On 5/24/2012 9:15 PM, Bob Bruninga wrote:
all the RS rotators are 110v with no 12v option I'd hate to use an inverter just for that,
But a 100W inverter that plugs into a cigarette lighter is only $24 or less at Walmart. That is much less than you would pay compared to trying to find a 12v rotator system.
I agree. I have built a couple of 12V satellite tracker servo systems, and the cost is too high in small quantities to ignore the efficacy of the inverter solution.
Please visit http://www.lostfrogs.com/SatTrack.htm .
My first system was in the AMSAT newsletter of July/August 2009. That system worked OK, but my last system was much improved with dual antennas and by beefier motors and gearing, and was used to make numerous contacts during the 2010 Field Day.
I sold that system to a eager Satellite Ham for $400; that included hand made gear boxes and supported by the Parallax BASIC Stamp. I broke even in materials, that is all.
My current plans are for an improved system (in terms of speeds and accel/decel issues) based upon the Parallax Propeller. As a hobbyist I will buy what I need to put the system together, but if someone is interested in funding an endeavor I am open to that prospect!
Incidentally the inverter problems are maybe less than the RF into the servo controller problems, hence the 8' boom in the current version to get greater distance from the antennas and the servos.
Dave KI4PSR
On 5/24/2012 9:15 PM, Bob Bruninga wrote:
all the RS rotators are 110v with no 12v option I'd hate to use an inverter just for that,
But a 100W inverter that plugs into a cigarette lighter is only $24 or less at Walmart. That is much less than you would pay compared to trying to find a 12v rotator system. I had similar designs for 12v rotator systems, but just got lazy and realized it is easier to simply use these cheap inverters that are 95% efficient and just use whatever I need in the car for playing ham radio wether it is 12v or 115v, dosn't matter.
Though watch for RFI from the inverter?
Bob, Wb4APR
Ted wrote:
Lee, there is a construction article in Chap 6 of the ARRL Satellite Handbook (too complicated for me)
But the reality is that it is easy to manually turn the RS rotor with the control box from the comfort of your chair just following the azimuth showing on your sat program and listening with your ear...this will get
you
close enough. I have the Elk on a RS rotor with Bob's fixed elevation. (Worked good enough for VUCC #226)
Of course, the original question was about mobile installation, so unless you have a long extension cord or a generator....... hi hi
73, Ted, K7TRK
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Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb