Adding an ERC Rotor Control to a Yaesu G450 Controller

This page explains how I installed the ERC Version 4 USB rotor controller into my Yaesu G450DC controller

Purchased form Here: https://www.schmidt-alba.de/eshop/index.php?cPath=1_5

The kit comes with full instructions but these still took some concentration so take your time

The instructions come on a CD with the kit but are added here for easy reference (and for my quick reference):

Installation instructions for all rotators

Setup guide for software calibration etc

Remove controller cover

Once removed you'll be faced with this view. The board is going to be installed in the gap. A small hole is required to allow the USB connector access and screws for mounting.

Use template provided to drill holes

A drill template is provided in order to get the correct hole size and placement for the ERC board

Drilled holes for screws and USB connector

Ensure these align so that the board is free of the controller's metal cover once installed (note the relays stick out of the board). A mounting kit is provided including necessary screws and stand offs. Please make it neater than mine! That metal is thicker than you think! Install temporarily to check fitment, then remove to allow easier access for wiring.

WIRING...

ERC Pin out

This shows the numbering of the ERC pins. Use this to work out where to wire your controller (cross reference with the right hand picture of the G450)

Yaesu 450 pin out

Coloured numbered wires show where to connect on the rotator controller from the matching colours and numbers on the diagram to the left (ERC pin out)

So: A wire needs to go from pin 1 of the ERC CW relay to the CW switch on the Yaesu controller

Also a wire needs to go from pin 1 of the ERC CCW relay to the same place on the Yaesu controller

Then, Pin 2 of the CW relay goes to the CW switch (top terminal) and pin 2 of the CCW relay goes to the CCW switch (top terminal). These allow control of the rotator direction.

Its easier to cut and solder the position feedback wires

These are pins 2 and 3 of the Yaesu rotator connector

Soldered and heatshrinked

The green and black wires go to the UM connector on the ERC controller

Wires soldered to the switches

The top two terminals of the switches correspond to pins 2 of each ERC relay (CW & CCW). This way the relay output effectively presses the required switch to move the rotator.

The centre terminal of the CW switch has both pins 1 of each ERC relay soldered to it

Installed and wired in

Now the lid can go back on and tests. First i checked it all worked as before and i'd not disrupted anything, all ok!

Plug in the supplied USB cable into your PC

Software install and calibration

Once you are happy with the installation, load the software and follow the instructions for assigning the correct USB port then calibrating the unit so it can measure your rotator feedback position. Then you simply load the controller software and enjoy PC control and display of your rotator position. Also compatible with other programs using the correct port and the RS232B protocol. You will need to install the drivers for the ERC board which come with the supplied CD

My current favourite control programs are:

PSTRotator which costs about 20 euros but is packed with features including a web server.
Minos logging which is handy during contests for antenna control.

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