Polar-mount for small antenna

RimaNTSS

Super Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Jan 7, 2009
Messages
5,605
Reaction score
6,080
Points
113
Age
58
My Satellite Setup
Some SAT-related hardware.
My Location
N-E from Riga
Hi! I decided to start small project, namely: building more or less universal (fits for any PFA or Offset dish up to 1 m) Polar-mount (PM). Of course, before cutting metal it is better to do some theoretical and paper-work. I've made initial drawing, which is still open to be changed if necessary. So, idea is to take 60mm round pipe and two pieces of 40mm square pipes 300 mm and 600 mm. In yellow circles some hinges should be made. Blue lines represent turn-buckles or pieces of threaded bars (to make all the angles adjustable). Green is the plate to attach antenna. Drawing is only 2D, but I think is enough to get overall idea.
I am, of course open to some great ideas.
Do not ask why I chose 60 mm round pipe and 40 mm square pipes.... simply cuz I have them laying around. :)
ScreenHunter_466 Sep. 01 21.49.jpg
 

RimaNTSS

Super Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Jan 7, 2009
Messages
5,605
Reaction score
6,080
Points
113
Age
58
My Satellite Setup
Some SAT-related hardware.
My Location
N-E from Riga
Of course my drawing is too simple, it is even not drawing but sketch. In reality, PM construction is more complex. There is picture of PM friend of mine made some time ago for my 1,8m PFA. I am not sure I am ready to make such a complex construction, but for smaller dish and with some simplifications why not try?
 

Attachments

  • S5300244 (Custom).JPG
    S5300244 (Custom).JPG
    213.7 KB · Views: 32

RimaNTSS

Super Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Jan 7, 2009
Messages
5,605
Reaction score
6,080
Points
113
Age
58
My Satellite Setup
Some SAT-related hardware.
My Location
N-E from Riga
I think 40mm square pipes are too bug for small antenna. I will go ahead with 25mm 60 cm long square pipe to hold antenna. Tube with inner diameter 12mm and about 3mm wall thickness with inserted 12mm threaded bar will form main turning axis. I am not in hurry doing that, so can do it step-by-step and very sloooowly. :rolleyes:
 

Attachments

  • IMG_20150906_172921 (Large).jpg
    IMG_20150906_172921 (Large).jpg
    37.2 KB · Views: 12

RimaNTSS

Super Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Jan 7, 2009
Messages
5,605
Reaction score
6,080
Points
113
Age
58
My Satellite Setup
Some SAT-related hardware.
My Location
N-E from Riga
I am making upper hinge movable just to make PM more universal: to be able to hold PFA or offset dish. Perhaps, bottom hinge (in green circle) could also be movable. Yes, drilling holes in metal is not big problem for me, as I've got stationary drilling machine. But, there is another issue- how to cut metal at 90*, with angle grinder it is not always (well, almost never) perfect cut. Please do not tell me I should buy another piece of machinery :cool:
 

Attachments

  • IMG_20150907_205744 (Custom).jpg
    IMG_20150907_205744 (Custom).jpg
    88.4 KB · Views: 15
Top