Despite EasyComm 2's similarities to GS-232, modifications to Predict's source code haven't been successful in controlling the RAS rotator; are all the AlfaSpid users here on Nova / SatPC32 / Orbitron?

I gave Alfa Radio a call yesterday and they said that the controller appears to flicker when viewed under florescent lighting, so once I check that under a good old incandescent it should be fine.

I also picked up one of MFJ's variable voltage supplies, so it is a simple matter to observe how the controller does not enjoy lower voltages. The flicking I'm talking about is much faster and subtle; the multiplexing theory from earlier is a good one.

Ultimately I will run off of a stepped-down AC, probably with a variac thrown in. I've always wanted the ability to throttle rotations; the start-stop motion has always irked me. Makes the long yagis shake.

I'm looking forward to putting a small (~6ft) dish on this thing, but right now the focus is a yagi array (4x 440CP42UG, 2x 2MCP22). I don't have the heavy-duty version. Picked it up from Hy-Gain since the exchange rate to Canada is not, shall we say, favorable right now.

73, Ryan KB1LKI

On 2/6/10 12:00 PM, amsat-bb-request@amsat.org wrote:

Message: 7 Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 14:15:32 -0500 (EST) From: books47925@mypacks.net Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: AlfaSpid RAS& Predict To: John Heathg7hia@btinternet.com Cc: Amsatamsat-bb@amsat.org Message-ID: 15590894.1265483732218.JavaMail.root@elwamui-rubis.atl.sa.earthlink.net

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Hi John, Are you using this rotor system for an array of antennas or a big dish? If a dish, how large? I noticed their rotors at Visalia last year. But didn't ask the reps their thoughts about turning a 12 to 16 foot dish. I know there are two versions, I think one is heavy duty. Not sure which one you are using. Thank You for any additional info. 73,

de KB8VAO, Steve