[Elecraft] Antenna Rotator

[Phil Hystad]

I own a hex beam and I agree with Mike.  For example, I am located in the Seattle region and I can easily work virtually the entire country and everything beyond in that easterly direction without ever changing my hex beam direction.  Sure, I could probably get a stronger signal by pointing directly at some location if I am otherwise operating off at a larger angle but most often this does not matter.  The hex beam frontal lobe is pretty broad.  

So, I rarely rotate my hex beam.

But, wouldn't it be nice to have a 7-element (or more) Yagi where being dead-on in direction really counts!  Unfortunately, I do not have the room for such an antenna (unless I was operating 2-meters or higher).

73, phil, K7PEH

P.S. By the way, I use a regular Radio Shack antenna rotator and it has been operating flawlessly since I put it up in 2005.  The rotator cost me $69 brand new.


On Nov 13, 2012, at 4:54 AM, Mike K2MK <k2mk at comcast.net> wrote:

> Hi Ron,
> 
> If you've never used a rotator before I think you'll be more than happy
> enough to let your fingers do the control of the rotator. I have a G-450A at
> the bottom of a 30 foot mast for my hex beam and am very happy with it. Hex
> beams are not so directional that you have to change the direction for every
> station you work so it's really not important to me to have my PC turn the
> antenna constantly. 
> 
> The G-450A is a perfect companion for a hex beam. You may want to join the
> Hex Beam Yahoo group for additional opinions.
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hex-beam/
> 
> 73,
> Mike K2MK
> 
> 
> 
> Ron Midwin-3 wrote
>> I'm considering a Hex Beam antenna with the rotator at the bottom of a 30
>> foot mast.  The Hex Beam company recommends a Yaesu G450 A rotator or
>> equivalent.  Since I've not used a rotator before, I'm looking for
>> recommendations on one that might be more compatible with my K3?
>> 
>> This is regarding controlling the rotator from the shack.  Any comments
>> would be appreciated.
>> 
>> -- 
>> Ron Midwin
>> AE6RH
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> --
> View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Antenna-Rotator-tp7565527p7565542.html
> Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:Elecraft at mailman.qth.net
> 
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html