Pictures and Diagrams

Ground Station Rev 2 Render (Annotated).png

Mechanical Drawing Notes:

The rotator box model was downloaded from this website. It doesn't match our rotator box geometry exactly, but its external dimensions are quite close.
The rotator box mast clamp was modeled after this Yaesu mast clamp, due to lack of dimensional information available for the mast clamp we'll be using (but Ben thinks they're quite similar).

Mechanical Design Requirements

As of Monday, July 5, 2021, Ibrahim said that the Yaesu G-5500 rotator box is an acceptable substitute for the DIY SatNOGS rotator box. He also said it is better mechanically. He looked at data sheets and did some quick maths, but didn't write it down.

The following table outlines the mechanical requirements for the ground station.

Requirement	Rationale	Notes
The ground station mast shall be adjustable.	If the ground isn't level, this will help us make the antenna level.	Range is unspecified
The ground station shall withstand a drag force caused by a wind speed of 115 km/h from each orthogonal direction (excluding the top and bottom)	The ground station will come in contact with wind.	115 km/h is the highest wind speed recorded in Toronto that Ben has found (source
No metal components shall come within 12 inches of the antenna elements.	The antenna is circularly polarized, so it radiates in all directions. Any metals in a 12 inch vicinity would cause electromagnetic interference.
The boom shall have a diameter within the range of 32 to 43 mm.	The boom must be able to interface with the Yaesu G-5500 rotator box.
The mast shall have a diameter within the range of 38 to 63 mm.	The boom must be able to interface with the Yaesu G-5500 rotator box.

Ground Station Roof Placement Guidelines

Keep ground station as far away from edge of roof as possible
Keep ground station close to electrical outlets/power

Mechanical Design Methodology

Mast

The mast has two mounting holes drilled into it for interfacing with the rotator box mast clamp.

Boom

The boom is made of fiberglass to minimize any electromagnetic interference with the antenna.