antenna-tracker-mechanics

Antenna tracker mechanics with stepper motors made specifically for Open.HD project

This is supposed to be ultimate antenna tracker for heavy antennas superior to any existing and future RC-servo based design.

Stepper motors do not jitter / oscillate when subjected to static torque. This is common problem for RC-servo based trackers especially on TILT axis. This tracker will hold position without any movement. With proper control software, movement can be really smooth.

Tracker is designed with a slip ring on PAN axis. This allows non-rotating control electronics and indefinite rotation of PAN axis. For Open.HD use, USB shall be routed through slipring from Ground Pi housed in lower static part to upper rotating part. TILT Stepper motor is also powered trough slipring.

Done

Tilt Axis Assembly
Movement tests with control board for 3D printers

Work in progress but tested

Pan Axis Assembly

Work in progress but untested

Tripod mounting assembly
Lower part for housing electronics (this will probably change several times)

Future

Software / Firmware support

Components

3D printed parts, easy
8mm hollow tube. Hope USA users can get this. Very common in hardware stores in Europe. Needs to be cut to length with hack saw
M3 screw rod cut to correct length
M3 nuts
Various wood screws
4x 608 Bearing
4x M3 60mm metal stand-offs
1x 1/4-20 UNC nut for tripod mount (This is little complicated in Europe. www.tme.eu sells them. Or you can salvage one from old camera)
1x Strong 46mm x 60mm x 1.6mm plate for tripod mount. Can be old PCB, Aluminum, FR4, G10, CF etc... Needs to be hand cut and drilled unless you have CNC

FAQ

Q: Can I build one?

A: Sure you can! Download .step file take a look. It is not finished and things may change.

Q: Where are the .stl files?

A: There will be none until project is finished. Right now, you will need some CAD knowledge

Q: I can’t source component X. What can I do?

A: Download .step file and make necessary changes in your favorite CAD software (something like Fusion 360)

Q: Is there ready firmware solution to work with this?

A: No. For tests I use old RAMPS board with Marlin firmware inside. It can accept G code and make the tracker moving. Config.h for marlin is available for download

Q: How can I contribute?

A1: Probably by pull request via github with modified .step file. I will download one and take a look and merge changes. A2: Code support for this. There are nice antenna tracker firmware projects around but none has support for stepper drivers. Most notorious are probably Ghettostaion, u360gts, zs6buj tracker, Ardutracker and so on. Pick one

Q: Licence?

A: GNU GPL v2.0

kolins-cz/antenna-tracker-mechanics

antenna-tracker-mechanics