The author of the LOGic8 logging software wrote a north centered driver
for the AlfaSpid rotors at my request. Works just like a Hy-Gain under
computer control. I have 2 AlfaSpids here and am very satisfied since I
have them operating in north centered mode. I also believe you can set
electronic stops with the control box to keep the rotor from traveling
past south either CW or CCW.
Julio, W4HY
-----Original Message-----
From: towertalk-bounces@contesting.com
[mailto:towertalk-bounces@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Richard (Rick)
Karlquist
Sent: Sunday, September 24, 2006 2:48 PM
To: Bill Turner; towertalk@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Alfa Spid rotator
I have successfully rotated my SteppIR for several years
with an Alfa Spid. It has many good points. The one major shortcoming
is that the controller box does not support north centered antennas, and
it does not support DCU-1 protocol. If you read the manual, you might
think that it supports north centering and DCU-1, but it does not
actually support them. The prognosis for getting the control box
firmware fixed is not good.
I recently did a lot of research on alternate controller boxes and
discovered that the Idiom Press and EA4TX boards definitely do NOT
support any rotator with a reed switch instead of a pot. The Green Heron
controller in this month's QST possibly supports the Alfa Spid, but it
is not clear that it supports the full DCU-1 protocol. The owner of
Green Heron was unable to verify that when I asked about it. That is
not a problem unless you are going to controller the Green Heron from a
computer program that expects full DCU-1 like LP-rotor.
If I have any of my information wrong, someone straighten me out. I have
already spent too much time on this.
Rick N6RK
> -----Original Message-----
> From: towertalk-bounces@contesting.com
> [mailto:towertalk-bounces@contesting.com]On Behalf Of Bill Turner
> Sent: Sunday, September 24, 2006 10:23 AM
> To: towertalk@contesting.com
> Subject: [TowerTalk] Alfa Spid rotator
>
>
>
> I'm looking for a new rotator to bottom-mount in my 80 foot tower. I'm
> leaning toward the Alfa Spid. I especially like their simple control
> system.
>
> I know all rotators have pros and cons, but are there any "gotchas"
> with the Alfa Spid? Anything not immediately apparent that I'd be
> sorry for later?
>
> The reviews in eham.com are mostly good except for one poor chap who
> couldn't get anything to work right. :-)
>
> All advice appreciated.
>
> 73, Bill W6WRT _______________________________________________
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> TowerTalk mailing list
> TowerTalk@contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
>
>
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