A big update for the blog today. The prototype has secretly been up and running for a while to try out different scenarios and to develop the code. It's already much better than the previous "MK1" rotator in many aspects. 

The fact that the MK2 uses positioning sensors instead of end limit switches, gives you an instant reading of where it is pointing and the chances of it dropping the count is basically zero. 

Also the code has been completely rewritten so that both the motors can turn simultaneously. On the old version the azimuth turned first, and then the elevation. Hence the new rotator is much faster, and thanks to PWM ("pulse width modulation") it also chooses different speeds depending on how far it is supposed to turn. 

And the color! Instead of black like the old ones, the new Satrans will be painted grey. A brighter color will blend in better with the sky when mounted on a rooftop, and it doesn't get as hot when the sun is out. But if you prefer it black,  green or perhaps bright orange I would be open to customize orders.

At the moment I am developing the firmware so it can respond to hamlib/rotctl-commands so you can control it with Gpredict or other similiar software for PC or linux. It will still only offer wireless ethernet control in the basic version, but later I might develop control units with a wired ethernet shield or perhaps even serial communication. 

Prototype for the new controller and the very first cast aluminum pipe before it has gotten sand-blasted, machined and painted.