Service manual

RC2000 Service Manual Chapter 1 Introduction 3
Research Concepts, Inc; 10679 Widmer; Lenexa, Kansas; USA 66215 WWW.RESEARCHCONCEPTS.COM
PROGRAM_TRACK mode the accuracy of the track table is monitored by periodically peaking up the
receiver AGC signal. If the error exceeds a level set by the user, all entries in the track table are
flagged for update. The period between these accuracy checks is specified by the user, and typically
varies from once a day to once a week.
SEARCH mode is entered from STEP_TRACK mode when the satellite signal has been lost. In this
mode, the controller periodically searches over a parallelogram-shaped region where the controller has
calculated that the satellite will be found. When the satellite is located, the controller enters the
STEP_TRACK mode.
The ability to implement the tracking algorithms outlined above is dependent on being able to
characterize the mount accurately. This enables the controller to convert position counts into pointing
angles and vice-versa. A novel approach to the mount characterization problem has been adopted in
the RC2000B/C. The mount transfer function is determined by analyzing the position and longitude
data from geo-stationary satellites (which have been specified by the user) in the vicinity of an inclined
orbit satellite that the user wishes to track.
In conclusion, the RC2000B/C tracking antenna controllers offer the following unique features....
Ease of setup…In other tracking controllers the user must specify a rectangular search window. The
satellite must be observed for 24 hours to insure that the search window is large enough to
provide the antenna movements necessary to track the satellite, but small enough so that an
adjacent satellite is not within the search window. With the RC2000B/C, the installer is relieved
of these chores. The geostationary satellites of interest are located first, then the desired
inclined orbit satellite is found, identified, and logged into memory. The setup data which must
be entered is straightforward: antenna size, satellite longitude, satellite band (C or Ku), etc.
Accuracy…The accuracy of the system is determined by the resolution of the position sensors,
backlash in the mount, and a user-defined variable which specifies the maximum allowable
error.
Lower Cost…The RC2000 antenna controllers do not require special actuators or sensors.
1.4 Specifications
A. PHYSICAL
Size: 19.0" x 3.5"H x 9.0"D (Rack)
15.0"W x 3.5"H x 9.0"D (Desk)
Weight: 12.5 lbs.
Temperature: 0-50
o
C
Input Power: 115/230 VAC, 50/60 Hz., 48 W
B. DRIVE
Output: 12-36VDC, 8.0 Amps
280VA
Sensor Input: Reed, Hall Effect, Optical
Standard Polarization Interface:
Chaparral type polarotor servo
Optional Interfaces for Motorized Feeds for “A” and “C” models with Potentiometer
Feedback: