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Yaesu G-800S Rotor Controller for the G-800S & G-800SA Rotator in Very Good Condition

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MPN:
G-800S
Condition:
Used
Shipping:
$32.00 (Fixed Shipping Cost)
  • Yaesu G-800S Rotor Controller for the G-800S & G-800SA Rotator in Very Good Condition
  • Yaesu G-800S Rotor Controller for the G-800S & G-800SA Rotator in Very Good Condition
  • Yaesu G-800S Rotor Controller for the G-800S & G-800SA Rotator in Very Good Condition
  • Yaesu G-800S Rotor Controller for the G-800S & G-800SA Rotator in Very Good Condition
  • Yaesu G-800S Rotor Controller for the G-800S & G-800SA Rotator in Very Good Condition
  • Yaesu G-800S Rotor Controller for the G-800S & G-800SA Rotator in Very Good Condition
  • Yaesu G-800S Rotor Controller for the G-800S & G-800SA Rotator in Very Good Condition
$74.99
Frequently bought together:

Description

Yaesu G-800S Rotor Controller for the G-800S & G-800SA Rotator in Excellent Cosmetic Condition.

 It does have a momentary button added to the right side of the bezel.

My research shows this is almost certainly a homebrew battery backup for the heading indicator (meter or potentiometer circuit).


Why this specific mod is common on Yaesu G-800S controllersThe G-800S uses a potentiometer in the outdoor rotator unit to send the heading position back to the controller. The front-panel dial/meter (the circular heading display) relies on this feedback signal.Over time, especially on older units:

  • The heading indication can become erratic, drift, or go completely dead when the main AC power is turned off or during brief power glitches.
  • Hams add a small independent DC backup (usually 1–2 AA batteries in series for ~1.5–3V) to keep a tiny amount of current flowing through the potentiometer and indicator circuit. This “keeps the pot alive” so the heading doesn’t lose calibration or require re-zeroing every time you power the controller on/off.
The momentary button is the safety/activation switch:
  • Press and hold the button → applies battery voltage to the heading circuit (usually through a resistor or diode to limit current).
  • Release the button → battery is disconnected, preventing constant drain or leakage.
  • It’s mounted on the side for easy thumb access while operating the main direction switch.
This is a well-known cheap hack among Yaesu rotor owners (especially G-800/G-1000 series) to reduce “heading jump” or the need to recalibrate after power cycles. It’s simple, low-cost, and doesn’t interfere with normal AC-powered operation.

 This rotor controller was taken down from a silent key's station and was separated from the tower and items on it. 

  I am selling it as is as described for parts, repair or to use as it is.

The Yaesu G-800S is the desktop controller for the Yaesu G-800 series medium-duty antenna rotators (such as the G-800S, G-800SA, or compatible G-800 models). It provides manual control of the rotator's azimuth direction for pointing directional antennas like Yagis or beams in ham radio setups. The controller features an analog meter or compass-style heading display (360° or 450° rotation range depending on the paired rotator), direction buttons (clockwise/counterclockwise), and a brake or stop function. It connects to the outdoor rotator unit via a multi-conductor control cable (typically 6–8 wires) and is powered by AC (117V or 220–240V depending on version).Key Features & Specs (controller portion):
  • Compatible with Yaesu G-800 series rotators (medium-duty, suitable for HF tribanders or similar arrays with wind loading up to ~2 m²).
  • Simple push-button or lever control for rotation.
  • Heading indication via meter or scale (some variants include preset or overlap features in related models like SDX).
  • Power consumption: low (around 1A max during operation).
  • Rear connections: control cable socket (older style round or 6/8-pin depending on exact version), AC power input.
  • Rugged desktop design, compact size (approx. 200 × 130 × 193 mm, weight ~2.8 kg).
  • Often paired with optional computer interfaces (e.g., GS-232) or upgraded with modern digital controllers like MDS RC1-Y, Hy-Gain YRC-1/3, or Green Heron RT-21 for USB/computer control.
Note: This is the controller only (no outdoor rotator motor, mast clamp, or cable included). The G-800S controller works with compatible Yaesu rotators but may need cable rewiring or adapters for newer models. Many hams upgrade the original controller with digital replacements for better precision and software integration.
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