How to build your ground station with a development board?
Building a ground station will allow you to capture signals from space, an ambitious but achievable project. If you follow the steps properly, you will be able to gather the necessary materials and tools to effectively build your station. This project is not only technical, but also an opportunity to learn about current technology and develop practical skills. Let's get started!
What development board is needed?
The foundation of any ground station is a good development board. In this case, we will use a LilyGo TTGO ESP32. This board is easy to purchase through e-commerce stores and is notable for its LoRa radio operating at 433 MHz, as well as its integrated Wi-Fi connection.
What additional materials are essential?
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Connector: A Wi-Fi antenna extension cable is essential. This coaxial cable has two SMA connectors. Its internal structure has a conductive wire and is protected by an outer braided shield, coated with a transparent insulator.
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Antenna wire: We will use 16 AWG gauge copper wire. It comes with an enamel coating, which needs to be removed before soldering. The wire will be the structure of our antenna, with parts for the vertical monopole and the radios.
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Soldering and measuring tools:
- Nail file or sandpaper: to remove the enamel from the wire before soldering.
- Electrician's cutting pliers: Ideal for cutting wire and coaxial cable to the proper measurements.
- Adhesive tape: We will use insulating tape to temporarily fix the components during the soldering process.
- Soldering iron and tin: Essential tools for the soldering procedure.
- Digital multimeter: This device is crucial to verify that all connections are properly made.
How to ensure structural rigidity?
Once the assembly is finished, it is vital that your antenna has a robust structure. For this, we will use hot silicone, together with its corresponding gun, to fix and hold firmly together all the parts of the antenna.
Where to get the materials?
The materials mentioned above are available at e-commerce stores, local hardware stores and electronics stores. In case of difficulty in finding any components, many stores offer assistance in acquiring them. Be aware of delivery times, especially if you need to ship internationally. Patience is key here.
How to start the assembly?
Once you have gathered all the materials and tools, you are ready to assemble your ground station. The construction itself is not only a technical challenge, but can also be a rewarding educational experience. This project will allow you to develop your electronics and soldering skills while introducing you to the world of space telecommunications.
Start this exciting project today and don't forget: the key to success is in the details and precision. Good luck!
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