kc4umo
07-28-2007, 07:03 PM
Well, I am now having a blast with the satellites.
Got my Yaesu 726 realigned and working properly.
Got my antennas all together (homebrew).
Have a radio shack rotor and an alliance for elevation.
Yes, everything is basic and manual. Just the way I like it. Other than a computer program to track with, everything is basic manual operation.
Now everyone knows how agrivating the old alliance rotors are. The knob is meant to be turned from one setting to the next and left alone. With constant tuning they get off quick. To move the rotator, all is needed is a 24 volt transformer and a 70 mf capaictor.
The problem is in knowing just where the antenna is pointed. So I am going to be playing around with the idea of adding a varible resistor, A dual segment LED, and a circuit to drive the LED.
Basicly what I want to achieve is a 0 to 90 readout on the display. Add a couple of limit switches so it will not over turn the pot(unless use a multi turn pot). And not have to worry about where the antennas are actually pointed.
Any thoughts, ideas. Pros cons?
I know I can go out and buy all the lastest stuff that is all computer driven right down to doppler shift. And I do not have any problem with anyone that wants to do it that way. To me it is about learning, homebrewing, failing and achieving.
That is the awarding part of Amature Radio.......
Got my Yaesu 726 realigned and working properly.
Got my antennas all together (homebrew).
Have a radio shack rotor and an alliance for elevation.
Yes, everything is basic and manual. Just the way I like it. Other than a computer program to track with, everything is basic manual operation.
Now everyone knows how agrivating the old alliance rotors are. The knob is meant to be turned from one setting to the next and left alone. With constant tuning they get off quick. To move the rotator, all is needed is a 24 volt transformer and a 70 mf capaictor.
The problem is in knowing just where the antenna is pointed. So I am going to be playing around with the idea of adding a varible resistor, A dual segment LED, and a circuit to drive the LED.
Basicly what I want to achieve is a 0 to 90 readout on the display. Add a couple of limit switches so it will not over turn the pot(unless use a multi turn pot). And not have to worry about where the antennas are actually pointed.
Any thoughts, ideas. Pros cons?
I know I can go out and buy all the lastest stuff that is all computer driven right down to doppler shift. And I do not have any problem with anyone that wants to do it that way. To me it is about learning, homebrewing, failing and achieving.
That is the awarding part of Amature Radio.......