RCA VH126N User Manual

Programmable Antenna Rotator

Third wire

to #3

Drive unit

Second wire

to #2

Terminal

Silver (or wide) wire

to #1

Cover

3
2
1

Grommet

VH126N User's Manual

Unpacking

Make sure the following pieces are in the box:

(1) Drive unit
(1) Control unit
(1) Remote control
Hardware kit:

(2) U Bolts

(4) Threaded inserts
(3) U Bolt brackets
(1) Guy wire bracket
(8) Nuts with lock washers attached
(4) Nuts without washers

Installing the Outdoor Drive
Unit

Step 1: Attach cable to the drive unit

1. Run cable (not included) to the drive unit.

IMPORTANT: Up to 280’ (84m) of 20AWG 3

conductor cable may be used. For longer runs, use heavier
gauge wire.

2. Unscrew the single screw on the bottom door. Swing
the door open.

3. Remove the grommet and insert the cable thru the
slot. Press the grommet back into the housing.

4. Separate leads for 1.5”(4cm) and strip off the
insulation for 0.5”.

5. Find the silver- or wide-jacketed lead and connect it
to terminal 1. Connect the adjacent lead to terminal

2. Connect the third lead to terminal 3. If 4 wire
cable is used, connect both wire 3 and 4 to Terminal

3.

IMPORTANT: Make sure there are no loose strands

which can short between terminals.

6. Doublecheck the wiring order. Close the door and
screw it back into place.

Step 2: Mount the drive unit

If you’re not mounting the unit inside a tower, you’ll
need to mount it to a separate mast (not included). This
kit comes with the necessary hardware for mounting.

CAUTION: Select a mounting location where the

antenna cannot come in contact with power lines while it
is being installed, and where the installation will not fall
across power lines if a guy wire should fail.

1. Screw the 4 threaded inserts in the four holes in the
side of the drive unit base. One end of each insert
has a slot you will use with a flat-head screwdriver
to make sure the inserts are in as far as they will go.
Make sure you put the opposite end in the drive unit.
Then screw the inserts as far as they will go into the
drive unit.

2. Screw the washerless nuts onto the inserts until they
are snug against the drive unit.

3. Put the largest of the four brackets onto the ends of
the bottom two inserts. Put the nuts with attached
lock washers on the very end of the inserts to keep the
bracket in place.

IMPORTANT: To avoid moisture collecting in the cable

make sure the cable jacket passes thru the grommet.

4. Put one of the other brackets onto the ends of the top
two inserts. Put the nuts with attached lock washers
on the very end of the inserts to keep the bracket in
place.

5. Position the brackets and nuts/washers so that they
leave just enough room for the support mast to go
through.

6. Lower the drive unit onto the support mast until it
stops on the mast nose of the drive housing. Tighten
the nuts. Moderate tightening with a 7/16” wrench
will cause the teeth to grip the mast securely.

continues on next page...

1/2 "

3 wire #3 to #3
2 wire #2 to #2
1 wire #1 to #1

Control cable

Tape to mast

Support mast

Stand-off

Antenna

lead-in cable

Antenna

Drive
unit

Loop to allow

full turn of antenna

Stand-off

Antenna
mast (3”)

IMPORTANT: Do not overtighten to the point that you

Drive uni t

Mast nose

Support mast

Lower bracket

Guy wire

deform the mast, since this will reduce its strength. Mast
diameters of 1.25” to 2” (3-5cm) may be used. The 1.5”
(3.8cm) size or larger is recommended for unguyed masts
over 6’ long, or where large antennas are used. If guy
wires are used, fasten two through each of the two holes of
the lower bracket.

Step 3: Install the antenna/cable

1. Insert the 2 U-bolts through the back of the rotor
section of the drive unit.

5. Lower the antenna mast between the brackets and
the rotor. Tighten the nuts. Moderate tightening with
a 7/16” wrench will cause the teeth to grip the mast
securely.

6. After connecting the antenna lead-in cable to the
antenna, fasten it to the antenna mast using stand-off
insulators (not included) as shown. Provide a generous
loop at the drive unit.

7. Attach the lead-in cable to the support mast with
stand-off insulators (not included) approximately
every four feet.

8. Tape the rotator control cable directly to the support
mast.

Installing and Programming
the Indoor Control Unit

Step 1: Set up to the control unit

1. Determine the length of cable needed to run between
the outdoor and indoor units. Cut the cable to that
length.

2. Strip about 1/2” of the jacket off the end of each wire.

2. Place the remaining 2 brackets over the ends of the
U-bolts.

3. Put the nuts with attached lock washers on the very
end of the U-bolts to keep the brackets in place.

4. Position the brackets and nuts/washers so that they
leave just enough room for the antenna mast to go
through.

Note: Use no more than 3” of antenna mast between the

rotor and the antenna itself.

3. Insert each bare wire into the connector plate on the
control unit’s back panel as shown below.

4. Release jacket to secure on connector.

IMPORTANT: The unit must be wired correctly.

Damage can result from improper wiring.

5. Plug power cord of the control unit into AC outlet.

6. Turn on the unit.

The CHANNEL on the front panel reads 0, and the

ANT POSITION display reads 00.