1985 TV antenna lifter motor

[Mike Hohnstein]

Warner Electric, Beloit WI, RIP many years now.

MH

----- Original Message -----

From: "mrkane@isp.com"

To: "WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com"

Sent: Sunday, January 13, 2008 6:46 PM

Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] 1985 TV antenna lifter motor

Greetings All:

I wanted to watch the play-offs in HD via off-the-air digital
broadcasts from the local stations, but the TV antenna lifter fails to
raise the antenna on my 1985 PT40. The motor makes "slipping clutch"
noises when run in either the "raise" or "lower" modes. After
removing the extension assembly, it was possible to use the motor to
raise the stubs to allow access to the (eighteen!!) cover screws, each
of which required an impact driver to loosen.

The lifter consists of a single assembly integrating motor and gear
train. The only mark is a sticker "Warner Electric."

There is a micro-switch positioned such that it probably was intended
to open the circuit, stopping the motor when the antenna was
completely retracted. However, the usual mode of operation during my
ownership has been to raise or lower the antenna until slipping is
heard. (This is a "tock-tock-tock" sound.)

Anyone have any experience with R/R on this unit?

Thanks--
M.R.Kane
1985 PT40
currently San Marcos, TX

PS: I seem to be in one of those phases: on the last trip down from
the roof, the plastic step-stool I've been using for some time
shattered to pieces. Had a good grip on the ladder, so no harm.
Managed to short out the power leads for the co-pilot seat by pinching
them in the swivel. Symptom was repeated tripping of a DC circuit
breaker in the curb-side forward load center. Troubleshooting was
unusual, as several wires of different colors were all numbered "10."
Last week discovered an inoperative slack adjuster on one side of the
drive axle, which had existed for some time judging from the different
wear on the brake shoes. Properly adjusted brakes work so much
better! And the previous week, the 50 A. receptacle on the coach
shorted out (at 1:08 A.M.,) burning a hole through the case. Was able
to get a reference number from Earl at BB, as the original
manufacturer, Arrow-Hart, is gone. Number is Bryant 7968 (Bryant is
owned by Hubbell.) These are U.L. approved, but not to current
(NEMA?) standards. In order to make the minimum order I also got the
connector for the coach end of the cord. A local electric supply
company in Seguin was able to get them overnight, but as usual there
were issues. The receptacle did not include the strain relief/seal on
the original--lucky that wasn't melted so I could reuse mine.
Secondly, although cataloged as the same steel plug as on my cord, the
new plug (Bryant 7764) is nylon, and about twice as long as the
original. It will work, but the compartment door cannot be closed and
locked as before...