Yes this is a good idea. Its not as if you need to know your position to the
nearest degree, considering the beamwidth. People used to make these with
clear film and a black pen, but a printer will give a much better result.
You could also put a number of rings on the film with different codes on
them so for instance you could directly adapt to a 7-segment display using
BCD etc.
Another direction indicator system is to use a cheap black and white camera
pointing at a strip of paper stuck round the rim of the rotator, and watch
the result on a monitor in the shack, but make sure the camera does not move
or you might get a view of the neighbour's bedroom.
Of course, if you really want to get basic, use a 10 turn pot and some
gears.
Tim www.qsl.net/ei8ic/
----- Original Message -----
From: "k9wkj" <k9wkj@k9wkjonline.net>
To: "Glenn Millar" <glenn@gi0kvq.co.uk>
Cc: <antennas@qth.net>; <towertalk@contesting.com>
Sent: 28 October 2001 23:12
Subject: Re: [Antennas] Homebrew Rotators
> Glenn Millar wrote:
>
> > Working on a project here to make a homebuilt rotator. While the
mechanics
> > of the system are fairly straight forward one problem is with the
direction
> > indication. I was considering using an old commerial rotator if I could
> > find one, but also was wandering about the direction indication system
in a
> > wind monitor of a weather station. However I was wandering does anyone
on
> > the list know of or could suggest any alternatives, using products that
are
> > easier to find or less expensive.
> >
> > Many thanks
> >
> > Glenn
> >
> > www.gi0kvq.co.uk
> >
> > ------
> > Submissions: antennas@qth.net
>
> ive been thinking about that myself
> i think im going to make a optical encoder disk
> with transparecy film on my ink jet printer
> and a led a photocell and a comparetor chip
> that will give me a high low signal and all you have to do is count them
> and you will know where you are
> lots of details but it should work
>
> cul de k9wkj
>
>
> ------
> Submissions: antennas@qth.net
>
>
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