WHAT ACTUATOR DO I HAVE?

[T4Runner]

Removed the original actuator from my 7.5 ft mesh dish because I believe the sensor went out. I am hoping to buy a sensor and replace it if I can figure out what brand I've got. The actuator will move left and right by manually clicking the remote, but then will never move more without going to the VBox-X Powermax and manually moving it further.

My camera is on the blitz, so this is a guessing game...

1 1/4" to 1 1/2" tube diameter. Very heavy 24" long tube. Metal back motor cover with the standard 4 long screws into the casing.the only visible writing on a faded old sticker says "HTS, Boston Tracker System". I cannot see any brand like Von Weise or Venture anywhere. Nothing on the dish either to identify it, but I want to replace the sensor with the right item.

Do we have to have a picture to confirm the type?

 

[gabshere]

HTS - Houston Tracker System
can't remember what they looked like maybe was a Thompson Saginaw actuator branded for HTS ?

 

[T4Runner]

Well, I guess my real question should be does it matter what sensor I buy to replace the old one with? Doesn't seem to be too many choices out there. Mine looks like a triangle with two wires connected to it. If I am describing the sensor...

 

[gabshere]

If its a triangle sensor. Compare it to the one at sky vision then search intranet. I'm on phone so search is limited for me

 

[T4Runner]

Thanks for your help. I'll start googling...

 

[gabshere]

see if this look like it

 

[gabshere]

when using your v-box mover does it count and then stop ? does it give error like E-2 ?

 

[T4Runner]

when using your v-box mover does it count and then stop ? does it give error like E-2 ?

Yes, and yes.

 

[T4Runner]

see if this look like it

Yup. Pretty close. At that price I can afford to get it and make it fit!

 

[T4Runner]

Yes, and yes.

However, I replaced the actuator with a superjack II and no problems with the VBOX-x if that's where you're headed? Works fine with the new actuator. Just not as many pulses..

 

[Anole]

At that price I can afford to get it and make it fit!

Now that's the can-do attitude I like to see!

 

[gabshere]

However, I replaced the actuator with a superjack II and no problems with the VBOX-x if that's where you're headed? Works fine with the new actuator. Just not as many pulses..

usually counts and then gives a E-2 error is a sign of poor connection. since you can connect another actuator to it and it acts fine , only thing i can think of is a bad / poor connection at the sensor area. maybe some corrosion has set in at the block. could be a quick check to pull the sensor wires, clean them and recheck the system. but i would agree at the sensor price would still be a good idea to have a spare

 

[T4Runner]

Yes, already ordered and I'll refurbish paint the whole actuator. It's not just old, it's in pretty sad shape. These old actuators are like solid granit to keep functioning for so many years like they do.

 

[johann12]

usually counts and then gives a E-2 error is a sign of poor connection. since you can connect another actuator to it and it acts fine , only thing i can think of is a bad / poor connection at the sensor area. maybe some corrosion has set in at the block. could be a quick check to pull the sensor wires, clean them and recheck the system. but i would agree at the sensor price would still be a good idea to have a spare

I had the exact same problem.
I had rusted terminal blocks inside the actuator cover, After moving the wires that where connected to the terminal blocks everything was ok. But that showed me that the fault was at the connections at the actuator.
After that everything was ok.
Look for rusted terminal blocks and corroded wires or loose wires.