I made an El rotor years ago, and used the weighted pendulum method for feedback. Besides the weather pushing the weight around, the other problem was hysteresus. Small changes in reverse position didn't cause any change in indication. If you are looking for improved position accuracy (vs what?), you should figure out a way to anchor the pendulum. That should solve both problems.
Greg KO6TH
Joe nss@mwt.net wrote:
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
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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