Tracking SystemTracking SystemDaniel RaineyDaniel Rainey

Acknowledgements:Acknowledgements:Michael ParkerMichael ParkerJohn JensenJohn Jensen

Rincon Research CorpRincon Research Corp. .

Arizona Space Grant 2008-2009 Statewide SymposiumArizona Space Grant 2008-2009 Statewide Symposium April 18April 18thth 2009 2009

ObjectiveObjective

To create a tracking system using To create a tracking system using received GPS coordinates to steer an received GPS coordinates to steer an antenna rotator to point directly at a target. antenna rotator to point directly at a target.

Designed with idea that target would be Designed with idea that target would be orbiting satellites, high altitude weather orbiting satellites, high altitude weather balloons, or anything else that needs to be balloons, or anything else that needs to be tracked.tracked.

The systems we usedThe systems we used

GPS – global GPS – global positioning satellite to positioning satellite to attain latitude, attain latitude, longitude, and altitude longitude, and altitude measurements.measurements.

Automatic packet Automatic packet reporting system reporting system (APRS) to send and (APRS) to send and receive “packets” of receive “packets” of GPS informationGPS information

The rotator The rotator

Azimuth/elevation Azimuth/elevation high output rotator high output rotator

Assembly and Assembly and calibration calibration

Elevation worm gear

OR-288P-DC AZ. Positioner

MT-1000 EL. Positioner

The ControllerThe Controller The antenna controller, RC2800PRKX, was The antenna controller, RC2800PRKX, was

essential for communications with the AZ/EL essential for communications with the AZ/EL rotatorsrotators

It served as the link between the computer It served as the link between the computer and the rotator through an RS 232 serial port.and the rotator through an RS 232 serial port.

ProgrammingProgramming

We used Python to write code. We used Python to write code. Program had to intercept APRS Program had to intercept APRS

packets from Kenwood receiver packets from Kenwood receiver through serial port, calculate total through serial port, calculate total azimuth and elevation (taking into azimuth and elevation (taking into account elliptical curvature of earth), account elliptical curvature of earth), and build a specific string script to send and build a specific string script to send to the controller which would then be to the controller which would then be forwarded to the rotatorforwarded to the rotator

A glimpse at the codeA glimpse at the code

Ground stationGround station

Things we learned/strengthenedThings we learned/strengthened RF signal processing: power ratios, signal to RF signal processing: power ratios, signal to

noise, etc.noise, etc. How to operate and analyze devices such as a How to operate and analyze devices such as a

spectrum analyzer and oscilloscopespectrum analyzer and oscilloscope In depth programmingIn depth programming Using RS232 serial interfaceUsing RS232 serial interface Assembly of mechanical rotator partsAssembly of mechanical rotator parts Spherical trig and lots of vector algebraSpherical trig and lots of vector algebra

Spectrum Analyzer

Oscilloscope

Future DirectionsFuture Directions

The ground station we created could The ground station we created could potentially be used to point an antenna or potentially be used to point an antenna or large satellite dish at a satellite. When an large satellite dish at a satellite. When an antenna is pointed directly at the source of antenna is pointed directly at the source of a signal is when the signal is received a signal is when the signal is received best.best.

This system could also be made portable, This system could also be made portable, and aid in recovery of high altitude rockets and aid in recovery of high altitude rockets and weather balloon instruments. and weather balloon instruments.

Thank YouThank You