I finally made it to write a little about the comments of the U-100 project.

True, I still haven't had the time I would like to make the new program work well enough for Field Day 2009 but I'm not done trying either. The encouragement to keep going is coming from hams who have left the below comments.  My initial idea was to come up with something that was inexpensive enough for those that don't have much cash laying around to still be able to track & work satellites.

A bonus popped up during this period.  I've had many inquiries and many who wanted to start the project and those who actually did the project. 

Now that is about the best feeling one can get.  To encourage someone to get out the pencil, paper and soldering gun.  Ta-da!

I have not seen any negative emails yet and I know the gear that I have made in the past was not perfect but I know expanding on it is what hams do.

In one of the below emails there is also a link to see a hams progress.  I have some others that I'll put up later.  So here are just a few comments.

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Well, I ran the program last night and this morning. It is working very well.  

I like the direction indicators and think you should make them full functional in your program. It was fun building the U-100 Controller with the BS1, but I must admit I am looking forward to possibly rebuilding a new controller using the BS2. I wish we knew each other better so I could throw my 2 cents worth in on your program; maybe down the road? 

Anyway, I think you have a fine program and when/if I get this U-100 Feedback circuit done, I will send you the information. 

73s, Dave and I am looking forward to your new program. 

Tom, WD8MBE

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First, let me say thanks for taking your time and working with me on the U-100 Program. I ran Version 1.7.78 today and it worked without a flaw. I like the cosmetics you added.


Now I must tell you that you have set me to thinking on this upgrade. I am full of questions and not a lot of answers, at this time.

I know you are changing the programming to utilize the BS2. Now my questions;

1. Is it the straight BS2 or BS2E or BS2SX?

2. Why the BS2? I know part of it is the additional memory space, baud rate and on-board processing speed. Plus, it has 16 I/O’s.

3. Are you sticking with VB6 or going to VB.net? I heard that VB.net has replaced VB6 and there only slight differences.

4. Are you going for more accuracy? Do you plan on using the manual calibration sequence and break this data down to smaller numbers?

5. Are you staying with the Serial Interface? Just to let you know, I have found application knows on using the BS2 with a parallel port.
I think that is all the questions, as of right now. I am sure I will have more.

Now as far as what I am attempting to do. I see there are a few different ways to approach the feedback issue, Multi-turn potentiometer, Servo feedback or Optical encoder.

I have an extra U-100 Rotor sitting here and check to see what can be fitted into it. Of course then which way is best to go, analog feedback or digital? The digital is better as it would be easier to interface with the BS2.

Anyway, I have kept you long enough. I am looking forward to your new program and I will keep you posted on the feedback issue.

Tom, WD8MBE

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Hello Dave,

            This is a great system you designed for the U100 rotors, My friend Gary N2NRJ & I am gathering up the parts to build your controller to assist us in working the birds.

I couldn’t find any way to register the DDE Satellite tracking software, so

I’m sending you this message in hopes that you will add us to your list of users.

We are using the bs1 on this project board & using Ham Radio Deluxe with the local DDE running , your tracking program is working flawlessly in concert with HRD.

Using a 9vdc battery the stamp is passing 4.85vdc thru P1,P2,P3 &P4 , I assumed it would pass the input voltage of 9v?

I was wondering why it drops to 4.85?

We don’t have the proper relays yet, we bought the wrong type twice already & am having trouble locating 8 of the GB2400-502 94371305 GORDOS/CROUZET.

Thanks for this cool design & all the work involved, we’re excited to get it connected up to the rotors & operational!

 Sincerely,

Doug kc2pcr

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Hi Dave, I hope everything is well in your neck of the woods.

 I have been working on an interface project and came across this. The unit is called the SaebrTrack. It using a Basic Stamp2 and a LTC-1298 A/D converter. I have most of it wired up and have been testing it. The LTC-1298 reads the feedback voltage from the 10k pots that will be installed inside the U-100 rotors.

 A ham, AD5JN, has modified WiSP DDE and has a ver 4.3 on his website. This WispDDE interfaces with just about anything and feeds the information to the BS2.

 The source code for the WiSPDDE is open so I was thinking maybe you could take your software and combine it with the WiSPDDE. With the combination, Hams would get different interface types plus manual rotor control. Here is the link to Ronn Folks satellite page: http://www.ad5jn.com/satellites.htm.

 I have the BS2 and other components setup on a breadboard at this time. The SaebrTrack utilizes a serial LCD to display Azimuth and Elevation plu other info you you so desire.

Anyway, I thought I would give you an update from this end. Hope you have a good week at work.

 73’s

Tom, WD8MBE

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Hi Dave,

Works 110%...getting close to having everything I need to get the antennas up in the air!!

Take care,

Doug

Added a few pictures here:

http://www.cnyara.com/index.php?name=Content&pid=18&page=2