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Reviews For: MDS RC-1 Antenna Rotator Controller

Category: Antenna Rotators & Accessories

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Review Summary For : MDS RC-1 Antenna Rotator Controller
Reviews: 28MSRP: 250
Description:
Digital Antenna Rotator Controller for HiGain Rotators (HAM-M, HAM-IV, Tailtwister) Yeasu, and other antenna rotators
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.mds-ham.com
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
00284.4
K2GT Rating: 2018-09-10
OK But... Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
This replaced a G800SA controller that turned the antenna but wouldn’t say where. As some previous reviews noted it worked in manual mode but was somewhat flaky in other modes. Also, the lcd display would randomly pixilate with white spots. After messing with it for an hour or so, I put my rf sniffer on it, and found a tiny bit of rf on the usb cable, not enough to affect anything else in the shack,but enough to totally screw this thing up. Apparently no thought to rf shielding in design. A few chokes on the already shielded Tripplite usb cable, and now it works. It has a function where if it thinks the rotor is snagged, it stops. There is no sensitivity control and there should be. The controller stops the rotor from turning at various times under the slightest stress condition. But as it says in the instructions, it’s cheaper than getting the Yaesu control box fixed.
KK8ZZ Rating: 2017-09-19
MFJ Kills Another One Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I purchased mine before MFJ bought them out. Basically, this is a great controller, and WHEN IT WORKS CORRECTLY is very convenient compared to the Yaesu controller it replaced. It randomly connects with the USB option on the computer using HRD latest version(s), though it often seems to have a random mind of its own. The major fault is when you attempt to manually set the desired beam direction by hand, using the "GOTO" knob control, the display and control work randomly and will often simply cycle back to some set of headings near the original setting and not allow you to actually dial in the beam heading you wish to have. Very disappointing. Other than that, it works on manual control, seems accurate in selected headings, and looks good on the ham shack desk. Reading reviews here from models made after MFJ took it over, I'd say once again, run, don't walk, from anything MFJ makes. I KNOW there are great craftspeople living down there where MFJ has its factory, but somehow even the least trained Asian guy or gal seems to be able to assemble electronics without leaving loose screws, unsoldered connections, or actual pre-shipping testing. This is another great example of a once potentially great ham accessory dragged down to the lowest possible quality offering when MFJ takes it over. Stay away, keep your Yaesu Controller. I'm glad I did.

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Earlier 5-star review posted by KK8ZZ on 2014-07-22

Using this with a Yaesu G-800SDX rotor. Easy to connect, usb to computer, used with both Ham Radio Deluxe and MacLogger (OSX) and works flawlessly for automatic control of rotor when used with spotting software. Click on the spot callsign, and the rotor turns to the proper DX heading. Also used it manually, works fine that way too. MUCH lower price than others advertising in ham magazines. Highly recommended.
K5DSQ Rating: 2017-09-13
MFJ, What Can One Say Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Purchased an MDS RC-1 prior to MFJ purchasing the company. Worked OK, a little goofy/touchy to setup and calibrate, but it interfaced with HRD. Turned it on 7-8 weeks ago and it immediately died and in the process killed my computer. Packaged it up and sent it to MFJ for repair. Never heard a word (4 weeks) until I called them two weeks ago. I was informed that I was number four in line and they would hopefully get to it the following week. Today I received and email telling me the whole thing was shot and un-repairable. Think I will go back to my very dependable HAM 4 controller that was built by CDE back in the last century, still works great and has never seen a MFJ Hy-Gain repair shop and never will. So much for MFJ Hy-Gain!
KI7M Rating: 2017-09-05
Was a fan but.... Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I bought my second MDS RC1-Y for a new Yaesu G-1000DXA going on my new tower. I've got about 240-260 feet of line going to the rotor now and ran into some problems. At first it would only turn one direction. Then after fixing the wiring due to the connector on the rotor I had more problems. It would turn either way alright but the GOTO function would fail sometimes or all the time in one direction and other times if I tried to move over about 40 degrees it would fail. Less than about 40 degrees it seemed to work sometimes both directions. I talked with the tech at Hygain/MFJ and shipped it back to them to be checked out and adjusted. He though he would need to do some adjustment to boost something. It seems they immediately shipped it back 'no problem found' after trying it on a G-450 rotor. In case you are not aware the G-450 doesn't have the features of a G-1000DXA rotor. Like the preset knob and push button to go to that setting. How do you check out a controller on a rotor that does not have those features? I gave the H-gain/MFJ people a complete writeup on the problems I was seeing and all I got for my money was a controller that does not provide the functions I wanted or it's suppose to provide. I guess what can you expect from Mighty Fine Junk. I realy liked this controller and was a fan until this happened and I got such poor service for my new purchase. My problems could have to do with the long cable but the Yaesu controller is working normally. The write up also stated my distance issue without any comment from MFJ/Hy-gain.
Once upon a time Hy-gain was a great company until MFJ gutted them I'm afraid. Quality control problems and service problems are their biggest issues. I was even thinking about buying a TH7-DXX to side mount on my tower but you can bet I'm having second thought about that.
WB3LHD Rating: 2017-05-06
Very nice! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Purchased the MDS RC1-Y to replace my Yaesu G-800SA
rotator. I wanted to control the rotator from my
computer using Ham Radio Deluxe. I'm using the USB
port to Comm4 and it works very well.

You will need a 2.1mm coaxial power connector to power the unit as one was not supplied.
I connected mine to my 12VDC power strip that's connected to a 12V battery.
Be sure to use a heavy enough power cable or the unit will starve for power and shut down.
I tried a 24AWG power cable at first and that did not cut it. I made up a 16AWG power cable and that was fine.

Very nice looking with it's blue screen with lots of built in options. I would purchase this again.
WA3JJM Rating: 2016-02-29
Terrific replacement controller Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Purchased the RC-1 to replace my disfunctional Yaesu G450-A rotor controller. Cannot say enough about it. Easy installation, works perfectly and now when using my DxLab software I can simply click on the cluster and point the beam automatically (long or short path) toward the DX. Great controller and even better when combined with DxLab.
NM5SD Rating: 2016-02-05
I Just Ordered a Second One! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
The title pretty much says it all. I have two of the old, clunky, mid-20th century design Yaesu control boxes for my '800 & '1000 rotors.

In order to turn the antennas via RS-232 I had to add an aftermarket board to the control boxes. It works, but it's still clunky. I wasn't happy. Then a local ham told me about MDS. I ordered one. It's much smaller...maybe 1/3 the volume of the Yaesu box. It's digital, and USB, and RS-232 is built in. In all, about 1/2 the price of a replacement and an RS-232 add-on.

Very cool! And, as I said, the second one is on order.

(Yaesu boxes are going to ebay which will pay for the MDS boxes.) <---Happy Camper.
KH6DC Rating: 2015-03-29
Awesome Controller Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Got the MDS RC1-G for the Yaesu G450A rotator and it works perfectly. Aligned with the RemoteHams.com remote software, I'm able to easily point to the DX direction. I can use my radio while at work on my lunch break instead of rushing home after work only to find them QRT. With the USB port, no need for USB-RS232 converters.

73, Delwyn KH6DC
WE1X Rating: 2014-11-19
Near Perfect Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I've been using the MDS RC1-Y for the Yaesu G800SA rotor over the past 8 months. Almost perfect in every respect: (a) easy install, (b) easy to configure, and (c) excellent control especially remotely using HRD and other software packages. The service from the crew at MDS is a bonus. The only nit I have is the controller is a bit light and will skid on the desk if you make manual adjustments or rotations. Adding some ballast to the controller would be a plus. BTW, I have the original G800SA controller (new) and prefer the RC1-Y over it.
VE7ZN Rating: 2014-11-18
Tremendous Value Time Owned: N.A.
My Yaesu G-2800DXA controller took a bow and I wanted something to interface with HRD in any event. I'd thought about buying a new Yaesu controller and an add-on interface. But this would have been an expensive option. Then, I stumbled across the MDS products and, after reading the manual and reviews here on eHam, I went ahead and ordered one. It came well-packed and quickly. I literally hooked up the power, plugged in the Yaesu molex plug, turned it on and voila! Interfacing with HRD was a snap. Great little box, with many features. It starts slowly then automatically ramps up to full speed and slowing down several degrees before your desired stop heading.

I'm pretty impressed so far and will write again after several months' use, but for the price, it's a terrific product. One improvement I'd suggest is to replace the knob with something a bit bigger. I find it's a tad too small - but I'm really picking the flys**t out of the pepper...

73,
Robert