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Lesson Preventative Maintenance, THE Necessity

Discussion in 'DIY Motion Simulator Projects' started by Brett Horton, Nov 11, 2017.

  1. Brett Horton

    Brett Horton Active Member

    Joined:
    Aug 18, 2016
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    310
    Occupation:
    Program Manager / Pilot
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    Tampa FL
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    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, JRK, Motion platform
    Hey guys,
    Just a public service announcement...
    I was in the process of installing some custom CNC Pot brackets this morning and when I disassembled the old brackets it was very evident that my POT's (Bourns) while would turn, were very tight. I cleaned and lubed them lightly with a synthetic oil and it free'ed them up just fine. I also at this time lubed all pivot points and rod ends for good measure.
    So.... when things are working great for months at a time, please do not forget to spend the time and perform some PM... Your machine and your wallet will thank you later!

    Oh forgot...
    Here is a picture of my POT brackets
    Pot Brackets.jpg
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  2. Tim McGuire

    Tim McGuire "Forever a work in progress"

    Joined:
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    Electrical/Electronics Engineer
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    Canada
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    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor
    I can second this, one of my hall effect pots bound up on me recently, killing one of my drivers and bending the connecting rod. After cleaning it out and re-lubricating the shaft it's all back to normal.
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  3. Andy Booth

    Andy Booth Active Member

    Joined:
    May 3, 2017
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    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF
    My regular preventative maintenance is to check and re-tighten the grub screws of the flexi links between the pot and the motor.

    While I'm sure these connections shouldnt come loose, I have lost the link between the pot and the motor causing the motors to drive hard over to the extremes of movement.

    But I hadn't thought of lubricatingthe pots. I have some spray lube and contact cleaner somewhere at home. Better pull that out and give each of the pots a little squirt.

    Andy
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  4. Brett Horton

    Brett Horton Active Member

    Joined:
    Aug 18, 2016
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    310
    Occupation:
    Program Manager / Pilot
    Location:
    Tampa FL
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    118Coins
    Ratings:
    +202 / 2 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, JRK, Motion platform
    Yeah, I was surprised at how tight the little pots where, almost could not turn them by hand.... Cleaning and lube got them going perfect again.
  5. Slider

    Slider Active Member

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    Jul 28, 2014
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    Brisbane
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    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, JRK
    They are the sexiest pot brackets i have ever seen. I assume you made them? Be a good product to offer to the public... aka me :)
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  6. Brett Horton

    Brett Horton Active Member

    Joined:
    Aug 18, 2016
    Messages:
    310
    Occupation:
    Program Manager / Pilot
    Location:
    Tampa FL
    Balance:
    118Coins
    Ratings:
    +202 / 2 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, JRK, Motion platform
    lol.... Thanks, Yes I drew them and had a machinist at work cut them for me.
    They would be expensive .... They where hard to hold in the machining jig while cutting.
    I certainly can post the .stp files though, see attached

    Attached Files:

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