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CX2SA > SATDIG 13.10.09 19:16l 1140 Lines 35143 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
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From: CX2SA@CX2SA.LAV.URY.SA
To : SATDIG@WW
Today's Topics:
1. Re: Amsat conference follow-up regarding Cubesats, Education
and Experimental projects and ITU (Trevor .)
2. PIC rotator control (Andrew Rich)
3. Re: PIC rotator control (Stefano Simonetti)
4. Re: PIC rotator control (Andrew Rich)
5. Re: PIC rotator control (Marc Vermeersch)
6. Re: PIC rotator control (Andrew Rich)
7. Re: PIC rotator control (Marc Vermeersch)
8. Re: Mode S Downconverters (2.4GHz) FS (Stefan Wagener)
9. AMSAT Symposium News Posted to the Web (JoAnne Maenpaa)
10. Heads Up! ARISS on 145.800 over North America (JoAnne Maenpaa)
11. Re: PIC rotator control (Alan VE4YZ)
12. Re: AO-51 mode update (John Papay)
13. Re: PIC rotator control (Gregg Wonderly)
14. Re: PIC rotator control (Alan VE4YZ)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Message: 1
Date: Tue, 13 Oct 2009 06:56:29 +0000 (GMT)
From: "Trevor ." <m5aka@xxxxx.xx.xx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Amsat conference follow-up regarding Cubesats,
Education and Experimental projects and ITU
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Message-ID: <577371.59303.qm@xxxxxxxx.xxxx.xxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
Some ITU Amateur Satellite Service info at
http://www.itu.int/ITU-R/space/support/ARS/index.html
A list of Amateur Radio CubeSats and larger Amateur Radio Satellites whose
frequencies have been co-ordinated by the International Amateur Radio Union
(IARU) is at
http://www.amsat.org.uk/iaru/
73 Trevor M5AKA
------------------------------
Message: 2
Date: Tue, 13 Oct 2009 20:22:15 +1000
From: "Andrew Rich" <vk4tec@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] PIC rotator control
To: <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Message-ID: <BE6157E840BC461A9E05C956C56C339D@xxxxxxxxxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Hello
I am re-visting a rotator controller.
I am curious, should I push the processing of the "compare and make a
decision" onto the PIC, or pull that function back into the PC ?
PC is LINUX
I/O is serial
PIC is 16F877
Andrew VK4TEC
------------------------------
Message: 3
Date: Tue, 13 Oct 2009 04:01:54 -0700 (PDT)
From: Stefano Simonetti <iw1rdz@xxxxx.xx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: PIC rotator control
To: Andrew Rich <vk4tec@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx>, amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Message-ID: <552451.1212.qm@xxxxxxxx.xxxx.xxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1
Wouldn't you like flashing the?pic?with the G6LVB tracker firmware and make
the circuit? (google: g6lvb).
I made it with?an old HAMIV rotator and a pic16F877A.
LVB tracker does a great job and speaks serial words Linux could understand.
Steve - Iw1RDZ
________________________________
Da: Andrew Rich <vk4tec@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx>
A: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Inviato: Mar 13 ottobre 2009, 12:22:15
Oggetto: [amsat-bb] PIC rotator control
Hello
I am re-visting a rotator controller.
I am curious, should I push the processing of the "compare and make a
decision" onto the PIC, or pull that function back into the PC ?
PC is LINUX
I/O is serial
PIC is 16F877
Andrew VK4TEC
_______________________________________________
Sent via AMSAT-BB@xxxxx.xxx. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!
Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
__________________________________________________
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spazio gratuito per i tuoi file e i messaggi
http://mail.yahoo.it
------------------------------
Message: 4
Date: Tue, 13 Oct 2009 21:24:42 +1000
From: "Andrew Rich" <vk4tec@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: PIC rotator control
To: "Stefano Simonetti" <iw1rdz@xxxxx.xx>, <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Message-ID: <44FEA71B82CB467B8F34156F841F326E@xxxxxxxxxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Thank you
----- Original Message -----
From: Stefano Simonetti
To: Andrew Rich ; amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Sent: Tuesday, October 13, 2009 9:01 PM
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] PIC rotator control
Wouldn't you like flashing the pic with the G6LVB tracker firmware and
make the circuit? (google: g6lvb).
I made it with an old HAMIV rotator and a pic16F877A.
LVB tracker does a great job and speaks serial words Linux could understand.
Steve - Iw1RDZ
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Da: Andrew Rich <vk4tec@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx>
A: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Inviato: Mar 13 ottobre 2009, 12:22:15
Oggetto: [amsat-bb] PIC rotator control
Hello
I am re-visting a rotator controller.
I am curious, should I push the processing of the "compare and make a
decision" onto the PIC, or pull that function back into the PC ?
PC is LINUX
I/O is serial
PIC is 16F877
Andrew VK4TEC
_______________________________________________
Sent via AMSAT-BB@xxxxx.xxx. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!
Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Poco spazio e tanto spam? Yahoo! Mail ti protegge dallo spam e ti da tanto
spazio gratuito per i tuoi file e i messaggi
http://mail.yahoo.it
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 8.5.421 / Virus Database: 270.14.12/2431 - Release Date: 10/12/09
13:01:00
------------------------------
Message: 5
Date: Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:44:36 +0200
From: "Marc Vermeersch" <amvm@xxxxxx.xx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: PIC rotator control
To: "'Andrew Rich'" <vk4tec@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx>, <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Message-ID: <006e01ca4bfa$8a3f9390$9ebebab0$@xx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Hi Andrew,
I have a PIC based solution currently in the prototype stage. It uses a
PIC18F4455 and drives a Yeasu AZ/EL rotor without the Yeasy control box.
The PC sends information to the PIC (RequestedAZ,RequestedEL) and the PIC
sends back status information to the PC
(RequestedAZ,RequestedEL,CurrentAZ,CurrentEL,Status).
Everything is done by the PIC:
- Control of the rotor motors based on either move-every-n-seconds or
move-when-error-angle-is-greater-than-n
- Measurement of the actual AZ/EL with 10-bit resolution
- Parking when no signal has been coming from the PC in x seconds -or- an
explicit park command is received
- Stall protection
- Some horizon protection: EL cannot go below x when AZ is y to avoid
pointing into my neighbors' bedroom.
- Over the top rotor control (under development)
- ...
I'm using a PIC18F4455 and it is very well capable of doing all that and
more. I have chosen this path for several reasons:
- Eventually I want to run a tracking algorithm in the PIC too
- To make the control loop shorter
- To avoid dependence on the PC part specifically on safety related aspects
like stall control and horizon protection.
- To explore the capabilities of the PIC18
- (Because it's my job to do embedded HW/SW)
BR,
--
/\/\arc
> -----Original Message-----
> From: amsat-bb-bounces@xxxxx.xxx [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@xxxxx.xxxx On
> Behalf Of Andrew Rich
> Sent: dinsdag 13 oktober 2009 12:22
> To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
> Subject: [amsat-bb] PIC rotator control
>
> Hello
>
> I am re-visting a rotator controller.
>
> I am curious, should I push the processing of the "compare and make a
> decision" onto the PIC, or pull that function back into the PC ?
>
> PC is LINUX
>
> I/O is serial
>
> PIC is 16F877
>
> Andrew VK4TEC
>
> _______________________________________________
> Sent via AMSAT-BB@xxxxx.xxx. Opinions expressed are those of the
> author.
> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite
> program!
> Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
------------------------------
Message: 6
Date: Tue, 13 Oct 2009 21:50:14 +1000
From: "Andrew Rich" <vk4tec@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: PIC rotator control
To: "Marc Vermeersch" <amvm@xxxxxx.xx>, <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Message-ID: <065C90AA53CC434EA43C6A85541B1CC9@xxxxxxxxxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
reply-type=original
Kewl
Do you convert
"067" from ascii to binary and then compare that to an A/D value ?
I have worked out how to do binary to ascii
Sometime I wonder if just programming in perl on the LINUX side might be
just as easy
I think potentiometers are used on most rotators ?
Unless stepper motors have entered the scene ?
Andrew
----- Original Message -----
From: "Marc Vermeersch" <amvm@xxxxxx.xx>
To: "'Andrew Rich'" <vk4tec@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx>; <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Sent: Tuesday, October 13, 2009 9:44 PM
Subject: RE: [amsat-bb] PIC rotator control
> Hi Andrew,
>
> I have a PIC based solution currently in the prototype stage. It uses a
> PIC18F4455 and drives a Yeasu AZ/EL rotor without the Yeasy control box.
>
> The PC sends information to the PIC (RequestedAZ,RequestedEL) and the PIC
> sends back status information to the PC
> (RequestedAZ,RequestedEL,CurrentAZ,CurrentEL,Status).
>
> Everything is done by the PIC:
> - Control of the rotor motors based on either move-every-n-seconds or
> move-when-error-angle-is-greater-than-n
> - Measurement of the actual AZ/EL with 10-bit resolution
> - Parking when no signal has been coming from the PC in x seconds -or- an
> explicit park command is received
> - Stall protection
> - Some horizon protection: EL cannot go below x when AZ is y to avoid
> pointing into my neighbors' bedroom.
> - Over the top rotor control (under development)
> - ...
>
> I'm using a PIC18F4455 and it is very well capable of doing all that and
> more. I have chosen this path for several reasons:
> - Eventually I want to run a tracking algorithm in the PIC too
> - To make the control loop shorter
> - To avoid dependence on the PC part specifically on safety related
> aspects
> like stall control and horizon protection.
> - To explore the capabilities of the PIC18
> - (Because it's my job to do embedded HW/SW)
>
> BR,
> --
> /\/\arc
>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: amsat-bb-bounces@xxxxx.xxx [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@xxxxx.xxxx On
>> Behalf Of Andrew Rich
>> Sent: dinsdag 13 oktober 2009 12:22
>> To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
>> Subject: [amsat-bb] PIC rotator control
>>
>> Hello
>>
>> I am re-visting a rotator controller.
>>
>> I am curious, should I push the processing of the "compare and make a
>> decision" onto the PIC, or pull that function back into the PC ?
>>
>> PC is LINUX
>>
>> I/O is serial
>>
>> PIC is 16F877
>>
>> Andrew VK4TEC
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Sent via AMSAT-BB@xxxxx.xxx. Opinions expressed are those of the
>> author.
>> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite
>> program!
>> Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
>
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--
No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 8.5.421 / Virus Database: 270.14.12/2431 - Release Date: 10/12/09
13:01:00
------------------------------
Message: 7
Date: Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:07:00 +0200
From: "Marc Vermeersch" <amvm@xxxxxx.xx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: PIC rotator control
To: "'Andrew Rich'" <vk4tec@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx>, <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Message-ID: <007201ca4bfd$ab3dbec0$01b93c40$@xx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Hi Andrew,
Let's take azimuth as an example. The PC sends a string containing the ascii
value of the required azimuth. That value is converted to a binary value.
That binary value (0-360) is converted to an "expected" 10-bit ADC value
(theoretically 0-1024) for that angle.
The range I get from my rotor is not 0-1024 but roughly 100-950 on one rotor
and 50-800 on the other. Therefore I use a lookup table to do the
conversion. After that I drive the rotor to make the measured angle equal to
the expected angle within a certain tolerance. That makes the motors run
smoothly without "chasing" the desired value.
This can be done in Perl on a LINUX PC, no doubt about that. The control
loop will be longer and you would have to solve some additional problems
like how often do you need to communicate between the PC and the PIC to make
the motors run smoothly.
Good Luck,
--
/\/\arc
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Andrew Rich [mailto:vk4tec@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxxx
> Sent: dinsdag 13 oktober 2009 13:50
> To: Marc Vermeersch; amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
> Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] PIC rotator control
>
> Kewl
>
> Do you convert
>
> "067" from ascii to binary and then compare that to an A/D value ?
>
> I have worked out how to do binary to ascii
>
> Sometime I wonder if just programming in perl on the LINUX side might
> be
> just as easy
>
> I think potentiometers are used on most rotators ?
>
> Unless stepper motors have entered the scene ?
>
> Andrew
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Marc Vermeersch" <amvm@xxxxxx.xx>
> To: "'Andrew Rich'" <vk4tec@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx>; <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
> Sent: Tuesday, October 13, 2009 9:44 PM
> Subject: RE: [amsat-bb] PIC rotator control
>
>
> > Hi Andrew,
> >
> > I have a PIC based solution currently in the prototype stage. It uses
> a
> > PIC18F4455 and drives a Yeasu AZ/EL rotor without the Yeasy control
> box.
> >
> > The PC sends information to the PIC (RequestedAZ,RequestedEL) and the
> PIC
> > sends back status information to the PC
> > (RequestedAZ,RequestedEL,CurrentAZ,CurrentEL,Status).
> >
> > Everything is done by the PIC:
> > - Control of the rotor motors based on either move-every-n-seconds or
> > move-when-error-angle-is-greater-than-n
> > - Measurement of the actual AZ/EL with 10-bit resolution
> > - Parking when no signal has been coming from the PC in x seconds -
> or- an
> > explicit park command is received
> > - Stall protection
> > - Some horizon protection: EL cannot go below x when AZ is y to avoid
> > pointing into my neighbors' bedroom.
> > - Over the top rotor control (under development)
> > - ...
> >
> > I'm using a PIC18F4455 and it is very well capable of doing all that
> and
> > more. I have chosen this path for several reasons:
> > - Eventually I want to run a tracking algorithm in the PIC too
> > - To make the control loop shorter
> > - To avoid dependence on the PC part specifically on safety related
> > aspects
> > like stall control and horizon protection.
> > - To explore the capabilities of the PIC18
> > - (Because it's my job to do embedded HW/SW)
> >
> > BR,
> > --
> > /\/\arc
> >
> >> -----Original Message-----
> >> From: amsat-bb-bounces@xxxxx.xxx [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@xxxxx.xxxx
> On
> >> Behalf Of Andrew Rich
> >> Sent: dinsdag 13 oktober 2009 12:22
> >> To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
> >> Subject: [amsat-bb] PIC rotator control
> >>
> >> Hello
> >>
> >> I am re-visting a rotator controller.
> >>
> >> I am curious, should I push the processing of the "compare and make
> a
> >> decision" onto the PIC, or pull that function back into the PC ?
> >>
> >> PC is LINUX
> >>
> >> I/O is serial
> >>
> >> PIC is 16F877
> >>
> >> Andrew VK4TEC
> >>
> >> _______________________________________________
> >> Sent via AMSAT-BB@xxxxx.xxx. Opinions expressed are those of the
> >> author.
> >> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite
> >> program!
> >> Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
> >
>
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------------------
> ---------
>
>
>
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
> Version: 8.5.421 / Virus Database: 270.14.12/2431 - Release Date:
> 10/12/09
> 13:01:00
------------------------------
Message: 8
Date: Tue, 13 Oct 2009 07:38:19 -0500
From: Stefan Wagener <wageners@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Mode S Downconverters (2.4GHz) FS
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Message-ID: <96217E78-A495-4BA4-BA2D-FCB087C669FA@xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed; delsp=yes
Thanks everyone for the great interest and the kind words.
As expected the units sold immediately and will have a new home soon.
If anyone is interested in some AMSAT satellite memorabilia (the good
old days of oscarlocator) please see the following auction on Ebay.
280409075816
73, Stefan, VE4NSA
On 2009-10-12, at 1:54 PM, Stefan Wagener wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I still have an AIDC 3731 "K5GNA" 2.4GHz downconverter. Never used
>
> In addition, I also have three (3) unmodified CAL 130215
> downconverters with brackets in their original boxes.
>
> Will sell all four pieces for $35 plus shipping. Yes, that's $35 for
> all!
>
> Shipping should be around $35 to US, since the CALs are a bit heavy.
>
> PayPal preferred. Please reply directly to:
>
> wageners(at)gmail.com
>
>
> 73, Stefan VE4NSA
------------------------------
Message: 9
Date: Tue, 13 Oct 2009 09:24:52 -0500
From: "JoAnne Maenpaa" <k9jkm@xxxxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] AMSAT Symposium News Posted to the Web
To: <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Message-ID: <000201ca4c10$f1d227f0$d57677d0$@xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Hello everyone,
News from the 2009 AMSAT Space Symposium in Baltimore has been posted on our
web site: http://www.amsat.org
(the link to ARISSat-1 should be back in service soon.)
--
73 de JoAnne K9JKM
k9jkm@xxxxx.xxx
Editor, AMSAT News Service
Copy Editor, AMSAT Journal
------------------------------
Message: 10
Date: Tue, 13 Oct 2009 10:13:09 -0500
From: "JoAnne Maenpaa" <k9jkm@xxxxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Heads Up! ARISS on 145.800 over North America
To: <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Message-ID: <001b01ca4c17$ad406dc0$07c14940$@xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
This is a quick heads up for two excellent North American mid-continent ISS
passes conducting ARISS School QSOs. 145.800 MHz is the downlink.
First one is today, Tuesday - and next opportunity on Wednesday.
Boundary Beach Elementary, Delta, BC, Canada on Tuesday 13th October at
17:10 UTC. This is a direct contact via VE7LHM
Glenmore Christian Academy, Calgary, Canada on Wednesday 14th October at
16:01 UTC. This is a direct contact via VE6BGC.
If you aren't near your tracking program check out:
http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/tools/predict/satloc.php?lang=en&satellite=IS
S
--
73 de JoAnne K9JKM
k9jkm@xxxxx.xxx
Editor, AMSAT News Service
Copy Editor, AMSAT Journal
------------------------------
Message: 11
Date: Tue, 13 Oct 2009 10:35:14 -0500
From: "Alan VE4YZ" <ve4yz@xxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: PIC rotator control
To: "'Marc Vermeersch'" <amvm@xxxxxx.xx>, "'Andrew Rich'"
<vk4tec@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx>, <amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx>
Message-ID: <A8ABDCC628664629B50E37D419FF8B2F@xxxxxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Marc, Andrew and the group...
It has always struck me as being odd that we use a PC to run a PC(PIC based
tracker box), to run a rotator control box, to run a rotator. Sure it works
but the absurdity of this really hits home when you disassemble your shack
to take it all out for Field Day or an EmComm exercise. I don't! I leave
the PC and LVBtracker at home and take my good old 1990's preprogrammed PIC
based TrakBox that does the radio and rotators.
http://www.tapr.org/kits_trakbox.html
http://picasaweb.google.com/ve4yz.alan/TrakboxRebuild2004#
As I read you comments you are both querying the rotator controller, not the
rotators, to find out where the AL and EL are.
With the power of today's inexpensive netbooks or the OLPC is there not a
solution where the "embedded system is the netbook"? Then, all that would
be required between the PC and the rotator is a black box with relays to
power the rotators and a small A/D interface to take the data from the pots
and pass it onto the PC? A black box easily assembled by most hams. If
open source, then others can do whatever is necessary create mods for
various rotator systems such as pulse counting for stepper motors instead of
A/D etc
My 2 cents.... Alan
> -----Original Message-----
> From: amsat-bb-bounces@xxxxx.xxx
> [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@xxxxx.xxxx On Behalf Of Marc Vermeersch
> Sent: October 13, 2009 6:45 AM
> To: 'Andrew Rich'; amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: PIC rotator control
>
> Hi Andrew,
>
> I have a PIC based solution currently in the prototype stage.
> It uses a
> PIC18F4455 and drives a Yeasu AZ/EL rotor without the Yeasy
> control box.
>
> The PC sends information to the PIC (RequestedAZ,RequestedEL)
> and the PIC sends back status information to the PC
> (RequestedAZ,RequestedEL,CurrentAZ,CurrentEL,Status).
>
> Everything is done by the PIC:
> - Control of the rotor motors based on either
> move-every-n-seconds or move-when-error-angle-is-greater-than-n
> - Measurement of the actual AZ/EL with 10-bit resolution
> - Parking when no signal has been coming from the PC in x
> seconds -or- an explicit park command is received
> - Stall protection
> - Some horizon protection: EL cannot go below x when AZ is y
> to avoid pointing into my neighbors' bedroom.
> - Over the top rotor control (under development)
> - ...
>
> I'm using a PIC18F4455 and it is very well capable of doing
> all that and more. I have chosen this path for several reasons:
> - Eventually I want to run a tracking algorithm in the PIC too
> - To make the control loop shorter
> - To avoid dependence on the PC part specifically on safety
> related aspects like stall control and horizon protection.
> - To explore the capabilities of the PIC18
> - (Because it's my job to do embedded HW/SW)
>
> BR,
> --
> /\/\arc
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: amsat-bb-bounces@xxxxx.xxx
> [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@xxxxx.xxxx
> > On Behalf Of Andrew Rich
> > Sent: dinsdag 13 oktober 2009 12:22
> > To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
> > Subject: [amsat-bb] PIC rotator control
> >
> > Hello
> >
> > I am re-visting a rotator controller.
> >
> > I am curious, should I push the processing of the "compare
> and make a
> > decision" onto the PIC, or pull that function back into the PC ?
> >
> > PC is LINUX
> >
> > I/O is serial
> >
> > PIC is 16F877
> >
> > Andrew VK4TEC
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > Sent via AMSAT-BB@xxxxx.xxx. Opinions expressed are those of the
> > author.
> > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite
> > program!
> > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
>
> _______________________________________________
> Sent via AMSAT-BB@xxxxx.xxx. Opinions expressed are those of
> the author.
> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur
> satellite program!
> Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
>
------------------------------
Message: 12
Date: Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:40:30 -0400
From: John Papay <john@xxxxxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: AO-51 mode update
To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Message-ID: <628815.11692.qm@xxxxxxx.xxx.xxxx.xxx.xxxxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed
Bob,
Just saw the message about L band being activated and
checked it out on the morning western pass. Signals were
much stronger on 435.300 than they were on 435.150 and I
do have polarity switching. Seems like more than 3db.
No one was on the 1303z pass but if you are full duplex,
you can always talk to yourself. I had good copy with
10 watts and your 13T Helix all the way down to 1 degree (my
best direction, southwest). The only thing more power and a
bigger antenna would achieve would be to overcome the radar
interference. No radome on the antenna; we'll leave it this
way over the winter and see what happens when there is snow and
ice.
John K8YSE
------------------------------
Message: 13
Date: Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:32:34 -0500
From: Gregg Wonderly <w5ggw@xxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: PIC rotator control
To: Alan VE4YZ <ve4yz@xxx.xxx>
Cc: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Message-ID: <4AD4ABA2.7050206@xxx.xxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
I'd like to suggest that such systems should have a compass input from a GPS
too
so that as I'm driving mobile, I can have such a rotator strapped in the
back of
my truck, and be able to have it track the pass so I can hear it, and grab the
mic and talk if I need to. I'd also use this for mobile ATV work to keep a
beam
pointed at our ATV repeater.
Gregg Wonderly
W5GGW
Alan VE4YZ wrote:
> Marc, Andrew and the group...
>
> It has always struck me as being odd that we use a PC to run a PC(PIC based
> tracker box), to run a rotator control box, to run a rotator. Sure it works
> but the absurdity of this really hits home when you disassemble your shack
> to take it all out for Field Day or an EmComm exercise. I don't! I leave
> the PC and LVBtracker at home and take my good old 1990's preprogrammed PIC
> based TrakBox that does the radio and rotators.
>
> http://www.tapr.org/kits_trakbox.html
>
> http://picasaweb.google.com/ve4yz.alan/TrakboxRebuild2004#
>
> As I read you comments you are both querying the rotator controller, not the
> rotators, to find out where the AL and EL are.
>
> With the power of today's inexpensive netbooks or the OLPC is there not a
> solution where the "embedded system is the netbook"? Then, all that would
> be required between the PC and the rotator is a black box with relays to
> power the rotators and a small A/D interface to take the data from the pots
> and pass it onto the PC? A black box easily assembled by most hams. If
> open source, then others can do whatever is necessary create mods for
> various rotator systems such as pulse counting for stepper motors instead of
> A/D etc
>
> My 2 cents.... Alan
>
>
>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: amsat-bb-bounces@xxxxx.xxx
>> [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@xxxxx.xxxx On Behalf Of Marc Vermeersch
>> Sent: October 13, 2009 6:45 AM
>> To: 'Andrew Rich'; amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
>> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: PIC rotator control
>>
>> Hi Andrew,
>>
>> I have a PIC based solution currently in the prototype stage.
>> It uses a
>> PIC18F4455 and drives a Yeasu AZ/EL rotor without the Yeasy
>> control box.
>>
>> The PC sends information to the PIC (RequestedAZ,RequestedEL)
>> and the PIC sends back status information to the PC
>> (RequestedAZ,RequestedEL,CurrentAZ,CurrentEL,Status).
>>
>> Everything is done by the PIC:
>> - Control of the rotor motors based on either
>> move-every-n-seconds or move-when-error-angle-is-greater-than-n
>> - Measurement of the actual AZ/EL with 10-bit resolution
>> - Parking when no signal has been coming from the PC in x
>> seconds -or- an explicit park command is received
>> - Stall protection
>> - Some horizon protection: EL cannot go below x when AZ is y
>> to avoid pointing into my neighbors' bedroom.
>> - Over the top rotor control (under development)
>> - ...
>>
>> I'm using a PIC18F4455 and it is very well capable of doing
>> all that and more. I have chosen this path for several reasons:
>> - Eventually I want to run a tracking algorithm in the PIC too
>> - To make the control loop shorter
>> - To avoid dependence on the PC part specifically on safety
>> related aspects like stall control and horizon protection.
>> - To explore the capabilities of the PIC18
>> - (Because it's my job to do embedded HW/SW)
>>
>> BR,
>> --
>> /\/\arc
>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: amsat-bb-bounces@xxxxx.xxx
>> [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@xxxxx.xxxx
>>> On Behalf Of Andrew Rich
>>> Sent: dinsdag 13 oktober 2009 12:22
>>> To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
>>> Subject: [amsat-bb] PIC rotator control
>>>
>>> Hello
>>>
>>> I am re-visting a rotator controller.
>>>
>>> I am curious, should I push the processing of the "compare
>> and make a
>>> decision" onto the PIC, or pull that function back into the PC ?
>>>
>>> PC is LINUX
>>>
>>> I/O is serial
>>>
>>> PIC is 16F877
>>>
>>> Andrew VK4TEC
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Sent via AMSAT-BB@xxxxx.xxx. Opinions expressed are those of the
>>> author.
>>> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite
>>> program!
>>> Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
>> _______________________________________________
>> Sent via AMSAT-BB@xxxxx.xxx. Opinions expressed are those of
>> the author.
>> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur
>> satellite program!
>> Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
>>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Sent via AMSAT-BB@xxxxx.xxx. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!
> Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
>
------------------------------
Message: 14
Date: Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:08:29 -0500
From: "Alan VE4YZ" <ve4yz@xxx.xxx>
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: PIC rotator control
To: <w5ggw@xxxxxxxx.xxx>
Cc: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
Message-ID: <3AE6F874E5314BA49FD9E3A85B9BB8AF@xxxxxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Nice idea Gregg. We do a few near space balloons each year and I have been
bugging some other folks ( because I don't write code ) to consider 2
projects:
1 - rotator control in a moving vehicle to keep a small yagi such as an
Arrow pointed at the APRS signal.
2 - antenna parking based on data from a home WX station such as those
commonly beaconing on APRS systems.
I will copy the 3 of you, Marc, Andrew and Gregg off list with more details.
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Gregg Wonderly [mailto:w5ggw@xxx.xxxx
> Sent: October 13, 2009 11:33 AM
> To: Alan VE4YZ
> Cc: 'Marc Vermeersch'; 'Andrew Rich'; amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
> Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Re: PIC rotator control
>
> I'd like to suggest that such systems should have a compass
> input from a GPS too so that as I'm driving mobile, I can
> have such a rotator strapped in the back of my truck, and be
> able to have it track the pass so I can hear it, and grab the
> mic and talk if I need to. I'd also use this for mobile ATV
> work to keep a beam pointed at our ATV repeater.
>
> Gregg Wonderly
> W5GGW
>
> Alan VE4YZ wrote:
> > Marc, Andrew and the group...
> >
> > It has always struck me as being odd that we use a PC to
> run a PC(PIC
> > based tracker box), to run a rotator control box, to run a
> rotator.
> > Sure it works but the absurdity of this really hits home when you
> > disassemble your shack to take it all out for Field Day or
> an EmComm
> > exercise. I don't! I leave the PC and LVBtracker at home
> and take my
> > good old 1990's preprogrammed PIC based TrakBox that does
> the radio and rotators.
> >
> > http://www.tapr.org/kits_trakbox.html
> >
> > http://picasaweb.google.com/ve4yz.alan/TrakboxRebuild2004#
> >
> > As I read you comments you are both querying the rotator
> controller,
> > not the rotators, to find out where the AL and EL are.
> >
> > With the power of today's inexpensive netbooks or the OLPC is there
> > not a solution where the "embedded system is the netbook"?
> Then, all
> > that would be required between the PC and the rotator is a
> black box
> > with relays to power the rotators and a small A/D interface to take
> > the data from the pots and pass it onto the PC? A black box easily
> > assembled by most hams. If open source, then others can do
> whatever
> > is necessary create mods for various rotator systems such as pulse
> > counting for stepper motors instead of A/D etc
> >
> > My 2 cents.... Alan
> >
> >
> >
> >> -----Original Message-----
> >> From: amsat-bb-bounces@xxxxx.xxx
> >> [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@xxxxx.xxxx On Behalf Of Marc Vermeersch
> >> Sent: October 13, 2009 6:45 AM
> >> To: 'Andrew Rich'; amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
> >> Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: PIC rotator control
> >>
> >> Hi Andrew,
> >>
> >> I have a PIC based solution currently in the prototype stage.
> >> It uses a
> >> PIC18F4455 and drives a Yeasu AZ/EL rotor without the
> Yeasy control
> >> box.
> >>
> >> The PC sends information to the PIC
> (RequestedAZ,RequestedEL) and the
> >> PIC sends back status information to the PC
> >> (RequestedAZ,RequestedEL,CurrentAZ,CurrentEL,Status).
> >>
> >> Everything is done by the PIC:
> >> - Control of the rotor motors based on either
> move-every-n-seconds or
> >> move-when-error-angle-is-greater-than-n
> >> - Measurement of the actual AZ/EL with 10-bit resolution
> >> - Parking when no signal has been coming from the PC in x seconds
> >> -or- an explicit park command is received
> >> - Stall protection
> >> - Some horizon protection: EL cannot go below x when AZ is
> y to avoid
> >> pointing into my neighbors' bedroom.
> >> - Over the top rotor control (under development)
> >> - ...
> >>
> >> I'm using a PIC18F4455 and it is very well capable of
> doing all that
> >> and more. I have chosen this path for several reasons:
> >> - Eventually I want to run a tracking algorithm in the PIC too
> >> - To make the control loop shorter
> >> - To avoid dependence on the PC part specifically on
> safety related
> >> aspects like stall control and horizon protection.
> >> - To explore the capabilities of the PIC18
> >> - (Because it's my job to do embedded HW/SW)
> >>
> >> BR,
> >> --
> >> /\/\arc
> >>
> >>> -----Original Message-----
> >>> From: amsat-bb-bounces@xxxxx.xxx
> >> [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@xxxxx.xxxx
> >>> On Behalf Of Andrew Rich
> >>> Sent: dinsdag 13 oktober 2009 12:22
> >>> To: amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx
> >>> Subject: [amsat-bb] PIC rotator control
> >>>
> >>> Hello
> >>>
> >>> I am re-visting a rotator controller.
> >>>
> >>> I am curious, should I push the processing of the "compare
> >> and make a
> >>> decision" onto the PIC, or pull that function back into the PC ?
> >>>
> >>> PC is LINUX
> >>>
> >>> I/O is serial
> >>>
> >>> PIC is 16F877
> >>>
> >>> Andrew VK4TEC
> >>>
> >>> _______________________________________________
> >>> Sent via AMSAT-BB@xxxxx.xxx. Opinions expressed are those of the
> >>> author.
> >>> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite
> >>> program!
> >>> Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
> >> _______________________________________________
> >> Sent via AMSAT-BB@xxxxx.xxx. Opinions expressed are those of the
> >> author.
> >> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite
> >> program!
> >> Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
> >>
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > Sent via AMSAT-BB@xxxxx.xxx. Opinions expressed are those
> of the author.
> > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur
> satellite program!
> > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
> >
>
------------------------------
_______________________________________________
Sent via amsat-bb@xxxxx.xxx. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
Not an AMSAT member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!
http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
End of AMSAT-BB Digest, Vol 4, Issue 531
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