I’ve been trying to figure out a SatNOGS rotator build via satnogs.org, but it’s a nightmare—info’s split across three sites (main page, wiki, GitLab), with broken links (v3 Dozuki guide at satnogs.dozuki.com is 404), outdated files, and no clear user guide. What’s even the current model—v3? V3.1? I’ve only got a 3D printer, no parts yet, and I’m lost.
I need:
One page listing each model (v2, v3, etc.).
Up-to-date BOMs and 3D files for each.
Working step-by-step instructions—not fragments.
@SatNOGS, the concept’s awesome, but this mess is brutal for beginners. Can we get a pinned post or updated wiki with everything in one spot? The v3 guide’s 404 means I can’t even start sourcing parts. Help!
Unfortunately the project is not active or maintained the last, at least, 4 years, so I would suggest you look for an alternative. However If you want try to build it here is a list of re-sources that may help:
Instructions for building rotator v3 (which was the latest version) in SatNOGS Rotator v3 Mechanical Assembly - SatNOGS (Note that there was an OHAI instance which may had more complete instructions, however it stopped being maintained and got offline, there is an attempt of recovering the data from its database without a clear timeline though.)
If you have any further or more specific questions, I suggest you ask them either in this thread or new ones, however I can not guarantee that you will receive an answer.
PS if someone is interested to restart and maintain the satnogs-rotator project, let us know
Ok thanks for confirming this state.
Why has it depreciated. I had to use AI for guidance in selecting a cheap sat tracker and said this one was a strong community base but that’s not the case.
What happened?
It reminds me of Linux. Decentralised and a million issues when you try to do something
I’d try Satran but he started a community and left it behind. Sorry to go on about it. I’m just frustrated.
Thanks for replying
Also can I ask. Are you a main member of all this or just another space tracking hobbyist?
The AI was partially right, the community indeed is strong but not around the satnogs-rotator project but around other SatNOGS and LSF projects.
On the why question, I don’t have a clear answer but I think it is a combination of these reasons: initial devs have lost interest or have focused on other projects, the project isn’t priority (among other projects) for LSF to find and assign resources and finally no-one from the community has shown any interest to maintain or even take over the project.
Unfortunately that happens to projects all the time and I understand your frustration as I’ve been in similar situations. To be honest I would like to see this project active again as there are people the last years that have build and used the satnogs rotator, for example IZ5RZR as shown in this and this videos.
I’m one of the main developers of the SatNOGS Network and DB and one of the SatNOGS operators, so kind of main member . Just to be clear, I’m not related at all with the satnogs rotator project, with exception of trying to solve this issue when I have time.
I looked at Sarcnet Mk3 and is discontinued which bugs me too, I sent an email and waiting on a response, I didnt see this 2025 post, thanks. Im in Melbourne so this is handy…
Have you made this, care to explain how much it cost and time it took to make?
Yes, I used Grok because it can look up live data. It provided information on Papadeas’ work and their current activities. If they are still the main director but have moved on to other projects while retaining control over the websites and related information, maybe they could either relinquish control or officially confirm that the project is finished.
What is your current role in the project? What is your main area of interest? I’m particularly focused on the mechanical aspects
I found the build to be relatively straight forward when following the Instructions on their website. I got the code emailed to me from them when i asked for it and if you need i can share it with you.
Pi4 $150
0.6RPM 12vdc Worm Gear Motor $38 each
L298N Motor Driver $30 for a pair but you only need one
6mm Flange Coupling $20 for a pair
Arduino Nano $50
LSM303DLHC Accelerometer/Magnetometer $10
Box of you choice $25 to $100
My first try would be put a bucket upside down over this model which is large enough to cover the elevation movement and close the bottom with some foil. But for this moment I am not going to buy it
Hi, I am just getting into trying to build my own rotator and have come across the same issues as you. I am also living in Melbourne so I was hoping you could share your experience since last posting! Did you ever make a complete rotator?
I never started it.
This place is a joke. The owner locked up files and went onto other interests.
There are files and parts list of costing but you really have to dig. Then there’s asking and or getting help.
Limited to say the least
Go for the one made in China that’s prebuilt. Antrunner it’s called. Just needs a canopy to weather proof.
I also approached and email sarcnet. Another useless endeavour. Never heard back
For all the fluffing around. Messages from other users. My own research. Deep diving into using ai to help and locate info. Researching other projects. It came down to. Way too much time. Almost total lack of support. Help or mentoring and again my time and wanting to spend on something that could cause endless issue in sorting out myself. Go antrunner if you want to shortcut to just having fun. Calculations say it can handle a good load and has good tight arc
Good luck
I’m so sorry to hear that, but I know exactly what you mean. It’s an absolute mess and I don’t know how anyone has managed to make their own while also not detailing their process to help others in this so called “community”
I was hoping to do the build myself since it looks quite fun.
I’m gonna spend the next few weeks trying my hardest to make this work, and if I succeed I’ll definitely share my experience!
Yes, this project in its current state were there is no maintainer isn’t working at its best.
This can happen in a opensource development and hopefully there will be a new maintainer or multiple in the near future.
And regarding the community remark, you/we are all part of this community and despite all the frustrating bits and peaces we need to solve this together.
Let’s try to be constructive in our responses and if there are frustrations, lets try to close our responses with possible solutions.
Hey all, I just want to drop a quick comment about expectations.
I totally understand that people hitting issues or needing better support can feel frustrated, especially when things don’t “just work” or support feels thin. But it’s worth keeping in mind that the reality is that the SatNOGS project as a whole is pretty massive, with a long history and a lot of components. There’s only so much a small team can do, especially when trying to balance new development, bug fixes, documentation, user questions, and everything in between.
Also, not every open source project is built with future-proof perfection in mind and not every original maintainer sticks around forever. So some areas of the design are indeed aging, a little rough around the edges, or lacking active maintainership; like in this particular case. That’s just the nature of open source. There’s no formal warranty of flawless design or guaranteed community help.
That said, if you’re running into problems, please do share them. Clear reports, reproducible examples, and constructive discussion can go a long way. Better still, if you’re able to contribute back in any way, even small things like docs or triaging issues, it would be greatly appreciated.
We appreciate everyone who uses and supports the project. Just asking for a little understanding on the limits of what a small team can realistically deliver.
Hello nerds, can anybody edit the wiki? My 3d printers churning out Rotator Model parts and I’m about to start Soldering the v2 Controller board so I could revamp the How To with lots of photos and issues (and solutions ) I run into along the way.
Thank You for all the effort you’ve put into this project thus far…I’m clearly standing on the shoulders of giants here.
Yes, this is why we use the wiki, in order to be crowd-sourced
You can login with the same account as here in the forum and edit it. If you need any help with how to write a wiki page or anything similar feel free to ask.
. Just to be clear, I’m not related at all with the satnogs rotator project, with exception of trying to solve 
) I run into along the way.