EME - Antenna - Control - System: new version

  Short description of the features

The system is based on a 89C51ED2 Microcontroller

-

Computation of position (without PC) of moon,sun,Cygnus,Sagittarius,Cassiopeia,Taurus,Leo and Aquarius

Replacing PC, monitor and keyboard:

 

Interface:

Demo - Version of the controller system

Digital position encoders you can get from http://www.usdigital.com . Look for the type A2-S-S, it has 0.1deg resolution and interfaces well to my system.

A cheaper but probably less accurate solution is the MAB25 from Megatron with also 0.1deg resolution:

http://www.megatron.eu

Sometimes there is an unstable readout when connecting the MAB25 via a low quality cable. See hints for improvement at:  AN01.pdf


Although the use of incremental encoders is not recommended, I programmed a 89C52 for converting the pulses to the SSI protocol. Get the firmware for it here: inc_ssi.hex  See the circuit diagram in the controller documentation.


NEW:

Andy Talbot, G4NJT, kindly developed hardware and firmware to interface a GPS module to the controller.

You can download : description (PDF) ,  HEX file: GPS firmware  and PCB BRD file: GPS interface PCB

- Azimuth and elevation motor controlling for all targets plus two free choice positions
- Transmission of antenna position via LAN cable from antenna down to the controller in the shack
- Interfacing with different absolute encoders is possible: 10..12bit

A2-S-S, MAB25, ....

- Selectable stepsize for tracking
- Selectable offset for azimuth and elev. up to +/- 9.9 deg
- Motor control output clw/ccw up/down
- Local operation by 4 buttons at controller, non volatile storage of all parameters

( remote operation by PC is possible)

- Real - Time - Clock
- 4 x 20 character LCD - display
  Main advantages:

PC is not necessary for controlling (no interference!), single wire line from antenna (encoders) into shack, ready within a few seconds


HEX - FILE FOR CONTROLLER :

See a step by step guide how to upload the firmware, written by HB9DRI:  AN02.pdf



5Sept11: improved readout for MAB28 encoder. (jumping of last digit avoided)

eme_contr_jfl_v61.hex




12Oct10:  display of actual antenna position instead of encoder position is possible. See details in the DOC, page5.

eme_contr_jfl_v51.hex

(If  you are not sure how to use v51, take v41.)

12Sept10: better stability of readout with the MAB25 and MAB28 encoders.

eme_contr_jfl_v41.hex


5Aug10: improvements for testing the remote commands with a terminal program.

eme_contr_jfl_v31.hex


27Nov09: inverse indication of azimut is possible, necessary if the axis of the encoder is looking downwards. See details in the DOC, page 5. eme_contr_jfl_v21.hex


17Nov.09:  for using the controller in southern hemisphere: 1.)bug showing up in setup fixed  2.)antenna moving now smoothly via north    eme_contr_jfl_v11.hex


June09: eme_contr_jfl_v10.hex


BRD - FILES FOR PCBs :

eme_contr_jfl.brd

contr_interface_jfl.brd

encoder_splitter.brd


DOC FILE WITH DETAILED DESCRIPTION:

EMEcontr_jfl.doc


VIDEO OF THE CONTROLLER WORKING:

oe5jfl_controller.wmv

A model of a parabolic dish is controlled by the system.

There is no difference for the interface board if DC motors with 5W or 50W are connected. Maybe some heatsink is needed for the motor drivers at higher power.


 

AVAILABILITY OF CONTROLLER MODULES / PCBs

I will not provide myself PCBs or completely built modules, but kindly HB9DRI (member of HB9Q group) will do so.
For prices please contact Alex directly:

 hb9dri(at)emeham(dot)com

Alex has written an additional very useful documentation how to test, install and interface the system to the antenna.

driacs.doc

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