Hy Gain AR-500 Antenna Rotator - Low Cost with Free Remote Controller

For VHF and UHF operation, an Antenna Rotator is essential when using directional antennas. Here is a low cost rotator option that is ideal for medium size VHF and UHF antennas. Peter Waters G3OJV, takes a look at this antenna Rotator and explains the basic operation and installation.
Hy-Gain AR-500
www.hamradiostore.co.uk/produ...

[@elwood.downey]

Was not aware of this option, looks ideal for simpler situations. Many thanks.

[@rogerlafrance6355]

had a number of them, great for the price. You can knockup a thrust bearing get a bit more loading but as is a light 20 metres or higher dipole or loop and perhaps reflector is a good upgrade if you have space.

[@j3xk72r9]

My experience with other 3 wire control rotators is that they have no active feedback pot in the head unit and the controller relies on timing to estimate where it is pointing. They can very quickly become inaccurate if you go back and forth a few times.

[@djmossssomjd8496]

Good stuff. I have the same rotator sold by Sharman. Cost £200 from shops. Mine is for sale for £100. Used for 2 weeks but going HF so no longer need it. I'll check back to see if anyone wants it.

[@WessexWeather]

Something like this would be good for controlling an HF active loop in the loft. Does the remote only work line of sight, eg infrared? Would be nice if it worked through the ceiling.

[@CQBlindHams]

I am looking for a rotator that can work with a hexbeam that weight is 25lb.. Will the AR500 handle the hexbeam?

[@firstclassanimalcare7872]

Can it be used for an HF antenna like the K4KIO Hexbeam? Everyplace I have looked its only advertised for VHF/UHF and 6 meter antennas only.

[@briantrask8173]

Do you know how much weight it can handle? I have a portable beam that weighs about 2.5 kgs and I was wondering if that might work?

[@johnbauman4005]

Thank you very much for this informative video.
Do you also have or know of a powered telescoping antenna support? I'm thinking of a building mount that can be extended above roof level for use and retracted when not in use.
Thank you for any info.
73
John/KK7JBZ

[@z.i.3425]

The rotator is ok for Ciro Mazzoni Baby-Loop or to small?

[@adyg6ad73]

Hi Peter, whats happened to the W&S Elecraft HF transceiver range? They have disappeared from your website.

[@watersstanton]

There is a long delivery period at the moment because of key components. Advertising would result in a demand we could not meet.

[@DCDura]

A quite similar unit is offered in the US under the RCA name that someone owns, but is nevertheless chineseium. K2DCD

[@wf2v]

Can I computer control the rotator?

[@marcing4287]

wondering how powerful is it and if it is safe to use it for like 10/11m 4 element yagi.. then if it will survive the winds. So is it only for a portable use or permanent ?

[@watersstanton]

No, it is for VHF arrays. An HF Yagi would not be a good idea.

[@Steven.Cartwright]

Hi Peter the video quality is bad again on this video if you forward to 17 seconds into the video and look at the window behind you then you can see how bad it is somethings not right with the video editing software ? i dont think its your cameras as the video quality is the same at the end of the video with the ending video part so im pretty sure the video editing software needs sorting maybe change back to default settings as something is not right. Hope you don't mind me telling you . Great video keep them coming.

[@watersstanton]

What you are seeing is overexposed background caused by a wider than normal aperture. You will see the background is also out if focus, another result of wide aperture and narrow depth of field. Nothing to do with the edit software. 73 Peter.