THE FIX! STEP 1

Scan & Size STEP 2

In the back of the ARRL Operating Manual are super AZIMUTHAL EQUIDISTANT MAPS by N5KR centerd for different parts of the world.  Living in  north Texas I used the "CENTRAL USA" map. If you can use this same map you're in luck as you can download the correct size from this site and print it and skip STEP 2! Just Click Here.

The maps in the book are too big.  We need to be able to "paste" the right size on the rotor indicator plate. If you have a scanner you are in luck. If not, get a friend to scan the page. (You could even use a XEROX machine if you are able to manipulate the size.) I settled on a diameter of 3 1/2 inches for the full pix.

I used a paint program (you could use MS Paint) to color the continents.  Print it out and let it dry.

Size STEP 3

WHAT?  Size it again?  You need to make a decision here.  You can use the whole pretty map. But I wanted to see the degree markers on the rotor plate so I drew another circle just outside Australia and cut it out.

Next you need to make a hole in the center where N5KR marked it - just big enough to put the indicator arm through. I used scotch tape to mount the map on the front of the rotor plate, then put it all back together.  See the result at the top of this page.

What else might be done? The "EQUIDISTANT" attribute of N5KR's map suggests a calibrated pointer. At the bottom of his map is a linear  mile/kilometer legend. How about designing a new pointer with 5k, 10k marks?  Or ?? Somebody take it on and let me know what you did.  We could share your idea on this page.

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