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Re: [TowerTalk] Rotator Choice for Larger Yagi

To: <towertalk@contesting.com>
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Rotator Choice for Larger Yagi
From: "Paul Christensen" <w9ac@arrl.net>
Date: Wed, 4 May 2016 06:54:56 -0400
List-post: <towertalk@contesting.com">mailto:towertalk@contesting.com>
>"Oh, by the way... There is a Green Heron controller especially for the K7NV 
>prop Pitch conversions."

It's a very capable controller.   The M2 PP controllers can be easily modified 
to equal, and even exceed the performance of the K7NV RT-21 units.   Like the 
RT-21, the M2 controllers also have PWM speed control that pulse the gate of a 
power MOSFET.  However, that device is subject to failing in a condition that 
keeps the rotator turning out of control if the MOSFET drain and source leads 
fail shorted.  By adding a pair of inexpensive Russian vacuum relays, a 2N7000 
FET driver, and a ceramic MOSFET insulator, that problem is completely averted. 
 There's ample room inside M2 controllers to add these components.  

Like the K7NV RT-21 unit, the M2 controller is now mostly vulnerable only 
during a turning event.  The modified GH RT-21 units have relay isolation, but 
I think a pair of vacuum relays offers better circuit protection.  Now, if the 
MOSFET shorts in the M2 controller, the PWM ramping is certainly lost but the 
vacuum relays limit PP rotator travel, allowing the M2 controller to continue 
to function if necessary until the MOSFET is replaced.

Paul, W9AC
 

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