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lfa Radio Ltd.
11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8
sales alfaradio.ca 780-466-5779 www.alfaradio.ca
4 Rotator Testing:
It is highly recommended that the rotator controller and rotator be setup on
the bench before installing on a tower. This will give the operator a chance
to become familiar with the equipment.
The ROT1Prog controller is normally expected to be operated from a 13.8 Volt DC
supply. However, it may be operated from other unregulated DC or AC sources as
well. DC or AC voltage levels between 13.8 and 18 Volts capable of at least 5 Amps
are acceptable - typically 13.8 Volts.
The polarity of the power to the control box input leads is not critical for D.C.
operation. A diode rectifier on the input will provide the proper polarity to the
electronics and provide reverse polarity protection as well as A.C. operation.
TIP: Because of several steering diodes in the motor path, the voltage delivered to
the motor (neglecting wire loss) will be about 1.4 volts less than the power supply
voltage. For longer runs and/or thin wiring, a higher voltage (up to approx. 18V)
to the control unit is beneficial. A simple way to estimate if the voltage to the
motor is adequate, is by timing the rotation. Under no or a very small load, the
360 degree rotation time with 18V DC or 24V DC are noted in the specifications in
section 2. A DC Ammeter in the motor lead is also useful. It should indicate
between 1 and 3 amps with a small load. On windy days or a heavy load, the current
may fluctuate up to 3 to 5 amps.
Once set up, check the Azimuth when looking at the rotator from above:
Pressing should make the rotator move clockwise.
Pressing should make the rotator move counter-clockwise.
If rotation is reversed, switch lines 1 and 2 on the back of the controller
or at the Rotator.
Impulse sense lines (3 & 4) have no polarity concerns.
Part of the overload protection circuitry involves cutting power to the
motor, if the controller does not receive a sense indication. If the motor
turns for a few seconds and then stops, the motor has either stalled or
there is a problem in the reed switch sense wiring.
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lfaradio Ltd. 2022
