AlfaRadio AlfaSpid MD-01 Manual
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AlfaRadio AlfaSpid MD-01 Manual

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A lfa Radio Ltd.
11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8
sales@alfaradio.ca
A lfaSpid MD-01/02 Controller
This manual is for use with units sold by A lfa Radio Ltd. of Edmonton, Alberta,
Canada. on or after March 1, 2022.
and may operate from different voltages.
Page
1 of 55
AlfaSpid_MD-01-02_12APR2022.odt
780-466-5779
www.alfaradio.ca
Revised 12 APR 2022
http://www.alfaradio.ca
Copyright A lfa Radio Ltd.
Units sold by others may have different firmware
2022

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  • Page 1 A lfa Radio Ltd. 11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8 sales@alfaradio.ca 780-466-5779 www.alfaradio.ca A lfaSpid MD-01/02 Controller Revised 12 APR 2022 http://www.alfaradio.ca This manual is for use with units sold by A lfa Radio Ltd. of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    A lfa Radio Ltd. 11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8 sales@alfaradio.ca 780-466-5779 www.alfaradio.ca Table of Contents 1 Introduction..........................5 1.1 Block diagram..........................5 1.2 Features of the MD-01/02 Controller..................6 1.3 Photos and description......................6 1.3.1 Front MD-01 ............................6 1.3.2 Front MD-02.............................
  • Page 3 A lfa Radio Ltd. 11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8 sales@alfaradio.ca 780-466-5779 www.alfaradio.ca 4 Operation..........................25 4.0.1 Normal mode (NORMAL)....................25 4.0.2 Calibration mode (MOTOR ANGLES)................26 5 MD-01/02 controller configuration................28 Motor configuration......................28 Template..........................29 5.2.1 Show Azimuth............................
  • Page 4 A lfa Radio Ltd. 11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8 sales@alfaradio.ca 780-466-5779 www.alfaradio.ca 5.4.3 DATA BITS............................... 36 5.4.4 STOP BITS............................... 36 5.5.5 PARITY..............................36 SET USB COM........................... 36 5.5.1 STATE............................... 36 5,5,2 BAUD................................ 37 SET ETHERNET – with optional module................. 37 5.6.1 STATE...............................

  • Page 5: Introduction

    A lfa Radio Ltd. 11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8 sales@alfaradio.ca 780-466-5779 www.alfaradio.ca 1 Introduction MD-01/02 is an electronic controller used for turning rotators. It is a multifunction device, allowing for various combinations of settings. Controller may be connected to two single rotators (e.g. two Azimuth rotators) or one Azimuth and Elevation rotator and operates with direct current motors.

  • Page 6: Features Of The Md-01/02 Controller

    A lfa Radio Ltd. 11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8 sales@alfaradio.ca 780-466-5779 www.alfaradio.ca 1.2 Features of the MD-01/02 Controller Supply voltage for controller electronics 13.8 to 15 VDC (I = 2 Amps) Supply voltage for rotators 13.8 to 24 VDC (I = 40 Amps), The maximum current of a single motor is up to 20 Amps.

  • Page 7: Back Md-01

    A lfa Radio Ltd. 11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8 sales@alfaradio.ca 780-466-5779 www.alfaradio.ca 1.3.3 Back MD-01 1.3.4 Back MD-02 Plug-in socket for Ground Connection (the remaining PINs are not provided). Rotator motor supply input (FUSE at 40 Amps Max).
  • Page 8 A lfa Radio Ltd. 11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8 sales@alfaradio.ca 780-466-5779 www.alfaradio.ca I2C output – used to control SW-01 switch. USB HOST port (type A plug) and DEVICE port (type B plug). RS-232 ports – COM 0 and COM 1.

  • Page 9: Installation Md-01/02

    A lfa Radio Ltd. 11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8 sales@alfaradio.ca 780-466-5779 www.alfaradio.ca 2 INSTALLATION MD-01/02 When supplying power to the MD-01/02 controller, two power cables are required. The first cable has a 4-pin connector, which should be plugged into the Power 2 connector on the controller.
  • Page 10 A lfa Radio Ltd. 11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8 sales@alfaradio.ca 780-466-5779 www.alfaradio.ca There are a number of different combinations of the MD-01/02 controller and A lfaSpid Rotators as shown below. MD-01/02 controller and BIG-RAS/HR MD-01/02 controller and one or two BIG-RAK/HR...
  • Page 11 A lfa Radio Ltd. 11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8 sales@alfaradio.ca 780-466-5779 www.alfaradio.ca MD-01/02 controller and one or two RAK, BIG-RAK, RAU or Real Note: The pictures on this and the previous page show older units. Refer to sections 1.3.3 and 1.3.4 for current connector labeling...

  • Page 12: Wiring For Big-Ras/Hr And/Or Big-Rak/Hr

    A lfa Radio Ltd. 11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8 sales@alfaradio.ca 780-466-5779 www.alfaradio.ca 2.1 Wiring for BIG-RAS/HR and/or BIG-RAK/HR See Applicable A lfa Radio Rotator Manual 2.2 Wiring for BIG-RAK, RAK, RAU or REAL See Applicable A lfa Radio Rotator Manual 2.3 Wiring for BIG-RAS or RAS...

  • Page 13: Md-01/02 Connectors

    A lfa Radio Ltd. 11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8 sales@alfaradio.ca 780-466-5779 www.alfaradio.ca 2.4 MD-01/02 connectors Should additional connectors be needed, the following pictures show the part numbers for the various connector shells and pins used with the MD-01/02 controller.
  • Page 14 A lfa Radio Ltd. 11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8 sales@alfaradio.ca 780-466-5779 www.alfaradio.ca Table of MD-01/MD-02 connectors Number Plug Part Number Plug Part Number Number used by of pins Natural color White Flame Retardant MD-01/MD-02 1-480700-0 350766-1...

  • Page 15: Mouse Controller

    A lfa Radio Ltd. 11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8 sales@alfaradio.ca 780-466-5779 www.alfaradio.ca 2.5 Mouse Controller The optional mouse controller allows easy desktop access to the most commonly used front panel controls. These buttons are functionally equivalent to the corresponding front panel controls.

  • Page 16: Setup Md-01/02 Controller

    A lfa Radio Ltd. 11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8 sales@alfaradio.ca 780-466-5779 www.alfaradio.ca 3 SETUP MD-01/02 controller 3.1 COMMUNICATION between MD-01/02 and PC Communication between the MD-01/02 controller and a PC is done with program SPIDM- D01dde.exe ( ** This name may change).

  • Page 17: Using Ethernet Communications :(If Ethernet Module Is Installed)

    A lfa Radio Ltd. 11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8 sales@alfaradio.ca 780-466-5779 www.alfaradio.ca 3.2.2 Using Ethernet Communications :(If Ethernet module is installed) · When power is turned on, the MD-01 display shows: ”Mode: Normal”. · Press the [S] button twice.

  • Page 18: Setup Md-01/02 Software

    A lfa Radio Ltd. 11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8 sales@alfaradio.ca 780-466-5779 www.alfaradio.ca 3.3 SETUP MD-01/02 software To find out what version of firmware is in the MD-01/02 controller, press the [F2] and [F] buttons on the front of the MD-01/02 controller at the same time.
  • Page 19 A lfa Radio Ltd. 11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8 sales@alfaradio.ca 780-466-5779 www.alfaradio.ca #5 For USB connection click on Com Port. #6 Double click at “port not selected” to choose the USB Serial port which must be used.

  • Page 20: Using Eth Communications

    A lfa Radio Ltd. 11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8 sales@alfaradio.ca 780-466-5779 www.alfaradio.ca #7 Click on the USB Port (COM13 in this example). Do not change Baud Rate, Pooling Time or Timeout at this time! #8 Click on Connect Box.
  • Page 21 A lfa Radio Ltd. 11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8 sales@alfaradio.ca 780-466-5779 www.alfaradio.ca #4 For ETH connection click on ETH (RJ45) Port. #5 Determine the IP address of the MD-01/02 controller by using a program such as NETSCAN or KT-ETH-Manager from a PC.
  • Page 22 A lfa Radio Ltd. 11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8 sales@alfaradio.ca 780-466-5779 www.alfaradio.ca COMPLETING the Configuration Now click at MD-01 parameters / Ports and check if the screen as below, USB COM or ETHERNET State must be “ON” but not both.

  • Page 23: More Functions Available In Md-01/02 Software

    A lfa Radio Ltd. 11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8 sales@alfaradio.ca 780-466-5779 www.alfaradio.ca To test: Press arrows on the MD-01/02 keypad. The rotator should move and the PC display should update with changes in the MD-01/02 display.

  • Page 24: Pooling Time And Timeout

    A lfa Radio Ltd. 11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8 sales@alfaradio.ca 780-466-5779 www.alfaradio.ca Note: Most values can be changed. Care must be taken, as changing the motor config- uration can result in a non-working rotator. Possible changes that can be made by the user: Soft Start and Stop (3 step) Minimal and Maximal turning angle (AZ &...

  • Page 25: Operation

    A lfa Radio Ltd. 11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8 sales@alfaradio.ca 780-466-5779 www.alfaradio.ca 4 Operation MD-01/02 controller may be operated from the front panel keyboard or a computer connected to one of the Communication ports. The MD-01/02 controller has two modes (MODE).

  • Page 26: Calibration Mode (Motor Angles)

    A lfa Radio Ltd. 11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8 sales@alfaradio.ca 780-466-5779 www.alfaradio.ca The directions of antenna elevation rotation are shown in the picture: 4.0.2 Calibration mode (MOTOR ANGLES) To switch the controller to the calibration mode, push the [F] button.
  • Page 27 A lfa Radio Ltd. 11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8 sales@alfaradio.ca 780-466-5779 www.alfaradio.ca On units with the latest firmware, the display screen will show which motor is a fault. This picture indicates that the motor connected to the Azimuth connector has the fault.

  • Page 28: Md-01/02 Controller Configuration

    A lfa Radio Ltd. 11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8 sales@alfaradio.ca 780-466-5779 www.alfaradio.ca 5 MD-01/02 controller configuration When MD-01/02 controller is in NORMAL mode, you can use the [S] button to enter configuration mode. The structure of the controller configuration mode is modular.

  • Page 29: Show Azimuth

    A lfa Radio Ltd. 11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8 sales@alfaradio.ca 780-466-5779 www.alfaradio.ca 5.2.1 Show Azimuth Azimuth angle display format: This angle can assume any value from -180 degree to 540 degrees max, or within the range of the rotator as set with the MAX and MIN Angle settings for each motor.

  • Page 30: Const El Map

    A lfa Radio Ltd. 11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8 sales@alfaradio.ca 780-466-5779 www.alfaradio.ca The Elevation map is ignored when the MD-01/02 is controlling manually. Note: MIN ANGLE and MAX ANGLE in SET MOTOR 1 (SET MOTOR 2) have a higher priority than the angles of elevation map.

  • Page 31: Protocol (Prot.xx)

    A lfa Radio Ltd. 11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8 sales@alfaradio.ca 780-466-5779 www.alfaradio.ca If template 1: AZ, 2: AZ, is chosen, the motor can be controlled from either of two ports. The Controller display will show one or two descriptions depending on the selected motor template: ...

  • Page 32: Pair

    A lfa Radio Ltd. 11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8 sales@alfaradio.ca 780-466-5779 www.alfaradio.ca  BRITE - Future. New protocol created by SPID Elektronik firm and Space Analysis Center in Warsaw.  HyGain - Future.  Future protocols are not guaranteed to be developed.

  • Page 33: Min Angle

    A lfa Radio Ltd. 11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8 sales@alfaradio.ca 780-466-5779 www.alfaradio.ca 0.5000 for BIG-RAK and BIG-RAS 5.3.6 MIN ANGLE Limits the minimum angle to which the motor can turn. Default -180 5.3.7 MAX ANGLE Limits the maximum angle to which the motor can turn.
  • Page 34 A lfa Radio Ltd. 11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8 sales@alfaradio.ca 780-466-5779 www.alfaradio.ca Example 1: One-step Set the initial speed of rotation of the motor START POWER 1 = 30%. Set the time to reach maximum power (MAX POWER) START TIME 1 = 5 seconds.
  • Page 35 A lfa Radio Ltd. 11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8 sales@alfaradio.ca 780-466-5779 www.alfaradio.ca Example 2: three-step  Set the POWER START 1 = 20%  START POWER 2 = 30%,  START POWER 3 = 50%, ...

  • Page 36: Stop Power, Stop Time

    A lfa Radio Ltd. 11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8 sales@alfaradio.ca 780-466-5779 www.alfaradio.ca 5.3.10 STOP POWER, STOP TIME Used if you want to obtain a so-called “soft stop”. It works the same way as “soft start” but is used to power down and stop the rotator.

  • Page 37: Baud

    A lfa Radio Ltd. 11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8 sales@alfaradio.ca 780-466-5779 www.alfaradio.ca 5,5,2 BAUD Possible values: 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, 115200, 230400 and 460800. SET ETHERNET – with optional module The Ethernet port can be set for Dynamic or Static IP address as outlined in section 7.2.

  • Page 38: Controller Firmware Update

    A lfa Radio Ltd. 11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8 sales@alfaradio.ca 780-466-5779 www.alfaradio.ca 6 CONTROLLER FIRMWARE UPDATE When a firmware update is available from A lfa Radio Ltd. the firmware of the MD- 01/02 controller can be updated.
  • Page 39 A lfa Radio Ltd. 11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8 sales@alfaradio.ca 780-466-5779 www.alfaradio.ca Back in the Main Screen:……… · Select Device: LPC1769. · Select COM port that will be used from your PC to the MD-01/02. · Select firmware received from A lfa Radio Ltd. i.e. MD01 v1.11.hex.

  • Page 40: Firmware Versions

    A lfa Radio Ltd. 11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8 sales@alfaradio.ca 780-466-5779 www.alfaradio.ca 6.2 Firmware versions The A lfa Radio Website has several versions of firmware for the MD-01/02 Controllers. They are filed in three subdirectories: Current This is the current version of Firmware approved by A lfa Radio Ltd.

  • Page 41: Optional Ethernet Module

    A lfa Radio Ltd. 11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8 sales@alfaradio.ca 780-466-5779 www.alfaradio.ca 7 Optional Ethernet Module. 7.1 To install the optional Ethernet module: Step 1: Unpack the module and note the MAC address printed on a paper sticker on the RJ45 connector.
  • Page 42 A lfa Radio Ltd. 11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8 sales@alfaradio.ca 780-466-5779 www.alfaradio.ca Step 3: Insert the Ethernet module into the space and align the 14-pin connector with the 14-pin socket on the motherboard. Push the 14-pin...

  • Page 43: Setup The Ethernet Module

    A lfa Radio Ltd. 11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8 sales@alfaradio.ca 780-466-5779 www.alfaradio.ca 7.2 Setup the Ethernet Module Connect an Ethernet cable from the MD-01/02 controller to the local LAN Switch. Turn the MD-01/02 controller ON and, with a PC connected to the LAN, determine the IP address of the MC-01/02 controller using a network scanning program such as “netscan.exe”.
  • Page 44 A lfa Radio Ltd. 11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8 sales@alfaradio.ca 780-466-5779 www.alfaradio.ca Click on the “Port 0” link. Ensure that all the parameters are set to match the above. When all the parameters are entered, check the “Make these the default settings” box and then click the “Submit”...
  • Page 45 A lfa Radio Ltd. 11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8 sales@alfaradio.ca 780-466-5779 www.alfaradio.ca To configure the Ethernet controller for a static IP address, access the controller using a web browser as described above. Click on the “Miscellaneous” icon.

  • Page 46: Ethernet Board Firmware Update

    A lfa Radio Ltd. 11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8 sales@alfaradio.ca 780-466-5779 www.alfaradio.ca Fill in the “Static IP Address” “Subnet Mask” and “Default Gateway” to match the network to which the controller will be connected. Click on the “Update Settings”...
  • Page 47 A lfa Radio Ltd. 11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8 sales@alfaradio.ca 780-466-5779 www.alfaradio.ca Clicking on the “Search” Button will have the program search for the Controller Ethernet Board. When found, it will display the board’s IP address and MAC address.
  • Page 48 A lfa Radio Ltd. 11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8 sales@alfaradio.ca 780-466-5779 www.alfaradio.ca Different positions of the Ethernet Module Page 48 of 55 AlfaSpid_MD-01-02_12APR2022.odt Copyright A lfa Radio Ltd. 2022...
  • Page 49 A lfa Radio Ltd. 11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8 sales@alfaradio.ca 780-466-5779 www.alfaradio.ca Page 49 of 55 AlfaSpid_MD-01-02_12APR2022.odt Copyright A lfa Radio Ltd. 2022...

  • Page 50: Orbiitron Satellite Tracking Program

    A lfa Radio Ltd. 11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8 sales@alfaradio.ca 780-466-5779 www.alfaradio.ca 8 ORBIITRON Satellite Tracking Program 8.1 Using the MD-01/02 with the tracking program ORBITRON The MD-01/02 rotator controller has a built in driver to connect with Orbitron track software.
  • Page 51 A lfa Radio Ltd. 11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8 sales@alfaradio.ca 780-466-5779 www.alfaradio.ca #4 A new screen (My DDE Client) will appear and display tracking data for the satel- lite selected in Orbitron. Click on “Exit”. Now go back to the MD-01/02 program and select the ORBITRON tab in the MD-01/02 pro- gram.
  • Page 52 A lfa Radio Ltd. 11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8 sales@alfaradio.ca 780-466-5779 www.alfaradio.ca The parameters from Orbitron should now appear in the MD-01/02 screen (AZ & EL) and the rotator should start to move the correct position.

  • Page 53: Controller Dimensions

    A lfa Radio Ltd. 11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8 sales@alfaradio.ca 780-466-5779 www.alfaradio.ca MD-01 Controller Dimensions: Controller MD-01 Dimensions FRONT Controller MD-01 Dimensions BACK Page 53 of 55 AlfaSpid_MD-01-02_12APR2022.odt Copyright A lfa Radio Ltd. 2022...

  • Page 54: Controller Dimensions

    A lfa Radio Ltd. 11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8 sales@alfaradio.ca 780-466-5779 www.alfaradio.ca MD-02 Controller Dimensions: Controller MD-02 Dimensions FRONT Controller MD-02 Dimensions BACK Page 54 of 55 AlfaSpid_MD-01-02_12APR2022.odt Copyright A lfa Radio Ltd. 2022...

  • Page 55: Month Limited Warranty

    A lfa Radio Ltd. 11211 - 154 St. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5M 1X8 sales@alfaradio.ca 780-466-5779 www.alfaradio.ca 12 MONTH LIMITED WARRANTY AlfaSpid Rotators and controllers A lfa Radio Ltd. warrants to original purchaser of the product, that the product will be free...

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