Hy-Gain RAK1C by AlfaSpid Instruction Manual This manual is for use with units sold by Hy-Gain as RAK1 and controller Rot1-Prog ( RAK-1C ). Units sold by others may have different firmware and may operate from different voltages. Current version and newer versions of this manual may be found on the internet at: http://www.hy-gain.com or http://www.alfaspid.com Last updated on September 5, 2008 Copyright AlfaRadio Ltd. 2002-2008 http://alfaspid.com http://www.hy-gain.
AlfaSpid Rotator RAK1 http://Alfaspid.com http://www.hy-gain.com Page 2 Table of Contents Introduction ............................................................................................ 4 Shipping Contents.................................................................................. 4 Technical Data ....................................................................................... 4 Control Panel .........................................................................................
Copyright AlfaRadio Ltd. 2002-2008 www.alfaspid.com www.hy-gain.com RAK1 Manual Page 3 Introduction The AlfaSpid rotator is an extra heavy-duty rotator designed to run large communication antennas and comes complete with an electronic control unit. The rotator is designed to be mounted pipe to pipe or on an optional adaptor plate for conventional in tower mounting. It can also be mounted outside of the tower on the mast, or used in a side mount configuration. Shipping Contents Rotator ....................
AlfaSpid Rotator RAK1 http://Alfaspid.com http://www.hy-gain.com Front Panel Control Panel Buttons -Left (Decrease) -Right (Increase) -Setup -Function Indicators -Overlap -Not currently used 7 segment 4-digit display - Multifunction display Page 4 of 21 AlfaSpid Rotator RAK1 http://Alfaspid.com http://www.hy-gain.com Copyright AlfaRadio Ltd.
Copyright AlfaRadio Ltd. 2002-2008 www.alfaspid.com www.hy-gain.com RAK1 Manual Page 5 Rear Panel -Fuse Holder - Power Cord - Terminal Strip -DB-9 connector (female) Female for CPU / RS232 Page 5 of 21 - Power Switch 4 Pin Connector -DB-9 connector (male) Male for AlfaSpid Mouse AlfaSpid Rotator RAK1 http://Alfaspid.com http://www.hy-gain.com Copyright AlfaRadio Ltd.
AlfaSpid Rotator RAK1 http://Alfaspid.com http://www.hy-gain.com Page 6 Installation Wiring Connections The rotator unit must be wired to the control unit with 4-wire cable. The gauge of the 4-wire cable to connect the control unit to the rotator depends upon the distance between rotator and controller. The wire for the impulse sensing may be quite thin - #22 or similar, even for relatively long distances. Length Gauge Motor 10 m (32') #18 (1.19 mm) 30 m (100') #16 (1.42 mm) 60 m (200') #14 (1.
Copyright AlfaRadio Ltd. 2002-2008 www.alfaspid.com www.hy-gain.com RAK1 Manual Page 7 Bench Testing of Control Box The control box is normally expected to be operated from a 12 Volt DC supply; however it may be operated from other unregulated DC or AC sources as well. DC or AC voltage levels between 10 and 26 Volts capable of at least 5 Amps are acceptable, typically 12 or 14 Volts. The polarity of the power to the control box input leads is not critical for D.C.
AlfaSpid Rotator RAK1 http://Alfaspid.com http://www.hy-gain.com Page 8 Resetting the Controller Since there are no mechanical limits in the rotator, it may be installed with the antenna pointing in any direction. There is no reason to locate “TRUE NORTH” until you are ready to calibrate the control box. Use the controller to position the antenna to physically point north, then reset the controller as follows: button depressed turn control unit Turn the unit OFF. Then while holding the back on.
Copyright AlfaRadio Ltd. 2002-2008 www.alfaspid.com www.hy-gain.com RAK1 Manual Page 9 Controller Operation You will need to leave sufficient coax length to accommodate the additional 180 degrees of over-travel on each end of normal rotation. Failure to do so can cause damage to your coax and/or antennas. The AlfaSpid controller has multiple modes of operation. You will need to become familiar with these modes to be able to make full use of your rotator.
AlfaSpid Rotator RAK1 http://Alfaspid.com http://www.hy-gain.com Page 10 - Normal Operations Mode In Normal Operations Mode, the the buttons are pressed. Pressing you to setup mode. and buttons cause rotation as long as while in normal operations mode will take - Half Auto Mode In Half Auto Mode, the and buttons can be used to pre-select the desired beam heading. The heading displayed on the controller will rapidly change in the direction of desired rotation.
Copyright AlfaRadio Ltd. 2002-2008 www.alfaspid.com www.hy-gain.com RAK1 Manual Page 11 Setup Mode button steps through the setup menu. The display cycles through each of The the setup menu items. 1.00 or 0.50 ratio setting ( Default is 1.00 ) (May be 0.
AlfaSpid Rotator RAK1 http://Alfaspid.com http://www.hy-gain.com Page 12 - Programmable Low Limit The Programmable Low Limit is a user adjustable counter-clockwise travel limit value. By increasing this value, the minimum counter-clockwise rotation and buttons adjust the value. travel can be restricted. Use the - Programmable Reset Value The Programmable Reset Value can be set to either 0 degrees, or 180 degrees. This is the beam heading set when a power on reset event is triggered.
Copyright AlfaRadio Ltd. 2002-2008 www.alfaspid.com www.hy-gain.com RAK1 Manual Page 13 - Program Simulation Program Simulation allows the user to set the serial communication protocol used by the rotator. When set to emulate another brand of rotator, the AlfaSpid will respond to commands, and send responses back to the computer as if it were the rotator brand selected. If your favourite software supports a rotator, chances are, the AlfaSpid will be able to interface to your software.
AlfaSpid Rotator RAK1 http://Alfaspid.com http://www.hy-gain.com Page 14 Mouse Controller (Optional) The optional mouse controller (not a computer mouse) allows easy desktop access to the most commonly used front panel controls. These buttons are functionally equivalent to the corresponding front panel controls. - Left (Decrease) - Right (Increase) - Stop ( also the wheel between left right buttons ) The mouse controller is a highly modified computer mouse.
Copyright AlfaRadio Ltd. 2002-2008 www.alfaspid.com www.hy-gain.com RAK1 Manual Page 15 Alfa Radio Ltd. Trouble shooting tips Before contacting MFJ, Please make the following tests:. The following are some trouble shouting tips, if for some reason your AlfaSpid will not operate correctly. It is important to confirm correct operation before installing on the tower. This will rule out any damage that may have been caused by the shipping company. Check the Limits - PH and PL settings and rule out overlap.
AlfaSpid Rotator RAK1 http://Alfaspid.com http://www.hy-gain.com Page 16 Be careful not to over wind your coax with the next test, as there will be no protection from over turning. Find a small 12 volts supply which will deliver 3 to 4 amps. ( a small 12 Volt battery will work just fine ) To confirm that the motor runs you may connect 12 volts D.C. to the lines that go to the motor, pins 1 and 2, it should turn. Reversing the 12 Volts D.C. should cause the motor to turn in the reverse direction.
Copyright AlfaRadio Ltd. 2002-2008 www.alfaspid.com www.hy-gain.com RAK1 Manual Page 17 Using the AlfaSpid Rotator with LONG Cable Distances By VE6JY Since the motor uses relatively low voltage DC, a combination of long cable runs and/or thinner than required cable may reduce the voltage at the motor to an unacceptably low value. It may turn in warm weather or light winds but the power will not be available to rotate under more severe conditions.
AlfaSpid Rotator RAK1 http://Alfaspid.com http://www.hy-gain.com Page 18 Relays chosen should be suitable for the proper coil voltage as well as appropriate current carrying capability. A relay capable of 5 to 10 amps DC is adequate. The diode in series with Relay K1 is any general purpose 1 amp style such as the 1N400x series. If the motor rotates incorrectly, simply reverse the leads to the motor or from the External DC Supply.
Copyright AlfaRadio Ltd. 2002-2008 www.alfaspid.com www.hy-gain.com RAK1 Manual Page 19 12 MONTH LIMITED WARRANTY hy-gain® LIMITED WARRANTY hy-gain Warrants to the original owner of this product, if manufactured by hy-gain and purchased from an authorized dealer or directly from hy-gain to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of 12 months for rotator products and 24 months for antenna products from date of purchase provided the following terms of this warranty are satisfied. 1.
AlfaSpid Rotator RAK1 http://Alfaspid.com http://www.hy-gain.
Copyright AlfaRadio Ltd. 2002-2008 www.alfaspid.com www.hy-gain.com RAK1 Manual Page 21 Typical travel of the AlfaSpid Rotator Blue 0 to 180 is the dot (not flashing) PH over travel (Right 180 side of diagram) Red 0 to 180 is the dot (flashing) Page 21 of 21 PL over travel (Left 180 side of diagram) AlfaSpid Rotator RAK1 http://Alfaspid.com http://www.hy-gain.com Copyright AlfaRadio Ltd.
