Myles,
My friend is using a Yaesu 5400 rotor (the currently available model is the 5500). I do not believe that he has had any problem with it, nor have I. He uses a controller created by Mark Spencer, WA8SME. Here is a link to the original QST page that describes it: http://www.arrl.org/FandES/tbp/ariss-kits/ Note that the kit is no longer available through Mark or the ARRL. The boards are available through Far Circuits... http://www.farcircuits.net/control1.htm It is described as "SATELITE TRACKER INTERFACE FOR G-5500, G-5400, NOVA, SatPC32 BY WA8SME INCLUDES PROGRAMMED PIC AND BOARD".
What you are buying is a circuit board and programmed PIC chip. You will have to buy miscellaneous parts to finish out the project.
When used with MacDoppler, the "EasyCom" protocol is selected .
I hope all the above is not too confusing.
You mention a concern about not having access to the roof, once the rotor is installed.
Keep in mind that at some point in the future, you may end up having to get up there and troubleshoot the unit or perhaps attend to a coax connector that is letting in the rain, etc.
Bill Howell N5AB
On Jul 5, 2009, at 5:44 AM, myles landstein wrote:
hi
thank you very much for all the info and willingness to ask a friend about his setup could you in particular ask what his experience was w/the rotator was it 'trouble free' for him
my biggest concern is getting a bad brand of rotator because it will be very difficult for me t get the building to give me access to the roof and to hire people to have to climb up and replace a rotator so naturally i want to make sure to get the right brand, the alpha spid seems to be double in price not chump change so while i don't mind getting one, i don't want to waste money if the yaesu is 'ok' and so far i don't know anyone who said they had the spid perhaps it's problematic or just too $$
excuse my babble and again thanks for all
myles
On Jul 4, 2009, at 11:02 PM, Bill Howell wrote:
Myles,
My antennas/rotor are disassembled right now, as we are trying to sell the house. When it was all together, I used an older version of MacDoppler Pro, a Mac G4 tower with a serial card, and an Endeavour Auto Tracker ( http://endeavour-usa.com/ autotracker.htm ) driving a Yaesu 5400 rotor. The system worked FB.
Had I to do it over, I might not choose the Endeavour interface unit. It requires a serial port on the Mac, and I'm not sure if a serial-to USB converter would work right with it (an Imac, for instance, has no provision for a serial card).
MacDoppler is an excellent program with great support. The 5400 was purchased used and has been up on my roof for a number of years with no problems.
A friend of mine (who may not subscribe to this list) is using a Mac, MacDoppler and a Yaesu 5400. I will email him and see what he is using for an interface unit (I think his Mac is USB-only), and let you know.
Bill Howell N5AB
On Jul 4, 2009, at 8:12 PM, myles landstein wrote:
Since no one has replied thought I might give it another try, while perhaps not many are familiar with MacDoppler software, I hope some would be with the hardware and wouldn't mind offering some help?
thanks
happy 4th
On Jul 3, 2009, at 4:47 PM, myles landstein wrote:
Hoping to get some real world advice from those that are using MacDoppler and a compatible Rotor /Controller set up as this will be my first time getting a rotator and controller.
I wanted to solicit some advice on two fronts, the rotor controller basically for ease of use with MacDoppler and rotor reliability.
My first thoughts were towards a Yaesu 5500 and maybe the PrimeTec controller or maybe the LVB tracker as it's less costly.
I read a few reviews but not much was out there in general but especially on the PrimeTec...
Anyone using the PrimeTec?
What are you using as a controller? would appreciate any comparisons pro's cons tips tricks you might have
My biggest concern really is the Rotator. I am in a situation such that after installation, getting back to the roof for repairs would be rather difficult. So i am trying to identify the 'best' small/moderate sized rotator (az/el) as possible /practical.
Will be turning a small M2 2m and 440 circular pol beam
Not really sure how reliable the 5500 is for long term use. so if there was a 'better' more reliable and or longer lasting rotor out there i'd strongly consider it
The only thing I thought of as a alternative was the AlphaSpid but comparing reviews I seem to come out about the same between it and the 5500 -hoping some real world responses might help me break the 'tie'
Since this is all new stuff and I am not finding the usual quality 'google' results /reviews (PrimeTec) I would greatly appreciate any help or experience /advice on this from someone that went down this road already and willing to share some first hand info on what they use.
thanks very much grateful for any advice.
Going to Dayton '10 It will get better with more support!
Myles D Landstein N2EHG [email protected]
Myles Landstein [email protected] please note my new email address dti will soon be eliminated , gmail is my new home update your dir
Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
Myles Landstein [email protected] please note my new email address dti will soon be eliminated , gmail is my new home update your dir