Mechanical Parts
Machined
Surfaces (Not
Galvanized)
Inspection
Local
Control/Motor
Drive Controller
46
Clean mechanical parts by first removing dust, dirt, and other loose contaminants with a
scraper, stiff brush (bristle or wire in the case of rust or other corrosion), or cloth or com-
pressed air at 25 to 40 psi. Any accumulated imbedded dirt, corrosion, grease, or oil
deposits that require further cleaning may be removed with a bristle or wire brush and a
cleaning solvent such as trichlorethylene or equal. After cleaning, allow cleaned parts to
dry for 10 to 15 minutes before placing the equipment into operation.
For functional reasons, certain machined surfaces cannot be galvanized. These sur-
faces must be coated on a regular basis with a rust preventative coating. These sur-
faces include threaded holes, the azimuth bearing ring, and azimuth bearing mounting
surfaces. Andrew recommends the rust preventative coating Cortec VCI-368
. For damp
environments, application should be every six months. For dry environments, application
once a year should be sufficient.
The frequency of inspection is contingent upon the user’s individual standards and the
operational environment in which the earth station is located. However, a visual inspec-
tion of the earth station components should be performed at least semi-annually. Where
there are no established wear limits, perform a visual inspection to locate worn or dam-
aged parts which could cause improper functioning of the earth station. It is recommend-
ed that the mechanical and electrical inspection be performed on the assembled or par-
tially disassembled equipment to determine the extent of disassembly required prior to
completely disassembling a suspected malfunctioning component or module. In the
absence of any special inspection requirements, operational tests are the most effective
means in isolating parts and assemblies requiring further inspection. Any condition
noted during inspection that may preclude continued proper operation of the earth sta-
tion prior to the next scheduled inspection should be noted. The discrepant condition
should be corrected (repaired or replaced) immediately or at the conclusion of the
inspection procedure.
Inspection of the local control/motor drive controller conforms generally to standard visu-
al inspection procedures on electromechanical equipment. In addition to these standard
procedures, perform the following checks and visual inspections for the specific condi-
tions noted:
•
Check the front panel for illegible and indistinct panel markings.
•
Check the three position selector switches (Azimuth Off/Slow/Fast, Elevation-
Off/Slow/Fast, and Polarization-CCW/Off/CW) for smooth operation, audible clicking at
each actuation (left to center and return) and spring return from right to center. For each
of the two position selector switches (Azimuth-East/West, Elevation-Up/Down, and
Local/Remote) check for smooth operation and audible clicking at each actuation.
•
Inspect all wiring and cables for discolorization and burned insulation, dirt, breaks,
security of connection and other signs of deterioration. Examine connections for dirt,
flux, corrosion, and mechanical defects. Check for loose or broken lacing and cut, brittle,
abraided, frayed, or cracked insulation.
•
Examine connectors for corrosion, broken inserts and stripped threads. Check con-
nector shells for distortion and dents, and contact pins for bends, misalignment, or other
deformities. Check connector inserts for carbon tracking indicating arc-over.
(Cortec VCI-368 is a trademark of Cortec Corporation, 4119 White Bear Pkwy., St.Paul, Mn. 55110, 1-800-426-7832)
Preventive Maintenance
