This project's main focus is to design and build an operational controller for use with the screwdriver antenna found among mobile amateur radio enthusiasts. After looking at existing controllers, we have deemed the following factors as the foundation to our controller design; simplicity, compactness, and durability.

Beginning with the conceptual design within the first few weeks, we analyzed existing controllers on the market and concluded that some controllers did not have enough features while others were too complex to operate, especially within a vehicle. We wanted to find the middle ground between the two extremes.

In order to define our middle ground, we wanted our product to contain enough memory to hold an ample amount of antenna positions. With the need for storage, we also wanted to keep the interface simple so as to not create a distraction while driving.

The other portion of our middle ground includes the clarity of the information the user received from our product. We want to ensure accurate and readable information at all times.

With this in mind and weeks upon weeks of designing, building, testing redesigning, rebuilding, retesting and so forth, we finally had a prototype available at the end of November 2004. On the day of the demonstration, our power supply unit and relays decide to blow out about 2 hours before the actual demonstration. Thank goodness it was parts that could be easily replaced, so the prototype was fixed with new relays in plenty of time for the demonstration.

After this stage of the design, we went back to the drawing board to see the need for areas of improvement as well additional features. This portion of the design also required further testing and final packaging of the product, which meant the parts were shrunk and moved to surface mounting technology.

As more weeks passed with designing, building, and testing, we finally arrived at the second version, which is significantly smaller than the prototype with additional changes in the software to improve performance.

During the course of the past several months, we believe that we have developed an exceptional product that incorporates the foundation while providing a wealth of features.

We have finalized packaging and testing and proud to report the controller passed all of our tests. It is finally built and being put through MFJ's tests to be ready to be sold to hams EVERYWHERE!

We hope that you have enjoyed this blurb about our product as this closes the final chapter in the Antenna Controller.