Super Dark Motor method of backlash adjustment

thecaretaker

Well, I've just replaced my Super dark motor after just a year (or so). The problem was slack on the pole (backlash) and after several attempts of trying to adjust it, I decided to buy new.

Curious how the backlash adjustment was supposed to work, I decided to open up the lid. Expecting to see some springs and rods, I find it is nothing more than a wedge of aluminium that pushes against the motor housing.

The block is meant to slide (see photos) in and out when the screw is turned in the side. As you can see, the screw is broken. I originally broke the head while in use, but trying to remove the screw in the kitchen, I found out why it wasn't adjusting, it had fused itself hard within the block. Trying to turn it with pliers, it was so stuck that I managed to break the screws body.

There is no water seal on this motor between the body and lid, so as you can see, although the lid fixes fairly snug, water has made some penetration.

I've now purchased the Superior Dark Motor which claims to have automatic backlash adjustment. My observations are that apart from the method of adjustment, there seems little difference between the Super and Superior. I suspect that the backlash is a known problem with the Dark Motor which they have tried to address with the Superior model.

The amount of play on my Super Motor was frighteningly noticeable, but the motor did move quickly. The Superior motor is a lot slower which I suspect they have reduced the teeth gap on the motor wheel (again maybe to address the amount of possible play).

I've taken some photos for you and hope this post gives owners of this motor an idea how the backlash mechanism works. It's so basic the word mechanism is giving a little too much credibility lol

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Satcom1

Looks like what is sold in US as DG 280 thru 380 series. Seems well made with the acception that they didn't put anti seize compound on screw threads and wedge slide.

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I am not a complete idiot, some parts are missing.

Turok

hi there!
yes this are all oem products.what this dealer in uk sales!
in germany golden interstar is the distrubutor if this motor!
looks,not dark,but inside the same

if you order,enough quantity ,of items from the manufactor,in korea,or where every,you simple,have to put a diffrent name,on the sticker,and finish is the new product !

Vipersan

Hi m8's ...
I was all set to order a superior dark motor from southern ...but my order was cancelled due to lack of stock.
I'm now wondering if this was blessing in disguise ..in view of caretakers report.

I still like the look of the build ..but am now very apprehensive as the reason I was replacing my motor was due to backlash issues.

I know it would void my warranty (should I still buy one) ..but would sealing the motor properly to prevent water getting in and perhaps putting grease over the backlash screws ..before mounting it provide effective protection ?

rgds
VS

thecaretaker

Don't let me put you off. Generally it is rock solid motor.

Mine was the Super Dark version, not the Superior Dark motor.

I've now replaced mine for the Superior Dark Motor so it wasn't that bad. More of a case of better the devil you know....

I hope they have sorted out any backlash issues with the Superior. It claims to have automatic backlash and it does also have a large Allin key (under a sticker) for adjusting it too although it is not published in the instruction manual.

As for water getting in, it didn't do much damage. The salty sea air I suffer may have contributed toward the screw corroding itself in the thread.

Please don't let my post put you off. It wasn't my intention to slag off the motor, just pass on my experience with it and show folk how the backlash screw mechanism works inside when you turn it.

I was thinking about putting a bit of silicone around the lid just to keep it from corroding.

Warranty or not, if I had the Super dark Motor again, armed with what I know now, I would definitely open in up and put some Lithium grease or similar on the screw threads.

Vipersan

Thanks Caretaker...
...The more information you have ..the better armed to deal with problems , real or imagined
..at least thats how I feel about it

Like you I'd be inclined to imrove the motors ability to withstand the foul british weather...even at the expense of voiding the warranty.
I'd much rather not have to bring a faulty or seized motor down the pole after a year or so ...when a bit of grease or silicone would prevent it.
cheers m8
VS

Channel Hopper

Go to the front of the class Satcom1

The Powertech DG-380 is (was) a blindingly good motor though for what it cost (trade), and I'm sure the retailer/badger made enough money to send out a few that failed within warranty.

Zero backlash as a promotion though is entirely misleading, I met up with a couple of companies dealing in such devices a few years ago (oil rigs/deep sea diving modules) and the true cost was staggering.

_http://www.heason.com/content/1/108/actuators.html

There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness"

thecaretaker

Just found an image of the DG-380 box to compared it to the Superior box. They don't hide the fact that it is the same motor do they?.

The splash that says "Software Limit protection" and even their slogan under that which says "The best choice to motorize your satellite antenna" is identical.

May I suggest there are probably dozens of identical motors, all claiming to be "The best choice to motorize your satellite antenna" lol

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Satcom1

They stopped selling the Stabb HH series motor here in the states, what a shame. They developed the USALS software and distributed it FREE to receiver manufacturers. The mechanical design of their motors was very good by comparison, likely the best.

Interesting that the Powertech DG motors have the Stabb USALS software loaded and most likely without license from Stabb.

I am not a complete idiot, some parts are missing.