opinion on this antenna controller?

[powerdog]

I have an old Radio Shack rotor and control box (the 1225B) that are very inaccurate when I try to position the antenna.

I just saw this replacement unit:

http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display ... od=SCM9537

Any thoughts? Any better alternatives?

[hdtvlabs]

I am not familiar with this product, but I trust ChannelMaster in general ... much more than RadioShack

[Derek]

It sounds very good to me. I know their previous models were very good, so I would expect that this new model would be no different.

[powerdog]

I realize that I have no idea why the old, manual controller has a motor. It's not like it's moving the antenna physically, so why do they make 'em that way?

[Derek]

I thought that was a good question powerdog. I myself have absolutely no idea what the purpose for the motor is in the older model. I did a search, but I couldn't really find any info on the model that you have at all. Anybody else have any idea?

[hdtvlabs]

I'll take a risk of asking a dumb question, but where do you see a motor in the ChannelMaster controller?
This controller comes also in a bundle with a rotor (this bundle has a different product number, don't remember it), that actually rotates the antenna. The rotor has an actuator, of course ...

[powerdog]

I'll take a risk of asking a dumb question, but where do you see a motor in the ChannelMaster controller?
This controller comes also in a bundle with a rotor (this bundle has a different product number, don't remember it), that actually rotates the antenna. The rotor has an actuator, of course ...

In my old, manual RS controller, it's pretty obvious. First, it sounds like a motor. Second, the white marker keeps turning until it catches up to where you've pointed the knob. Then the motor winds down and the marker stops.

My guess is that it's a fairly primitive way to duplicate the movement of the rotator. Smaller motor, same speed, and there are contacts along the marker's orbit that, more or less, correspond to the position of the antenna. Still, I'm not sure why the motor's necessary in the box.

Maybe when I get the new one I'll do an autopsy on the old one and post pics.

[hdtvlabs]

My guess is that it's a fairly primitive way to duplicate the movement of the rotator. Smaller motor, same speed, and there are contacts along the marker's orbit that, more or less, correspond to the position of the antenna

Oh, I see. No wonder the controller is not accurate with all these mechanical parts.

... do an autopsy on the old one and post pics

Cool. Waiting for the pics.

[SWHouston]

hetvlabs,
That RShack number looks like one from RShacks old numbering system, probably why you couldn't find it. They don't even have a crossreference any more.

Not that I need a Rotator all that much, but, I would immitiately get one, IF it were like the ones on the Sat Dishes.
Those have internal software, where they get their "direction order" thru the Coax.
Just run the Coax to them first, then the Dish, and NO WIRES. Reveiver firnishes the info.

Have a good Day !