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[TowerTalk] Reminiscing on building, was Yaesu G-800S Controller

To: towertalk@contesting.com
Subject: [TowerTalk] Reminiscing on building, was Yaesu G-800S Controller
From: "Roger (K8RI) on TT" <K8RI-on-TowerTalk@tm.net>
Date: Sat, 3 Oct 2015 19:54:14 -0400
List-post: <towertalk@contesting.com">mailto:towertalk@contesting.com>
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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