Satellite Rotator Ground Station (Full Build)

A fully functional Antenna tracker designed with one main goal: to be incredibly easy to build.  I have created a comprehensive, 4-part step-by-step PDF manual covering everything from buying the right hardware to wiring the electronics. If you can follow a manual, you can build this and use it to download L-Band images from weather satellites using the dish named in the instruction manual.

Key Features

• Anti-Backlash: 3D-printed worm gear elevation drive with an integrated spring-tensioning system to eliminate gear slop.
• Standard Hardware: Uses cheap, accessible parts (NEMA 17 stepper motors, Arduino Uno R4 WiFi, basic CNC Shield, 608 bearings).
• All-in-One Housing: Custom enclosure for the Arduino, shield, 0.96" OLED screen, and cooling fan.
• Software Ready: Communicates via rotctl over Wi-Fi, making it plug-and-play with SatDump and SatNOGS.

The Manuals (Download in "Other Files")

Be sure to grab the 4 PDF guides included with this model!

1. Tools & Parts: Exactly what to buy and print.
2. Flashing the Arduino: Step-by-step code setup.
3. The Tracker Build: Mechanical assembly guide.
4. The Electronics: Visual wiring diagrams.

Printing Notes

• PETG is highly recommended for UV and temperature resistance.
• Pre-configured Bambu Studio .3mf profiles are included.

Inspiration

Without the inspiration of jbyrns and his https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4664558 design I wouldn't have made my own, so he deserves the credit of making this project happen. With that said, all parts have been designed and code written from scratch by me with that inspiration.