Appendix A2 - Recovering From Unexpected Memory Upsets - RESEARCH CONCEPTS RC2000C Manual

72 RC2000C Az/El Tracking Antenna Controller Appendix A2 Recovering Memory Upsets

Appendix A2 - Recovering From Unexpected Memory Upsets

The key to restoring the non-volatile memory is getting the azimuth and elevation limits and position
counts right. The position counts are initialized to 30 when the azimuth CCW and elevation down limits
are set. If the antenna can be unambiguously placed at the azimuth CCW and elevation down limits,
non-volatile memory can be restored quite easily. It is probably a good idea to use a punch or a
waterproof pen to mark the antenna and mount assembly so that the azimuth CCW and elevation down
limit positions can be identified. In addition, it may be useful to identify and mark other places on the
mount where slippage could occur. This would allow the mount to be restored to its original
configuration.
If the contents of non-volatile memory are recorded as outlined in steps 1-4 above, recovery from an
unexpected memory upset can be readily accomplished. If the memory is corrupted, the antenna can
be moved (in LIMITS mode) to the Azim CCW and down limit with the aid of an assistant stationed at
the antenna. Next, steps 7-9 can be used to restore the contents of non-volatile memory.
Note that the procedure for restoring non-volatile memory only works if the count characteristics (counts
per inch for linear actuators) of the actuators are not changed. If the actuator count characteristics are
changed, the count values that correspond to the azimuth CW and elevation up limit will change, as will
the positions of all of the satellites.
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