Advice Needed On a new actuator please

[Captain Jack]

To be honest, I don't have that much experience with actuators on full swing because I've never had that sort of line of sight. I've only ever used the Channel Master polar mount and it's fine going from 53e to 37.5w, which, admittedly is a short range.

The biggest problem I found was the polar mount itself and I find it very easy to 'beach' the dish at the extremes on the opposite side of the jack.

 

[RimaNTSS]

The biggest problem I found was the polar mount itself and I find it very easy to 'beach' the dish at the extremes on the opposite side of the jack.

|You are right, some user even opened topic about dish-flop issue not so long time ago. In reality, all polar-mount have this tendency, especially if there is a need to go H-H. But there are some ways how to fix this problem. One of those ways is fixing actuator's ends to proper places. Another one, not very common, but can illuminate flopping issue at all- and that is lowering of the center of gravity of dish and letting dish work as polar-mount's counterweight. Sound difficult and also not easy to be accomplished, as some constructional work should be done to system. Basically, it is possible to remove actuator at all and dish will automatically travel to "0" position.

 

[Archived-1]

You are right, some user even opened topic about dish-flop issue not so long time ago. In reality, all polar-mount have this tendency

The main problem to this is cheap clone actuators put a good one on your dish and it will be fine or put one that's a lot bigger than needed if you are using a clone,

 

[Costactc]

I have 2 VonWeise jacks, don't hear a thing as the cross they arc and one of them is over 25 years old.

 

[Captain Jack]

The main problem to this is cheap clone actuators put a good one on your dish and it will be fine or put one that's a lot bigger than needed if you are using a clone,

I don't see how an actuator has any role here. It's mechanical polar mount issue and, like Rimant says, can be mitigated in various ways.

 

[Archived-1]

Well if I locked my dish off just before it flopped lets say 50W, then took the actuator off and wound it fully in then moved the dish W it would not flop it would move nice and slow as it should do, so what's at fault ? (actuator).

 

[Captain Jack]

Right but that's the actuator's position/fixing point that's at fault. When the dish is far at the limit with the actuator arm extended, it tends to go over the centre point of the mount. So unless you're pulling back on the polar mount's arm from a different angle, you won't be able to recover from the flop.

Unless you're describing something different and I am misunderstanding it?

 

[Archived-1]

like Rimant says, can be mitigated in various ways.

True but its only an improvised method to the main problem.

it tends to go over the centre point of the mount

Yes but only the travel in the actuator allows this, like I say put the actuator fully in just before the centre point and it wont happen,

To me what is been said is a polar mount wont track the arc without a modification, and it will with the correct actuator.

 

[Captain Jack]

like I say put the actuator fully in just before the centre point and it wont happen

Ah, so you're saying that a poorer quality actuator will have trouble recovering from a fully extended position (assuming the dish isn't flopped - no actuator will recover from that)? In that case, maybe - I haven't had a setup where I could fully utilise the full extension of the arm, so not sure.

My biggest gripe about actuators is the noise (I mean I am hard of hearing and some are just plain loud) and, as you mentioned, the play. I haven't had an actuator where I haven't had *any* play (even my HD 24" has a tiny one) but I do have a very old used one which is blissfully quiet. There's no sticker on there - it's so old that it's fallen off - so I don't know what make it is (QARL or HARL springs to mind). It was used with a rubber hose thing so has no rust either... A nice actuator.

I wouldn't spend over $300 dollars for one though - it would have to be exceptional. I'd put that money towards a bigger dish

 

[Archived-1]

All I was saying to start with was advise on a genuine actuator tbh , but for some reason we end up in a discussion about how they work and move dishes etc ,
I agree it can be fixed but a good quality/ lot bigger than needed one will do the same thing as a modification, obviously the mod is always the cheaper option so that's all we read about.

Ok which one .

Von Weise Actuators

18" Von Weise $149.98
24" Von Weise $189.98
36" Von Weise $269.98
Reed sensors with at least 30 pulses per inch resolution, which are perfect for the most demanding Ku applications. Internal limit switches. Terminal strip wiring, Ball bearing motor. Extremely quiet operation_
Saginaw

18" Saginaw $209.98
24" Saginaw $249.98
36" Saginaw $299.98
52" Saginaw $349.98
Saginaw Motor Commercial Version. High lb. Rating. Heavy Duty Slip Clutch and Saddle Clamp. 3 year limited warranty Made in the U.S.A. _ _
Venture

18" Venture $149.99
24" Venture $189.99
36" Venture $249.99
Venture write up here _ _

 

[Archived-1]

I wouldn't spend over $300 dollars for one though - it would have to be exceptional. I'd put that money towards a bigger dish

The 36 inch actuator might be moving one in years to come Alex who knows , looking at the above prices its only around $40 more from the 24/36, so not much difference and I would not go less than 24 anyhow so it wont break the bank

 

[Captain Jack]

Are they all the same pulse counts across the sizes? I know HD ones have a lower resolution.

I guess $200 is what, £125? Not too bad if you are getting a quality part. I don't know these brands at all so can't advise on the best one.... I would look at noise levels, resolution and play. And maybe some other features (what does a 'clutch' do in one of these?)

 

[Archived-1]

They do vary in counts Alex, 30/32/40 from memory, I am unsure about the clutch and also the read hall effect switch I will have a read up on this, just had this pop up trying to tempt me

https://sites.google.com/site/micointer/virtual-store-front-3/linear-actuator---motors

 

[beavs2112]

Anyone used the above types please.

Hi martin-f Back to your topic. I have not personally owned or operated a Venture or Thomson actuator but their reputation over here in North America is excellent. They are the best satellite mount actuators here in NA. I would also recommend the ball screw version over the acme nut versions due to its lower friction, higher efficiency & longer lifespan design.

Both companies products have been been moving big heavy 3m fiberglass & 3.8m aluminum mesh PF antennae around since the 1980's or earlier. They should (and do) last for decades. I would recommend them to anyone. Its what I would own if money permitted. Many satellite dealers here in NA carry them. I have never heard of a clone Thomson or Venture actuator.

I haven't ever ordered from Vincor but I've never heard anything bad either. Vincor is also a reputable international commercial satellite dealer so you should not have any concerns about clones or quality.

Some other companies actuator products have garnered a bad reputation (in NA at least) for cheaper quality actuators that are more noisy in the motor & gearbox, thinner metal housing assemblies, have premature excessive gear wear & breakage, & premature excessive acme nut wear issues. Most only last 2-5 years.

Kevin

 

[Archived-1]

Hi martin-f Back to your topic. I have not personally owned or operated a Venture or Thomson actuator but their reputation over here in North America is excellent. They are the best satellite mount actuators here in NA. I would also recommend the ball screw version over the acme nut versions due to its lower friction, higher efficiency & longer lifespan design.

Both companies products have been been moving big heavy 3m fiberglass & 3.8m aluminum mesh PF antennae around since the 1980's or earlier. They should (and do) last for decades. I would recommend them to anyone. Its what I would own if money permitted. Many satellite dealers here in NA carry them. I have never heard of a clone Thomson or Venture actuator.

I haven't ever ordered from Vincor but I've never heard anything bad either. Vincor is also a reputable international commercial satellite dealer so you should not have any concerns about clones or quality.

Some other companies actuator products have garnered a bad reputation (in NA at least) for cheaper quality actuators that are more noisy in the motor & gearbox, thinner metal housing assemblies, have premature excessive gear wear & breakage, & premature excessive acme nut wear issues. Most only last 2-5 years.

Kevin

Hi Kevin, many thanks, I will have a shop round for the best prices on them.

 

[Vipersan]

...Got sick of buying and replacing my 24" roughly every 2 years ...due to mechanical noise or play ...
They simply dont build em to last any more..
Having said that the most recent purchases have been superjack so what do I expect..??
Went for the Heavy duty one most recently and although a bit noisy ...no play as yet (touch wood)
I did notice though that not as many pulses per rotation ...so not easy to 'fine tune' positionally..
So ..I too am looking for advice on the best long term solution...
Cheap an cheerful is a false economy imo...but that's the way of the world now..
German engineering is usually the best ..but wtf does one obtain Von Weise in the UK ?
you dont see them advertised in Euro or ££s ...only $..
cest la vie

 

[Archived-1]

...Got sick of buying and replacing my 24" roughly every 2 years ...due to mechanical noise or play ...
They simply dont build em to last any more..
Having said that the most recent purchases have been superjack so what do I expect..??
Went for the Heavy duty one most recently and although a bit noisy ...no play as yet (touch wood)
I did notice though that not as many pulses per rotation ...so not easy to 'fine tune' positionally..
So ..I too am looking for advice on the best long term solution...
Cheap an cheerful is a false economy imo...but that's the way of the world now..
German engineering is usually the best ..but wtf does one obtain Von Weise in the UK ?
you dont see them advertised in Euro or ££s ...only $..
cest la vie

That's why I want something decent Ewan, I've had 2 now and they just a load of rubbish, the pulse count is not an issue to me, my controller will just put the dish where it should be precisely,

(obtain Von Weise in the UK)

Same with Venture, I don't think you can, I've emailed Venture direct and waiting for a reply, I have located a 24 inch at $234 up to now, I will post up the price going direct when they get back to me.

Features:

• 3 year corrosion protection
• Whisper-quiet long-life operation happy days
• Super Sensor II reed switch
• Single-screw adjustment limit switches
• Freeze protected with water drains and vents
• Quick installation and easy set up
• Precision resolution accuracy

 

[Archived-1]

I am unsure where they get the shipping prices from, I would probably get a big dish shipped for less.

MA-834138543-24B
(24” BALL SCREW WITH TUBE BOOT, REED SENSOR, 36VDC, LIMIT SWITCHES, HD CLAMP,
QTY:1
COST: $225.00
SHIPPING COST: $180.00
TOTAL: US$405.00

 

[Captain Jack]

Ouch!... EBay? But they'll bung import fees on top as well

Perhaps we can try our friends on the other side of the pond to help out?

 

[Archived-1]

Ouch!... EBay? But they'll bung import fees on top as well

That was going direct to Venture Alex, Tbh I would not like to ask with this amount of money, I am just searching eBay from around the world looking for a bargain, I am also waiting for an email from Thomson uk.