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 Amateur Radio Satellite Operation

 

  PIC 16F688 Satellite Tracking Interface
 
PIC16F688 Satellite Tracker Interface: ST1
 
PIC16F84A LCD 2x16 Satellite Tracking Interface: ST3
 
Advanced Satellite Tracking Interface: ST2
 
  
  

 

 

 

 

 Advanced PIC16F84A LCD Satellite Tracking Interface
 

FD-ST3

The ST1 kit/project was designed as an affordable alternative for radio amateurs and schools, to generate interest in satellite communications, and bring space technology into the classroom.  

However, keeping in mind expectations of the many home brewers' who wanted an interface where there was a possibility to "see" Present Position of the Antenna and wanted to know "what is happening between PC & Rotor!!", ST3 was born out of this requirements in mind.

It provides hardware & firmware to interface satellite tracking software with Yaesu rotators, for automatic antenna azimuth and elevation control.

This kit/project greatly simplifies ham radio contact with astronauts on board the International Space Station (ISS), through a program called Amateur Radio in the International Space Station (ARISS). (Detailed ARISS contact and other relevant information about ARISS can be found at: http://www.arrl.org/ARISS/ )

Satellite communication is generally viewed as an expensive endeavor by most hams. Those who buy expensive equipment to show-off their capability further dilute the charm of satellite operation. With some home brewing efforts, excellent results can be achieved at very low cost.

 

Project Bases:  

Project PCB was designed on a PTH PCB measuring 5 x 10cm. Interface supports Server Easycom and Yaesu GS-232.

The Satellite Antenna Tracking Interface is targeted to interface Yaesu rotators to your PC running either a NOVA for Windows or SatPC software.

Project uses LTC1298 SOIC 12bit A/D chip and a PIC16F84A. SMD chip (LTC) will be supplied pre-soldered on all kits and assembled. Interface takes its power from Yaesu Controller. A Free DIN8 Plug is supplied with kits/Assembled.

A few, fully assembled & tested units are being offered at the moment followed by kits getting ready within a month.

 


Picture of the Completed ST3:

Click to enlarge

 
LCD Removed:

Click to enlarge
LCD Display

Simulation/Test Board for ST3:
 
While connecting satellite tracking interface to Yaesu Rotor Controller, it is always a tough time for operators to know if antenna is following PC commands. (Well, not everybody have a ham shack on terrace!!)

In view to facilitate this operation, I made this small board which simulates Yaesu Rotor Controller. It has 4 direction LEDs and two presets. You may apply DC 12V and check your interface for proper operation. Once all found well, just remove this test board and connect the interface to your Yaesu Rotator Controller by a cable.

Picture of the Test Board:

 
This Test Boards gives you good indication of functioning of your interface & program running on your PC.
Schematics, Details & Parts List:
 
ST3 Tech Info Doc. Tech Info Doc for ST1
 
ST3 Schematic & Parts List Schematic of ST1: Satellite Tracking Interface
ST3 Schematic - JPG JPG
  
ST3 KIT Parts List

Schematic of ST1: Satellite Tracking Interface

Data Sheet LTC1298

Schematic of ST1: Satellite Tracking Interface

 
 Rotator Manuals
  
Yaesu G5500 Manual

Yaesu Rotators

G5500 Front & Back View
G5500 Inter-connection diagram
 
Yaesu G5400-G5600 Manual

Yaesu Rotators

  
  
 Download
 
PIC16F84A Firmware

 

 

 Controlling Software for your PC
  
Nova for Windows

Nova for Windows

 
SatPC32

SatPC

 
AMSAT Satellite Software

AMSAT

 
 
 Buy On-Line
 

To Buy, click on button. 

You may continue adding items from all product pages & when finished, click button to see what all items you have. You may change quantity if required & proceed to "Check-out".

Shipping & Handling charges of $5-7 per order will be added for Registered Air Mail forwarding Worldwide. 

You do not have to be a Paypal member to make this on-line Credit Card payment. 

 

US $ Buy On-Line
 
 
ST3 Complete Kit 
Includes a free test board kit 59.00
Kit Packing List

ST3 Assembled & Tested 69.00
  
PCB with Programmed PIC16F84A 15.00

PCB Only  8.00
 

 

 

 

 


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