Azimuth and Elevation Rotator at AE0MT

[@Chris-ji8jw]

That's pretty cool Mike. I especially like, how you have elevation control. Thanks for sharing 🔥

[@kd7vea]

Any plans on posting schematics and code? This is exactly what I've been looking into building.

[@dann3550]

Very nice. I'm building something similar. Your system is much more robust than mine. Mine will be light weight and more for temporary field setup.

[@JeffBunniss-b4v]

That looks good Mike, did you do any videos on it when you were all finished?

[@NA12495]

Good work, only problem I can see is not updates. Would love to see your end product.

[@DavidGillooly]

I imagine a less beefy rotor could be used to reduce build cost. Something like a Yaesu G450A which is about $280. As a reference the G-5500 Az/EL combo rotor runs about $750. A nice system but pretty expensive.

[@AE0MT]

Yes, a less beefy rotor could do the job, but this is what I had. Also, the G450A uses an AC motor, and the G-800 uses a DC motor. I have found it much easier to control the speed of DC motors to enable slow start and slow stop functions.

[@fredlodden1538]

@@AE0MT Mike, I had a few views of your videos. I am about to use a Kenpro KR-800 as an azimuth only rotator for HF work, using the K3NG control software. I note that the KR-800 is equivalent to the GS-800 (just re-branded I think) and it has 24V DC motors (I see your power supply was set to 24V). I was interested in what you were using to switch that DC to the motors. Plus, how did you go with using the built in potentiometer (in the rotator) to provide feedback on azimuth position? 73 Fred VK2WS

[@N2AIE]

old post just got around to seeing. Nice Job ! Wonder if you have more details that you can send to n2aie good on QRZ..thanks 73

[@JasonSetley]

Very cool, make sure you post updates

[@brent847]

you didn't mention the hardware what are those bearings and shaft?

[@Sunflats]

Keep us posted on your project. Looks very interesting and original. I've been researching on an easy and economical solution to track the satellites. Something that I can attach an Arrow or an Elk ant mounted on a tripod in my backyard. 73s

[@ronjones4069]

Why do you need the GPS at the antenna? Why do you need a GPS at all, unless you are using this in the field at different locations, in which case, why not put the GPS at the main computer that is running everything? No matter, it is still a super cool project. I was think of doing something similar with the inclinometer and I ordered a couple, but they are out of stock!! Great project.

[@AE0MT]

The GPS is more for time than location, but it does provide location to allow the pi to track the moon without a connected PC.

[@dannycarpenter8852]

I would love to build your El rotor. I have a Yaesu G-800 Az rotor Would you share the list of equipment? Thanks Danny N4UXY

[@KC2BKM]

So its been 5 years how did this set up work out for ya?

[@pierremartel3552]

hows the project going on?? got a final video on it?

[@ladyqonimvu8604]

one more question .. what board is mounted above the Mega?

[@FishingHam]

Awesome work!

[@FreemanPascal]

Mike, I like how you use the Adafruit boards as feedback for the k3ng rotator controller. I'm currently building out a k3ng controller using a Teensy 3.2, and I would like to incorporate your feedback system. Did you make any changes to the K3NG code base for the Adafruit boards? Are your code change available? I noticed the I2C interface board is purple, is it an OSHPark board? If so, did you happen to share the design so I can grab a couple from OSHPark - or, perhaps you have them available for purchase? -Freeman, N5FPP

[@FreemanPascal]

I hate to reply to myself, but I looked closer at OSHPark and noticed the project was shared under your old callsign. I ordered three boards for $18. I love OSHPark. For others who may be interested in the masthead sensor board, it can be found at: oshpark.com/shared_projects/pktpYo9q

[@FreemanPascal]

Do you have the part number and source for the RG45 connector?

[@AE0MT]

I made some minor tweaks to the code to incorporate the LSM303 sensor, and at one point, some of my code changes were rolled up into the main branch of the K3NG code. It has been a minute since I have worked with any of the code, so I don't know what has changed lately. You figured out that the board is OSHPark, as are most every board I have made. As for a parts list, I get all of my parts from DigiKey, and I am happy to provide the parts list I used at the time. Please email me for this list.

[@markhoferitza7663]

Exactly how I was thinking. Nice job. Mark AC7DN

[@FreemanPascal]

Mike, what size cap is on the masthead board for bypass? I can't seem to find a schematic describing the board.

[@AE0MT]

I want to say I used a 10pf cap, more as a buffer than anything. You may not need one. Email me at [e-mail], and I would be happy to provide you with a parts list for this and the other parts of the system.

[@FreemanPascal]

Other circuits I found using this chip and the data sheet suggested a 1uF. That's what I went with and it worked fine. It looks like it is needed. My Teensy 3.2 would not see the the LSM303 until I put the cap in. I suspect it was needed for the initial in rush of power to the LSM303 on power up.

[@AE0MT]

Sound's reasonable. If a 1uf does the trick, a 10uf would do better. I meant uF before, not pF, sorry.

[@DavidGillooly]

Very nice mechanical design and one that should be reproducible. What linear actuator did you use?

[@haideralizaheer8863]

Hey Mike. Could I contact you somehow? I need to ask some questions regarding this project.

[@AE0MT]

Haider Ali Zaheer no problem. [e-mail]

[@haideralizaheer8863]

Mike Thompson kindly check your mail please!

[@ladyqonimvu8604]

where software? former KA8UMJ

[@AE0MT]

blog.radioartisan.com/yaesu-rotator-computer-serial-interface/

[@kikerekov]

Very nice job! 73 de Z31MA

[@jimchase7028]

AN Adafruit....not A Adafruit