Antenna rotator

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

JERD - 20 Nov 2007 04:19 GMT

I am wondering if anyone has managed to convert/use a standard antenna
rotator for tracking purposes? I know that very expensive antenna rotators
are available for this use but hey there is no fun or challenge in that!

Want to use it to automate tracking the sun - have two solar panels mounted
on one, currently using manual control.

If you want to see what I am talking about here is a link to the picture (
bottom one) of what I am using.

http://www.flightsimulatorandhobbies.com/solar.htm

-----------------------------------------
You have hobbies. I have hobbies.
Chances are I have one that you don't.
I'll leave it up to you to decide!
http://www.flightsimulatorandhobbies.com/
-----------------------------------------

Reply to this Message

Dorfus Dippintush - 22 Nov 2007 23:53 GMT

> I am wondering if anyone has managed to convert/use a standard antenna
> rotator for tracking purposes? I know that very expensive antenna rotators
[quoted text clipped - 14 lines]
> http://www.flightsimulatorandhobbies.com/
> -----------------------------------------

If I was doing it I would mount the panels on a pivot that rotates with
the suns axis, then you only have to tilt the panels on a simple pivot.
To control the drive motor you have two light sensors separated by a
simple vertical shade. If more light falls on one sensor than the other
the panel is moved until the light on both sensors is the same.

Astronomers call this type of mount an equatorial mount.

Dorf

Reply to this Message

Rheilly Phoull - 25 Nov 2007 03:53 GMT

>I am wondering if anyone has managed to convert/use a standard antenna
>rotator for tracking purposes? I know that very expensive antenna rotators
[quoted text clipped - 14 lines]
> http://www.flightsimulatorandhobbies.com/
> -----------------------------------------

Check out http://www.redrok.com/main.htm for a few circuits, I imagine that
you should be able to hack the motor connections to suit.

Signature

Cheers .......... Rheilly P

Reply to this Message

Electronics Forum / Electronics / November 2007

Antenna rotator