[TowerTalk] TIC-Ring Question

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

microHAM now make a magnetic compass module (ARXC Magnetic) for
their ARCO controller. The ARCO has programmable stops which
based on the magnetic module should provide adequate protection
for your feedlines.

See: <https://www.microham.com/contents/en-us/d1215_ARXC.html>

73,

    ... Joe, W4TV

On 2022-11-11 1:11 PM, Leeson wrote:
> I've been using a TIC ring rotator here on a big 7el 10m Yagi for the 
> past 20 years with good success, but it has a couple of well-known 
> unresolved problems: In the high winds we have on our hilltop (147 mi/h 
> 3s gust measured), it can jump a tooth on the motor or pot gear, which 
> eventually makes the direction indicator pot totally out of sync, or 
> even damages it. Since the ring rotor doesn't have physical limit 
> switches, that has permitted over-rotation that parts the coax.
> 
> Re direction indication, has anyone had any success with alternatives 
> such as magnetic or microswitch gear tooth counters? Or a simple compass 
> module with output that a Green Heron RT-21 can read (0-5 volts)? See 
> G6EJD, KJ4JJH, K3NG. I'd like to have direction indication that mounts 
> directly at the ring or antenna boom itself, rather than through a 
> coupled gear. and it should work at zero speed.
> 
> Second, has anyone had success with adding waterproof (IP67) limit 
> switches? Honeywell, Omron, IP67 microswitches or cheaper imports? If a 
> magnetic gear tooth sensor is used, what kind of spacing precision is 
> required? With 360 teeth, the 1° precision should be plenty for HF.
> 
> I am aware of modifications and updates (e.g., N1CX) that may help 
> prevent gear tooth skipping, but I want something bullet-proof that 
> really gives me full confidence. Even a partial failure in a contest can 
> compromise an otherwise winning effort; in our big HC8 station, we gave 
> up on rotators and went with multiple antennas per band. But for my less 
> complex setup here at home, I intend to try to resolve both of these 
> problems when the weather permits, and am interested in hearing the 
> experiences of list folks.
> 
> BTW, I resolved the climb-over issue with a small 3-rung steel ladder 
> mounted below it on the tower face. And if the limit switches work out, 
> I'll add them to my prop pitches, as well.
> 
> Thanks, Dave W6NL/HC8L