[DSP-10] Another step of progress

[Bob Larkin]

Hi Don and All,

I'm following your trials and tribulations with the DSP-10.  I can't 
really add anything beyond what you, Mike and the others have come up with.

I did want to mention that I have a "private" version of the UHFA 
(DSP-10 PC  software) that includes control of up to 4 "dish mover" type 
of controllers.  This system is integrated with the DSP-10 and uses the 
same control methods, such as the keyboard, config file, and little 
dialog boxes.  It:
* Describes each controller by an exact  geometrical description that is 
changed to angular position by calculations.
* Works with a separate RS-232 hardware controller that has a PIC and 
flash memory  to store positions.
    The controller works with the regular RS-232 switch box, along with 
the DSP-10 and a GPS receiver.
* Can do manual Az-El, automatic pattern changes (for measuring ground 
and sky noise) or tracking of the Sun or Moon.
* Does not currently include polar mounts.
* Is not currently well documented (on my list of things to do!)

This part of the UHFA PC program is added or removed by conditional 
compilation, as this saves perhaps 25K of program size for those  that 
don't need it.  If there is need, I could make this "public" and 
available.  It worked well for me for things like a 10-GHz PUA43 EME QSO 
with W7SZ using a 4-ft dish.

This is for future thought.  But, first to get the power steady. And one 
thought along those lines---isolating the faulty component is often 
aided by tiny squirts of cold spray.  Do you have any? I have a can of 
Radio Shack 64-4321 that has lasted for years, but been most handy at times.

73, Bob  W7PUA

On 04/14/2013 11:19 AM, Don AE5K wrote:
>
> I had hopes at one time to use my DSP-10 on EME, but due to health, 
> age, etc. I don't think I'll ever make it.  It is primarily the 
> mechanical part of dish positioning that is keeping me from it for the 
> microwave bands -- I have a couple 10 ft. TVRO dishes sitting in my 
> field.
>
> 73,
> Don AE5K
>
> ___