Technical information

OM56_Rev G Page 18 of 28
CAUTION: Allowing the antenna to continue to operate after damage or discrepancies have been noted during
inspection may result in property damage (especially to your earth station antenna), as well as increase the risk of
creating dangerous situations for personnel, causing personal injury and/or loss of life.
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4.2.1 Local Control/Motor Drive Controller Inspection
For details on inspections for the Local Control/Motor Drive Controller, refer to the appropriate antenna
control documentation.
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4.2.2 Antenna Inspection
Inspection of the antenna generally conforms to standard visual inspection procedures performed on
electromechanical equipment. In addition to these procedures, perform the following checks and visual
inspections for the specific conditions as noted:
 Inspect all wiring and cables, particularly the network-to-enclosure and enclosure-to-mount interfaces, for
discolored and/or burned insulation, entry of water/moisture, corrosion, dirt, breaks, secure connections,
and any other signs of damage or deterioration. Examine connections for dirt, corrosion, and mechanical
defects. Check for loose or broken lacing, as well as cuts, braiding, dry rot, or cracks in insulation
 Inspect all connectors for corrosion, broken inserts, and stripped threads. Inspect connector shells,
checking for distortion and dents. Inspect contact pins for bends, misalignment, and/or other deformities.
Check connector inserts for carbon tracking, burns, or charring, indicating arc-over
 Check all electrical components for dirt, cracks, chips, breaks, discoloration, and any other signs of
damage or deterioration. Discoloration, blistering, or burns are evidence of overload(s). Measure the
actual value(s) of any suspect electrical components (as with a digital multimeter) and compare against
value(s) in the product’s specifications
 Operate the Azimuth and Elevation drives, as well as the feed rotation (if applicable) in both the plus and
minus direction from the local control/motor drive controller at least once every three (3) months during
antenna down time. Check to make sure the mechanical Hard Limit switches stop the antenna and feed
movement, and limit travel to prevent structural interference and damage. Check the mechanical Hard
Limit switches for corrosion and water entry. Check the arm on the feed limit switch for free movement,
with no binding or interference. Be certain both of the feed rotation limit switch arms are not distorted and
ride centrally on the actuating cam to open their corresponding Hard Limit switch
 Inspect the Azimuth and Elevation Jackscrew boots for security of attachment at both ends, checking for
abrasions, tears, cuts, dry rot, and other damage that might expose the jackscrew to environmental
conditions (rain/water/ice, dust, etc.). Minor repairs can be made by resealing compromised areas with
RTV-108 silicone rubber sealant
 Visually inspect the feed window for dirt. Check the feed, feed supports, feed window, and reflector for
distortion, foreign object damage, and environmental deterioration (due to snow/ice, rain, hail, high winds,
etc.). Environmental deterioration can result in damage and/or deformation of both the electrical
components and the structure
 Check the cable attachment to the resolvers, to the LNA/LNB, and the enclosure-to-mount interface for
security. Check the cable routing for secure hanger attachment. Check cable insulation for cuts, cracks,
abrasions, and other signs of damage or deterioration. Check LNA/LNB and resolvers for secure
mechanical attachments. Ensure there is proper torque in setscrews of Polarization drive gear box, and
proper tensioning of corresponding drive chain assembly (if applicable)
 IF APPLICABLE, check that drain holes in bottom of the enclosure and pedestal are not obstructed, and
there is no evidence of water accumulation. Check enclosure doors for proper closure. Verify door seals
are intact and free of tears, abrasions, and/or other damage. Check that all other seals are intact, and
repair with coating of RTV-108 silicone rubber sealant as needed to seal exposed electrical fittings, bolt
holes, and/or any other points of possible water entry to electrical components to maintain a waterproof
condition. If enclosure has a vent fan, inspect fan blade for freedom of operation. Fan bearings are
permanently lubricated. However, any binding, abnormal noises, and/or vibration means replacement of
the fan assembly is needed. Check fan filter element and, dirty or obstructed with dust, replace it.