This is the best and easiest way to make a12 volt Rotor for a small light weight Yagi!

In this video I revisit my 12 volt rotor and make it way more simple to construct.
Check out the Ham Radio Adventures Merch shop: shop.spreadshi...
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
PARTS FOR THE ROTOR BUILD
LMioEtool DC Gear Motor, High Torque, amzn.to/35gCXbR
DC Motor Speed Controller, amzn.to/2Mn11of
7mm Flexible Coupler, amzn.to/3dG33sL
PVC compress. fitting, amzn.to/3rkBZVo
Pyle Speaker Stand, amzn.to/2Hh8pPj
Beach cruiser, amzn.to/37izqfd
Hole saw kit, amzn.to/3clSjBb
step bits, amzn.to/3clSCvP
Helping hands soldering station, amzn.to/3caBzg6
Aoyue 469 Variable Power 60 Watt Soldering Station , amzn.to/36dQdzi
Camco Hitch Mount Flagpole Holder, amzn.to/31qfWSL
Towever 84433 Trailer Hitch Extension, amzn.to/37ni4hS
Camera Gear
Sony a6100 camera, amzn.to/31s5KZV
Sigma 56mm lens, amzn.to/3m67CPQ
Sigma 16mm lens, amzn.to/3oakrdW
Sigma 30mm lens, amzn.to/35ebJml
Action Cameras
DJI Action camera, amzn.to/2Hh2utA
Sony fdr-x3000, amzn.to/2NtXB36
GoPro 9, amzn.to/398Stde
GoPro 8, amzn.to/366fnzP
GoPro 7, amzn.to/39W3ptF
K&F Concepts Tripod, amzn.to/31oW829
PGYTECH mini tripod, amzn.to/3oa8ogQ
Lapel microphone, amzn.to/3kkdkxk
MOVO Shotgun Microphone, amzn.to/3khVlHM
DOKIO 80 watt Folding Solar Panel Kit , amzn.to/3krLX4g
DOKIO 200 watt Folding Solar Panel Kit, amzn.to/34s67Wv
Windows tablet, amzn.to/3kNzgBd
tablet keyboard, amzn.to/2HKbisj
Radios I own or recommend
FT991A, amzn.to/2KmMGqe
FTDX3000, amzn.to/2HnatVW
IC7300, amzn.to/3moL3pw
IC705, amzn.to/38abNou
FT891, amzn.to/3kV3GQW
FTM400DR, amzn.to/2KovVLr
FTM300DR, amzn.to/34jIjn1
TM-D710G, amzn.to/388fon5
FT3DR, amzn.to/34eQXTQ
FT70, amzn.to/3956cCb
FT60, amzn.to/3lSit08
Power supply, amzn.to/3kTrogv
LITHIUM BATTERIES
36ah lithium batt., amzn.to/2Noz6UX
16ah lithium batt., amzn.to/2KuBAjo
9ah Bioenno, amzn.to/3bWSPFy
12ah Bioenno, amzn.to/35XBjx2
15ah Bioenno, amzn.to/3bW0ALP
6ah bioenno, amzn.to/35T8eCX
Be sure and subscribe to these great channels:
TheSmokinApe: / @thesmokinape
Ham Radio Dude: / @hamradiodude
Temporarily Offline: / temporarilyoffline
Ham Radio 2.0: / hamradio20
Ham Radio Crash Course: / hoshnasi
KG6HQD: www.youtube.co....
N0SSC: / n0ssc
K6UDA Radio: / k6uda
K8MRD Radio Stuff: / k8mrdradiostuff
Signal Search: www.youtube.co....
Ham Radio Now: / hamradionow
Kyle - AA0Z: / kyleaa0z
SevenForty1: / sevenforty1
100 Watts and a Wire Podcast: 100wattsandawir...
DX Commander: / m0mcx
W6RIP Radio Adventures: / 11dayscrape
The Smokin Ape: / thesmoki. .
Goodgame Ham Radio, Bees, and Outdoors: / goodgamehamra. .
#MNHR

[@TheNoCodeTech]

#MNHR #TeamReplay for the win! Freaking genius.

[@kevin-tx9vd]

hello have you thought about adding stop management?

[@DuWayneOdom]

how has this held up in the weather? Or do you just use for portable use?

[@nickturin432]

1) Why 7mm Flexible Coupler and not 6mm? After all, the motor shaft is 6 mm. No backlash? 2) And please answer on the question of the electrical contacts of the motor, what are their parameters so that I can order them right away: length and width? I did not find these parameters in the description of the motor.

[@treybradley1698]

Any updates on the motor? Amazon no longer carries that one 😵‍💫

[@KO4AFL]

Great video Chuck. can you share the parts list?

[@derekthwaytes4689]

Thanks for the idea, I need a small rotator for a 2mtr beam, and it will do the job nicely once I have made it. again thanks for the idea. Derek G1GDB

[@gabrielguzmann1ufo905]

Awesome video just what I was looking 👀 for! I have a project that I’m working on and this is the missing link, thank you 🙏! Question what size is the PVC compression coupling used for inserting the motor in your build in the video? Before I purchase the parts with the links you provided. Also I think the flex shaft you used as per link provided is not available. What can be used in its place? Love your videos and all info and help is appreciated thanks! de N1UFO/Gabe 73

[@KK6USYHamRadioAdventures]

I think there is a link in the description 1"

[@Crooks4Hire]

This vid earned my sub!! Only complaint is there's no link to that cool antenna mount and your yagi and hex beams ;)

[@the-papaw]

What size coupler are you using? Most of the motors I can find are (1.43" x 1.31") (DxL). I seen the comment down below about the union, I assume ya'll are referring to the coupler. With the motor I found I would assume you would have to use at least a 1.25 couple?

[@the-papaw]

I wound up having to use a 1 1/4 if anyone is interested...

[@KK6USYHamRadioAdventures]

Mine was a 1" for the motor I used, best to get the motor and then take it to the hardware store.

[@mblazer9223]

Can you make one like this with stepper motor to control direction?

[@KK6USYHamRadioAdventures]

Yea I'm sure it could be done and have been looking into it.

[@DK5ONV]

Happy monday from Germany. 73's de Uncle Günter

[@averageguysradio]

Very cool video Chuck, this is very close to one that I am building. The main difference is that mine will be setup to mount on one of those extendable paint poles. I have my 2m tv antenna yagi fixed on it now and rotate by hand, this will be a sweet upgrade. Thanks a d 73

[@1942Grampz]

First class project Chuck, great ideas here for the DIY and cheap, good luck 73 G0RCL

[@KWHaraburda]

One thing I did not catch in the video is what keeps the motor from spinning in the fitting?

[@Guss51BBLA]

Excelente felicitaciones lo boy voy a poner en práctica '73 de LW1DIW Gustavo buena suerte muy bueno el canal

[@chichimus]

Nice idea. Hit a snag though. Here the controller is not bad but Amazon wants $60US for the motor?! I will have to shop around or go with Armstrong.

[@KK6USYHamRadioAdventures]

Holy cow that's outrages where are you? Thanks for watching!

[@KWHaraburda]

Watched your original build and this is a very clever improvement on this mini rotor. I will definitely build one of these. One thing I did not catch is what keeps the motor from spinning in the fitting?

[@KK6USYHamRadioAdventures]

Thanks Kent yea the second version is so easy, you will like it.

[@jdschauss]

Friction locked by the compression fitting. When you tighten the threads down on the cap, it holds the motor securely in place.

[@cbradioghosttalk1986]

Thank you, Great project and build. Going to build one. GMRS small Yagi Beam. Thanks again for a detailed and understandable project.

[@KK6USYHamRadioAdventures]

Andrew do it , will be perfect!Thanks for the comment and watching!

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Chuck, this is a really well thought out out design. I am thinking of ways to adapt this for some projects. Thanks for making videos like this. I like how you "McGyver" stuff ! Man after my own heart

[@hadleymanmusic]

A little kids toy car motor is what I got. To build one with, I think it reverses. I got 2 yagi tv antennas im gonna stack but they both come with rotators. I gotta figure out the stack and rotatin the stack. I think im goin 6' apart either off the existing sat mast or puttin up a pole. Right now I got a 28" yagi in the livin room

[@1Htiek3]

Well done ! I plan to duplicate for my use. Thanks for sharing.

[@gertkristensen6451]

I used a wiper motor from a car, it can easily turn an iron pipe.. pieces from a bicycle, sprocket chain, and a bit of technical 😀😃😃oz7gki dk

[@sergeyt6349]

DX QSO, 73 !

[@lucanissoli9901]

What a nice job man 👍👍👍👍. Like and following.. 😉

[@KK6USYHamRadioAdventures]

Thanks Luca thanks for following and the like and for the comment!

[@lucanissoli9901]

@@KK6USYHamRadioAdventures I'm following you because your ideas are very simple and easy to do, now i'm trying to build the same rotor 😜👍 Easy and portable. 73 from north-Italy

[@thewind-ne8rh]

Chuck would this design turn a slinky dipole with 2 carbon fiber fishing poles as spreaders? overall length about 31 feet

[@wild-radio7373]

At seventeen minutes! LOL♡♡♡ Funny as heck ;) 🤜🏻👍🤛🏻

[@darrellwofford3297]

very good video enjoyed very much .could you not able use about any 12volt motor but out using pvc coupling , your is unique and very easy to build

[@MM0OPXFieldRadio]

Brilliant project Chuck. I plan on rebuilding my portable 2m quad and this would be perfect. On the to do list it goes.

[@KK6USYHamRadioAdventures]

Thanks Colin, pretty simple project that works so well!

[@stancoleshill8925]

At 12:00 you can see that this motor would be highly exposed to the elements if you were to use it outdoors for any length of time. You can mount your antenna through some PVC reducers and use them to create a waterproof enclosure over top of the motor.

[@KK6USYHamRadioAdventures]

Thanks , I don't leave it out just on portable outings thank you for the tips.

[@JohnTarbox]

This is a great project! Thanks. DE WA1KLI

[@nickturin432]

how much RPM does the engine have for this design?

[@KK6USYHamRadioAdventures]

This one is 5 RPM it's in the Amazon list above.

[@nickturin432]

@@KK6USYHamRadioAdventures Many thanks)

[@natanbaron7203]

@@KK6USYHamRadioAdventures Please tell me the size of the motor contacts. I need to know this to buy a cable

[@graphicventures]

Cable tie instead of a knot...my suggestion.

[@nickturin432]

Motor 12v 2 rpm ?

[@shadowfest999]

I've watched several videos on your channel recently. All very educational and well done videos. Just subscribed, thanks! I will be building one of these in the near future for my most recent antenna project!

[@KK6USYHamRadioAdventures]

Thank you for the Sub and for commenting, I hope my videos are helpful to people!

[@Meckerkopp007]

Very Nice .. best regards from North Germany 73 !

[@beckiguilherme]

Do you using the 30 RPM version of the motor?

[@KK6USYHamRadioAdventures]

I don't it's too fast but it may work with the switch set up which basically turns down the voltage. Thanks for watching!

[@christophergracey]

Any idea of a way to measure the azimuth without looking at the antenna?

[@kevinoldham8612]

Excellent, been trying to work something out. Now I know how.Thank you.

[@CRJ02]

If you made it , I buy it😂😂😂😂

[@45charlis]

Tiene el plano de la antena. . GRACIAS! HK2AVI

[@808pathfinder]

Nice setup, I like it a lot n going make one from ya soon, 73s

[@hipolitoortiz6182]

Congratulations w/ these project well done !! Something like that could work perfect for me to place it on my pool deck. I just passed my technician exam & waiting for my call sign be post to start w/ the hobby. You should build this and selling. 73's Chuck

[@KK6USYHamRadioAdventures]

Congrats Hipolito on passing the Tech , study now for the General it's pretty close Info!

[@hipolitoortiz6182]

@@KK6USYHamRadioAdventures Thanks !! I did passed my technician already and jump for the extra mile for the General but failed 18/35. But I'll by back for mines. Call sign KD2VRL.

[@cwebs1000]

Why did you flip this video? everything is left handed.

[@SandeepAcharya4630]

Excellent, subbed your channel

[@mikeZL3XD7029]

Chuck, This is the first video of yours that I've watched, I must say that this is extremely ingenious! Using simple plumbing fittings like a dual ended mac union to enclose the motor and other fittings to interface the motor to the top part of the mast is good thinking. Sure, you aren't going to be swinging anything particularly large with this setup, it does make really good sense. Thanks for the video. 73, Mike ZL3XD.

[@KK6USYHamRadioAdventures]

Yea It'd not for big antennas but did work well with the 6m hexbeam, but I have plans to revisit the idea with a more robust motor. Maybe enough for my portable Hexbeam.

[@K6TJO]

I like it

[@patm5165]

Freakin Genius!

[@LarryGrabow]

How do you keep from wrapping the coax around the pole over time without a visual check?

[@KK6USYHamRadioAdventures]

Usually I can see it , so just keep an eye on it or put a stop switch.

[@TEGEscalator]

Great video , Greetings from Belgium 73 👍

[@KK6USYHamRadioAdventures]

Back at ya ON4LBF from Cali !

[@brentjohnson6654]

Another great video, Chuck! This looks interesting. Looks like this is a arrow yagi you have built on a previous video. Is there an easy way to determine what amount of torque is needed for rotating these antennas. Obviously you would want a more substantial one for a big beam at the house. Haha . All the best, 73!

[@KK6USYHamRadioAdventures]

I have used this for my 6m Hexbeam with no problem, it's fairly big.

[@Tom-jd1rm]

New to ham radio looking forward to this project

[@davidwalsh5467]

How can you make this weatherproof (for permanent outdoor use)?

[@KK6USYHamRadioAdventures]

I'm sure it could be done, seal the hole for the wires and some type of hat/cover over the motor. I remember that guys were putting a rain hat over the TV antenna Rotors. Thanks for watching!

[@davidmolstad1611]

This is great, thanks for sharing.

[@KK6USYHamRadioAdventures]

Your very welcome , thanks for taking the time to watch!

[@Bill_KL7TC]

Down vote for the 49er hat ;) #GoHawks.

[@KK6USYHamRadioAdventures]

Who?

[@eanmitchell5641]

whats the brass flange with bolt on end called as your link wont show it anymore ?

[@cclauson9575]

This is what I used, uxcell 1/4 inch to 1/4 inch Bore Rigid Coupling Set Screw L25XD14 Aluminum Alloy, Shaft Coupler Connector for 3D Printers, Motor Accessories, Blue from Amazon for $5.99.

[@Tocsin-Bang]

Gives me a starting point!

[@ralphday7573]

I got a 5 RPM motor and speed control/reversing switch. I also picked up a 1 inch compression fitting at Lowes while I was waiting for the motor to come in. It was a hair small so I ordered the next size up (1 1/4) off of Amazon and it was way too big. Any help on the size you are using and where you got it?

[@AndrewMurphy8383]

You never said chuck

[@nojiratzlaff4388]

Thanks for this video for a rotator! How weatherproof do you think it is?

[@KK6USYHamRadioAdventures]

I have never left mine out or used in the rain. The pvc should be good but I wouldn't let water get to the motor, it doesn't look to be waterproof.

[@K6WRF]

Hey Chuck .. Great video .. is your Merch Shop still up? or did you change it to something new?

[@daviddominguezduboy9204]

Good morning, Thanks for his contribution in this antenna rotor project. I live in Venezuela and here there is nothing to build this rotor and before buying the material in the USA I have 2 questions: 1- The white coupler tube on the Amazon tab has 1.3 and 1.35" (33 and 34.3mm) internal diameter inlets. How can the 36mm diameter motor enter? 2- What PVC pipe does the 3/4 or 1" use? Thank you for your responses. Greetings

[@gfodale]

I have much to learn as yet, but am planning on doing something similar, but with stepper motor. First plan is to do azimuth, then azimuth and elevation for eventual satellite tracking.

[@KK6USYHamRadioAdventures]

Sounds like a great project, let me know how it goes! I plan to make a new 12 volt rotator but with a screw gun motor , well one of theses days.

[@mblazer9223]

Thank you so very much, how do I become a member computer knowledge very limited?

[@deszczykrobert4290]

Brilliant idea, just one question how log and which cable can I use to feed the rotator ? I need about 25meters from my desk to the top of mast - will it work ???

[@joecraft4409]

If you have space, on the aluminum stop (or bolt) used to stop pole from hitting the motor, you kight add a piece of tubing on the inside to run the "pipe stop" piece thru. This allows for softer pipe stop and prevents motor run on metal. Just a thought. KI5IQE

[@jeffsmythe3038]

I click on link and nxt page shows 4xx Bad Request

[@ToNzHoLtZ]

WHAT DID YOU COME UO WITH FOR YOUR FEED LINE MANAGEMENT ?

[@vmev1516]

Great Video! Navy Chief, Navy Pride!

[@AndrewMurphy8383]

What is the cupler name that u join the two

[@fastfred529]

Chuck can you confirm that it is a 1 inch union?

[@KK6USYHamRadioAdventures]

Yea Fred it's a 1" I got mine at Ace Hardware.

[@fastfred529]

Thanks

[@fastfred529]

Got pvc part fits great, nice update, never started the previous one. Ordered the other piece from Amazon. Thanks again.

[@dhulkiflieabdullah7205]

The best Rotator Antenna

[@CorbinAce]

I guess something in my comment agitated you enough to delete my comment yesterday, about, how I was going to use your' good idea for a TV antenna rotor. Like how the airplane intruding on your' video for 5 seconds agitated you so much? It's a 2022 no sense of humor thing. :O( (# 7) .201 thousandths tap drill is the number drill for 1/4-20 thread not (#17) .173 thousandths drill. Much to small.✌

[@KK6USYHamRadioAdventures]

Hey Toolman, No I didn't see your comment , nor did I delete it. KZbin sometimes deletes comments they think is not appropriate and they just get it wrong, sorry for that. Thankyou for the correction of the drill size, I probably just said it wrong. Thanks for the comment and watching!

[@CorbinAce]

@@KK6USYHamRadioAdventures Hi sorry! you are probably right about KZbin. I had mentioned my father was a Ham. WA1FEI in Massachusetts. He was a proud member of the Mars group. During Vietnam. He was a very dedicated Yankee Patriot and Vet of WW2. Sorry, I had thought I said something that offended you.

[@KK6USYHamRadioAdventures]

@@CorbinAce I'm glad you let me know and that you reposted!

[@mazho2991]

Great job.

[@harmerdean]

Well Done!

[@MeineVideokasetten]

Super cool rotor!!!

[@workofthedivinemercytv1302]

,73,s DV7BKG

[@Jah_Rastafari_ORIG]

Is that a left handed thread on the top of the fitting or is the video flipped? Also, are both ends LH? Thanks.

[@KK6USYHamRadioAdventures]

Nothing has left-handed threads, not sure what part your talking about but I may have flipped the video not sure now.

[@Jah_Rastafari_ORIG]

@@KK6USYHamRadioAdventures Definitely looks like you're screwing it on CCW...

[@KK6USYHamRadioAdventures]

@@Jah_Rastafari_ORIG Yea your right the video is flipped to look like your looking over my shoulder , Good catch I usually try not to do that with something like that.

[@webmastercaribou7570]

Very nice video. Why no stop to prevent 360 degree rotation? (With maybe a torque limiter)

[@KK6USYHamRadioAdventures]

I have never really needed the stop so far , but maybe later I will look into it! Thanks for the comment .

[@Gravel_Rat78]

Very simple idea... Gives me ideas to build mine.

[@KK6USYHamRadioAdventures]

@@Gravel_Rat78 I hope it helps, all parts are in the description.

[@Gravel_Rat78]

@@KK6USYHamRadioAdventures the potentiometer switch was a huge help... I have a 12v rechargeable screwdriver motor that I’m going to be using...

[@KK6USYHamRadioAdventures]

@@Gravel_Rat78 I actually thought of using a screwdriver motor, let me know how it works out.