[TowerTalk] Re: Rotator choices today?

[Pete Smith]

At 09:06 AM 12/29/00 -0600, Bob - KF9YH wrote:
>...
>Next, the Yaesu line of rotators did not get too many favorable
>reviews by the group. Mostly due to the plastic gears and reliability.

IMO, this is horsehockey.  I have a 4 year old G-1000 that is turning a
C-3E and EF-240S combination every day, through wind, ice, etc. and the
only failure so far is the light bulb that illuminates the dial.  Yaesu
sent me a replacement free of charge (their idea, not mine) even though
this was 3 years in.  I have abused this rotator repeatedly.  Others I know
have had similar good results.  

The virtues of the Yaesu line include 450 degree rotation, presettability
built in, a lightweight rotator with weatherproof cable jack and plug
included, a brake that doesn't lock up, and an excellent self-centering
mast clamp that doesn't need shims and is plenty sturdy when properly used.
 Customer support is excellent.  When you consider that the price of a
G-1000 is about $140 less than a T2X, and $30 less than a Ham IV (new),
they're a heck of a good deal.  My only beef is that they don't have a
G-2000 (or something) between the G-1000 and the G-2800, and that they
insist on using a CYA definition of what their rotators will turn that
drives users to buying a more expensive machine than you need.  Myself, I
don't think I'd buy a G-2800 at $1070, particularly if the M2 was close in
price.

The only reason I didn't suggest a G-1000 to you is that the antennas you
suggest would exceed the rated "effective moment" spec by somewhat more
than my combined antennas do, and I always figure I shouldn't recommend
something over-the-top to people, even if I'd probably do it myself.   

73, Pete N4ZR
Happy Holidays!

The World Contest Station Database 
is back up and running at
http://www.qsl.net/n4zr 



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