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SATRAN Satellite Tracking Antenna

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Automatic Antenna Rotator for Amateur Radio Satellites

Kits will be available very soon, but if you have a 3D-printer you
can buy only the electronics and print most parts yourself, since the
hardware is open source.

The onboard microprocessor has wifi-capability and can be controlled
automatically with an easy to use android app.

The rotator has a mount that allows for many different kinds of
antennas, a small satellite dish or perhaps even a camera.

All in all, SATRAN might be the only Az-El rotator for less than
200USD on the market.

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Screenshot of the first android prototype app, currently in
development

Who is it for?

Amateur radio is a great hobby for tech lovers and today there are a
variety of satellites that even non-licensed hobbyists can listen to
using cheap SDR equipment (Software Defined Radio). Some send simple
telemetry-data and others even allow two-way communication.

Many "CubeSATs" are now also in orbit - small, privately funded
satellites built by schools, universities and enthusiasts. Even the
international space station regularly transmits images by radio,
using what is called "Slow Scan TV".

Learn more at AMSAT.org

"Make Space Accessible to All"

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Compact dimensions

The outer dimensions are only approx 18x15x15cm and houses both the
Nema17 stepper motors and the controller board inside the black,
splash-proof casing.

The hardware consists mainly of 3D-printed parts, CNC-cut plastic
sides and a top cover in aluminium sheet metal.

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Cables run through center

The azimuth turntable has no center, allowing for power and RF cables
to run through. Perfect for mounting it on top of a pipe.

Limit switches keep track of the turntables position, not to twist
the cables too far. In the future I hope to offer slip rings (rotary
cable joint) as an upgrade option, allowing endless rotation.

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Wifi connectivity + app

Communication with the tracker runs over HTTP via your local
WLAN-setup (b/g/n), no cables needed. It can even be controlled over
the Internet if you want it to.

The smartphone app for android can be used to control the rotor, but
interfacing with other positioning software might be possible in the
future.

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360+100 degrees freedom

The azimuth can turn a full 360 degrees, and the elevation
approximately 100 degrees from zenith, covering the entire sky even
when mounted high above the horizon.

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Downloads

If you have a 3D-printer, you can print your own parts...

>> MK1 Bill of materials (pdf)

Complete STL print files will be available soon!

Follow the project at Hackaday.io

The prototyping is featured on Hackaday where the development is
being documented as a blog.

Visit Hackaday.io >>

Feel free to donate

Development and prototyping is expensive and my resources are very
limited. Donate and help make the project open source.

Donate with PayPal >>

I want to buy one!

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purchase

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