Chapter 6 Troubleshooting/Alarm Codes; System Error Codes; Low Battery; Ant Limits - Dawn CONTROL-1500A Manual

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CONTROL-1500A Single Axis Antenna Controller Chapter 6 Troubleshooting/Alarm Codes

Chapter 6 TROUBLESHOOTING/ALARM CODES

This chapter covers error messages and system troubleshooting. Two types of error
messages can occur: System errors, covered in 6.1, and Track Errors, in 6.2. System errors
can occur at any time. When a system error is detected, an error message flashes periodically
on the bottom row of the display. Track error messages are displayed when TRACK mode is
active, and an error related to the tracking system has been detected. This chapter concludes
with a list of troubleshooting tips in section 6.3.
6.1

SYSTEM ERROR CODES

The alarm system monitors important system parameters and flashes a message on the
bottom line of the LCD display if an error is found. The parameters monitored include the
condition of the lithium battery, status of the azimuth and elevation antenna drive systems, and
the values of certain variables. Some error codes have priority over others. Alarm conditions
are sampled sequentially, with the highest priority sampled first. As corrective action is taken
for each error, the code is eliminated, and if there is a lesser error, it will then appear.
Many of the alarm messages described in this section are caused by corrupt CONFIG mode
items. Note that access to certain CONFIG mode items is controlled by the value of other
CONFIG mode items. See the first few paragraphs of section 4.9 for an explanation of the role
of controlling CONFIG mode items. If the value of a controlling CONFIG mode item is such
that access to other CONFIG mode items is restricted, corrupt values of those other CONFIG
mode items can still generate an alarm message. Access to the corrupted item is only
available if the controlling item is changed to allow it.
All of the CONFIG mode items must be initialized to a valid value, even if the feature
associated with that CONFIG mode item is disabled. For example, even if REMOTE mode is
disabled, the Baud (100s) and Comm Address CONFIG mode items must still be initialized
properly.

LOW BATTERY

The CONTROL-2000C 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. Make sure that
the unit is unplugged from the AC power before removing the cover to change the battery.
Take care to hold the battery tab away from the battery housing while replacing the battery,
and it will not be necessary to reprogram the memory. Since there is a chance that the non-
volatile memory will be corrupted when the battery is changed, please refer to Appendices A1
and A2.

ANT LIMITS

One of the antenna software limits has been corrupted. Go into LIMITS mode and reset the
software limits. See Section 4.4.

POL LIMITS

This error indicates that the polarization motor limits have been corrupted. See sections 4.9.4
and 3.3.
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