the controller box- I noticed the box made a different sound than normal so I went out to see if the antenna was moving and it wasn't so I had my wife move the controller while I climbed up the antenna to see if I could see/hear anything- it was humming slightly but it wasn't moving- I was able help it move by twisting the mast while it was humming. I then came back inside and disconnected the 3 wires from the controller and now the indicator on the controller won't even move or make any sound at all when I turn the knob whether the 3 wires are connected or not. Can anyone tell me if this sounds like an issue with the controller box or is it the motor itself? I'm hoping it's the controller because I don't know how I'll change the rotor way up there- I was scared to death just climbing and hanging on for dear life Thanks for any input you can provide!!

01-21-2006, 10:06 AM	#3
johnp37 High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 81	Rotator I have had the CM 9521a remote rotator running my ota antenna for over a year.Reliable and accurate as long as you set it up properly by the book. If you have issues doing it yourself, consider a professional install.And absolutely replace the rotor wire.Good luck.

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01-20-2006, 11:33 PM	#2
midnite High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Cape Cod, MA Posts: 34	LR, it sounds like your drive unit is history. The fact that it would move when you "helped" it would indicate a mechanical problem. You could fool with it but the new ones are so great (and inexpensive) it doesn't seem worth it. The only other thing I can think of, a long shot, is that your wire to the rotor is bad so not enough amperage is getting to the unit. You'll want new wire for your new rotor anyway so you could change that out first and see. The new ones don't use a dial control like yours but instead an digital controller and a remote. You program the peak headings into the remote assigning them the channel numbers. The when you tune to channel 4 (for instance) you just push 4 on the rotator remote and it goes to the proper position. Even better, the controller will work with most other TV remotes so only a single remote is needed. Check Warren or Stark Electronics on the web for the best price on a CM9521.

01-21-2006, 01:44 PM	#4
Lab Rat What is HD? Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 2	Thanks guys! I'll look into the CM9521... Shouldn't the controller unit in the house do something when I turn the knob though? (regardless if its connected to the drive unit or not?)

01-21-2006, 11:35 PM	#5
midnite High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Cape Cod, MA Posts: 34	LR, I don't really know about that type. Maybe it has blown its fuse, circut breaker, or transformer while straining to turn your seized drive unit. Is there a fuse on it?