[TowerTalk] M2 RC2800PX modification to control a Prop Pitch Rotor?

[Stan Stockton]

I have a Green Heron controlling the prop pitch on my 40m Yagi and have had
it for about 7 years.  It is a very nice control box.  I had several other
prop pitch rotators that I wanted to also control but did not want to spend
so much money to have four of the Green Heron Controllers.

I bought three EA4TX ARS-USB units.  You have to supply the voltage for
whatever rotator you are using.  The units will connect to the computer via
USB and include a program or you can use one of several contest logging
programs.

After buying three of these units (two that I connected to prop pitches and
one for a Tailtwister) we made a deal with EA4TX to distribute his product
in the US and Canada.  There are two models - one for Azimuth and one for
Azimuth and Elevation for those who want to do EME or Satellite.

I have since moved all the rotators control boxes to one side of the room
and they are connected to a computer that is networked with all the other
computers.  It is really nice to be able to turn any antenna from any
computer by typing in a heading or call sign prefix.  The EA4TX box will
work with any rotator that uses voltage feedback from a potentiometer.  The
Green Heron will work with either a potentiometer or pulses from a reed
switch with a magnet mounted to the motor shaft.

My honest evaluation is that if I were going to only have one control box
and was not going to connect it to a computer, I would prefer the Green
Heron because of the knob on the front.  However, If I were connecting it
to a computer and the position was to be determined via a potentiometer in
the rotator, I would prefer the EA4TX box because of price.

Stan, K5GO

check them out at www.cycle-24.com


On Sat, Mar 30, 2013 at 12:08 PM, <K7LXC at aol.com> wrote:

> >  I did not start digging into this very deep yet, but I own  3 RC2800PX
> controllers that are spare and also own 2 prop pitch rotors with  outdated
> control boxes.
>
> >  I know M2 sells a control box for prop pitch rotors , and  was wondering
> if anyone on the list ever converted a RC2800PX to be used with a  prop
> pitch?
>
>     Do not buy the M2 controllers. They are  devices that only the designer
> could love. They are not user friendly. Better to  get a Green Heron. They
> work great!
>
> Cheers,
> Steve    K7LXC
> TOWER TECH
>
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