[TowerTalk] AlfaSpid vs Ham IV rotator + control unit

[kb9cry at comcast.net]

My antenna/rotator is some 600 ft. from the shack.  I ran #10 UF (Romex) cable out for the power and fire alarm wire (pair of #18) for the positioner.  It's been up for a month and works like a champ.  I can run 12 to 24 volts out to it.  I have high hopes that it will be maintenance free and not require a trip up the tower in January!  For the price of the competitive rotators, one can buy a spare unit to have just in case.  Actually I may sell off my spare Ham IV rotators and purchase more Spids when I need to swap those out.  I'll keep everyone posted as the winter descends upon Chicago.  Phil  KB9CRY
> > I'm a believer too and just put up a Spid at 120 ft turning a KLM 3 el
> > 40M yagi (32 ft boom, 42 ft elements, about 75 lbs.)  The specs speak
> > for themselves.  The only other alternative (a worm gear rotator was
> > decided upon at the start) is a Prositel with twice the specs but more
> > than twice the price.  I'll the reflector know how it fairs this coming
> > winter in Chicago.  Phil  KB9CRY
> 
> I just put up an Alfa Spid to turn my 4 element SteppIR (32 ft boom, 85
> lbs).
> It's wonderful.  It does everything they say it does on the web site.  My
> favorite features:
> 
> 1.  No kerchunking noise from the brake everytime I turn it.
> 
> 2.  Compact digital controller with built in computer interface.
> I love the way you can click it 1 degree at a time.
> 
> 3.  If the beam slips on the mast, I can electronically reset North.
> 
> 4.  Only 4 wires for the control cable.  I used some Carol "sound and
> security"
> wire I bought at Home Depot.  Long cable runs are a non issue.
> No need to remote the capacitor.
> 
> 5.  Better clamping to mast, instead of U-bolts deforming a clamping piece.
> 
> 6.  No pot to wear out, no limit switches to fail, no brake to stick.
> 
> Well worth the money IMHO.
> 
> Rick N6RK
> 
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> 
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> 
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