microHAM ARCO Manual page 17

TOTAL ROTATION: Sets total rotation (rotation range) of the rotator specified by the
manufacturer. Parameter is used to set software end limits for rotation and is used as an initial
measure for absolute sensors.
Please note, rotators with absolute sensor typically turn 360º, Yaesu rotators 450º, TicRing and
Prosistel over 450º. Always set according to the rotator manufacturer specifications and feedline
connection clearance to not risk sensor or feedline damage.
LIMIT SWITCHES: Defines if rotator has hardware limit switches. If yes and hardware limit
switches uses separate leads from rotator (as on Hy-Gain rotators), connect them to rotator port
LSW CW (9) and LSW CCW (8) pins. Other poles of limit switches are expected to be
connected to the motor. Operation range of limit switch (LSW) input is 20-60V AC/DC.
Rotators with DC motors typically have limit switches connected in series with motor leads and
do not need separate connection.
INERTIA COMPENSATION: Sets angle remaining to the target when motor stops. When motor
stops, some rotators still move, even the motor is already without a power. It is caused by
inertial forces of rotating structure and gearbox which is non self-locking (planetary or single
worm). If you notice that the target is constantly overshot, set it as is typical overshoot angle.
COASTING: Sets advance angle shift used for final coasting to the target at MIN speed.
Decrease value if coasting to the target takes too long. Increase if target is overshot or if rotator
stops prior reaching target. Optimal value depends on MAX speed and RAMPS timing.
MOTOR SPEED: MIN, AUTO and MAX parameter defines minimal and maximal power level for
RAMPS - gradually increasing or decreasing speed.
AUTO automatically finds guaranteed minimal speed for the motor when it just starts
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turning during RAMP UP cycle and changes MIN SPEED value automatically. Procedure
repeats on every RAMP UP and dynamically adjusts MIN SPEED to consider variable
motor load during winds or icing. It is most safe choice, guarantees maximal smoothes of
rotation under any conditions. AUTO is not available for AC motors.
MIN manually specifies minimal voltage/frequency to control speed of the rotator. Must
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be set high enough for guaranteed motor movement. 50% is a good value to start with.
MIN value is fixed to 65% for AC motors.
MAX sets maximal voltage/frequency applied to the motor to control maximal rotator
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speed. It is possible to set it up to 150% of nominal POWER for a power drop
compensation in the long run motor cables. Observe rotation speed and set MAX
according the manufacturer specification to not overload motor rating. Rotator speed is
updated when it turns at MAX speed for more than 5% of TOTAL ROTATION travel.
RAMPS: Defines time to build a ramped output.
UP defines time for motor start from MIN SPEED to MAX SPEED.
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DOWN defines time for motor stop from MAX SPEED to MIN SPEED. Ramp down can
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be prematurely terminated automatically, if there is a request for stop, but actual speed
must be in lower half between MIN and MAX and must be lower than CALIB SPEED.
Please note, changing parameters with direct impact to precise target positioning (POWER,
SPEED and RAMP) causes self learning procedure to restart. In this case turn rotator in each
direction by CW/CCW buttons or any other method. Key is to reach defined MAX speed
indicated by full bargraph. If you are moving to a specific direction, rotator may overshot targets.
That's normal, ARCO will use overshot value for next more accurate stop on target. Status of
"learning" process is indicated by OK sign next to READY CCW and CW marks.
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