Amateur Radio Station KDOZW

1.8Mhz to 5.9Ghz

Amateur Radio Station KDOZW

Feedback on new SAT-TRAC 32 system

How is it working:

After slowing down the motors, see Arduino Due tip #18, the system is 100% reliable and tracking very accurately. The auto-calibration system has worked well.

  • The new 1″ steel pipe with an iron flange has really given the SAT-TRAC 32 remote a fighting chance with these winds. Flexing back and forth with the previous aluminum alloy spindle and with its 5/8 18 TPI bolt attachment on the top of the tripod eventually stripped and was ready to topple. After the pipe retrofit…Like my Dad used to say, “It isn’t going anywhere”. It added a few pounds to the remote, but there is peace of mind that it won’t break off its mount.
Bottom support of the SAT-TRAC 32 system
Stainless Steel hardware
Gromets cushion the mount
  • Slowing down the motors is giving ZW3 a quiet, graceful track and is working 100%!
AS5600 sensor with 6mm diametric magnet
3 ch programmable PWM generator
5v FET FET/LED/H-Bridge or /Relay driver board
  • The AS5600s are working well and 12-bit accuracy is real nice. I notice they are rock solid with temps fluctuating day & night to 30-40 degrees from the highs. With analog pots, you would see a fluctuation that could be dramatic when you are measuring millivolts. I’m pleased to see it work well. According to the specifications, they would be good down to -40F.
  • The FET dual H-bridge is working well. With the programmable PWM generator, I’m pleasantly surprised at how smooth and accurate it controls the tracker. FETs are the way to go!
Drok 7A Dual H-Bridge motor driver mounted on polycarbonate.
  • The DAC0 & DAC1 (Digital to Analog converters) on the Due, feed the controller with AZ & EL position instantaneously. I’ve been impressed with how consistent the values for AZ & EL are arriving at 100ft from the tracker. With minimal multiple sampling, the numbers are right on. No jitter here… It’s always been an issue in the past.
  • The 2.4ghz remote control is having difficulty reaching the remote thru all the metal in the house, as well as all of the 2.4ghz internet access ports competing for air space. In the line of sight scenario, there is no problem. I directly connected so all features can be used.
  • The 5.8ghz transmitter at 200mw is reaching my receiver at 100ft away with a 15dbi antenna. The video quality is good. However, there are interruptions in certain areas where the antenna is being blocked by the tracker. I expected that. My shack is as far from the tracker as possible.
  • Satellite operators have given me good reports. Looks like an accurate lock on the satellites even with minimal power gets the job done.