A reliable rotator is an important part of an amateur radio station. At OM0A, we use the AR-300XL rotator, which—despite its small size—can rotate even a large HF directional antenna. This is mainly due to its high-quality metal gears. One drawback is that after just a few rotations, a discrepancy arises between the actual direction and the direction indicated on the display.
Therefore, it is advantageous to supplement the rotator with an independent display. Vlado OK1VPZ described a very good design at http://www.ok2kkw.com/rotator/rotator.htm. It uses 36 LEDs (10° increments) with LM3914 drivers. A demonstration of the display’s function is shown in the video. The sensor potentiometer must be mechanically coupled to the rotator.