Portable Rotation 2PRSAT User manual

Copyright 2016 © Portable Rotation, Inc. Page 1
12 Volt Dual Axis Portable
Antenna Rotor System
Model 12PRSAT
User Manual
ocument Rev 1.1B
Copyright 2016 © Portable Rotation, Inc. Page 2
Warranty
All products sold by Portable Rotation Inc. are warranted against defects in material and
workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date of shipment within North America, and for
a period of one (1) year from the date of shipment to outside of North America. If you believe this
product you have purchased has a defect in material or workmanship or has failed during normal
use within the warranty period, please contact Portable Rotation Inc. for assistance at the contact
information listed below. If product repair or replacement is necessary, the Customer will be solely
responsible for all shipping charges, freight, insurance and proper packaging to prevent breakage
in transit, whether or not the product is covered by this warranty. All shipments of repaired or
replaced products by Portable Rotation will be F.O.B. from Roseville, California, USA.
This warranty does not apply to defects resulting from any Customer actions, such as mishandling,
improper interfacing, operation outside of design limits, misapplication, improper repair, or
unauthorized modification; breaking the Warranty Seal voids all stated warranties. No other
warranties are expressed or implied. Portable Rotation liability shall be limited to the actual
purchase price of any defective unit to which a claim is made, and shall in no event include the
Customer's manufacturing costs, lost profits, goodwill, and any other direct, indirect, special,
incidental or consequential damages whether based on contract, tort or other legal theory.
Portable Rotation is not responsible for any amage to or caused by the installed Antenna in any
use case.
Contact Information
For Sales Inquiries: 1-800-366-9216
http://[e-mail]
For Support: 1-800-366-9216
http://[e-mail]
Shipping Address:
Portable Rotation, Inc.
4010 Foothills Blvd. Ste 103, #118
Roseville, CA 95747
Website: http://www.portablerotation.com

Copyright 2016 © Portable Rotation, Inc. Page 3
Contents
Warranty ............................................................................................................................................ 2
Contact Information ...................................................................................................................... 2
Contents ............................................................................................................................................. 3
Introduction...................................................................................................................................... 4
Key Features and Specifications .............................................................................................. 4
Specifications ................................................................................................................................... 5
Limitations ........................................................................................................................................ 5
Included Items ................................................................................................................................. 5
Before First Use ...............................................................................................................................
Rotor System Power ................................................................................................................
Rotor System Assembly .........................................................................................................
Installation ........................................................................................................................................ 7
New Deployment Configuration .............................................................................................. 8
Set the Initial Heading and Azimuth ................................................................................. 8
Configuration Options ............................................................................................................ 9
Antenna Configuration...................................................................................................... 9
Magnetometer Declination (Optional).................................................................... 10
Set Baud Rate ..................................................................................................................... 10
Setting your Call Sign / Vanity Text ............................................................................... 11
Normal Operations ..................................................................................................................... 11
Manual Turn Mode ................................................................................................................ 12
Automatic Turn Mode .......................................................................................................... 13
Aborting an Auto Turn Operation ............................................................................. 13
Remote Control Mode .......................................................................................................... 14
Operational Features ................................................................................................................. 14
GPS Data ..................................................................................................................................... 14
Voltage Monitor ...................................................................................................................... 14
Calibration................................................................................................................................. 15
Rotational Stoppage – Antenna Jam.................................................................................... 15
Power-On RESET Options ....................................................................................................... 15
Voltage and Temperature Monitor ...................................................................................... 1
Remote Control ............................................................................................................................ 1
3rd Party Rotor Control Software .................................................................................. 17
Error Messages ............................................................................................................................. 18
Interconnect Information ........................................................................................................ 20
Connector Details ................................................................................................................... 20
50 Foot Cable Details ............................................................................................................ 20
Serial Communications Commands ............................................................................... 21
Technical Description................................................................................................................ 22
Minimum / Maximum Turn Explanation .......................................................................... 23
Quick User Reference ................................................................................................................ 24
Copyright 2016 © Portable Rotation, Inc. Page 4
Introduction
Thank you for the purchase of the Portable Rotation 12 Volt Dual Axis Portable Rotator
system, Model 12PR AT.
This system is designed with a simple to use user interface allowing easy operation
while still offering advanced features like ‘Auto Turn,’ ‘Any-Direction Calibration’ and
Remote Computer Control.
The 12PR AT is a 12 volt portable dual axis rotor system designed for portable satellite
operations. The system is designed to support a dual antenna (VHF / UHF) installation;
one antenna on each arm for a total load of 10 pounds.
Key Features and Specifications
•Nominal Az/El rotation speed of 1RPM, or 6 degrees/ econd
•3 button user interface with backlight 2x8 character LCD and 2 Notification
LEDs on the Hand Held Controller
•Full +/- 540 degree Azimuth rotation with 1 Degree minimum movement /
resolution
•180 degree Elevation movement – Limited from 0 to 180 degree. 1 Degree
minimum movement / resolution
•PWM motor control with two user controlled turning speeds
•3 Modes of operation:
oManual antenna movement
oAutomatic antenna movement
oRemote computer controlled movement
•User programmable Vanity Display message
•‘Any-Direction Calibration’ offering easy antenna system deployment
•Antenna Rotation Jam detection with auto stop
•4 Conductor hielded Rotor Cable (50 foot length provided)
•U B Computer interface supporting the G 232A Az/El Rotator Control
Protocol.
•150mA idle current, less than 500mA normal turning current at 12.5 Volts,
both axis – Heavy Turning Loads over 1 Amp
•12VDC 200ma Accessory power out on Rotor Unit
•Optional GP Receiver for field portable location reporting
•Optional Auto-calibration feature

Copyright 2016 © Portable Rotation, Inc. Page 5
Specifications
•12.0 Volt to 14 Volt DC Operation (13.0 Volt Nominal)
•150ma idle current
•Maximum Antenna load of 10 LB
•Rotor Head weight, including 18 inch arms: 7.5 lbs
•Controller Weight: 8 Ounces
•4 conductor rotor cable – Minimum Gauge ize of 18 – Max Length supported
– 100 Feet
Limitations
The 12PR AT Az/El Rotor unit is not designed for permanent outside installation. The
system is designed to be used for portable operations with antennas like what is sold
by companies like Arrow, Elk Antennas. Non portable antennas like those offered by
M2 can also be used as long as the maximum weight limitation is not reached.
Exceeding the specified maximum antenna weight may damage the Rotor Unit and will
void all expressed or implied warranties. Using oversized antennas will cause tracking
failures. It is not designed to withstand long term harsh and extremely wet winter
conditions.
Don’t:
Install Antennas Heavier than 8 pounds
Operate with off center loading; make sure the antenna is balanced at the
rotor mounting points
Leave Rotor in extreme wet environments for extended times or in high wind
conditions
Manually force the movement of the antenna system, you will damage the
mechanical system
Included Items
The following items are included as part of the Portable Rotator system:
•1 - 12PR AT Portable Antenna Az/El Rotor Controller
•1 - 12PR AT Portable Antenna Az and El Rotor Mast Units
•‘U’ Bolt hardware to attach Rotor Unit to antenna mast
•2 – 18 inch long fiberglass cross bars
•1 - 50 Ft - 4 conductor shielded cable with screw type connectors
•4 – 6 inch Velcro cable ties
•1 - 6 Foot Pigtail Power cable (2.1mm x 5.5mm, Center Pin Positive)
•1 - 3 Foot U B Cable
•1 - mall Magnetic Compass
Copyright 2016 © Portable Rotation, Inc. Page 6
•1 - Extra et of water seals (in small bag)
•1 - User’s Manual
Before First Use
Inspect the contents of the box and verify that the contents of the box match the
above list.
Rotor System Power
You will need to attach a 12 Volt power source to the ends of the provided cable. The
cable ships with a 15Amp Anderson Power Pole connector already installed. If you are
going to make your own power cable the Positive lead on the provided power cable
has the White tripe.
Note: The controller electronics will work at a voltage as low as 9 Volts, but that is not
enough Voltage to operate the Rotor’s DC motors. The controller senses the power
supply voltage and will not operate below 11.5 VDC or over 14.2 VDC.
The Rotor ystem power connections are reverse polarity protected and include a
thermal resetting fuse. The 12 Volt accessory port is not reverse polarity protected
but includes a 200ma thermal resetting fuse.
Rotor System Assem ly
The Rotor ystem is shipped disassembled to keep the shipping size as small as
possible. Assembly is straight forward:
-Place the Elevation Unit on a table or other surface with the mounting plate
and set screws facing up (unit upside down).
-Place the Elevation unit on top of the Elevation unit aligning the set screws
with the notches in the drive shaft.
-Make sure water seal is seated properly.
-Pressing down with light pressure tighten the set screws

Copyright 2016 © Portable Rotation, Inc. Page 7
-Attach the 18 inch arms in a similar manner with slight pressure on the arms
towards the Rotor Housing
-DO NOT Over tighten the set screws.
Installation
Installing the Rotor system for portable Use is not difficult.
Before starting the installation VERIFY that the site is in a safe
location to erect an antenna system of the size you are using.
Make sure there are no overhead power wires near y. Also
make sure there are no buildings, structures, or trees that the
turning antenna could strike causing potential damage.
Eye protection should be worn when installing the antennas. Large antennas
with crossing elements can be an eye danger especially when installing them
at eye level.
Even though this is a low power 12 volt device, the high gear ratio of the mechanism
could cause damage if rotating your antenna into a fixed objects.
Use the provided Velcro strips to attach the feed line Coax and Rotor Cable to the
tripod or mast in a few locations to keep the cables from dragging on the ground or
moving in the wind. It is recommended to attach the cables to the mast in the
opposite general direction of the satellite to be tracked, reducing the amount of cable
wrap for your feed line. Remember to include a service loop in the Coax to allow for
the rotation.
There are multiple connections on the Azimuth or lower rotor unit. Each connector
has a different pin count so it is not possible to make the wrong connection. Connect
the Elevation or Top Rotor unit to the Azimuth unit with the 6 conductor cable. Once
the antenna(s)/tripod/mast is erected, connect the 4 conductor rotor cable to the
Rotor Controller and connect 12 Volts to the Hand Controller using the provided
power cable.
Once the controller is turned on, the following start up messages are displayed with
the final display showing the user configurable 8 character top line and the last known
antenna heading:
Model
12PRSAT
InitComs
to Rotor
Portable
Rotation
PTBL RTN
A000E000
Copyright 2016 © Portable Rotation, Inc. Page 8
New Deployment Configuration
After erecting your portable antenna system (including Tripod, Rotor Head, Antennas,
Feed Line and Rotor Cable) you will need to calibrate the antenna Azimuth and
Elevation, and make any changes to the 8 characters of user programmable message.
With the ‘Any-Direction’ Calibration feature of this controller, you can erect the
antenna system and not worry about the antenna heading at that time. This saves
time and the effort of trying to align the antenna to its proper azimuth and elevation
by adjusting U-Bolts and clamps.
Using the provided compass, smart phone application or other device, make note of
the current heading of the antenna. Again, you do not need to have the physical
antenna heading set to North when first erecting the antenna system; you will set the
initial heading of the antenna into the controller during the power on initialization
process. Make sure to position your feed lines such that you minimize antenna mast
wrapping.
Set the Initial Heading and Azimuth
A compass points to Magnetic North. Due to the varying magnetic fields of the Earth,
‘Magnetic’ North and ‘True’ North are not always the same. When tracking satellites,
true North is used. You will need to adjust your Heading entry based on both the
Magnetic North reading and the Declination for you area. There is a lot of information
on the web that can be referenced to further understand Magnetic Declination.
Next go to the controller and turn the system on, when the Initial “Portable Rotation”
messages is displayed holding down the Mode button [Middle Button]. Continue
holding the button until the “ elect / Az Bt El” message is displayed. Release the
button.
PTNL RTN
A123E045
Select
Az Bt El
Selecting Bt for both
you will now enter
both initial headings.
Select Az for Azimuth, Bt
for Both or El for Elevation
Initial Az and El values now set
to Azimuth=123 degrees and
Elevation of 45 degrees
You can now choose to set the Initial Azimuth, Elevation or both. Press the CCW
button to select Azimuth, MORDE button to set both or the CW Button to set the
initial Elevation value.

Copyright 2016 © Portable Rotation, Inc. Page 9
PTBL RTN
A123E000
Enter Az
Az:000
Using the 3 buttons
Enter the initial
Azimuth heading
PTBL RTN
A000E005
Enter El
El:000
Using the 3 buttons
Enter the initial
Elevation Angle
Notice the 100’s place value has an underline cursor to identify the active location to
change. Use the CCW [Counts Up] and CW [Counts Down] buttons to count up or
down to set this value. You are allowed the value 0 through 3 in this location for
Azimuth and 0 or 1 for Elevation. When the first value is set, press the Mode button,
the cursor moves to the next location; the 10’s place. Using the same procedure as
before; select the value with the CCW and CW buttons and then press the Mode
button when the correct number is displayed. The 1’s place value is now selected;
select the value and press the “Mode” button. The current heading is now saved to
memory and the new heading is displayed. If you make an error, just redo the process
by Power Cycling the controller.
Configuration Options
There are 3 Power-On Configuration Options:
•Antenna Configuration
•Calibrate ystem
•et Baud Rate
To change any of the 3 Power-On Configuration values, press and hold the “CCW”
button and turn on the controller. A menu choice will be displayed. Press the button
that corresponds to the function for which you wish to make a change.
Antenna Configuration
The Rotor controller will stop the rotation on the degree position requested when
turning in the Automatic Mode and the Remote Control Mode. It you notice turn
inaccuracies you can adjust the system response by setting the Antenna calibration to
1 of 3 different timing modes. mall turning errors can occur due the nature of a
small, low power system. Differences in the antenna systems mass and cabling load
can cause motor stop and start times to vary. These errors are less than 1/10 of a
degree, but over time errors of a degree or more can be seen based on external
environmental influences.
To set the Controller to one of the 2 optional timing modes, do the following; turn on
the controller and when the “Portable Rotation” message is displayed, hold down the
Copyright 2016 © Portable Rotation, Inc. Page 10
CW button [right button]. Continue holding the button until the “Config / AC C BR”
message is displayed then release the buttons.
Then press the CCW button to select the Antenna Calibration option. The 3 choices
displayed are:
•“DF” – Default and overall best fit
•“01” – lightly smaller timing delays for smaller antennas
•“02” – lightly longer timing delays for larger antennas
Config
AC CS BR
Ent ACal
DF 01 02
Ent ACal
Ant Opt2
Turn On while Holding
the CCW Button
Set Antenna timing configuration:
Default, Short or Long timing
Selected ‘02’ so “Ant Opt2” is
displayed for 2 seconds
Config
AC CS BR
Ent ACal
DF 01 02
Ent ACal
Default
Turn On while Holding
the CCW Button
Set Antenna timing configuration:
Default, Short or Long timing
Selected ‘Default’ is displayed
for 2 seconds
elect the timing option by pressing the corresponding button. The Controller will
display your choice for a few seconds, then return to the previous operating mode
prior to the power cycle.
Magnetometer Declination (Optional)
The power on Magnetic Declination function is used to set the magnetic declination
for the location of the installation. The data is stored in memory between power
cycles and only needs to be set when using the optional Magnetometer module and
large distance changes between operating sites. Using the chart provided in the
optional Magnetometer kit, locate the closest declination line to your location and
enter the value. Remember to set the ‘+’ or ‘-‘ value along with the declination. Use
the same method as setting the initial heading to set the declination. The controller
will make the adjustment to true North automatically.
Config
AC MG BR
Enter MD
MagD:+10
Enter MD
MagD:-16
Turn On while Holding
the CCW Button
The current Magnetic Declination
Is shown.
Enter the value for the current
location of the system
Set Baud Rate
The default U B to serial configuration is 9600/1/N. The controller supports 2 optional
baud rates; 4800, and 19,200 baud. To change the power on default, while pressing

Copyright 2016 © Portable Rotation, Inc. Page 11
the CCW button, turn on the controller. Release the button after the power on
messages are displayed
Config
AC CS BR
COM Rate
48 96 19
Ent ACal
4800 BD
Turn On while Holding
the CCW Button
Set baud rate to host Default is
9600. press CCW for 4800 baud
Selected 48’ so “4800 BD” is
displayed for 2 seconds
elect the “BR” choice by pressing the “CW” button. The 3 baud rates are displayed;
48 = 4,800 baud, 96 – 9,600 baud, and 19, for 19,200 baud. Press the button that
corresponds to the needed baud rate. The new baud rate will be displayed for a few
seconds then the controller enters its previous operating mode. The new value is
saved in memory and is persistent over power cycles.
Setting your Call Sign / Vanity Text
The 12PR AT Rotor Controller allows you to set and will display during idle time where
the controller is not turning the antenna, 8 Characters of your choice on the top line of
the display. This can be your call sign, antenna information, or any other message you
want displayed. This information can be changed as often as you like.
The process of setting the text message is similar to setting the initial antenna
heading. Turn on the controller and when the “Portable Rotation” message is
displayed, holding down the CCW button [left Button] turn On the Controller.
Continue holding the button until the “Ent Call” message is displayed, then Release
the button. The bottom line will now display the current message text and the first
character position will show that it is ready for input as it will be underlined. Use the
CCW and CW buttons to go forward or backward through the Letters and Numbers,
pressing the MODE button after the correct character is selected. You must do this
operation for all 8 character positions. If no change is needed, just press the MODE
button to move to the next character.
Ent Call
N7IPY
Enter new Text for each of
8 character positions for a
new message
SatTrack
A123E045
After entering all 8 characters the display will refresh showing the new user selected
text on the top display row and the current antenna heading on the bottom.
Normal Operations
Once the initial configuration is complete, the 12PR AT Az/El Rotor system is ready to
manage your antenna azimuth and elevation movements. As with most portable
Copyright 2016 © Portable Rotation, Inc. Page 12
VHF/UHF beam type antennas that this system is designed to work with, exact degree
accuracy is not really needed as the antennas are not that exact. The system design is
accurate to 1 degree with a minimum of 1 degree increments.
A simple to use menu system is provided to select the turning mode and to control the
system.
There are three modes of operation:
•Manual Turn Mode – Used to make manual changes in azimuth or elevation.
Not a practical solution for satellite tracking
•Automatic Turn Mode – Used to make a turn by entering the azimuth and/or
elevation and letting the controller manage the movement of the antenna.
•Remote Control Mode – tandard mode of operation using an external
computer system with tracking software.
Manual Turn Mode
To use this mode of operation, press and hold the “Mode” button for 1 second. A
menu of 3 choices is then displayed, “Az AT El”. The 3 controller buttons correspond
to the 3 menu choices. Pressing the “CCW” button selects the Manual Turn mode for
the Azimuth motor. Pressing the “CW” button selects the manual turn mode for the
Elevation motor, and pressing the middle or “Mode” button selects the Auto Turn
mode. When using the Manual turning mode the bottom display line shows both the
Azimuth and Elevation position. To indicate which axis is selected for manual turn
control, the leading letter, ‘A’ for Azimuth or ‘E’ for Elevation is shown capitalized
before the degrees value. The non-selected axis is shown with a lower case letter. If
an Azimuth move was selected, the letter ‘A’ is shown as upper case, and the letter ‘e’
is shown in lower case. If an Elevation move was selected, the lower case letter ‘a’ is
displayed before the degrees of turn and the upper case ‘E’ is shown before the
degrees of elevation.
After selecting the Az or El turning option, pressing the CCW (Counter Clockwise)
button or the CW (Clockwise) button until the heading on the LCD display shows the
heading you want. This will cause a slow speed turn. Dynamic breaking is used to stop
accurately on heading. You can do a full speed turn by pressing the mode button and
holding it while pressing the CW or CCW button. Releasing the Mode button will
return to slow speed movement. During any turn operation the GREEN LED is on,
indicating that a turn is in progress.
The controller limits the Elevation motion between 0 and 180 degrees, Azimuth
rotation is limited to +/- 540 degrees from North.
As a turn is in process, the new heading value is saved to memory. When finished with
your turn, to save on battery power until the next time you want to turn the antenna,

Copyright 2016 © Portable Rotation, Inc. Page 13
you can turn off the Controller to conserve station power. Turning the power off does
not cause a U B connection to be lost as the U B interface is powered by the attached
U B master (the PC).
Automatic Turn Mode
This mode for turning to a new heading is useful when you need to make a large
antenna heading or elevation change; As an Example: Turn from 010 degrees to 170
degrees, (60 degrees). You can either hold the “CW” button down for the duration of
the turn or you can enter the Auto Turn Mode, input the new heading and/or
elevation and let the controller manage the turn for you.
To enter the Auto Turn Mode, with the control unit on, press and hold the MODE
button for 1 second. When you see the message “Az AT El” in the display, release the
button. Press the “Mode” button to select Auto Turn. Enter the new heading
followed by elevation as explained below
On the first line of the display the message “Enter Az:” is displayed and on the second
line of the display the message “Az:000. “ Notice the 100’s place heading value has an
underline cursor to identify the active location to change. Use the CCW [Counts Up]
and CW [Counts Down] keys to scroll up or down to set this value. You are allowed 0
through 3 in this location. When the first value is set, press the Mode button, the
cursor moves to the next location; the 10’s place. Using the same procedure as
before; select the value with the CCW and CW buttons and then press the Mode
button when the correct number is displayed. The 1’s place value is now selected;
select the value and press the Mode button. Using the same process, enter the
Elevation values.
If no change is needed for either Az or El, press the Mode button to step over and
keep the current value.
The ‘Auto-Turn’ process will start and the controller will automatically turn the
antenna to the new heading and/or elevation.
When the turn is completed, the new heading and/or elevation value is saved to
memory and you can turn off the controller to save on battery power until the next
time you want to turn the antenna.
The current antenna heading and azimuth are displayed during the turn.
A orting an Auto Turn Operation
At any time during the Auto Turn process, you can abort the turn by pressing the
MODE (Middle button). The turn will stop immediately saving the current heading to
memory.
Copyright 2016 © Portable Rotation, Inc. Page 14
Remote Control Mode
As explained in more detail starting on page 19, this mode is the intended primary
mode of operation. This is the mode used for automatic atellite tracking when
connected to a host computer.
Operational Features
There are three additional operational features built into the 12PR AT dual axis Rotor
ystem. They include:
•GP Data Capture from optional GP receiver
•Built in Voltage monitor
•Manual ystem Calibration with optional Auto Calibrate Feature
Function
GP VO CA
When in normal Operating Mode,
press all buttons brings up the
Function Menu
By pressing and releasing all 3 buttons when in the non-Remote Control operating
mode you will be given 3 choices.
GP – Display GP position and Altitude data (Optional)
VO – Display input voltage, accurate to 10 mv
CA – Initiate an Auto Calibrate cycle or Calibrate Magnetometer (Optional)
GPS Data
If the optional GP unit is installed on the Motor unit, the GP position is captured
along with elevation and the current Fix time.
If the GP unit is not installed, a message is displayed and the system returns to the
Normal Operating mode. If the GP is installed but it does not have a valid position
Fix, you will be notified with a “No Fix” message.
Press the CCW button to view the GP data. You are given a choice to view the
Latitude or Longitude.
Voltage Monitor
electing this option will display the current power supply input voltage. Voltage
accuracy is 10mV and the data is constantly updated.
Voltage:
12.75
Input voltage level. Display updates as voltage level
Changes.

Copyright 2016 © Portable Rotation, Inc. Page 15
Cali ration
The calibration option will cause the rotor unit to re-zero and turn to 000 degrees
Azimuth and Elevation. Internal program variables are reset.
If the optional sensor is installed and detected, two additional choices are then
displayed: CM for “Calibrate Magnetometer” and AC for Auto-Calibrate.
CalibSys
CM AC
When optional sensor is installed two
choices are given; CM for Calibrate
Magnetometer and AC for Auto-Calibrate
The ‘Calibrate Magnetometer option’ is used to calibrate the magnetometer after
installation. Calibration data is stored in the controller for future use. This operation
is only needed if the operating environment changes.
The Auto-Calibrate function causes the Motor Controller to perform as Auto-
Calibration operation and realign to True North (based on detected magnetic
orientation and your previously entered Declination value, and return the elevation to
000 degrees.
Rotational Stoppage – Antenna Jam
In the event that during the rotation of the Antenna, it comes into contact with a
structure, tree, or other unmovable object that stalls the turn for more than 1 second,
the Controller will detect that the turn has stopped and will turn off the motor, display
the message “Turn Fail / FAULT” on the LCD and turn on the RED led with a constant
ON condition.
If a Rotational Jam does occur, stop any further attempts at antenna movement and
inspect the antenna site. The drive motor is relatively small but has a very high gear
reduction, and when operating from a 12 volt source can produce enough torque to
damage a light duty antenna.
To clear the condition after you have resolved the physical condition causing the
Antenna Jam, using the Rotor Controller in Manual mode, rotate the antenna in the
opposite direction that caused the JAM or power-cycle the Controller. Never force a
movement by hand.
Power-On RESET Options
There are two choices to Resetting the 12PR AT ystem; Reset all saved data to the
default out of box settings, clearing all user entered settings and resetting all internal
stored states and Resetting as above minus the Vanity Call, Declination and
Copyright 2016 © Portable Rotation, Inc. Page 16
Magnetometer Calibration data. To reset the Controller, turn on the unit while
holding down all 3 buttons until the sign on messages are displayed. The Firmware
Version will be displayed and you will be asked if you want to Reset the Memory.
Press the ‘CCW’ button to Reset All, or the ‘MODE’ button to do a partial Reset. Press
the ‘CW’ button for No. If yes, the controller then returns to normal operation, with
factory defaults, if no, the Reset is aborted. If the controller is experiencing erratic
operations in heading reporting or other operations, perform one of the two Reset
operation.
Voltage and Temperature Monitor
The Az/El Rotor system is designed to operate on ‘12 Volts’ DC. In general the term
’12 Volts’ can mean some voltage around 12 volts. Lead Acid and Gel Cell batteries do
not product an exact 12 Volts and most power supplies operate above 12 Volts. The
12PR AT will operate properly at voltages between 11.8 and 14 volts. If the voltage
varies outside of the operating voltage margins, a message will be displayed warning
the operator the voltage is low or high.
If the voltage goes beyond the maximum or minimum safe operating voltage, the
system will fault and stop motor movement and halt operations with the error
message; “Halting / Hi Volts” or “Halting / LowVolts” To clear the condition, adjust the
power to within specification and power cycle the system.
The Rotor Unit will monitor its operating temperature reporting the data to the Hand
Controller. If the operating temperature reaches 65 degrees C a warning message is
displayed. If the temperature reaches 70 and above the system will stop operating
and require a power cycle to restart normal operations. This is designed to protect
the electronics when operating in extreme hot environments.
Remote Control
The Az/El Rotor Controller primary use mode is to be attached to a computer system
using the U B Type-B jack found on the front of the Controller. The controller
supports the Yaesu
1
G 232A Rotator Control Protocol. Default serial parameters
supported are: 9600 baud, 1 tart, 1 top, No Parity, No Handshake.
To enter the Remote Control mode of operation, with the controller on, press and
hold both the CW and CCW buttons. The display will show the following message:
RMT Mode
Enabled
No Heading data is displayed in theis mode of operation.
he Ant Jam / Error LED with flash every time it
responds to a Report Current Heading Command

Copyright 2016 © Portable Rotation, Inc. Page 17
While in the Remote Control Mode, manual control of Az/El movement along
with all other user operations are disabled. You must exit the Remote Control
Mode to make any manual azimuth or elevation changes; do not force by hand
any antenna position changes.
To exit the Remote Control mode, Press both CW and CCW buttons at the same
time. This button combination toggles between Manual operations and Remote
Control Mode.
Note 1 - Yaesu is the registered trademark of Yaesu Munsen CO, LTD and or Yaesu USA
3rd Party Rotor Control Software
There are a number of applications on the market that can be used to Remotely
Control the 12PR AT Portable Dual Axis Rotor system to track satellites. One such
program is called ‘PstRotator’ and is sold by YO3DMU. It is a full featured Windows
compatible application that will run as a stand alone or as an interface between other
applications.
Website: http://www.qsl.net/yo3dmu/index_Page346.htm
P TRotator fully supports the 12RPR AT Az/El Rotor ystem including the optional GP
receiver for Location and Elevation setting. Us the following instructions to configure
P TRotator for the 12PR AT Rotor ystem. After installing the software and entering
your registration code, you must configure the software by setting the COM Port,
Controller Type and other operational settings.
Note: On a Microsoft Windows based platform, you may need to install the FTDI
Virtual COM Port driver. This driver is available on the FTDI Web ite at the following
URL: http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm
From this location select the driver based on your Operating ystem and install as
instructed by FTDI.
Under the ‘Communications’ Tab – elect ‘AZ/EL COM Port’ and select the U B Port to
which the Controller is attached.
Under the ‘ etup’ Tab:
-elect ‘El / Az+EL Controller’ then select ‘Portable Rotation PR12 AT’
-elect ‘Refresh Rate’ and set to 1 ec
-elect ‘ tart in Manual Mode’
-elect ‘ atellite Tracking’
-elect ‘ atellite Tracking etup -> set ‘Pos Change” to 5 Degrees or more
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-elect ‘3db Beam Width’ and enter a value for your antennas. Example for
antennas this unit is designed to support – set to 30 degrees.
-elect ‘My Location’ and enter your current position manually or if using the
Optional GP Module, click the ‘Use GP ’ box and your position will auto
populate. When the fields are populated, click ‘ et Location’ and ‘ ave’
There are many other settings that can be set based on user needs. Those listed are
the minimum needed to enable this software for this controller.
The U B Port is powered by the Host PC so you can turn off the Controller and the U B
port will not be dropped by the attached host computer.
Error Messages
In the event of operational errors, the Controller will display Error messages to help in
system troubleshooting. In most error cases, the problem will be traced down to a
bad connection between the handheld controller and the motor controller or an
antenna movement issue. For all ComErr0x errors, check the interconnecting cable.
ComErr01
FAULT!
This is a fatal error at startup time. The Rotor
Controller did not respond to a status request. No
communications between units detected.
RTR Fail
FAULT!
This is a fatal error at startup time. The Rotor
Controller reported bad data at initialization.
FW Match
FAULT!
Hand Controller and Motor Controller Firmware
are not compatible.
ComErr01
NStatACK
Rotor unit failed to respond to a Calibrate
command.
ComErr02
No ACK
Rotor unit failed to respond to an Az/EL Move
Command
ComErr03
No ACK
Rotor unit failed to respond to a Stop command

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ComErr04
No ACK
Rotor unit failed to respond to a Set AZ or El
position command
ComErr05
No ACK
Rotor unit failed to respond to a Get AZ or El
position command
ComErr06
No ACK
Rotor unit failed to respond to a Get Status
command
HALTING!
LowVolts
Input voltage is below minimum operating range of 11.50
VDC. System has stopped motor operations and is now
faulted. Turn off the system and resolve under voltage
problem.
Input voltage is above maximum operating range of 14.00
VDC. System has stopped motor operations and is now
faulted. Turn off the system and resolve over voltage
problem
.
HALTING!
Hi Volts
Input voltage is below recommended operating range of
11.90 VDC. The controller will continue to work, but the
Rotor Unit may not be able to accurately move the
antennas causing tracking errors
.
Warning!
Hi Volts
Input voltage is above recommended operating range of
13.75 VDC. The controller will continue to work, but the
Rotor Unit may not be able to accurately move the
antennas causing tracking errors.
Warning!
LowVolts
Turn Out
Of Range
New Turn command will cause a turn greater than
540 Degrees.
FAULT!
TurnFail
Turn failed – Make sure there is nothing
blocking the antenna path; check connection
between rotor units. Power cycle unit.
Warning!
HighTemp
Rotor Unit reporting high operating temperature of
65
o
C inside the Az enclosure.
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FAUL T!
HighTemp
Rotor Unit reporting high operating temperature of
75
o
C inside the Az enclosure.
In most cases, ComErr01 through ComErr06 will clear with an
automatic system restart. These Communication Errors are
usually caused by a cabling issue; recheck cable connections
between the Elevation and Azimuth units and the hand
controller.
Interconnect Information
Connector Details
5-Pin Connector For
Optional Auto Calibration
Hardware
2-Pin Connector For User
Provided Receiver Preamp or
other low current Hardware
6-Pin Connector from
Elevation Unit
4-Pin Connector to
The Control Unit
Cable Connection Details. Note the Optional 3-Pin GP
Connector is on the front side of the Az enclosure
50 Foot Cable Details
The rotor cable is a 4 conductor, 18 Gauge, 7 strand cable using female
connectors at each end.
Pin 1 to Pin 1 – Power out to Rotor (12VDC)
Pin 2 to Pin 2 – Ground
Pin 3 to Pin 3 – R 485 erial Data (+)

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Pin 4 to Pin 4 – R 485 erial Data (-)
Required Cable Connector: 4-Pin Female connector:
Philco P61605
An extension cable will require one 4-Pin male and one 4-Pin female
connector. Cable lengths over 100 feet are not supported. An optional 50 Ft
extension cable can be purchased from Portable Rotation.
Caution should be used if making your own cables as connecting the power
pins to the data communications pins will damage one or both of the
controllers and require replacement of the either or both the Controller and
the Rotor Unit voiding the warranty.
Serial Communications Commands
Below are the supported Yaesu G 232A protocol commands:
Start Left Turn: ‘L’ Command
Start Right Turn: ‘R’ Command
Start Up Movement ‘U’ Command
Start Down Movement ‘D’ command
Stop Az Turn: ‘A’ Command
Stop El Turn: ‘E’ Command
Stop All Turn: ‘S’ Command
Auto Turn to new Az Heading: ‘WXXX’ Command
Auto Turn to new Az/El Heading:‘WXXX YYY’ Command
Report Current Az Heading:‘C’ Command
Responds with: ‘AZ=XXX<CR>’
Report Current Az/El position: ‘C2’ command
Responds with: ‘AZ=XXX EL=YYY<CR>
Additional Command to read GP data from the Controller
Report GPS Latitude, Longitude and Elevation
‘G’ Command
Responds: G=ddd.nnnnnnX ddd.nnnnnnY hhhh
If valid GPS data is available
Where:
First Data Set is Latitude, Second Data Set is
Longitude and hhhh = height in meters
Response: G=---.------- ---.------- ----
If no GPS module was detected
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Response: G=000.0000000 000.0000000 0000
If no valid GPS data is available, No Fix
Commands are terminated with a 0x13 – CR character
Technical Description
The system is built around a microcontroller based hand held controller that
manages the user interface and the remote host computer connection and a
second microcontroller system located in the main Rotor enclosure that
manages motor control and position tracking.
The controllers communicate over an R 485 2 wire interface using a
proprietary command protocol. The primary system control is intended to be
by a user provided host computer with satellite tracking software. Any
program that supports the standard Yaesu G 232A protocol should work with
this system.
The two microcontrollers function in a master/slave configuration with the
Hand Controller being the Master. Communications between the two
controllers is simplex with the master controller as the initiator. All
communications require an acknowledgment from the slave controller.
The electronics between the two controllers are similar, using the same
microcontroller and power circuits. The Hand Controller has a flash memory
component that is used to store operating state data between power cycles.
At power on, data such as current heading and elevation is sent to the motor
controller. Data is updated at each degree change in heading and elevation.
The Motor Controller interfaces to the optional GP receiver and Optional 6-
axis Magnetometer/Accelerometer. The Motor Controller has two 2-Amp
Motor Drivers and manages motor movement by monitoring optical sensors
on both motor systems. Mechanically, the Heading and elevation outputs are
driven through a 30:1 Worm Gear, both Worm and Worm Wheel are
machined from Brass for strength and ware resistance.
Both controllers use ‘Watch-Dog’ timers to reset the system in the event of an
operational failure; the Motor Controller is set at 30 seconds and the Hand
Controller is set for 60 seconds. If a watch-dog timer event happens, in most

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cases the operator will not notice it. The system will reset and continue from
where it was prior to the failure. In most cases, a watch-dog timeout is caused
by a communications issue between controllers. This is not a common event.
Minimum / Ma imum Turn E planation
The PR12 AT Rotor ystem allows for a Maximum Turn of 540 Degrees (1 ½
turns in both directions) from the center heading of 000 Degrees True North.
The system is designed to not allow more than this amount of turn so that
cable-wrap is minimized. Turning past the 1 ½ turn limit would cause damage
to the interconnecting cables.
The system will turn to a new heading using the shortest turn direction so as
to accomplish the turn the fastest. As an example, if you continually do
clockwise turns from 000 degrees, you will reach 000 degrees again, but the
cables will have 1 full turn on them. Continuing to turn clockwise an additional
180 degrees the controller will display A180Exxx on the display and to the host
computer but internally the controller knows that the turn count is 540
degrees. The next clockwise turn would cause a turn past the 540 degrees
limit At that point the turn is stopped at the 180 degree point. The controller
will respond to the host computer that it has reached the commanded turn
position even though the turn was stopped at the max turn position of 180
degrees plus 360.
The next commanded azimuth turn will cause a turn to the new location in the
direction needed to unwind the cables and to return the physical system to +/-
180 degrees from the heading of 000 degrees. At Min/Max turn location (540
degrees of turn clockwise or counter clockwise) a commanded turn to 000
degrees will also cause a cable unwrap operation to be performed.
When the Antenna Auto Calibration option installed, a turn from any position
to 000 degrees will cause the controller to adjust if necessary the azimuth and
elevation to 000/000 degrees.
A fail safe is built into the software that will cause the Rotor Controller to
reset, causing the Hand Controller to reset if the Min or Max turn count goes 5
degrees beyond 540 degrees from home position.
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Quick User Reference
USB Computer Control Port
4 Conductor
Rotor Ca le
Connection
On/Off
Switch
12VDC
Power
Multifunction Buttons
Press to Turn Counter Clockwise Press to Turn Clockwise or Up
While Pressing CCW or CW in Manual turn
Mode, press to turn at full turn rate
- Use CCW and CW to set values using
MODE Button.
- Step through 100s, to 10s, to 1s. After
entering 1s value, auto turn starts.
Press and hold for 1 Second
Then select:
- Manual Turn Azimuth
- Manual Turn Elevation
- Enter AutoTurn Mode
Fault LED turns on if Rotation is
locked. Will flash when sending
data in Remote Mode
Turn LED turns on during
any Turn operation
Backlighted 2x8 LCD with User
Programma le Top Line
Press all 3 uttons with power on to
read Power supply Voltage, GPS
position, or force an Auto Cali rate
operation if options are installed