SatNOGS Rotator v3

SatNOGS Rotator v3
SatNOGS Rotator v3
Rotator Information
Type:	Az/El
Cost:	~200 USD
Release Information
Status:	Beta
Latest Release:	Torx Flathead (v3.0.1)
Repository:	[1]
Documentation:	[2]

Intro

v3 marks a major re-haul of the SatNOGS Rotator design, with learnings from v2 applied. You can see a lot of the thinking and background research that was conducted prior to v3 development in this thread.

Specifications

'	SatNOGS v3 Rotator
Plastic Parts	26
Non Printed Parts approx.	345
Cost	~ $220
Controller Electronics	SatNOGS Rotator Controller
Type	Az/El (possible X/Y)
Motors	2x NEMA 17 Stepper or 2x DC Motors
Frame Material	Aluminum T-slot 20x20
Pro
Con

Sourcing

3d Printing at a Fab Lab or you local hackerspace- If you don't have your own 3d printer then a local Fab Lab or hackerspace may be able to do it for you. Fab Labs and hackerspaces are places that have invested in the machinery and you can take the designs to them. Generally they need .stl files to import into the software that runs the machines but this should be discussed with the Fab Lab or hackerspace. You then pay for the colume of material or time or a combination of the two for each of the parts or any other agreement in place. FabLabs:[3] Hackerspaces:[4]

T Slot - If you don't want to cut the pieces yourself then here is a UK supplier[5] Hidden corner connectors - AliExpress gave the cheapest supplier

A good US source is MISUMI-USA, they will also cut to length. MISUMI has several other global locations [6].

Beware, the 20-series T-slot from 80/20 Inc. in the US has slots that are only 5.2mm wide. The hidden corner connectors from e.g. AliExpress will not fit.

Stepper Motors - eBay

Belts - eBay

Fixings / Pipe - eBay

Build Sequence

Make sure you have all parts
Follow the instructions for mechanical assembly
Once mechanical assembly is ready, construct the SatNOGS Rotator Controller and connect it to the assembly.
You are ready! Proceed with testing.

Test Sequence

Test sequence needed

Documentation

Rotators.