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RESEARCH CONCEPTS RC2000C Manual

Polar satellite tracking antenna controller
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RC2000C Polar Satellite Tracking
Antenna Controller
V 1.31
Contents Subject To Change
02-19-1996
Research Concepts, Inc.
(913) 422-0210
www.researchconcepts.com

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Summary of Contents for RESEARCH CONCEPTS RC2000C

  • Page 1 RC2000C Polar Satellite Tracking Antenna Controller V 1.31 Contents Subject To Change 02-19-1996 Research Concepts, Inc. (913) 422-0210 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 which describes the few differences between the Az/El and El/Az versions.
  • Page 4 Mount Type has been added to allow the user to specify either motorized latitude or motorized declination. For all versions of the software the maximum number of inclined orbit satellites has been increased to 5 and the maximum total number of satellites has been increased to 38. The reply to the remote Query ID command has been changed to reflect the new version numbers.

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    3.9 Sim ultaneous Azimuth and Elevation Movement ------------------------------------------------------- 21 3.10 Installation and Setup Checklist ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 21 CHAPTER 4 INCLINED ORBIT SATELLITES Geostationary and Inclined Orbit Satellites --------------------------------------------------------------- 23 4.2 RC2000C Tracking Algorithm---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 25 4.2.1 STEP_TRACK -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26 4.2.2 PROGRAM_TRACK------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 27 4.2.3...
  • Page 6 APPENDIX B - EXPERT ACCESS / RESET SYSTEM DATA CODE APPENDIX C – RS-422 SERIAL INTERFACE Appendix D - The RCI RS-422 Interface Specification ----------------------------------------------------------73 Appendix E - RC2000C Communications Protocol --------------------------------------------------------------79 APPENDIX F - CONTROLLING ANTENNAS POWERED BY AC OR LARGE DC MOTORS 90 APPENDIX G - PROCEDURE FOR DETERMINING SATELLITE INCLINATION APPENDIX H - SCHEMATICS &...

  • Page 7: Chapter 1 Introduction

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

  • Page 8: 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 which guides the user through the entry of track parameters and the initialization of a track on an inclined orbit satellite.

  • Page 9: 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 10: Changing Modes With The Mode Key

    SETUP, RESET, DELETE, RE-SYNC, CONFIG, and LIMITS modes. The Programming modes are typically only used during system installation and configuration. The Operational modes are the ones used in everyday operation of the controller. Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 11: Mode Descriptions

    The user must navigate through the menu structure to the particular menu which 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. Here is a summary of the modes implemented on the RC2000C.
  • Page 12 This mode allows the user to delete satellites from non-volatile memory. The SCROLL UP/DOWN and ENTER keys are active. RE-SYNC SELECT A SATELLITE: PANAMSAT-1 RE-SYNC USE SCROLL UP/DOWN, ENTER TO SELECT Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 13 TRACK mode cannot be reached directly through the use of the MODE key. TRACK mode can be entered only via the SETUP or AUTO modes. TRACK mode is described in Chapter 4. Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 14: 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 or REMOTE modes, this input is monitored and the polarotor is controlled according to a digital level present at this input.

  • Page 15: 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 16 If reed switch sensors are used, each axis requires 2 wires in a shielded cable. If Hall effect sensors are used, each axis requires 3 wires in a shielded cable. Shielded cables are required to minimize noise Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 17 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 18 RC2000C Polar Tracking Antenna Controller Chapter 3 Installation/Setup Figure 3.2 Reed Sensor Diagram Figure 3.3 Hall Effect Diagram Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 19: Optional Polarization Control

    Installation/Setup Optional Polarization Control With the RC2KPOL option, the RC2000C can control a 24 volt DC polarization motor with potentiometer position feedback. If an optional polarization device is not installed, make sure that the Rotating Feed Present CONFIG mode item is set to 0, and proceed to the next section.
  • Page 20 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 required for the sensor and that the shield MUST be connected to the GROUND terminal (1) at the back of the controller and MUST NOT be connected to anything at the antenna.

  • Page 21: Setting Azimuth And Elevation Limits

    The tracking algorithms employed by the RC2000C assume that the mount has been configured so that when the elevation position is equal to the value specified by the Geo Elevation Position, the antenna can be aligned with the geostationary satellite with movement only about the azimuth axis.
  • Page 22 The latitude angle is so named because the nominal value of this angle is equal to the antenna's latitude. The RC2000C POLAR antenna controller can be configured to work with either type of polar mount. The user can specify which adjustment on the polar mount is motorized via the Mount Type CONFIG mode item.
  • Page 23 When the antenna is pointing east or west, changing the antenna's latitude angle does not change the pointing angle of the antenna at all, the change in latitude angle merely changes the antenna polarization. Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 24: Setting Limits

    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 25: Geo Elevation Position

    A simple example will illustrate the interaction between the Geo Elevation Position and the elevation display. The user enter LIMITS mode and sets the east limit. After the east limit is set, the displayed Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 26: Programming Geostationary Satellites

    This will exercise the controller, actuators, mount, and position sensors. If the antenna does not return to the peak for each Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 27: Autopol

    When enabled, AutoPol is active whenever the controller is in MANUAL mode. Note that the H, V, and SKEW 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.
  • Page 28 10. 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. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 29: Chapter 4 Inclined Orbit Satellites

    Geostationary and Inclined Orbit Satellites To successfully track inclined orbit satellites with the RC2000C it is necessary to become familiar with the characteristics of the satellite's apparent motion as seen by the antenna. This section briefly reviews the orbital geometry of geostationary satellites, and then discusses inclined orbit satellites.
  • Page 30 RC2000C Polar Tracking Antenna Controller Chapter 4 Inclined Orbit Satellite Figure 4.1 Earth's Equatorial Plane Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 31: 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. The following sections will provide much greater detail.

  • Page 32: Step_Track

    PROGRAM_TRACK..receives control when the current sidereal time equals a time for which track table data is available. SEARCH..receives control if the satellite signal is lost. Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 33: Program_Track

    The azimuth scale factor can either be specified by the user, or it can be derived from the position and longitude data of adjacent geostationary satellites. Scale factors are discussed in more detail in the next section. Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 34 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. Figure 4.2 Intelli-Search Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 35: Implementing The Tracking Algorithms

    The controller uses the time and date maintained by the real time clock to calculate the sidereal time. The user specifies the Time and Date via CONFIG mode prompts. Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 36: Receiver Agc Signal

    2. AGC C Band Threshold - When the receiver is tuned to a C band satellite and the signal strength is above this value, it is assumed that a satellite signal is present. The same threshold is applied to both AGC channels. Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 37 7. Go to MANUAL mode, position the antenna 'off satellite', and adjust the OFFSET pot (for POSITIVE polarity receivers) or the GAIN pot (for NEGATIVE polarity receivers) so that the signal strength reading is about 75. Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 38 'on satellite, strong band' and the term 'off satellite' must be replaced with 'off satellite, weak band'. These terms are described below. Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 39 When the receiver is tuned to various transponders, gain flatness problems could cause the AGC signal to be above the threshold, when in fact no satellite signal is present. For certain Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 40: Initializing The Antenna Scale Factors

    3. Jog the antenna in elevation. It is recommended that the antenna be moved 15 to 20 degrees in elevation. Record the elevation position count and the inclinometer reading. These will be designated CNT_2 and DEG_2. CNT2________ DEG2_______ Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 41 2 geostationary satellites available at the weather satellite frequency. It is still possible to Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 42: Config Mode Data

    The Azim Slow Speed and the Elev Slow Speed codes are discussed in section 3.4. These speed codes should be initialized because the tracking system uses these values to determine how fast to move the antenna when making movements. Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 43 7.00 7.32 The initialization of the Azim Constant and Elev Constant CONFIG mode items are used to specify scale factors, and were described in Section 4.4.2. Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 44: Initiating A Track On An Inclined Orbit Satellite

    NOTE: The most common mistake made by the user is to set both polarization values at the same position. Make sure that both values are peaked up on different transponders. Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 45: Tracking Problems

    3. The C Band AGC Threshold or the K/L Band AGC Threshold is set too low. If the threshold values are set too low, when the transponder powers down, the AGC signal of the receiver may be above Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 46: Inclined Orbit Satellite Setup Checklist

    AUTO mode and select the inclined orbit satellite from the list of satellites programmed into non-volatile memory. The controller should then perform a search. When the search is complete, if the satellite is found, step tracking will resume. Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 47: Chapter 5 Modes In-Depth Function Description

    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. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 48: 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. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 49: Search Sub-Mode

    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. When the STEP sub-mode is active, the following messages may be displayed: Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 50: Program Track Sub-Mode

    0 key while in the SEARCH IDLE, STEP IDLE, and PROGRAM IDLE states. When the menu system is invoked, the user will be presented with the following display, referred to as the main MENU display. Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 51 SCROLL UP/DN keys and advancing through the list. Each entry is explained in Table 1. TABLE 1 Entry Name Range Description UPDATE CHECK 0-999 HRS The period of time between track table basepoint update checks. Default 72 hours. Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 52: Limits Mode

    Before setting any limits, the user must insure that the antenna motor drive polarity is correct. See section 3.4.1. Note that the polarization movement is allowed while LIMIT mode is active, but polarization position and limit information is not displayed. Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 53: 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 Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 54 For both geostationary and inclined orbit satellites, the user is next prompted to specify the horizontal and vertical polarizations. SELECT:SBS 6 POL: 75 SETUP Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 55: Reset Mode

    The first screen will be displayed if a polarotor is present in the system, and the second screen will be displayed if the optional feed drive is installed. Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 56: Delete Mode

    1. Proceed to 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. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 57 RC2000C Polar Tracking Antenna Controller Chapter 5 Modes Function Description Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 58: Re-Sync Mode

    The AutoPol system allows the controller's polarization control function to be slaved to the level of a digital input derived from a satellite receiver. Please refer to sections 2.6 and 3.8 for more information on the AutoPol system. Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 59: Simultaneous Azimuth And Elevation Movement

    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 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, 96 ENT,BKSP,SCRLL ^v Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 60: Azimuth And Elevation Slow Speed Codes

    5.10.6 Polarization Motor Option The RC2KPOL option allows the RC2000C to control a 12 or 24 volt polarization motor with potentiometer position feedback. If this option is present, a 5 position orange connector will be found on the upper left hand corner of the back panel. The CONFIG mode items described in this section are used to configure the controller to work with the RC2KPOL option.

  • Page 61: 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 Appendix F entitled "Controlling Antennas Powered...
  • Page 62 AUTO mode. AZIM MAX POSITION ERROR: 1 CONFIG 0-10 COUNTS ENT,BKSP,SCRLL ^v ELEV MAX POSITION ERROR: 1 CONFIG 0-10 COUNTS ENT,BKSP,SCRLL ^v Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 63: Time And Date Settings

    The following items specify antenna related parameters which 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 TENTHS AFTER DEC. PT ENT,BKSP,SCRLL ^v Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 64 Minutes Tenth 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.

  • Page 65: Track Mode Parameters

    At the new position, the controller will measure the signal strength again to determine if the signal is stronger at the new position than at the starting position. Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 66: Expert Access Flag

    A display value of 1 indicates that the Expert Access Flag is set, and a value of 0 indicates that the flag is reset. To toggle the state of the flag, the user must key in a 5 digit code at the Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 67: Reset System Data

    Comm Port Address: _______ Comm Baud Rate: 9600 _______ Azim Slow Speed: _______ Elev Slow Speed: _______ Geo Elevation Position: _______ Rotating Feed Present?: 0 (No) _______ Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 68 Elev Constant: 500 counts per radian _______ Max Track Error: 5 tenths of a dB _______ Search Enable: _______ Search Width: _______ Expert Access Flag: _______ Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 69: Chapter 6 Specifications

    See Figure A1 in back of this manual. Non-Volatile Memory Battery Duracell DL2450 AC input and drive supply lines are protected by circuit breakers. There are no user replaceable fuses in this unit. Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 70: Chapter 7 Troubleshooting/Alarm Codes

    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 power level is low, this error code will appear. Replace the battery with a Duracell DL2450.
  • Page 71 This error code indicates that at least one of the following CONFIG mode items is corrupt: Max Track Error, Search Enable, or Search Width. See section 5.10.11 Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 72: Track Mode Errors

    Geo Elevation Position CONFIG mode item was zero. Please refer to sections 3.6, 4.3.6, or 5.10.5. OPERATIONAL TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS THE CONTROLLER DOES NOT RETURN TO THE PROPER SATELLITE LOCATION (AND IS NOT EVEN CLOSE) Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 73 SETUP mode. This error can also occur if the state of the 'ROTATING FEED PRESENT?' CONFIG mode item was changed after the satellite was programmed into non-volatile memory. Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 74 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. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 75: Appendix A1 - Restoring Non-Volatile Memory

    Select the satellite name, enter the satellite longitude, and move the polarotor to the recorded H and V positions in response to the appropriate SETUP mode prompts. Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 76: Appendix A2 - Recovering From Unexpected Memory Upsets

    If the actuator count characteristics are changed, the count values that correspond to the west and up limit will change, as will the positions of all of the satellites. Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 77: Appendix B - Expert Access / Reset System Data Code

    USE CAUTION! For a discussion of expert access, see section 5.10.12. RESET SYSTEM DATA is covered in section 5.10.13. Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 78: Appendix C - Rs-422 Serial Interface

    PC to control an RC2000 (a protocol converter is required). The RC2K.EXE (or RC2KC.EXE for use with the RC2000C) program is designed primarily for use by software developers or during installation. These programs feature a crude user interface which displays each byte of data sent to the controller and each byte received from the controller in an ASCII format and hex format.

  • Page 79: Appendix D - The Rci Rs-422 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. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 80 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. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 81 A command message begins with STX (02 hex), the ASCII Start-of-text control character. A message- acknowledged reply begins with ACK (06 hex), the ASCII Acknowledge control character, and a message-not Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 82 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 83 State 2 (Slave Addressed State). In State 2, a slave is waiting to receive the address byte, the second byte of a command message. A slave will exit State 2 and enter: Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 84 A slave will send an appropriate response message to a master- controller after receiving the last character of the message. A slave will always exit State 5 and enter Device Idle State, State 1. Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 85: 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 86 This field will contain the satellite name in upper case letters. If the name does not occupy the entire field the name will be left justified and Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 87 1 x x x auto pol enabled x 0 0 0 'H' polarization code displayed x 0 0 1 'h' polarization code displayed x 0 1 0 'V' polarization code displayed Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 88 - binary data 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 0 0 1 0 $ _ _ _ _ least significant nibble Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 89 0 to 98 on both the user interface and via bytes 24 and 25 of the device status poll reply. To obtain the internal position from this byte and bytes 24 and 25, use the following formula ... Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 90 32 will be '0011'. byte 33: Track Mode submode or error status and track frequency band. b1 b0 $ where b1 b0 meaning -- -- c band k band Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 91 TRACK mode is active. Polarization movement is not allowed during a TRACK mode peaking operation. If a polarization operation occurs during peaking the peak Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 92 Form 1. If the sat_name/position field contains the name of a satellite saved via the controller's SETUP mode the controller will position the antenna at the azimuth and elevation positions associated with that satellite. The Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 93 'E', 'W', 'D', 'U' or 'X'. 'E' refers to east, 'W' to west, 'D' refers to down, and 'U' refers to up. An 'X' specifies that the antenna stop moving. Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 94 1: where A is the RC2000 address byte 2: the miscellaneous command code byte 3: the sub-command code byte 4: the sub-command parameter byte 5: Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 95 A disk containing this program is included with each controller. 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. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 96: 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.
  • Page 97 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 98 The RC1000A and RC2000 antenna controllers are not compatible with quadrature pulse sensors. Please see figure 2. Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 99 Inductive pickup type sensors do not generally meet the last requirement. Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 100 Here is a design example for the azimuth axis of a 6.1 meter antenna (the calculation for the elevation axis is similar) ... 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. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 101 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. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 102: 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. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 103 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. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 104 Anik E1 (Canada) 111.1W Solidaridad 1 (Mexico) 109.2W Anik E2 (Canada) 107.3W GStar 1 (US) 105.0W 1.6489 GStar 4 (US) 105.0W USA 114/UFO 6 (US) 104.5W 3.9984 Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 105 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 Amos 1 (Israel) 4.0W Intelsat 707 (ITSO) 1.0W Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 106: Appendix H - Schematics & Pcb Layouts

    Schematics & PCB Layouts Appendix H - Schematics & PCB Layouts RC2000 Drive Transfer Function (Fast Speed) Output Drive Current (Amps) FIGURE A - DRIVE TRANSFER FUNCTION Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 107 RC2000C Polar Tracking Antenna Controller Appendix H Schematics & PCB Layouts 101 FIGURE B - DRIVE BOARD LAYOUT Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 108 RC2000C Polar Tracking Antenna Controller Appendix H Schematics & PCB Layouts FIGURE C - PROCESSOR BOARD LAYOUT Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 109 RC2000C Polar Tracking Antenna Controller Appendix H Schematics & PCB Layouts 103 FIGURE D - COMM PORT WIRING LEGEND Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 110 RC2000C Polar Tracking Antenna Controller Appendix H Schematics & PCB Layouts FIGURE E - RC1KADP CONVERSION Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 111 RC2000C Polar Tracking Antenna Controller Appendix H Schematics & PCB Layouts 105 Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 112 RC2000C Polar Tracking Antenna Controller Appendix H Schematics & PCB Layouts FIGURE F - RC1KADP SCHEMATIC Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 113 RC2000C Polar Tracking Antenna Controller Appendix H Schematics & PCB Layouts 107 FIGURE G - PROCESSOR BOARD SCHEMATIC Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 114 RC2000C Polar Tracking Antenna Controller Appendix H Schematics & PCB Layouts FIGURE H - RC2KPOL SCHEMATIC Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 115 RC2000C Polar Tracking Antenna Controller Appendix H Schematics & PCB Layouts 109 FIGURE I - DRIVE BOARD SCHEMATIC Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...
  • Page 116 RC2000C Polar Tracking Antenna Controller Appendix H Schematics & PCB Layouts FIGURE J - RC2KHPP SCHEMATIC Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com...

  • Page 117: Warranty

    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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