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Summary of Contents for Quasonix HyperTrack
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*** Revision 1.0 *** Specifications subject to change without notice. All Quasonix products are under U.S. Department of Commerce jurisdiction; not covered by ITAR No part of the document may be circulated, quoted, or reproduced for distribution without prior written approval from Quasonix, Inc.
Caution ............................ 6 Electromagnetic Radiation Hazards and Precautions ..............7 Operational Safety Summary....................... 7 Maintenance Operations Safety Summary .................. 7 Hazardous Components ......................7 Safety Summary .......................... 7 Software Overview ..........................9 HyperTrack™ Antenna Control Unit .................... 9 Quasonix, Inc.
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4.1.5 Graphical User Interface (GUI) Overview ................15 Graphical User Interface (GUI) Overview .................. 17 4.2.1 Main Screen, Tool Bar ......................18 HyperTrack™ Client Version .................... 18 4.2.1.1 4.2.1.2 HTAC Communications Status ..................18 4.2.1.3 HTAC Logging Function ....................19 4.2.1.3.1...
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Quasonix Limited Warranty Statement ..................103 6.1.1 Extended Warranties ......................104 Technical Support and RMA Requests....................105 Appendix A - HyperTrack™ Control System ..................106 HyperTrack™ Hardware ......................107 HyperTrack™ User Interface ....................107 Standard Controller Features ....................108 HyperTrack™ Advanced Features ..................109 8.4.1...
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Figure 10: Login Screen ..........................13 Figure 11: Login Screen, Used for General and Advanced Access ............14 Figure 12: HyperTrack™ Graphical User Interface (GUI), Main Screen ............ 15 Figure 13: GUI Main Screen, Tool Bar ......................18 Figure 14: Server Selection Window ......................19 Figure 15: Tool Bar, Clipboard Icon ......................
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HyperTrack™ Software Instruction Figure 20: Tool Bar, Clipboard Icon, File Management Selection .............. 23 Figure 21: Log File Management Window ....................24 Figure 22: Tool Bar, Status Icon ......................... 24 Figure 23: Status Window ........................... 25 Figure 24: Tool Bar, Settings Icon ......................26 Figure 25: Settings Window ........................
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Figure 79: Firmware Update Status ......................70 Figure 80: Main Screen, View Drop Down Menu ..................71 Figure 81: HyperTrack™ Graphical User Interface (GUI), Main Screen ............ 71 Figure 82: Tracking History Charts ......................72 Figure 83: Motion Tuning Charts ........................ 73 Figure 84: Scope View ..........................
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Figure 126: Auto Stow Error Message ...................... 101 Figure 127: Functional Flow in HyperTrack™ Ground Station ..............106 Figure 128: 2U HyperTrack™ Antenna Controller (HTAC), Front Panel ..........107 Figure 129: 2U HyperTrack™ Antenna Controller (HTAC), Back Panel ..........107 Figure 130: HyperTrack™...
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HyperTrack™ Software Instruction Figure 131: Prop-chop Displayed On the HyperTrack™ Antenna Controller (HTAC) ......111 Figure 132: Rotor-rate Sidebands Before HTAC Processing ..............112 Figure 133: Rotor-rate Sidebands After HTAC Processing ..............113 Figure 134: Dynamic Tracking Loop Bandwidth Surface ................114 Figure 135: GSA Generates the Actual RF Signal with Correct AM ............
The PD series precision positioner assembly is one component of the Quasonix family of products. The positioner will work as a standalone assembly, although when paired with the entire family of Quasonix components, the full feature set and tracking capabilities can be achieved.
CAGE code: 3CJA9 1.2 Nomenclature HyperTrack™ is available in many variations based on the pedestal and reflector size, frequency bands, etc. The features and modes installed in each unit are identified in the model number, as depicted in Figure 1.
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction • Reinforced Backup Structure • Tripod • Uplink Transmitter For example, a model QSX-PD450-08P-S2-C-S-CA is configured as shown in Table 1: Table 1: Model Configuration Example Identifiers Description Quasonix product Precision Drive Antenna System Pedestal Size 6 foot reflector (1.8m)
The Gyroscope/IMU option provides a MEMS-based Inertial Measurement/GPS receiver unit for auto position, heading, and stabilization. Pedestal Spacer – PS 1.2.2.7 The Pedestal Spacer option provides a high strength riser extension. Contact the Quasonix factory to determine the correct length. Reinforced Backup Structure – RB 1.2.2.8 The Reinforced Backup Structure option provides reinforced reflector and spar structure for higher wind loads or heavier feed requirements.
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction 2 Specifications PD300 PD450 PD500 PD750 PD900 Antenna Up to 4 feet Up to 6 feet Up to 10 feet* Up to 16 feet Up to 24 feet Capability (1.2M) (1.8M) (2.44M) (5M) (7.3M) Typical 4’ / 1.2 Meter 6’...
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction 3 Safety This section should be read and fully understand to operate the positioner for the safety of the personnel and equipment. The purpose of this section is to introduce the system user to general safety practices and specific hazard statements.
OFF position, due to charges retained by capacitors. To avoid potential injuries, always remove power, and discharge and ground a circuit before touching it. When in doubt, contact a Quasonix factory representative before opening any system access hatches or covers.
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HyperTrack™ Software Instruction !WARNING! Always align the positioner such that there are no mechanical obstructions throught the entire range of movement in Azimuth and Elevation. Maintenance personnel must obey safety lights and buzzers which indicate immediate movement of the system.
HTAC and the Telemetry Tracking System. The Windows 10 Pro system About page, shown in Figure 4, outlines the HyperTrack™ PC hardware supplied with the Windows client PC. Note, the installed RAM was upgraded to 32 GB in all client computers.
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction Figure 5: HyperTrack™ Antenna Control Unit, Front Panel The HTAC front panel has a lighted input power On/Off switch, as well as a touchscreen that provides access to: About (Help), Network, Boot, Tools, and Power. It also has two USB ports for factory use only.
4.1.2 HTAC Communications Architecture The typical Ethernet communication layout scheme, for the HyperTrack™ Antenna Controller (HTAC), as well as the connected Windows Client (PC) computer, the managed switch (control room), and the external System Servo Assembly, is shown Figure 7. All connections are CAT 5/6. The communication lines between the switch and the Servo Assembly can be either Fiber Optic (FO) or Wired (RJ45), depending on the tracking system selected and the distance between the control room (HTAC) and the Servo Assembly.
Add button - Allows unique controller addresses to be saved for access at a later time • Connect button – Displays when either section is selected In this example, two HyperTrack™ Antenna Controllers are available, one saved, and one detected on the network. Quasonix, Inc.
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction Figure 9: Server Selection Screen When the Connect button is selected, a Login window displays, as shown in Figure 10. A Username and Password must be entered for the connection to be completed. Refer to section 4.1.4 for more information.
These menus are protected by an Advanced User password. If it becomes necessary to gain access to these hardware settings, the Quasonix factory must be contacted for a single use, temporary password. After the password is obtained from Quasonix, and entered in the HTAC, all of the restricted hardware settings menu becomes available.
Quasonix HyperTrack™. Basic functions include, all axis control, system axis, angle feedback, receiver signal level displays (AGCs), and tracking information. The HyperTrack™ GUI is shown in Figure 12. The numbered labels in the figure are described in Table 2.
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HyperTrack™ Software Instruction Item # Window Name Description Elevation Elevation Axis Position Meter - The Commanded digital angle readout and pointer are shown in orange (central meter orange numeric display); The Actual digital position readout with pointer are displayed in blue (central meter blue numeric display); The Elevation Slave pointer is green;...
4.2 Graphical User Interface (GUI) Overview The HyperTrack™ GUI Main screen provides the operator command and status of the antenna tracking system. The main display automatically opens after completing the Ethernet link to the HyperTrack™ controller (HTAC). This section describes the command and status functions available from the Main screen.
Main Screen, Tool Bar Tool Bar at the top of the Main GUI screen shows the HyperTrack™ Client Version number, and provides access to additional information through tabs and a drop down menu. The additional options provide the user with system setup, command, and status of the antenna system.
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction Figure 14: Server Selection Window 4.2.1.3 HTAC Logging Function The HTAC GUI has logging functionality that allows the user to select the various parameters for data capture and archive. 4.2.1.3.1 Logging Enable The Clipboard icon, as shown in Figure 15, is used to access the Logging feature. This drop down menu allows the user to enable the feature and configure the settings and file management for data logging.
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction Downloading the log file(s) to the PC uses the file management selections listed within the logger drop down menu. When the logger is enabled, a Start Logging window opens, as shown in Figure 16. This allows the operator to give each log file a unique name and description, as well as the default automatic time and date stamp—all before the...
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction The data recording frequency is set via the Rate drop down menu, located in the General window, circled in Figure 18. The rate is adjustable between 1 Hz and 100 Hz. In the example on the left figure, all parameters highlighted green are recorded at the selected rate of 100 Hz.
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction In the example in Figure 19, the Active Channel is not selected, so the logger only records the selected tracking channels highlighted green. In this example, the green channels are Channel 1- LHCP, Channel 2-RHCP, and Channel 3-COMB.
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction Servo Box Open (Servo Assembly lid is opened, lid sensor is not connected) Azimuth Servo Fault (AZ axis servo has generated a fault condition) Azimuth Servo Fault (AZ axis servo has generated a fault condition) Table 4: Tracking Status Flags...
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction The File Management Window displays only the log files saved on the HTAC. This does not include the files moved to the Windows Client PC. Figure 21: Log File Management Window 4.2.1.4 Status and Indicator Window Select the Status icon from the Main Tool Bar, as shown in Figure 22, to access the Status and Indicator window.
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction Figure 23: Status Window Fault Codes in the Elevation and Azimuth Axis are displayed in their representative blocks. The Azimuth and Elevation Servo fault codes, generated by the system servos, are transmitted to the HTAC and displayed in each axis directly under the Fault Codes: space.
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction • • Servo Power Enabled Hard Down Limit • • Servo Hardware Enabled Hard Up Limit • • Safe Torque Off Fault Codes The Azimuth section provides overall system health indicators including: • • Servo Okay Soft CCW Limit •...
Many Settings parameters contained in these areas are factory set and can be critical to the Quasonix Telemetry Tracking system operation. If you are unsure of what a certain parameter can, or should, be set to, contact Quasonix for more detailed information before making changes.
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction button saves/applies the settings. To close any settings window, select the close window (X) located at the top right corner of the open window. Figure 26 shows the Track parameter selected in the Mission section. The up and down arrows may be used to adjust settings, or values can be typed directly into the tracking parameters.
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction Figure 27: Client Preferences, Error Meter—Disabled/Enabled Button The button changes to Enabled and is highlighted in green, as shown in Figure 28. Select the Apply button to save the setting. To disable this feature, select the Enabled button. The button changes to Disabled and the color returns to gray.
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction Figure 28: Client Preferences, Error Meter Enabled Figure 29: Error Meter, Green Grid Lines 4.2.1.5.1.2 Arrow Keys Within Client Preferences, the user has the option to enable the Arrow Keys functionality. When enabled, this function allows the user to control the velocity and movement of the Elevation and Azimuth Axes from a connected keyboard.
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction • • Az Degrees per turn El Deceleration • • El Degrees per turn Az Velocity per turn • • Az Acceleration El Velocity per turn • • El Acceleration Az Max Velocity • • Az Deceleration El Max Velocity In the example in Figure 30, each full turn of the AZ hand wheel, in Velocity mode, drives the axis at 10°...
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction The user can set the antenna positioner movement by joystick for the following movement dynamics. • • Az Invert El Max Velocity • • El Invert El Filter Enable • • Az Max Velocity AZ LPF Filter Bandwidth •...
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction The axis Velocity, Acceleration, and Deceleration parameters are set up in this section. The AZ axis offset angle also displays here. The offset angle is typically generated by the True North Tool, which is used to correct the AZ axis to 0.0°...
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction Figure 33: Mission, Elevation 4.2.1.5.2.3 Program Designates The Mission - Designates window contains the user entered, pre-programed and named Elevation and Azimuth position locations, as shown in Figure 34. This allows the user to store antenna positions that are repetitively used such as: Boresight, Runway, and Stow.
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction Figure 34: Mission, Designates 4.2.1.5.2.3.1 Add Designate To program coordinates, select the Add button at the top of the Mission Designates window. In the Add Designate window, shown in Figure 35, type or select the Azimuth and Elevation coordinates for each axis. After entering the coordinates, add a name for recall, then select the Save button.
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction entering the coordinates, add a name for recall, then select the Save button. The updated Designate displays in the Mission Designates window. Figure 36: Mission, Designate—Edit Designate 4.2.1.5.2.3.3 Remove Designate To delete program coordinates, select the saved designate in the Mission Designates window. The designate to delete is highlighted in blue, as shown in Figure 37.
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction 4.2.1.5.2.4 Immediate Designates The Immediate Designate feature is accessed by selecting the Gear button directly to the right of the AZ and EL Manual buttons in the Main screen, Mode Control window. When selected, the icon is outlined in black, and the Designates window opens to the right in the Multifunction Display area, as shown in Figure 38.
4.2.1.5.2.6.1 Add Receiver When the Add Receiver button is selected, it allows the user to enter a unique name and IP Address for a Quasonix receiver into a separate Add Receiver window. This enables remote control of the receiver through the GUI. After the parameters are entered, then select the Add button.
Figure 40: Mission, Receivers—Add Receiver 4.2.1.5.2.7 Channel Map The Channel Map window, shown in Figure 41, only applies to Quasonix RDMS™ receivers. This window lists the unique names and IP addresses of each Quasonix RDMS. The Channel Map window enables linking to the Quasonix HTAC.
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction Figure 41: Mission, Receivers—Channel Map Within the Channel Map window, the tracking channel IP address for each receiver is added using these steps: After adding Receiver #1’s Tracking Channel IP addresses in the Receivers window, the receiver’s three tracking channels (1, 2, and 3) must be selected by double clicking the Receiver Channel field.
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction Figure 42: Channel Map, Receiver Channel Drop Down Menu 4.2.1.5.2.8 Slaving The Mission – Slaving window provides a means of adding, editing, or deleting slaving sources for antenna pointing purposes. This location is where the source parameters such as, Name, Description, and Source IP address are entered and stored.
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction Figure 43: Mission, Slaving—Add Slave Source 4.2.1.5.2.9 Status The Mission - Status window provides the user a location where Status Messages are configured, enabled (highlighted in green), or disabled (highlighted in gray), as shown in Figure 44. This window is available with the Standard Login.
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction Figure 44: Mission, Status 4.2.1.5.2.10 Track The Mission -Track window, shown in Figure 45, provides a location to configure the parameters that define the target tracking motion of the antenna tracking system, as it follows the radiating target across the sky. The parameters found in this menu are factory adjusted to the type of feed, such as Conscan or SCM, and the reflector size of the deliverable.
ACQ AID aperture (in meters). This information is factory installed and should not be changed. This window is NOT available to the standard user. An Advanced Use Password must be received from the Quasonix factory to access this window. Quasonix, Inc.
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction Figure 46: Hardware, General 4.2.1.5.3.2 Date and Time The Hardware - Date & Time window, shown in Figure 47, provides access to the current system date and time protocol information. The up/down arrows allows for the manual entry of the date and time information, if desired.
Changing this setting may shut off the servo controller’s internal EtherCat links. An Advanced Use Password must be received from the Quasonix factory to access this window. Quasonix, Inc.
Gear Ration Output Revs, Maximum Velocity, Maximum Acceleration, and Maximum Deceleration. These are parameters set at the factory and are password protected to prevent damage to the system or personnel. An Advanced Use Password must be received from the Quasonix factory to access this window. Quasonix, Inc.
Gear Ration Output Revs, Maximum Velocity, Maximum Acceleration, and Maximum Deceleration. These parameters are set at the factory and are password protected to prevent damage to the system or personnel. An Advanced Use Password must be received from the Quasonix factory to access this window. Quasonix, Inc.
These are parameters set at the factory and are password protected to prevent damaged to the system or personnel. An Advanced Use Password must be received from the Quasonix factory to access this window. Quasonix, Inc.
This window contains four (4) available configurable Feed types (Feed 1 through Feed 4). This allows for the system to be configured for up to four (4) feeds in a single Quasonix HyperTrack™. For example, Feed 1 would save the parameters for the provided, typical SCM feed assembly (as shown in Figure 52), while Feed 2 would contain the parameters for an additional feed, such as an offset, dish mounted, ACQ-AID.
Figure 52: Hardware, Feed 1 In Figure 52, the settings were selected and set for a standard Quasonix tri-band feed (L/S/C bands). The Quasonix SCM feed was selected from the Feed (1) Type, drop down menu. The (feed modulation) Mode is set to Normal, and the feed Scan Frequency was set to 1000 Hz (typical factory scan rate setting).
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction Figure 53: Hardware, Feed 2 4.2.1.5.3.8 Dehydrator The Hardware – Dehydrator window, shown in Figure 54, provides access to the dehydrator communication parameters. The dehydrator’s IP Address, SNMP Community setting, and Polling Rate are entered and stored here.
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction Figure 54: Hardware, Dehydrator 4.2.1.6 Tools A drop down menu displaying configurable features is accessed via the Tools icon on the Main Tool Bar, as shown in Figure 55. The features include: • True North • Handwheel Test •...
4.2.1.6.1 True North The True North feature in the Tools drop down menu aligns the HyperTrack™ with the Azimuth Axis True 0° pointing position. This provides the user with three methods of aligning the system to 0° North. Each method involves a series of steps the user can follow to align the Azimuth axis.
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction Figure 57: True North Wizard, Select Method Sun Calibration - Verify system location and the correct Date and Time Verify the system location in the True North Wizard, System Settings screen, as shown in Figure 58. Select the Next button to continue.
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction Set the tracking channel (LHCP) signal strength (Hi), and check the attached receiver settings and tracking frequency, in the True North Wizard, Channel Configuration, as shown in Figure 59. Select the Next button to continue. Figure 59: True North Wizard, Channel Configuration In the True North Wizard, Enable Manual Mode screen, enable Manual Mode axes control, as shown in Figure 60.
On the True North Wizard, Find Sun window, shown in Figure 61, point the antenna at the sun by selecting the Move to Sun button, or by manually moving the HyperTrack™, as shown in Figure 62. Figure 61: True North Wizard, Find Sun...
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction Using a manual method, such as with handwheels, joystick, remote box, etc., move the antenna so the shadow of the prime focus feed is centered at the vertex of the reflector. If using a vertex mounted feed, Cassegrain, position the sun centered over the Cassegrain Feed Assembly.
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction Figure 63: True North Wizard, Finished Note: To accurately point to the sun, the following system settings must be correct: date and time and the system ground location (Latitude, Longitude, and height above sea level). After the wizard is complete, select Sun Designate. The antenna should slew to the correct sky location. To check the position, the sun image should be located in the center of the camera view monitor.
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction Figure 64: Hand Wheel Test Feedback Dial 4.2.1.6.3 Joystick Test The Joystick Test feature in the Tools drop down menu is used to verify the Joystick’s calibration. By moving the joystick from left to right, and up and down, the Joystick Test window verifies the correct movement. When the joystick is released, the joystick is at center.
The Scope Recorder feature in the Tools drop down menu is used to record a group of pre-set system parameters for future analysis. It is designed as a testing tool for capturing a file for saving and sending to Quasonix benchmark system health, or to review performance for preventive and diagnostic purposes.
Advanced and factory settings are protected. To safeguard the antenna and personnel, access to these settings is only available from Quasonix. The Advanced Use password expires after 24 hours. In the Change Password window, shown in Figure 67, type the current password and new password in the appropriate fields.
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction Figure 68: Manage User Accounts To add users, select the Add button. In the Add User window, shown in Figure 69, the following parameters must be entered: • Username – The name used to identify the account •...
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction Figure 69: Manage User Accounts, Add User To edit an existing user account, highlight one of the users in the list, then select the Edit button. In the Edit User window, shown in Figure 70, change the desired parameters. Select the Update button to save the changes.
The Restart HTAC option in the Tools drop down menu is used to restart the software on the HTAC. When selected, a HyperTrack™ window displays, as shown in Figure 72. Note: Doing this when target tracking, ends the tracking operation as the HTAC shuts down to reboot. During the restart, communication with the GUI stops, and the front panel Manual control buttons turn gray.
Select the Help icon from the Main Tool Bar, as shown in Figure 74, to access the Help window, shown in Figure Figure 74: Tool Bar, Status Icon The Help window provides access to three features: • Contact • Version • Firmware Update 4.2.1.7.1 Contact The Contact tab displays Quasonix contact information, as shown in Figure 75. Quasonix, Inc.
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction Figure 75: Help, Contact Tab 4.2.1.7.2 Version The Version tab displays the system software versions for the Client and the Server software, as shown in Figure 76. Figure 76: Help, Version Tab Quasonix, Inc.
After the firmware has been obtained from the factory and saved locally, the files can be accessed by selecting the Browse button, then searching for the Quasonix (update) firmware (Firmware Image *.img file), as shown in Figure 78. This process is used to update the Server (HTAC) Firmware only. The firmware located in the Feed Control Box is updated simultaneously.
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction Figure 78: Windows Explorer with File Highlighted After the new HTAC Server Firmware is highlighted, select the Open button. The file is copied to the HTAC and displays in the Firmware Image field in the Firmware Update tab.
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction Figure 79: Firmware Update Status 4.2.1.7.4 Client Software (GUI) Update When updating the Windows Client Software (GUI) (not firmware!), located on the connected, Windows PC, the Firmware Update tab described in section 4.2.1.7.3 is NOT used. Instead, a windows installer with the executable file is placed on a flash drive which is inserted into any available USB port on the client PC.
This is the same screen that opens when the ACU icon is selected from the Windows PC Desktop. Note: Multiple Standard View windows can be opened at the same time, if needed. Figure 81: HyperTrack™ Graphical User Interface (GUI), Main Screen Quasonix, Inc.
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction 4.2.1.8.2 Tracking Tracking view opens three (3) tracking history charting tools, as shown in Figure 82. The available charting tools are: • Tracking Error History Chart • Tracking RSSI History Chart • Dynamic Bandwidth History Chart Figure 82: Tracking History Charts Tracking data available to the client software automatically displays in the three charts shown.
Scope view, shown in Figure 84, opens a virtual oscilloscope with typical channel scaling functions. The Scope window displays the two strobing signals (square waves) which modulate the Quasonix SCM feed, as well as the resulting AM signal needed for tracking a radiating target.
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction The scope provides visible feedback information on how well the system is tracking the target. In Figure 84, the AZ axis is a few degrees off boresight. Note: The Scope shows the feed strobing signals in yellow-pink, and the AM in green just offset from boresight.
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction Figure 85: Motion Test The four motion control entry parameters are: • Position EL Position AZ Position • Position Relative EL Position Relative Az Position Relative • Velocity EL Velocity AZ Velocity • Misc. Clear Faults button...
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction 0 degrees AZ and 0 degrees EL, and 2.0 is entered into the AZ and EL boxes. When the Go button is selected, the antenna slews to +2.0 degrees Azimuth and + 2.0 degrees Elevation. 4.2.1.8.5.3 Velocity The Velocity parameters command the AZ and EL axes at the velocity entered each axis field.
Figure 88: GUI Quick Open Icon, Multiple Windows Open 4.2.3 Graphical User Interface (GUI), Front Panel Detail The Front panel is the main GUI screen displayed upon launching the ACU HyperTrack™ application software, as shown in Figure 89. Quasonix, Inc.
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction Figure 89: HyperTrack™ Client GUI, Main Screen 4.2.3.1 Axis Status The Elevation (EL) and Azimuth (AZ) axes analog / digital position feedback indicators show the pointing position of the axis with a two-color pointer and digital numerical readout (to XX.000°). The Commanded Position, blue pointer with blue digital display, indicates the position the axis was instructed to slew to represented by the lower digital readout.
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction Figure 90: Axes Analog / Digital Position Feedback Indicators Figure 91: Axes Analog / Digital Position Feedback Indicators, Labeled Quasonix, Inc.
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction The Azimuth and Elevation axis position display meter breakdown: • AZ Axis Velocity readout • Actual antenna pointing position – Orange Pointer, in this case (359.994°) • Commanded antenna pointing position – Blue pointer (under orange pointer) •...
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction Figure 93: Example Cartesian Coordinate System Figure 94: Tracking Error Meter Antenna Tracking View As the antenna slews towards the radiating target, the Meatball moves toward the center (cross hair) position of the Error dial, in both X and Y axes, (provided that the meter is calibrated correctly). As the antenna slews away from the target, the Meatball moves away from the central crosshair position on the error meter.
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction Figure 95: Tracking Error Meter Feed Indicators 4.2.3.3 RSSI The Receiver Settings and Selection Interface (RSSI), located in the lower left quadrant of the GUI main screen, is used to configure and switch between tracking receivers. The RSSI window displays the Signal Level Meters (AGC Levels), the manual and automatic selection of the tracking channels, the Auto Rx button, the Rx Threshold setting tool, and the Receiver Settings buttons (Gear buttons) for configuring channel parameters.
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction 4.2.3.3.1 RSSI A. Rx Threshold The A. Rx Threshold parameter is an Auto-Receiver Threshold setting tool used to enable and set the dB level between channels for switching tracking channels automatically. When enabled (On), the RSSI/AGC meters (vertical bars) turn yellow when the target has been acquired (signal level was at some point above the acquisition threshold) but the RSSI/AGC level is below the acquire threshold.
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction Figure 98: Main Screen, RSSI—Signal Meter Channels 4.2.3.3.5.1 RSSI Receivers Auto Rx The Auto Rx feature is activated by the button above each receiver signal level display (4). The button enables the Auto Rx for the channel below the button. The button illuminates green when enabled. In Figure, the buttons above channels 1, 2, and 3 are selected and illuminate green.
The Signal icons, visible just below the borders on receiver signal displays 1, 2, and 4 indicate that the installed Quasonix RDMS receiver’s IP address has been entered into the Settings – Hardware – Receivers panel, and that the receiver tracking channels have been mapped to specific IP addresses. This also indicates that STRICI is active.
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction Each tracking channel has its own unique settings page. There can be up to 16 individual pages, one for each possible tracking channel. In Figure 102, the window is the set up for tracking channel 1 (LHCP RF input into the system receiver).
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• Receiver • Input Type – Sets receiver input to HyperTrack™ (digital) or Analog; the default is analog • Input Source – When in digital mode (HyperTrack™ selected), any source or combination of sources can be mapped to any channel. For example, if the drop down menu of Virtual HT Combiner 1+2 is selected, then Channel 1 is mapped to be a virtual combined channel of Channel 1 + Channel 2.
• AGC Scale The parameter settings shown in Figure 104 are transmitted to the connected Quasonix receiver when the Apply button is selected. All 16 available tracking channels contain this Settings screen, which opens when the Open Rx Control button is selected. Changes made in this screen are displayed in the Quasonix RDMS receiver setup window.
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction 4.2.3.4 Mode Control The Mode Control window on the main GUI screen, shown in Figure 105, is used to manually configure and control the Azimuth and Elevation axes. It shows the independent AZ and EL axis control modes, Combined axis control buttons, Camera control button, Servo On/Off button, and the settings access (Gear button) for corresponding mode.
Servo button illuminates yellow until the axes are enabled and warning alarm completes. The transition alarm time is not configurable in HyperTrack™ systems. It is a fixed, 30 second timeout. After the transition time, the power is applied to the servos and the Servo button changes to green. The user now has access to the Azimuth and Elevation axis mode control buttons.
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction • Track • Acquire • Search • Slave • Manual • Standby The system can utilize any of these modes/axes independently or simultaneously. For example, the Azimuth axis can be in Slave mode while the Elevation axis is in Search (or Manual mode). The user has the option of changing the mode of operation for an individual axis, or both axes simultaneously, by selecting the center command buttons, denoted by the chain-link.
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction 4.2.3.4.2.2 Acquire When the Acquire mode is selected, the Azimuth and Elevation axes automatically switch to Track, based on a user configurable acquisition threshold. The acquisition threshold is independently configurable for each tracking channel (RSSI/AGC meter) displayed in the RSSI (AGC) window. When the Acquire button is gray, it indicates the mode is Off/Disabled.
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction Figure 111: Mode Control Window Figure 112: Search Window When the AZ Search button is selected, the antenna only searches in Azimuth. In Figure 111, the Azimuth moves 20 degrees to each side of the starting pointing position, at a rate of 10 degrees/sec. Elevation parameter settings are identical.
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction Figure 113: Mode Control Window Figure 114: Slave Window 4.2.3.4.2.5 Manual When an axis is placed in Manual mode, the button illuminates green indicating that the axis is ready for manual input commands, as shown in Figure 115 (chain-link button selects both axes at the same time).
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction 4.2.3.4.2.6 Standby Standby mode allows the Azimuth and Elevation Axes to independently be placed in Standby. When a Standby button illuminates red, the corresponding axis motor brakes are engaged, and the axis servo amplifier is disabled, as shown in Figure 116.
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction 4.2.3.5 Azimuth and Elevation Input Control Windows The Input Control windows, shown in Figure 118, allow the modes of manual antenna movement, either Position or Velocity, for each axis independently. The Input Control windows are located at the lower left (Azimuth) and right (Elevation) on the Main GUI screen.
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction 4.2.3.6.1 Time Synchronization Status Date and time display is in the right hand corner of the Lower Tool Bar. The Clock icon glows green when time code information is present, and red when time code information is missing. Selecting the green Clock icon opens the Time Synchronization Status window, as shown in Figure 120.
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction Figure 122: Time Synchronization Status, Sources Tab 4.2.4 Optional Equipment—Auto Stow Assembly The optional Auto Stow Assembly must be enabled from the Settings – Hardware - Auto Stow window. If the tracker was not supplied with the Auto Stow Assembly option, the page displays a Not Installed message, as shown in Figure 123.
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction When Enabled, the following GUI examples apply. • The Main Screen (GUI), now includes a small Anchor icon located in the lower left hand corner of the Mode Control Area, as shown in Figure 124. Selecting the Anchor icon enables the Auto Stow system.
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction Figure 125: Auto Stow Status Message, Moving to Stow Position • Auto Stow is enabled, and the system drives to the stored stow position. After the stow pin has been completely inserted into the receptacle, the Auto Stow icon stops blinking. The AZ and EL Manual buttons turn red as the axes are disabled, and the stow Servo button disables the servos and turns red.
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction 5 Maintenance Instructions HyperTrack™ requires no regular maintenance, and there are no user-serviceable parts inside. Quasonix, Inc.
Quasonix. Quasonix shall not be liable for a breach of the warranty set forth in this Limited Warranty unless: (i) the customer gives written notice of the defect, reasonably described, to Quasonix’s Contracts Administrator within thirty (30) days of the time when customer discovers or ought to have discovered the defect and obtains a Return Materials Authorizations (“RMA”) number;...
Products; (c) as a result of a failure to follow the instructions in the Operations & Maintenance Manual (d) by the use of parts not manufactured or sold by Quasonix; or (e) by modification or service by anyone other than (i) Quasonix, (ii) an Quasonix authorized service provider, or (iii) your own installation of end-user replaceable Quasonix or Quasonix approved parts if available for the Products in the servicing country.
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction 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.
HyperTrack™ control interface, which is revolutionizing the way auto-tracking antennas function. Latency in the antenna tracking control loop leads to jitter in the antenna position. HyperTrack™ replaces the traditional AM and AGC analog signals with a single high-speed serial digital interface. Furthermore, all real time processing is done in FPGAs, where signal timing is precisely controlled and completely deterministic.
HyperTrack™ Software Instruction A HyperTrack™ Ground Station exploits information from the TM receiver to improve the overall receive system performance, and it includes the capability to perform RF-level end-to-end antenna system testing that was previously impossible or extremely difficult to achieve.
8.3 Standard Controller Features The HyperTrack™ Antenna Controller (HTAC) supports all of the “standard” ACU features, and provides support for the standard AM and AGC interfaces. In the interest of brevity, we simply list a few of those features here: •...
8.4 HyperTrack™ Advanced Features The elementary HyperTrack™ features listed above are important, but they are not unique to HyperTrack™. Every modern antenna controller supports these functions. However, for customers with Quasonix RDMS™ receivers, the antenna systems described here can be complete HyperTrack™...
While in track mode, the HTAC knows its azimuth and the current feed gain setting (and therefore the noise floor). It also knows the received RF signal level (embedded in the HyperTrack™ control stream from the receiver). The HTAC then continuously calculates the SNR. If the current DQM (also embedded in the HyperTrack™ control stream) is high and the computed SNR is above a pre-defined threshold (typically about 30 dB), then the feed is using more gain than is necessary to yield error-free telemetry data and the HTAC will lower the gain in the feed.
US Army Yuma Proving Ground, operating at 4500 MHz. Figure 131: Prop-chop Displayed On the HyperTrack™ Antenna Controller (HTAC) This periodic disturbance in the detected AM results in rotor-rate sidebands appearing on the SCM scanning signal, as shown in Figure 132.
The HTAC includes a powerful signal processing algorithm to remove these rotor-rate sidebands, as shown in Figure 133. Only the HyperTrack™ Antenna Controller offers this powerful signal processing algorithm. This feature has been proven to deliver dramatic improvements in the tracking of helicopter and propeller aircraft on several US test ranges.
Every auto-tracking antenna is driven by a feedback loop. The AM imposed on the signal by the scanning feed is used to steer the antenna toward the target. In the HyperTrack™ system, however, the bandwidth of this tracking loop is automatically adjusted to provide an ideal balance between aggressive, high acceleration when needed, and much smoother, more relaxed tracking when the test article motion is less dynamic.
The key features of this automation are highlighted below: • No need to set the AGC scaling – Because HyperTrack™ carries all of the tracking signal information in digital form (including AM and DQM values), the AGC signal has limited utility in tracking. The function previously performed by the AGC signal is now handled –...
The hardware to support the GSA is mounted on the antenna, above the azimuth rotary joint. The key components of the GSA are a custom Quasonix transmitter (capable of functions not supported by our standard transmitters, such as amplitude modulation) and a small L/S/C band button antenna mounted to the exterior of the feed at the vertex of the reflector.
8.4.7.1 Go/No-Go The Go/No-Go feature of HyperTrack™ allows for the operator to automatically perform any or all of the Ground Station Analyzer functions. The tests to be performed can be selected from a drop down menu. Then, at any time, these tests can be run to verify that the ground station is operating properly.
The control loop delay is inversely proportional to the AM filter bandwidth which is proportional to the scan rate. Since this system is totally digital, all of these parameters are set in the HyperTrack™ Antenna Controller (HTAC). Additionally, the receive tracking frequency is set in the HTAC. Knowing all of these parameters, the HTAC automatically adjusts all of the tracking parameters for optimal operation.
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