[CQ-Contest] Wireless Digital Compass

[wc1m73 at gmail.com]

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 at gte.net> 
Sent: Tuesday, December 21, 2021 5:24 PM
To: CQ-contest at 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