saveitforparts | I Built A Cheap Satellite Tracking System From Spare Parts @saveitforparts | Uploaded March 2024 | Updated October 2024, 1 hour ago.
This is a project I've been working on for a while: automated satellite tracking! The system uses an old security camera pan/tilt mount to aim a small parabolic dish. It's run by an Arduino microcontroller, I think this is the first time I've actually tried one of those for anything useful! The system can be controlled from standard ham radio software like Gpredict or Satdump.
I based much of this project on the SARCNet rotator Mk1, found here: sarcnet.org/rotator-mk1.html
Instead of the Aptinex Tricac board, I'm using four 5v relays:
amzn.to/3TokZ1g
The PTZ mount is a Pelco unit I got from Ax-Man Surplus. I actually found most of the parts for this project at Ax-Man, you can find them here: ax-man.com
I'm also using this sensor module:
amzn.to/48COTDu
I use a software-defined radio to listen to the satellite transmissions:
amzn.to/3TolB74
And I have a SAWbird+GOES filter/amplifier on the antenna feed to maximize the signal from L-band satellites (~1.7ghz).
amzn.to/4bXZgEZ
(Buying from the Amazon links gives me a small commission and doesn't cost you any extra! It's a great way to support content like this!)
The dish is a surplus 5.8ghz Wireless network antenna that another ham gave me. The feed is a helical L-band design based on this: sgcderek.github.io/tools/helix-calc.html
Software I'm using includes:
Gpredict: sourceforge.net/projects/gpredict
SDR++: sdrpp.org
SatDump: satdump.org
This system could easily be modified for Hamsat / Cubesat use with other antennas. I have a few old security camera mounts around, so I'll probably modify another one in the future to have 2m/70cm antennas for Amsat / space station repeater operation.
It could also be used as a small radio telescope, basically a step up from the Tailgater and Carryout telescopes I've been playing with (youtube.com/watch?v=4a2HjE11DcQ)
Saveitforparts t-shirts and other merch at saveitforparts.myspreadshop.com
Join this channel to get access to perks:
youtube.com/channel/UCNLRcEn78Vc62C3GkMvBgtA/join
Or support me via Patreon at patreon.com/saveitforparts
Check out gadgets and devices I like at amazon.com/shop/saveitforparts
This is a project I've been working on for a while: automated satellite tracking! The system uses an old security camera pan/tilt mount to aim a small parabolic dish. It's run by an Arduino microcontroller, I think this is the first time I've actually tried one of those for anything useful! The system can be controlled from standard ham radio software like Gpredict or Satdump.
I based much of this project on the SARCNet rotator Mk1, found here: sarcnet.org/rotator-mk1.html
Instead of the Aptinex Tricac board, I'm using four 5v relays:
amzn.to/3TokZ1g
The PTZ mount is a Pelco unit I got from Ax-Man Surplus. I actually found most of the parts for this project at Ax-Man, you can find them here: ax-man.com
I'm also using this sensor module:
amzn.to/48COTDu
I use a software-defined radio to listen to the satellite transmissions:
amzn.to/3TolB74
And I have a SAWbird+GOES filter/amplifier on the antenna feed to maximize the signal from L-band satellites (~1.7ghz).
amzn.to/4bXZgEZ
(Buying from the Amazon links gives me a small commission and doesn't cost you any extra! It's a great way to support content like this!)
The dish is a surplus 5.8ghz Wireless network antenna that another ham gave me. The feed is a helical L-band design based on this: sgcderek.github.io/tools/helix-calc.html
Software I'm using includes:
Gpredict: sourceforge.net/projects/gpredict
SDR++: sdrpp.org
SatDump: satdump.org
This system could easily be modified for Hamsat / Cubesat use with other antennas. I have a few old security camera mounts around, so I'll probably modify another one in the future to have 2m/70cm antennas for Amsat / space station repeater operation.
It could also be used as a small radio telescope, basically a step up from the Tailgater and Carryout telescopes I've been playing with (youtube.com/watch?v=4a2HjE11DcQ)
Saveitforparts t-shirts and other merch at saveitforparts.myspreadshop.com
Join this channel to get access to perks:
youtube.com/channel/UCNLRcEn78Vc62C3GkMvBgtA/join
Or support me via Patreon at patreon.com/saveitforparts
Check out gadgets and devices I like at amazon.com/shop/saveitforparts
