Any accumulated imbedded dirt, corrosion, grease, or oil deposits that require further cleaning may be removed with a bristle or wire brush and a cleaning solvent such as trichlorethylene or equal. After cleaning, allow cleaned parts to dry for 10 to 15 minutes before placing the equipment into operation. The frequency of inspection is contingent upon the user’s individual standards and the operational environment in which the earth station is located. However, a visual inspection of the earth station components should be performed at least semi-annually. Where there are no established wear limits, perform a visual inspection to locate worn or damaged parts which could cause improper functioning of the earth station. It is recommended that the mechanical and electrical inspection be performed on the assembled or partially disassembled equipment to determine the extent of disassembly required prior to completely disassembling a suspected malfunctioning component or module. In the absence of any special inspection requirements, operational tests are the most effective means in isolating parts and assemblies requiring further inspection. Any condition noted during inspection that may preclude continued proper operation of the earth station prior to the next scheduled inspection should be noted. The discrepant condition should be corrected (repaired or replaced) immediately or at the conclusion of the inspection procedure. Inspection of the local control/motor drive controller conforms generally to standard visual inspection procedures on electromechanical equipment. In addition to these standard procedures, perform the following checks and visual inspections for the specific conditions noted: • Check the front panel for illegible and indistinct panel markings. • Check the three position selector switches (Azimuth Off/Slow/Fast, ElevationOff/ Slow/Fast, and Polarization-CCW/Off/CW) for smooth operation, audible clicking at each actuation (left to center and return) and spring return from right to center. For each of the two position selector switches (Azimuth-East/West, Elevation-Up/Down, and Local/Remote) check for smooth operation and audible clicking at each actuation. • Inspect all wiring and cables for discolorization and burned insulation, dirt, breaks, security of connection and other signs of deterioration. Examine connections for dirt, flux, corrosion, and mechanical defects. Check for loose or broken lacing and cut, brittle, abraided, frayed, or cracked insulation. • Examine connectors for corrosion, broken inserts and stripped threads. Check connector shells for distortion and dents, and contact pins for bends, misalignment, or other deformities. Check connector inserts for carbon tracking indicating arc-over. • Check all electrical components for dirt, cracks, chips, breaks, discoloration and other signs of deterioration and damage. A discolored, blistered, or burnt condition is evidence of overload. Measure actual value of suspect electrical components and compare against specified value. • Check transformer for an excessive wax deposit on the surface, discoloration, or a 45 Preventive Maintenance Antenna pungent odor indicative of burning vanish denoting overheating or a total breakdown. • Check all terminal boards for broken or missing terminals and stripped threads. Check tightness of lead attaching hardware. • Check each starter for a make-after-break provision through the release of one push- button as the alternate pushbutton is pressed. • Check the relays and contactors for free operation of the armatures and contact condition. The contacts are usable even though pitted, burned, worn, or discolored. The contacts or contactor or relay assembly should be replaced only when the contact material has been completely torn away or worn off. • Visually inspect all mechanical parts for freedom of operation without binding or interference. Check for security of all hardware and stripped or otherwise damaged threads. Check metallic parts for corrosion, dents, distortion, and other deformation. • Check for evidence of water inside the enclosure. If any water is in evidence, check that all seals are intact and if not, use a coating of RTV-108 (silicone rubber sealant) to seal any exposed electrical fitting, bolt hole, or other possible water entry to the enclosed electrical components in order to maintain a waterproof condition. • Check or change humidity absorber. Inspection of the antenna conforms generally to standard visual inspection procedures performed on electromechanical equipment. In addition to these procedures, perform the following checks and visual inspections for the specific conditions noted: • Inspect all wiring and cables particularly the network to enclosure and enclosure to mount interfaces for discoloration and burned insulation, moisture entry, corrosion, dirt, breaks, security of connection, and other signs of deterioration. Examine connections for dirt, corrosion, and mechanical d...