[amsat-bb] Alpha Spid Rotator

[Edward R Cole]

Note:  I am using the Alpha-Spid RAK as azimuth rotator on eme for 50 
and 144 MHz.  No experience with RAS.

Only have the RAK installed for my 144-eme array of four XP yagis at 
this point.

I have about 150-foot cable run and using 8-conductor standard 
rotator cable (only four needed by the Spid) I had excessive voltage 
loss on the motor lines (dropped  to 8vdc).  Even paralleling some of 
the unused wires did not solve.  I finally use a pair of No. 10 wires 
to get 12v to the rotator.

I run 18vac into the controller (which has a bridge rectifier) to 
obtain 24vdc unloaded on output. Loaded the voltage sags to about 
18vdc at the controller, but runs the rotator fine.  Use the No. 20 
control wires in the original rotor cable for indication with no issues.

I have the 1-degree resolution rotator (good enough for 50 or 
144-MHz).  Previously, I ran a Ham-IV which only provides 5-degree 
movement due to the brake system.  Ham-IV was challenged for torque 
by the eme array.  Spid seems to handle that FB.

73, Ed - KL7UW
   http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
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