microHAM ARCO Advanced Rotator Controllers

microHAM ARCO Advanced Rotator Controllers were created to replace all other rotator control units. They raise the bar as THE state-of-the-art rotator controllers, designed and built for reliability, to work with virtually any rotator. Completely self-contained, ARCO Rotator Controllers do not require a computer or any external devices for setup or operation and offer a broad selection of interfaces for remote control.

microHAM ARCO Rotator Controllers feature a beautifully organized 7-inch touch screen LCD with a colorful Great Circle azimuthal map, digital heading and other rotator control functions that are within easy reach. The user's location is easily entered to be the center of the beam heading map. Control azimuth heading with the handy “Touch ’n Tune” feature while taking advantage of the four different radius settings, live grey line projection, multiple coloring options and automatic day/night color schemes making the ARCO useful for VHF enthusiasts. All rotator settings, including compensation for power loss in the motor cabling, are menu-driven, without the need to open the cover.

The flexibility built into the ARCO Rotator Controllers allows for “old school” manual operation, as well as using the touch screen, with its classic, tactile front panel CW and CCW buttons, the point and shoot knob, or entering the heading on the keypad, either on the touch screen or from a hardware device connected to the included USB port. Along with touch screen and manual rotator control, the ARCO Rotator Controller offers Ethernet LAN and Internet remote control or local connectivity via Windows 10, macOS and Linux computers using a standard RS-232 or USB port, which do not require driver installations in most cases. Ethernet port over a local LAN or the Internet allows for the coupling of multiple ARCO Rotator Controllers for automated stacks tracking, multi-directional beaming and counter-rotation for rotating towers. Direct control of other rotators connected to any ARCO controller is possible whether they are on the same network or anywhere in the world, with an Internet connection.

ARCO controllers are compatible with a wide range of absolute and relative sensors for rotator position feedback, including rheostat, potentiometer, reed contact, Hall sensor and PWM sensors. When using a high-resolution sensor, positioning accuracy is within 0.1 degrees. The addition of a digital sensor port provides three differential lines that support RS-485 communications and single-ended push-pull and open collector connections for various quadrature encoders. The installed high current, 4-channel PWM drivers with overload, short circuit and overheat protections assist with motor control. An automatic, current monitoring internal power supply prevents driver damage caused by operation failures and can safely drive any DC motor up to 48 VDC or A/C motor up to 24 VAC and the innovative brake control reduces solenoid heat.

ARCO motor start and stop timing uses customizable, ultra-fine, gradual speed ramps which significantly reduce inertial stress to the rotator, antennas and tower and this gradual speed control uses auto-adapting technology to adapt to the dynamically changing resistance caused by ice or wind.

ARCO has a built-in linear power supply that offers silent, interference-free operation. After completing an operation, the ARCO Controller parks the antenna and disconnects all external lines to minimize the risk of static discharge and thunderstorms and the separate built-in power supply for the motor is turned off when not in use to avoid interference with other sensitive devices. Included are other common control outputs for inverters and industry-standard MODBUS RTU control for high-voltage or high-power motors.

The microHAM ARCO Rotator Controller is available with a 200W power supply for standard rotators and a 400W model for larger rotators and can be easily adapted to existing installations and a suitable A/C mains cable with an IEC plug must be provided for proper operation. Connect Yaesu rotators with the typical 6-pin connector without needing to modify the cable and for all other rotators, a 10-pin header and connector are included. microHAM offers firmware upgrades for the life of the product.

The microHAM ARCO Rotator Controller delivers safety, performance, seamless functionality and modern features not available in any other rotator controller. Available exclusively from DX Engineering, order yours today!

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Includes

• 10 Pole Connector

• USB A/B Cable

• A/C Power Cable

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Additional Features and Specifications of the microHAM ARCO Advanced Rotator Controller

Line Voltage: 90-130 VAC/215-245 VAC, Internally Switchable

Frequency: 50/60 Hz

Fuse: 5x20mm Class T, 6.3 A/250 V for 115 VAC Input and 3.15A/250V for 230 VAC Input

Rotator

Motor Output: 4 - Isolated PWM Outputs, Max 48V 7A

Sensor Input: 0-9V 16 kHz

Reference Output: 9 V 18 mA (shorted)

Sensor ADC Resolution: 2 - 12 bit, 64x Oversampling, 10 bit DAC for Offset Control

D-Sensor: 4 - RS-485, 1 - 0-10V Analog Output, 1 - 12 VDC, 0.5 A Auxiliary Output

Link: CAN bus

Computer: USB B 2.0, full speed, CDC compliance

USB A: 2.0, full speed, mass storage, keyboard HID support

Ethernet: IEEE 802.3, 100BaseTX, Auto MDI/MDIX

Serial: RS-232

Dimensions: Width: 10.433 in. (265mm) Depth: 5.906 in. (150mm) Height: 4.921 in. (125mm)

Weight: 6.28 lbs. (2.85kg)