RESEARCH CONCEPTS RC4080 Integration Manual
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RESEARCH CONCEPTS RC4080 Integration Manual

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RC4080 ANTENNA CONTROLLER INTEGRATION MANUAL
RESEARCH CONCEPTS INC.
9501 Dice Lane
Lenexa, Kansas 66215 USA
VOICE: +1(913) 422-0210
FAX: +1(913) 422-0211
www.researchconcepts.com
support@researchconcepts.com
Contents subject to change
Serial No___________

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  • Page 1 RC4080 ANTENNA CONTROLLER INTEGRATION MANUAL RESEARCH CONCEPTS INC. 9501 Dice Lane Lenexa, Kansas 66215 USA VOICE: +1(913) 422-0210 FAX: +1(913) 422-0211 www.researchconcepts.com support@researchconcepts.com Contents subject to change Serial No___________...
  • Page 3 RC4080 Revision History DATE MODIFICATION SW VERSION INITIALS Initial Version 3.10...
  • Page 4 Limited Warranty New Products Research Concepts, Inc., RCI, warrants to the original purchaser this product shall be free from defects in material and workmanship for one year, unless expressed otherwise, from the date of the original purchase. During the warranty period, RCI will provide, free of charge, both parts and labor necessary to correct such defects.

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents INTRODUCTION ........................... 1     Manual Organization ........................1     Manual Conventions ........................2     RC4080 Features ........................... 3     Hardware Overview ........................4     Software Overview ......................... 5     1.5.1 Touchscreen Overview ......................5  ...
  • Page 6 RC4080 Satellite Database....................... 38     2.1.3.2.1.1 Satellite Configuration ..................39     SUPPORT ............................40     Troubleshooting ..........................40     3.1.1 Warning Displays ........................40     3.1.1.1 General Warnings ....................... 40     3.1.1.2 Azimuth ........................40  ...

  • Page 7: Introduction

    RC4080, time invested in understanding its installation and operation will be well spent. 1.1 Manual Organization The RC4080 implements a standard set of hardware and allows for the use of multiple software options to provide flexibility in the operation of the ACU. This manual is organized to:...

  • Page 8: Manual Conventions

    Latitude and longitude of the mount are presented in degree/decimal (38.9554N, 94.7543W) format. When referring to an RC4080 mode of operation, that mode’s name will be capitalized – ex. LOCATE. Throughout the RC4080 manual and software, the latitude, longitude and true heading of the antenna are collectively referred to as the antenna’s “position”.

  • Page 9: Rc4080 Features

    Chapter 1 Introduction 1.3 RC4080 Features The RC4080 performs its functions via digital and analog electronic equipment interfaced to the antenna’s motor drive and position sensor systems. This equipment is controlled through embedded software algorithms run by the RC4080’s microcontroller.

  • Page 10: Hardware Overview

    RC4080 ACU Chapter 1 Introduction 1.4 Hardware Overview The following figures show the dimensions for both the main ACU enclosure and the external GPS+Compass unit.

  • Page 11: Software Overview

    Introduction 1.5 Software Overview The RC4080 allows easy antenna control via its mode-based operation. Multiple user interfaces (local and remote control) options exist. Section 2.1.1 highlights software functions from the touchscreen interface. Section 2.1.2 highlights the software functions by showing data that would be presented if a user interface utilizes the 4x4 keypad and 4x40 LCD screen.

  • Page 12: Automatic Locate

    (2.1.2.2.2.3.3). The user selects which satellite to locate from the satellite database. The RC4080 checks that the calculated pointing solution is within the antenna’s range of movement and prompts the user to automatically position the antenna.

  • Page 13: Automatic Antenna Stow

    1.5.2.2 Programming Group Functions Configuration Screens Configuration mode screens allow the user to customize and calibrate the operation of the RC4080 for use with a particular antenna. Note that most configuration items will be factory set for correct operation with a particular antenna.

  • Page 14: Graphical User Interface Overview

    RC4080 ACU Chapter 1 Introduction 1.5.3 Graphical User Interface Overview The graphical user interface control option is available via the IP interface of the controller. It is designed to provide all the functions available from the front panel operation in an easy to use interface. As well as...

  • Page 15: Specifications

    RC4080 ACU Chapter 1 Introduction 1.6 Specifications RC4080 ACU Physical Size 6.60”x4.75”x2.80” Weight 5.6 lbs. Input Power 24VDC ±5% Fusing 6 Amps Temperature (Operational) -20 to +60 deg. C. Temperature (Storage) -30 to +70 deg C. Humidity 10% to 85% (optional special-environmental kit available)

  • Page 16: Part Number Scheme

    Introduction 1.7 Part Number Scheme As of September 2020, the RC4080 part numbering scheme consisted of 20 digits. This scheme is introduced here to highlight many of the options (both hardware and software) associated with customizing an ACU solution using the RC4080.

  • Page 17: Software

    2 SOFTWARE 2.1 Operation Overview The RC4080 allows multiple options for mechanizing the user interface. These can be divided into 3 distinct groups. The first is the 3.5” touchscreen. Operation using this method will be described in section 2.1.1. The second is a 4x4 keypad and 4x40 display.

  • Page 18: Touchscreen Software Operation

    MANUAL, LOCATE, STOW and a simulated front panel. The first four will map to modes described in the front panel operation, the simulated front panel will be displayed anytime the RC4080 is outside of MENU, MANUAL, LOCATE, and STOW modes.

  • Page 19: Manual Mode

    Each axis will display the current angle from the analog position sensors, as well as any limit status that may exist. In the image above, the RC4080 is reporting that the Azimuth axis is at an angle of 123.45° and at a CW limit. Likewise, the Elevation axis is at an angle of 42.67° with no limit conditions present.

  • Page 20: Locate Mode

    Once the locate operation finishes, the RC4080 will return the user to MANUAL mode. This will allow the user to continue to see the appropriate status information for the antenna.

  • Page 21: Stow Mode

    The other message that would be displayed is a stow complete message. Once the stow operation finishes, the RC4080 will return the user to MANUAL mode. This will allow the user to continue to see the appropriate status information for the antenna.

  • Page 22: Front Panel Software Operation

    2.1.2.1 Front Panel Software Overview Modes The functionality of the RC4080 is achieved by placing the controller in the desired mode of operation. The diagram below shows the hierarchy of the RC4080’s operatings modes. Each mode has a unique display screen that presents the information applicable to that mode’s operation.

  • Page 23: Keypad Usage

    Chapter 5 Support Keypad Usage The keypad provides a flexible method of controlling the functionality of the RC4080. While each RC4080 mode has different requirements for user input, the use of the keypad remains consistent throughout all modes. The keypad provides for both specific actions and general data input. As an example, the <2/UP/N> key initiates an antenna up movement while in MANUAL mode but also allows for the entry of the number 2 when numeric entry is required or the indication of North when entering a latitude value.
  • Page 24 RC4080 ACU Chapter 5 Support KEY LABEL SPECIFIC FUNCTION GENERAL FUNCTION Momentary push switches between modes within group. Mode No specific function Button held for 5 seconds switches between operational and programming groups. Momentary push also exits sub-mode screens. Toggles between multiple az/el Scroll Up Scrolls forward through lists.
  • Page 25 RC4080 ACU Chapter 5 Support KEY LABEL SPECIFIC FUNCTION GENERAL FUNCTION Move azimuth axis clockwise in Supplies “6” for numeric entry. Az CW MANUAL mode Supplies West for longitude entry. (12345W) Requests move to predefined Supplies “7” for numeric entry.

  • Page 26: Data Entry

    Chapter 5 Support Data Entry Many RC4080 screens request some type of user input. This section provides instructions on the entry of various types of data. Selection from List (<0-9>SELECT) When the user is prompted to select an action from a displayed list, pressing the numbered key corresponding to the desired action will initiate the action.

  • Page 27: Display Layout

    < M O D E > M E N U < 0 - 9 > J O G A N T E N N A 2 0 : 5 3 : 1 8 MODE TITLE: In the upper right corner the title of the current RC4080 mode is displayed – in this example MANUAL designates that the RC4080 is currently in manual mode.

  • Page 28: Front Panel Operating Group

    MENU mode allows the user to select the modes that implement the RC4080’s automatic movement features. While in either one of these modes, a momentary push of the Mode key will transition the RC4080 to the other mode.
  • Page 29 RC4080 ACU Chapter 5 Support ELEV: The elevation field shows a current position value of the elevation axis. It also shows the status of elevation limits (STOW, DOWN, UP). The limits will be displayed based on the table below. It is possible for different limits to have different sources (Switch Hardware for Up and Down software for stow).

  • Page 30: Heading Fix

    4) The heading has not already been fixed (automatically or manually) When the above conditions are present, the RC4080 will automatically “fix” the heading to be used for subsequent LOCATE operations. When the unit is powered off, the fixed heading will be cleared from...

  • Page 31: Menu Mode

    MENU mode displays the time and time zone in the lower right-hand corner. On the DVB version of the RC4080 the user will be able to scroll up and down using keypad to choose one of three satellites. On the OpenAMIP version of the RC4080, the user will be presented with the MENU mode screen below.
  • Page 32 RC4080 ACU Chapter 5 Support There are 3 types of satellites defined in the locate tree. The characteristics of each type of satellite are described below.  “Target” Satellite This is the satellite that was selected in the LOCATE mode.
  • Page 33 RC4080 ACU Chapter 5 Support...

  • Page 34: Locate Automatic Movement

    If above the down limit, or after moving above the down limit the RC4080 will then make an automated move to the first point of the locate routine.

  • Page 35: Azimuth Scan

    Note also that the Azimuth Scan movement may be truncated due to the limits of azimuth movement. 4) After completing the Azimuth Scan, the RC4080 will return the antenna to the “Center of Lock” or location of peak signal strength.

  • Page 36: Peak Up

    2) Always ensure that there are not multiple satellites within the “scan range” that have the same carrier. When this occurs, the RC4080 will have difficulty determining which satellite is the desired target. Following the completion of the Azimuth Scan, the RC4080 will immediately move to performing an azimuth and elevation peak up. 2.1.2.2.2.1.3 Peak Up The Peak Up routine will automatically begin at the end of an Azimuth Scan.

  • Page 37: Stow

    - the azimuth axis is moved to its predefined stow position (typically AZIM:0.0). After moving to this indicated position, the RC4080 will confirm the position by looking to see if the azimuth stow switch is active. If the azimuth stow switch is not recognized, the mount will be moved a short distance to either side of the current position trying to find the azimuth stow switch.

  • Page 38: Location

    < M O D E > E X I T When option 3 is selected, the RC4080 will pull in the lat/lon from the GPS. Once complete the controller will automatically move back to the main LOCATION screen. Note that if movement is required to acquire the GPS information, the following screen will be displayed so the user can confirm the movement.

  • Page 39: Heading

    < M O D E > E X I T When option 3 is selected, the RC4080 will pull in the heading from the compass. After the compass heading has been pulled in, the RC4080 will apply the offset and the magnetic variation to generate the heading of the mount’s azimuth centerline.

  • Page 40: Tilt

    0 . 3 <2>MOVE ANTENNA TO GET PITCH/ROLL When option 2 is selected, the RC4080 will pull in the tilt from source specified by the tilt configuration item. Once complete the controller will automatically move back to the main LOCATION screen.

  • Page 41: Graphical User Interface Software Overview

    Support 2.1.3 Graphical User Interface Software Overview The Graphical User Interface to the RC4080 can be accessed by navigating to the IP address of the controller using a web browser. The default IP address of the RC4080 is 192.168.1.1 2.1.3.1 Graphical User Interface Main Page Automatic The Automatic tab allows the user to LOCATE a satellite or Pack (STOW) the antenna.

  • Page 42: Manual

    RC4080 ACU Chapter 5 Support Manual The Manual tab allows the user to manually jog the antenna in AZ/EL/POL in both fast and slow speed. Status windows for each axis are also shown along with the current signal strength, signal source, and signal lock status.

  • Page 43: Configuration Page

    The System Summary tab will provide you with the current software on the RC4080, as well as the serial number for the controller. At the bottom of the window is a <Return> button. Clicking this button will always return the user to the main page of the GUI (2.1.3.1).

  • Page 44: Satellite Database

    RC4080 ACU Chapter 5 Support Satellite Database The Satellite Database tab gives the user to edit information about the preset list of 3 satellites. Each satellite entry can be expanded individually. The following screen shows an example full satellite database list. This list will not be available on the OpenAMIP version.

  • Page 45: Satellite Configuration

    RC4080 ACU Chapter 5 Support 2.1.3.2.1.1 Satellite Configuration Clicking on a satellite in the database will expand the satellite to show additional field. All fields in the satellite preset are editable by typing on a keyboard. Additionally, the Two-Line Element data can be copied and pasted into the window.

  • Page 46: Support

    RC4080 ACU Chapter 5 Support 3 SUPPORT 3.1 Troubleshooting 3.1.1 Warning Displays 3.1.1.1 General Warnings Alarm Description/Recommended Action Low Battery Battery used to backup NVRAM and Date/Time is low. Replace internal battery backup. Invalid Date/Time Date/Time is corrupt. Reset the Date/Time via maintenance or GPS time sync.

  • Page 47: Polarization

    RC4080 has sent a message to the GPS to start communication. GPS Offline RC4080 is not receiving information from the GPS receiver Waiting For GPS RC4080 is waiting for the GPS to report that it has a valid Lat/Lon 3.1.1.6 Compass Warning Description/Recommended Action...

  • Page 48: Alarm Displays

    Jammed Antenna was attempting to move the axis and the RC4080 did not sense the amount of movement defined by the jam slop configuration item. Verify axis movement working as expected and that the jam slop configuration item is set properly.

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