Re: [Elecraft] Antenna Rotator
I don't know of any rotor that would be any better than that unless it's another Yaesu rotor I use the G-2800DXA rotors with my K3's and other radios. I have used the G-1000DXA's also. 73, Fred/N0AZZ -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Ron Midwin Sent: Monday, November 12, 2012 8:10 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] Antenna Rotator 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 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Antenna Rotator
Ron, It's not a matter of the rotor being compatible with the K3. To control it from the shack, it needs to have an interface to the computer, normally a serial (RS232) port. Idiom Press (http://www.idiompress.com) sells an add-on kit for Yaesu and Hy-Gain rotors. I can tell you from experience, the Yaesu is easier to install. Green Heron (http://www.greenheronengineering.com/RT_Overview.php?) and MDS (http://www.mds-ham.com/RC1-Y-Digital-Rotor-Control.htm) both sell a digital control box. Then you'll need some software to run it. Most logging programs have rotor control capabilities, but not all do. You'll need two cables, one for the K3, the other for the rotor. If your' puter doesn't have real serial ports you may be able to add them. If not, you'll need USB/serial converter cables. Be sure they use the FTDI chip set. Elecraft sells them, there are plenty of other sources also. GL enjoy! 73, Mike NF4L On Nov 12, 2012, at 9:09 PM, Ron Midwin ronmidwin...@gmail.com 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 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Antenna Rotator
On 11/12/2012 9:09 PM, Ron Midwin 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. My hex beam is turned by the Yaesu G8000DXA. As Mike pointed out, in order to get computer control of your rotator you'll need the Idiom Press controller which unfortunately does not work with your proposed G450A rotator. Computer control is only necessary if you want your logging program (e.g. DXLab or N1MM) to help you control your rotator. If that is not important to you, then the G450A will be perfectly fine for your hex beam. The K3 doesn't really care about rotator compatibility. Contact me off list, if you need more specific information about my setup. 73, Charles, N2SO __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Antenna Rotator
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@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Antenna Rotator
I use a G450A with my steppir three element and it works great. I purchased the aftermarket MDS RC1 controller and Condrut's PST rotator program and it gives me computer control either direct or remote. Condrut's program is excellent and you can integrate it with DX Cluster in HRD for bearing control. Keith AK6ZZ Sent from my iPhone please excuse typos On Nov 13, 2012, at 4:55 AM, Mike K2MK k...@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@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
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 k...@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@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Antenna Rotator
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 phys...@mac.com Sent: Tuesday, November 13, 2012 11:08 AM To: Mike K2MK k...@comcast.net Cc: elecraft@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 k...@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@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Antenna Rotator
If you go looking for this, Google PSTRotator , no spaces. It is neat. Monty K2DLJ I use a G450A with my steppir three element and it works great. I purchased the aftermarket MDS RC1 controller and Condrut's PST rotator program and it gives me computer control either direct or remote. Condrut's program is excellent and you can integrate it with DX Cluster in HRD for bearing control. Keith AK6ZZ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Antenna Rotator
I also use pstRotator with the MDS RC-1Y controller with a Yaesu GS800SA rotor -- with great results. Dave, N4QS Sent via BlackBerry by ATT -Original Message- From: MontyS mon...@mindspring.com Sender: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net Date: Tue, 13 Nov 2012 15:45:03 To: Keith Heimboldag...@hotmail.com Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Antenna Rotator If you go looking for this, Google PSTRotator , no spaces. It is neat. Monty K2DLJ I use a G450A with my steppir three element and it works great. I purchased the aftermarket MDS RC1 controller and Condrut's PST rotator program and it gives me computer control either direct or remote. Condrut's program is excellent and you can integrate it with DX Cluster in HRD for bearing control. Keith AK6ZZ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] Antenna Rotator
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 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
