[Elecraft] Antenna Rotator

[k8cxm at fuse.net]

I've been using a cheapo NTE TV rotor, along with an NTE thrust bearing. And 
while it works OK, It's a good thing the Hex Beam over top of it has a broad 
lobe. After windy days, the rotor does get out of synch and I need to 
resynch it. Not hard to do, but still a nuisance. Next spring I am replacing 
it with the Yaesu G450A rotor. I have a spare NTE, because the original 
leaked moisture through the top seal, and it would freeze up in the cold 
winter air. I bought a second one and it doesn't. Easy enough to fix with 
silicone sealer, but didn't want to take any chances with winter coming on. 
BOTH rotors will move in heavy wind. I proved that by standing on my roof 
and pushing the Hex beam elements by hand. There is NO brake in these guys, 
only the gears to hold them in place. OK for really small antennas with not 
much wind load, but the Hex beam is big enough to test them.

Jim ... K8CXM

-------------------------------------------------
From: "Phil Hystad" <phystad at mac.com>
Sent: Tuesday, November 13, 2012 11:08 AM
To: "Mike K2MK" <k2mk at comcast.net>
Cc: <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Antenna Rotator

> 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
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> --
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>> Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
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