Elecraft

Antenna Rotator

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Ron Midwin-3

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
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N0AZZ

Re: 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: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Ron Midwin
Sent: Monday, November 12, 2012 8:10 PM
To: [hidden email]
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
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Mike Reublin

Re: Antenna Rotator

In reply to this post by Ron Midwin-3

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 <[hidden email]> 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
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> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
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Charles Tropp

Re: Antenna Rotator

In reply to this post by Ron Midwin-3

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
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Mike K2MK

Re: Antenna Rotator

In reply to this post by Ron Midwin-3

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

Keith Heimbold

Re: 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" <[hidden email]> 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
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> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
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Phil Hystad-3

Re: Antenna Rotator

In reply to this post by Mike K2MK

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 <[hidden email]> wrote:

Jim Leder

Re: 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" <[hidden email]>
Sent: Tuesday, November 13, 2012 11:08 AM
To: "Mike K2MK" <[hidden email]>
Cc: <[hidden email]>
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 <[hidden email]> 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:[hidden email]
>>
>> 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:[hidden email]
>
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MontyS

Re: Antenna Rotator

In reply to this post by Keith Heimbold

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

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Dave Perry N4QS

Re: 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 AT&T

-----Original Message-----
From: "MontyS" <[hidden email]>
Sender: [hidden email]
Date: Tue, 13 Nov 2012 15:45:03
To: Keith Heimbold<[hidden email]>
Cc: <[hidden email]>
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

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K9QJS

K3 PTT IN on back panel

In reply to this post by N0AZZ

Are there any configuration settings required to use a foot switch connected to my K3's PTT IN RCA input on the back panel?

The Config menu has a PTT-KEY setting, and default is OFF-OFF. The setting can be RTS-OFF, or OFF-RTS, or RTS-DTS et al.

Is this used for the PTT IN for a foot switch and which setting, I wonder.

My foot switch is not working to key my Yamaha headset and I am trying to figure out why.

Thanks in advance,

73
Hoop K9QJS
San Juan Island, WA
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Iain MacDonnell - N6ML-2

Re: K3 PTT IN on back panel

On Wed, Nov 14, 2012 at 4:02 PM, J.K. Hooper <[hidden email]> wrote:
> Are there any configuration settings required to use a foot switch connected to my K3's PTT IN RCA input on the back panel?
>
> The Config menu has a PTT-KEY setting, and default is OFF-OFF. The setting can be RTS-OFF, or OFF-RTS, or RTS-DTS et al.
>
> Is this used for the PTT IN for a foot switch and which setting, I wonder.

No.

> My foot switch is not working to key my Yamaha headset and I am trying to figure out why.

It doesn't key the headset - it keys the transceiver ;)

Is the TX LED not turning on when you actuate the footswitch? Have you
tested the switch (with a continuity tester) to ensure that it is
closing when actuated?

Make sure you have it plugged into PTT IN and not KEY OUT....

73,

~iain / N6ML
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K9QJS

Re: K3 PTT IN on back panel

To those of you who responded: Thanks!

Operator error is my conclusion.

I did check continuity on the foot pedal and it is working just fine. This time when I pushed the RCA plug from the foot pedal back in, I pushed it in to be secure but did not over push. It keyed up the transmit just fine and I had correctly set the Mic input source for the back panel. I worked central Mexico from here in Washington with the headset and foot switch. That was fun; I like the foot switch.

73,
Hoop

On Wed, Nov 14, 2012 at 4:02 PM, J.K. Hooper <[hidden email]> wrote

It doesn't key the headset - it keys the transceiver ;)

Is the TX LED not turning on when you actuate the footswitch? Have you
tested the switch (with a continuity tester) to ensure that it is
closing when actuated?

Make sure you have it plugged into PTT IN and not KEY OUT....

73,

~iain / N6ML

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Matt Zilmer

Re: K3 PTT IN on back panel

A footswitch leaves your hands free to work the keyboard, or take
paper notes. I've been using a Heil footswitch on K3 #24 here since
2008 or so. It's a great addition to any station.

As with all connectors, the op has to be sure the PTT IN RCA connector
is seated properly.

73,
matt W6NIA

On Wed, 14 Nov 2012 17:39:32 -0800, you wrote:

>To those of you who responded: Thanks!
>
>Operator error is my conclusion.
>
>I did check continuity on the foot pedal and it is working just fine. This time when I pushed the RCA plug from the foot pedal back in, I pushed it in to be secure but did not over push. It keyed up the transmit just fine and I had correctly set the Mic input source for the back panel. I worked central Mexico from here in Washington with the headset and foot switch. That was fun; I like the foot switch.
>
>73,
>Hoop
>
>
>On Wed, Nov 14, 2012 at 4:02 PM, J.K. Hooper <[hidden email]> wrote
>
>It doesn't key the headset - it keys the transceiver ;)
>
>Is the TX LED not turning on when you actuate the footswitch? Have you
>tested the switch (with a continuity tester) to ensure that it is
>closing when actuated?
>
>Make sure you have it plugged into PTT IN and not KEY OUT....
>
>73,
>
> ~iain / N6ML
>
>______________________________________________________________
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