I have been using the Create RC5B-3 for three years with no problems.
The preset and compass dial features really are a pleasure to use.
When will the US manufacturers wise up build a decent control box like
the Japanese have been doing for years? My only fear is that it
will break some day and I will have trouble getting it fixed.
The hole pattern is a simple circle with 6 or 8 equally spaced holes.
I explained it to U.S. tower over the phone, and they were able to
pre-drill my plate for me. This worked just fine.
The only problem with the Create is that it doesn't turn my big
stack very easily in a moderate wind (25 mph). The 22 square foot
rating should be questioned. The RC5B-3 was rated for 35 square feet,
but it has lots of trouble with that load even in a moderate wind.
There is a section in ARRL book "The Physical Design of Yagi Antennas"
by W6QHS, that has a neat table comparing many rotators. It explains
why some numbers are more important than others. I suggest reading
that section before buying anything. You can also reduce rotator
strain by "wind balancing" your antenna. This is described elsewhere
in the book.
73,
Bob, N6TV
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