[HCARC] Antenna Rotor - Rate Them

[Dale Gaudier]

Gary:

I've only had experience with two rotors, a Hy-Gain HAM IV and a M2 Orion
P2800PX.

First, a couple of general observations: 

(1) You need to have an idea of how much surface area of antenna(s) you will
be turning. Trying to use a rotor rated for turning 15 sq.ft. of antenna(s)
to turn a 20 sq.ft. array will lead to early failure of the rotor. If you
can afford it, get a rotor whose rating exceeds by a reasonable margin the
largest array you think you might put up.

(2) Generally, you get what you pay for. The more expensive rotors have
beefier housings, will handle bigger arrays, have better control and braking
systems and more secure rotor-to-mast clamps.

Now to my specific experience with the two rotors I've owned.


Hy-Gain HAM IV:

A mid-priced rotor that has been in production for many years. Used by
thousands of hams. I've owned mine since around 1990. Uses an analog control
box. Will handle up to 15 sq.ft. of antenna(s).

   Pluses:  Relatively inexpensive; gets the job done so long as you don't
overload it. Mine still works after 22 years.
   Minuses: Uses a 'wedge' brake, which may allow some shifting in strong
winds; rotor-to-mast clamp not as strong as some other designs; analog
control box is manual control only, no 'point and turn' capability. Standard
gauge rotor control line is good up to around 125 ft. Above this you need a
beefier gauge control line (more $$$).

   Note: I used this rotor on and off over the past two decades to turn
several 'tri-bander' type Yagis, primarily a Cushcraft A4S. It worked fine.
My only real issue was that I would periodically have to realign the
antenna/mast with the rotor as it would sometimes shift after strong winds
so that the antenna didn't point to where the controller thought it was
pointing.


Orion P2800PX

A higher-end rotor that can handle up to 35 sq. ft. of antenna. Comes with a
supplied digital control box. Some vendors, such as Array Solutions, will
swap out a better control box (e.g. Green Heron RT-21) for the Orion
supplied one.

   Pluses: Will turn about any full-size ham antenna array, including
several stacked Yagis. Heavy duty castings and gearbox; sealed rotor cable
connection; very strong rotor to mast clamp; uses worm gear drive which also
provides positive braking; 1/2 degree pointing accuracy; control box allows
both manual and point and turn capabilities along with computer control.
Controller has speed ramp up/ramp down that causes less stress to the
rotor/mast/antenna when starting up or ending. 
   Minuses: Expensive; may not fit inside some smaller towers.

   Note: This is the rotor I currently use to turn my Force 12 Delta 6BA
antenna. It has worked flawlessly the past year. The Green Heron controller
has multiple output voltage settings which can be used for cable runs
greater than 200 ft. (my cable run is 650 ft.) This controller can be
programmed for use with other manufacturers' rotors.

Other rotor manufacturers you might consider are Yaesu and Prosistel. 

Hope this helps.

73,

Dale - K4DG


-----Original Message-----
From: hcarc-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:hcarc-bounces at mailman.qth.net]
On Behalf Of Gary and Arlene Johnson
Sent: Monday, December 10, 2012 12:06 AM
To: hcarc at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [HCARC] Antenna Rotor - Rate Them

Looking to the future for a rotator to pair with my newly purchased 72 foot
tower.  Is anyone interested in rating the rotators they have had experience
with??  Plusses and minuses of each.  I have seen rotator cable for sale on
Ebay that has like 8 sepaate wires inside of one sheath - what is up with
that stuff??

Gary J
N5BAA
HCARC Secretary 2013
______________________________________________________________
HCARC mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/hcarc
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:HCARC at mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html