PSTRotator is a software project by Romanian amateur radio operator YO3DMU, which has become one of the most widely used tools for controlling antenna rotators in amateur radio practice over the years. The program was designed as a universal solution for controlling both azimuth and azimuth-elevation systems, with its capabilities going far beyond simply turning the antenna in a chosen direction.
Thanks to extensive hardware support and integration with a number of contest, satellite, astronomical and logging applications, PSTRotator is used in the field of VHF prevádzky, EME spojení, satelitnej komunikácie, meteor scatter operation even at remotely controlled stations.
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What is PSTRotator for?
The basic task of the program is to control the antenna rotators in azimuth and elevation. The program allows you to control a separate azimuth and elevation controller or combined AZ/EL interfaces. The user can rotate the antenna manually, using presets, clicking on the map or automatically based on data obtained from external applications.
A significant feature is the automatic tracking of satellites, the Moon, the Sun and other astronomical objects. For EME operation, it contains separate functions, including calculation of the Doppler shift and tracking of the lunar trajectory. The program can also work in the sidereal tracking mode of astronomical targets.
PSTRotator includes its own satellite tracker with TLE data support, Flip Mode function for AZ/EL systems, greyline display, map data and automatic direction calculations by callsign or locator.
Supported devices
One of the reasons for the program's popularity is its extensive support for rotator interfaces. According to the documentation and user experience, it supports dozens of commercial and amateur solutions.
| Device type | Examples of supported interfaces |
| Commercial rotators | yaesu, Prosistel, SPID, M2 Orion |
| Interfaces for satellite systems | EA4TX, WinRotor, Green Heron and others |
| AZ/EL controllers | EasyComm compatible systems |
| Custom designs | various serial and Ethernet controllers supported by the program protocols |
User discussions on Groups.io report successful operation with SPID, Prosistel Combo, Rio-47200, Radant, Moog QPT, and other systems using precise AZ/EL control.
Communication with the rotator can take place via an RS-232 serial port, USB converters or a TCP/IP network.
Program features
PSTRotator offers a number of features that go beyond regular rotator control.
The most important ones include support for two independent controllers for Azimuth and Elevation, map display with the ability to click on the target direction, definition of the antenna parking position, user direction presets, azimuth and elevation correction tables, compensation for mechanical antenna deviations, and adjustable movement limits.
The program allows you to define the width of the main antenna lobe, set the data refresh interval from the rotator, and work with various map data, including APRS maps.
An interesting feature is the automatic rotation of the antenna against the wind when the set wind speed is exceeded. The program can display meteorological data including wind direction, wind speed and temperature.
For satellite operations, integrated orbital element calculation, TLE database management, overflight prediction, and automatic satellite tracking are available.
Interfacing with other software and protocols
PSTRotator is one of the best integrated applications of its kind. The documentation states that it supports a large number of programs used by radio amateurs.
Supported applications include N1MM+, Logger32, Ham Radio Deluxe, Win-Test, VHFLog, VQLog, Swisslog, TRX-Manager, TACLog, LOGic, HamScope, Orbitron, SatPC32, AirScout, MoonSked, CC User and many more.
The program uses multiple communication methods. There are classic RS-232 serial communication, TCP client/server mode for remote control, UDP interface and GPS input via serial port.
UDP control uses XML-like commands to set azimuth, elevation, park, track, or stop motion. The default UDP port is 12000.
TCP client/server mode allows remote control of the rotator over a local network or the Internet. This feature is especially popular with remote-controlled VHF and EME stations.
Design and user settings
Although the user interface is based on classic Windows applications, the program provides extensive customization options.
The user can change map data, map marker size, distance units, refresh intervals, rotator movement limits, parking position, antenna main lobe width, and many other parameters.
For precision mechanical systems, correction tables and azimuth and elevation offset settings are available. The program supports locators up to 10 characters long and allows precise definition of the station's position using geographical coordinates.
User experiences and reviews
Reviews published on the eHam portal are mostly positive. Users particularly appreciate the wide hardware compatibility, easy configuration, and trouble-free operation in satellite and EME applications.
"Great software, plug and play with Windows 10 and EA4TX controller, great features and intuitive operation."
Reliable operation with Yaesu, SPID, Prosistel and Green Heron rotators is often mentioned in discussion groups. The author's active support and regular updates are also appreciated.
The program's strength is its ability to work with multiple instances simultaneously, allowing control of multiple antenna systems from a single computer.
Support and user community
PSTRotator has a long-standing active user community. The most important source of technical support is the Groups.io discussion group, where rotator configurations, new features, compatibility with logging programs, and suggestions for further development are discussed.
There is also an active Facebook group of program users. You can find a lot of practical experience with specific rotators, satellite systems and EME setups.
The author of the YO3DMU program regularly participates in discussions to solve technical problems and releases new versions of the application.
PSTRotator Client by SQ1GU
The PSTRotator Client mobile client from Polish radio amateur SQ1GU expands the system's capabilities with remote control from mobile devices with the Android operating system.
The application communicates with the running PSTRotator instance via a network interface and allows you to monitor the current antenna position, change the direction of rotation, and perform basic control operations without access to the main computer.
Such a solution is especially practical when operating remote stations or during service interventions on antenna systems.
Video demos
For those interested in practical application of the program, several videos are available presenting the configuration and operation of PSTRotator with satellite systems, EME assemblies, and various types of rotators.
When selecting videos, it is advisable to give preference to presentations published by the author of the program or by long-time users from the satellite and EME community.
Price and overall evaluation
PstRotator is among the most comprehensive antenna system management solutions available to radio amateurs. It combines support for a wide range of hardware, satellite and EME functions, remote control, and extensive integration with logging and contest applications.
The program is suitable for simple VHF stations with one rotator as well as for complex AZ/EL systems intended for satellite or EME operation. The advantage is long-term development, active community and extensive documentation.
The current license price is €39. When evaluating the ratio of functions and options, PSTRotator is among the most interesting solutions available to the amateur radio community.