Wireless Control System for DC Motor to Position a Dish Antenna Using Microcomputer

Abstract

This paper presents the design and implementation of a wireless position control system for dc motors using a microcomputer to position a small dish antenna at desired azimuth and elevation angle. The desired angle of rotation is the input data of the system. Two dc motors (one for azimuth position while the other for elevation position) are used to position the dish antenna. Signals are sent to the motor control circuit through the parallel port of the computer. Due to the remote position of the dish, an infrared transmitter-receiver system is developed to send and receive the required signals through the parallel port of the PC to and from the interfacing circuit to control the motor’s speed as well as direction of rotation. The motor ultimately rotates the dish at desired azimuth and elevation position. Automatic calibration facilities have also been incorporated to calibrate the system any time. After the real-time evaluation of the system performance, it is found that the system works very well.