Service manual

RC2000 Service Manual Chapter 5 Upgrading the RC2000 31
Research Concepts, Inc; 10679 Widmer; Lenexa, Kansas; USA 66215 WWW.RESEARCHCONCEPTS.COM
Chapter 5 UPGRADING THE RC2000
5.1 Updating RC2000 and Nomad Model Antenna Controllers
This paper describes the procedure for upgrading the software (contained in an EPROM memory chip) of
early model RC2000A (Nomad I), RC2000B (Nomad II), and RC2000C antenna controllers. Early versions
of these controllers contain 64k x 8 static RAM (SRAM) chips. Current versions of these controllers
contain 8k x 8 SRAM chips. To run the latest software it is necessary to change the memory map of the
controller. Any model RC2000 antenna controller can be converted to any of the various versions of the
software ('A, 'B or 'C).
To upgrade an early controller to a newer software version, it is necessary to replace the controller's
EPROM memory chip and sometimes the memory select PLD (programmable logic device) chip. When
upgrading from an RC2000A to either a RC2000B or RC2000C it is necessary to install a real time clock
chip. The real time clock chip is an OKI model M62X42B.
Changing the EPROM or PLD has the undesirable side effect of wiping out all data stored in the
controller's non-volatile memory. The procedure outlined in this document allows the user to quickly
restore the controller's non-volatile memory.
5.2 Installing the Upgrade and Restoring Non-Volatile Memory
Here is the procedure for upgrading the software on early model antenna controllers. The use of this
procedure will allow the user to change the controller's memory map and restore the original non-volatile
memory contents. If the software is being upgraded on a unit which is not in service, it is not necessary to
perform this procedure - simply replace the chips and perform a memory reset (from CONFIG mode) to
upgrade the software.
Here is the procedure:
1. In manual mode, jog the antenna to the west and up limit. Record the position count value for each
axis just before the limit is reached. (If position display in degrees is enabled, disable that feature
before starting this procedure - this feature is available only for certain software versions).
2. Go to CONFIG mode and record the value of each CONFIG mode item.
3. Using AUTO mode, position the antenna on each of the geostationary satellites stored in non-
volatile memory. Record the azimuth and elevation positions and the longitude value of each
geostationary satellite. Use the H and V keys to position the polarotor. Record the H and V positions
for each satellite.
4. Move the antenna to the position just before the east and down limits are reached. This should
correspond to a position count value of 30 for both the azimuth and elevation axis.
5. Turn the unit off. Replace the EPROM (U4) and PLD (U2) chips. If the controller is being upgraded
to a tracking system from a nontracking system, make sure that a real time clock chip is present in
socket U6. Make sure that the chips are oriented properly in the sockets. The notch on the chip
should line up with the notch of the outline silk-screened onto the printed circuit board under each IC
socket. Make sure that the legs of the chips do not bend up under the IC when they are inserted
into the sockets.
6. Verify that the chips are oriented properly in the sockets. Power the unit up. Go to CONFIG mode,
bring up the 'RESET SYSTEM DATA' item, and key in 41758 followed by the ENTER KEY to reset
the memory.