Another CM120 restoration project just started

RimaNTSS

RimaNTSS

Super Moderator
Staff member
My Satellite Setup
Some SAT-related hardware.
My Location
N-E from Riga
Got my hands on another CM120 today IMG_20150411_164734 (Large).webp . Man, it's mount is so rusty! IMG_20150411_164904 (Large).webp Impossible to unscrew any single screw, just angle-grinder helps IMG_20150411_170740 (Large).webp . Strange, but previous owner said to me that actuator works.... maybe it works but I doubt it can turn this... o_O That was ground mount in the set, I think this is only one piece here which does not need lot of refurbishment IMG_20150411_171233 (Large).webp . All actuator fixing screws are rusted and some of them even lost their heads IMG_20150411_164936 (Large).webp .
Feedarms are rusty, I already trashed them. There were LNB monoblock fixed in the LNB-holder, screws did not come out but instead they unscrewed bronze insiders (I think they should be bronze) parts from plastic IMG_20150411_164741 (Large).webp IMG_20150411_165905 (Large).webp . If some of forumers need this plastic LNB holder in the condition as it is now, you can have it for postal money, first come first served.
So, my plan is:
- remove stuck metal parts from the plastic mirror IMG_20150411_165610 (Large).webp . Wash the mirror and check whether it is in ship shape (at a first glance it is).
- cut off all screws and trow away as fast as I can. :D
- sandblast all metal parts and attach (weld) more metal to mount to make sure it is strong enough. Make new parts (if needed).
- paint everything
- find all needed INOX fasteners (nuts, bolts, washers).
- join everything together and enjoy installing :rolleyes:
 

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Love to have that lnb holder for experiments .
 
So, metal parts removed from plastic and dish is already in the bath. Sooo dirty, unbelievable. :eek:
IMG_20150411_193607 (Large).webp
 
There it is, after almost 3 hours of washing :eek:
Seems that somebody, long time ago was trying to paint back of the dish. Now it look ugly, but I can not remove this paint or something. Who knows, maybe I will decide to paint this dish, or leave it like this. Certainly, this dish has lots of mileage, or it was submerged in a sea-water for couple of month. IMG_20150411_224446 (Large).webp
 
RimaNTSS said:
Got my hands on another CM120 today
[...]
So, my plan is:
- remove stuck metal parts from the plastic mirror. Wash the mirror and check whether it is in ship shape (at a first glance it is).
- cut off all screws and trow away as fast as I can. :D
- sandblast all metal parts and attach (weld) more metal to mount to make sure it is strong enough. Make new parts (if needed).
- paint everything
- find all needed INOX fasteners (nuts, bolts, washers).
- join everything together and enjoy installing :rolleyes:
Click to expand...
Yes, of course. (I'd buy it if I was offered it.)

But ... if you already have a nice-condition CM120 with a good condition polar mount... why more? Wher will it go???
Will you be leasing the neighbour's balcony, or perhaps use the NP roofmount to put the dish on the roof of the building?
8-)
 
st1 said:
why more?
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Are you serious? :-rofl2 I am doing my dishes not for banal watching TV, I just like the process. Of course, I am worrying that number of my dishes is growing, so, perhaps, someday I will conciser to sell some of them, leaving at my disposal only the best ones. I am not going to install all dishes at one time... no way.
 
RimaNTSS said:
Are you serious? :-rofl2
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Very.
I am actually looking for rationales for sticking up a few more myself. 8-)
I have at least 8 plastic dishes (only 3 up at the mo), and assorted steel dishes of varous qualities and proportions (2 up).
I feel an urge to put up at least 2 more (motorised), but I need to covince SWMBO as well as myself with at least a plausible explanation...
 
I can count my dishes very approximate, TBH I am just afraid to get exact number of them, cuz it will be .... too many. I had an idea some time ago- to have system with all available satellites (something about 50 ish satellites Ku and C) and also to have 1 motorized Ku band dish and another motorized C-band dish. That was program-maximum. Who knows where I will stop in reality. With 2x1m toroidal dishes I can cover more or less all arc, and then only 2-3 dishes needed to motorize.
 
That how "face" of the dish looks like. I have no idea how to erase rusty marks. Painting whole surface?
 

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RimaNTSS said:
That how "face" of the dish looks like. I have no idea how to erase rusty marks. Painting whole surface?
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Try vinegar, that's good on some surfaces. Or T cut, it's a colour restorer that's a little abrasive.
 
I don't know if vinegar would do any good with iron stains but it's cheap so try it. It may dissolve the iron and be able to be washed away.

Personally I would use oxalic acid (not a bleach - the exact opposite - a reducer) to take the iron away. Take care as it's quite poisonous if swallowed so wash your hands properly. If oxalic acid isn't available then lemon juice can be used although it's not as effective.
 
I tried 5% apple-vinegar last night, it did not help. Just squeezed lemon to rust, will let it stay for a while. If I see difference later whan will go ahead with more lemon-juice. IMG_20150412_125519 (Large).webp
 
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I had major rust issues on my 1.2m fortec, I sanded it down as best as I could and painted with a flat paint twice-rust is all gone.
 
Did you try rustremover ( WD40) and a hard brush .?
 
Hope my comment is relevant, but when i got roofing tar (yes tar) on my previous brand new cm 1.8 i got it off with WD40 as suggested by Trust1

Might be worth a go
 
Lemon juice did not do any better. I do not have WD40 at home. Parking this rust issue for some time. I like idea of painting some nice picture on working surface of the dish. Just not sure I know what exactly I would like to be painted o_O
 
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