RESEARCH CONCEPTS RC3050 User Manual page 37

RC3050 Antenna Controller
Elevation Axis Interface
The RC3000 elevation motor interfaces (A and B versions) are similar to the azimuth axis. The
elevation sensor is an inclinometer (AccuStar 02111002-000 by Schaevitz (609)662-8000) which
produces an analog voltage proportional to the true elevation angle. The inclinometer must be mounted
on a surface of the antenna mount that allows it to rotate with elevation. See the accompanying diagram
for the physical dimensions of the inclinometer.
The RC3000 supports elevation stow, down, and up limit switches. If the azimuth stow limit is not active,
the antenna can only be moved in elevation between the down limit and up limit. If the azimuth stow limit
is active, the antenna may be moved in elevation between the elevation stow limit and the elevation up
limit. When the antenna is below the elevation down limit the antenna may not be moved in azimuth or
polarization.
The limit conditions for each of the limit switches is:
Name
Azimuth Stow
Elevation Stow
Elevation Down
Elevation Up
For example, when the elevation down limit is active the elevation down limit switch should be open.
Polarization Axis Interface
The RC3000A is designed to drive a low-voltage DC motor in polarization. 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
supports both fast and slow speed polarization motor movement. The motor controller employs dynamic
braking.
The polarization motor interface for the RC3000B is based on a 12 volt DC motor which draws less than
400 ma. Position sense is provided by a potentiometer in a manner similar to the azimuth axis. When
ordering an RC3000 for a new mount, the user should specify:
The total possible travel for the antenna in azimuth. (eg. +100 °)
Where the limits should be set. (eg. +90°)
The number of turns possible for the azimuth pot. (alternatively the pot manufacturer and part number)
(eg. 3-turns)
The gear ratio between the pot and the azimuth axis. (eg. 5:1)
The A version of the RC3000 supports a polarization Stow limit switch. The 3000 does not support
polarization limit switches. The user may provide these externally using micro switches and steering
diodes if needed. Some A versions support a fairing deploy switch rather than the pol stow limit.
Research Concepts, Inc.; 5420 Martindale Road; Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 USA
Chapter 4
Switch Position when the Limit is Active
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Open
Open
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Specifications 31
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