Hy-Gain AR-500 User manual

CAUTION: Read and Adhere to all IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS listed elsewhere in this booklet. Read and observe safety,
installation and operating instructions supplied with this unit and with your antenna BEFORE installation or
operation. Retain this booklet and all instructions for your safety and future reference.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
Your antenna rotator unit, consisting of a control and a drive, has been
engineered and manufactured to assure your personal safety, but
improper installation or abuse of the unit, or the antenna connected
to it, can result in potential electrical shock or fre hazards. In order
not to defeat the safeguards incorporated in this unit, observe the
following basic rules for its installation, use and servicing.
1. Read Instructions
All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the
product is operated.
2. Retain Instructions
The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future
reference.
3. Heed Warnings
All warnings on the product and in the operating instructions
should be adhered to.
4. Follow Instructions
All operating instructions should be followed.
5. Power Lines
An outside antenna system should not be located in the vicinity of
power lines or other electric light or power circuits, or where it can
fall into such power lines or circuits. When installing an outside
antenna system, extreme care should be taken to keep from
touching such power lines or circuits as contact with them might
be fatal.
6. Outdoor Antenna Grounding
If the drive unit is installed on an outdoor antenna, be sure the
antenna system is grounded so as to provide some protection
against voltage surges and built-up static charges. Section 810
of the National Electrical Code. ANS/NFPA70, or CSA C22.1
Sections 10, 16, and 54, of the Canadian Electrical Code,
provides information with respect to proper grounding of the mast
and supporting structure, grounding of the antenna lead-in wire to
an antenna discharge unit, size of grounding conductors, location
of antenna-discharge unit, connection to grounding electrodes,
and requirements for the grounding electrode. See separate
enclosed grounding code. See FIg A.
Fig A
NEC – NATIONAL ELECTRIC CODE
Antenna Discharge Unit is not required if lead-in conductors are enclosed in a
continuous metallic shield that is permanently and effectively grounded.
Example of Antenna Grounding
According to the National Electrical Code
AR-500 Instruction Sheet
CONTENTS
Drive and Controller
Handheld Unit
2 AAA Batteries
AC Adapter
Instruction Sheet
Antenna
lead in wire
Antenna
discharge unit
Grounding
Conductors
Grounding
Clamps
Power service
ground
Grounding
Clamps
Electric
Service
Equipment

7. Ventilation
Your control is provided with ventilation openings to allow heat
generated during operation to be released. If these openings
are blocked, heat build-up can cause failure of the control and
external damage. Therefore:
• Never block the ventilation slots by placing it on a bed, sofa,
rug, etc.
• Never place in a “built-in” enclosure unless proper ventilation
is provided.
• Never cover the openings with cloth or materiel.
• Never place near or over radiators, heat registers, amplifers,
or other heat sources.
8. Grounding or Polarization
Your control may be equipped with a polarized AC line plug (one
blade of the plug is wider than the other). This safety feature
allows the plug to ft into the power outlet only one way. Should
you be unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing
the plug. Should it still fail to ft, contact your electrician to replace
your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the
polarized plug.
9. Power sources
Operate the control only from an A.C. power source as indicated
on the bottom of the control. Do not use D.C.
10. Overloading
Overloaded AC outlets and extension cords are dangerous, and
so are frayed power cords and broken plugs. They may result in
a shock or fre hazard. Unplug the control and call your service
technician for replacement.
11. Power Cord Protection
Do not allow anything to rest on or roll over the power cord, and
do not place the control where power cord is subject to traffc or
abuse. Pay particular attention to the cord at the plug and the point
where it exists from the control unit. This may result in a shock or
fre hazard.
12. Object and Liquid Entry
All individuals, especially children, should be cautioned about
dropping or pushing objects into any openings. Some internal
parts carry hazardous voltages and contact can result in electrical
shock. Objects dropped into the control may also result in a fre
hazard.
13. Water and Moisture
Never expose the control to rain or water. If the control becomes
damp or wet, or if liquids are spilled into it, unplug the control
automatically switches off 5 seconds after it is initially plugged in or
after a power glitch. and have it inspected by a service technician
before further use. Liquids, rain or excessive moisture may cause
electrical shorts which can result in fre or shock hazards. Never
operate the control near water, such as a swimming pool, etc. or
near a bathtub, sink, laundry tub, or in a wet basement.
14. Cleaning
Unplug the control before cleaning. Use a slightly damp (not wet)
cloth. Do not use an aerosol directly on the control since it may
over spray and cause electrical shock.
15. Performance Change
Whenever the unit exhibits distinct change on performance, unplug
the control and call your dealer or service technician.
16. Servicing
Any attempt to dissemble the control or drive portions of the unit
may expose you to high voltage or other hazards. Observe all
cautionary labels, warnings and safeguards.
17. Damage Requiring Service
If the control has been dropped or the case has been damaged,
fre, and shock hazard may exist. Unplug the control and have it
checked by a service technician before use.
18. Replacement Parts
When replacements parts are required, have the service
technician verify that the replacements used have the same safety
characteristics as the original parts. Unauthorized substitutions
may result in a risk of fre or electric shock, or other risks.
19. Safety Check
Upon completion of any service or repairs to the unit, please
ask the service technician to perform routine safety checks to
determine that the unit is in a safe operating condition.
20. Lightning
For added protection of the control during a lightning storm or
when control is to be left unattended for an extended period of
time, unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the rotator
cable. This will prevent possible shock, fre hazard and damage to
the control due to lightning storms or power line surges.
21. Rooftop Installation
Always use extreme caution when installing a rooftop antenna
and rotator system to reduce the risk of falls. Wear rubber-soled
shoes and use a sturdy ladder. Do not install on a windy day or
when the roof is wet or is covered with ice or snow.
ROTATOR INSTALLATION
1. Determine proper size number of rotator cable from chart.
Three conductor cable is suitable, but if four conductor cable is
used, connect both conductors 3 and 4 to terminal 3 on the drive
and control.
Gage No. of Conductors Maximum Length
AWG MM Feet Meters
22 .6 3 180 55
22 .6 4* 200 61
20 .8 3 280 85
20 .8 4* 310 95
18 1.0 3 445 136
18 1.0 4* 510 155
*NOTES: Attach 3 and 4 conductors to No. 3 terminals on control and drive.
*NOTAS: Conecte los conductores 3 y 4 al terminal No. 3 en el control y en la
guía.
2. Install drive unit. On new drive units, arrow on mast support
should be aligned with arrow shaped mast stop on housing.
Install drive unit with arrows pointing south. Using a short piece
of mast (3 feet or less), install the antenna to the drive unit
aiming the antenna south. When desired channels are close to
or on opposite sides of the north end stops, the antenna may
be installed pointing north. Note, however, that the antenna
will be pointing in the opposite direction from that indicated on
the control. An alternative means of setting up is to perform a
synchronization of the drive unit using the controller. Then set up
the antenna pointing north. Ensure power is disconnected from
the controller when making antenna adjustments.
See Fig 1 and 2.
*Mount antenna as close to rotor as possible. use no more than 3 feet of mast in
top of drive unit.
Fig 1

Fig 2
Fig 3
3. Connect rotator cable to drive unit terminal board. See Fig 3.
CAUTION: When using jacketed cable, be sure jacket of cable passes
thru the grommet to avoid moisture collection in the cable.
4. Attach rotator cable and antenna cable securely to mast or tower,
and pass through building to TV or FM set.
NOTES: See Fig A of the Important Safeguards section regarding
grounding of the lead-in cable for lightning protection.
CAUTION: Before disconnecting old control box, make
note of each wire color and the corresponding
terminal connections. To reduce the risk of electric
shock, do not remove cover. No user-serviceable
parts inside. Refer servicing to qualifed service
personnel.
CONTROLLER INSTALLATION
1. Determine the AC supply voltage and frequency in your country.
The US, Canada, Japan, Taiwan and South America are generally
120 VAC Hz. Europe, Africa, Australia and Asia (except above
mentioned) are generally 230 VAC 50 Hz. Your power company
will advise. Ensure the supplied wall plug power supply voltage
has the same input voltage as your household supply (±10%). If
not, contact your dealer.
2. Plug the power supply into the controller and the household
supply. Observe the digital diagnostic display.
It should display:
• 60H (or 50H in 50 Hz countries)
• HH1 (to use with the supplied handheld remote control)
If the above are not correct refer to Appendix A to change.
3. Disconnect the wall plug supply at the wall outlet. Connect the
cables between the controller and drive unit. See Fig B.
4. Reconnect the AC supply to the controller. After 5 seconds it
will switch off. Switch back on by pressing any key on the front
panel or handheld remote control. Perform a synchronization by
pressing the sync button on the left of the front panel. This takes
slightly over one minute. The unit may now be operated from the
front panel using the up and down controls.
5. Digital Compass
This feature operates as follows:
The display 000 to 360 degrees where:
• 000 is North (fully CCW viewed by a bird)
• 090 is East
• 180 is South
• 270 is West
• 360 is North (fully CW viewed by a bird)
Fig B
Amplifier
Loop to allow full
turn of antenna
Adjust rotator
for free turn
thru full circle
Use 1-1/4 mast
for true Rotation
Coax cable
Electrical Tape
Drive unit
Green wire to #1
Grommet
Terminals
Grommet
Black wire to #2
Red wire to #3
Strip ends ½”
Red
Black
Green
Outer sleeve
Terminal Connections
Green wire to #1
Black wire to #2
Red wire to #3
18VAC
1 AMP

HANDHELD REMOTE SETUP
1. Install 2 AAA batteries in the handheld remote.
2. Check operation by pressing the POWER button and observing
the display. If it does not function, check for HH1 in power up
diagnostic display. If the display is HH2, refer to Appendix A
to change.
3. The UP and DOWN controls will move the antenna position (the
same as the front panel controls). Alternately, a location may be
accessed directly using a 3 digit compass location. Example,
press 090 for East, 225 for South-West, etc.
4. Programming Preset Locations
This is the most popular mode of operation, 69 preset locations
(01 to 69) allow location numbers to be the same as TV channel
numbers if desired.
a. Find best signal using UP and DOWN controls.
b. Decide on a memory location, eg. 27.
c. Press 27 UP 27.
(Locations 01 to 09, eg. 05 may be programmed by either
05 UP 05 or 5 UP 5.)
d. Location is now memorized.
5. Accessing a Preset Location
As an example, to access location 27, press 27. Display will fash
“c27”, then show compass bearing while the antenna is moving.
It will become steady “c27” when it arrives.
(Locations 01 to 09, eg. 05 may be accessed as either 05 or 5).
6. Displaying Memory Locations/Status
From the handheld remote control, press 99 UP. Then observe
the display. Each programmed location is shown, followed by its
digital compass location. Additionally setting of power frequency,
handheld, autosync and timeout are shown.
A typical display might be:
60H 60Hz power c05 270 Compass bearing for c05
HH1 Handheld 1 c11 090 Compass bearing for c11
to on Timeout on c17 270 Compass bearing for c17
888 End of diagnostics 35 35 moves before a resync
Syn on Autosync on
7. Deleting Programmed Locations/Reset
Press 91 DOWN form the handheld remote control.
CAUTION: Use this command with care as ALL memory locations will
be deleted. This will also set autosync off and timeout on
8. Synchronization
Press the SYNC key on the left of the front panel or 00 Down
from the handheld. A counterclockwise movement is performed
to synchronize the control unit with the drive unit for proper
operation. Synchronization takes slightly over one minute.
After severe storms, or an extended period of use, the rotator may
appear to position the antenna incorrectly. First try pressing the
SYNC key to re-synchronize the system. If this fails, the antenna
or drive motor may be misaligned on the mast. You may either
go to the antenna and re-orient it, or reprogram the control unit to
correspond to the new antenna orientation.
9. Auto Synchronization
The unit may be set up program a sync command automatically
after 50 pre programmed moves. This feature is switched on (or
reset to 50) by pressing 98 UP. It is switched off by pressing
98 DOWN. Check to see if active by pressing 99 UP (Display
Status) and observing “SYn on” or “SYn OFF”.
10. Timeout
The unit may be set to switch off after 8 minutes of no activity
by pressing 97 UP. This feature is deactivated by pressing 97
DOWN. Check to see if timeout is active by pressing 99 UP
(Display Status) and observing “to on” or “to OFF.” The unit
USING THE CONTROLLER WITH A
“UNIVERSAL REMOTE CONTROL”
Universal handheld remote controls are popular as they can typically
control a TV, a VCR, a cable box and audio components. They are
also cheap and ideal replacements for lost and broken units. The
rotator controller will respond to commands from universal remote
controls confgured to control most Pioneer ®brand cable converter
boxes (HH1 mode) or most Pioneer®brand CD players (HH2 mode).
See Appendix A. Refer to the instructions supplied with the universal
remote control.
NOTES: Hy-gain cannot guarantee universal handheld remote control
compatibility.
APPENDIX A (Front Panel Setup Summary)
SET 60 Hz POWER ▲+ ▼AT POWER UP
SET 50 Hz POWER ▲+ ▼+ SY AT POWER UP
SET REMOTE HH1 ▲+ SY AT POWER UP
SET REMOTE HH2 ▼+ SY AT POWER UP
Example: To set for 60 Hz power:
a. Disconnect the power connector at the rear of the unit.
b. Press and hold UP and DOWN in together.
c. Reconnect the power connector at the rear end of the unit.
d. Release UP and DOWN
Other functions are set in a similar manner using the following buttons
at b and d: 50Hz POWER: UP, DOWN, and SYNC Remote handheld
1 (supplied unit and most Pioneer®cable boxes): UP and SYNC
Remote handheld 2 (most Pioneer®CD players): DOWN and SYNC.
Check settings are correct by removing power for a few seconds,
then reconnect power. Display will indicate:
50H (or 50H for 50 Hz)
HH1 (or HH2 for alternate remote)
APPENDIX B (Handheld Remote Control Command Summary)
SYNC: 00▼
PROGRAM: #▲# (# = 01-69)
DISPLAY MEMORIES/STATUS: 99 ▲
AUTOSYNC ON/RESET TO 50: 98 ▲
AUTOSYNC OFF: 98 ▼
TIMEOUT (8 MINUTES) ON: 97 ▲
TIMEOUT OFF: 97 ▼
DELETE MEMORIES/RESET: 91 ▼
APPENDIX C (Common Problems)
HANDHELD CONTROL DOES NOT FUNCTION
Battery bad or set for wrong handheld type (See Appendix A).
UNIVERSAL HANDHELD DOES NOT OPERATE CERTAIN
FUNCTIONS (eg.UP/DOWN) If supplied remote control is OK, try all
available Pioneer®cable box and Pioneer®CD player codes.
Universal remote may not be fully compatible.
UNIT DOES NOT TRACK CORRECTLY
Check power frequency 50/60 Hz setting (See Appendix A).
POSITION ACCURACY SEEMS DEGRADED
Perform SYNC function.
ANTENNA DOES NOT MOVE, BUT CONTROLLER
INDICATES MOVEMENT
Check the wiring between the controller and the drive unit.