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Author Topic: Rotor-ez issues with indicator after install  (Read 146 times)

KM4ZPB

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Rotor-ez issues with indicator after install
« on: December 27, 2020, 05:21:13 AM »

Thought someone here may be able to help with this one.

I purchased the Rotor-ez prewired unit for my Ham iii controller. I installed it per the supplied instructions. When I did the initial pretest after the first connections, the needle swept the meter and dropped back to N, (S N S readout)I assumed this was what was supposed to happen as the instructions are somewhat vague. I turned the knob clockwise as stated and the needle moved in accordance. I did not turn it the other way because instructions didn't call to do that. I finished the install.

When I turn on the control box the needle goes full scale and drops back to north. When I turn the (calibration) knob the needle will not go CCW of North and the readout seems to all be crunched in the one side of the meter.  When turned the antenna turns as does the readout but it seems to be reading North as CCW South, East as North and CW South as CW South.

The control box worked fine before the install, it's my daily use controller, so I dont see it being a component in the controller.

I have checked all of my work and it seems good. Have removed and reinstalled 3 times. Can't figure it out. Any ideas will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance Jim. KM4ZPB
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K1KP

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Re: Rotor-ez issues with indicator after install
« Reply #1 on: December 27, 2020, 06:16:34 AM »

I'm assuming you have followed the directions carefully for installation and calibration on p8 of the manual.

The position sensing pot in the HyGain rotors is a bit unusual because the wiper is at ground potential and the ends float relative to ground. I would suspect that something is wrong in this area of the circuit. Check resistance to ground of your rotator with the control box disconnected, as per the HyGain rotator manual. This is from pin3 to pin1(ground) and pin7 and pin1. The sum of the two resistances should be ~500 ohms and the ratio should roughly correspond to the antenna position (i.e. if they are equal it is due north, assuming a north centered installation). If this checks out, look for errors in the wiring or circuit board for the position pot connections (R1,R2,R3,C1-3,D1-2, or the corresponding components for 'A' on the schematic/board.

Another test is to disconnect terminals 3 and 7 to the rotator and hook up a 500 ohm pot to terminals 1/3/7 of the controller. Leave terminal 1 connected. Do not make any movements or commands, but as you turn the pot the needle should respond and move through the entire 360 degree range.

I've built 3 of these with no issues.

GL,

-Tony, K1KP
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KM4ZPB

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Re: Rotor-ez issues with indicator after install
« Reply #2 on: December 27, 2020, 07:02:02 AM »

Good morning Tony,
I've followed the manual to a tee and have checked all wiring several times including completely removing all connections and starting over. I checked the rotor itself and all is well with it, it also still works fine with my spare controller. I'll give those pot connections a look. I'm pretty sure it is an issue on the board.

Thanks for the quick response.
Jim, KM4ZPB
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