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Installation of a High Gain Antenna Rotator
Use Your Time in Lockdown for a Radio Project
Installation of a High Gain Antenna Rotator
Whilst amid Corona Virus lockdown, I have been busy completing many projects to occupy my spare time. After months of waiting Nevada finally received some cheap antenna rotators. The High Gain HY is ideally suited to powering the rotation of a lightweight antenna, such as the Wellbrook Loop. However, due to the demise of analogue TV, they have become increasingly difficult to buy from retailers.
I had been tracking this form of rotator for well over a year. There are more expensive rotators available on the market from leading manufacturers, however, the price is within the region of £400 and upwards. Please remember to make sure that the main power supply is in off position for your health and safety, when installing your antenna rotator.
The photographs on this page show the six individual steps of construction as described here:
Figure 1: Attaching the Three Core Cable to the Rotator Unit
Figure 2: Checking the Position of the Clamps and Supports
Figure 3: Attachment to the Mast
Figure 4: Installation of the Wellbrook Loop Antenna
Figure 5: Position and Support of the Power Cable
Figure 6: Installation to Power Cable to the Rotator Control Unit
When attaching the power cable to the rotator base it is essential to make sure that you record their position, to make this easier they are marked from one to three. When sealing the base unit make sure that the water seal is correctly in place, preventing water from damaging the vital electronic circuits.
Before attaching the clamps to the mast, it is important to check that the clamps work correctly. It also makes it easier when attaching the base to the mast (handling small components),
It is essential to make sure that the base unit is well secured to the mast, remembering that the weather in winter is maybe extreme and harsh. I would recommend regular servicing of the antenna and rotator, maintaining its level of performance.
Simple plastic cable clips are beneficial in safeguarding the power cable and the wellbeing of young children who may potentially trip when playing in the garden.
The last installation process is to attach the power cable from the base unit to the control unit, making sure that the connection sequence matches. It is then necessary to test the rotator, making sure that all functions operate correctly.
(Source, and with thanks: Scott Caldwell, RadioUser / Radio History columnist)