Wave-Guide switch activator

[VK4UH]

Hi all

I have two Russian WR90 four-port waveguide switches which are big and strong.

I am looking for suggestions on a method of electronic activation for automatic operation on 10 GHz

the operating shaft can be turned by hand and has spring loaded indents at the 90 degree stopping points

It also has two micro switches on the shaft for position feedback

Kevin VK4UH Brisbane

ps i'm trying to add a Photo but the forum keeps crashing when I try to upload

[VK4MJF]

sounds gr8 Kev ,should be nice when you get it going ,2m probs here atm
ciao Cro

[VK4TI]

a quick google suggests a stepper and ardiuno would be possible

[VK4UH]

How much torque can steppers generate - or were you thinking geared?
Kevin

[VK4TI]

"""VK4UH"How much torque can steppers generate - or were you thinking geared?
Kevi ""
steppers can produce huge torque or can be geared further
I have some in use for turning a massive vacuum cap direct drive

have a read http://www.geckodrive.com/support/step- ... asics.html as several kg/cm is possible

[VK3HZ]

Another option is a servo from an RC plane. Arduino has a standard library for handling them.
Here's a version of my 24 GHz setup:

To explain, the WG switch has springs and stops of its own. So, the spring and (loose) rod in the servo linkage provide a bit of give so that the servo doesn't have to stop precisely at the right points.

Regards,
Dave
VK3HZ