How about using wireless video cameras? That wouldn't be as precise as a
compass, but should allow recalibration to get back in the right ballpark. HF
beamwidth is pretty forgiving.
I don't know if wireless cameras that offer a switchable infrared option are
available, so you might have to install remotely controlled spotlights.
73, Dick WC1M
-----Original Message-----
From: Ken Widelitz <widelitz@gte.net>
Sent: Tuesday, December 21, 2021 5:24 PM
To: CQ-contest@contesting.com
Subject: [CQ-Contest] Wireless Digital Compass
Problem: My VY2TT antennas constantly get out of sync with my rotator
controllers due to high winds causing slippage, even with extra heavy duty
rotator mast clamps. I am remoting my station, so when operating remotely I
won't be able to go out with a compass and sync the rotator controllers.
Anyone else run into this problem, especially remote stations?
Solution: A wireless digital compass on each yagi. At my home station I have
the 4O3A Rotator Genius that uses a wired digital compass. The problem with the
wired devices is in PEI there are very long runs to the yagis from the shack
and the Rotator Genius is expensive (about $660 per device for 2 rotators.)
Also, at home a problem I have had is the outside Cat5 cable connectors go bad,
even with weatherproofing. I have researched wireless digital compasses and I
have found nothing satisfactory available. There is one product focused on cell
sites that is subscription based, but I can't get them to respond to my
inquiries. After consultation with a microcontroller developer, it appears that
a solution can be configured that will allow 4 compass sensors/transmitters to
send data to one microcontroller receiver via 433mhz rf with a range of 200
yards. The receiver will upload the data via wifi to a web app. To save battery
life, the data is transmitted once a day or after the direction
changes by more than some threshold, perhaps 10 degrees. If the battery life
is still not long enough, a solar panel can be added to each
sensor/transmitter. I'm wondering if there is any interest in this as a
"product." My estimate is each set of 4 TX/1RX would run about $200. Feedback
is welcome, even if it is to tell me this is a terrible idea (but I would like
to know why you think so.) 73, Ken, K6LA / VY2TT
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