Rotor Ham IV
Rotor Ham IV
Rotor Ham IV
Antenna Rotator
308 Industrial Park Road HAM IV has 110 VAC
Starkville, MS 39759 USA Controller HAM IVX has 220
Ph: (662) 323-9538 FAX: (662) 323-6551
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The HAM IV rotator consists of a bell type The rotator unit must be wired to the control unit
rotator, a metered control unit and the necessary with an 8-wire cable. The control unit must be
mounting hardware. The stock HAM IV is placed inside the house or other protected
intended for in-tower mounting on the base plate location. Included in the shipping box are:
which is part of the tower. However, in some A. Instruction Manual
instances, mast mounting is desired. The Lower
Mast Support Kit, PN 51467 10, contains a lower B. Rotator Unit
mast support and the necessary hardware to
facilitate mounting the HAM IV Rotator on top C. Controller Unit
of a mast.
New features in the HAM IV include an 8 pin D. Mounting Hardware Pack
Cinch connector on the rear panel of the control,
a chassis ground connection on the 110 VAC E. Connector Parts Pack
model, and a locking CinchTM connector at the
rotor unit. Due to the wide variety of towers available, each
CAUTION installation will have different requirements. The
gauge of the 8-wire cable to connect the control
When using the lower mast support, antenna unit to the rotator depends upon the distance
size is restricted to 7.5 square feet of wind between the rotator and control. The longer the
distance, the larger the diameter of the wire
surface area
required. Various antennas or beams require
different installation methods.
Cinch'm a Division of Labinal Components & Systems,
Figure 1
Control Unit - Front Panel
Specifications
Input Voltage 120 VAC 50/60 Hz
Optional 220 VAC 50/60 Hz
Motor 24 VAC 2.25 Amp, capacitor start, capacitor run
Brake Solenoid 24 VAC, 5.0 Amps
Power Transformer 120 VAC/26 VAC 10% duty, thermal switch protected
Optional 220 VAC/26 VAC 10% duty, thermal switch protected
Meter Transformer 120 VAC/23 VAC continuous duty
Optional 220 VAC/23 VAC continuous duty
Meter DC voltmeter 1000 ohms/volts, 1 MA full scale
Meter Scale Direct Reading: North centered, 5 degree increments
Optional Direct Reading: South centered, 5 degree increments
Maximum Antenna Size:
A. Tower Mounted as per Figure 3 15 sq. ft. (1.4 sq. m) of wind surface area
B. Outside Tower or mast Mounted as per Fig. 5 or 6 7.5 sq. ft. (0.7 sq. m) of wind surface area
*Maximum Effective Moment (EM) 2,800 ft. lb. (387 Kg. M)
Operational Temperature Range -30 deg. F to 210 deg. F (-34 deg. to 99 deg. C)
CAUTIONS
Install properly and safely
Towers, often the highest metal parts tin the vicinity, require caution during
erection and placement. Extreme care must be taken during erection so that metal
towers and beams do not contact power lines even if the beams slip or rotate,
towers fall or fracture or metal wires blow in the wind, etc.
Metal towers or other position mechanisms must be placed so that if they fracture
or blow over in high winds, they cannot contact power lines, be a hazard to
individuals, or endanger property.
When no mounted within a tower with a thrust bearing, as shown in Figures 5
and 6, the rotator must be DEBATED.
• Metal towers must be grounded properly at the tower location before the tower
is erected. This is to minimize electrical hazard and the possibility of lightning
damage. DO NOT bury bare aluminum wires or stakes in the ground. Use
copper ground stakes. The service entrance ground should be checked. The
household convenience outlet should be the 3-prong type (grounded back to the
service entrance).
• The Control Box is not weatherproof and must be located in the house, ham
shack or other protected location.
• Read this manual completely before proceeding.
The HAM IV rotator has been carefully designed and manufactured to give many
years of trouble-free service when carefully and professionally installed. It consists
of the strongest and best commercially available components.
UNBALANCED WEIGHT AND WIND
TYPES OF INSTALLATION
PRESSURE
There are three general types of installations (see
Figures 4, 5 and 6). I. Unbalanced Weight: Weight should be as
l. The recommended Installation is an "Inside" closely balanced as possible. Unbalanced
Tower Mount with a thrust bushing or weight creates a bending moment of force
bearing to provide support and resist high which is concentrated on the mast at the
wind loads. point where it is clamped to the rotator. This
moment tends to strain the mast at that point
When the rotator is properly mounted this and also to bind the ball bearings by creating
way, it can be rotated to turn an antenna or excessive downward pressure on one side
beam of 15 square feet wind surface area. and upward pressure on the other. Such
The wind loading during storms, the unbalance places additional stress on the
rotational inertia of the beam and unbalanced motor gear train. Unbalanced weight
weight are more important than the dead becomes critical as the distance from the
weight of the beam. It is important to antenna boom to the clamping point at the
minimize the height of the beam above the rotator is increased.
rotator to minimize the overturning force
induced in a high wind (see "Unbalanced 2. Wind Pressure: Wind pressure against the
Weight" and "Wind Pressure"). boom and elements produces a bending
2. An "outside" Tower Mount (see Figure 5) is force on the mast which can cause the same
optional. The rotator is not well protected stresses as unbalanced weight. To strengthen
but the installation is simpler. With an the installation to withstand unbalanced
"Outside" Tower Mount, the rotator must be weight and wind pressure the tip mast
derated to 7.5 square feet. should be as short and as strong as possible.
In multiple arrays the antenna with the most
wind area should be closest to the rotator.
3. A telescoping or other type mast (see Figure
6) can also be used. This installation is In order to distribute the bending stress and
similar to Number 2 above and requires the prevent fracture of the mast, the HAM IV rotator
optional Heavy Duty Lower Mast Support includes a specially designed steel clamping
Kit and must be derated to 7.5 square feet. plate to clamp the mast to the rotator;
After procuring the type of tower or other
positioning mechanism of the owner's choice, the
next step is to wire the rotator to the control box
and check out its operation prior to installation.
WIRING AND CHECK-OUT D. With the rotator sitting in the upright position
and connected to the control unit by the 8-
A. Decide the wire gauge (size) required and wire cable, plug the control unit power cord
procure the number of feet of the proper cable into a receptacle.
(see Table 1).
E. Turn the power switch on. The meter should
Maximum Gauge for Gauge for be illuminated.
Length Terminals 1 & 2 Terminals 3-8
F. Depress the "Brake Release" (center) lever,
125' (38 m) #18 (1.19 mm) #20 (.97 mm) then release it. An audible click should be
200' (61 m) #16 (1.42 mm) #18 (1.19 mm) heard in the rotator. This is the solenoid
300' (91 m) #14 (1.75 mm) #16 (1.42 mm) operating the brake wedge.
Table 1
Figure 2
Control Cable Connector Attachments
G. Depress the "Brake Release" (center) lever,
NOTE: The specifications call for heavier hold it, and simultaneously depress the
gauge wire in two locations. Leads #1 and #2 CCW direction switch (left). The rotator
must be heavier gauge and less total lead should turn CCW (looking from the top).
resistance. This is S-E-NW-S. Release the CCW
B. Assemble the rotor cable as shown in Figure direction switch; the rotator will coast down
and stop. Now release the brake switch. The
1.
rotator is now locked into position.
CAUTION H. Repeat the previous step for CW direction by
Shorts between terminals or grounded leads may depressing the brake switch first, then the
damage the rotator. CW direction switch (right).
:
CAUTION
C. Temporarily attach the 4 1/4"-20 x 1 1/4"
It is best to release the direction switch just
screws (Item 147) to the bottom of the rotor
prior to the end of rotation (extreme CW or
unit.
CCW position) in order not to cause undue
stress on the stop arm and/or the gears.
ROTATOR UNIT CONNECTOR MOUTING INSIDE TOWER
The Ham IV is now supplied with an 8 pin The rotator is mounted inside a tower (see Figure
Cinch® connector with lock. This connector is 4) to the flat tower plate by means of four (4)
not waterproof and requires a heatshrink "boot" bolts furnished in the hardware kit. Use the
to keep water out. Slide the heatshrink (supplied) following procedure:
over both connectors after attachment, and heat
the "rotor unit end" of the shrink-tube with a hot 1. Locate the rotator in the tower directly under
air-gun or hair-dryer. the bushing. Note that the tower plate must be
cut out to allow the connecting 8-wire cable
The bottom should be left open to "breathe". Seal to pass through the plate.
the top of the shrink-tube with black electrical
tape if necessary. Make sure that this connector Use the template in the back of the manual.
assembly is installed in a vertical position with Too small of a hole will not allow the
proper strain relief. connector to pass through.
2. Plug the connectors together and secure the
cable to the tower in such a manner that the
cable will not be strained.
Figure 3
Locking-Type "Cinch" Connectors
3. The rotator is attached to the tower plate by NOTE: Apply a coating of heavy-duty motor oil
means of four (4) bolts and lockwashers (see or grease to the threads of the stainless steel bolts
Figure 4). The flat tower plate must be and U-bolts to prevent seizing.
drilled in four (4) places using the template
provided with this manual unless the tower On any inside tower installation, care must be
plate is already properly drilled. exercised to get the antenna mast shimmed to the
exact rotational center of the rotator. The
geometry is such that a mast of 2.062" (21/16"
4. Tighten the four (4) bolts, but not to final [52 mm]) O.D. pipe will be exactly centered. If
tightness. Observe how the rotator turns. It the O.D. of your mast is less than this, you
must rotate in such a manner as to turn the should shim out to these dimensions.
mast concentrically in the thrust bearing.
6. If the rotator, top bushing and mast are
aligned, there should be unrestricted rotation
through 360°. If not, the rotator may have to be
moved slightly on the flat plate. If a high
quality bearing is used in the top of the tower
(recommended), the shimming procedure must
be done more carefully as closer tolerances are
required. It is important that the rotator does
not try to turn the mast eccentrically with the
top bushing or bearing.
7. Tighten the four (4) bolts carefully - to
approximately 100 inch-pounds of torque.
8. Insert the 1/4"-20 x 1 1/4" bolt with a locking
nut into the center tapped hole in the clamp
plate. Tighten down to assure that the
antenna mast does not turn in the upper mast
support.
Return the rotator to the full CW "S"
position. Mount the beam on the mast
pointing South. The coaxial cable should be
looped in such a manner that it will not foul
Figure 4 or tangle when the beam turns around in a
Rotator Mounting in a Tower circle to the full 360° counterclockwise
position.
Figure 6
Pole Mounted Rotator
OUTSIDE TOWER OPTIONAL KITS:
Referring to Figures 5, 6, and 7, an outside HEAVY-DUTY LOWER MAST SUPPORT
tower or pole mount is made in the same manner KIT (51467-10) (Optional)
except that the rotator is fastened by four (4) The stock HAM W is intended to mount on the
bolts only (not six) to the Lower Mast Support, base plate inside of the tower. However, in
PN 51467 10. Since the eccentricity of the some instances, outside tower or mast mounting
rotator turning in reference to the tower is no is desired as per Figures 5 and 6. This kit, P/N
longer important, the shimming procedure is not 5146710 contains a heavy-duty lower mast
necessary. The four (4) bolts must be torqued to support and the necessary hardware to facilitate
the same specification and the 8-wire cable mounting the HAM IV on top of a tower stub or
securely fastened. The lower mast should be mast.
pinned with the 5/16"-18 x 4" bolt as shown in
Figure 7. CAUTION
When the rotator is installed using the lower
CAUTION mast support kit, the antenna size must be
The rotator is designed for vertical operation restricted to 7.5 square feet of wind surface
with the bell shaped housing in the up position.
area.
Water and other contamination will get into the
motor unit if it’s mounted horizontally or
upside down. WEATHER-PROOF CONNECTOR KIT
(Optional)
The Cinch' Connectors on the Rotor Unit may
be replaced by AMP© CPC weatherproof
connectors. The AMP© connectors, when
properly installed, will enhance the reliability
of your HAM IV.
This kit contains the following
PN Description Qt
650179 Amp Receptacle, 9 pin 1
650291 Contact, Pin 8
650180 Amp Receptacle shell 2
650181 Amp plug 1
650293 Contact, Socket 8
Instruction Sheet 1
Figure 7
Rotator Mounting with Lower Mast Support CinchTM a Division of Labinal Components & Systems, Inc.
AMP* is a registered trademark of AMP-Barrel, AMP Inc.,
939 E. Park Dr. Harrisburg, PA
8
PRELIMINARY CHECK AND NORMAL OPERATION
CALIBRATION To operate the rotator, it is necessary to
understand the HAM IV Brake Release Lever
and its function. The brake lever (middle lever)
IMPORTANT on the Control Unit operates a brake wedge
THERMAL PROTECTION: If the rotator mechanism in the rotator which locks the rotator
fails to turn after 4 or 5 minutes of into position mechanically. The rotator cannot
continuous operation, the thermal switch has turn unless the wedge is retracted by depressing
come into play. This protective device in the the middle lever. The normal operation is as
transformer automatically shuts off power if follows:
the rotator is used continuously for too long. l. Retract the brake wedge by holding down the
It will automatically reset after 10 minutes. "Brake Release", middle lever.
2. Turn the rotator to the compass location by
pushing down and releasing either the left
l. Turn the Control Unit Power "ON" with the hand or the right hand lever.
upper right "ON-OFF" switch. The meter
Allow a few seconds for the rotator to coast
should be illuminated and the needle should
down. Then re-engage the brake wedge by
be to the right.
releasing the "Brake Release" (middle) lever.
2. Depress the brake lever (center) and hold. OPERATING PRACTICE
Depress the CCW lever (left) and operate The rotator has several mechanisms to protect it
the rotator to its full CCW position. from misuse, but the following precautions are
3. With the rotator in its full CCW position, if advisable.
the meter is not at its full left position, 1. If you have a very large beam, the rotator can
carefully adjust the zero (CCW South) be "nudged" to exactly the desired position
position with the screw directly under the by alternately working the left and right
meter to exactly South. control, allowing it to coast down before the
4. Meter Calibration Procedure: Operate the brake wedge is allowed to engage.
rotator to its full clockwise position. Adjust
2. It is advisable not to run it full speed into the
the calibration potentiometer until the meter
end of rotation.
indicates full scale to the right. The meter is 3. Upon completion of turning, always allow the
now calibrated. Do not adjust the calibration rotator to coast down by keeping your finger
potentiometer when the rotator is in any on the "Brake Release" after you have
position other than full clockwise. released the rotation lever. This procedure
will allow the rotator to stop before you re-
When the control unit is turned "OFF", the meter engage the brake wedge. Observing this
needle will fall to the left "S" position and return sequence prevents the rotator from stopping
to indicate the rotator position as soon as the suddenly thus preventing undue stress on the
control unit is turned "ON' again. It will not rotator, beam, and tower.
damage the unit to leave it turned "ON" for
extended periods. The motor has an internal brake which controls
the coast down time and deceleration. The
internal motor brake is usually strong enough to
prevent pinwheeling during operation even in
high winds. If the rotator is being operated in a
very high wind, observe the operation of the
needle. A little practice will acquaint the owner
on how to operate the rotator smoothly.
GROUNDING
5. Carefully remove the hex nuts on the meter
The tower, or other metal support device, must be studs to free the printed circuit board. Slip the
grounded to an earth ground at its location. Use P.C. Board off the studs and pull it down
heavy copper cable looped so that if the tower under the chassis.
comes down for any reason, there will be adequate
slack to prevent the ground wire from breaking. CAUTION
Use one or more 8 foot copperjacketed steel stakes It is good practice to use a short test lead or
driven into the moist earth and fasten the wire jumper wire to short the meter studs when it
securely at the stake and at the tower. is not in the circuit.
As mentioned in the "Cautions" portion, the steel 6. Loosen the meter retaining clips and remove
chassis of the control box should be either the meter from the chassis.
grounded to a metal cold water pipe in the house 7. Insert a small knife blade between the clear
or back to the electric service entrance box where meter cover and black housing at either
the power comes into the house. This normally is corner of the top edge and gently pry the
accomplished with the wire of the 3-prong plug cover loose from that corner. Repeat for the
which then depends on the wall outlet being ade- other corner. The meter cover should pop
quately grounded back to the service entrance as off.
to the utility ground. If there is any doubt, have 8. Carefully slip a knife blade under each corner
this checked by a licensed electrician. of the lower edge of the white meter scale
and twist slightly until the scale clears the
SOUTH-CENTER METER SCALE two small indexing pins. Remove the scale,
CONVERSION turn it over and reinstall it. Make sure the
scale fits over the indexing pins and that it is
The stock HAM IV Control Unit is shipped with
flush and tight against the black housing.
the meter scale installed for "North" center
This will assure free movement of the
operation; ends of rotation are at the "South"
indicator needle.
position. Some geographic locations and/or
9. Reinstall the meter (remove the temporary
popular working areas may favor having the
jumper), the P.C. Board and lamp hardware.
meter "South" center; ends of rotation are at the
Check for pinched, shorted end, or
"North" position. We have provided the HAM IV
overstressed wires.
with an interchangeable meter scale.
10. Reinstall the top and bottom
We recommend the following
11. Reconnect the 8-wire control cable in the
1. Disconnect the power exact sequence as they were removed.
If your beam was installed originally using the
2. Remove the 8-wire control cable, carefully HAM IV with a "North" center scale, the
labeling each wire with its corresponding antenna mast must be loosened and repositioned.
terminal number. This operation may be In order for the meter to indicate properly, the
omitted if the control box can be worked on front of your beam must point "North" when the
easily without removing the leads. rotator is at the ends of rotation.
12
ADDITIONAL CHECKLIST 7. Be sure cable is of proper size for length
l. Check continuity of control wires for loose used. Refer to Table 1.
connections caused by wind. 8. Substitute a 3 foot piece of new rotator cable
2. Tape down control cable securely all the way to bench test unit. Proper operation will
to rotator. indicate a defective rotator cable on the mast
or tower, or a cable not large enough to
3. Check motor winding through control cable create proper turning torque.
as outlined in Table 2.
9. Low line voltage and cold weather will slow
4. Check cable between leads. Static lightning rotation. Using an extra long or small wire
charges or direct hits will cause carbon arcs extension cord can lower line voltage.
in control cable at numerous spots along the
cable that cannot be seen. This resistive path
will break down with voltage applied to
rotator. (Replace cable.)
5. Check both control and rotator connectors
for shorts.
6. Rotation in one direction usually indicates a
loose or broken cable wire, bad relay, and
bad sensing transistors in some units.
PARTS LIST
HAM IVControl Unit Replacement
ITEM PART
NO. NO. DESCRIPTION QTY
1 5156502 Control Unit, 220VAC, complete ............................................................... 1
2 5156500 Control Unit, 120VAC, complete ............................................................... 1
3 5139000 Printed Circuit Board .............................................................................. 1
11 1034403 Fuse, 3 Amp, F-2 (110V version) ............................................................1
12 5089501 Bulb, Meter, #1819 ..................................................................................1
13 710053 Fuse, 1 Amp, Slo-Blo, F-2 (220V version) .............................................. 1
14 5138600 Switch, Snap, S-3, S-4, S-5 .....................................................................1
15 5141100 Cover, Top ...............................................................................................1
16 5141200 Cover, Bottom ..........................................................................................4
17 5152700 Pads, Skid.................................................................................................9
18 520057 Screw, #6-32 x 3/8", Pan Head ................................................................8
20 640076 Socket, Cinch, S-308-AB ........................................................................ 1
21 5088400 Lever, Switch, for S-3, S-4 & S-5............................................................1
22 450403 Relief, Strain, Heyco 3772 (220V version) .............................................. 2
23 506665 Screw, #6-32 x 1/4", round head..............................................................2
24 560068 Washer, Back-up (220V version).............................................................1
25 1073501 Transformer, Power (220V version) ....................................................... 1
26 1073301 Transformer, Power (120V version) ........................................................1
27 5020200 Transformer, Meter (220V version).........................................................1
28 5017700 Transformer, Meter (120V version) .........................................................1
29 5151500 Capacitor, Motor Start............................................................................. 1
30 5086100 Cord, Line, 3-wire (120V version)...........................................................1
31 450431 Relief, Strain, Heyco 1217 (120V version) .............................................. 1
32 5079800 Cord, Line, 3-wire (220 VAC; European Plug) ........................................ 1
33 5147702 Meter........................................................................................................1
34 5175200 Switch, On/Off S-1 ..................................................................................1
35 723406 Potentiometer ........................................................................................... l
36 1056300 Holder, Fuse, for F-2; (120V version) .....................................................1
37 710054 Holder, Fuse, for F-2; (220V version) .....................................................1
38 5156100 Plate, Face ................................................................................................ l
39 5089103 Chassis .....................................................................................................1
40 506325 Bolt, Hex Head, 1/4"-20 x 3/4" ....................................................................1
41 567110 Lockwasher, Int. 1/4" .................................................................................. 2
42 567120 Flatwasher, 1/4" ...............................................:...........................................2
43 556960 Nut, Hex, 1/4"-20.........................................................................................1
44 550029 Nut, Wing, 1/4"-20.......................................................................................1
45 710083 Holder, Bulb.................................................................................................1
46 567125 Lockwasher, #10 Internal............................................................................ 4
Hy-Gain reserves the right to change prices at its option. Current prices may be obtained by calling or
writing the factory.
Figure 9
Wiring Schematic
Figure 10
Control Unit - Front Panel
Figure 11
Control Unit - Top View
Figure 12
Control Unit - Back View
16
HAM IV Rotator Replacement Parts
ITEM PART
NO. NO. DESCRIPTION QTY
101 878712 Rotator (complete with hardware) ..............................................................1
102 5030400 Support, Upper Mast (bell casting) .............................................................1
103 5136502 Brake Housing (lower casting) ....................................................................1
104 5033501 Bearings, Ball (49 per retainer)..................................................................98
105 5011300 Retainer, Bearing (one per race) .................................................................2
112 5136101 Gear, Steel Drive..........................................................................................1
124 5137600 Motor and Pinion .........................................................................................1
125 5023100 Potentiometer ...............................................................................................1
126 5009900 Solenoid .......................................................................................................1
140 179894 Mounting Plate.............................................................................................1
141 510680 Screw, #6 x 3/8", torque............................................................................. 2
142 520057 Screw, #6-32 x 3/8", Pan Head ....................................................................2
143 5105700 Screw, #12-24 x 3/4"................................................................................... 4
* 5011500 Plate, Mast Clamp .............:..........................................................................1
* 5038200 U-Bolt, 1/4"-20, 2 1/4" x 3 7/8"...................................................................3
* 5050200 Flatwasher, 5/16" .........................................................................................4
* 110820035 Bolt, 1/4"-20 x 1 1/4", Hex Head.................................................................5
* 554099 Nut, 1/4"-20, Hex.........................................................................................5
* 561177 Lockwasher, Split, 1/4", SS ........................................................................ 9
170 5030400 Support, Upper Mast....................................................................................1
171 450590 Strain Relief .................................................................................................1
172 610215 Cable, 8 conductor ............................................................................... 2.0 ft.
173 640091 Plug, 8 Pin Cinch" w/lock ......................................................................... 1
Parts Pack, Connector (878713)........................................................................ 1
174 640092 Socket, 8 pin Cinch w/ lock ......................................................................1
175 411830 1 1/2 inch shrink tube ............................................................................ 4 in.
176 640077 Plug, 8 Pin Cinch........................................................................................1
This information is believed correct, but no warranty is given or implied and no liability is
assumed by Hy-Gain as to its accuracy or completeness. Changes may be made from time to
time so the user should verify all factors that may be critical. This information is not to be
construed as to authorizing or advising use of any patented invention.
LIMITED WARRANTY
1. The purchaser must retain the dated proof-of-purchase (bill of sale, canceled check,
credit card or money order receipt, etc.) describing the product to establish the
validity of the warranty claim and submit the original or machine reproduction of
such proof of-purchase to Hy-Gain at the time of warranty service. Hy-Gain shall
have the discretion to deny warranty without dated proof-of-purchase. Any evidence
of alteration, erasure, or forgery shall be cause to void any and all warranty terms
immediately.
8. This warranty gives you specific rights, and you may also have other rights which
vary from state to state.