Manager


Manager - NA4M
Manager Notes

Reviews For: S.A.T Self-contained Antenna Tracker

Category: Antenna Rotators & Accessories

eMail Subscription

Registered users are allowed to subscribe to specific review topics and receive eMail notifications when new reviews are posted.
Review Summary For : S.A.T Self-contained Antenna Tracker
Reviews: 30MSRP: $189
Description:
The CSN SAT Tracker is a state of the art control unit. It easily interfaces with your Icom radio and your Yaesu rotator without any other external devices needed. The S.A.T. also works in conjunction with PST rotator to control your non-Yaesu rotator. The SAT Tracker will take care of all your Doppler corrections and keep your antennas on the bird, so all you have to do is enjoy the QSO. No software to load and no com ports to configure. Works with any web browser on a PC, tablet or mobile device. Update your TLE file and frequency file with the press of a button. Come join us as we take you into the 21st-century of satellite tracking. The CSN support team is always available to answer your questions.
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.csntechnologies.net/sat
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
45304.8
AA4SS Rating: 2023-01-27
Plug and Play Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I use to work the satellites back in the 2006-2009 days. Had two rotor controllers I had to operate while trying to talk.
Just got back into working satellites. I have had a IC-9700 for about two years. Got some new yagis and a G5500 rotor. Was planning on using SatPC32, but noticed I still need an interface to control the rotor.

But then I find this little guy. One cable to the rotor controller, another to the radio and then power it on.

Makes working the birds easy. This controller does everything for you but PTT and talk for you. If you have a supported Icom radio, I HIGHLY recommended it.
GW0POA Rating: 2022-11-26
Support is second to none Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
Have had the SAT device for well over 6 months now and I have to say it's fantastic. I really love the fact you are not tied in with a particular OS, I can even run this while on the roof with my phone, while doing some maintenance on the antenna. No more going up and down ladders. Before I purchased the device, both Michael and Keith were very helpful to answer all my questions, and they even ran up a zoom session for a full demo.
Being in the UK, I was a little concerned if I would have any issue with back up on this, due to not only my location but also the time difference, have to say I have not had a problem. Support for this has been incredible and I can't thank the guys enough. Have just been on a call with them today after posting a question on their facebook page, within minutes of me posting I was offered a zoom session to help out. They even went over a couple of settings on my radio and computer.
The SAT Unit is an absolute pleasure to use and so easy to track and work satellites, I love being able to open up multiple windows and move onto other screens. The integration with logging programs is brilliant and the whole interface gives you pretty much everything you need. If you have been sitting on the fence with this then take the plunge, it's certainly worth every penny.
KQ4KK Rating: 2022-11-01
Better than sliced BREAD Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I just installed a second S.A.T. device at a friend's house. Installed is probably not the correct word. Plugged it in might be a better choice. This one also has a built-in GPS. So, it knows where you and the antenna are.
Seamless interface between the Yaesu 5500 and the ICOM 9700. Turn on the SAT. If you have not given it a wifi address, it launches its own wifi hotspot till you tell it of another one. Type in the IP address on the SAT screen on any browser and you are in control of the SAT. The SAT does an automatic rotor setting if you want. Then download the current TLE and freqs, and you are on the air. That is it. The menu format leaves a little to be desired, but you get the hang of it quickly as you make contacts. Best $200 or so I have spent in years.
K6RM Rating: 2022-10-08
BEST piece of ham gear I have purchased in a LONG time Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I don't wish to be repetitive, but this IS one of the best pieces of ham gear I've ever encountered (and I was licensed in 1959). I had some mostly cockpit error issues setting it up but the FANTASTIC customer support from CSN steered me right very quickly. I've had a number of contacts comment on just how perfect the doppler tracking seems to work. Usually it's totally hands-off on both sides of the Q. My interests lately have veered towards EME (Moonbounce) and I was wishing that the CSN SAT could handle moon tracking for me. I came THAT close to sending in a feature request. But today I discovered the Facebook group (yeah, old guy here not that into "social media") and I found out there that all I had to do was type "Moon" into the satellite search box!!!! My only request would be for a 3D display like the "Blue Marble" on SATPC32. If it wasn't for sometimes watching that display, I would completely uninstall SATPC for sure.
VK2PSW Rating: 2022-09-21
Great bit of gear. Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
Decided to try the S.A.T due to some on going port related issues I was having on and off with the Yaesu GS-232A controller interface. The whole layout of it's own web interface is just outstanding. Setup was very simple to do and straight forward and easy to understand. All information that one needs for satellite info, tracking etc is just a click away. Customer service is fantastic for any questions relating to this product.

If your going to be serious about tracking satellites I highly recommend the S.A.T to be part of your setup.
KI6GEA Rating: 2022-09-20
The best tool for satellites. Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
When I first started trying to work the satellites, I tried all the computer to radio interfaces for my IC-9700... I have an IT background, so I was able to get most of them to work most of the time, but they were all overly complicated. Was also regularly frustrated at the lack of updates to satellite databases, dropping connections for doppler control, dated interfaces, etc...

Then I finally got smart and got the S.A.T... It's simple, relatively plug and play process, combined with the modern interface (other PC/software options look like they were programmed 20 years ago), and off the charts customer service, and I had finally found the satellite solution I had been seeking.

If you're getting into satellites, or already a seasoned satellite hunter, do yourself a big favor and step up to the S.A.T.
AD4ES Rating: 2022-07-17
Easy to Use Satellite Antenna Tracker and Control Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
If you own an IC-9700 and interested in Satellites, you’ll find the CSN Technologies S.A.T. (Self-contained Antenna Tracker) a modern delight for satellite communications. It is so easy to use. No more serial or USB ports to hassle with. It is all self-contained and is accessed using any web browser. You can use your smart phone, tablet, or any other wi-Fi device to access S.A.T. Just enter the IP address displayed on the S.A.T. screen and you have the software up and running on your device. Couldn’t be simpler. It controls your IC-9700 and rotator. Great for field day too as no external interface such as internet or Wi-Fi is required. If you have or purchase a Yaesu Az-El rotator and LEO pack antennas you have the whole package. If you have a different brand Az-El you simply need to purchase a great software package from YO3DMU called PSTRotator for about $25 US. The S.A.T device is a 5 star device on its own and a great way to track satellites using all the simplified imagery that is provided. If that is not good enough their customer service is even better. They answer email right away. They willingly set up zoom sessions when needed. They actually listen to users and do not have a ”Not Invented Here” attitude that so many companies have. Like any new thing there is a learning curve but the S.A.T. makes satellite tracking fun, gets you on the air fast, and less techy than what others offer.
AI4SR Rating: 2022-06-22
Priceless Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I have a dual axis rotor (Yaesu) and IC-9700. With this thing, working ALL the sats is amazing. It tracks the sats with the antennas, the radio including doppler. You can set up scheduled passes with alarms. Just key the mic and talk. Prior to me getting this, working sats was like a one armed paper hanger. The S.A.T. does it all, but lets you know exactly what it IS doing. Regarding support: I had a minor problem when I first got it. I left an email with them and the support person replied a few minutes later (at 8PM ! ). We tried a couple things that seemed to fix it. But the problem returned. He checked with me the next day to see how it was going. Again we did a bit of trouble shooting and found the audio cable was intermittent (although the cable appeared to be high quality). We replaced it and it was fixed. He wanted to send me a new cable. (I declined since it was not worth the postage.) Since then I have worked EVERY working Ham sat on all modes. Amazing device with great support.
UPDATE: 2 Software updates since I have owned it and both installed flawless and added nice new functions. (a couple that I suggested.) Great support!
IZ0JNY Rating: 2022-06-20
perfect companion for SAT setup Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
the best SAT tracker (and more) I never seen before.

That's how a tool should be: easy to setup, easy to use, efficient. in 5 min I got control of my G5500 rotator and IC9700 rig. Everything you need in only 1 web page.

I love the fact that I can follow all my shack from remote, and it's very nice the satellite selection and the web interface.

Really great tool, vote 10/10.
kg0d Rating: 2022-05-06
Fantastic product Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Really a fantastic "Swiss Army Knife" solution for radio frequencies - doppler control and rotator AZ/EL control.

Continuous improvement by the developers with input from the users - Free easy to do upgrades when available.

Very portable - I use one for the base station and another for mobile/portable use with a USB battery pack.

Rapid response to users questions on setup and operation.

Built-in logging control and access to AMSAT Satellite status or SatNogs Map with a single mouse click.

I've used it for FM/SSB/ FT4 modes with great success.

Highly recommend this device to others.