I see no problems at all. I have done it with that method in the past. The only thing I noticed that was a problem was if the pendulum is exposed to the elements. As in weather not antenna elements. Gusty winds would move the pendulum and cause a not steady reading..
but not that much of a problem did not happen all that often.
Joe WB9SBD Sig The Original Rolling Ball Clock Idle Tyme Idle-Tyme.com http://www.idle-tyme.com On 2/24/2013 5:45 AM, Richard Ferryman wrote:
For some time I have wanted a more accurate antenna elevation measurement system. Shaft encoders are beyond my budget. It seems sensible to use a pendulum operated system. Digging through my 'junk' box I find I have a new Spectrol precision potentiometer still sealed in it's package. This pot is 21mm diameter, has a servo type mount,, ball race bearing, 340 degree track (continuous rotation possible) and specification is 0.5% linearity.and is very low torque. Does anyone know if there are any drawbacks to using this method of position measurement. 73 de Dick G4BBH _______________________________________________ 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