Here is a link to a fellow ham who produces fantastic kits/fully assembled units. They are REAL reasonable priced and work just great. Give him a try you will be very happy with the results. http://www.foxdelta.com/products/satellite.htm
----- Original Message ----- From: "Bill Howell" <[email protected]> To: "Amsat List" <[email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, July 08, 2009 7:00 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: controller and Rotator help > Myles, > > My friend is using a Yaesu 5400 rotor (the currently available model > is the 5500). > I do not believe that he has had any problem with it, nor have I. > He uses a controller created by Mark Spencer, WA8SME. Here is a link > to the original QST page that describes it: > http://www.arrl.org/FandES/tbp/ariss-kits/ > Note that the kit is no longer available through Mark or the ARRL. > The boards are available through Far Circuits... > http://www.farcircuits.net/control1.htm > It is described as "SATELITE TRACKER INTERFACE FOR G-5500, G-5400, > NOVA, SatPC32 BY WA8SME > INCLUDES PROGRAMMED PIC AND BOARD". > > What you are buying is a circuit board and programmed PIC chip. You > will have to buy miscellaneous parts to finish out the project. > > When used with MacDoppler, the "EasyCom" protocol is selected . > > I hope all the above is not too confusing. > > You mention a concern about not having access to the roof, once the > rotor is installed. > > Keep in mind that at some point in the future, you may end up having > to get up there and troubleshoot the unit or perhaps attend to a coax > connector that is letting in the rain, etc. > > Bill Howell N5AB > > > > On Jul 5, 2009, at 5:44 AM, myles landstein wrote: > > >> hi >> >> thank you very much for all the info and willingness to ask a >> friend about his setup >> could you in particular ask what his experience was w/the >> rotator was it 'trouble free' for him >> >> >> my biggest concern is getting a bad brand of rotator >> because it will be very difficult for me t get the building >> to give me access to the roof and to hire people to have to >> climb up and replace a rotator so naturally i want to make sure >> to get the right brand, the alpha spid seems to be double in >> price not chump change so while i don't mind getting one, >> i don't want to waste money if the yaesu is 'ok' and so far i >> don't know anyone who said they had the spid perhaps it's >> problematic or just too $$ >> >> excuse my babble and again thanks for all >> >> myles >> >> >> On Jul 4, 2009, at 11:02 PM, Bill Howell wrote: >> >>> Myles, >>> >>> My antennas/rotor are disassembled right now, as we are trying to >>> sell the house. >>> When it was all together, I used an older version of MacDoppler Pro, >>> a Mac G4 tower with a serial card, >>> and an Endeavour Auto Tracker ( http://endeavour-usa.com/ >>> autotracker.htm ) driving a Yaesu 5400 rotor. >>> The system worked FB. >>> >>> Had I to do it over, I might not choose the Endeavour interface >>> unit. >>> It requires a serial port >>> on the Mac, and I'm not sure if a serial-to USB converter would work >>> right with it >>> (an Imac, for instance, has no provision for a serial card). >>> >>> MacDoppler is an excellent program with great support. >>> The 5400 was purchased used and has been up on my roof for a number >>> of years with no problems. >>> >>> A friend of mine (who may not subscribe to this list) is using a >>> Mac, >>> MacDoppler and a Yaesu 5400. >>> I will email him and see what he is using for an interface unit (I >>> think his Mac is USB-only), and let you know. >>> >>> Bill Howell N5AB >>> >>> >>> On Jul 4, 2009, at 8:12 PM, myles landstein wrote: >>> >>>> Since no one has replied thought I might give it another try, >>>> while perhaps not many are familiar with MacDoppler software, I >>>> hope some would be with the hardware and wouldn't mind >>>> offering >>>> some help? >>>> >>>> >>>> thanks >>>> >>>> happy 4th >>>> >>>> >>>> On Jul 3, 2009, at 4:47 PM, myles landstein wrote: >>>> >>>>> Hoping to get some real world advice from those that are using >>>>> MacDoppler and a compatible Rotor /Controller set up as this will >>>>> be my first time getting a rotator and controller. >>>>> >>>>> I wanted to solicit some advice on two fronts, the rotor >>>>> controller basically for ease of use with MacDoppler and >>>>> rotor reliability. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> My first thoughts were towards a Yaesu 5500 and maybe the >>>>> PrimeTec controller or maybe the LVB tracker as it's less costly. >>>>> >>>>> I read a few reviews but not much was out there in general but >>>>> especially on the PrimeTec... >>>> >>>> Anyone using the PrimeTec? >>>>> >>>>> What are you using as a controller? would appreciate any >>>>> comparisons pro's cons tips tricks you might have >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> My biggest concern really is the Rotator. I am in a situation such >>>>> that after installation, getting back to the roof for repairs >>>>> would be rather difficult. So i am trying to identify the 'best' >>>>> small/moderate sized rotator (az/el) as possible /practical. >>>>> >>>>> Will be turning a small M2 2m and 440 circular pol beam >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> Not really sure how reliable the 5500 is for long term use. so >>>>> if there was a 'better' more reliable and or longer lasting rotor >>>>> out there i'd strongly consider it >>>>> >>>>> The only thing I thought of as a alternative was the AlphaSpid but >>>>> comparing reviews I seem to come out about the same between it and >>>>> the 5500 -hoping some real world responses might help me break >>>>> the >>>>> 'tie' >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> Since this is all new stuff and I am not finding the usual >>>>> quality 'google' results /reviews (PrimeTec) I would greatly >>>>> appreciate any >>>>> help or experience /advice on this from someone that went down >>>>> this road already and willing to share some first hand info on >>>>> what >>>>> they use. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> thanks very much grateful for any advice. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> Going to Dayton '10 It will get better with >>>>> more support! >>>>> >>>>> Myles D Landstein >>>>> N2EHG >>>>> [email protected] >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>> >>>> Myles Landstein >>>> [email protected] >>>> please note my new email address >>>> dti will soon be eliminated , gmail is my new home update your dir >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the >>>> author. >>>> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite >>>> program! >>>> Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the >>> author. >>> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite >>> program! >>> Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb >> >> Myles Landstein >> [email protected] >> please note my new email address >> dti will soon be eliminated , gmail is my new home update your dir >> > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the > author. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite > program! > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > _______________________________________________ Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
