Well I went and did it this time

Paladin · August 29, 2010, 11:36:11 AM

Quote from: wal1809 on August 29, 2010, 11:23:17 AM
I beleive I am getting your drift on the parabola.

Well I dug out the broken dome pieces amd branches. What the heck I powered it up. I spins and locks on the satelites so next step is book a box up to it and find another dome.

Wow, if you spin and lock then I'd say you are in great shape...except for the dome. I dunno here, maybe totally wrong material and cost may be way out of line but vacuum formed plastic? There is a shop around here that does the kind of stuff but I'd bet the setup cost would be pretty high for a one off piece.
I wonder if a dome off of other brands could also fit? At least that would open up the spectrum a bit.

Time for the Saran wrap

!!

Lin · August 29, 2010, 01:04:36 PM

If replacement domes are not easily available, I would guess that you could use just about anything the covers the mechanism without obstructing its function.

Paladin · August 29, 2010, 01:13:32 PM

Well aside from physical things like maybe a twig or leaves falling into the mechanism or on the dish or slush and snow I don't really see why it needs any cover at all. Maybe put a screen (nylon, not metal) over it and see how that goes?

-Dave

eddiepotts · August 29, 2010, 01:34:07 PM

It has exposed electronics. Has to be covered.

Paladin · August 29, 2010, 01:55:48 PM

Quote from: eddiepotts on August 29, 2010, 01:34:07 PM
It has exposed electronics. Has to be covered.

Having never actually been inside one I wasn't aware of that. Thanks for the clarification, I guess a cover is in order.

wal1809 · August 29, 2010, 02:04:05 PM

There are some really delicate looking electronics, tiny gears, belts ect. I pulled it into the barn and I am still worried about dust getting in. The dime looks easy to replace. As far as I can tell it is 4 bolts and a sticky rubber gasket. I looked on the tracstar website but it mentions nothing about replacement parts. If it is to much of a pain in the arse I am going to call my insurance agent. I might just take it into the shop and have them go through Otto check it out. If is broken then now is the time to find out. I might wind up having to replace the system.

Paladin · August 29, 2010, 02:06:40 PM

If it's toast send it to me if you are done with it, I'd love to tinker with it and see if I could find a reasonable dome solution. Don't want to mess with mine.

-Dave

wal1809 · August 29, 2010, 02:14:18 PM

If it is in fact toasted you are welcome to it.

cody · August 29, 2010, 02:18:27 PM

Call trina at RV Surplus and tell her you need an empty dome.

Hi yo silver · August 29, 2010, 05:06:12 PM

What about a big plastic tub over it for temporary protection, until you find a dome?
Dennis

Len Silva · August 29, 2010, 05:24:00 PM

Radomes, which is what that piece is, are designed for minimum signal loss. A substitute may work OK but probably not as well as the original. Protection from the elements, of course, is a different thing; whatever works.

wal1809 · August 29, 2010, 06:18:37 PM

Quote from: cody on August 29, 2010, 02:18:27 PM
Call trina at RV Surplus and tell her you need an empty dome.

Will do!!

wal1809 · August 30, 2010, 01:15:08 PM

I called Tracstar today. $85 plus shipping. Not to bad!!!