What tracking program are you running? I know in the "Rotor Setup" of SatPC32 there are parameters that you can adjust that will 'smooth out' a lot of the start/stop jerkiness. You can command the rotor to move at specified time intervals, or when the tracked object changes position by an adjustable number of degrees. You also have to consider the pattern of your antenna. If the 3dB points of your antenna are 30*, it makes _no_ sense to move them every 5*. The first time I ran a PC controlled Az/El setup I was using one of the "Ultimate Charger" controllers, and I didn't think to 'open up' the dead-band setting. I thought the antennas were going to shake themselves (and the tower!) apart. I don't recall the settings I'm using with SatPC32 and my Fox Delta LVB 'clone', but it tracks very smoothly. with little antenna shake. Jim KQ6EA
On 01/04/2011 01:00 AM, Larry Gerhardstein wrote:
My 5500 az/el does the same thing.
Larry W7IN
On 1/2/2011 6:53 PM, Bob- W7LRD wrote:
Happy New Year
I just watched the ISS pass over Seattle. Always glad to help! I was watching my satellite array track the ISS and noticed how "jerky" it is every time it increments. I have a 5400 az/el with LVB tracker. Made me wonder if I could get more life out of the rotors if there were a "soft start" of sorts for the rotors. The bouncing back and forth with each adjustment made me think the gears are getting a workout.
73 Bob W7LRD
Seattle _______________________________________________ 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
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