Specifications

Operations Manual, Redundant System Controllers 209351 REV B 55

4.5.2.2 Change Attenuation Level

To change the overall attenuation level of a controlled SSPA system from the RCP,

perform the following steps:

1. Select 2.Attenuation and press the Enter key;

2. Select the desired level of attenuation and press the Enter key;

4.5.2.3 Change Switch mute option value

The following option was introduced into the RCP control setup to overcome a problem

with microwave arcing, which may potentially damage a switching component if

switching RF power exceeds 400 Watts. This particular problem becomes a critical

issue if coaxial RF pass switches are used.

In general, all Teledyne Paradise Datacom SSPAs are well protected against high

reflected power conditions which may take place during output microwave switchover.

But with certainty, waveguide or coaxial switches will develop an internal electrical arc

during switchover if the output power is significant. Such conditions, will not lead to

instant failure, but over time may diminish some critical RF switch characteristics.

If this option is enabled, the system ability to output RF power will be bonded to the

switch position sensing circuitry. This circuitry consists of the following components: a

RCP electronic switch position detector; a wiring harness between the RCP and RF

switch; and RF switch position sensors. Failure of the above components will lead to

break in transmission.

Paradise Datacom LLC strongly recommends not to enable this option unless

absolutely necessary.

Note: In order to enable switch muting, the system sub type must be selected to

either CO SSPA, RM SSPA or vBUC! If the system type set to “None,” the

switch muting setting will be inhibited.

There are four selections under this option: No muting (“1.SWMute OFF”); internal

muting (“2.Internal On”); external muting (“3.External On”) or all switch muting is on

(“4.All ON”).

Internal muting refers to the particular RCP unit itself. If the position of one of the

controlled RF switches changes or is about to change, the RCP will mute the SSPA

subsystem by issuing a special “mute command” over the RS485 serial interface.

When the RF switch position indicator detects that the switch reliably reached Posi-

tion1 or Position2, a “Mute Off” command will be issued to the SSPA subsystem over

the serial interface. If the switch gets stuck between positions, the system will remain

muted until the situation is resolved or the Switch Mute option is turned off.