Start Tracking Satellites with This Low-Cost Azimuth-Elevation Positioner

hackaday.com

Looks like a neat solution, I might have a go at building that.

I'm still really looking forward to the launch of the Es’hail 2[0] geostationary satellite, it's been delayed several times. Needs a big dish though...

[0] https://amsat-uk.org/satellites/geosynchronous/eshail-2/

> Qatar’s Es’hail 2 satellite will provide the first amateur radio geostationary communications that could link amateurs from Brazil to Thailand.

That's nice. Are they doing it for fun, as a promotion for their services, or for some other reason?

I think one of the financiers is into amateur radio.

Could someone use this to broadcast a satellite TV encryption key for others to use?

There are many older, proven self-build solutions for satellite tracking particularly with heavy antennae. Don't just rush into that one.

SARCNet have a couple ( light and heavy models ) for instance:

http://www.sarcnet.org/projects/project_rotator_MkII.html

I always thought linear actuators would be cheaper, stronger, and more reliable than this and the satnogs versions of satellite tracking.

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