48 February 2023
QST
www.arrl.org
as the signal traveled through Wi-Fi. Both units were
on the same network, so I turned my phone into a hot
spot and configured one of the CW Hotline devices
for the phone’s Wi-Fi.
Does this work over multiple computer networks? The
answer is yes. After that, I didn’t notice any additional
delay being on the same network. This is not only an
excellent key to practice with people or QSO bot on
VBand, but also (with two devices) a great tool to use
with friends, or even remotely as a key to activate
your transceiver.
Conclusion
The CW Hotline was a great kit to build. It provided
me with hours of educational value — from building
out the kit, configuring the ESP8266 to work with
VBand, and directly communicating with other CW
Hotline kits for the purpose of practicing Morse code,
to utilizing it to work as a key while operating away
from my station. At $50 per kit, it is well designed and
easy to understand, and it provides an online portal
that enables you to connect with other learners and
instructors. I highly recommend this kit to clubs
looking for a build with a purpose. After building, club
members can practice together until they feel more
proficient in getting on the air. Plus, this kit is entry-
level, so it should be straightforward for beginners to
learn a variety of tasks, including soldering and Morse
code. Since building this kit and using it in different
ways, my Morse code proficiency has improved, and
I expect it to continue to improve as I keep practicing
and testing myself online against others in the VBand.
Manufacturer:
Ham Radio Solutions,
www.
hamradio.solutions
. Price: kit version: $50 each,
plus shipping; assembled version: $100 each, plus
shipping.
Reviewed by Pascal Villeneuve, VA2PV
A rotator controller is an essential
accessory in an amateur radio station
that uses a directional Yagi antenna.
Most controllers are basic, and some
enable you to operate remotely. The
microHAM Antenna Rotator Controller
(ARCO) is different. First, this is an eye-
catching unit, and I must admit that this
is the best-looking rotator controller
I have ever seen. It almost looks like
another radio on the shelf. It’s bigger than the Icom IC-7300 and
has a large color touchscreen. It also has many cool features,
and operating an antenna rotator has never been easier than with
this controller.
According to the manufacturer, the ARCO controller was created
to replace all other rotator control units, and is supposed to work
with virtually any rotator. Although I was unable to test an azi-
muth/elevation type of rotator, according to the manufacturer it
features several ways of controlling azimuth or elevation heading.
While this controller is compatible with most rotators, double-
check with your local dealer to ensure full compatibility before
buying.
microHAM ARCO Smart Antenna
Rotator Controller
Bottom Line
The microHAM ARCO with the
7-inch color touchscreen is an eye-
catching antenna rotator controller,
but it’s not only a good-looking
controller for the station; it’s one of
the most advanced controllers. Its
fully customizable configurations
can ease the operations of any
complex antenna setup.
