RESEARCH CONCEPTS RC3050 User Manual page 36

30 RC3050 Antenna Controller Chapter 4 Specifications
RC3000GPS, which provides the controller with the vehicle's latitude and longitude. The controller
employs an algorithm that calculates the local magnetic variation at the vehicle's location. (The magnetic
variation is the difference between magnetic north and true north). The magnetic variation is used to
determine the vehicle's true heading given the vehicle's magnetic heading. Various other options to the
RC3000 include, PC Remote Control via RS-232 or RS-422, option RC3000CRC, and Inclined-Orbit
Satellite Tracking, option RC3000TRK. Further details of the RC3000 product may be found in the
RC3000 or RC3050 cutsheets, the RC3000 product selector guide, or by contacting RCI.
Antenna Interface
The RC3000 locator is designed to control an elevation over azimuth type antenna. The antenna may be
mounted facing either forward or rearward. The controllers may be grouped into two broad categories
according to the motor-type used on the mount; Low-Voltage DC Motors (12 to 36 VDC) are driven by the
"A" version (RC3000A and RC3050A) and High-voltage DC Motors are driven by the "B" version.
Azimuth Axis Interface
The RC3000A is designed to drive a low-voltage DC motor in azimuth. The absolute maximum allowed
motor current is 12 Amps. The motor-gearbox can be protected from excessive torque by OEM-specified
resettable fuses in the drive system (specify desired maximum motor current). The RC3000A uses a
solid-sate motor controller (model 25A8 from Advanced Motion Controls – (805)389-1935) The RC3000A
supports both fast and slow speed speed az/el motor movement. The motor controller employs dynamic
braking.
The RC3000B is designed to drive a 90 volt DC azimuth motor. The motor should be rated at 1
horsepower or less. The 8097 uses a builtin solid state motor controller (model KBPB from Penta Power
- (800)221-6570) for the azimuth and elevation motors. The RC3000B supports both fast and slow speed
speed az/el motor movement. The motor controller employs dynamic braking.
A 1K or 5K ohm potentiometer can used for azimuth position sensing. The 3000 employs a 10 bit A/D
(analog to digital) converter to sense azimuth. Position resolution can be calculated by dividing the total
designed azimuth travel by 983. (eg. +90° mount has 180° total travel ÷ 983 = 0.18° azimuth resolution)
The RC3000 is setup for symmetrical azimuth travel. For asymmetrical travel contact RCI. The
potentiometer can be connected directly to the azimuth axis (1:1 gear ratio) or driven by a gear. When
ordering a 3000 for a new mount, the user should specify:
The total possible travel for the antenna in azimuth. (eg. +140 °)
Where the limits should be set. (eg. +135°)
The number of turns possible for the azimuth pot. (alternatively the pot manufacturer and part number)
(eg. 5-turns)
The gear ratio between the pot and the azimuth axis. (eg. 10:1)
The RC3000 supports an azimuth stow limit. When this switch is closed the controller will allow the
antenna to move below the elevation down limit until the elevation stow limit is active. The 3000 does not
support cw and ccw limit switches. These limits are derived from the potentiometer voltage. If required,
the user may add in limit switches incorporating steering diodes on the antenna mount.
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Research Concepts, Inc.; 5420 Martindale Road; Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 USA www.researchconcepts.com