Manager


Manager - NA4M
Manager Notes

Reviews For: Portable Rotation Ultra-Portable Rotor system, Model 12PR1A

Category: Antenna Rotators & Accessories

eMail Subscription

Registered users are allowed to subscribe to specific review topics and receive eMail notifications when new reviews are posted.
Review Summary For : Portable Rotation Ultra-Portable Rotor system, Model 12PR1A
Reviews: 4MSRP: 329.00
Description:
Ultra-portable Antenna Rotor System. This system includes,
Rotor mast Unit, Microprocessor based Rotor Controller, 50
foot of interconnecting cable, 6 foot power cable and a 3
foot USB cable. The Rotor Controller interface consists of 3
multifunction buttons, 2 LEDs, backlit 8x2 display and also
supports remote control software from a PC using a USB port.
The Rotor system weighs 3 pounds 10 ounces and runs on 12
VDC at low current.
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.portablerotation.com
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0043.8
K7BJS Rating: 2019-03-03
AZ/EL Version for Satellite Work Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
This unit is not as simple to operate, even after reading the manual several times.

I have spoken with the owner of the company, and did manage to get some things worked out.
Although the engineer tried to make a manual the everyone could absorb just by reading, there are typo's and inconsistencies in the manual, and I am an engineer..
He will be issuing a better defined "Start-UP" guide in the future.

The user needs to understand how the system works to truly appreciate the system.
Do read all of the associated documentation relevant to the system that you purchased.

The bottom line is that the system is good, and it does work.

Utilize the following notes:

Do not do a full reset unless you have to.
The GPS unit and the antenna sensor MUST be connected to the system for use.
Point the GPS Stub to the north, and the antenna sensor to the north(ish).
The antenna will auto calibrate if you let it.

PC Interfaces to use are:
SatPC 32 from AMSAT and PstRotator work really well.
Ham radio deluxe is supposed to work, however as of this date, even with the recent HRD Update, it is still clunky at best.
In all cases, utilize the Yeasu Rotator settings.

The system can be defined as a 540 AZ / 180 El system.

Make sure that your cables have plenty of slack, as the unit can get lost.

I run an Arrow antenna and have an M2 Leo Pack that is the largest Sat System to be run on this rotator.
Yes, I bought the Packages for both systems.

To be noted, the ELK antenna may be a better choice, in terms of less assembly time.

I bought a small tripod from MFJ, that works great, and a large plastic Pelican type case with foam chunks inside and wheels to transport the rotator system and all its parts.

Make sure that your cables have plenty of slack, as the unit can get lost.

Enjoy the unit,
73
BJS
2E0KPX Rating: 2016-09-16
Faulty beyond belief Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Unfortunately my PR-12 has got to be sent back back to the distributor for a replacement as its faulty brand new out the box beyond belief. It does exactly what it shouldn't. After calibration, Half speed mode causes the unit to stall and fault light comes on. From north 0 degrees set auto mode to go 90 degrees and the antenna completes a 270 degree turn them fault light comes on. The rotator never goes back to where it set off from when told too. The rotator is told to go from 0 degrees north to 90 degrees right angle and shows on the control box 40 degrees. In a nut shell all the rotator can do is just turn and left and right, the the baring heading is all over the place, very disappointed.

2E0KPX
K4XXX Rating: 2014-10-17
Great little rotor Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I bought this set up with the intent to go roving some with V/UHF gear. It works great. I currently have it set up temporarily at my new QTH and it performs really well. Can't put too many antennas on the rotor, but I've been thinking hard about getting a second one for another temporary set up until I can get something better in the ground. Set up is easy, manual was easy for me to understand. I was up and running and antennas pointing in the right direction in about 10 minutes. Great product! I'd recommend this rotor system. The carrying bag is helpful in keeping all the cables and parts neatly together for transport.

73 d K4XXX/8
KJ6YSV Rating: 2014-02-23
VERY WELL MADE Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Hi All,
I have been looking for a portable antenna rotor for my Ham Radio go-kits for long time and found a great product so i did a small review to share.

Company Name: Portable Rotation
Model Number: 12PR1A Portable Rotor System

Web Site: http://www.portablerotation.com

I have had this rotor system for over a month now and it has operated great and without issue the whole time. The rotor system is designed to turn just about any portable VHF/UHF and HF Dipoles that are on the market today. I have a Super Antenna YP-3 3 element Yagi and though large and over the suggested weight limit the the rotor system turns it without issue. When turning a large antenna you want to keep the supply voltage above 12 volts and make sure your antenna is balanced on the rotors antenna mast.

The system is small and light weight, weighing in at about 3 pounds 10 ounces. A unique feature of the system is that the rotor cable is only 4 conductor making it light weight and easy to use. The rotational hard stop is managed in the controller, allowing turns from 0 degrees to 180 degrees clockwise and/or counterclockwise. It will not allow turns through 180 degrees. The installation process is unique in that you put the antenna rotor unit in the air, and then calibrate the starting heading of the antenna in the controller. Calibration along with all other user settings remain over power cycles. The design and user interface is well thought out.

The controller is very easy to use, you can turn your antenna in 1 of 3 ways; manually by pressing the CW or CCW buttons, Automatically by entering a new heading or through computer control. The user manual is detailed in the operation of the system.

Pros: Easy fast deployment, light weight, 12 volt operation, Can be turned off when not in use and when turned back on the heading and operating mode is saved.
Cons: Mechanical unit is light weight and therefore you must be careful with offset loads. It is not weather tight, rated for 3 season use.

73s
Lee KJ6YSV