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Re: [TowerTalk] AlfaSpid vs Ham IV rotator + control unit

To: <towertalk@contesting.com>
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] AlfaSpid vs Ham IV rotator + control unit
From: "VE6JY Don Moman" <ve6jy@freenet.edmonton.ab.ca>
Reply-to: VE6JY Don Moman <ve6jy@freenet.edmonton.ab.ca>
Date: Tue, 21 Oct 2003 16:06:01 -0000
List-post: <mailto:towertalk@contesting.com>
The latest controller will emulate Orion, Yaesu or HyGain thru the serial
port.  I have seen a USB cable as well.  Earlier versions of the controller
can be upgrading by plugging in a newer version chip (inexpensive).   Future
plans - we'd like to make  this something one can flash download/install
thru the internet too.

73 Don
VE6JY


----- Original Message -----
From: "Jim W7RY" <w7ry@centurytel.net>
To: "VE6JY Don Moman" <ve6jy@freenet.edmonton.ab.ca>;
<towertalk@contesting.com>
Sent: Tuesday, October 21, 2003 15:37
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] AlfaSpid vs Ham IV rotator + control unit


> What type of RS-232 interface does your system use? I use Writelog for
> contesting software and it does not have a setting for your controller. It
> does have a setting for the Orion OR-2800, Yaesu, Starteck, ARSWIN and
> DCU-1.
>
> Is your controller compatible with any of the other formats?
>
> Thanks and 73
> Jim W7RY
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "VE6JY Don Moman" <ve6jy@freenet.edmonton.ab.ca>
> To: <towertalk@contesting.com>
> Sent: Tuesday, October 21, 2003 8:17 AM
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] AlfaSpid vs Ham IV rotator + control unit
>
>
> > Yes it uses the reed and magnet. Most of my runs are very long, but the
> > longest run of over 1700 feet just uses thin 22 gauge telephone wire
> > (unshielded) to return the pulses and it counts fine.  It's in the same
> > trench as power and RF.
> >
> > 73 Don
> > VE6JY
> >
> > > Does it use a spinning magnet and reed switch for pulse generation as
in
> > the
> > > OR2800? Tnx, Dan, N5AR
> > > >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "Dan" <dhearn@ix.netcom.com>
> > To: "Richard Karlquist" <richard@karlquist.com>; "Phil - KB9CRY"
> > <kb9cry@comcast.net>; <towertalk@contesting.com>
> > Sent: Tuesday, October 21, 2003 15:05
> > Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] AlfaSpid vs Ham IV rotator + control unit
> >
> >
> >
> > > > I just put up an Alfa Spid to turn my 4 element SteppIR (32 ft boom,
> 85
> > > > lbs).
> > > > It's wonderful.  It does everything they say it does on the web
site.
> > My
> > > > favorite features:
> > > >
> > > > 1.  No kerchunking noise from the brake everytime I turn it.
> > > >
> > > > 2.  Compact digital controller with built in computer interface.
> > > > I love the way you can click it 1 degree at a time.
> > > >
> > > > 3.  If the beam slips on the mast, I can electronically reset North.
> > > >
> > > > 4.  Only 4 wires for the control cable.  I used some Carol "sound
and
> > > > security"
> > > > wire I bought at Home Depot.  Long cable runs are a non issue.
> > > > No need to remote the capacitor.
> > > >
> > > > 5.  Better clamping to mast, instead of U-bolts deforming a clamping
> > > piece.
> > > >
> > > > 6.  No pot to wear out, no limit switches to fail, no brake to
stick.
> > > >
> > > > Well worth the money IMHO.
> > > >
> > > > Rick N6RK
> > >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> >
> > See: http://www.mscomputer.com  for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless
> Weather Stations", and lot's more.  Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with
any
> questions and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > TowerTalk mailing list
> > TowerTalk@contesting.com
> > http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
> >
>

_______________________________________________

See: http://www.mscomputer.com  for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless Weather 
Stations", and lot's more.  Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with any questions 
and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.

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