RESEARCH CONCEPTS RC2000C Manual page 23

RC2000C Polar Tracking Antenna Controller
The required declination angle is a function of latitude and is given in the
following table.
Latitude (degrees)
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
iv) Use the actuator to set the declination angle at the correct value - it may
have moved while tightening the clamp - you should not have to change
the length of the actuator very much.
v) Get the antenna to track the geostationary arc with movement about
only the polar axis by slightly varying the latitude angle (typically via a
threaded rod) and by adjusting the east/west bearing, (typically adjusted
by loosening the mount up on the pole).
3.4.2.2 Polar Mount with Motorized Latitude Angle Setup Procedure
Here is the recommended procedure for adjusting the antenna so that the range of elevation movement is
symmetrical above and below the Clarke Belt.
i) Adjust the mount's declination angle to the value specified in the list given
above.
ii) Determine the likely range of the elevation actuator's travel. One limit
of the actuator's range of movement is typically the fully retracted position -
most actuators have a limit switch which activates a the fully retracted
position. The limit switch which activates the actuator is extended is
typically adjustable. Once the actuator's likely range of movement has
been determined adjust the actuator to the midpoint of that travel.
iii) Slide the actuator through the clamp until the latitude angle is equal to
the antenna's latitude.
iv) Use the actuator to set the latitude angle at the correct value - it may
have moved while tightening the clamp - you should not have to change
the length of the actuator very much.
v) Get the antenna to track the geostationary arc with movement about
only the polar axis by slightly varying the latitude angle (with the actuator)
and by adjusting the east/west pointing angle (typically adjusted by loosening
the mount up on the pole).
For a polar mount with motorized latitude angle adjustment, one degree of change in the mount's latitude
angle results in less than one degree of change in the antenna's pointing angle when the antenna is not
pointing due south. 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
Chapter 3
Declination (degrees)
0.76
1.51
2.26
2.98
3.68
4.34
4.97
5.56
6.11
6.61
7.05
7.45
7.78
8.06
8.28
Installation/Setup 17
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