I was thinking of building the SATNOGS Rotator, but it looks like nothing has been posted in the github for 5 years, and there is nothing in the releases. Not even the first release.
Why was the first release deleted?
Was there something wrong?
It appears the source files are still there, but the directions say the .stl files are in the release, which is empty.
Is there another preferred rotator to use?
I could not find anything in the forums for it in a long time either like 2018 or 2019.
I built the v3 rotator a couple years ago still use it today. The build files for the 3d parts are here. I opted for driving it with an arduino uno/cnc shield using @quartapound’s code here referenced this thread from 2019.
Further development of the satnogs rotator does seem to have gone stale but it’s still a relatively cheap (ish) way to obtain a az/el rotator. Checkout Yaesu 5500 ($) or Spid RAS rotators ($$) for more expensive COT options.
about the G5500, not super easy to buy nowadays. the elevation part is a “kenpro kr-500” and sits on top of a “yaesu g-800”. it is possible to bolt them together and modify the original control boxes to hook a k3ng rotator to it. a bit messy on the kenpro controller as it has poor voltage stabilization and needs relays to be added for control.
better to get (or retrofit) the g-800 with a dc motor if you want to use/build a simple controller for it.
I’m looking to build the rotator as well but have the same doubts. Also, on the wiki the “instructions for mechanical assembly” link gives a “bad gateway” error. I found parts of an assembly guide on Dozuki, but only for the azimuth frame. Any help appreciated. Is the rotator project deprecated?
Hey, I’m happy that there’s at least 3 active Satnogs Rotator still here. I’m going to build a new thread on my build, maybe we can share each other update and progress in the future!
What issues did you have? About homing sensor, maybe it’s connected to the wrong pin, it’s X+ for the X axis and Y+ for the Y axis (mine was but it’s finally working). Also did you use optical encoder?
Thanks for getting back to me! I actually figured it out and have it working! Now I just need to get it actually setup with my Yagis and try it out (hoping for tomorrow)!
I followed Quartapound’s wiki to a T, but ran into the AZ wouldn’t register during the homing sequence. The problem was the board had a mis-print/labeled incorrectly or was soldered wrong. I had to change the stepper endstop wires from Y to Z on the CNC Shield. I had to tear this thing apart, bought another arduino and shield and new drivers, new wires, all to find out that it was the wrong pins! But I did learn a lot from this and hope to build a second one (now that I have extra parts!)
I would love to collab, while I am grateful for the instructions/guidance and gitlab fork we have access too, I’d love to contribute to make this a much more approachable project for those with a little less experience (much like myself)!
My personal suggestions if I were to build this all over again:
A dedicated/consolidated wiki/set of instructions purely dedicated to the V3.
A curated BOM
SLT repo for the 3d parts (with new recommendations on slicing) the first set with basic initial parameters was WAY to weak, I ended up using PETG, 7 perimeters and 100% fill! The gears are near unbreakable.
Code Fork in Github/lab–> one change I would make to the code (and I’m NOT a coder) but I found ChatGPT helped me to integrate lines to debug/troubleshoot in the Arduino IDE.
Schematics/wiring diagrams for the Arduino/CNC Shield/A4988 Drivers/etc…
Build tip/tricks, FAQ for those weird one-offs.
I know this doesn’t cover everything but it’s a start. I’ll post here again when I have it fully tested out and working and I’ll keep my eye out to see if you’ve started your own fork!
Cheers, happy new year and thank you (all) again! I’m stoked that this project is still alive!
Happy New year too! That would be a great start, there’s a couple of ideas that could be used to “upgrade” the v3.1 such as thrust bearings and a third axis to tuned out the polarization. I’ll post on my thread later
Well, I dropped the ball on this one. Sorry for my delay and I’m glad you got it figured out. I have mine working but to be honest, I’m just not happy with it. I want to figure out how to include the encoders in my build but, the snow has set in and I’m not dragging it back and forth to test and tune… it is currently set on a homemade sled with an Arrow antenna and working.
I built the stepper version and am using the CNC shield configuration. I had the same issue with the endstop pins.
I’m also using Ham Radio Deluxe to do the rotator control. I purchased a small windows PC to put in a waterproof box that hangs underneath the rotator its sole purpose is to control the rotator with HRD. If only I could find the time and will power to incorporate the encoders… it would be my perfect setup.
If you will have me, I’ll be happy to contribute to the new “wiki” on building and best practices. I’m not much for programming but i am a tinkerer and love to find ways to modify the mousetrap…
Happy new year and no worries here! Like ya’ll, my time on these things is very limited, so I know I get impatient when I can’t get it to work!
How did you solve the stepper/endstop pin prob?
How did you get HRD to do the rotator control? Do I just need to change the .bat to EasyComm II? HRD doesn’t seem to support EasyComm III… eventually you’ll have to walk me through how you did that!
Like you i’m not a programmer, I’m tinkering/figuring stuff out by brute force and a little chatgpt. I hope to get some time later this week to try and start building my own personal fork that I can help migrate on github/lab. We’ll get there eventually, just a few steps at a time!
Encoders in a stepper build ?
steppers are synchronous and positioning, if you have issues with them not moving the way you want they are slipping and need either higher drive current, slower speed or microstepping.
I have built a SuperAntennaz variant and discovered that small stepper drivers was just not cutting it, they are fantastic for small motors but not for bigger ones.
Also, 3D-printers use steppers without encoders and they do just fine when within the limitations mentioned above.
It seems to be running ok but doesn’t report its position to the software. That’s the only reason I want to attempt the encoders. Not a crucial thing. I should look into a bigger better driver. Have recommendations?
Doesn’t the Arduino count the step and send its position to the software? Or you mean encoder that report back and send the actual position instead relying on the Arduino counting the step? If so you’ll need absolute encoder (not incremental one).
And as SA2KNG says and from my experience, stepper motor without encoder will work fine and accurately as long as you don’t overload it. I think you just need tweak the current and adjust the micro stepping for your mount (a bigger micro stepping will and does reduce the motor torque), also don’t forget to add grease .
From what I’ve used in the past, DRV8825 is a slight upgrade from A4988 if you haven’t use it and LV8729 or TMC2208/2209 is much better replacement .
I’ve heard this before, and I know for a fact that the satnogs rotator firmware reports back position without using encoders. I don’t know where this wrong conclusion comes from. if you’re using software that doesn’t poll this correctly ? I’m not sure.
I have built a v3 rotor a while ago and it did not survive the last summer (the main bearing mount of the azimuth axis bent because of the heat).
We now built a SuperAntennaz rotor with a custom 3d printed “weather shield” that we still need to start using (it is already mounted on the roof but I did not have the time to do the initial testing to see if everything is working reliably).
So far the build experience of it was much smoother than the v3 rotor. If everything is working we will publish the weather shield 3d files (mostly there to protect the end stops).
I’d love to see this, static & in action! Do you think you could 3d print the parts rather than cnc/fab them? Also, I didnt see the fab’d parts files/drawings in the github, or did i miss them?
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