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Does anyone have recommendations for a Antenna rotor Interface?

Member ✭✭
edited January 22 in Third-Party Software
I was researching antenna rotor interfaces and have found several of them pricing from $100 to several hundred.  I am open to all recommendations.  Just don't want to purchase one that is going to give me trouble down the road (or coax).  I am using Yaesu 2800DXA at this time and need to interface with logging and Flex 6.5k.  May change Rotor at a later time.  Thank you all in advance.

Larry ke2yc

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Answers

  • Member ✭✭✭
    edited June 2020
    I have a Yaesu G800DXA  (note the suffix DXA, which is different from the S or SDX)
    It has a built-in 6-pin DIN jack already wired.

    For this rotor, I purchased the ERC-Mini DX  (Easy Rotor Control)  from http://easy-rotor-control.com/     (There is also a ERC-Mini SDX for the 800SDX rotator, and other models for different rotators, too.)

    The ERC-Mini DX was pre-assembled in a metal box, and has a USB port on one end of the box and a 6-pin DIN on the other, cable included.  Just "plug-and-chug!"

    It has its own driver and controller software, but after configuring it with the ERC utility, I usually just let PstRotor control it.  another excellent program!

    Total cost of the ERC-Mini last year was 99EUR,  about $106 (US) after the exchange rate from Deutschmarks.  PstRotor was about $36.

    Now I can control it from many different logging programs, and even remotely with PstRotor's TCP Server or web server.  It makes remote operation a cinch!

    I wouldn't be without them.

    Ken - NM9P
  • Member ✭✭
    edited April 2017
    Long user of ERC here.  have had great luck at K6LRG, one of the earliest remote hilltops on the air.
  • Member ✭✭
    edited July 2018
    I use a Green Heron controller on my Yaesu rotator. It is a great controller with lots of features not available on the Yaesu controller. I alsot has a USB interface and an optional wifi interface. Using the wifi interface you can access your rotor via a web page for remote operation.

    http://www.greenheronengineering.com

    Jon...kf2e
  • Member ✭✭
    edited October 2017
    Larry,

         I use a MDS RC-1 antenna controller for my Yaesu 2800.  It is a poor man's Green Heron, about half the cost.  I control it from the PST Rotator AZ software program.

    Good luck...   Bill K3WA
  • Member ✭✭
    edited June 2020
    Another vote for the ERC.  It interfaced beautifully with my 800DXA and HRD Rotator/HRD Log/
  • Member ✭✭
    edited October 2016
    look this one work great but have bit of solder to do 

    https://remoteqth.com/single-rotator-interface.php
  • Member ✭✭
    edited August 2019
    Thank you all for the info. will research and make up my mind.  Thank you all again

    Larry, ke2yc
  • Member ✭✭
    edited March 2017
    I've been using a "Easy Rotor Control"  ERC V4 USB Rotor Control mounted in a YAESU G-450A.  It works great without any issues.   It interfaces well with HRD Rotator/HRD Logbook. 

    Cal/N3CAL

  • Member ✭✭✭
    edited November 2016
    I use EA4TX one. http://ea4tx.com/ars-usb/
    I like how easy it is to control remotely.
  • Member ✭✭✭
    edited January 2017

    I have a Yaesu G2800DXA rotor and a Yaesu GS-232B rotor interface

    it works perfectly via DDUTIL and all versions of SmartSDR and all software I have every tried

    That said, I would definitely NOT recommend the Yaesu GS-232B interface mainly because

    @ $569 it is ridiculously overpriced for just being a digital interface to the analog controller.


    If I had to do it again I probably would buy the Green Heron and get rid of the analog controller entirely.

  • Member ✭✭
    edited October 2016
    Only one good thing about the Yaesu GS-232B is it is for Satellite El/Az tracking which is way overkill for HF operators needs
    Have both, GS-232B and a Green Heron Unit.
    GS-232B for El/Az and Green Heron RT-21D for Az HF work.
  • Member ✭✭✭
    edited December 2016
    Yes, Rick....It is hard to get any simpler than the ERC-Mini DX for the G800DXA...Plug in two cables, run the setup program, and go!  Love it!  and it is only about $106...  (99,00 EUR)

    I have been running it with PstRotator AZ for about a year and I hardly ever even TOUCH the Yaesu controller box...except to unplug the cable and shut it off at the end of the day.  

    Ken - NM9P
  • Member ✭✭✭
    edited November 2019
    I use a GHE RT-21 to turn a prosistel PST71D. Probably overkill for your needs but it's a data point. But oh so many features. Ramp up/down, PWM and lots of protection. After ripping cables off the tower and nearly ruining a $2500 rotor with the stock controller I learned my lesson!
  • Member
    edited August 2019
    Hi Larry

    Have a look at this: https://blog.radioartisan.com/yaesu-rotator-computer-serial-interface/

    you can easily build a controller yourself. It is great fun and you can save a lot of money too !
    I cost me about 50 dollar.

    It works beautifully together with my yaesu G 1000 dxc rotor and my log-program: HamRadio DeLuxe 

    vy 73 de
    Ole / OZ1OP

    imageimage
  • Member ✭✭
    edited December 2016
    Hi Ole,

    I was looking at that and hit a road block in finding most of the info and cost of boards.  I have the Arduino and all components can be had for very low cost.  The display im lost on where to get.  Also the enclosure can be had for very little.

    Nice looking unit and great job. 

    Larry, ke2yc
  • Member
    edited October 2016
    HI Larry,

    You can find the display on e-bay:  http://www.ebay.com/itm/2004-204-20x4-Character-LCD-Display-Module-HD44780-Controller-Blue-Blackligh...

    The bord is just a DIY prototype bord: http://www.ebay.com/itm/5pcs-DIY-Soldering-Prototype-Copper-PCB-Printed-Circuit-Board-70mm-x-90mm-/1...


    I forgot to say it also works fine together with N1MM
    So Just go for it, Larry

    Ole, OZ1OP
  • Member ✭
    DOES the erc mini dx controller version 4 usb,
    correct what I am describing ???

    I am having a problem with the Yaesu products, g2800dxa and gs232b it works great 180 counter clockwise,  to zero,  and 180 clockwise --
    But if I want to go to overlap 181 to 270 clockwise or the shortest distance it will go all the way counter clockwise to get there ??? been battling this for several weeks....
    It reads 180 degrees off both in Ham Radio Deluxe and N1MM software..... so I add a 180 deg offset.
    I think the controller is crazy lol HELP, I calibrated with PuTTY and Eltima
    Rig Yaesu FT1000 D, G-2800DXA, GS232B,
    Cable RT Systems Radio Interface and Programming Cables USB-63


    My E-mail is KE2AY@aol.com or my office number 914-771-5800 thanks Joe KE2AY 
  • Member ✭✭✭

    Green Herron RT21 is what I use. If you want superb customer service then get this one. If you want high reliability then get this one. They’ve been around a long time

  • Member, Super Elmer Moderator

    I also use the Green Sharon RT21. It works with most rotors and you can order it configured for your rotor. It has serial and also a USB interface standard, and can be ordered with WiFi, Ethernet or GHE interface.

    73

    Dave wo2x

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