Easy Rotator Control ERC Version 4 USB with Yaesu G-450ADC

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 I completed the ERC Version 4 USB kit from Vibroplex this week.  The kit comes with a CD for the calibration and test software, plus a PDF folder that has the kit assembly instructions and installation guidelines to mount the board inside the control box for specific rotators.   

The kit was easy to build, but getting it working with my rotator took a bit more work.  Specific pin outs and solder points are not documented -  you have to determine that on your own.  The  theory of operations is discussed, and schematics for many rotators are provided, but I needed to use a voltmeter and a little of of trial and error to correctly wire the ERC board to the Yaesu G-450ADC rotator controller.

In addition to USB cable, the kit also requires an external 12V power supply.  Vibroplex sells a fully assembled SMD surface mount version that uses power from the USB cable instead.  The board has test points for both 5V and 12V supplies.  Vibroplex also offers an RS-232 version of the ERC kit.

A template is provided with the kit for the holes required to mount the board inside your rotator's control box. I used a step drill bit so that the power,  USB and mounting screws were all aligned properly on the metal case.

Once the installation and extended calibration was complete,  I was able to interface the ERC board to Log4OM v2 for automatic azimuth tracking using PSTROTATER as documented in the Log4OM v2 user manual.   

Good luck and 73! 

Chris de WX7V


Notes and pictures of the fully assembled ERC v4 board.  Wiring schematic for the G-450ADC:















Wiring from controller to the Left and Right controller switches:












CW Blue 1 Terminal block to bottom tab of S2 Right Switch
CW Blue 2 Terminal Block to top tab of S2 Right Switch
CCW Yellow 1 Terminal Block to CW Blue 1 Terminal Block
CCW Yellow 2 Terminal Block to Top Tab of S3 Left Switch


Yaesu GS-450ADC Control Cable Pinout.  

Pin 2 connects to ERC board Green1

Pin 3 to ERC Black1








Template for mounting and connection pass thru. 





I used a step drill bit to get the  power and USB holes.  Use a rag to catch the metal filings while you drill.     



Remove the template and debur the edges of the holes for a clean finish before installing the board.




 








The ERC board fits nicely and is securely mounted inside G-450ADC controller box.



















My Log4OM config details are posted here.  
Refer to the picture below too see the station in action with DX shown in the cluster window.  
Reliability and Short Path are shown based on internal calculations.  
Single click loads the call data into the logger window.  
Double click also tunes the Rig  
Clicking the Azimuth turns the antenna to the desired SP (or the LP) of the caller.








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