Antenna Rotator Projects and Controller Builds
Find schematics, DIY guides, and software for building and modifying antenna rotators and their control systems.
Antenna rotators are essential hardware for many ham radio stations, allowing operators to precisely aim directional antennas for optimal signal reception and transmission. Whether tracking DX on HF, working satellites, or engaging in VHF/UHF weak signal work, a reliable rotator system ensures antennas are pointed correctly. This is especially critical for Yagis, quads, and other beam antennas that offer significant gain but require accurate aiming to maximize performance.
This category features numerous homebrew projects for building and improving rotator systems, from simple azimuth-only units to complex AZ/EL setups for satellite operation. Operators can find designs for DIY controllers, often using microcontrollers like Arduino, to interface with existing rotators or build new ones. There are also resources for repairing and modifying popular commercial units like the Yaesu G-250 or Hy-Gain HAM-IV, helping hams maintain their station equipment for many years of active QSOs.
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Learn how to build a simple 12vdc azimuth and elevation motor unit for the Arrow Satellite Antenna to improve your FM satellite communication experience. This DIY project involves using a camera tripod and basic materials like aluminum tube and standoffs. Get detailed instructions, including the gearhead motor product number for optimal performance. Discover where to purchase the necessary components and stay updated on alternative motor options. Enhance your ham radio operations with this homemade rotator setup, designed for easy satellite tracking and communication. Share feedback and connect with other radio enthusiasts for more tips and ideas. -
Antenna rotator: how it work,how to repair and how to modify it -
Smart homebrew antenna-ELEVATOR system with linear actuator. The actuator is a cheap and heavy tool with high enough torque, ideal for elevation systems, but in practice it needs quite an effort in order to operate correctly in your homebrew antenna system. This page inform you of the actuator's secrets. -
An Antenna Rotator Project. The rotor design is based on sandwiching the gears and gear supports between two 5/16 inch 6061 T-6 aluminum plates -
An interesting rotator interface that interfaces a pc to a rotor or rotator controller, emulating a Yaesu GS-232A/B and Easycom protocols, made with Arduino -
Rotator controller, azimuth & elevation control of rotators (automatic antenna turning) based on commands from computer. A project by Pavel VACHAL and OK1DX - KF9VM -
HAM-IV antenna rotor repari and restore -
The Antenna Rotator Controller is unique in that it senses, displays, and controls to the earth's true magnetic field. The compass sensor, mounted in a waterproof enclosure, is attached to the mast and sends its signal to a microcontroller -
W4TI Rotator Installation -
A rotator modification by W4ZT -
Hy-gain HAM-IV rotator control with Arduino by OK1BIL -
Improve the stability of your Yaesu G-250 rotator. -
Tysonpower details a DIY AZ/EL antenna rotator project designed for under €150, inspired by the Satnogs Tracker. Constructed with 2020 aluminum extrusion and NEMA23 stepper motors, the rotator is controlled via an Arduino Nano. It effectively tracks smaller antennas like Yagi, though struggles with heavier dishes. STL files are available on Thingiverse. -
A Yaesu rotator controller made with an arduino -
This is an Arduino-based rotator interface that interfaces a computer to a rotator or rotator controller, emulating the Yaesu GS-232A/B and Easycom protocols which are supported by a myriad of logging, contest, and control programs. -
Rotator Controller Using Arduino and PstRotator project by G4HSK -
AF6SA USB antenna AZ-EL rotor controller compatible with Yaesu G-5500, G-450, G-650, HY-Gain and other AC motor rotors -
An cheap homemade azimuth and elevation rotation system using an Arduino/AVR. -
The Beam project offers various features for controlling antenna rotators, including support for 2 or 4 line LCD displays, software or hardware clocks, open collector drives for azimuth and elevation control, and internal calculations for tracking the sun and moon. It can also track satellites and supports "Flip Mode" for inverted antennas. The 4-line version provides detailed readouts while the 2-line version offers a more compact display. New versions now support PWM and I2C H-bridge modes for adjustable speed control at the end of a move. -
A four part article anout a digital rotator controller made with Arduino -
This Satellite Antenna Elevation System project involves mounting horizontally polarized Yagi antennas on a fiberglass reinforced polymer (FRP) crossboom. A Yaesu G-800DXA azimuth rotator is in place, requiring only an elevation rotation system. Elevation is controlled by a 12VDC linear actuator connected to a U-bolted arm on the crossboom, rotating within a DIY bearing arrangement. Common handyman tools suffice for assembly. The setup includes FRP crossboom, aluminum tubing, PVC couplers, nylon camshaft bushes, and a K3NG-based controller for azimuth and elevation control. Detailed guides and resources are available online. -
Controlling a rotator via computer can be costly, but a budget-friendly solution exists using an Arduino Nano and free software by Anthony K3NG. This setup allows for easy and enhanced rotator control, including screen and network management. Though initial software setup can be complex, pre-configured versions are available. Building and customizing the hardware interface is required, with comprehensive support provided by K3NG's resources. -
In this article, K8CU describes his custom design that uses an embedded controller and touch screen LCD panel. -
This unique online tool helps Ham Radio operators to choose the right rotator for medium and large HF antenna systems. The algorithm implemented in this calculator is the result of 40 years of experience in the HF Antenna sector. Given the Wind Speed, the total antenna square area, and the boom length, it will return the calculated torque value. -
A remote rotor controller, you can use to connect your laptop tablet or smartphone directly to the rotor using it as a Acces point or alternatively it can be connected to existing Wi-Fi network -
Beam Controller Interface Project. The control system will be via the internet and consist of a Rig-Expert WTI-1 interface which provides access to CAT commands, PTT, and Rx and Tx audio. -
An old usenet posting about the Azimuth Indicator Problem of the popular Yaesu G-450XL Rotator -
The ZL1BPU Rotator Controller has been designed as an add-on unit for the popular Kenpro KR-400 and Yaesu G-400 rotators. The controller consists of a small circuit board which fits inside the rotator control box