> I don't believe the inverter is the problem. The rotator is rate at
> 85 watts. My old inverter was a 100 watt model, and my current
> inverter is a 400 watt continuous / 800 watt surge. So it really
> shouldn't be much of a load...
I'd bet that the issue is the inverter, no matter how "stout" ...
The AR-40 uses a very simple voltage comparator to control the
motor; the reference voltage to the comparator is not regulated in
any way. With a capacitor phase shift motor and less than clean
power, there will be considerable overshoot in the motor as well
as a DC shift in the comparator operating point as the motor stops.
Both of these contribute to your "hunting" problem.
As you have already discovered, the solution is supplying "clean"
power - unless you want to completely redesign the control system.
73,
... Joe, W4TV
On 6/20/2011 4:58 PM, Dan Evans wrote:
> I have an odd Rotator problem.
>
> In my Rover setup, I have an old Hygain AR40 rotor. For the past
> several years I have been having an annoying problem. Whenever I turn
> the antenna the rotor moves to the desired position but instead of
> stopping, as it should, it keeps "bouncing" back and forth several
> degrees. And it will keep bouncing until it over heats, or until I shut
> off the power.
>
> My "work around" has been to switch off the power when it reaches the
> correct heading.
>
> While preparing for the June VHF contest I discovered it doesn't do this
> when plugged into the household 120v outlet. But it does do it when I
> use my deep cycle battery and inverter. So it seems to be a power issue.
>
> I don't believe the inverter is the problem. The rotator is rate at 85
> watts. My old inverter was a 100 watt model, and my current inverter is
> a 400 watt continuous / 800 watt surge. So it really shouldn't be much
> of a load...
>
> Any ideas?
>
> The reason I had it on the bench was to take it apart, check the pot,
> clean and grease the bearings, check the connections, and replace the
> rotor cable. None of which seems to have helped. I'm a bit stumped.
> I am considering just wiring up a box with momentary switches for left
> rotate, right rotate, and a meter for direction....
>
> Oh, load on the rotor for my application is a push up mast, and 3 VHF
> yagis, and cables. Altogether maybe 30~35 lbs...
>
> Scratching my head,
> 73
>
> Dan
>
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