I got a new Channel Master rotator from a dealer about a year ago. A few months in, it would only rotate about 75% of the way. I called the dealer, and while no longer how long it takes for them to come back, since the claim was made within a year it could warranty out. He just said that due to COVID they weren’t making them (somewhere overseas) at the moment. About a month ago, I called them to get more info from them, and they said that they were now finally being made, but they have no ETA, and I called a few times with a few different people to double-check. I’m guaranteed a new one free because of warranty and while I’d still have to pay for the service call, I will still get one. Anybody have any input on when they will be available? I hope to replace it this spring and hope to not have to wait any longer. Luckily I have it facing my direct locals.
Does anyone know when the Channel Master rotators are coming back (at least approximately)?
- Thread starter edisonprime
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edisonprime Why don't you go directly to the source, and email them? Channel Master: Over-The-Air Broadcast Entertainment Products
I told you I contacted Channel Master several times to double check, but I can’t get a definitive answer.
Oh crap. I meant to post that I contacted my dealer last year but somehow forgot to mention that about a month ago the people I contacted was Channel Master directly and called a few times with different people to get an answer, which I didn’t (but the rotors are currently in production, but no ETA). Now it won’t let me edit that post.
Don't know if this applies in your situation but quite often when those things stop turning, or only turn very weakly the problem is the non-polarized capacitor in the control box unit. Those things do go bad and if you can find a replacement for that capacitor it might restore your rotator to working condition. Of course, that will not work if there is some kind of mechanical problem in the rotator unit itself.
I have been selling and installing Channel Master Rotators for 20 years. They stopped production overseas before COVID and I wouldn’t hold your breath on new production. It is rare for their outdoor drive units to run 75% of the rotation. This can happen if it’s not wired properly. When the unit is running from 0-360 the antenna should be turning clockwise. Time the rotation outside and even inside. They are both 1 rpm units and I have seen the control box run too fast and the drive unit can’t keep up...meaning it does not complete its rotation. Easiest way to see the unit run is to set the indoor unit to 360. Then type in 00(down arrow) and watch the rotator turn. It should run from 360-000 then 000-360. Note the indoor unit will be flashing a synchronization sequence. Are there any branches or twigs that could be slowing the unit down? A simple twig hanging up at the end of a large directional antenna can easily stall that rotator.
Several people at Channel Master have told me that they are currently in production, but no ETA yet.
I tested it a few minutes ago and I heard some crackling, so it's possible it may be a twig? It's too dangerous for me to go on the roof (it is very slanted), but I'll hire the professional dealer and he can have one of his guys remove it.
Ah hell, I just tracked one of those rotors online (it was very hard to find), and did research on the website and company (to verify that it wasn’t a scam site), and ordered it. It cost me $213 but I’m tired of waiting. I plan to have my dealer to install it once there’s no snow or ice or anything on the roof. I plan to ask him today as soon as they open.
I have heard the same. I know the VP of sales and he hasn’t been able to give me any time frame. I have had to use the RCA rotators for the past 18 months. It is definitely a reasonable option at half the cost of the CM.
Like my post above, I tracked down a CM rotor online and am going with that one.
Ah crap. That was an error on the company’s website and those rotors aren’t available. I think it’s possible that there’s something caught in that rotor, and I hired my dealer to fix it hopefully Friday (if the weather is okay and the roof is not too slick).
I will, thanks. I called him again with another question and he told me that it should still be under warranty even if they fix it a little. So if the repair is so-so, at least it’s still under warranty. So I’m good either way.
Just looked and it says temporarily out of stock.
Rotator System
The Rotator System provides easy TV antenna positioning from inside your home through the use of a Handheld Remote Control and the Rotator Control Unit.
www.channelmaster.com
Just looked and it says temporarily out of stock.
Rotator System
The Rotator System provides easy TV antenna positioning from inside your home through the use of a Handheld Remote Control and the Rotator Control Unit.
Yep just checked it again Something must be going on with their site. I have a account to place a order. When I log in it does not show out of stock. I will try calling them later on to see what the story is
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Let us know what you find out. Hopefully good news!
Ok they said that they are in production from a supplier at a new location over seas. They said it would be several months before they get them in. They said shipping is the hold up. The current location is no longer available to provide rotors.
It sounds like they are switching suppliers.
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