[CQ-Contest] Wireless Digital Compass

[Chuck Dietz]

This looks promising: https://www.scigiene.com/Industrial-RFI-0264

Chuck W5PR

On Thu, Dec 23, 2021 at 1:03 PM <wc1m73 at gmail.com> wrote:

> 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
>
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