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Arlags
New member
Username: Arlags
Post Number: 1
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 12:10 am: | 
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Hello everybody!
I am going to put up a Maco VQuad pretty soon and I will like to know what kind of rotator is best to put under it. Do I need to go with a big Yaesu one or just a cheap TV antenna rotator is enough.
I think that the cheap TV one will work since the antenna is not that heavy and does not have a big square footage, but I will like to know various input on it.
Thanks in advance for the help.
Take care guys ! |
Cactusjack
Intermediate Member
Username: Cactusjack
Post Number: 137
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 1:17 am: |
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Arlags,
I won't be much help on the antenna question but I would like to welcome you to the forum. There is a great bunch of people here. All full of information for the radio buff.
Have fun and again WELCOME TO THE FORUM.
CEF 124/cactusjack |
guest (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 1:32 am: |
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@ A
The rotor required to turn any given antenna is dependant on several factors. The first and most important being the amount of exposure to wind as rated (usually) in sq foot. The larger the stated area of the antenna the greater the wind will grab it and place forces upon the rotator. Also a factor is the weight. A thrust bearing (a device used to make the antenna turn easier and take weight off the rotator) will reduce your need for a bigger rotator.
A third factor is a break. A rotator with an active breaking system is required for large antenna arrays.
Suggestions...Do not buy a rotator that is too big because they are expensive and you will probably be wasting your money. Do not buy one too small because they will become either damaged, unuseable for another (bigger) antenna or worn out faster. Check the spec sheets for the rotator per the manufacturer and compare it to the sq foot of the antenna. Use the rotator that meets your needs without going overboard--a breaking system as always a nice feature regardless.
A good rule of thumb. One of those inexpensive radio shack jobbers is good for TV antennas and light UHF ham antennas.
You can use a light weight bell type rotator for your V beam or say a small CB Beam such as a PDL II or a light weight 3 element yagi beam type antenna.
Use the Ham IVs and such for the medium beams such as a 4 element beam such as a Moonraker or shooting star types.
And there are of course the super heavy duty jobs for the 40 and 50 foot yagi types such as the lazer 500 kind. HOWEVER be ready to pay through the nose for these units--some over 1000.00 in cost.
Just remember to match the rotator to the beam without going overboard.
Check Coppers for rotators. Other possible supply options are in the ham radio magazines advertisements. Texas Towers as a fairly good selection as well as many of the larger nationally advertised ham radio supply shops.
OF course someone will say Ebay. But also remember that with Ebay you are purchasing 2nd hand. On a personal level I would much rather pay just a little bit more and get brand new (with warranty)! |
Ozzie
Intermediate Member
Username: Ozzie
Post Number: 144
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 9:27 am: |
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Persoanlly I'd go for the bigger Yaesu one for several reasons.
1) We know it has the capacity to rotate that size antenna.
2) Reputation of yaesu products is good and so is their ci\ustomer service (generally).
3) An higher rated rotator is going to last you much longer that one that is close to or over its rating.
Yes its more expensive initially but oiver the years the cost works out cheaper as you will not have to repair or replace it as often. |
Pig040
Intermediate Member
Username: Pig040
Post Number: 347
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 10:05 am: |
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A light duty rotor would turn that antenna just fine, but keep in mind if you buy the best rotor you can afford now, when you want to upgrade antennas you wont have to upgrade your rotor. I bought a high quality rotor off of E-bay for half the retail price, and have used it for over 5 years now with no problems. |
Arlags
New member
Username: Arlags
Post Number: 2
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, March 25, 2004 - 1:17 am: |
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TNX for the help guys! |
