Antenna rotator controller

摘要

Controller for an antenna rotator having a rotatable member on which is mounted an antenna to be rotated to various headings. Switching circuitry selectively energizes a motor in the rotator to rotate the member in either of two, opposite directions. Antenna headings are user selectable and pre-programmable, the controller including control circuitry for accepting pre-programmed headings entered from a keyboard, storing the pre-programmed headings and retrieving headings. Users can select a pre-programmed heading or enter a new heading via the keyboard, the control circuitry controlling the motor switching circuitry to rotate the antenna to the selected heading. Circuitry is also provided to energize a brake solenoid in the rotator to, in the absence of jamming or binding, release the brake. To rotate the member to a new heading, the control circuitry energizes the brake solenoid and alternately rotates the member small amounts in the two opposite directions to effect the release of the brake from any jammed or bound condition. Selected headings and current headings are acoustically announced to the user over a speaker.