I’ve been toying with a idea for some time now, and I think it’s finally in a presentable form. My goal is to build an open source Stewart platform for the purpose of tracking satellite passes.
The first step was evidently to get comfortable with the dynamic involved in the motion of these satellites, and expressing this motion relatively to a station. This has been the purpose of the beyond library, and the space command. I started developing the library in 2015, and kept at it when my free time allowed me. The space command came along as a useful framework for testing stuff.
Now, I want to deal more with electronics and IRL development, so onto the next phase it is !
First step
The initial goal will be to make a Stewart platform suitable to follow a Low Earth Orbit satellite, such as the ISS, and acquire data with a directional antenna, probably in the VHF/UHF range. I set my eyes on Nema17 steppers driving threaded rods as linear actuators, controlled via Arduino. This may be a bit bulky but has the unparalleled advantage to be cheap (less than 200€, as I hope using parts already in my stock).
I barely started with prototyping, but want to get kicking soon. I will try to keep this blog updated when there is news.
Final objective
In the end, the final product should be able to track satellites and collect telemetry in Ka/Ku bands. I would really like to transmit data as well, but I should get a license for this first, and it’s not a priority right now.
And also, use the platform as a telescope mount, because why not !