Hi Jerry.

I have a setup very similar to what you describe and also wanted to be low-budget.

I can't imagine being more pleased with the solution that is spelled out at the following link:

http://k3rrr.com/cheap-computer-controlled-tv-rotor-for-amsat-satellites-and...

... as long as you have a rotator with an IR remote control, the USB IR device mentioned in the above article works perfectly.

Hope you have as much success & enjoyment with your setup as I do with mine.

-Scott, K4KDR Montpelier, VA USA

===========================

On Sat, Sep 10, 2016 at 3:54 PM, Gerald Payton gp_ab5r@outlook.com wrote:

73 to ALL,

I am preparing to start the assembly of my "low budget" station and have a couple of question, please.

My first step will employ an azmuthal only inexpensive rotor (RCA VH22F) and a terrestrial use linear dual band antenna (Jetstream JTBM270). The antenna has 3 elements for 2m and 5 for 70cm. I plan to offset the elevation of the antenna 20-30 degrees in a fixed position, rotatable of course. My radio at this time is an IC-2730 dual band which can be used for the FM birds; I am told.

Having described my "phase one plans", my first question is regarding rotor control. Does anyone know of a rotor control for a three wire inexpensive rotator?

Regarding the linear antenna, what would the best mounting angle be for polarization. Yes, I realize that it would not be optimal mounted vertical or horizontal. I assume that a compromise angle might help.

Let me explain that portable handheld operation is not feasible dues to my age and living circumstances. A fixed station is my only option. However, that can be improved if necessary and financially feasible.

Thanks to each and all.

73,

Jerry AB5R

Gerald, since you are doing this on budget, do what I have been doing since the first contact (up through VUCC #226):

Download the free version of HRD. You can run the sat portion without any cat control or hook up to the radio. You can also update keps. So, fire up that program with its beautiful graphics and manually aim your Jetstream along the path. Simple but works

Also, as Bob Bruninga will tell you, set the EL at 15-20 degrees. He has a website that explains why, but I don't have the link at hand. I will send you direct some pixs of my Rat Shack and Elk setup.

Good Luck

73, Ted K7TRK

-----Original Message----- From: AMSAT-BB [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Gerald Payton Sent: Saturday, September 10, 2016 12:54 PM To: Amsat BB Subject: [amsat-bb] Advise and/or Help

73 to ALL,

I am preparing to start the assembly of my "low budget" station and have a couple of question, please.

My first step will employ an azmuthal only inexpensive rotor (RCA VH22F) and a terrestrial use linear dual band antenna (Jetstream JTBM270). The antenna has 3 elements for 2m and 5 for 70cm. I plan to offset the elevation of the antenna 20-30 degrees in a fixed position, rotatable of course. My radio at this time is an IC-2730 dual band which can be used for the FM birds; I am told.

Having described my "phase one plans", my first question is regarding rotor control. Does anyone know of a rotor control for a three wire inexpensive rotator?

Regarding the linear antenna, what would the best mounting angle be for polarization. Yes, I realize that it would not be optimal mounted vertical or horizontal. I assume that a compromise angle might help.

Let me explain that portable handheld operation is not feasible dues to my age and living circumstances. A fixed station is my only option. However, that can be improved if necessary and financially feasible.

Thanks to each and all.

73,

Jerry AB5R

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