[amsat-bb] Portable Rotation 12PRSAT

[Bob]

On those rare days when I know I have a block of spare time and want to
work a large number of contacts -- like during JOTA or some other large
event -- I bring my 12PRSAT out.  I use an Alaskan Arrow with a spare boom,
and mount the 2-m elements on one boom, and the 70-cm ones on the other.
Helps to balance things mechanically.

I agree the original manual was quite poor, but it has been rewritten.

Mine survived a 2-hour long major hail storm and T-storm this last field
day.  It did need to be recalibrated when the storm passed as the boom
didn't remain horizontal during the high winds, but it was fine otherwise.

It isn't designed to run 24/7 in the elements, but there is a pretty decent
attempt to "splash-proof" the rotor.  So I don't panic if it gets wet, but
I don't run it during rain.

It is VERY lightweight, simple to hook up, runs great with SatPC32, and
runs off the same 12 volt battery that I run the radio from.

73, Bob, WB4SON




On Fri, Nov 15, 2019 at 3:04 PM Smith Brewster via AMSAT-BB <
amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote:

> I’ve used a Portable Rotation with Arrow Alaska 90 degree occasionally,
> when it was warm and not raining the last 2 summers. Portability involved
> bringing it from garage to driveway with Kenwood THD72.
>
> The manual definitely has problems. I experimented with the hardware and
> wrote my own notes. The GPS module initially failed, was promptly replaced
> and has been fine since. Otherwise, no problems.
>
> For easier portability (a drive to a nearby park with no trees) I attached
> a regular Arrow to a tripod for az-el and ability to twist for 90 degree
> polarity change.
>
> Smitty, KB8EMH, Powell, OH
>
> > On Nov 15, 2019, at 11:44 AM, Ed Jones via AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb at amsat.org>
> wrote:
> >
> > I'm fairly new to operating satellites, but I am ready for something
> more
> > automated than waving my Arrow antenna around in the air manually. I have
> > an IC-9700 radio mounted in a portable rack case and a 20Ah LiFePO4
> battery
> > pack. My satellite operation will be almost exclusively portable, hence
> the
> > desire for a 12v Az-El rotator. I will start with my Arrow antenna
> mounted
> > at 45 degrees and accept the fades.
> >
> > I've noticed discrepancies and typos in the manuals and it makes me
> wonder
> > about the overall quality of the product. Can anyone provide their
> feedback
> > on the Portable Rotation 12PRSAT product?
> >
> > Thanks!
> >
> > --
> > Ed Jones - K8MEJ - Lewis Center, Ohio U.S.A
> >
> > "When I was sufficiently recovered to be permitted to take nourishment,
> > I felt the most extraordinary desire for a glass of Guinness...I am
> > confident that it contributed more than anything else to my recovery."
> >  - written by a wounded officer after Battle of Waterloo, 1815
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> _______________________________________________
> Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available
> to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions
> expressed
> are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of
> AMSAT-NA.
> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!
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>