Re: [amsat-bb] Dummy Satellites

["Andy Russell" <andyruss@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

> -----Original Message-----
> Date: Mon, 29 Apr 2002 20:33:37 +1000
> From: Matt Donohoe <m_donohoe@dingoblue.net.au>
> Subject: [amsat-bb] Dummy Microsats
>
> Hi,
>
> Just wondering, is there like a group or something around that builds
"dummy" microsatellites
> just for fun? or for the experience more to the point? I'd be fascinated
to learn how its done
> etc.. Remote control etc you name it... Even powering it by the sun...
>
> Matt Donohoe
> m_donohoe@dingoblue.net.au
>

Hi Matt

I am currently working on a schools project here in the UK which is building
a dummy microsatellite based
on the PIC microcontroller, which we have called PICsat (a play on words
with PCSAT and a PICOsatellite).

It basic architecture is loosely based on PCSAT using solar cells to charge
NiCd batteries through diodes
and monitor its performance - it uses op amp circuits already covered in the
GCSE ('O' level) electronics.
Its function programmed into the pic is generate telemetry strings
transmited onto UHF using a TAPR Pic
Encoder - a simple 'fire and forget' mission with the sun simulated using
quartz lamps...

Also take a look at the Aalborg university student satellite kit -
http://www.cubesat.auc.dk/index1.html
there are some nice papers describing the design - however if you are really
serious, there is the cubesat
kit http://www.osss.com/products/cubesat.html it does cost about 5000 $US
although!

73 de Andy, G0VRM
g0vrm@rsgb.org.uk

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