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Noisy radar

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  • Member since
    September 2010
  • From: Parma Heights Ohio
  • 3,442 posts
Noisy radar
Posted by Penny Trains on Sunday, February 22, 2015 6:24 PM

At a recent show I picked up a used(?) MTH 30-9032 repro of the Lionel 197 radar tower.  Other than a bit of dust it's in excellent shape.  But it's very very loud.  It doesn't sound like metal rubbing or scraping, but rather just a lot of loud humming/buzzing.

Is it possible to lubricate a vibrotor?

Becky

Trains, trains, wonderful trains.  The more you get, the more you toot!  Big Smile

  • Member since
    January 2013
  • From: Monongahela, PA
  • 287 posts
Posted by RedfireS197 on Sunday, February 22, 2015 7:18 PM

Becky,

            Powdered graphite is the only thing I'd suggest for a vibrotor-powered item like a radar tower or beacon.

Jim

KRM
  • Member since
    January 2011
  • From: North Bluff above Marseilles IL
  • 6,506 posts
Posted by KRM on Monday, February 23, 2015 3:02 PM

Becky,

I agree with Jim on the Powdered graphite but don’t think it will help much.  Seems anything with the vibrator motors make the loud humming/buzzing sound. 

Joined 1-21-2011    TCA 13-68614

Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

  • Member since
    July 2014
  • 151 posts
Posted by irontooth on Wednesday, February 25, 2015 9:37 PM

Have you tried adjusting the voltage going to the radar? It helped a little on my Colber rotating beacon. I also think I read about folks using a rectifer to quiet the buzzing humming,but not sure?

Irontooth

  • Member since
    August 2005
  • 19 posts
Posted by Steamr on Thursday, February 26, 2015 12:56 PM

I have had good success using Labelle brand Teflon Powder.  You may also need to replace the driving washer if the feet are distorted or worn.

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