Low-cost azimuth and elevation antenna rotator for LEO satellite tracking

Connectivity is increasing at a rapid rate these days. Satellites play a key role in communication and are one of the best ways to share information across a wide distance within fraction of seconds. Establishing communication with satellites requires a properly tuned antenna to the satellite's uplink and positioning of the antenna also plays a key role. Directional antennas are considered to be most suited for this purpose but positioning the antenna is very crucial to obtain an optimum strength of signal reception. Tracking of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites with directional antennas require speed and precision to ensure the required signal strength for further data processing. Low-cost ground stations are economical and save huge space. In the present study, a setup has been proposed consisting of DC motors controlled through Arduino and GY511 compass module to rotate the antenna and track the satellites using a computer. Further, the data received has been post processed to interpret the meaningful weather forecast of the Cyclone Tauktae during the period of May 14 to May 17, 2021. Copyright (C) 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.