Actuator drifting off position. - Free to Air Satellite Forums (Asia Pacific) - Sponsored by aDigitaLife.com Audio Visual Suppliers

videoland · 27-01-2010, 05:34 AM

Hi all,

Had a look in the forums for an answer, man do I have a rip snorter.

I have just setup a c-band movable system for a friend consisting of 2.3m Joysat dish, 24 in superpowerjack actuator, moteck positioner and LT9400 receiver, plus a problem.

1st problem
When I move from satellite to satellite the actual position of the actuator drifts off 2 to 3 counts. After a few times of doing this eventually no signal can be received, so I have to reset all of the poitions ie Asiasat 5 to P01, Asiasat3 to P02, Chinasat 6 to P03. Then drifts off after you move between satellite to satellite.
The controller thinks it has returned to the correct position as it always returns to the same 3 digit number as displayed on the controller but actually it is stopping 2 or 3 points earlier (as observed after I reset its new position.)

2nd problem
Whenever the actuator is in motion the actuator will move only about 30 counts then flashes "P0?" (? denotes the destination position), then will move for another 30 counts and will repeat this until it gets to the destination position. Please refer to the video. But this will not happen if I manually move the dish using the moteck controller.

What is this flashing "P0?" trying to tell me?

I'm pretty sure these 2 problems are related. It seems to be losing a pulse or 2 on a regular basis straight away, not intermittantly.

*-*-*-
But get this, prior to installation I tested the actuator for a week on my 'good' satellite system so it can't be that.

I tested the moteck controller at my house and it's good, so it can't be that.

The actuator moves without a problem in manual mode ie with the east/west buttons on the moteck controller, so it can't be wiring.

I really want to hit something but I don't know which ne to hit!

Has anyone has ever encountered this problem(s)?!?

MrElectricity · 27-01-2010, 05:59 AM

Strange my 2.3m mesh is driven with the same Moteck controller but goes straight to the position are your linkages loose? I use a Strong what type of decoder is that in your video?

videoland · 27-01-2010, 11:12 AM

It's a Lawrence LT9400 satellite decoder/PVR, bit of an odd ball brand but I've used it before in an identical installation without a problem.

kenny · 27-01-2010, 11:36 AM

Are the electrical & mechanical limits set correctly?

**simmo** · 27-01-2010, 01:23 PM

The dish itself aint set up right???
The motek and actuator only listen to pulse commands, they have no idea what the dish is actually looking at.
Check out the dish, pole etc.....

Jacko · 27-01-2010, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by simmo

The dish itself aint set up right???
The motek and actuator only listen to pulse commands, they have no idea what the dish is actually looking at.
Check out the dish, pole etc.....

I had a problem a few years back. It was the position of the magnet above the count wheel in the positioner. Maybe it got bumped when you installed it at your friends house. That is of course if it is that type. Some use reed switches.

When you force drive it in manual mode it does not care about the count position it just drives.

I would have a good look at it with the cover of the super jack when its moving. I think you can adjust the magnet.

Just a thought !

How long is the cable run from the positioner to the dish and what type of cable.

**VK4BKP** · 27-01-2010, 11:25 PM

I seem to have a similar problem myself at the moment. To get to the same position I need about an extra 10 counts per day! Looked inside the actuator. Didn't see anything obvious but tightened up everything anyhow.

videoland · 28-01-2010, 07:17 AM

Kenny - electrical and mechanical limits are not set, didn't think this would be a cause but I will give that a go next time I check it out.

Jacko - It's a reed switch type with rotating magnet wheel so it requires sensor input otherwise the moteck controller displays an error "E-2" (I just tried it!) I did have a look at the rotating magnet while it was in motion and everything looked like it was in place and wiring was tight (it worked ace for a week). It does seem like it's skipping a pulse or two some how... I guess I can't rule out actuator damage during transit, it was an hour long trip up to Mareeba from Cairns... and another hour trip to go back there to sort this out uurgh!

VK4- Did your problem just suddenly pop up or was it faulty from the install? I'm hoping an actuator change could fix both our problems. I Got one on order.

Surely the moteck box flashing the "P03" is just screaming at me saying something but I jsut can't find out any info!

Thanks all for the info fellas I will give it a go probably this weekend or the next, if you have any more info just keep it coming!

Aldeto · 28-01-2010, 09:09 AM

I think PO3 or those signs in your moteck is saying you need to synchronise the unit,I had a friend who was very cluey on electronic stuff, I cant remember how he did it, but all I can remember is he re-synchronised the Moteck.
Long time ago,when i started this hobby, i had same problem, but I had an old Pansat Analogue receiver,I found out that the relay inside the receiver was getting hot and the contacts were sticking.If i operate it manually it would work.
But Automatically from satellite to another position would stop before it reach the destination.I ended up getting another brand of receiver,havent had trouble since then..

**Ocean** · 28-01-2010, 11:00 AM

It sounds to me like the pulses from the reedswitch are intermittent...I would check for a wire going open circuit when it is bent at certain angles....the wires from the actuator that is !

You could listen to the pulses using a capacitor in series with a headphone unit...the capacitor could be a 0.1uF etc - listen across the reed switch and you should have a continuous stream of clicks when the actuator is motoring....then listen to the clicks at the controller end of the circuit...this will 'prove' the reedswitch/wiring...if the clicks are there you might have a crook/intermittent controller.

**This assumes you don't have a CRO handy !

I reckon I would try a 'factory reset' if that is available...after listening for your 'clicks'..

**VK4BKP** · 28-01-2010, 12:17 PM

The digits on the control box did seem to jump or skip. I think I must be missing pulses. Actually one of the wire screws in the actuator was a little sloppy. Have tightened it up and will see what happens.

Jacko · 28-01-2010, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aldeto

I think PO3 or those signs in your moteck is saying you need to synchronise the unit,I had a friend who was very cluey on electronic stuff, I cant remember how he did it, but all I can remember is he re-synchronised the Moteck.
Long time ago,when i started this hobby, i had same problem, but I had an old Pansat Analogue receiver,I found out that the relay inside the receiver was getting hot and the contacts were sticking.If i operate it manually it would work.
But Automatically from satellite to another position would stop before it reach the destination.I ended up getting another brand of receiver,havent had trouble since then..

I had the same issue with my old rxr Strong 4800II. The inbuilt positioner in the box always needed to be adjusted as it miscounted etc. I then bought an external diseq 2 positioner and it worked fine. I was driving a 24 inch positioner then.

videoland · 06-02-2010, 10:56 PM

Well I have finally had a chance to get back to this problem on Friday armed with a few spare parts with me and in the end it turned out to be... the moteck motor controller! She's a dud.

I did the easiest thing first and replaced it with a superjack brand controller and bingo! An instant win!!

Surprisingly she worked on my system but not at my friend's house... maybe a compatibility issue??

moteck controller with a superpowerjack actuator = no good. (friends house)
moteck controller with superjack actuator = good. (my house)
superjack controller with any actuator = good

The only un-usual thing after changing to the superjack motor controller, is the total number of counts from the most eastern satellite to the most western satellite (intelsat 8 to asisat 5) is only 257 counts, and the actuator moves twice as fast as an other actuator I've seen. At my house it's over 1000 counts from intel to asiasat.

Anyways thanks to all for your input, it's been fun but im glad its over.

27-01-2010, 05:59 AM	#2
MrElectricity Satellite Guru Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Penrith Posts: 1,158	Strange my 2.3m mesh is driven with the same Moteck controller but goes straight to the position are your linkages loose? I use a Strong what type of decoder is that in your video? __________________ It's what I do

27-01-2010, 01:23 PM	#5
simmo Moderator Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Lower Planet on the northern end....Cairns! Posts: 7,123	The dish itself aint set up right??? The motek and actuator only listen to pulse commands, they have no idea what the dish is actually looking at. Check out the dish, pole etc..... __________________ Hmmmm... Please take some time to browse and read our site. We are a friendly, knowledgable mob but we don't tolerate laziness easily!.....

28-01-2010, 11:00 AM	#10
Ocean Dr. Fixit Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: 90km East of Adelaide Sth. Aust. Posts: 4,655	It sounds to me like the pulses from the reedswitch are intermittent...I would check for a wire going open circuit when it is bent at certain angles....the wires from the actuator that is ! You could listen to the pulses using a capacitor in series with a headphone unit...the capacitor could be a 0.1uF etc - listen across the reed switch and you should have a continuous stream of clicks when the actuator is motoring....then listen to the clicks at the controller end of the circuit...this will 'prove' the reedswitch/wiring...if the clicks are there you might have a crook/intermittent controller. **This assumes you don't have a CRO handy ! I reckon I would try a 'factory reset' if that is available...after listening for your 'clicks'.. __________________ Faith: The deliberate and willful departure from reason.

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27-01-2010, 11:12 AM	#3
videoland Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Cairns Posts: 20	It's a Lawrence LT9400 satellite decoder/PVR, bit of an odd ball brand but I've used it before in an identical installation without a problem.

27-01-2010, 11:36 AM	#4
kenny Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Qld Posts: 431	Are the electrical & mechanical limits set correctly?

27-01-2010, 11:25 PM	#7
VK4BKP Moderator Join Date: May 2003 Location: Mackay Posts: 5,711	I seem to have a similar problem myself at the moment. To get to the same position I need about an extra 10 counts per day! Looked inside the actuator. Didn't see anything obvious but tightened up everything anyhow.

28-01-2010, 07:17 AM	#8
videoland Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Cairns Posts: 20	Kenny - electrical and mechanical limits are not set, didn't think this would be a cause but I will give that a go next time I check it out. Jacko - It's a reed switch type with rotating magnet wheel so it requires sensor input otherwise the moteck controller displays an error "E-2" (I just tried it!) I did have a look at the rotating magnet while it was in motion and everything looked like it was in place and wiring was tight (it worked ace for a week). It does seem like it's skipping a pulse or two some how... I guess I can't rule out actuator damage during transit, it was an hour long trip up to Mareeba from Cairns... and another hour trip to go back there to sort this out uurgh! VK4- Did your problem just suddenly pop up or was it faulty from the install? I'm hoping an actuator change could fix both our problems. I Got one on order. Surely the moteck box flashing the "P03" is just screaming at me saying something but I jsut can't find out any info! Thanks all for the info fellas I will give it a go probably this weekend or the next, if you have any more info just keep it coming!

28-01-2010, 09:09 AM	#9
Aldeto Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Melbourne Posts: 788	I think PO3 or those signs in your moteck is saying you need to synchronise the unit,I had a friend who was very cluey on electronic stuff, I cant remember how he did it, but all I can remember is he re-synchronised the Moteck. Long time ago,when i started this hobby, i had same problem, but I had an old Pansat Analogue receiver,I found out that the relay inside the receiver was getting hot and the contacts were sticking.If i operate it manually it would work. But Automatically from satellite to another position would stop before it reach the destination.I ended up getting another brand of receiver,havent had trouble since then..

28-01-2010, 12:17 PM	#11
VK4BKP Moderator Join Date: May 2003 Location: Mackay Posts: 5,711	The digits on the control box did seem to jump or skip. I think I must be missing pulses. Actually one of the wire screws in the actuator was a little sloppy. Have tightened it up and will see what happens.

06-02-2010, 10:56 PM	#13
videoland Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Cairns Posts: 20	Well I have finally had a chance to get back to this problem on Friday armed with a few spare parts with me and in the end it turned out to be... the moteck motor controller! She's a dud. I did the easiest thing first and replaced it with a superjack brand controller and bingo! An instant win!! Surprisingly she worked on my system but not at my friend's house... maybe a compatibility issue?? moteck controller with a superpowerjack actuator = no good. (friends house) moteck controller with superjack actuator = good. (my house) superjack controller with any actuator = good The only un-usual thing after changing to the superjack motor controller, is the total number of counts from the most eastern satellite to the most western satellite (intelsat 8 to asisat 5) is only 257 counts, and the actuator moves twice as fast as an other actuator I've seen. At my house it's over 1000 counts from intel to asiasat. Anyways thanks to all for your input, it's been fun but im glad its over.