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RESEARCH CONCEPTS RC2000C Manual

Az/el tracking antenna controller
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RC2000C AZ/EL TRACKING
ANTENNA CONTROLLER
v 1.40
CONTENTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
September 25, 2002
RESEARCH CONCEPTS, INC.
9501 DICE LANE
LENEXA, KS 66215 USA
Phone: (913) 422-0210
Fax: (913) 422-0211
support@researchconcepts.com
www.researchconcepts.com

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Summary of Contents for RESEARCH CONCEPTS RC2000C

  • Page 1 RC2000C AZ/EL TRACKING ANTENNA CONTROLLER v 1.40 CONTENTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE September 25, 2002 RESEARCH CONCEPTS, INC. 9501 DICE LANE LENEXA, KS 66215 USA Phone: (913) 422-0210 Fax: (913) 422-0211 support@researchconcepts.com www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 3 RC2000C Polar was derived from the RC2000C Polar version 1.02 manual. The manual for the RC2000C El/Az is the same as is used for the RC2000C Az/El, with an addendum that describes the few differences between the Az/El and El/Az versions.
  • Page 4 2.26.96 v 1.20 Az/El, v 1.21 Polar, v 1.22 El/Az The polar version of this software was modified to work with a polar mount that employs either a motorized declination or motorized latitude angle adjustment. A new CONFIG mode prompt named Mount Type has been added to allow the user to specify either motorized latitude or motorized declination.

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Angle Display of Az/El Position Data ------------------------------------------------------------------------18 AutoPol ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------19 Simultaneous Azimuth and Elevation Movement--------------------------------------------------------20 3.10 Installation and Setup Checklist ------------------------------------------------------------------------------20 CHAPTER 4 INCLINED ORBIT SATELLITES Geostationary and Inclined Orbit Satellites ---------------------------------------------------------------22 RC2000C Tracking Algorithm ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------24 4.2.1 STEP_TRACK ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------25 4.2.2 PROGRAM_TRACK -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------26 4.2.3 Intelli-Search ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------26 Implementing the Tracking Algorithms ---------------------------------------------------------------------28 4.3.1...
  • Page 6 Appendix C - RS-422 Serial Interface -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 74 Appendix D - The RCI RS422 Interface Specification----------------------------------------------------------- 76 Appendix E - RC2000C Communications Protocol-------------------------------------------------------------- 82 Appendix F - Controlling Antennas Powered by AC or Large DC Motors ------------------------------- 94 Appendix G - Procedure for Determining Satellite Inclination----------------------------------------------100...
  • Page 7 Appendix H – Schematics & PCB Layouts ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 105 WARRANTY...

  • Page 9: Chapter 1 Introduction

    RC2000. 7. The tracking scheme used in the RC2000C employs a step track algorithm to build up a track table that logs the satellite position versus time (a real time clock powered by a lithium battery is present in the RC2000C).

  • Page 10: Organization Of This Manual

    It begins with a brief discussion of some of the theoretical aspects of the inclined orbit, and continues with a description of the algorithms used by the RC2000C for tracking inclined orbit satellites. Chapter 4 concludes with a step by step procedure that guides the user through the entry of track parameters and the initialization of a track on an inclined orbit satellite.

  • Page 11: Chapter 2 Basic Function Description

    Front Panel The front panel (figure 2.1) of the RC2000C contains an ON/OFF switch, a 2 row by 40 column backlit LCD, and a 4 by 4 matrix keypad with tactile feedback. An AC line circuit breaker is built into the ON/OFF switch, and a 12-amp circuit breaker (located on the back of the unit) protects the controller's 36-volt actuator drive circuits.

  • Page 12: Changing Modes With The Mode Key

    The controller’s current mode is always displayed in the upper right hand corner of the controller’s display. The user can switch the current controller mode by use of the MODE key. The MODE key is Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 13: Mode Descriptions

    The user must navigate through the menu structure to the particular menu that allows access to the function or data that the user wishes to manipulate. On the RC2000C the mode which is currently active is always displayed in the upper right hand corner of the LCD.
  • Page 14 Errors are described in chapter 7. DELETE SELECT A SATELLITE: PANAMSAT-1 DELETE Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 15 ENTER to set the limit, then move the antenna to the desired Azim CW limit and hit ENTER to set that limit. (Whenever the limits are reset, the CCW and down limits are initialized to a position count of 30.) Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 16: Mode Access

    The AutoPol feature slaves the RC2000C polarization control to an output derived from a satellite receiver. The RC2000C has an AutoPol input accessible via connector J1 on the back of the unit. When the controller is operating in MANUAL, REMOTE, or TRACK modes, this input is monitored and the polarotor is controlled according to a digital level present at this input.
  • Page 17 3, and the CONFIG mode prompts which enable and specify the polarity of the AutoPol input are described in Chapter 4 in the CONFIG mode section. Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 18: Chapter 3 Installation/Setup

    RC2000C and be able to use the MODE key to place the controller in any of the modes described in Chapter 2.

  • Page 19: Mechanical And Electrical Installation

    Note that not all versions of the controller support polarization control. The Polarotor requires minimum current, typically 18-22 gauge conductors are used. Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 20 1. A shielded cable was not used for the position sense wires. 2. The shield is not connected at connector J1 on the rear panel of the RC2000C. 3. The shield is connected to earth ground at the antenna. This results in ground currents flowing in the shield.
  • Page 21 RC2000C Az/El Tracking Antenna Controller Chapter 3 Installation/Setup Figure 3.2 - Reed Sensor Interface Figure 3.3 - Hall Effect Sensor Interface Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 22: Optional Polarization Control

    Installation/Setup Optional Polarization Control With the RC2KPOL daughterboard option, the RC2000C can control a rotating feed which employs a 24-volt DC polarization motor with potentiometer position feedback. This section describes the installation and setup of a rotating feed compatible with the RC2KPOL option. It should be noted that not all versions of the controller support polarization control.
  • Page 23 5. Tighten the allen screw and verify that the pot is properly centered by performing the procedure above entitled "Verifying Pot Center Position". Use the following procedure to configure the RC2000C for use with a 24V DC polarization motor. 1. Connect the polarization/sensor assembly as shown in figure 3.4. Note that shielded cable is recommended for the sensor connection.

  • Page 24: Setting Azimuth And Elevation Limits

    30. The limits should be specified so that there is adequate clearance between the antenna and any obstacles when the antenna is positioned at any azimuth/elevation combination within the limits. Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 25: Slow Speed Adjustment

    For the RC2000C the user sets the slow speed for each axis independently by entering a slow speed code via the appropriate CONFIG mode prompt. This section outlines the procedure for selecting the appropriate slow speed code.

  • Page 26: Programming Geostationary Satellites

    Angle Display of Az/El Position Data The RC2000C antenna controller has the capability to display its azimuth and elevation position in an angle format. This capability can facilitate the process of locating satellites during system setup. This section describes the procedure for enabling, calibrating, and using the angle display feature. The procedure outlined in this section makes use of the programs (designed to run on an IBM compatible PC) found on the floppy disk in the back of this manual.

  • Page 27: Autopol

    H, V, POL CW and POL CCW keys do not work when AutoPol is enabled. The AutoPol input of the RC2000C is driven by a digital output from a satellite receiver. The AutoPol input responds to a digital level, with a high level being one polarity and a low level the other polarity. The mapping of a high level on the digital input to either H or V polarization is referred to as the AutoPol polarity, and is controlled via a CONFIG mode item.

  • Page 28: Simultaneous Azimuth And Elevation Movement

    Here is the procedure for installing and configuring the AutoPol feature: 1. Identify an output on the receiver that can be used to drive the AutoPol input on the RC2000C. Note if a high level output corresponds to V polarization or H polarization.
  • Page 29 9. Enable simultaneous azimuth and elevation movement in AUTO mode if the total combined current draw from both actuators is less than 8 amps over all operating conditions. Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 30: Chapter 4 Inclined Orbit Satellites

    This chapter describes the characteristics of inclined orbit satellites and the tracking algorithms available on the RC2000C. The chapter begins with a tutorial on inclined orbit satellite operation, and continues with a description of the controller's tracking algorithms. It concludes with a section that guides the user through the hardware and software configuration procedure which must be performed prior to initiating a track on an inclined orbit satellite.
  • Page 31 RC2000C Az/El Tracking Antenna Controller Chapter 4 Inclined Orbit Satellites Figure 4.1 - Earth's Equatorial Plane Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 32: Rc2000C Tracking Algorithm

    RC2000C Tracking Algorithm The tracking algorithm used on the RC2000C can be divided into 3 distinct parts, or submodes - STEP_TRACK, PROGRAM_TRACK, and SEARCH. A TRACK_ERROR submode is also implemented. These submodes are summarized here to provide an overview of the tracking algorithm.

  • Page 33: Step_Track

    The STEP_TRACK submode will pass control to these TRACK mode submodes on the following conditions: PROGRAM_TRACK..receives control when the current sidereal time equals a time for which track table data is available. Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 34: Program_Track

    The Azim Constant and Elev Constant scale factors refer to the mapping of antenna azimuth and elevation position counts to antenna azimuth and elevation angles, respectively. The elevation scale Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 35 Search Enable CONFIG mode item. When the automatic search is disabled, the user is prompted to manually jog the antenna onto the desired satellite, and then hit the ENTER key. Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 36: 4.3 Implementing The Tracking Algorithms

    STEP TRACK and PROGRAM TRACK sub-modes. In addition, antenna radiation pattern information is used in SEARCH mode to determine the width of the parallelogram- shaped search region, and the angle between successive sweeps. Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 37: Real Time Clock

    (after negative polarity has been specified) so that its signal strength value is 0. J1 - pin 11 has a potential of 5.7 volts. Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 38 AGC output are adjusted so that the 'off satellite' signal strength value is between 50 and 100 and the 'on satellite' signal strength value is between 600 and 700. Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 39 2. Similar to step 2 above except that both C and Ku (or L) band AGC voltages are obtained when the antenna is looking at nothing. Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 40 Amplifiers with poor gain flatness characteristics can cause problems for the tracker. This section describes a simple test (no equipment required) that the user can carry out to check the receiving system's gain flatness. Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 41: Initializing The Antenna Scale Factors

    (as determined by an inclinometer) and obtaining the number of counts which corresponds to the angular movement. A hand calculator is then used to determine the Elev Constant. Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 42 57.29 to obtain 'position counts per radian'. Round to the nearest whole number value to obtain the Elev Constant CONFIG mode item. _______ * 2 * 57.29 = _______ (counts per radian) Azimuth Scale Factor Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 43: Config Mode Data

    This section briefly describes each of the CONFIG mode items and how they relate to the tracking system. The names of CONFIG mode items appear in italics. The installer should go through this Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 44 The data is entered in a degrees.tenths_of_degrees format. Most maps show latitude and longitude data in a degrees.minutes format. Below is a table of minutes versus tenths_of_degrees. minutes degrees Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 45: Initiating A Track On An Inclined Orbit Satellite

    Press the ENTER key to select each letter/number, and press ENTER at the "*" to terminate the entry. A blank space can be entered by pressing SCROLL UP once and SCROLL DOWN once at the “*” prompt. Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 46 SEARCH sub-mode of TRACK mode. A search will be performed and when the satellite is found, STEP tracking will resume. Note that not all versions of the software support polarization control. Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 47: Tracking Problems

    Anything which can be done to tighten up the ball pivot will help. Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 48: Inclined Orbit Satellite Setup Checklist

    An automatic search will only be performed if the Search Enable CONFIG mode items is set to 1. Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 49: Chapter 5 Modes In-Depth Function Description

    Az/El movement is not enabled, the controller will first position the antenna in azimuth and then elevation. The antenna movement will be controlled by the CONFIG mode items outlined in section 5.10.7 - Azimuth and Elevation Drive Options. Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 50: Remote Mode

    If track table information is found, the controller will activate the PROGRAM track sub-mode. If track table information is not available, the SEARCH sub- mode will receive control. Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 51: Search Sub-Mode

    5. The TRACK MENU system may be used to immediately trigger a peaking operation. See section 5.4.5 for a description of the TRACK MENU system. A more detailed description of the STEP track algorithm is given in section 4.2.1. Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 52: Program Track Sub-Mode

    The MENU system may be invoked whenever the CONFIG mode Expert Access Flag is set by hitting the 0 key while in the SEARCH IDLE, STEP IDLE, and PROGRAM IDLE states. When the menu Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 53 0-999 MINS The period of time between successive SEARCH attempts when no signal is present and track table data is not available. Default 10 minutes. Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 54: Limits Mode

    3.4.1. Note that polarization movement is allowed while LIMIT mode is active, but polarization position and limit information is not displayed. It should be noted that not all versions of the controller support polarization control. Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 55: Setup Mode

    The procedure for storing an inclined orbit satellite is described in detail in section 4.4.4. When SETUP mode is activated, the following screen is displayed. AZ: 1292 EL: 10 PL: 66 H S:653 SETUP SAT:TELSTAR301 SELECT:SBS 6 FAST Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 56 V keys may be used to set each polarization. Note that if polarization control is not implemented on the antenna system the Rotating Feed Present CONFIG mode item should be set to zero - this specifies Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 57: Reset Mode

    The first screen will be displayed if Rotating Feed Present CONFIG mode item is set to 0, the second screen will be displayed if the Rotating Feed Present CONFIG mode item is set to 1. There are not fault Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 58: Delete Mode

    2. Scroll through the ASSIGNED satellite names. 3. When the desired satellite name is shown, press ENTER. The system will display the message: DATA DELETED Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 59: Re-Sync Mode

    This feature is useful if a faulty position sensor or a noise impulse results in an errant position count. By using this feature, the user simply has to correct one satellite location, and the RC2000C automatically will correct all others.

  • Page 60: Autopol

    Valid values for this parameter are 3 (300 baud), 6 (600 baud), 12 (1200 baud), 24 (2400 baud), 48 (4800 baud) and 96 (9600 baud). COMM BAUD RATE (HUNDREDS):96 CONFIG Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 61: Azimuth And Elevation Slow Speed Codes

    5.10.5 Azimuth and Elevation Angle Display The RC2000C has the ability to display azimuth and elevation position in an angle format. This feature can greatly facilitate the process of locating satellites for systems that use an elevation over azimuth type antenna mount. Please see section 3.7 for more information on how to enable and calibrate this feature.

  • Page 62: Polarization Motor Option

    Display_Az_Offset in the above equations according to the following relationship: Display_Az_Offset = DISPLAY AZ OFFSET (CONFIG mode item entered by user) - 65536 This is necessary because it is not possible to enter negative values via the keypad on the RC2000C. DISPLAY AZ GAIN:...

  • Page 63: Azimuth And Elevation Drive Options

    The provision to modify these parameters is included for those customers who use the azimuth and elevation drive outputs from the RC2000C to drive a pair of 36 volt relays (equipped with steering diodes) which in turn activate AC motors. More information about using the RC2000C in this fashion may be found in the Appendix entitled "Controlling...
  • Page 64 AUTO mode. AZIM MAX POSITION ERROR: 0 CONFIG 0-10 COUNTS ENT,BKSP,SCRLL ^v Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 65: Time And Date Settings

    The following items specify antenna related parameters that are used by the tracking system. Access to these items is only permitted when the Expert Access flag is set. ANTENNA LATITUDE LL.L: 38.9 N CONFIG Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 66 Minutes Tenths of Degrees After entering the latitude/longitude using the 0-9 and “.” keys, press ENTER. The RC2000C will prompt for the appropriate direction terminator, E/W for longitude, N/S for latitude. Enter the correct value using the 2-North, 8-South, 4-East, or 6-West keys. Terminate the entry with the ENTER key.

  • Page 67: 5.10.11 Track Mode Parameters

    4. Thermal noise in the receiver's AGC circuit or changing atmospheric conditions result in the controller measuring a stronger AGC input at the 'new' antenna position. Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 68: 5.10.12 Expert Access Flag

    (ON), the user has access to all controller modes and all CONFIG mode items. When the Expert Access Flag is reset (OFF), the user is locked out of several modes and most CONFIG mode items. Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 69: 5.10.13 Reset System Data

    Remote Mode Enable: 0 (Disabled) _________________ Comm Port Address: _________________ Comm Baud Rate: 9600 _________________ Azim Slow Speed: 253 (Disabled) _________________ Elev Slow Speed: 253 (Disabled) _________________ Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 70 1200 counts per radian _________________ Elev Constant: 500 counts per radian _________________ Max Track Error: 5 tenths of a dB _________________ Search Enable: _________________ Search Width: _________________ Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 71 RC2000C Az/El Tracking Antenna Controller Chapter 5 Modes Function Description CONFIG Mode Item Default Value Record Actual Value Expert Access Flag: _________________ Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 72: Chapter 6 Specifications

    ¼”) housed in a fuse drawer built into the controller’s IEC type, power entry module. Replace with 6 amp AGC (fast-blow) fuses. RCI part # F-6A-FB-C, Bussman part # ABC-6, Little Fuse part # 314006. Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 73: Chapter 7 Troubleshooting/Alarm Codes

    Baud Rate and Comm Port Address CONFIG mode items must still be initialized properly. LOW BATTERY The RC2000C constantly monitors the level of the lithium battery. When the battery voltage level is low, this error code will appear. Replace the battery with a Duracell DL2450.
  • Page 74 Track Error, Search Enable, or Search Width. See section 5.10.11. The Search Enable CONFIG mode item must be set to 1 (enabled) to allow access to the Serach Width CONFIG mode item. Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 75: Track Mode Errors

    Section 3.2. THE CONTROLLER RETURNS TO APPROXIMATELY THE CORRECT POSITION BUT MUST BE PEAKED MANUALLY TO ACHIEVE A GOOD SIGNAL Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 76 SETUP mode. This error can also occur if the state of the 'Rotating Feed Present?' CONFIG mode item was Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 77 The worst case peakup time will correspond to the portion of the satellite's apparent motion when the satellite is passing through the earth's equatorial plane. Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 78: Appendices

    RC2000C Az/El Tracking Antenna Controller Appendicies APPENDICES Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 79: Appendix A1 - Restoring Non-Volatile Memory

    H and V positions in response to the appropriate SETUP mode prompts. Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 80: Appendix A2 - Recovering From Unexpected Memory Upsets

    CW and elevation up limit will change, as will the positions of all of the satellites. Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 81: Appendix B - Expert Access / Reset System Data Code

    USE CAUTION! For a discussion of expert access, see section 5.10.12. The Reset System Data CONFIG Mode item is covered in section 5.10.13. Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 82: Appendix C - Rs-422 Serial Interface

    PC to communicate with up 63 devices. An RS-232 to RS-422 protocol converter (designated RC1KADP) is available from Research Concepts. The diagrams and schematics at the end of this appendix document the connection of a PC to an RC2000 via an RC1KADP protocol converter.
  • Page 83 NOTE: The RC1KADP, J2/J3 connectors, are equipped with clasp type terminals. Each terminal can accommodate 1 or 2 20 AWG or smaller wires. Secure wire clasps with a 1/8” (3mm) wide straight blade screwdriver. Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 84: Appendix D - The Rci Rs422 Interface Specification

    Products that are compatible can be linked together over a parallel-connected 4-wire circuit without regard to their particular function. Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 85 RS-422. Since the electrical specifications are very similar to EIA standards RS-422 and RS-449, virtually any computer that meets these standards is capable of controlling remote devices. Figure 2 and 3 show RS-422 Master and Slave connections respectively. Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 86 (Not Acknowledge) character at the start of the message instead of STX. Figure 4 illustrates the format of the command and response messages. A command or reply message may have a variable length. Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 87 CHSUM Where type is RC2K for an RC2000A, RC1K for an RC1000A, 2KCA for an RC2000C for El-over-Az mounts, 2KCP for an RC2000C for polar mounts, 2KCE for Az-over-El mounts, 2500 for the RC2500A, 25CA for an RC2500B for El-over-Az mounts, 25CP for an RC2500B for polar mounts, and 25CE for Az-over-El mounts.
  • Page 88 A slave will exit State 1 and enter State 2 (Slave Addressed State) only if STX byte is received. State 2 (Slave Addressed State). In State 2, a slave is waiting to receive the address byte, the second byte of a command message. Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 89 A slave will always exit State 5 and enter Device Idle State, State 1. Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 90: Appendix E - Rc2000C Communications Protocol

    11.6.95 - Revised for the RC2000C version 1.1x release. The only change in the comm protocol is the reply to the Query Id command. The alarm codes that appear in this document have also been corrected.
  • Page 91 The binary data will be placed in the lower nibble of a byte whose higher nibble will be initialized to a value that will make the result an ASCII character. The idea with this response is to be Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 92 Note that the division defined above is an integer division. The result is rounded DOWN to the closest integer. Please see byte 32 of this command's reply message for more information on polarization position representations. Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 93 0 0 1 0 $ 0 0 _ _ no polarization movement cw jog in progress ccw jog in progress go to H or V in progress Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 94 The RC2000 currently supports two polarization control devices, a Polarotor and a rotating feed with potentiometer position sense feedback. Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 95 32 will be '0011'. byte 33: Track Mode submode or error status and track frequency band. b1 b0 $ where Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 96 Discussion - The 'p' field described above only contains meaningful data when TRACK mode is active. Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 97 Note that if entry 'XX' does not exist in the list (or the list has no entries) the NAK reply will be sent back to the host. AUTO MOVE COMMAND Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 98 AZIMUTH/ELEVATION JOG COMMAND This command jogs the antenna in azimuth or elevation. The command contains 11 bytes. Here is the format of the command; byte 0: Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 99 'V' is specified and there are no satellites available in the RC2000 memory. MISCELLANEOUS COMMAND This command performs miscellaneous functions. Here is the format of the command. Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 100 The bottom window displays all characters received from the controller. The source code is included with the program and a developer may Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 101 MESSAGE DELIMITERS Here are the delimiters used with SA bus messages, along with their value in hex and decimal. ASCII name hex value decimal value Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 102: Appendix F - Controlling Antennas Powered By Ac Or Large Dc Motors

    (latitude angle) or motorized declination adjustment. The RC2000C has all of the features of the RC2000A as well as support for tracking inclined orbit satellites via step track and memory track algorithms. The RC2000A and RC2000C share a common motherboard.
  • Page 103 On the RC2000A the user may specify four deadbands, azimuth fast, azimuth slow, elevation fast, and elevation slow. For the RC2000C the user can specify two deadbands - Az/El fast and Az/El slow. When the circuit of Figure 1 is used, the fast and slow deadbands for a given axis should be set to the same value.
  • Page 104 The RC1000A and RC2000 antenna controllers are not compatible with quadrature pulse sensors. Please see figure 2. Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 105 Inductive pickup type sensors do not generally meet the last requirement. Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 106 ... Antenna Size: 6.1 meters Operating Frequency: Ku Band (12 GHz) Azimuth Motor RPM: 1750 Range of antenna azimuth movement: 100 degrees Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 107 0.28 degrees to obtain 17.96 position counts. This satisfies the requirement that there be at least 10 position counts over the antenna’s 3 dB beamwidth. Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 108: Appendix G - Procedure For Determining Satellite Inclination

    ‘*’, about 4.2 degrees. Estimated Satellite Inclination 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Year Satellite Inclination Nomograph Table Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 109 Asisat 1 (AC) 105.5E Palapa B2R (Indonesia) 108.0E BS 3N (Japan) 108.8E Zhongxing 2/DFH2-A2/PRC 110.4E 2.4338 Palapa C2 (Indonesia) 113.0E Zhongxing 5/Chinasat 5 (PRC) 115.3E 1.8272 Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 110 Morelos 2 (Mexico) 116.8W Solidardad 2 (Mexico) 113.0W Anik E1 (Canada) 111.1W Solidaridad 1 (Mexico) 109.2W Anik E2 (Canada) 107.3W GStar 1 (US) 105.0W 1.6489 Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 111 Cosmos 2291 (CIS) 13.4W 1.3763 USA 82/DSCS 3B12 (US) 12.0W Gorizont 26 (CIS) 11.0W 3.0548 USA 98/NATO 4B NATO 10.0W 1.881 USA 75/DSP F16 (US) 8.9W Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 112 RC2000C Az/El Tracking Antenna Controller Appendix G Determining Satellite Inclination Amos 1 (Israel) 4.0W Intelsat 707 (ITSO) 1.0W Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 113 Schematics & PCB Layouts Appendix H – Schematics & PCB Layouts RC2000 Drive Transfer Function (Fast Speed) Output Drive Current (Amps) FIGURE A-1 DRIVE TRANSFER FUNCTION Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 114 RC2000C Az/El Tracking Antenna Controller Appendix H Schematics & PCB Layouts FIGURE A-2 DRIVE BOARD LAYOUT Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 115 RC2000C Az/El Tracking Antenna Controller Appendix H Schematics & PCB Layouts FIGURE A-3 PROCESSOR BOARD LAYOUT Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 116 RC2000C Az/El Tracking Antenna Controller Appendix H Schematics & PCB Layouts COMM PORT WIRING LEGEND Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 117 RC2000C Az/El Tracking Antenna Controller Appendix H Schematics & PCB Layouts RC1KADP CONVERSION Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 118 RC2000C Az/El Tracking Antenna Controller Appendix H Schematics & PCB Layouts Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 119 RC2000C Az/El Tracking Antenna Controller Appendix H Schematics & PCB Layouts RC1KADP SCHEMATIC Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 120 RC2000C Az/El Tracking Antenna Controller Appendix H Schematics & PCB Layouts RC2KPOL SCHEMATIC Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 121 RC2000C Az/El Tracking Antenna Controller Appendix H Schematics & PCB Layouts DRIVE BOARD SCHEMATIC Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 122 RC2000C Az/El Tracking Antenna Controller Appendix H Schematics & PCB Layouts PROCESSOR BOARD SCHEMATIC Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 123 RC2KHPP SCHEMATIC Research Concepts, Inc. • 9501 Dice Lane • Lenexa, Kansas • 66215 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 124 WARRANTY One Year Limited Warranty Research Concepts, Inc., RCI, warrants to the original purchaser this product shall be free from defects in material and workmanship for one year, unless expressed otherwise, from the date of the original purchase. During the warranty period, RCI will provide, free of charge, both parts and labor necessary to correct such defects.

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