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lfaSpid Rotator
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lfa Radio Ltd. 11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8 780 466 5779
AlfaSpid_Rotator_RAK_Manual_Sept15_2008.doc
Bench Testing of Control Box
The control box is normally expected to be operated from a 12 Volt DC supply;
however it may be operated from other unregulated DC or AC sources as well. DC
or AC voltage levels between 10 and 26 Volts capable of at least 5 Amps are
acceptable, typically 12 or 14 Volts.
The polarity of the power to the control box input leads is not critical for D.C.
operation; a diode rectifier on the input will provide the proper polarity to the
electronics and provide reverse polarity protection as well as A.C. operation.
TIP: Because of several steering diodes in the motor path, the voltage delivered
to the motor (neglecting wire loss) will be about 1.4 volts less than the power supply
voltage. For longer runs and/or thin wiring a higher voltage (up to approx 24V) to
the control unit is beneficial. A simple way to estimate if the voltage to the motor is
adequate is by timing the rotation. Under no or a very small load, the 360 degree
rotation time with 12V DC at the motor is about 120 second (2 minutes). With 24 V
DC is about 60 second (1 minute). A DC Ammeter in the motor lead is also useful,
it should indicate between 1 and 3 amps with a small load. On windy days or heavy
load, the current may fluctuate up to 3 to 5 amps.
Notes – testing and troubleshooting
Pressing should make the rotator move clockwise. Pressing should make the
rotator move counter-clockwise. If rotation is reversed, switch lines 1 and 2 on the
back of the controller.
Impulse sense lines (3 & 4) have no polarity concerns.
Part of the protection circuitry involves removing motor power if the controller
receives no sense indication. If the motor turns for a few seconds and then you
hear the relay in the control box drop out, the motor has either stalled or there is a
problem in the impulse sense wiring.
It is highly recommended to ground the Control Box.
