1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. Quasonix Manuals
  4. Antenna
  5. QTrack
  6. Installation and operation manual

Quasonix QTrack Installation And Operation Manual

Hide thumbs
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

Download this manual
ISO 9001:2015
Certified
Installation and Operation Manual
QTrack™ Antenna System
Quasonix, Inc.
6025 Schumacher Park Dr.
West Chester, OH 45069
17 October 2022
*** Preliminary 0.15 ***
Specifications subject to change without notice.
All Quasonix antenna products are under U.S. Department of Commerce jurisdiction categorized as
5A991; not covered by ITAR.
No part of the document may be circulated, quoted, or reproduced for distribution without prior written approval from
Quasonix, Inc.
Copyright Quasonix, Inc., All Rights Reserved.

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading
Need help?

Need help?

Do you have a question about the QTrack and is the answer not in the manual?

Questions and answers

Summary of Contents for Quasonix QTrack

  • Page 1 *** Preliminary 0.15 *** Specifications subject to change without notice. All Quasonix antenna products are under U.S. Department of Commerce jurisdiction categorized as 5A991; not covered by ITAR. No part of the document may be circulated, quoted, or reproduced for distribution without prior written approval from Quasonix, Inc.

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    QTrack™ Antenna System Table of Contents Introduction ............................1 Description ........................... 1 Nomenclature ..........................2 1.2.1 Options and Accessories ......................2 1.2.2 Standard Package Contents ....................3 Specifications ............................4 Installation Instructions .......................... 6 Mechanical ........................... 6 3.1.1 System Configuration ......................6 3.1.2...
  • Page 3 Appendix A – Transmitter Control ......................31 Appendix B – Acronym List ........................33 List of Figures Figure 1: QTrack™ Antenna System Part Number Construction ..............2 Figure 2: Typical System Configuration, Local Operation ................6 Figure 3: Mechanical Drawing – 2U Front View.................... 7...
  • Page 4 Figure 9: Typical System Configuration, Remote Operation—WAN Access ..........10 Figure 10: QTrack ACU Desktop Icon ......................11 Figure 11: QTrack ACU Graphical User Interface ..................11 Figure 12: Menu Bar, Logging Icon ......................12 Figure 13: Menu Bar, Logging Enabled ...................... 12 Figure 14: Menu Bar, Status Icon .......................
  • Page 5 QTrack™ Antenna System Figure 41: Tx Control Window ........................31 Figure 42: Transmitter Window, Tx Settings Tab..................32 List of Tables Table 1: Model Configuration Example ......................2 Table 2: 2U Rear Panel Connectors ......................8 Quasonix, Inc.

  • Page 6: Introduction

    1 Introduction 1.1 Description This document describes the installation and operation of the Quasonix QTrack™ Antenna System and is updated to match RDMS™ System Version 19.3. The QTrack™ antenna is enhanced by our industry-leading innovations, including our ultra-fast electronic scanning, enhanced system status graphics, and intuitive user interface. The...

  • Page 7: Nomenclature

    1.2 Nomenclature The QTrack™ Antenna System is available in a number of variations, depending on the options specified at the time of order. The features and modes installed in each unit are identified in the model number, as depicted in Figure 1.

  • Page 8: Standard Package Contents

    Keyboard, mouse, monitor and monitor rack mounting frame 1.2.2 Standard Package Contents The contents of the shipment include the following: • Round antenna • Dual-Axis positioner • 2U rack mount controller • (2) 161005-xxx Coaxial cables • QC-CBL005-XXX QTrack control umbilical cable Quasonix, Inc.

  • Page 9: Specifications

    QTrack™ Antenna System 2 Specifications Antenna Specifications Operating Frequency 1435.0 - 2500.0 MHz continuous 4400.0 - 5250.0 MHz continuous Polarization Simultaneous Right Hand and Left Hand Circular Axial Ratio 2.0 dB maximum Antenna Type Electronic Scanning Array Size (Diameter) 13.25 inches nominal Weight <...
  • Page 10 QTrack™ Antenna System Weight 25 lbs nominal Power Requirements 115 VAC, 60 Hz, 1Ø Environmental Operating Temperature -30°C to +55°C Storage Temperature -40°C to +71°C Relative Humidity Up to 100%, including condensation (radome protected) Rain Up to 4 inches per hour...

  • Page 11: Installation Instructions

    Figure 2: Typical System Configuration, Local Operation 3.1.2 2U Rack-Mount Controller The 2U QTrack™ Antenna Controller enclosure fits in a standard 19” rack, occupying just 2U of rack space. Mechanical layouts are provided in Figure. <<subject to change—check with Frank>>...

  • Page 12: Thermal

    Figure 5: Mechanical Drawing – 2U Top View 3.2 Thermal The storage temperature of the QTrack™ Antenna System is rated for -40°C to +71°C, while the operating temperature is rated for -30°C to +55°C. It is recommended that the unit be kept in a temperature controlled environment to minimize the risk of operating (or storing) outside the ranges specified.

  • Page 13: Controller Rear Panel Connections

    QTrack™ Antenna System 3.3.1 2U Controller Rear Panel Connections Rear panel connectors are the same for all 2U Controllers. Connectors are present whether the feature is ordered or not. The electrical interface connectors are shown in Figure 7. Figure 7: 2U Rear Panel Functional descriptions and electrical characteristics for each connector located on the rear panel are described in Table 2.

  • Page 14: Operating Instructions

    4.1 Local Antenna Control Unit (ACU) Operation The QTrack™ Antenna System is operated via the PC Interface. With a keyboard, monitor, and mouse, users may connect to the ACU and run the QTrack™ client software which is located on the desktop.

  • Page 15: Acu Main Operations Indicators And Manual Control

    Configure the Router to connect to your desired network on the WAN side. Install the client software on a remote PC. Open the QTrack ACU desktop icon on the remote PC. The ACU automatically attempts to connect to the IP address saved in the configuration.

  • Page 16: Acu Menu Bar

    QTrack™ Antenna System Figure 10: QTrack ACU Desktop Icon The QTrack ACU Graphical User Interface (GUI) displays, as shown in Figure 11. Note: This display is for a QTrack with the TX option. Figure 11: QTrack ACU Graphical User Interface 4.2.1...

  • Page 17: Status

    QTrack™ Antenna System The Logging icon, shown in Figure 12, enables and disables the logging function. The icon illuminates green when logging is enabled, as shown in Figure 13. Refer to section 4.5.1 for more detailed information about logging. Figure 12: Menu Bar, Logging Icon Figure 13: Menu Bar, Logging Enabled 4.2.1.2...

  • Page 18: Settings

    QTrack™ Antenna System Figure 15: Status Window 4.2.1.3 Settings The Settings icon, shown in Figure 16, opens the Settings window, shown in Figure 17. It is used to set or view parameters within the ACU. Figure 16: Menu Bar, Settings Icon...

  • Page 19: This Computer

    4.2.1.3.3 Calibration Calibration is for True North Settings only. Refer to section 4.3.7 for True North Settings information. Do not modify Tracking settings as these are critical for operation. The QTrack™ system does not require a periodic calibration. 4.2.1.4 Tools The Tools icon, shown in Figure 18, opens the Tools window, shown in Figure 19.

  • Page 20: Help

    QTrack™ Antenna System Figure 18: Menu Bar, Tools Icon Figure 19: Tools Window 4.2.1.5 Help The Help icon, shown in Figure 20, opens the Help window, shown in Figure 21. The Help window contains contact information, client version, and server version for the unit.

  • Page 21: Axis Control

    QTrack™ Antenna System 4.2.2 Axis Control The Axis Control section, shown in Figure 22, shows the available independent axis control modes, the servo On- Off button, and the (right hand side) Gear Icon (hot buttons) used for immediate display of the linked control and parameter input windows.

  • Page 22: Figure 24: Elevation, Tracking Error, Azimuth Windows

    QTrack™ Antenna System Note the Azimuth and Elevation indicators with resolution of 0.01°, indicating the pedestal pointing in El and AZ frame of reference. Figure 24: Elevation, Tracking Error, Azimuth Windows On the Axis Control window, select Manual Mode, as shown in Figure 25, and verify that the Hand Wheel Position illuminates green for both Elevation and Azimuth Input Controls.

  • Page 23: Camera Control

    QTrack™ Antenna System Alternatively, control the Elevation and Azimuth with the up/down and left/right arrows on the attached keyboard. 4.2.3 Camera Control Click on the Camera button in the top right of the Axis Control pane. The camera control panel displays, as shown in Figure 26.

  • Page 24: Target Dynamics

    QTrack™ Antenna System 4.3.2 Target Dynamics Target Dynamics controls the tracking speed of the antenna. It may be desirable to slow the tracking when noise or interference becomes evident. On the Axis Control window, click on the gear button located to the right of the track button, and open the Track Settings window, as shown in Figure 27.

  • Page 25: Acquire

    Click on the gear next to the Acquire button to display the Acquire Settings window. Figure 29: Acquire Settings Window Note that the Saturation [dB] and Auto Receiver Threshold [dB] setting do nothing for the QTrack system. They should be set to 99 so they do not activate.

  • Page 26: Search

    On the ACU, select Acquire, then search. Note the system is tracking. Remove the boresight power, and the system will enter the defined search pattern. Turn the boresight power on, and the QTrack will lock on. De-select Acquire, and return to Manual.

  • Page 27: Immediate Designate Mode

    QTrack™ Antenna System Up/Down arrows, located just above the program designates list, as shown in Figure 32. The software keypad displays enabling the operator to enter the desired angle, which displays in the Elevation or Azimuth entry field. Selecting the GO button sends the axis to the desired (entered) position. There are two modes: Immediate Designate mode and Program Designate mode, as described in the next sections.

  • Page 28: True North Calibration

    QTrack™ Antenna System Verify that the ACU reverts to the Manual mode of operation upon completion of the antenna travel. 4.3.7 True North Calibration Verify that a True North Calibration capability is available to the operator. Note: Prior to Setting the North Pointing Position, the Antenna’s Earth Location, correct time, and altitude should be entered into the System Location area of the ACU.

  • Page 29: Slaving And Burn File Operation

    QTrack™ Antenna System Figure 34: True North Window Verify that values can be manually programmed for the Azimuth angle parameter for the operational modes present (manual and sun). Verify that a Clear All Offsets button is present, and that when selected, all True North calibration data is discarded.

  • Page 30: Logging

    QTrack™ Antenna System Figure 35: Tools Window 4.5.1 Logging Select the Logging button to access the Logging window. The Options tab is shown in Figure 36. Figure 36: Logging Window Quasonix, Inc.

  • Page 31: Hand Wheel Test

    QTrack™ Antenna System Turn on all available logging parameters for recording. Close the Logging Window and the Settings Menu. Select the Logger Icon from the Tool bar. It should turn green when selected (the Logger function is recording). Turn the logging off by reselecting the Logger icon in the lower tool bar.

  • Page 32: Joystick Test

    QTrack™ Antenna System Rotate the Elevation hand wheel. Ensure the on-screen Elevation pointer rotates with the EL hand wheel input. 4.5.3 Joystick Test Enable the Joystick by selecting the Settings button from the tool bar. Select the Joystick button and check the Enable box.

  • Page 33: Maintenance Instructions

    QTrack™ Antenna System 5 Maintenance Instructions The QTrack™ Antenna System requires no regular maintenance, and there are no user-serviceable parts inside. Quasonix, Inc.

  • Page 34: Product Warranty

    QTrack™ Antenna System 6 Product Warranty The QTrack™ Antenna System carries a standard parts and labor warranty of one (1) year from the date of delivery. Quasonix, Inc.

  • Page 35: Technical Support And Rma Requests

    QTrack™ Antenna System 7 Technical Support and RMA Requests In the event of a product issue, customers should contact Quasonix via phone (1-513-942-1287) or e-mail (support@quasonix.com) to seek technical support. If the Quasonix representative determines that the product issue must be addressed at Quasonix, a returned materials authorization (RMA) number will be provided for return shipment.

  • Page 36: Appendix A - Transmitter Control

    QTrack™ Antenna System 8 Appendix A – Transmitter Control A QTrack™ system with the TX(xx) option has an embedded uplink transmitter. These systems operate in both L and S bands, and must transmit and receive in separate bands. The QTrack™ ACU GUI contains a Tx Control window, as shown in Figure 40, to facilitate transmitter operation.

  • Page 37: Figure 42: Transmitter Window, Tx Settings Tab

    QTrack™ Antenna System To set the transmit frequency and other parameters, select the settings (gear) button in the lower right corner for the Tx Control window. The Transmitter window, Tx Settings tab is shown in Figure 42. Figure 42: Transmitter Window, Tx Settings Tab There are three tabs available on the Transmitter window: Tx Settings, Console, and Comm.

  • Page 38: Appendix B - Acronym List

    QTrack™ Antenna System 9 Appendix B – Acronym List Acronym Description Antenna Control Unit Automatic Gain Control Amplitude Modulation AQPSK Variant of Quadrature Phase Shift Keying ARTM Advanced Range Telemetry AUQPSK Variant of Quadrature Phase Shift Keying Azimuth Bit Error Probability...
  • Page 39 QTrack™ Antenna System Acronym Description Intermediate Frequency Internet Protocol kbps Kilobits per second Kilohertz Liquid Crystal Display LDPC Low Density Parity Check Light-emitting Diode LHCP Left Hand Circularly Polarized Low Noise Amplifier mbps Megabits per second Snap on subminiature connector...
  • Page 40 QTrack™ Antenna System Acronym Description SOQPSK Shaped Offset Quadrature Phase Shift Keying Shaped Offset Quadrature Phase Shift Keying –Telemetry SOQPSK-TG Group Space-Time Coding Top Dead Center Tracking Loop Transistor Logic User Datagram Protocol UQPSK Unbalanced Quadrature Phase Shift Keying Universal Serial Bus...

Table of Contents