Antennen rotators SPID

SPID rotators are medium to heavy duty antenna rotators in the same general class as the HyGain TailTwister or Yaesu G-1000/2800DXC but with advanced digital features. Mechanical complexity is reduced to a minimum by utilizing a simple double worm gear drive system. Position readout is sensed by a rugged magnetic reed switch, giving a real resolution of 1 degree.

The controller has a full complement of features, including digital readout, software control and integrated computer interface (RS-232). Because it is able to emulate Hy-Gain, Yaesu and Orion control units, is it compatible to almost any software. Controller features may be easily upgraded in the future with a plug-in PROM.

Rotors need an external power supply of 12 to 24V DC, 12V-supply being very suitable for portable use with somewhat reduced torque and increased revolving time.

Rotating torque of RAS/RAK is around 350Nm (3,200 lb-in), with 24 volts to the motor. This is significantly more than any other rotator in the same price range.

The BIG-RAK and BIG-RAS rotators have an even larger rotation and brake torque and are intended for really large antenna systems.

With the double worm drive and the same magnet sensor as the RAK/RAS models the BIG versions have the same resolution of 1°.

The new smaller RAU rotor is intended for smaller antenna systems for VHF and shortwave.

RAK

RAS

RAU

General Specifications

Rotator

• Low voltage - high torque 24VDC (or 12VDC) gear head motor
• Rotating torque 24/12V version (RAK/RAS): 366/166 Nm
• Rotating torque 24/12V version (BIG-RAK/BIG-RAS): 583/903 Nm [1]
• 360 degree revolving time 24/12V version: 60/120 sec.
• Quiet and powerful self-braking action with double worm drive reduction
• Uses inexpensive 4-conductor cable
• Sealed reed switch sensor technology for reliable all weather readout
• 1 degree positioning accuracy - tight tolerances for minimal play
• Low voltage DC operation from any 12 volt source (typically 2-5 amps), ideal for camping, DXpeditions, VHF/UHF rovering
• Rated for large loads even when mounted outside the tower
• Designed for simple mounting to 50mm (2") pipe mast - both ends, bottom max. 65mm
• Mast diameter top (RAK): 30 - 50mm
• Mast diameter top (BIG-RAK): 45 - 65mm
• Mast diameter bottom (RAK, RAS, BIG-RAK, BIG-RAS): 45 - 65mm
• Coax cable can be passed threough center (RAK, BIG-RAK)
• Adaptors available to mate with other common rotator bolt patterns

Measured without controller because the solenoids in the controller can't take the high currents at these high torque forces.

Controller

• Manual, Automatic, Scanning, and Programmable modes
• Digital readout with 1 degree resolution
• Large easy to read soft green LED display
• Computer interface via included serial cable, including Hygain, Yaesu and Orion emulation modes
• Can be zeroed at any position to allow for installation inaccuracy or antenna mount slippage
• Generous overtravel (±180°) with electronic limits
• Programmable limits ideal for side mount applications
• Small front panel to simplify stacking several units takes up less valuable space
• Optional mouse control with 6 user programmable presets

Horizontal Rotator RAK/BigRAK/RAU

RAK/BigRAK: Applicable for easy constructions as for example yagis or heavy short wave antennas. RAU: for smaller antenna system for VHF or shortwave. Mechanical parts consists of worm gear with worm and wormwheel, made from steel (as shown on the picture), guaranteeing long, continuous work and high reliability. The advantage is the possibility of alignment of worm and wormwheel holding down, what makes possible to eliminate side play in driving gear, which can appears after long usage time. The surface is painted with anti-corrosion paint.

[1] Turning Torque and brake torque are depending on operating voltage (12 - 24 V).

Horizontal/Vertical rotator RAS / BigRAS

The RAS rotator is an extra heavy-duty rotator designed for large satellite antennas and comes complete with an electronic control unit. The rotator is designed to be mounted pipe to pipe or on an optional adaptor plate for conventional in-tower mounting. It can also be mounted outside of the tower on the mast, or used in a side mount configuration. Controller with two independent digital readouts for Az and El.

[2] Turning Torque and brake torque are depending on operating voltage (12 - 24 V).

Az/El RAS controller

Controller functions

• - CCW
• - CW
• - Setup mode
• - Function mode

Pressing an [F] button, and choose the functions:

• [ ] - manual mode
• [H] - half automatic mode (enter an angle, and after 2sec. the rotor automatically turns to the desired angle
• [A] - automatic mode (PC controlling by Spidlog or other software)

Additional functions with optional mouse:

• [P] - memory function: 6 presets. You can choose on mouse buttons

Setup mode

Works in manual mode only. Every click on the [S] button gives you the the following options

• [ ] - choosing rotor gear transmission (1.00-RAU;0.66-RAK) or option (P) when it is possible to insert a transmission from Spidloc software)
• [PH] - set maximum rotor stop angle (not more then +180 degree)
• [PL] - set minimal rotor stop angle (not less then -180 degree)
• [P blink] - set zero degree (only use when clearing the controller)
• [P] - set memory presets P1 to P6

Rear panel

• Fuse
• Power lead
• Power button
• M - Power for motor (1 and 2).
• I - Impulse input (3 and 4).
• DB9 (male) - Mouse input
• DB9 (female) - PC output

Software

One engine system (1 rotor). Program SPID.LOG is used to:

• Evaluation of azimuths and distances (automatically send data to control unit)
• Communication logger - including cataloque with LOG, PREFIX, LOG.Book - possibility of upgrading data
• Possibility to use readymade libraries from CD-ROM ( CALL-Book, HAM CALL)
• Built-in printing procedures for all kinds of data:
  • LOG
  • PREFIX
  • LOG Book
  • QSL cards(labels)
  • QSO connection table
• Projection of 180 maps (on mouse click). Transmisson option: manual sending data (angle) to Rotor control unit or automatically work with other short wave software.

Platform adaptor

Used when installing the rotator on a platform or in a tower.

Control Cable

6 or 8 wires control cable for rotators (SPID RAK requires 4 wires, the SPID RAS requires 8 wires).