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microHAM ARCO Junior Manual

Smart azimuth rotator controller
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microHAM © 2024 All rights reserved
ARCO Junior
Smart Azimuth Rotator
Controller
microHAM
www.microham.com
microHAM s.r.o.
Maticna 28
92401 Galanta
Slovakia
v4.0
2024
1

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Summary of Contents for microHAM ARCO Junior

  • Page 1 © 2024 All rights reserved ARCO Junior Smart Azimuth Rotator Controller microHAM www.microham.com microHAM s.r.o. Maticna 28 92401 Galanta Slovakia v4.0 2024...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    © 2024 All rights reserved TABLE OF CONTENT 1 - DEVICE DESCRIPTION ........................ 4 2 - PANEL DESCRIPTION ......................... 5 Front Panel ..............................5 Rear Panel ..............................6 3 - SETUP ............................7 Connecting ARCO Jr. to power supplies......................7 Understanding Rotator ..........................
  • Page 3 © 2024 All rights reserved IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS AVOID opening the device before you have disconnected it from power supplies. Any internal repairs have to be done only by an authorized person according to Appendix D. DO NOT allow any objects to enter inside the device.

  • Page 4: Device Description

    © 2024 All rights reserved 1 - DEVICE DESCRIPTION The ARCO Junior (ARCO Jr.) is a modern rotator (motor + position sensor) controller designed for reliable operation with virtually any azimuth rotator ever made as well as with the home brew rotators.

  • Page 5: Panel Description

    © 2024 All rights reserved over, breaks, or if ARCO Jr. goes to the power down mode, in order to minimize possible damage by high static or nearby lightning during storms. Firmware provides wide range of additional protections and self explaining error messages for quick troubleshooting if any failure happens.

  • Page 6: Rear Panel

    © 2024 All rights reserved Rear Panel 1. DC IN Power input for controller – 13.8VDC. 5.5/2.1mm socket, positive pole on center pin. 2. MOTOR SUPPLY Power input for motor – 48VDC. KPJX-4S socket, matting plug KPPX-4P. When used KPPX-4P ↔ 5.5/2.1mm adapter, positive pole is on center pin.

  • Page 7: Setup

    © 2024 All rights reserved 3 - SETUP Installation of ARCO consists of hardware and software parts. First, it is necessary to connect ARCO Jr. to power supplies and rotator. Connecting ARCO Jr. to power supplies For operation, ARCO Jr. must be connected to both, motor and controller power supplies.

  • Page 8: Understanding Rotator

    © 2024 All rights reserved Understanding Rotator Rotator is a device contains AC or DC motor, gear box and coupled sensor for position feedback. ARCO supports both types of motors. In addition it may have electromagnetic brake to lock in on position and turning range limit switches to avoid travel beyond preset limits. ARCO Jr.

  • Page 9: Prepare For Calibration

    © 2024 All rights reserved Prepare for Calibration Having rotator connected to ARCO, it is necessary to perform verification steps that connection is correct, rotator is moving in correct direction and sensor provides proper feedback. You are safe, all protections are already running and if something isn't right ARCO stops turning and shows error message of the problem.

  • Page 10: Auto Calibration From Arco Jr. Menu

    © 2024 All rights reserved B. AUTO Calibration from ARCO Jr. menu Rotators with absolute sensor and limit switches can be AUTO calibrated using their preset parameters. These rotators are available to chose in menu M20, their preset parameters can be found in Appendix B of this manual.

  • Page 11: Vnc Setup

    © 2024 All rights reserved C. VNC Setup Connecting ARCO Jr. by VNC expands its full potential and changes ARCO Jr. to full featured ARCO on computer. VNC server in ARCO Jr. is compatible with wide variety of VNC viewers, we recommend free RealVNC Viewer supporting all major operating systems.
  • Page 12 © 2024 All rights reserved After a short while you'll see main screen on display. Touch settings icon in the left bottom corner to enter SETTINGS MENU. On top you'll see several tabs which will be described later, now touch General tab, touch...
  • Page 13 © 2024 All rights reserved Press front panel CW button – and observe if rotator is turning in CW direction. If is turning in opposite CCW direction, turn ARCO off, swap CW/CCW motor leads connected to ARCO and return back.

  • Page 14: Rotator Centering

    © 2024 All rights reserved Rotator Centering If you are just swapping controller and going to calibrate already installed rotator with antenna, you can skip this chapter and continue on Calibration chapter, you do not need to center rotator.

  • Page 15: Calibration

    © 2024 All rights reserved Calibration Unless CALIBRATION STATUS is CALIBRATED, only place where you can turn rotator is CALIBRATION tab, stay on CALIBRATION tab! CW/CCW LIMITS CALIBRATION INSTRUCTIONS If available (only rotators with hardware limit switches) touch AUTO button.
  • Page 16 © 2024 All rights reserved HEADING CALIBRATION INSTRUCTIONS DO NOT touch FIND CENTER, SET CENTER, AUTO or RESET buttons on the first line • unless you want to clear all calibration data and start calibration from the scratch. If yes, first touch RESET and calibrate CW/CCW limits as described above.
  • Page 17 © 2024 All rights reserved POST CALIBRATION INSTRUCTIONS Freshly calibrated rotator has to learn ramps duration related to the motor, gearbox, and inertia of rotating antenna. To let ARCO learn duration of ramps, go to main screen and turn rotator in each direction by CW/CCW buttons or any other method.

  • Page 18: A - Front Panel User Interface

    © 2024 All rights reserved 4.A – FRONT PANEL USER INTERFACE ARCO Junior can be operated from the front panel, from VNC Viewer on the computer or mobile device or by linked regular ARCO. This chapter describes operation from the front panel.
  • Page 19 © 2024 All rights reserved M20: ROTATOR TYPE Specifies rotator model for direct calibration from ARCO Jr. menu. microHAM S75A, S57AE (AZ), Yaesu G-800xx, G-1000xx, G-2700xx, G-2800xx, G-5500DC (AZ), G-450DC(ADC/CDC), G-400, G-650A, G-650C, G-5500 (AZ), G-600, HyGain HAMxx, T2xx, CD-44, HDR-300A, Create RC5x,...

  • Page 20: B - Vnc User Interface

    © 2024 All rights reserved 4.B – VNC USER INTERFACE When ARCO Jr. is access by VNC viewer, user interface and features are identical to regular ARCO, hence from now till the end is for simplicity ARCO Jr. called ARCO.
  • Page 21 © 2024 All rights reserved At the bottom right are located six memory buttons for quick recall or store most used headings. To recall heading just touch desired button. Touch and hold the button if you want to change heading or label.

  • Page 22: Keyboard Operation

    © 2024 All rights reserved Keyboard operation ARCO can be conveniently operated also from a connected USB keyboard or keypad. In the Main Screen, the following keys are active: digits (0..9) - direct entry of target azimuth • Backspace, minus - while entering azimuth, deletes last entered digit; if there are no •...

  • Page 23: Settings Menu

    © 2024 All rights reserved 5 - SETTINGS MENU SETTINGS MENU of ARCO controller allows to set individual parameters of complete controller behavior. There are no internal switches, jumpers or trimmers, all settings can be set here. General ROTATOR NAME: Sets rotator name for identification and is also shown on the screensaver.

  • Page 24: Appearance

    © 2024 All rights reserved Appearance Appearance tab serves to define look of the main screen for four different presets – Zooms. Appearance - Global DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS (DAY): Sets display brightness level used during the day time. DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS (NIGHT): Sets display brightness level used during the night.
  • Page 25 © 2024 All rights reserved GREYLINE AREA: Enables greyline projection to the great circle map. BORDER LINE: Enables projection of a fine line corresponding to the time when the center of the sun is located right on the horizon.

  • Page 26: Rotator - Settings

    • SEI: Absolute encoder using SEI bus protocol. • ARXC.MAG: microHAM's absolute digital compass sensor – ARXC.MAG. • p/360º: Sets number of pulses generated by the pulse sensor (magnetic reed contact, Hall sensor, any encoder) per 360º travel, 360 – 65535 pulses.
  • Page 27 © 2024 All rights reserved EXT: enables 16VAC external brake control. It must be checked for external brake booster, and MUST NOT be checked if brake is driven directly from the ARCO. HOLD DELAY: Sets delay used to delay further rotation after rotator stops, letting rotating structure time to damp.

  • Page 28: Rotator - Link

    © 2024 All rights reserved be automatically terminated if required heading is reached, but actual speed must be in lower half between MIN and MAX and must be lower than CALIB SPEED. Rotator - Link Rotator - Link tab serves to setup ARCO for multi-controller environment by specifying various ID numbers setting up identification, assignment to the towers and synchronization groups.
  • Page 29 © 2024 All rights reserved SENSITIVITY: Specifies “dead zone” where new heading azimuth is ignored. ALIGN SAME … : Switch which sets behavior of the main screen ALIGN button. GROUP: Aligns antennas which belongs to the same SYNC GROUP regardless of the •...

  • Page 30: Heading - Calibration

    © 2024 All rights reserved Heading - Calibration SENSOR POSITION: Indicates position of absolute sensor in percents [%] of its value. If rotator sensor is relative, it shows rotation center position in degrees [º]. Touching it toggles between raw value as seen by the microcontroller or user.

  • Page 31: Heading - Antennas

    © 2024 All rights reserved Heading - Antennas ANTENNA #1/2/3: Allows to define three individual antennas installed on same rotator. Antenna #1 is considered MAIN antenna having same heading as rotator. ANTENNA #2 or ANTENNA #3 can be enabled to show real azimuth of intentionally offset antenna installation, usually installed perpendicularly to main antenna to minimize performance and patter influences, or as a temporary selection for antenna slipped in mast bolt during wind.

  • Page 32: Lan

    © 2024 All rights reserved LAN ENABLED: Connects ARCO to the local Ethernet LAN network. Please note. To avoid network conflicts while parameters are edited LAN connection is automatically disabled if any LAN parameter is changed. Connection needs to be manually re- enabled before you leave this menu.

  • Page 33: Internet Remote Control

    © 2024 All rights reserved Internet Remote Control Along with direct TCP control described above using one of supported rotator control protocols (over the local LAN or over the Internet), ARCO allows also special CLIENT-SERVER connection between two controllers. This feature is designed solely for smart control over the...

  • Page 34: Status Of Client - Server Operation

    © 2024 All rights reserved Status of Client – Server operation IDLE: After setup/reset, before attempt to select antenna. Attempt • initiates connect. DNS LOOKUP: If connection is initiated, LAN is set to DNS, and there's no IP •...

  • Page 35: System

    Update requires ARCO connected to the local LAN network connected to the Internet. By touching LOAD button ARCO connects to microHAM's private server where checks for available files. Provided are at least two firmware versions, last stable version marked CURRENT and PREVIOUS stable version if for some reason you want to step one stable version back.

  • Page 36: Transferring Setup And Calibration From One Arco To Other Arco

    © 2024 All rights reserved Same as over LAN, also over USB and RS232, ARCO supports Yaesu GS-232A, DCU-1/Rotor EZ, SPID HR 0.1º control protocols and native ARCO protocol. MINIMUM DISPLAY BACKLIGHT: Sets display backlight intensity used for screen saver, enabling optimal visibility under hamshack specific lighting condition.

  • Page 37: Usb Firmware Update

    © 2024 All rights reserved USB Firmware Update If ARCO firmware cannot be updated over the internet under SYSTEM menu, alternative method is to use USB FLASH (“thumb”) drive: 1. Copy the update file arco.upd available at our webpage Downloads section to the root directory of a USB FLASH drive.

  • Page 38: Usb Serial Port

    © 2024 All rights reserved USB Serial Port USB port of ARCO automatically installs serial port on host computer for connection to your favorite logging or rotator tracking program. Installation process on Windows 10, macOS and Linux is automatic, serial port uses USB CDC class compatible driver built-in to the operating system.

  • Page 39: Hardware Specifications

    © 2024 All rights reserved 6 - HARDWARE SPECIFICATIONS POWER INPUT CONTROLLER SUPPLY POWER 13.8VDC, max. 1.5A, 5.5/2.1mm positive center socket MOTOR SUPPLY POWER 48VDC, typ. 3A, max. 8A, KPJX-4P socket FUSE 5x20 mm, T, 3.15 A for 13.8VDC INPUT, 6x32mm, T, 16A for 48VDC INPUT...

  • Page 40: Package Contents

    SLOVAKIA 8 - WARRANTY microHAM warrants this product for two (2) years. The product must not be modified in any way or the warranty is voided. What is covered: During the warranty, microHAM, s.r.o., will repair or replace defective product at their sole discretion.

  • Page 41: Declaration Of Conformity

    DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY European Union Declaration of Conformity We, microHAM s.r.o., Matičná 28, 92401 Galanta, Slovakia, declare under our sole responsibility for the equipment name ARCO Junior, model ARCO Jr., serial number 0001 and higher that the equipment is in conformity with the following...

  • Page 42: Appendix A - Arco Connectors

    © 2024 All rights reserved APPENDIX A – ARCO CONNECTORS ROTATOR: green 10 pin terminal block / white 6 pin (2x3) receptacle NAME TYPE 10 PIN 6 PIN DESCRIPTION SENSOR LO ANALOG GND SENSOR C INPUT ANALOG/DIGITAL SENSE INPUT, max. 9 V...

  • Page 43: Appendix B - Rotator Settings & Connections

    © 2024 All rights reserved APPENDIX B – ROTATOR SETTINGS & CONNECTIONS YAESU (G) and KENPRO (KR) TYPE: G-800(any), G-1000(any), G-2700(any), G-2800(any), G-5500DC (AZ part), connected to WHITE rectangular ROTATOR (10) connector. If rotator cable has no pin. 1 connected,...
  • Page 44 © 2024 All rights reserved TYPE: G-450A, normally connected to WHITE rectangular ROTATOR (10) connector. If rotator cable has only 5 wires without connection to pin 1, short pins 2 + 3 together on green ARCO rotator terminal and change sensor type to RHEO.
  • Page 45 © 2024 All rights reserved TYPE: G-450XL Rotator tab settings: Rotator connection: PARAMETER VALUE ROTATOR ARCO SENSOR RHEO 500 Ω WIRE NAME MOTOR AC+CAP WIPER SENSOR HI POWER 24 V POT LO SENSOR LO BRAKE MOTOR C ROTATION RANGE 450...
  • Page 46 © 2024 All rights reserved TYPE: G-650A, normally connected to WHITE rectangular ROTATOR (10) connector. If rotator cable has only 5 wires without connection to pin 1, short pins 2 + 3 together on green ARCO rotator terminal and change sensor type to RHEO.
  • Page 47 © 2024 All rights reserved TYPE: G-5500 (AZ part) Rotator tab settings: Rotator connection: PARAMETER VALUE ROTATOR ARCO SENSOR POT 500 Ω WIRE NAME MOTOR AC+CAP POT HI SENSOR HI POWER 24 V WIPER SENSOR C BRAKE POT LO...
  • Page 48 © 2024 All rights reserved PROSISTEL TYPE: D series PST-641, PST-2051, PST-61 Rotator tab settings: Rotator connection: PARAMETER VALUE ROTATOR ARCO SENSOR M-TURN POT 10 kΩ WIRE NAME MOTOR DC (reversible) MOTOR C + D 4 + 5 POWER...
  • Page 49 © 2024 All rights reserved SPID TYPE: RAU, RAK, RAS, BIG-RAK, BIG-RAS (AZ part), Reed contact sensor Rotator tab settings: Rotator connection: PARAMETER VALUE ROTATOR ARCO SENSOR REED WIRE NAME P/360º 360, BIG 720 MOTOR A + B 6 + 7...
  • Page 50 © 2024 All rights reserved HY-GAIN Hy-Gain (CDE): CD-44, HAM xx, T2xx Rotator tab settings: Rotator connection: PARAMETER VALUE ROTATOR ARCO SENSOR RHEO 830 Ω WIRE NAME MOTOR COM/WIPER MOTOR D + SENSOR LO 5 + 1 POWER 24 V...
  • Page 51 © 2024 All rights reserved OTHER Create: RC5x Rotator connection: Rotator tab settings: ROTATOR ARCO PARAMETER VALUE WIRE NAME SENSOR POT 1 kΩ or 5 kΩ MOTOR D + LSW CCW 5 + 8 MOTOR AC+CAP MOTOR A POWER...
  • Page 52 © 2024 All rights reserved Daiwa: MR-300E, 750E/PE Rotator tab settings: Rotator connection: PARAMETER VALUE ROTATOR ARCO SENSOR POT 500 Ω WIRE NAME MOTOR AC+CAP POT HI SENSOR HI POWER 24 V WIPER SENSOR C BRAKE YES* POT LO...
  • Page 53 © 2024 All rights reserved K7NV: Prop Pitch S, M, L, XL Rotator tab settings: Rotator connection: PARAMETER VALUE ROTATOR ARCO SENSOR REED WIRE NAME P/360º REED B SENSOR LO MOTOR DC+COM REED A SENSOR C + HI 2 + 3...

  • Page 54: Appendix C - Custom Rotator Settings & Connections

    © 2024 All rights reserved APPENDIX C – CUSTOM ROTATOR SETTINGS & CONNECTIONS MOTOR and SENSOR CONNECTIONS MOTOR: AC or AC+CAP Wiring for all 3 leads (2 phase) AC motors. If rotator has no brake solenoid, keep MOTOR B pin...
  • Page 55 © 2024 All rights reserved MOTOR: MODBUS Wiring for MODBUS RTU controlled inverter, connects D-SENSOR connector INVERTER PORT D-SENSOR PORT NAME PIN NUMBER MODBUS (RS485) + MOD + MODBUS (RS485) - MOD - ARCO Modbus support expects proper drive configuration to be done in the inverter accordingly to requirements of connected motor and final rotator.
  • Page 56 © 2024 All rights reserved MOTOR: INVERTER Wiring for standard inverter with direct movement control. Motor POWER selects output control level, typically 24VDC. INVERTER INPUT ROTATOR PORT NAME PIN NUMBER MOTOR A MOTOR C ENABLE MOTOR B MOTOR D...
  • Page 57 © 2024 All rights reserved SENSOR: POT Wiring for three wires pot with CENTER, LOW (left) and HIGH (right) leads. Resistance between LOW and CENTER leads should decrease towards CCW limit. POTENTIOMETER ROTATOR PORT NAME PIN NUMBER LOW side...
  • Page 58 © 2024 All rights reserved SENSOR: DIGITAL ENCODER, D-HALL, D-ENCODER, D-QUAD Wiring for differential quadrature encoder. Connects D-SENSOR port. DIGITAL ENCODER D-SENSOR PORT NAME PIN NUMBER X+ or A+ or A XA (for D-HALL or D-ENCODER or D-QUAD) X- or A- or A'...

  • Page 59: Appendix D - Fuses Replacement

    © 2024 All rights reserved APPENDIX D – FUSES REPLACEMENT Following instructions are only for mechanically and electronically experienced persons with skill working on electronic devices. ARCO Jr. includes two internal fuses, one on controller power supply input, second on motor supply input.

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