A few years ago, I would have jumped at a project like this from the
design stage up. I did a lot of design and build projects for control
and interface at the job I had before going to college. Engineering
seemed to have a problem controlling more than 4 devices with 4 outputs,
even when those outputs were BCD. <:-)
BTW For the ham who likes to build, a good metal break is a real asset,
yet you seldom see a ham with one. They are essential for many builds
and mods. For most projects a relatively small one is sufficient. Yes,
with diligent hunting and wait time you can usually find something that
will fit, or can be made to fit. It's just so handy and time saving to
walk out to the shop, or garage and make your own. There is a
surprisingly steep learning curve though (figuring how much metal is
required for each bend), but at least it's not tall and is quickly
mastered. A metal break would probably have aided in finishing half to
two thirds of those projects in which we lose interest.
When starting out we need a lot of tools to save money, but can't afford
them. By the time we can afford them we seldom need them.
I took a lot of tech courses before quitting work and going to college
so that stuff was easy then. Now? Not so much. The last of that was 28
years ago and age has been exacting its toll. I'm reduced to building
the designs from someone else and that is a slow procedure. <:-)
There's a lot of truth in the old saying, "The older I get, the better I
was", _in so many ways_. <LOL>
OTOH I'm reviewing my old textbooks as they still make sense (or while
they still make sense). Unused education atrophies as fast as unused
muscles. I find I still use Trig and Algebra a lot, but I don't ever
remember needing Calculus although it would be handy in figuring wind
load on towers.
However, as we are cleaning and organizing the shop (Amazing how much
clear space is appearing) I think we threw out over 3 reams of program
printouts that I wrote and lots of partially completed projects. Those
partially completed projects just seem to be a part of being a ham.
Ever check and take stock/count of "Some day" I'll get _around __tuit_
and finish that (or those) projects in the shack or garage?
Although I retired as a project manager, I always underestimate the time
required for my own projects. Just perhaps, a good part of that is
because I no longer have millions of dollars worth of tools and
instruments at my finger tips, or teams of engineers and techs to plan,
build, and implement those projects along with someone else footing the
bill? Maybe? Suppose?
OTOH if I screw up now, I may be out a few dollars along with the time
spent. Back then, if I screwed up I'd be out of a job so there was a bit
more incentive to get it right and get the estimated time correct the
first time.
73
Roger (K8RI)
On 10/3/2015 6:34 AM, Ed Sawyer wrote:
I am a happy user of Yaesu rotors but can't stand the controllers - any of
them.
I recently purchased a Hy-Gain Yaesu clone rotor controller and liked it so
much I bought another. I now have one Yaesu controller as my back up but
are done using them for regular service.
<snip>
I agree with others that its not a bad build project to build your own
controllers for Yaesu. I wish I had the time..
Ed N1UR
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73
Roger (K8RI)
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