You and I both are at about 5 degrees west declination. That's almost "in the noise" with any normal VHF or UHF array, and not much above the accuracy of the rotor. Most compasses are marked no better than 3 degrees per tick mark.

In other words, don't sweat it.

73, Drew KO4MA

-----Original Message-----

From: Joe Leikhim rhyolite@nettally.com Sent: Sep 3, 2011 4:42 PM To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Adjusting true north for azimuth rotator.

I am planning to install my G5400 rotator inside a tower having a welded rotator shelf. The tower is not installed yet and will have one face against the side of my house which is positioned about 28 degrees northeast (Per Google Earth).

I assume when I drill the rotator shelf, I can adjust for the gross 28 degree offset of the tower. However how important is it to do this at all? Does the rotator have to be installed exactly toward true north or can I make up the difference when clamping down the antenna mast assuming the antenna is oriented true north? Note I will be using a Trakbox and need the ADC to center on true north.

Secondly does anyone know if the ruler function in Google Earth points true north? It seems pretty handy that a fire plug in front of a neighbors house is at about north point.

-- Joe Leikhim

Leikhim and Associates Communications Consultants Oviedo, Florida

www.Leikhim.com

JLeikhim@Leikhim.com

407-982-0446

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