AZEL_Satellite Antenna Rotator - Tracker by jbyrns

Last crawled date: 3 years, 4 months ago

I started the project about 4 or 5 years ago. I finally completed it!
This is a small Antenna Rotator for the Ham Radio Arrow Antenna that is commonly used for Satellite communication.
Mostly 3D Printed. Very cheep and easy to make.
The original was made in ABS. I have now printed all the parts in PETG and it appears to work well.
Please see the video on Youtube: https://youtu.be/u9zFE48awh8
You will need the large bearing. Since I did not create it, I have not included it here. I originally got it from Thingiverse, but do not remember the thing number. Let me know if you find it, I will update here. I believe the bearing has 1-1/4 ID. Print the track arm and bearing housing to find the correct one.
My version uses bluetooth to communicate to my computer and is compatible with the Yaesu GS-232A protocol (sort of). I will post more about the electronics at a later date. I just wanted to get the 3d models up.
The Trackarmknob is designed so you can rotate the antenna 90 degrees for polarization.
The arrow antenna has a 1/4-20 thread in the handle under the grip. Mine did anyway. Just be careful.. don't thread in too far and break the duplexer (if you have one).
Print 2 of the clips
Print 2 of the collars
Print 2 of the bearing housing.
The counterweight is optional. Use whatever you like.
2 Nema 17 stepper motors.
I used 2 skate bearings. 608 I think.
I used a threaded rod for the counter weight.
I used a bolt to hold the thrust bearing in place with a nylock nut.
I used some ball bearings for the thrust bearing.
I used airsoft bbs for the counterweight.
I do hope to post a video soon on how this goes together. Actually quite intuitive once you have the pieces printed.
I used an adafruit trinket pro for the electronics.
I used 2 A4988 stepper sticks to drive the Nema 17 stepper motors.
If you want bluetooth, then get yourself an HC-05 bluetooth module.
I built my own board. However, other ideas would include an Arduino Mega and a ramps board. I have also seen an Arduino Uno and a CNC hat for the stepper sticks. This could be a very low cost easy solution for the electronic portion.
Older videos during the development:https://youtu.be/S-LF6aIzVtUhttps://youtu.be/G9kMHPowKk0