[amsat-bb] Channel Master 9521A Rotator interface

Discussion:

fezzolare

2018-06-26 23:45:34 UTC

Hi scott I know this is a old post but could you let me know if this will work with ham radio deluxe and how hard to hook up David WF6ZZ

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Gregory Beat

2018-06-27 15:21:41 UTC

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David -

For a computer application (HamRadio Deluxe) to have “remote control” of another device ... it requires a communication path (using standards like serial, RS-232 or RS-422, for distance) and an intelligence (u-Processor) within device to interpret the communications and perform desired actions.
—
The Channel Master 9521(A) TV antenna rotator is a simple 50+ year 3-wire motor control design, updated in past decade with “Bling” (7-segment display and IR control) controller using a u-processor, to appear “modern” to non-STEM consumers.
https://support.channelmaster.com/hc/en-us/articles/200382985-Rotator-System-CM-9521A-CM-9521HD-Documents-

In addition, there is No True BRAKE in these inexpensive designs (reason CDE created the Ham-series of azimuth rotators in 1957)
The designs are virtually the same as early 1950s TV rotators in post-WW2 America.

Why is that an important?
NO positive feedback between actual direction of outside rotator and inside control box (subject to mis-alignments).

Adding Position Control to 3-wire Rotators (Radio Shack, Channel Master, NTE)
by Doug Braun, NA1DB (amsat-bb, circa 2001)
http://www.amsat.org/amsat/archive/amsat-bb/200110/msg00027.html

No schematic diagram provided, BUT YouTube disassemble videos exist.

Building a PIC rotator controller, NA1DB
http://www.dougbraun.com/pix/rotor_controller/index.html

greg, w9gb

Sent from iPad Air

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Robert

2018-06-28 18:40:38 UTC

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David,

You might check out my web page at:

http://k3rrr.com/cheap-computer-controlled-tv-rotor-for-amsat-satellites-and-includes-free-satellite-tracking-with-pstrotator-and-the-usb-uirt/

for a way to use a $65 for a Jon Rhees USB-UIRT USB Universal Infrared
Receiver and Transmitter to work with PstRotator for complete rotator
control for working the satellites.

The great thing is that the USB – UIRT is totally plug-and-play once you
download the drivers from the USB – UIRT website. There is no
programming or software involved with the gizmo.

My web page has the link to the gizmo...and shows how to set up
PstRotator to work with it.

This worked flawlessly for me for the 11-12 months that I used it before
upgrading to the M2 LEO PACK antennas and the Yaesu G-5500 az el rotator.

Since you already have the Channel Master 9521A Rotator, all you should
need is the USB-UIRT for about $65...sometimes, though rarely, they do
show up on eBay...you also need PstRotator for about $21 if you don't
already have this GREAT software package.

73,

Robert
K3RRR

-.- ...-- .-. .-. .-.
73 de Robert K3RRR
K3RRR.com <~~~~~~~~~~ Visit My Web Site
@K3TripleR <~~~~~~~~~~ Follow Me On Twitter
YouTube.com/K3RRR <~~ Check Out My Videos
-.- ...-- .-. .-. .-.

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1. Re: Field Day (whew) (Matthew Stevens)
2. Re: Channel Master 9521A Rotator interface (Gregory Beat)
3. Re: Field Day (whew) (Devin L. Ganger)
4. IC-9100 for sale (Stefan Wagener)
5. DSLWP-B UHF Test Plan for This Weekend and Updated Live CD (???)
7. Re: Weather sat imaging (Mvivona)
9. Re: Weather sat imaging (Dino Papas)
10. Re: Weather sat imaging (Peter Goodhall (2M0SQL))
_______________________________________________
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are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA.
Not an AMSAT member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!
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_______________________________________________
Sent via AMSAT-***@amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available
to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed
are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA.
Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!
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sean fay

2018-06-28 19:27:51 UTC

Permalink

Can confirm that this set up of Roberts is the best thing around for
Channel Master set up. I scored a channel master rotor at a thrift store
for $1.98 and found the link he just shared. Its really upped my tracking
game.

Post by Robert
David,
http://k3rrr.com/cheap-computer-controlled-tv-rotor-for-amsat-satellites-and-includes-free-satellite-tracking-with-pstrotator-and-the-usb-uirt/
for a way to use a $65 for a Jon Rhees USB-UIRT USB Universal Infrared
Receiver and Transmitter to work with PstRotator for complete rotator
control for working the satellites.
The great thing is that the USB – UIRT is totally plug-and-play once you
download the drivers from the USB – UIRT website. There is no
programming or software involved with the gizmo.
My web page has the link to the gizmo...and shows how to set up
PstRotator to work with it.
This worked flawlessly for me for the 11-12 months that I used it before
upgrading to the M2 LEO PACK antennas and the Yaesu G-5500 az el rotator.
Since you already have the Channel Master 9521A Rotator, all you should
need is the USB-UIRT for about $65...sometimes, though rarely, they do
show up on eBay...you also need PstRotator for about $21 if you don't
already have this GREAT software package.
73,
Robert
K3RRR
-.- ...-- .-. .-. .-.
73 de Robert K3RRR
K3RRR.com <~~~~~~~~~~ Visit My Web Site
@K3TripleR <~~~~~~~~~~ Follow Me On Twitter
YouTube.com/K3RRR <~~ Check Out My Videos
-.- ...-- .-. .-. .-.

(???)

7. Re: Weather sat imaging (Mvivona)
9. Re: Weather sat imaging (Dino Papas)
10. Re: Weather sat imaging (Peter Goodhall (2M0SQL))
_______________________________________________
AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons

worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed

are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of

AMSAT-NA.

Not an AMSAT member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!
http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

_______________________________________________
to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed
are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA.
Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!
Subscription settings: http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

Scott

2018-06-28 23:11:57 UTC

Permalink

If anyone needs one more positive review to help them decide, I can also
vouch for the USB – UIRT / PstRotator method of giving yourself a very
inexpensive way to have a fully-functional AZ-only rotator. It's been a
wonderful solution for me and works great.

I use Orbitron for sat tracking and that talks to the PstRotator software
just fine. Now that we have the DSLWP satellite in lunar orbit, PstRotator
can switch from sat tracking to moon tracking with one click.

-Scott, K4KDR

=========================

Post by sean fay
Can confirm that this set up of Roberts is the best thing around for
Channel Master set up. I scored a channel master rotor at a thrift store
for $1.98 and found the link he just shared. Its really upped my tracking
game.

Post by Robert
David,
http://k3rrr.com/cheap-computer-controlled-tv-rotor-

for-amsat-satellites-and-includes-free-satellite-
tracking-with-pstrotator-and-the-usb-uirt/

Post by Robert
for a way to use a $65 for a Jon Rhees USB-UIRT USB Universal Infrared
Receiver and Transmitter to work with PstRotator for complete rotator
control for working the satellites.
The great thing is that the USB – UIRT is totally plug-and-play once you
download the drivers from the USB – UIRT website. There is no
programming or software involved with the gizmo.
My web page has the link to the gizmo...and shows how to set up
PstRotator to work with it.
This worked flawlessly for me for the 11-12 months that I used it before
upgrading to the M2 LEO PACK antennas and the Yaesu G-5500 az el rotator.
Since you already have the Channel Master 9521A Rotator, all you should
need is the USB-UIRT for about $65...sometimes, though rarely, they do
show up on eBay...you also need PstRotator for about $21 if you don't
already have this GREAT software package.
73,
Robert
K3RRR
-.- ...-- .-. .-. .-.
73 de Robert K3RRR
K3RRR.com <~~~~~~~~~~ Visit My Web Site
@K3TripleR <~~~~~~~~~~ Follow Me On Twitter
YouTube.com/K3RRR <~~ Check Out My Videos