Manager


Manager - NA4M
Manager Notes

Reviews For: Yaesu G-800S & SDX

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 : Yaesu G-800S & SDX
Reviews: 47MSRP: 275.
Description:
17 sq. ft. wind load rotator
Product is in production
More Info:
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
15474.5
KG4LFZ Rating: 2003-03-30
does good now Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I got my rotor back from the shop and all that was wrong was a gear set screw was loose, and the gear was slipping. It turns a 10 el @ meter beam, 5 el 6 meter beam and a 26B2 with out any problems now. It is a very good rotor. Hope it runs a long time now.
Ed K4XXX

----------------------
Earlier 3-star review posted by KG4LFZ on 2002-12-24

I bought mine used in August of '02 off a guy in TN. It works (turns) everything ok but when i turn it clockwise, the indicator needle will speed up very fast and move 90 degrees off the real direction, and slow down and continue move, but it is 90 degrees off. Then when I push the btton to CCW, it will go back to the real direction. So I am trying to get it fixed so I can get the tower back up. But if it was working right, it would be a nice rotor. 73's Eddie KG4LFZ
W7IAN Rating: 2002-06-22
800s Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I purchased a Yaesu 800s used about 3 years ago and it has worked great. I have a Sommer xp 405 and a Cushcraft 13b2 on it. Have used other CDE rotors and they gave me nothing but problems. If I ever need another rotor it will be a Yaesu.
WA6PXO Rating: 2001-06-01
Nice Display - Works Great Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have had the 800SDX up for about 2 years now. It is turning a CushCraft A3S and probably doesn't even know it is there. Getting the top mast clamp aligned and tightened to the mast was a little tricky but it works fine. No problem with documentation or wiring the connectors. The thing I really like about the rotor is the great display . I would buy another one in a minute.
WL7M Rating: 2000-11-01
Great Rotor! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Sold my Ham IV, bought the Yaesu 800 SDX and haven't looked back. had the same wiring problems, but called Yaesu and asked - they said that it was in error in the manual and sent a fax with the correct wiring pattern. It's survived Arctic winters with no problems at all. A great system. Also hookd it up to a Sartek rotor controller for an automated system and they play together very nicely. Windload ratings are higher for the Yaesu compared to a Ham IV. A great buy.
73, Joe WL7M
NU1U Rating: 2000-10-31
Outstanding Documentation is Correct Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I purchase the Yaesu G-800DXA (SDX not being sold) in mid Ocotober 2000. The instructions for wiring the cable to the plugs are correct. This is a really nice rotator. Now I understand why folks with the Ham x series are leaving them behind to pick the Yaesu's up. Only Compliant is the the mounting hole pattern is not the same as the Ham IV or TailTwister. Compared to the Ham series you are not paying a preium price for a preset controller. Highly recommend this rotor to any one.
N4ZW Rating: 2000-04-26
IMPORTANT Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
This actually a comment regarding Yaesu's documentation. Forget the manual when it comes to wiring the rotator and controller plugs. The book is just plain wrong ! Apparently, Yaesu made some mods in its plug assembley and tried to address amout a third of the deatil by putting a sticker over the old rotator plug wiring guide in the manual. The text indicates the center pin is not used. WRONG. OK. Here's the straight skinny from YAESU: Refererring to the 7-pin rotator plug, pins 1-5 are used, including #4, the center pin. This corresponds to the controller pin lay-out pins 1-5. Pin 6 is not used on either plug as, needless to say is #7 on the rotator plug. Don't screw up. The Yaesu parts department wants $37 (US) for a new rotator plug (actual cost...mum...maybe $3.50) and $27 (US) for a controller plug. The Yaesu service rep got kind of huffy when I asked if this was his kids college bill next semester or just for a couple of cheap plugs. His sense of humor was aopparently as bad as mine after spending an evening trying to figure the G-800SDX's wiring scheme out ! Good luck
G0UIH Rating: 2000-02-03
Does a fine Job Time Owned: unknown months.
I have had the G800SDX for 7 years now and it has performed without any trouble.On the tower at present is a KLM KT34A and a 3 element 17m monobander above it. My only comment..dont tighten the verticle mast clamps too tightly...drill your stub mast and locate a good sturdy bolt through the mast clamps and stub mast.This then takes the strain off the upper mast clamps (which can crack if over tightened)