1. SOAR AZIMUTH DRIVE
The SOAR azimuth drive systems has 4 motor+gearbox units, two pairs with backlash tuning. (600 kg box) Each subsystem is bolted to the azimuth cone structure (ground) using x12 16mm bolts embedded in the reducer housing, connecting immediately the gear teeth with the main azimuth bearing. (no alignment).

2. SOAR AZIMUTH DRIVE
The original conditions for the reducer on-site installation have been changed . The large access platforms now present at SOAR yoke prevent the load of the reducer to be reached by the dome crane with an auxiliary lifting fixture . SOAR crew have developed a procedure to do this using slings and hoists, sliding the box in the cone surface.

3. SOAR AZIMUTH DRIVE
- On December 2015 a failure was detected on the unit #3. (noise and wear) -The Vertex RSI drawing provided is 17491, but is not exact on what is really inside the gearbox. Unit was disassembled on shop and inspected. - The main gear of the box is a single piece of steel (shaft) hold in position with a double cup bearing embedded in the housing , and a counter-nut. -The nut thread failed and the piece got loose, causing the main gear to freely move up and down with the telescope rotation (axial thrust is a feature on helical teeth)

4. SOAR AZIMUTH DRIVE
Disassemble Procedure is straightforward but requires large forging press and shops extractors , not available at AURA facilities.
Steps:
Remove top of housing bolts and top cap .
Lift up carefully as gearwheel fits exactly on housing geometry. All elements have sharp edges.
Turn Over the removed assembly.
Remove short side pinion and then gearwheel from shaft cone (power jacks used).
Loose nut with spanner tools.
Flip over the assembly again, remove top cover and spacer/bearing.
Lift the shaft with suitable eyebolts (metric).

5. SOAR AZIMUTH DRIVE

6. SOAR AZIMUTH DRIVE
Remove Nut

7. SOAR AZIMUTH DRIVE

8. SOAR AZIMUTH DRIVE
Nut and shaft were redesigned and built with extra mechanisms to avoid loosening. (spider type washer).

9. SOAR AZIMUTH DRIVE

10. DETAILED INFORMATION ON DWGS AND NAMES ON
SOAR AZIMUTH DRIVE
DETAILED INFORMATION ON DWGS AND NAMES ON
ACTR-doc-972