Ku Dish Motors

[Andrew K]

I have the SG2100 motor on my 30" dish, and I was wondering how durable this thing is. I just installed it a few months ago, and it seems to be working great. I was wondering how long these motors usually last. Last winter, my antenna rotator froze up and wouldn't work until the spring when it unthawed. That's why I was concerned about putting a motor on my dish. Will using it too much cause it to wear out?

 

[Mikey11]

the sg2100 was my first motor and i used it for 4 years without a problem with a 36 incher, that is using it pretty much every day, it froze a couple of times (in the morning) each winter for half a day at a time, but would work again as soon as the sun would get to it, temps here get down to -20C to -30C in winter,

i replaced it with an sg9120 only because i got the sg9120 for free, the sg2100 was still working perfectly but showing signs of slight backlash, which could be adjusted, i just never bothered, i still have the sg2100 sitting in my garage, the sg9120 has never frozen once,

 

[phlatwound]

I have heard there are several different "SG2100"s, and some are better than others. I know some people have had them for years and they have performed well in the cold.

 

[Mikey11]

I have heard there are several different "SG2100"s, and some are better than others. I know some people have had them for years and they have performed well in the cold.

yes good point, there are clones out there

 

[Magic Static]

I've had a dozen of them. They are all a PITA. IMHO That said, the biggest problem with motors come from power problems resulting from, poor connections and long cable runs , and power needs right at the limit of most switches and receivers. Factor in some extreme cold and you have all the ingredients for a major headache. The best thing I ever did for an SG2100 was give it an external power source.

 

[Magic Static]

And another thing about SG2100 motors. The flimsy bracket design flexes when tightened which makes aligning the dish a nightmare.
I have had fun with that problem too.

 

[cyberham]

...power problems resulting from, poor connections and long cable runs , and power needs right at the limit of most switches and receivers....

I have 200 feet of RG-6 to my Moteck SG-2100. No power problems experienced (yet).

 

[whatchel1]

And another thing about SG2100 motors. The flimsy bracket design flexes when tightened which makes aligning the dish a nightmare.
I have had fun with that problem too.

So get a piece of thick metal to go behind the clamps to brace them.

 

[mr.crane]

And another thing about SG2100 motors. The flimsy bracket design flexes when tightened which makes aligning the dish a nightmare.
I have had fun with that problem too.

Magic, how did you resolve you flimsy bracket? Is that a current picture of your install. What kind of pipe did you use, and how did you keep it plumb?
Can you add more pictures how it is attached to your house. Thanks

 

[Magic Static]

Magic, how did you resolve you flimsy bracket? Is that a current picture of your install. What kind of pipe did you use, and how did you keep it plumb?
Can you add more pictures how it is attached to your house. Thanks

I replaced the two U Bolts with the 1/4" steel plate and four studs to stiffen the bracket. I used 1-1/2" pipe to make the mast and used the foot and support arms from a SuperDish. I've moved the dish and replaced the SG2100 since those pictures.