RAS SPID Controller Settings - BenningtonCS/Telescope-2014 GitHub Wiki

Full documentation can be found here. Much of this documentation was pulled directly from the source linked above.

In our case, using the RAS SPID rot2 Rotator, we want to have our settings such that PS is configured to SP, and then put the controller in A (automatic) mode to interface with the software.

Controller Reset

Since there are no mechanical limits in the rotator, it may be installed with the antenna pointing in any direction. There is no reason to locate “TRUE NORTH” until you are ready to calibrate the control box. Use the controller to position the antenna to physically point north, then reset the controller as follows:

Turn the unit OFF.
While holding the button depressed turn control unit back on.
The display should then read 0.0 0.0

This feature can be used if, for any reason, the direction of the antenna becomes incorrect. This may be caused by antenna to mast slippage or incorrect initial alignment.

Important Note:

The SPID rotator is now set at the counter-clockwise end of its normal rotation range. Normal rotation range is in a clockwise direction for 360 degrees.

From the reset position, you can rotate counter-clockwise an additional 180 degrees in over-travel, as well 360 degrees clockwise, plus an additional 180 degrees into clockwise over-travel.

Counter-clockwise over-travel is indicated by a steady dot above the over-travel icon [<->]. [<->] Rotation past 359 degrees into the clockwise over-travel is indicated by a blinking dot above the over-travel icon.[<->]

Technical Note:

You will need to leave sufficient coax length to accommodate the additional 180 degrees of over-travel on each end of normal rotation. Failure to do so can cause damage to your coax and/or antennas.

Controller Operation

There are multiple modes of operation for the SPID controller.

F - Function Mode

The F button steps through the function menus. The leftmost character on the display indicates the function mode you are currently in.

(no letter) = Normal Operations Mode

In Normal Operations Mode, the up, down, left, right buttons cause rotation as long as the buttons are pressed. Pressing S while in normal operations mode will take you to setup mode.

H = Half-Auto Mode

In Half Auto Mode, the up, down, left, right buttons can be used to pre-select the desired beam heading. The heading displayed on the controller will rapidly change in the direction of desired rotation. Once the desired beam heading is shown on the display, release the key. Approximately ½ of a second after no key presses have been detected, the display will revert back to the actual beam heading, and rotation towards the desired heading will take place. Pressing any key while in transit to the desired heading will cancel the action.

A = Auto Mode

In Auto Mode, the controller will respond to commands from control software running on an attached computer. The up, down, left, right buttons can still be used, but pressing of any of them will cause canceling the data from software.

S - Setup Mode

The S button steps through the setup menu.

P = Rotor Transmission

This value defines the accuracy of rotator operation. 1.0 means operating with up to 1 degree per pulse from rotator accuracy.

PS = Program Simulation

Program Simulation allows the user to set the serial communication protocol used by the rotator. When set to emulate another brand of rotator, the Spid will respond to commands, and send responses back to the computer as if it were the rotator brand selected. If your favorite software supports a rotator, chances are, the Spid will be able to interface to your software. There are 2 modes available:

PS SP = SPID
PS 4A = Yaesu (GS232 protocol)

(RS232: 600N1, 8 bits)

(data rate bound 600, 1 STOP bit, no even parity bit)

Operating mode can be changed using left, right.

PH = Programmable High Limit

The Programmable High Limit is a user adjustable clockwise travel limit value. By reducing this value, the maximum clockwise rotation travel can be restricted. Use the buttons:

left and right to adjust the azimuth value,
up and down to adjust the elevation value.

PL = Programmable Low Limit

The Programmable Low Limit is a user adjustable counter-clockwise travel limit value. By increasing this value, the minimum counter-clockwise rotation travel can be restricted. Use the buttons:

left and right to adjust the azimuth value,
up and down to adjust the elevation value.

PP = Heading Adjust

This setting can be used to make minor heading adjustments without causing the rotator to turn. If you notice that the heading displayed on the controller to a known signal source is out by a few degrees, you can change the heading displayed on the LED readout to match the known heading, rather than having to turn back to North and reset the controller. These settings are made by up, down, left, right buttons.