Technical information
OM56_Rev G Page 4 of 28
INTRODUCTION: How to Use This Manual
I.I Purpose & Overview
PURPOSE
The scope of this manual is intended to provide station personnel with the base installation, operation, and
maintenance requirements necessary for a 5.6-Meter C-, X- or Ku-Band Earth Station Antenna. This manual
provides a convenient reference for authorized operator/service personnel requiring technical information on
general system or specific subsystem equipment.
Top Level Assembly Numbers are as follows:
5.6m Transmit/Receive ESA; Motorizable Tripod Mount with Az/El Jackscrews: ES56-1
5.6m Transmit/Receive ESA; Motorizable Mount with Az/El Jackscrews: ES56-2
5.6m Ku- and K-Band ESA; Motorizable Mount with Az/El Jackscrews: ES56KK-1
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OVERVIEW
The installation, operation, and maintenance of the 5.6m Earth Station Antenna require qualified and
experienced personnel. ASC Signal installation, operation, and maintenance instructions are illustrated for
such personnel. Additionally, the antenna should be inspected by qualified personnel to verify proper
installation, maintenance, and condition of equipment as described in Preventive Maintenance. The basic
equipment and accessories are either manufactured or design controlled by ASC Signal Corporation.
The prerequisite information necessary for the 5.6m Earth Station Antenna can be found in this section.
Furthermore, this section should be reviewed before performing the installation, operation, or maintenance.
Warnings, recommended tools, and the antenna parts can be verified and/or determined with such a review.
I.II Description
The 5.6-Meter Earth Station Antenna provides high gain and exceptional pattern characteristics. The electrical
performance and exceptional versatility provides the ability to configure the antenna with your choice of
linearly- or circularly-polarized 2-port or 4-port combining network. Versatility is provided at the time of initial
purchase, as well as in the future, as your satellite communication requirements evolve.
The aluminum reflector is precision formed for accuracy and strength, requiring minimal assembly. The
reflector assembly is 5.6 meters (18.3 feet) in diameter and segmented in a 16-piece configuration to reduce
shipping volume and to facilitate transport to remote sites. Reflector panels are chromate converted and
coated with a highly reflective white paint.
The versatile tripod mount can be purchased with either manual or motorizable capabilities. The tripod mount
features 180° Azimuth coverage in three continuous 120° overlapping ranges, and 90° continuous Elevation
adjustment. This large adjustment range provides non-critical foundation orientation and the ability to view
geostationary satellites from horizon-to-horizon, from any location worldwide.
The motorizable tripod mount features self-aligning bearings for the elevation pivots, resulting in "zero"
backlash. This mount can be operated manually, but has the ability to be upgraded for motorized operation,
including step-tracking or SmarTrack
®
applications. The motorizable mount type is indicated by the ES56 or
ES56HS letters within the antenna type number. The addition of the letter "HS" within the antenna type number
indicates that the mount includes High Speed Azimuth/Elevation machine jackscrews, instead of corresponding
Azimuth/Elevation strut assemblies. The Azimuth/Elevation jackscrews are equipped for integration with the
optional motor drive systems. A cross-axis grounding kit is supplied with each mount to ensure the electrical
interconnectivity of the complete structure.
The aluminum enclosure and hot-dipped galvanized steel mount maintain pointing accuracy while ensuring
durability and reliability. The antenna and standard manual mount with enclosure will survive 125 mph (200
km/h) wind, in any position of operation, without damage or permanent deformation in moderate
coastal/industrial areas. Severe conditions require additional protection.
ASC Signal Corporation provides a complete line of available options, including motor drive systems (with
power interfaces addressing domestic and international standards), remote microprocessor antenna control for
motor drive systems, pressurization equipment, and interconnecting HELIAX cables and waveguide.