The aim of the thesis was to develop a suitable program for communicating with the motors that are part of the control system, so that it can ensure the optimum performance of the satellite dish. This is a practical example related to a specific antenna for receiving a signal from space.
During the implementation of the thesis, I focused on eliminating the shortcomings in detecting the initial position of the motor that directs the antenna, which caused physical damage to the antenna due to hitting the ground.
The crucial aim was to create a solution that would require as few corrections and changes as possible in the future and meet the following requirements for safe operation of the antenna: (i) ensure stability, reliability, and safety of the system (watchdog), (ii) return to home position (homing), (iii) movement restrictions (limits), and (iv) emergency shutdown.
I begin to solve the problem by analyzing the root causes. This was done by (a) observing the actual situation, (b) interviewing the employees who steered the antenna, and (c) studying the relevant literature.
Based on the results of the analysis and taking into account the instructions to use SmartMotors industrial motors, I started programming the code using the Smart Motor Interface software (SMI).
This was followed by the physical connection to the industry standard RS-485 for serial communication, which allows the transfer of data between multiple devices over long distances.
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