Summary of SATRAN: A WIFI-CONTROLLED SATELLITE ANTENNA TRACKING SYSTEM
The article explains antenna tracking systems that adjust antenna azimuth and elevation to follow moving signal sources like satellites by comparing received signal strength and moving toward increases. It outlines azimuth (0–360°) and elevation (0–180°) meanings and describes SATRAN, a compact, 3D-printable azimuth/elevation rotator controllable via an Android app with a 3D-printed mount compatible with many antennas.
Parts used in the SATRAN:
- Azimuth/elevation rotator assembly
- 3D printed mount
- Motor(s) for azimuth and elevation axes
- Control electronics (controller for two-axis positioning)
- Android-capable WiFi module or interface
- Power supply for motors and electronics
- Antenna compatible with the 3D printed mount
- Screws and mechanical fasteners
An antenna tracking system adjusts the axis of an antenna to follow a moving signal source like a communication satellite. The working of an antenna tracking system is quite simple; the antenna is, first of all, commanded to move in any direction. Then, the level of the received signal is compared with the previous signal intensity. If the strength of the received signal has increased, the antenna is commanded to move in that direction. If the signal level of the received signal has gone down, the antenna moves in the opposite direction, and in this way, an antenna tracking system follows a communication satellite.
The tracking system consists of two main parts: a control part and the physical structure of the antenna. The control part is responsible for making the two-axis positions of the antenna follow a predefined trajectory during satellite tracking. There are two degrees of freedom for an antenna, namely azimuth, and the elevation angle. The elevation angle is used to define how up in the sky the antenna must face. The azimuth angle, on the other hand, tells us in which direction the antenna should face. An azimuth value ranges from 0 to 360 degrees. Here, north is 0 degrees, and when you change the antenna face to the east, it will be 90 degrees and so on. When you return to facing north, completing the rotation, it will read 360 degrees.
The elevation value ranges from 0 to 180 degrees. When the satellite is overhead, the value will be 90 degrees, and when at the horizon, the value will be 0 degrees. So, it is easy to point at the sky with the help of azimuth and elevation values.
Daniel Nikolajsen from Sweden shared his compact satellite antenna tracking device SATRAN. SATRAN is an azimuth/elevation rotator that can be controlled via an android app and can be 3D printed at home. The rotator of the project has a 3D printed mount that is compatible with many different kinds of antennas.
Read more: SATRAN: A WIFI-CONTROLLED SATELLITE ANTENNA TRACKING SYSTEM
- How does an antenna tracking system decide which direction to move?
It compares the current received signal strength with the previous value and moves in the direction that increases signal strength. - What are the two degrees of freedom in satellite antenna tracking?
Azimuth and elevation. - What azimuth range is used to point the antenna?
Azimuth ranges from 0 to 360 degrees, with north at 0 degrees. - What elevation values indicate overhead and horizon positions?
Overhead is 90 degrees and horizon is 0 degrees. - What is SATRAN?
SATRAN is a compact azimuth/elevation rotator that is WiFi-controlled via an Android app and can be 3D printed at home. - Can SATRAN be 3D printed at home?
Yes, the project is described as 3D printable at home. - Is the SATRAN mount compatible with different antennas?
Yes, the 3D printed mount is compatible with many different kinds of antennas. - How is SATRAN controlled?
It can be controlled via an Android app over WiFi.
