[TriLUG] OT: remote controlled antenna rotator

[Ron Kelley via TriLUG]

Thanks everyone for the fantastic ideas!  I knew the folks on the mailer 
would step up with some great information.  I might start with the cheap 
$33 unit from Amazon since the motor and remote control are included.  
If that fails to work, I will dig deeper into a better system.

Definitely appreciate everyone's input!

-Ron


On 01/16/2018 08:17 AM, Scott Chilcote wrote:
> Hello Ron,
>
> An imperfect, but Very Cheap solution...
> https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004NQMCDK
> For all of $33, you can buy a digital TV antenna that has a built-in
> rotator, signal amplifier, and remote control.
>
> I installed one of these for a relative in the burbs of Washington DC,
> but in a weak signal area (low elevation).  It was a great improvement.
> It brought in HDTV signals that were impossible to get with any indoor
> antenna.  With careful pointing it would even receive channels from
> Baltimore.  I installed it on the upper level of a deck using PVC pipe
> as the mast.
>
> As you might expect, it has a significant shortcoming.  The antenna will
> enthusiastically spin forever if you press down on one of the rotate
> buttons, up to the point where all of the slack on the signal/power
> cable is used up.  There's no indication indoors where the antenna is
> pointed.  You just press the CW/CCW buttons until the reception
> improves.  I guess adding a stop/reverse requirement would have pushed
> it out of its price point.
>
> I've considered installing one of these in our attic as well, but I'm
> certain that the cable and rotation issue would lead to problems.
> There's probably a way to add a limit switch that would prevent it from
> travelling past 360 degrees in either direction.  Not as much fun as a
> Raspberry Pi project though!
>
>     Scott C.
>
> On 01/15/2018 07:47 PM, Ron Kelley via TriLUG wrote:
>> Slightly OT, but I know we have a bunch of smart people on the mailer…
>>
>> Looking to attach sort of antenna rotator to our HD antenna in the attic.  It is a smallish unit (maybe 10lbs) that needs to adjusted every so often, and I would like to use some sort of remote control device (electric lazy susan?) to avoid a trip to the attic.  Amazon has a number of pricey units, but I was hoping I could do some sort of low-cost DIY project with Arduino or Raspberry Pi.
>>
>> Any pointers?
>>
>> -Ron
>