LBV TRACKER - AZ/EL ROTATOR CONTROLLER |
Advanced Antenna Tracking Interface for satellites & EME
I used this rotor interface for many years. It's simple and suitable for Azimuth/Elevation Control. Manual or PC modes are supported. YO3DMU was tested with excellent results via serial RS232.
It has analog inputs for Az / El potentiometers, recommended input range is between 0 and +5V for best ADC resolution.
In order to protect coaxial cable due excessive twisting, I added a protection circuit to limit the azimuth at 0 and 360 degrees. The operating principle is simple: a window comparator monitors the voltage provided by the built-in rotor azimuth potentiometer. At the end limit of rotation the relay is inhibited, LED limit starts to flash and buzzer sounds. Buzzer traducer is self oscillating type. Diode BAT43 is used to protect comparator input against negative voltages. At the begin I used an multiturn potentiometer supplied with +/-10V. Can be replaced with 1N4148 or deleted.
Above image shows negative position due lack of calibration. Calibration procedure can be made using PC hyperteminal or using push buttons located on front panel. Keep pressed one push button during Power ON and calibration menu appears. For more details about calibration and PC settings, please checks G6LVB or Foxdelta website.
INFO:
http://www.g6lvb.com/Articles/LVBTracker/
http://www.foxdelta.com/products/st2-rs232.htm
http://www.foxdelta.com/products/st2-usb.htm
http://www.qsl.net/yo3dmu/index_Page346.htm nice PC software
Inside View
HEX File PIC16F876
Azimuth Limiter Schematic
Azimuth Limiter PCB