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Reviews For: HyGain AR-500

Category: Antenna Rotators & Accessories

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Review Summary For : HyGain AR-500
Reviews: 3MSRP: 169.95
Description:
Designed for the use of small UHF, VHF, 6-Meter, TV and FM antennas. Has programmable antenna controller with remote-control. AR-500 remembers up to 12 antenna directions Control all functions with the remote control or console. The control console displays location chosen and relative position. Rugged heavy-duty rotator is built in a weather-proof one piece cast aluminum housing. Has precision metal gears and steel thrust bearings for durability AR-500X is the 220V version
Product is in production
More Info: https://mfjenterprises.com/
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0033
N5ID Rating: 2022-06-21
Works great! Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I just built a 17 meter moxon and the AR-500 works excellent for turning the beam.
WA5RR Rating: 2021-07-05
Broke Down on First Use Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I followed the directions and 'cablibrated' the rotor before mounting it on the mast. Everything seemed to be fine. So, I put up today and made sure everything was level and straight.

It turned the antennas back and forth a few times. I brought the control head inside and set it on the desk. Sure enough, the rotor would not turn. So, I took it down and it was frozen.

I'm not trying to turn huge antennas with this thing. In fact, I had a VHF and UHF 'Cheap Yagi' and the total weight of the antennas plus cross-boom was right at six pounds.

Don't buy this cheap junk. I'll put one of my 'big' rotors in use instead.
G4AON Rating: 2020-04-14
Works well for a small rotator Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I was looking for a low cost rotator to use with a lightweight 6 element 2m beam. There are very few around and the AR-500X seemed to be sufficient for the job.

After bench testing and finding no issues, I installed it and find it works well. I wish the antenna direction indicator was 3 digits instead of just 2 (130 degrees shows "13"), but I can live with that. The ability to easily store frequently used directions is very handy.

If it used stainless steel instead of plated mild steel for the threaded rods and clamps, I would have rated it a 5 star. Why do manufacturers not use stainless steel hardware?