[amsat-bb] Re: ISS visable

[John Floyd]

I have the same set-up and problem. I haven't tried it yet but a wise and trusted friend told me the issue was a saggy power supply in the controller. When the motors were running there was less voltage to the end of the pot for position information and when the motors stop more voltage and bang position error that needs to be corrected. motors back on etc.   He suggested large electrolytics on the dc rail and smaller caps on the position voltage. all external to the controller so easy to try but too busy to play right now. Another alternative was additional voltage regulation on the ends of the pots.  If it works please let me know.
John
KN4GE
________________________________________
From: amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org [amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org] on behalf of Jim Jerzycke [kq6ea at verizon.net]
Sent: 04 January 2011 00:03
To: gerhardstein at montana.com
Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: ISS visable

What tracking program are you running? I know in the "Rotor Setup" of
SatPC32 there are parameters that you can adjust that will 'smooth out'
a lot of the start/stop jerkiness. You can command the rotor to move at
specified time intervals, or when the tracked object changes position by
an adjustable number of degrees.
You also have to consider the pattern of your antenna. If the 3dB points
of your antenna are 30*, it makes _no_ sense to move them every 5*. The
first time I ran a PC controlled Az/El setup I was using one of the
"Ultimate Charger" controllers, and I didn't think to 'open up' the
dead-band setting. I thought the antennas were going to shake themselves
(and the tower!) apart.
I don't recall the settings I'm using with SatPC32 and my Fox Delta LVB
'clone', but it tracks very smoothly. with little antenna shake.
Jim  KQ6EA

On 01/04/2011 01:00 AM, Larry Gerhardstein wrote:
> My 5500 az/el does the same thing.
>
> Larry W7IN
>
> On 1/2/2011 6:53 PM, Bob- W7LRD wrote:
>
>> Happy New Year
>>
>> I just watched the ISS pass over Seattle.  Always glad to help!  I was watching my satellite array track the ISS and noticed how "jerky" it is every time it increments.  I have a 5400 az/el with LVB tracker.  Made me wonder if I could get more life out of the rotors if there were a "soft start" of sorts for the rotors.  The bouncing back and forth with each adjustment  made me think the gears are getting a workout.
>>
>> 73 Bob W7LRD
>>
>> Seattle
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