Experimental 3D printed lightweight antenna rotator
Notes to go with my Practical Wireless article, Nov 2022

PDF of Practical Wireless article

slow coil winder - another use for this rotator :-)



I live in the city and only have a relatively small back yard for antennas. Because of my limited space I can't install guys so both my masts are secured near the bottom, using two sturdy TV antenna brackets seperated by about 1m on one of the yard walls. In an ideal world I would like my antennas to be on the top section of these masts and to be raised as high as possible - this means as light weight antenna as possible. A directional antenna usually needs a rotator to position it for best signal (or lowest noise). These are often heavy devices and also add a considerable wind loading to the antenna system, which when added to the leaverage of a long extended mast means I can only raise the masts on days with little wind.

To overcome these issues I have experimented with light weight 3D printed rotators which can be fitted to the top of the masts. These small 3D printed rotators are especially useful when used with a small yagi for 23cm band or for a lightweight dipole (e.g. 10 - 4m bands).

If you click (download) the .STL files below, you can view all the 3D printed parts that go up to make the rotator.

3D printed rotator 1 3D printed rotator 2


3D printed rotator 3 3D printed rotator 4


3D printed rotator 5

large cog

small cog

ebay geared motor

small cog
".stl" file
".scad" file
".gcode file" 		large cog
".stl" file
".scad" file
"g.code file" 		main base
".stl" file
".scad" file
".gcode file" 		bottom bearing support
".stl" file
".scad" file
".gcode file"
top bearing support
".stl" file
".scad" file
".gcode file" 		dipole centre
".stl" file
".scad" file
".gcode file" 		PW article

slow coil winder 		back to 3D
printing page



Dr Jonathan Hare, E-mail: jphcreativescience@gmail.com

NOTE: Although none of the experiments shown in this site represent a great hazard, neither the Creative Science Centre,
Jonathan Hare or The University of Sussex can take responsiblity for your own experiments based on these web pages.


THE CREATIVE SCIENCE CENTRE

home | diary | whats on | CSC summary | latest news