The Benefits and Drawbacks of the Kenpro KR - 450 XL Rotator
Kenpro KR - 450 XL Manual: A Guide for Amateur Radio Enthusiasts
If you are an amateur radio enthusiast who likes to communicate with other radio operators around the world, you might be interested in the Kenpro KR - 450 XL. This is a rotator that allows you to rotate your antenna in any direction to improve your signal reception and transmission. But how do you use this device? What are its features and benefits? And where can you get one? In this article, we will answer these questions and more. We will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to install, operate, troubleshoot, and maintain the Kenpro KR - 450 XL. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of this rotator and how it can enhance your amateur radio experience.
kenpro kr - 450 xl manual
What is the Kenpro KR - 450 XL?
The Kenpro KR - 450 XL is a rotator that is designed to rotate your antenna in any direction. It consists of two parts: the rotator unit and the controller unit. The rotator unit is mounted on a mast or tower and connected to your antenna. The controller unit is placed inside your shack or house and connected to the rotator unit by a cable. The controller unit has a dial that shows the direction of your antenna and buttons that allow you to rotate it clockwise or counterclockwise. The Kenpro KR - 450 XL can handle antennas up to 10 square meters in wind load and up to 100 kg in weight. It can rotate your antenna at a speed of up to 60 degrees per second.
Features and specifications
Some of the features and specifications of the Kenpro KR - 450 XL are:
Power supply: AC 110-120 V or AC 220-240 V (selectable)
Power consumption: 40 W (max)
Rotation speed: 60 degrees per second (max)
Rotation range: 360 degrees continuous
Antenna load: up to 10 square meters in wind load, up to 100 kg in weight
Cable length: up to 100 m
Dimensions: rotator unit - 186 x 263 x 328 mm, controller unit - 190 x 125 x 150 mm
Weight: rotator unit - 6 kg, controller unit - 1.5 kg
Benefits and drawbacks
Some of the benefits of using the Kenpro KR - 450 XL are:
It allows you to rotate your antenna in any direction, which can improve your signal reception and transmission.
It is easy to install and operate, with clear instructions and simple controls.
It is durable and reliable, with a sturdy metal construction and a weatherproof coating.
It is compatible with most antennas, as long as they meet the load requirements.
Some of the drawbacks of using the Kenpro KR - 450 XL are:
It requires a power supply and a cable connection, which can limit its placement options.
It can be noisy when rotating, which can be annoying for some users.
It can be affected by lightning strikes or power surges, which can damage its components.
How to install and operate the Kenpro KR - 450 XL?
If you want to use the Kenpro KR - 450 XL, you need to install it properly and operate it safely. Here are some steps that you need to follow:
Installation steps
Select a suitable location for your rotator unit and controller unit. Make sure that they are within the cable length limit and that they have access to a power outlet.
Mount your rotator unit on a mast or tower that can support its weight and load. Make sure that it is level and secure.
Connect your antenna to the rotator unit using suitable hardware. Make sure that it is balanced and aligned.
Lay out your cable from the rotator unit to the controller unit. Avoid sharp bends or kinks that can damage the cable.
Connect your cable to the rotator unit and controller unit using the provided connectors. Make sure that they are tight and waterproof.
Select your power supply voltage on the controller unit using the switch on the back panel. Make sure that it matches your local voltage.
Plug your controller unit into a power outlet using the provided cord. Make sure that it is grounded.
Operation steps
Turn on your controller unit using the power switch on the front panel. The dial should light up and show the direction of your antenna.
To rotate your antenna clockwise, press and hold the right button on the front panel. To rotate it counterclockwise, press and hold the left button on the front panel. Release the button when you reach your desired direction.
To stop your antenna from rotating, press both buttons on the front panel at the same time. The dial should stop moving and show the current direction of your antenna.
To calibrate your dial, rotate your antenna until it points north (or any other reference point). Press both buttons on the front panel for five seconds until you hear a beep. The dial should reset itself and show zero degrees (or your reference point).
How to troubleshoot and maintain the Kenpro KR - 450 XL?
The Kenpro KR - 450 XL is a reliable device that should work well for a long time if you use it correctly. However, if you encounter any problems or issues with it, here are some tips on how to troubleshoot and maintain it:
Common problems and solutions
ProblemSolutionThe dial does not light up or show the correct direction.Check if your power supply is working properly.Check if your cable connection is secure.Check if your dial calibration is correct.Replace any faulty components if necessary.The rotator does not rotate or rotates slowly or erratically.Check if your power supply is working properly.Check if your cable connection is secure.Check if your antenna load is within the limit.Check if there is any obstruction or friction on your rotator or antenna.Replace any faulty components if necessary.The rotator makes loud noises when rotating.Check if there is any obstruction or friction on your rotator or antenna.Check if your rotator bearings are lubricated.Replace any worn-out components if necessary.
Maintenance tips
Clean your rotator unit regularly with a soft cloth or brush. Do not use harsh chemicals or solvents that can damage its coating.
Lubricate your rotator bearings periodically with light oil or grease. Do not over-lubricate or use heavy oil or grease that can cause clogging or leakage.
Protect your rotator unit from extreme weather conditions such as rain, snow, hail, wind, heat, cold, etc. Cover it with a waterproof cover when not in use.</ Where to buy and get support for the Kenpro KR - 450 XL?
If you are interested in buying the Kenpro KR - 450 XL, you might be wondering where you can find one and how much it costs. You might also want to know where you can get support and service for it in case you need it. Here are some tips on where to buy and get support for the Kenpro KR - 450 XL:
Online and offline sources
One of the easiest ways to buy the Kenpro KR - 450 XL is online. You can find many online sellers and retailers that offer this rotator at various prices and shipping options. Some of the popular online sources are:
Amazon: You can find new and used Kenpro KR - 450 XL rotators on Amazon, with prices ranging from $300 to $500. You can also read customer reviews and ratings to help you make your decision.
eBay: You can find new and used Kenpro KR - 450 XL rotators on eBay, with prices ranging from $200 to $600. You can also bid on auctions or buy it now, depending on your preference.
Mods.dk: You can find manuals, schematics, and other files for the Kenpro KR - 450 XL on Mods.dk, a website that provides information and resources for amateur radio equipment. You can also donate or download files from other users.
If you prefer to buy the Kenpro KR - 450 XL offline, you can also look for local sellers and retailers that offer this rotator. Some of the possible offline sources are:
Hamfests: You can find new and used Kenpro KR - 450 XL rotators at hamfests, which are events where amateur radio enthusiasts gather to buy, sell, trade, and display their equipment. You can also meet other users and get tips and advice from them.
Radio clubs: You can join a local radio club that has members who own or use the Kenpro KR - 450 XL rotator. You can ask them for recommendations, feedback, or assistance with your rotator. You can also borrow or rent their rotator if they are willing.
Radio shops: You can visit a local radio shop that sells or services the Kenpro KR - 450 XL rotator. You can ask them for a demonstration, a quotation, or a warranty. You can also get your rotator repaired or upgraded by them if needed.
Customer service and warranty
If you need customer service or warranty for your Kenpro KR - 450 XL rotator, you might have some difficulty finding it. This is because Kenpro is a Japanese company that no longer exists. It was acquired by Yaesu in 1989, and Yaesu discontinued the production of the Kenpro rotators in 1995. Therefore, you might not be able to contact Kenpro or Yaesu directly for support or service for your rotator.
However, there are some alternatives that you can try to get customer service or warranty for your Kenpro KR - 450 XL rotator. Some of them are:
Duoro Services: Duoro Services is an Australian company that specializes in repairing, refurbishing, and upgrading Kenpro rotators. They have a website where you can contact them for a quote, a service request, or a spare part order. They also have a YouTube channel where they showcase their work and provide tips and tricks for Kenpro users.
eHam.net: eHam.net is a website that provides reviews, forums, classifieds, and resources for amateur radio equipment. You can find reviews and ratings for the Kenpro KR - 450 XL rotator on eHam.net, as well as feedback and advice from other users. You can also post your questions or problems on the forums and get help from other members.
YouTube: YouTube is a video-sharing platform where you can find videos related to the Kenpro KR - 450 XL rotator. You can watch videos that show how to install, operate, troubleshoot, and maintain the rotator. You can also leave comments or questions on the videos and get responses from the creators or other viewers.
Conclusion
The Kenpro KR - 450 XL is a rotator that allows you to rotate your antenna in any direction to improve your signal reception and transmission. It has features such as a dial that shows the direction of your antenna, buttons that allow you to rotate it clockwise or counterclockwise, and a weatherproof coating that protects it from extreme weather conditions. It also has benefits such as easy installation and operation, durability and reliability, and compatibility with most antennas.
However, it also has some drawbacks such as requiring a power supply and a cable connection, making loud noises when rotating, and being susceptible to lightning strikes or power surges. It also has some challenges when it comes to buying and getting support for it, since it is an old model that is no longer produced by its original manufacturer.
Therefore, if you are looking for a rotator that can handle your antenna load and rotation range, you might want to consider the Kenpro KR - 450 XL. However, if you are looking for a rotator that has more features, less noise, more protection, and more support options, you might want to look for other models.
We hope that this article has given you a comprehensive guide on how to use the Kenpro KR - 450 XL rotator. If you have any questions or comments about this article or this rotator, please feel free to contact us or leave them below. We would love to hear from you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Kenpro KR - 450 XL rotator:
What is the difference between the Kenpro KR - 450 XL and the Yaesu G-450XL?The Kenpro KR - 450 XL and the Yaesu G-450XL are essentially the same rotator with different names. They have the same features and specifications, and they are both made by Yaesu. The only difference is that the Kenpro KR - 450 XL was made before Yaesu acquired Kenpro in 1989, and the Yaesu G-450XL was made after that. Therefore, the Kenpro KR - 450 XL might be older and harder to find than the Yaesu G-450XL.
How can I remote control the Kenpro KR - 450 XL?The Kenpro KR - 450 XL does not have a remote control option by default. It can only be operated using the switches on the front panel of the controller. However, there are some ways to add a remote control option to it. One of them is to use a Fox Delta ST2-USB controller interface, which is a device that allows you to connect your rotator to a computer and control it with satellite tracking software. To use this device, you need to modify your rotator controller by adding two relay boards that can send left and right signals to the rotator, and a circuit that can provide a voltage signal that indicates the position of the rotator. You can find more details on how to do this modification on The Ham Lab website.
How can I repair or upgrade the Kenpro KR - 450 XL?If you need to repair or upgrade your Kenpro KR - 450 XL, you might have some difficulty finding parts or service for it. This is because it is an old model that is no longer produced or supported by Yaesu. However, there are some alternatives that you can try to repair or upgrade your rotator. One of them is to contact Duoro Services, an Australian company that specializes in repairing, refurbishing, and upgrading Kenpro rotators. They have a website where you can request a quote, a service, or a spare part for your rotator. They also have a YouTube channel where they showcase their work and provide tips and tricks for Kenpro users.
How can I compare the Kenpro KR - 450 XL with other rotators?If you want to compare the Kenpro KR - 450 XL with other rotators, you can use some online tools or websites that provide information and reviews on different rotators. Some of them are:
Rotator Comparison Tool: This is an online tool that allows you to compare different rotators based on their features and specifications. You can select up to four rotators and see their differences in a table format.
eHam.net: This is a website that provides reviews, forums, classifieds, and resources for amateur radio equipment. You can find reviews and ratings for different rotators on eHam.net, as well as feedback and advice from other users.
YouTube: This is a video-sharing platform where you can find videos related to different rotators. You can watch videos that show how to install, operate, troubleshoot, and maintain different rotators. You can also leave comments or questions on the videos and get responses from the creators or other viewers.