Rotators - Comparison Table of models available in the UK
We show below a table which should allow you to compare rotators before purchase.We've not included rotators only suitable for small HF tribanders or VHF antennas. These are sometimes described by other retailers as "Heavy Duty Rotators", whatever that means (?).
More details of the rotators listed below are available on the Rotators main page.
Model |
Rotation torque inch / lbs |
Braking torque
inch / lbs |
Brake method | £ |
| Create RC5-1 | 520 |
6075 |
Single worm drive motor and then planetary
gears |
Phone |
| PST 641D | 516 |
4730 |
Single worm drive motor direct final drive | 549 |
| Yaesu G-800 / SDX | 950 |
3,450 |
Gear Train only | Phone |
| HyGain Ham 4 | 800 |
5,000 |
Positive solenoid wedge |
Phone |
| Yaesu G-1000 / SDX | 950 |
5,200 |
Gear Train only | Phone |
| HyGain T2X | 1,000 |
9,000 |
Positive solenoid wedge | Phone |
| PST 2051D | 1720 |
10800 |
Single worm drive motor direct final drive | 699 |
| Create RC5A-2 | 1,400 |
13,000 |
Single worm drive motor, then planetary gears | Call |
| Create RC5B-3 | 1,910 |
17,000 |
Single worm drive motor, then planetary gears | Call |
| M2 Orion 2800 | 2,000 |
17,000 |
Single worm drive motor then planetary gears | Not available - no CE |
| Yaesu G-2800SDX | 2704 |
20832 |
Gear train only | Phone |
| TIC Ring Rotor | 7,500 |
7,500 |
Motor gearing | Not available |
| PST 61D | 3080 |
25520 |
Single worm drive motor direct final drive | 899 |
| PST 61D - HP | 11800 |
25520 |
Single worm drive motor direct final drive | 1399 |
| PST 71D | 26800 |
43000 |
Single worm drive motor direct final drive | 1699 |
For controller features. See Relevant page.
The above are manufacturers claims. Virtually any rotator will turn any antenna in still conditions with appropriate gearing. It will just take longer for the smaller rotators to overcome the antenna inertia and get up to speed. When braking is considered, a totally different series of considerations comes into play, including the weight, the wind area, and the wind balance of the antenna(s). Also - check out if your rotator ramps down slowly to a stop, or if it jerks your antenna to a halt. All our PST rotators have selectable ramp-down speeds - kind to your antenna and to your tower. In our experience, and from customer feedback, we feel that the braking specification for gear train braked rotators should be treated with caution. Customer feedback, (insurance claims particularly!), indicates that their braking effort specification should be derated by at least 50%.
Do please discuss rotator purchase with us before you buy. The bells and whistles aren't what holds the antenna in place in a storm, and as we aren't general amateur equipment suppliers we don't treat a rotator as just another box to be shifted. Our advice costs absolutely nothing, and people like the RadioCommunications Agency, Universities and Government Departments buy from us, as we are ANTENNA SYSTEM SPECIALISTS and can recommend the right solution.