[amsat-bb] Green Heron RT-21 AZ/EL rotor controller

[Jim White]

Jeff,

I haven't seen any replies so I'll give you my input.

These are excellent and flexible controllers.  I have one here on my EME 
array which uses the M2 MT-3000 positioners and have installed them at 
several university ground stations as well as the Air Force Academy.  In 
those places they control various antennas from 4 meter dishes to V/U 
Yagi arrays. Tech support is excellent.  The user guide is 
comprehensive.  The setup software utility is easy to use.

One thing the Green Heron will do is always count the pulses from the 
rotor motors even when you are sending it rapid commands over the 
computer link.  We have had problems with other control boxes missing 
pulses and therefore getting out of calibration with the antenna when 
there is constant serial port traffic. The GH will always capture every 
pulse and will stay calibrated. (It will also work with voltage sense 
feedback from motors like the G5500). The USB interface eliminates 
intermediate boxes.

Note that you will want to tell GH what rotor and interface you will use 
the controller with so it can be configured before they send it to you.

These are not cheap.  But we have had no problems with any of eight or 
so we have worked with.  One, installed at U Alaska Fairbanks, has been 
operating autonomously or via remote connection for nearly two years 
without a problem.

I'd highly recommend them.

Jim

Jim White
Colorado Satellite Services, LLC
jim at coloradosatellite.com



On 12/12/2019 9:47 AM, Jeff kb2m via AMSAT-BB wrote:
> I’m looking to buy a Green Heron RT-21 AZ/EL rotor controller to 
> replace the one that came with my Alfa Spid AZ/EL RAS. Every time I 
> move back here for the winter I end up taking apart and fixing the 
> Rot2pro G that came with the Spid rotor. If any one that has one I 
> would like your opinion, Thanks…
>
> 73 Jeff kb2m
>
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