satellite-ground-station/README.md

# Satellite Ground Station
The Spacecruft Satellite Ground station is a libre design for tracking
satellites.

It is intended for use with the Libre Space Foundation's SatNOGS network,
and is based on their freely available files.


# Spacecruft SatNOGS Ground Station
![SatNOGS Spacecruft Ground Station 2733](img/spacecruft-satnogs.png)

SatNOGS network ground station 2733 is the implementation of this design.

* https://network.satnogs.org/stations/2733/

Occassionally it is on a webcam stream:

* https://spacecruft.tv


# Overview
Designed for artificial satellite tracking.

* Libre.
* Completely documented design listing all parts and sources
  from Antennas to Zipties.
* All commodity-off-the-shelf (COTS) parts generally available in
  North American markets.
* Requires no special tools or skills to assemble.
  Just needs two adjustable wrenches, a screwdriver, and wire cutters.
* VHF and UHF antennas on crossboom.
* Software defined radio (SDR).
* Az/El rotator optimized for satellite tracking.
* 24/7/365 outdoor operation.
* Relatively low cost, but parts selected for quick deployment not price
  (e.g. no Arduino hacking, no soldering, no drilling, etc.
   which could lower price).
* Indoor computer and controllers.
* 110V AC power (e.g. not a solar system).
* Quick and easy mast deployment.
* Non-permanent mount, which can be easily moved.
* All parts shipping via courier (UPS, FedEx), no freight required.
* Easily serviced, upgraded, modified.


# Bill of Materials
The core document is the Satellite Ground Station Bill of Materials (BoM).
It is a spreadsheet in Libre Office format.

* [Satellite Ground Station Bill of Materials](docs/satellite-ground-station-bom.ods)

![Satellite Ground Station Bill of Materials image](img/satellite-ground-station-bom.png)
*Screenshot of part of BoM, see full spreadsheet for details.*


# Diagram
Diagram made with formerly draw.io, now diagram.net with AppImage.

![Satellite Ground Station Diagram](img/satellite-ground-station-diagram.png)


# SatNOGS
*A global network of satellite ground stations, designed as an open source
participatory project.*

* SatNOGS Website --- https://satnogs.org/
* SatNOGS Network --- https://network.satnogs.org/

The base design comes from the Libre Space Foundation.
The present design adds review of other designs in the SatNOGS network
and feedback from the #SatNOGS Matrix channel.

Upstream docs:

* SatNOGS Introduction --- https://wiki.satnogs.org/Introduction
* SatNOGS Ground Station Build Overview --- https://wiki.satnogs.org/Build
* Ground Stations --- https://wiki.satnogs.org/Ground_Stations
* Raspberry Pi --- https://wiki.satnogs.org/Raspberry_Pi
* Antennas --- https://wiki.satnogs.org/Antennas
* Software Defined Radio (SDR) --- https://wiki.satnogs.org/Software_Defined_Radio
* Yaesu G-5500 Rotator docs --- https://wiki.satnogs.org/G-5500
* Papers --- https://wiki.satnogs.org/Academic_Papers


# TODO

* Rotator cable assemblies requires to cut off 6-pin connectors and
  strip leads. Crimping O connectors is better, but ideally is an easy plug.

* Yaesu GS-232B in SatNOGS client uses an old Debian Buster hamlib package,
  which requires a patch or it will stutter.

* See "Evaluate or Find" tab in BoM spreadsheet.


# Copyright
Unofficial project, not part of official Libre Space Foundation software or
website. Upstream sources under their respective copyrights.

License: CC By SA 4.0 International and/or GPLv3+ at your discretion.

*Copyright (C) 2022, Jeff Moe*