Difference between revisions of "Rotators"

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The SatNOGS Client uses [http://hamlib.sourceforge.net/ hamlib] to speak to a rotator. With this, we are able to support almost any commercially available rotator, and have the flexibility to support home built rotators that implement protocols like [https://www.mustbeart.com/software/easycomm.txt EasyComm] or Yaesu GS-232.
 
The SatNOGS Client uses [http://hamlib.sourceforge.net/ hamlib] to speak to a rotator. With this, we are able to support almost any commercially available rotator, and have the flexibility to support home built rotators that implement protocols like [https://www.mustbeart.com/software/easycomm.txt EasyComm] or Yaesu GS-232.
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In this [https://wiki.satnogs.org/Review_of_Commercial_Rotator wiki page] you could read a review about the AZ/EL rotators, which are popular in HAM community.
  
 
If you would rather start with a stationary antenna setup (no rotator), see our [[Omnidirectional Station How To|omnidirectional guide]].
 
If you would rather start with a stationary antenna setup (no rotator), see our [[Omnidirectional Station How To|omnidirectional guide]].

Revision as of 16:35, 1 March 2019


The SatNOGS Client uses hamlib to speak to a rotator. With this, we are able to support almost any commercially available rotator, and have the flexibility to support home built rotators that implement protocols like EasyComm or Yaesu GS-232.

In this wiki page you could read a review about the AZ/EL rotators, which are popular in HAM community.

If you would rather start with a stationary antenna setup (no rotator), see our omnidirectional guide.

Commercial Rotators

Homebuilt Rotators

G5500.jpg

Yaesu G-5500

The G-5500 is a common rotator for amateur radio AZ/EL applications. The SatNOGS client interfaces with this rotator via the hamlib library. While a commercial computer interface is available from Yaesu, the SatNOGS project provides an open hardware design that is much cheaper.

30033213301 ef78e64120 k.jpg

SatNOGS Rotator v2

The v2 rotator is not recommended, as v3 provides much greater strength and durability. These docs remain for historical purposes.

Portable Rotation.jpg

Portable Rotation AZ/EL

Docs to be written, but we do have successful stations using this rotator with the SatNOGS client.

V3.jpg

SatNOGS Rotator v3

The v3 rotator is a complete overhaul on the v2 design. The 2020 slotted extrusion frame and larger gears provide for a stronger rotator with greater wind loading.

Alfa Spid.jpg

Alfa Spid X-Y

Dwingleloo.png

Dwingeloo Radio Observatory

(okay, you're not likely to keep a deep space observatory on the network, but it has been done!)