On each Antenna Pointer, there are 3 antennas: A Helical, a Yagi, and a Dish/Grid. These components vary in size, length, and weight. Additionally, in order for the antennas on each pointer to not obstruct one another, each antenna must be spaced 1ft from each other.
Helical (both structures): https://www.videoaerialsystems.com/products/5-8ghz-avenger-xr-18dbi-rhcp
Yagi (both structures): https://www.wlanmall.com/ubiquiti-airmax-yagi-900-mhz-dual-pol-2-pack-amy-9m16x2/
Grid (one structure): https://www.l-com.com/4.9-ghz-5.8-ghz-27-dbi-grid-antenna-type-n-female-connector-hg4927eg-1-nf
Dish (one structure): https://store.ui.com/us/en/products/rd-5g30-lw
Motor Selection:
Our initial design was a long rod that is being rotated about the elevation axis through a motor setup. In order to find a strong enough stepper motor (and possibly a gearbox) we needed to find how much torque the antennas contributed at its max location.
After measuring the sizes and weighing each component and the structural parts (like the rod), we were able to calculate the torque required of the motor setup. Now, we have an initial estimate of how powerful the motor minimally needs to be. We calculated the torque required with counterweights, but found them unfeasible for this initial design, and went ahead with a stepper motor with gearbox combo that provided the holding torque needed.
Vertical Load:
After the design of the structure is initially prototyped, we wanted to make sure none of the components would collapse under its weight. FEA was done in SolidWorks and we found a high FoS for all components.
Other Calculations:
To account for accuracy of the antennas under beam bending (since they will be mounted onto a long rod), whether the structure will topple due to a certain component, and stability under windy conditions, our Chief Engineer did hand-calculations and made a spreadsheet where we verified that our structure is indeed stable.