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Tracking antenna

Posted by naish on April 24, 2012 at 9:30pm

3689454358?profile=original

Hi guys!
In the last few months I have been working to develop an advanced tracking antenna for my new CGS. Unfortunately I haven't got no more time to finish this project, so I decided to release it Free to the community....

Basic Mechanics feature:
•    24dBi High gain dish antenna
•    9° Horizontal –vertical  beam
•    360° Endless pan - 180° Tilt
•    0,006° Pan Resolution ( microstep mode)
•    0,05° Tilt Resolution (microstep mode)
•    High torque speed stepper motors
•    Precise bearings ad belts, for smoother operation.
•    2D construction (no need of 3 axis cnc)
•    Cheap alloy-pvc-fiberglass
•    Car roof mounting
•    7kg weight

Basic electronics feature:
•    Integrated processor for standalone operation
•    Single usb connection

•    Integrated Serial usb converter for datalink
•    Dual precise stepper drivers, low noise
•    AHRS for stabilize the antenna
•    10Hz GPS
•    Electronic tilt compensated Compass
•    Internal lipo battery

The Electronics is almost done, just need to be checked again ( is the first PCB I develop).
In attachment a ZIP with all the files inside.

Unfortunately as you see on this post, my written English is very bad! I will try to give an help (as best I can) to answer to all the questions.

Regards,trackin antenna.rar

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Comments

  • MD July 22, 2014 at 11:59pm

    Would like to revive this. Any more info or anyone built one?

  • Nolan Williams July 16, 2013 at 8:45am

    Looks awesome! Any idea on exactly what stepper motor system you planned on using?

  • skywalker May 7, 2012 at 12:26am

    thank you

  • naish May 6, 2012 at 11:18pm

    http://dl.dropbox.com/u/343462/tracking%20antenna2.rar

  • skywalker May 6, 2012 at 11:15pm

    Access Denied

    You don't have permission to access "https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3689454379?profile=original" on this server.

    Reference #18.bf38545a.1336371314.4601b59b

  • skywalker May 6, 2012 at 11:14pm

    nice project, but I can't download the lined .rar file   :-(

  • Bjørn Didriksen April 27, 2012 at 12:22am

    Found these acrylic domes:

    http://www.globalplastics.ca/domes.htm

    It would be nice to show the antenna moving around in there :)

    Clear Acrylic Plastic Display Domes.
    Clear Domes for displays, dust covers, beyblade stadium or whatever your application.
  • Tom April 26, 2012 at 4:56am

    What about re-purposing the clock-spring connector from a multi-function car steering wheel? It wouldn't give continuous rotation, but would keep things tidy for greater than 360 degree travel. Not sure how much friction there is in those things though.

  • Greg Fletcher April 25, 2012 at 6:50pm

    I figure that if you are using a dish you are doing long range stuff. In this case continuous rotation is not necessary. You can use a cable and you wont be flying circles around yourself, but just maneuvering at long range so not much ant. movement. Even if vehicle mounted you are more or less going in one direction and not driving in circles. If you are flying around yourself at short range then you would be using an omni. BTW they have made for years satellite TV dishes for boats and RV's that are gyro stabilized. Use a cable in the center and only allow one or two turns than have a quick reset (unwinding) when needed.

  • naish April 25, 2012 at 4:25pm

    I try to answer back to all...
    @ gerorge... Data over slip rings is not a big problem, in the past I builded a device with slip rings and  RS232 flowing  at @19200 with no problems! I suggest you to buy one and give a try, and remember that antenna is never on continuous fast rotation like a radar!
    @ Luca... no sorry!

This reply was deleted.