Superjack problem - Techwatch: Satellite TV forums, FTA, Cable, Hardware, & Tech forums

elton · 02-06-07, 05:08 PM

For some reason my motorised system (Echostar AD3600 IP Viaaccess, 1.2m Precision dish/polar mount and Superjack 18" actuator) has decided not to move the dish.

Having had this problem once before and was traced to a small rust spot inside the actuator; a quick clean and oil up and all was well for a few more years. However, this time it's not worked. Yes the actuator was seized by a lack of use but no amount of cleaning it has had the desired effect. Even with the jack disconnected from the motor - there's no life in the motor. Thought that there might be a fuse somewhere but no. The motor itself is a straightforward affair with little to go wrong - although there is a reed sensor that I know nothing about whatsoever.

Do reed sensors fail? Is it possible to test one with say a voltmeter? If the answer is yes could someone describe the process please.

Real newbee stuff, but perhaps one of the members here might be able to help.

Thanks

Jimdefruit · 02-06-07, 07:23 PM

Elton, the reed switch just lets the receiver know how far the motor has moved the dish. In addition, there is a limit switch that stops the motor from moving too far. Whatever you do, dont put a voltage on the reed switch or you will burn it out.

I suggest just try putting the voltage across the motor in one direction and then the other. It is possible that one of the limit switches is stuck open but if you apply the voltage directly to the motor yo will see if it is burnt out.

BGonaSTICK · 02-06-07, 11:45 PM

If all else fails, new jacks aren't that expensive, and are relatively straightforward to fit.

elton · 03-06-07, 01:07 PM

Thanks Jimdefruit - I'm not getting any readings from the motor whatsoever - but measuring this type of thing in not my forte, period.

Glad you told me about the reed sensor .... phew, that was a close call!!!!

On Monday, I will take the actuator to a friend who runs a repair business. He can test it for me.

Thanks BGonaSTICK - I'm happy to install a new actuator once I know the first one is broken and that it's not the receiver. I actually set up the system myself many, many years ago; plenty of reading and trial and error (and error and error and error!). Over time got it spot on.

Had the help of a crappy meter but it did the job of finding the Discovery and Country Music channels (on PAS1R or was it PAS3R) West and something on East and the rest was history.

02-06-07, 05:08 PM	#1 (permalink)
elton Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Ammanford, Carmarthenshire Posts: 155 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Superjack problem For some reason my motorised system (Echostar AD3600 IP Viaaccess, 1.2m Precision dish/polar mount and Superjack 18" actuator) has decided not to move the dish. Having had this problem once before and was traced to a small rust spot inside the actuator; a quick clean and oil up and all was well for a few more years. However, this time it's not worked. Yes the actuator was seized by a lack of use but no amount of cleaning it has had the desired effect. Even with the jack disconnected from the motor - there's no life in the motor. Thought that there might be a fuse somewhere but no. The motor itself is a straightforward affair with little to go wrong - although there is a reed sensor that I know nothing about whatsoever. Do reed sensors fail? Is it possible to test one with say a voltmeter? If the answer is yes could someone describe the process please. Real newbee stuff, but perhaps one of the members here might be able to help. Thanks __________________ Smilies everywhere beware ....

02-06-07, 07:23 PM	#2 (permalink)
Jimdefruit Super Moderator Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 2,627 Thanks: 10 Thanked 80 Times in 75 Posts	Re: Superjack problem Elton, the reed switch just lets the receiver know how far the motor has moved the dish. In addition, there is a limit switch that stops the motor from moving too far. Whatever you do, dont put a voltage on the reed switch or you will burn it out. I suggest just try putting the voltage across the motor in one direction and then the other. It is possible that one of the limit switches is stuck open but if you apply the voltage directly to the motor yo will see if it is burnt out. __________________ Dreambox 7000s + VBox + Channel Master 1.2 with 36v actuator CM120 feedhorn and Invacom .3 LNB Skystar 2 PCI card with links to my Dreambox If you like what you see here, tell your friends.

02-06-07, 11:45 PM	#3 (permalink)
BGonaSTICK Super Murderator Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Brighton Posts: 10,609 Thanks: 3 Thanked 49 Times in 33 Posts	Re: Superjack problem If all else fails, new jacks aren't that expensive, and are relatively straightforward to fit. __________________ Dreambox 7000, Skystar2 PCI, Skystar USB, Fibo 90cm on Moteck SG2100, Triax TD110 multi-LNB. Sky + ART cards. 45.0°E - 58.0°W

03-06-07, 01:07 PM	#4 (permalink)
elton Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Ammanford, Carmarthenshire Posts: 155 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Superjack problem Thanks Jimdefruit - I'm not getting any readings from the motor whatsoever - but measuring this type of thing in not my forte, period. Glad you told me about the reed sensor .... phew, that was a close call!!!! On Monday, I will take the actuator to a friend who runs a repair business. He can test it for me. Thanks BGonaSTICK - I'm happy to install a new actuator once I know the first one is broken and that it's not the receiver. I actually set up the system myself many, many years ago; plenty of reading and trial and error (and error and error and error!). Over time got it spot on. Had the help of a crappy meter but it did the job of finding the Discovery and Country Music channels (on PAS1R or was it PAS3R) West and something on East and the rest was history. __________________ Smilies everywhere beware ....


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