At Life.Church, we use Da-Lite motorized screens for our center projector screens. Every once in a while, these motors start to make a slightly alarming, clicking noise while moving. This sounds alarming, but it is just an indication that the motor bearings need some grease. This article will break down how to grease those bearings.
ANYTIME this is needed, please make the Central Tech Team aware by emailing [email protected].
1. Get the grease
Go to Lowe's and get white lithium grease. Below is a link along with a visual example
2. Get some gloves
Get some gloves(if the campus does not have any). We should only need one pair, maybe two pairs of gloves.
3. Get a rag or paper towel
Get a rag or paper towel to be able to clean hands and any mess that might be made while performing this action.
4. Clear the area for the campus lift to get to each side of the screen
There are two parts that need to be greased, one on each side. Make sure the area is clear for the lift to get to each side. Some stages are clear enough to pull the lift up close enough. Some are not and there may be a stage deck or two that needs to be moved in order to have access.
5. Take lift up to each side, and grease the gear
Each side has a part to be greased. The only thing to make sure of is that the grease DOES NOT get on the roller or the screen itself. Pics below will show the gears and how they are greased.
Side 2. Usually right side
The other side is usually just one single point that needs to be greased very well. Pic below.
6. Test the screen
The screen motor should be tested by going through the up and down cycles. HOWEVER, it is not good go too fast through those cycles and burn up the motor or push it into protect mode. We suggest testing by going up and down once, let it sit for a few minutes, then go again. There should be noticeable differences in sound after about ten cycles. There is no need to test ten times. Best practice is to do a test run through about 3 times, then let time tell.