EasyToTrack Ground Station

thingiverse

The EasyTrack project is designed specifically for RC and FPV enthusiasts. It's a versatile antenna tracker, ground station, and logger all in one. Initially, the idea was to use video channels to transmit telemetry data from aircraft to ground, requiring only two radio channels - video and control. However, the system has evolved into something much more universal. The EasyTrack ground station can accept various telemetry protocols and track your aircraft (more about the system: http://forum.rcdesign.ru/f8/thread484803.html https://sites.google.com/site/safrrc/easytotrack). You can even repurpose the mechanics for your own projects. The mechanical components of the antenna tracker and EasyTrack ground station were designed using SW2016. I used a 3D printer Anet A8, printing with ABS and PETG filament. The EasyTrack consists of 17 printed parts, along with several purchased components: - Tilt Servo S3315D - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32689458000.html - Pan Servo FS5109M - https://www.robotshop.com/en/feetech-standard-analog-servo-fs5109m.html - Slip Ring 12 Wires 2A - https://www.ebay.com/itm/12Wire-2A-240V-D12-5mm-Capsule-Electrical-Slip-Ring-Connector-for-Robot/264432163371?hash=item3d91629a2b:g:9F8AAOSwPNxdVcW4 - 5kOhm 5 turn potentiometer - XT60 Connector PCB Fixed - https://www.aliexpress.com/i/32838849773.html - 2 hole RCA Female - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/33010459552.html - Tripod Monopod Mount Adapter For Go Pro HERO 1 2 3 4 - https://www.ebay.com/itm/Tripod-Monopod-Mount-Adapter-For-Go-Pro-HERO-1-2-3-4-Camera-Accessory-YA/372907358943?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649 - 12x12x8 button - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32903397046.html - Plane thrust ball bearing 51106 30x47x11 - https://aliexpress.ru/item/32834161075.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.c1fd4c4d9saCXf - Ball bearing 6906 30x47x9 - https://aliexpress.ru/item/32832468418.html - EasyTrack PCB - Self-tapping screws: M3x12 – 7pc; M3x6 – 4 pc; M2.6x6 – 2 pc; M2.6x10 – 5 pc; M2x6 – 8 pc - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/33043885403.html For antennas weighing less than 500g, the elevation servo should have a torque of about 15kg cm. The azimuth servo requires significantly lower torque, at least 3kg cm. The azimuth servo uses an external loopback potentiometer (5kOhm, 5 turn – 1800 degrees), necessitating a high-quality controller. It's advisable to avoid using TowerPro MG995 servos. The Tripod Monopod Mount Adapter For Go Pro HERO 1 2 3 4 was used to mount the antenna tracker on a tripod. Remove the upper part of the adapter to fit the tracker system, then glue it to the BaseStatic part using 5 minutes epoxy. During azimuth rotation, the main load is applied to the Plane thrust ball bearing 51106 30x47x11. While this specific bearing is recommended, any other ball-bearing of size 30x47x11 can be used, and the printed parts are compatible with various bearing types.