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| Reviews Summary for CATS RD-1800 |
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write your own review of the CATS RD-1800.
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W8ZR
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Rating: 5/5
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Dec 6, 2007 08:40
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excellent rotor
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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I've had this rotor on my tower for six months, turing a 4 el SteppIR yagi in a high-wind environment, and it has worked flawlessly. I used a T2X rotor for years, with a smaller antenna, and had several problems with cracked ring gears, frozen lubricants, and rusted terminal strips. This CATS rotor is a drop-in replacement, but a much more contemporary and improved design.
The control unit works well, but has a few features that I can never remember how to use. You'll need to keep the instruction booklet close at hand if you want to use some of the programmable features. My only quibble with the controller is that it doesn't ramp the speed up or down at startup or shutoff. This tends to jolt the antenna a bit. Seems like a minor firmware upgrade would solve that problem.
Craig is very helpful and knowledgable, and is always willing to give advice and answer questions. He keeps his word on delivery times, so you can plan your antenna party with confidence.
C.A.T.S. rotors are custom built and are not well-known, but the engineering is first-rate, with good customer support, and they are a solid value. I've never known anybody to be displeased with one.
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N9CO
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Rating: 5/5
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Jun 18, 2007 09:34
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Rugged and Reliable
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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After growing tired of replacing and/or repairing a T2X almost yearly (turning XM-240 10' above 4el 20m monobander), I decided to upgrade rotators in the summer of 2006. My T2X and control cable had been previously fitted with CATS "quick-connect" connectors.
I began my search with an informal survey of some stations in my contest club (SMC) to see what they were using. The Spid, Pro-sis-tel, the big Yaesu, and of course, the prop-pitch, were all mentioned. One station had been using the RD-1800 since shortly after it was first available. I eliminated the prop-pitch from my list because I was looking for something that was closer to a "direct replacement" for the T2X. Nothing against P-P's, but they do require more tinkering to get working in my setup than I wanted to commit to.
I then researched the other ones, including price quotes. The big Yaesu was the next one removed from the list. I was concerned with the reliability of the aluminum housing. The Spid went next, after the price quote exceeded the cost of the Pro-Sis (PST-2051) and the RD-1800. I was ready to go with the Italian job when I discovered that it wouldn't mount on the Rohn 45 accessory shelf that I had in my tower. I would have to drill it out, or purchase a custom shelf. The cost of this put it above the cost of the RD-1800.
When I finally decided to go with the RD-1800, it made even better sense in my installation, as it was completely drop-in without any control cable changes. It mates perfectly with the previously installed CATS "quick connect" that I was using.
I've had no issues at all with this system. Very easy to use and well thought out control box. It turned (and held) my antennas during the worst of the Northern Illinois winter and spring. Installation was straight forward. It fit easily inside my Rohn 45.
I am very happy with this product.
73,
Charlie N9CO
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N4JBK
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 10, 2007 09:57
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uk
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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it should be noted that cats does not sell this rotor without the control box which almost doubles the price. I do not yet own one, but found out this information after contacting Craig at cats
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N3KS
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Rating: 5/5
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May 7, 2006 19:10
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Excellent
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I have installed the RD-1800 on a 48' tower with a SteppIR 3 element yagi using a 24' mast. At the top of the mast I have a bearing system with another 5' additional pole mounted colocated 160 and 80 meter dipoles. The RD-1800 handles it flawlessly. I've had several different rotors in the past, and the CATS has so far been the most reliable and solid. I highly recommend this rotor and control box.
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W8JWN
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Rating: 5/5
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May 22, 2005 11:17
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After almost two years, it is working great!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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It has survived the U.P. winters and summer storms. It turns the beams as easily as the same day I installed it. I am one satisfied customer.
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AL7HG
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Rating: 5/5
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Jun 28, 2004 07:06
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Updated Older Model
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I had an older RD-1800 that had been sitting around for about a year uninstalled. When I emailed Craig to ask about improvements he indicated there had been several and that he would update the rotor for FREE if I would ship it to him.
He made the changes and even paid for the return shipping. I have two of these rotors, one in the air and one as a backup -- works great with my old Yaesu control box!
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WV9G
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Rating: 5/5
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Feb 18, 2004 00:30
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Super rotator, well worth the price.
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I bought my CATS RD-1800 20 months ago in June, 2002. I had a steel erector hoist my 70' industrial tower with a crane, and a group of ham friends and my Chevy 4x4 hoisted my Hygain TH-7DX 7 element tribander to 71', as well as my Hygain 66DX 6 element 6 meter beam to 76'. That's 11.2 square ft. wind surface area, plus a VHF/UHF omni at the top of the mast. The rotator has been rotating flawlessly, with consistent, smooth movement and no brake problems during several strong wind storms. I highly recommend this particular rotator over ANY bell-shaped rotator, and I have had rotators from three diverent companies. This thing is built like you would want something to be built! I'd give it a 10 if I could.
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K8RA
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Rating: 5/5
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Dec 15, 2003 22:40
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New RD-1800 arrived
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I received the rotor in 1 day after ordering it. It is beautifully made with a lot of attention to details. I purchased the upscale control box with computer control. It works great. I ran a bench test and the calibration of the digital readout is right on. This will no doubt be the last rotor I will have to buy.
I spoke with the owner of CATS on the phone (Craig) and he is a really nice guy and will to answer any and all questions.
The only thing I saw that I did not like was the calibration of the set pot on the front of the controller is not calibrated. Very minor point. Note the is not a small rotor in size. It is 9 inches in diameter. Make sure it will fit before you mail your $1000...hi hi.
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W8JWN
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Rating: 5/5
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Sep 10, 2003 10:02
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So far so good
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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My Tailtwister was replaced yesterday by the CATS RD-1800. Although one day and evening of operation is not enough to give a complete evaluation, I am pleased with the service Craig gives his customers and quick answers to e-mails. I had no difficulty replacing the old rotator with the RD-1800 in my Heights tower. I am very pleased to have the antenna begin its rotation immediately, not after coaxing it cw and ccw! I will give it a workout this winter (U.P. winters are hard on antennas and rotators!) and give a better evaluation in the spring.
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