rotor

[kk4fpx]

Anyone know of a cheap rotor that will handle a 10 meter Maco 3 element beam ? I know the Radio Shack won't.

[KJ3N]

Define "cheap".

[PA5COR]

Cheap rotors will work if you use a support bearing above it and let that take the weight and stress, so that the rotor just needs to turn and nothing more.
I use a littl bit stronger rotor to rotate the 5 element 6 meter beam, 11 element 2 meter Flexxa yagi and 23 element Flexa 70 cm Yagi.

[kk4fpx]

cheap = under $ 200.00

[KJ3N]

cheap = under $ 200.00

Then you're wasting your time and money.

The typical 10m 3-element beam is rated at 3.5 sq. ft. of wind load. Neither the RS rotor, nor the AR-303 Hy-Gain will do the job. Both are in the $90 range. You'll need something rated for at least 5 sq. ft. to handle the antenna in question.

Now, you can piss money away $90-100 at a shot looking for "cheap" solutions, or you can just bite the bullet and do it right the first time. I'd suggest the Yaesu G-450, which is rated for 10 sq. ft. Yes, it's overkill for your application, but it's $280 from any of the major ham suppliers.

IMHO, don't fuck around. Do it right.

ETA: The G-450 is rated at 10 sq. ft. mounted in a tower. If you get the optional lower mast bracket to mount it on a pole, I believe it drops to 5 sq. ft.

[N8YX]

HD-73 with a thrust bearing and internal tower mounting will do what you're after if your peak wind velocity stays under 80MPH and the array is no larger than the one you mentioned.

Anything bigger in terms of antenna and you move into Ham-M or stouter rotor territory.

[NQ6U]

According to the Maco web site (http://macoantennas.net/Antennas.html), the 103C 3 element yagi for 10m has 3.99 square feet of surface area. Looks like Jim is correct about the Yaesu G-450 being the least expensive way to go.

[KJ3N]

According to the Maco web site (http://macoantennas.net/Antennas.html), the 103C 3 element yagi for 10m has 3.99 square feet of surface area. Looks like Jim is correct about the Yaesu G-450 being the least expensive way to go.

I've been blessed by Da Pope! :bowdown:

:lol:

[NQ6U]

I've been blessed by Da Pope! :bowdown:

:lol:

Be aware that my endorsements don't come for free. Drop and give me twenty. Twenty Hail Marys, that is, then go and while you're sinning no more, fetch me another Mojito from the bar. This one is almost gone.

—Pope Carlo l

[KJ3N]

Be aware that my endorsements don't come for free. Drop and give me twenty. Twenty Hail Marys, that is, then go and while you're sinning no more, fetch me another Mojito from the bar. This one is almost gone.

—Pope Carlo l

Just be aware that I'm not paying your tab, ya cheap bastid.

[WØTKX]

Package has arrived. Thanks Jim. :mrgreen:

BTW, I've been running that Gap Hear It (BHI) unit in the thunderstorm season to an external audio amp and speaker.

Best audio DSP for voice I have used. Gotta watch the input audio or it clips a little, but it digs weak stuff out of the crashes.

[KJ3N]

Package has arrived. Thanks Jim. :mrgreen:

I assume that means it arrived intact?

[WØTKX]

Well, I have not opened it yet, but the box looks fine.

[kk4fpx]

Thanks for the advice everyone.I guess I'll be on the lookout for a rotator at the next Hamfest, got one coming up this Saturday in Fort Payne. Geez the rotor is going to cost more than my radio antenna and watt meter all together.lol

[WØTKX]

Those who spend more effort and/or money on the antenna system achieve the best results.

Just like a good sound system. It's more about the right speakers (radiators) than anything else.

[KB3LAZ]

Then you're wasting your time and money.

The typical 10m 3-element beam is rated at 3.5 sq. ft. of wind load. Neither the RS rotor, nor the AR-303 Hy-Gain will do the job. Both are in the $90 range. You'll need something rated for at least 5 sq. ft. to handle the antenna in question.

Now, you can piss money away $90-100 at a shot looking for "cheap" solutions, or you can just bite the bullet and do it right the first time. I'd suggest the Yaesu G-450, which is rated for 10 sq. ft. Yes, it's overkill for your application, but it's $280 from any of the major ham suppliers.

IMHO, don't fuck around. Do it right.

ETA: The G-450 is rated at 10 sq. ft. mounted in a tower. If you get the optional lower mast bracket to mount it on a pole, I believe it drops to 5 sq. ft.

I have been looking at the yaesu and Hy-gain rotors and the yaesu seem to give you more bang for your buck. Rather more qs. ft. per dollar. I think when I get home I'm going to buy double the sq. ft. that I need for future applications. Why spend 300$ to turn around in a few years to spend 600$ and then have a rotor that I do not need.