[CQ-Contest] Wireless Digital Compass

[Bill Coleman]

Might be a little inaccessible to change the batteries….

> On Dec 23, 2021, at 3:56 PM, Chuck Dietz <w5prchuck at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> 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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Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASEL        Mail: aa4lr at arrl.net
Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com
Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!"
            -- Wilbur Wright, 1901