Step size int32 -> float ?

[Pawel SQ9ANB]

Would it be possible to change the step size from integer to float?

I have a BLDC-based rotator, and currently the movements happen in noticeable jumps, which looks ugly and annoying. The rotator position is only updated when AZ or EL changes by 1 degree.

I can see that the commands sent to the rotator already use floating-point values and are displayed with one decimal place, so I was wondering why the actual movement updates cannot also be more fine-grained.

I would prefer the rotator to move smoothly rather than in sharp step changes.

I'm not sure whether this request makes sense, though. Maybe this is simply how most rotators work.

Mine is self-built, however, and supports smoother movement.

73,

Pawel SQ9ANB

[Alex VE3NEA]

The Antenna Rotator section in the Settings dialog has an option called Step Size. To prevent the rotator from starting and stopping too often, SkyRoof changes the bearing only when the required change is greater than the step size. The default value is 5 degrees, much smaller than the beam width of the antennas used by Hams for satellite comminications. You can make the steps even smaller if you want, but this will not improve anything and will only shorten the life span of your rotator.

[Pawel SQ9ANB]

That's what documentation says also :-)

I think that's not necessarily correct assumption. Instead of smooth moves, the antena system is under constant stres by being sopped and started, instead of just go slowly.  Each start and stop causes shaking of entire mount.

Also, for deep space the desired step is even smaller, like 0.1 degrees, but were not doing that with skyroof, don't we ? :-)

As I mentioned, my rotator is not relay / brush motor based and is probably edge case and is rather my wishlist and can be ignored. I can always write my own python script :-)

Thank you for the response !

SkyRoof is really great software.

73!

[Alex VE3NEA]

Yes, your rotatior is kind of an exception, but still a valid case. I have changed the step size limits to 0.01..30 degrees, the change will be avaIable in the next build.