Turret/gun elevation motor problems

[Kirk Wiggins]

Hi everyone,

I'm experiencing difficulty testing the turret and gun elevation motors on my Late Tiger 1. When connected directly to the battery, the motor shafts operate normally in both directions. However, when connected thru the Aux Module, each motor shaft will operate normally in one direction and abnormally when the transmitter stick is reversed. The motors becomes jerky and the shafts rotates very slowly. With the gun elevation motor, an audibile clicking noise is generated by a relay switch in the module oscillating open and closed. With the turret motor, there is a 2-4 second delay before the shaft begins to spin in a slow, jerky manner.

Mark suggested the connections to the limit switches, and the four prong plug to the Aux Module, be tested for continuity..... no shorts or faults were found. A new Aux Module was provided which did not solve the problem.

Has anyone else had similiar problems? I would greatly appreciate any advice, suggestions or help. I'm at loss to know what to do next. Thanking you in advance.

Kind Regards,

Kirk

[Christoffer Ahlfors]

I would do the following:
1 check the voltage to the aux unit under no load and when operating erratically - if dropping there may be a shorting condition
2 check that the voltage provided by your receiver is within range for the aux unit - I understand some receivers are too low
3 try other receiver channels - if the main motors operate correctly, try those channels as a test
4 determine if the intermittency is regular or irregular - is the relay clicking with a fixed frequency? If so, it could be a settings issue on the radio rather than poor electrical contact.

Good luck hunting!

/Chris

[Kirk Wiggins]

Hi Chris,
Thank you very much for responding. This has all been quite frustrating. I will follow your suggestions and let you know the results. I'm taking all the modules to a local hobbyshop tomorrow to see if they can help.

Thanks again,

Kirk

[Kirk Wiggins]

Hi Chris,
Thank you for pointing me in the right direction. The problem with the gun elevation motor was corrected by an adjustment to the radio. The problem with the turret motor seems to be a problem in the Aux Module. However, I've decided I can live with the delay and slower rotation when the stick is thrown in one direction.
Your advice was very helpful and I thank you again for taking the time to respond.
Regards,
Kirk

[Christoffer Ahlfors]

When you mentioned the word "stick", I realized that the turret rotation motor is connected to a speed controller. I had it connected to a switch on my radio and have been annoyed by its traversing too fast. Changing to a stick makes it possible to control the rotation speed!
I have read about the speed controller, but it was not until now that I made the right connection. Thanks!

Cheers,
/Chris

[Kirk Wiggins]

Chris,
My joy was a little premature. I mounted the elevation and rotation motors in my Tiger and they produced the same issues. I thought I could live with the rotation motor performing well one direction but not the other. However, the abnormal direction creates noise and significant barrel vibration. The elevation motor only moves normally in one direction .....adjusting the radio didn't help.
Gill has graceously requested a return of the Aux Mod, wires and sub loom for testing at Armortek. Requested items will be mailed tomorrow. I'll let you know their verdict.

Regards,
Kirk

[ayhanvatansever]

I read your solution. CH1 is turret rotation that is working, CH4 is gun elevation that is not working with stick. I replaced CH1 and CH4 cable, turrent is running but gun elevation is not running again.
I measure receiver voltage CH1 and CH4
blue-red is = 4.7V
green-red is = 4.9V
blue-green is = 0V

You mention something in reply about radio setting.
How I will set raido.

Ayhan VATANSEVER

I would do the following:
1 check the voltage to the aux unit under no load and when operating erratically - if dropping there may be a shorting condition
2 check that the voltage provided by your receiver is within range for the aux unit - I understand some receivers are too low
3 try other receiver channels - if the main motors operate correctly, try those channels as a test
4 determine if the intermittency is regular or irregular - is the relay clicking with a fixed frequency? If so, it could be a settings issue on the radio rather than poor electrical contact.

Good luck hunting!

/Chris

[Kirk Wiggins]

My problem was the radio. Below is a copy of the text I posted at a later date regarding the problem I was having. Hope this helps. Kirk


"Let me begin by stating I'm not well versed in electronics. I purchased a Futaba 8 channel, 2.4 GHz radio for my Late Tiger 1. Bench testing progressed trouble free until problems arose with the turret turn and gun elevation motors. The motor shafts would turn normally in one direction only. The opposite direction produced a slow, jerky rotation. Testing was done on the Aux Module and sub loom for shorts or faults and none were found. The Aux Module was replaced, but, the problem persisted. Testing the radio by plugging a servo into the various receiver channels confirmed no problem with the radio.

Finally, it was suggested that there might be a compatibility issue with my radio and the Armortek electronic package. My radio allows 7 channel operation as an option. This election can be made in the Linkage Menu under Frequency. When the 7 channel option was linked, all problems were corrected! It appears that Futaba uses a different frequency scheme for radios with 8 or more channels, resulting in compatibility issues with Armortek".