Mike, I built one of the first ARRL education units and it works well. I did much the same research and this was the best bang for the buck.
That said, you should also consider what software you will be using as each package has it's list of compatible controllers. For example, the ARRL unit works with SatPC32 and Nova but I've not been able to get it working with Orbitron and others.
Len Revelle N9IJ n9ij@comcast.net
On Jul 12, 2008, at 3:29 PM, Michael Baker wrote:
WOW!
Nice to have such a knowledge base to work with!
I want to thank all of you who responded and gave me info and links to some inexpensive goodies to get the rotors under computer control.
For anyone else who is lurking in the wings and reading the mail, here is what I got for a short list and links where applicable.
FOD track boards. Boards available from Far Circuits, http://www.farcircuits.net
AMSAT tracker. AMSAT carries the LVB tracker:
http://wa4sxm.googlepages.com/home
It uses the same protocol, can be configured for either USB or serial port, and goes assembled for around $200, and can be had in various versions of completion for less.
ARRL Sat Tracker 688 boards. http://www.arrl.org/FandES/tbp/ariss-kits/ This is probable for the price it is looking like about the most inexpensive solution.
Uni_Trac. http://www.etelectronics.com/html/uni_trac.html
Nice but NOT inexpensive.
Primetec Primesat Controler. http://www.primetec.pt/products.php?sec=2&cat=3&prod=12&lang=en
Very nice but break out the bucks cause it ain't cheep!
So, there you have it.
Still modeling the current antennas (Old Cushcraft Oscar twins) and looking them over to see what needs servicing or parts and weighing if they get used or replaced with something homebrew (and better). Hopefully, when it cools down a bit in the fall here in Phoenix I can get up on the roof and put this mess together and be ready for what ever AMSAT puts into space. :>)
Again, to all that responded, a big THANK YOU!
Best 72,73,
Michael Baker K7DD k7ddmjb@qwest.net
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