[TowerTalk] distance from control box to rotator

[K0FF]

Generally a long run like that is a problem, yes.
Not a problem exactly, but an issue that needs to be addressed. If you are
using an AC rotor such as HAM-series, a simple relay box may be needed. My
most distant (540') rotor is a Tailtwister, No way to get wires heavy enuf
for a run like that (no AFORDABLE way!).
I happen to have 110VAC at the tower (but you could run a cord). A simple
relay box with 24 VAC relays brings in a locally provided 24V transformer to
move the rotor left -right , and for the brake. The motor starting capacitor
was remoted to the towertop in a waterproof enclosure (could have easily
been at the base.)

A nice heavy transformer provides 24-28-32 volts, and normally I use the 24V
tap. When the ice gets heavy, or the breeze is a little stiff, I can tap in
the 28V windings, using another relay, and in my case I control that
function via the unused motor-cap terminals on the controlbox, and an added
toggle switch.
The potentiometer wires just pass on thru, and the added resistance is
balanced out when you calibrate.

DC motors (Prop-pitch, Orion 2800DC, HB etc) can use the same approach,
unless you are using a ramp-down feature, then it gets a bit more
complicated.

Geo>K0FF




-----Original Message-----
From: brunet@us.ibm.com <brunet@us.ibm.com>
To: towertalk@contesting.com <towertalk@contesting.com>
Date: Wednesday, May 17, 2000 9:59 AM
Subject: [TowerTalk] distance from control box to rotator


>
>
>
>Would a distance of 350' from the shack to the rotator be a problem?
>Thanks, Pete ws4g
>
>
>
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