ALFA SPID ROTATOR AND CONTROLLER User Manual
AlfaSpid Rotator and Controller
Instruction Manual
Copyright AlfaRadio Ltd 2002-2006 2006-01-09
www.alfaradio.ca
780.466.5779
AlfaSpid Rotator www.alfaradio.ca Page 2
Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................... 3
Shipping Contents..............................................................................3
Technical Data ................................................................................... 3
Control Panel...................................................................................... 4
Rear Panel ......................................................................................... 5
Installation..........................................................................................6
Wiring Connections.........................................................................6
Bench Testing.................................................................................7
Resetting the Controller......................................................................8
Controller Operation...........................................................................9
Function Mode................................................................................9
Normal Operations Mode.............................................................. 10
Half Auto Mode.............................................................................10
Auto Mode .................................................................................... 10
Preset Mode ................................................................................. 10
Setup Mode .................................................................................. 11
Programable High Limit ................................................................11
Programmable Low Limit.............................................................. 12
Programmable Reset Value..........................................................12
Preset 1 - 6 ...................................................................................12
Mouse Controller..............................................................................14
Trouble shouting and testing……………………………………………15
Using the AlfaSpid Rotator with LONG Cable Distances .................17
Warranty ………………………………………………………………….19
Notes................................................................................................ 20
This manual is for use with units sold by AlfaRadio Ltd. of
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Units sold by others may have
different firmware and may operate from different voltages.
Page 2 of 21 Alfa Radio Ltd. 11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8 780 466 5779
Page 3 of 21 www.alfaradio.ca AlfaSpid Rotator
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................................................................................................ 1
Controller............................................................................................ 1
........................................................................................................... 1
GMA Fuses ........................................................................................ 2
Optional
Custom Mouse ...................................................................................1
Technical Data
Input Voltage (Typical)...............................................12 – 24 Volts DC
Input Current (Nominal Draw).............................................3 – 4 Amps
Motor......................................................................... 12 – 24 Volts DC
Fuse ...............................................................................8.0 Amp GMA
Rotation Speed......................................120 sec (12 V) / 60 sec (24 V)
Turning Torque (in-lbs).................................1400 (12 V) / 1740 (24 V)
Braking Torque (in-lbs)........................................................... > 14,000
Alfa Radio Ltd. 11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8
AlfaSpid Rotator www.alfaradio.ca Page 4
Front Panel Front Panel 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 Alfa Radio Ltd. 11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8 780 466 5779
Page 5 of 21 www.alfaradio.ca AlfaSpid Rotator
Rear Panel
-Fuse Holder
- Power Cord
- Power Switch
- Terminal Strip
-DB-9 connector (male)
-DB-9 connector (female)
Alfa Radio Ltd. 11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8
AlfaSpid Rotator www.alfaradio.ca 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 (1.75 mm)
TIP:
Before final installation of
equipment, it is strongly
suggested you check out all
functions and connections on
a workbench.
CAUTION!:
Do not accidentally switch
the motor wires with the
impulse wires. Damage to
the control unit may occur!
Remove cover from the motor body as shown and make connections
as follows:
1 Motor Drive to 1 on controller terminal
2 Motor Drive to 2 on controller terminal
3 Impulse Sense to 3 on controller terminal
4 Impulse Sense to 4 on controller terminal
Page 6 of 21 Alfa Radio Ltd. 11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8 780 466 5779
Page 7 of 21 www.alfaradio.ca AlfaSpid Rotator
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. operation; a diode rectifier on the input will provide the proper
polarity to the electronics and provide reverse polarity protection as
well as A.C. operation.
TIP: Because of several steering diodes in the motor path, the
voltage delivered to the motor (neglecting wire loss) will be about 1.4
volts less than the power supply voltage. For longer runs and/or
thin wiring a higher voltage (up to approx 24V) to the control unit is
beneficial. A simple way to estimate if the voltage to the motor is
adequate is by timing the rotation. Under no or a very small load, the
360 degree rotation time with 12V DC at the motor is about 120
second (2 minutes). With 24 V DC is about 60 second (1 minute). A
DC Ammeter in the motor lead is also useful, it should indicate
between 1 and 3 amps with a small load. On windy days or heavy
load, the current may fluctuate up to 3 to 5 amps.
It is highly recommended to ground the Control Box.
Notes – testing and troubleshooting
Pressing
should make the rotator move clockwise. Pressing
should make the rotator move counter-clockwise. If rotation is
reversed, switch lines 1 and 2 on the back of the controller.
Impulse sense lines (3 & 4) have no polarity concerns.
Part of the protection circuitry involves removing motor power if
the controller receives no sense indication. If the motor turns for
a few seconds and then you hear the relay in the control box drop
out, the motor has either stalled or there is a problem in the impulse
sense wiring.
Alfa Radio Ltd. 11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8
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