[TowerTalk] homebrew rotator

[Máximo EA1DDO_HK1H]

Hi,

Actually is not difficult to make a rotator at home.
Good thing is the electronic positioning is not attached to mechanical parts anymore. So you can work in a simple and robust mechanical system based on a worm gear and motor. Next one is a good example:

(surf to the bottom)

http://oz1ct.dk/konstruktioner/rotor-control-arduino.html

                                               You can install one or two gear boxes, depending on your requirements.

Then, the azimuth control is based on a "digital compass IC", for example the LSM303. This is a small device in a waterproof box, attached to the mast, independently from the rotator.
You can build it yourself, for example using the great K3NG Arduino kit, or even a plug and play device like the Rotator Genius;
http://new.4o3a.com/index.php/products/station-automation/rotator-genius/

You can turn your antenna even from your mobile phone !!

73, Maximo

> To: towertalk at contesting.com
> From: K8RI-on-TowerTalk at tm.net
> Date: Fri, 3 Jun 2016 01:41:49 -0400
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] homebrew rotator
> 
> Yes it kinda does <LOL>
> 
> 73
> 
> Roger (K8RI)
> 
> On 6/1/2016 Wednesday 7:38 PM, Bob K6UJ wrote:
> > wow Roger,
> >
> > Reminds me of the movie Crocodile Dundy.
> >
> > "You call that a knife (rotator)  now here's a knife (rotator)"
> >
> >
> > Bob
> > K6UJ
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > On 6/1/16 4:11 PM, Roger (K8RI) on TT wrote:
> >> Here's a home built, chain drive that might turn your whole house.  
> >> He used it to tun the top section of a massive tower that could be 
> >> seen from  10 to 12 miles.Top two photos on 
> >> http://www.rogerhalstead.com/ham_files/skyhook.htm  the whole drive 
> >> is not shown, but what is shown should give a good idea as to the 
> >> size. Definitely not a bicycle chain!  I think he used two heavy chains.
> >>
> >> John's station looks dated, but the photo was shot around 2001.
> >>
> >> Industrial chain, gears and idlers can be found at on-line auctions. 
> >> I purchase a chain and gears for a planned, but much smaller scale 
> >> drive that has never materialized...as of yet and probably never 
> >> will. The cost was surprisingly little.
> >>
> >> There is "no slack" in this system so be sure to use a heavy (strong) 
> >> spring loaded idler to protect the system and particularly the chain.
> >> OTOH if the chain is not "tight" to allow some slack, the shock to 
> >> the antennas, chain and motor gear reduction can be substantial.
> >>
> >> John built that entire tower with the help of his brother-in-law and 
> >> it was on a city lot.
> >> IIRC John died just two years after getting the system operational.  
> >> His family put the tower up for sale, then on e-bay. It could be had 
> >> for taking it down, but they eventually gave it to a power company 
> >> for taking it down.
> >>
> >> The cost?  In the Year 2000, you could have purchased  a new Corvette 
> >> for just the cost of the materials..
> >>
> >> 73
> >>
> >> Roger (K8RI)
> >>
> >>
> >> On 6/1/2016 Wednesday 3:22 PM, Danny Pease wrote:
> >>> I have been intrigued with putting together my own antenna mast 
> >>> rotation
> >>> system and wondered if anyone has any info on using a rack and 
> >>> pinion gear
> >>> type system in conjunction with a linear actuator. If the rack and 
> >>> pinion
> >>> turns out to be too expensive, my second choice would be a chain 
> >>> drive with
> >>> the linear actuator.
> >>>
> >>> Thoughts?
> >>>
> >>> Danny NG9R
> >>>
> >>> _______________________________________________
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> _______________________________________________
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> >>> TowerTalk at contesting.com
> >>> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
> >>
> >>
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> >
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
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> > TowerTalk at contesting.com
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> 
> 
> -- 
> 
> 73
> 
> Roger (K8RI)
> 
> 
> ---
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