RC2000A DUAL AXIS ANTENNA CONTROLLER v 2.30 / 2.31 SEE APPENDIX I FOR UPGRADED FEATURES FOUND IN SOFTWARE VERSIONS 2.6 AND LATER. RESEARCH CONCEPTS, INC. 5420 MARTINDALE ROAD SHAWNEE, KANSAS 66218-9680 USA 913/422-0210 WWW.RESEARCHCONCEPTS.COM Support@ResearchConcepts.
TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER 1 1.1 1.2 Organization of this Manual Before You Begin CHAPTER 2 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9 3.10 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.9 4.10 INSTALLATION/SETUP Before You Begin Mechanical and Electrical Installation Optional Polarization Control Setting Azimuth and Elevation Limits 3.4.1 Motor Drive Polarity 3.4.2 Setting Limits 3.4.
.10.7 Polarization Motor Option 4.10.8 Azimuth and Elevation Drive Options Configuring the Runaway Sensing System Compatibility 4.10.9 Expert Access Flag 4.10.10 Reset System Data 4.11 LIMITS Mode 4.12 POL LIMITS Mode 42 43 45 45 46 46 48 49 CHAPTER 5 SPECIFICATIONS 50 CHAPTER 6 TROUBLESHOOTING/ALARM CODES 51 6.1 6.
2.0 SIGNAL STRENGTH 2.1 Controller AGC Potentiometor Adjustment 2.1.1 Single Frequency Band Potentiometer Adjustment 2.1.2 Dual Frequency Band Potentiometer Adjustment 2.2 Checking the AGC Pot Adjustments 2.2.1 AGC Above Threshold for Noise Input Test 2.2.2 AGC Input Below Threshold for Active Satellite Transponder Test 2.2.3 AGC Input Saturated for Active Satellite Transponder Test 2.2.4 What to do if Problems are Found 3.0 SIGNAL STRENGTH PEAKUP 98 99 99 101 103 103 104 104 104 105 3.
REVISION HISTORY 3.3.92 v 1.11 * Updated satellite list. * Revised antenna anti-reversal algorithm to function properly for short moves. 4.8.92 v 1.21 Effective S/N E1015, 1018 and thereafter * Setup mode modified to allow movement of the antenna. * For modified polar mounts, the elevation position can be displayed relative to the geosynchronous position. * The EAST and WEST keys have been reversed. * The user is prompted to enter a longitude when a satellite is added in SETUP mode.
* The azimuth and elevation angle display system has been modified to accept negative offset values, and the definition of the angle display scale factors has been modified. The scale.exe PC program was replaced with scale2.exe. * The azimuth slow speed system is essentially disabled if the AZIM SLOW SPEED is set to 254. The elevation slow speed system is disabled if the ELEV SLOW SPEED is set to 254.
.19.00 v 2.30/ v2.31 Effective S/N 3342 The satellite list has been upgraded. The user can modify the operation of the runaway alarm sensing system via the values assigned to the Azim Fast Deadband and Elev Fast Deadband CONFIG mode items. Each axis can be configured separately. 01.27.05 v 2.6x We have added Addendum I to the manual. This addendum addresses the following features; * Support added for a signal strength based peakup after automatic moves. * Communication protocol enhanced to support ...
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Chapter 1 Chapter 1 Introduction 11 INTRODUCTION The RC2000A antenna controller is designed to control a dual axis antenna with 36 volt actuators and pulse type position sense feedback. The RC2000A was designed with the requirements of the commercial user of satellite downlink services in mind. Here is a brief listing of the capabilities of the RC2000A. 1. The controller utilizes a solid state drive system capable of providing 8 amps to the antenna actuators.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller 1.2 .Chapter 1 Introduction Before You Begin Please read and understand the manual. Time invested in understanding the installation and operation of the controller will insure satisfactory results. The unit has been tested thoroughly and will work accurately and reliably if it is installed and configured properly. There is an old saying in the controller business - "Garbage in, garbage out".
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Chapter 2 Chapter 2 Basic Functions 13 BASIC FUNCTION DESCRIPTION This chapter describes the controller's front panel layout, user interface and basic operation. When the user has completed this chapter, he or she should have a basic understanding of the various operating modes of the unit and be able to use the keyboard and liquid crystal display (LCD) to navigate through those modes. 2.1 Front Panel The front panel (figure 2.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Chapter 2 Basic Function Figure 2.2 MODE This key is used to select the current mode of the controller. See the description of the various modes in the next section. This key is always active. Depressing this key will always cause a mode change to occur. This key is acted on when it is released. If the key is briefly depressed and released the controller mode will change to the next sequential mode of the mode group which is currently active.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller 2.2 Chapter 2 Basic Functions 15 Operating Modes The mode system on the RC2000A antenna controller resembles the menu system used with many personal computer (PC) programs. On a PC program a menu system allows the user to perform operations or to enter in data. The user must navigate through the menu structure to the particular menu which allows access to the function or data that the user wishes to manipulate.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Chapter 2 Basic Function the desired satellite using the azimuth jog, elevation jog, polarization jog, H/V, and SPEED keys as described for MANUAL mode above. The SCROLL UP/DOWN and ENTER keys are also active at this time. The SCROLL keys are used to scroll through a list of satellite names stored in the controller's EPROM memory.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Chapter 2 Basic Functions 17 UP/DOWN keys. The user selects a slow speed code and then jogs the antenna to test the selection. When a satisfactory slow speed has been found the ENTER key may be used to store that slow speed code into non-volatile memory.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Chapter 2 Basic Function Feed Present? CONFIG mode item is set to Yes. Before attempting to set the polarization limits for the rotating feed, please consult section 3.3. More detailed information is available concerning each of the modes described above in chapter 4 of this manual. 2.3 Changing Modes with the MODE Key The user can switch the current controller mode by use of the MODE key.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Chapter 2 Basic Functions 19 To configure the controller for AutoPol operation, the user must have a suitable output available on the satellite receiver which is connected properly to the AutoPol input of the RC2000A. Additionally. the polarity of the AutoPol input must be specified (from CONFIG mode), and the AutoPol feature must be enabled (also from CONFIG mode).
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Chapter 3 Chapter 3 Installation INSTALLATION/SETUP This chapter guides the user through the installation and the initial software setup. The procedures outlined in this chapter cover the mechanical and electrical installation of the unit, setting the azimuth and elevation limits, determining the azimuth and elevation slow speed parameters, and programming the satellite positions into non-volatile memory. 3.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller 3.2 Chapter 3 Installation/Setup 21 Mechanical and Electrical Installation This section covers the mechanical and electrical installation of the unit. For rack mount models, use 4 #10-32 mounting screws to secure the unit to a standard 19" rack. Please refer to figures 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3 for diagrams of the controller back panel and electrical connections.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Chapter 3 Installation Research Concepts, Inc. can supply cable for installation. RCI part number CBL-2_16-3_22A contains 2 16 gauge conductors for carrying the motor drive current and a shielded triple with a drain wire in a single UV resistant-direct burial jacket. Contact RCI for details. PolarotorTM - 3 wires in a shielded cable. The PolarotorTM is commonly supplied with a 3-wire interface using red, white, and black wires.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Chapter 3 Installation/Setup AZIM DRIVE(2) 6 24- 36VDC AZIMUTH MOTOR AZIM DRIVE(1) 4 12-16 AWG, BRAIDED ELEV DRIVE(2) 3 1 24- 36VDC ELE VATION MOTOR ELEV DRIVE(1) J2 18-22 AWG, SHIELDED RC2000 11 SKEW POWER, 5.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller 3.3 Chapter 3 Installation Optional Polarization Control This section describes how to configure the RC2000A to control motorized feeds with potentiometer feedback. If this installation uses a Chaparral type polarotor servo, or has no polarization adjustment, proceed to section 3.4. The controller has an internal expansion port which can accept optional daughter boards.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Chapter 3 Installation/Setup 25 4. When the feed has been centered in its range of travel, connect the ohm meter between the wiper and one of the other terminals of the pot. Rotate the shaft of the pot until the resistance readfrom the ohm meter is one half of the value of the pot's total resistance (obtained in step (1)). 5.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Chapter 3 Installation When polarization angle display is disabled, the polarization position has a maximum possible range of movement of 0 to 1023. Note that some potentiometers will not move over the entire range. When moving the polarization motor (in the steps that follow) be very careful not to exceed the potentiometer's mechanical limits - potentiometers are very susceptible to damage when moved past their mechanical limits. 4.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Chapter 3 Installation/Setup 27 defined as seen by an observer located above the antenna looking down on the antenna. If the antenna does not move in the proper direction, connector J2 pins 4 and 6 need to be reversed. The polarity of the elevation motor drive is checked in a similar fashion. The UP ARROW key corresponds to up elevation movement.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller 3.5 Chapter 3 Installation Slow Speed Adjustment The Adapti-Drive slow speed control system allows the user to specify a desired slow speed. When the antenna is moving at slow speed the controller will vary the voltage to the drive to maintain the actual antenna slow speed at the value specified by the user. Other slow speed drive systems in use reduce the voltage to the drive to a constant value whenever slow speed movements occur.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Chapter 3 Installation/Setup 29 volatile memory. The user can automatically position the antenna on a satellite which has previously been programmed into memory by invoking the AUTO mode and using the SCROLL UP and SCROLL DOWN keys followed by the ENTER key to select the satellite. SETUP mode is straightforward. If the user wishes to assign a satellite name which is not in the list, the USER entry in the satellite name list may be selected.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Chapter 3 Installation The following step by step procedure can be used to locate geo-stationary satellites. In the process, the parameters needed to display azimuth and elevation parameters in an angle format will also be determined. 1. Determine the antenna latitude and longitude. Obtain a satellite guide and identify the pair of satellites which will be located initially and used to calibrate the angle display.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Chapter 3 Installation/Setup 31 Here is the procedure for installing and configuring the AutoPol feature: 1. Identify an output on the receiver, which can be used to drive the AutoPol input on the RC2000A. Note if a high level output corresponds to V polarization or H polarization. 2. Connect the AutoPol input as shown in figures 3.2 or 3.3. 3.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Chapter 3 Installation 9. Enable simultaneous azimuth and elevation movement in AUTO mode if the total combined current draw from both actuators is less than 8 amps over all operating conditions///////. Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas • 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Chapter 4 Chapter 4 Modes 33 MODES IN DEPTH FUNCTION DESCRIPTION The Operational Mode Group consists of three modes: MANUAL, AUTO, and REMOTE. Programming Mode Group consists of several modes: LIMITS, SETUP, RESET, AZIM SLOW, ELEV SLOW, DELETE, RE-SYNC, POL LIMITS and CONFIG. Access to certain modes is controlled by the state of certain CONFIG mode items and the Expert Access Flag. See section 2.4 for more information on access to the various modes. 4.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Chapter 4 Modes Simultaneous azimuth and elevation movement should only be enabled if the total current draw of the two axes is less than 8 amps under all operating conditions. NOTE: WHEN THE POWER IS TURNED OFF, THE POLAROTOR PROBE MAY SLIGHTLY SHIFT POSITIONS. WHEN THE POWER IS RE-APPLIED, THE POLAROTOR PROBE WILL MOVE BACK TO THE POSITION IT WAS AT BEFORE POWER WAS REMOVED. FOR THIS REASON, ALWAYS LEAVE THE CONTROLLER ON. 4.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Chapter 4 Modes 35 The user is next prompted to specify the satellite longitude with the following screen. SELECT:SBS 6 SETUP ENTER SAT LON LLL.L: 99.0 W 0-9.ENT,BKSP If the satellite name was not user defined, a value will be present in the longitude field. The longitude is specified in degrees.tenths_of_degrees. This information is not used in any way by the controller. It is displayed beside the satellite name in MANUAL mode.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Chapter 4 Modes ordered with either of the satellite lists. The west set of satellites is appropriate for antenna sites with western longitudes and the east set is appropriate for eastern longitudes. 4.5 RESET Mode The RESET mode is used to display azimuth and elevation drive fault conditions and re-enable the drive outputs in the event the microcontroller has disabled an axis. When RESET mode is activated, one of the following screens will be displayed.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Chapter 4 Modes 37 register as a sensor error. Polarization movement in the wrong direction should only occur during setup (polarization axis only). Note that the azimuth, elevation, and high power polarization axis are also protected from over-currents by a circuit breaker located on the back of the controller. If the circuit breaker opens, the controller will report a JAMMED condition.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Chapter 4 Modes RE-SYNC ACCOMPLISHED and will return to MANUAL mode. 6. With an assistant out at the antenna, validate the accuracy of the limits by moving the antenna to all four limit positions (azimuth counter-clockwise, azimuth clockwise, down, and up). 4.8 AZIM SLOW Mode This mode allows the user to interactively adjust the azimuth slow speed code.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Chapter 4 Modes 39 (disabled) then the other two items will not appear in the list of CONFIG mode items. In the descriptions which follow the controlling items and the items, which are controlled by other items will be clearly delineated. 4.10.1 AutoPol The AutoPol system allows the controller's polarization control function to be slaved to the level of a digital input derived from a satellite receiver. Please refer to sections 2.5 and 3.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Chapter 4 Modes COMM BAUD RATE (HUNDREDS):96 CONFIG 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, 96 ENT,BKSP,SCRLL ^v 4.10.4 Geo Elevation Position The Geo Elevation Position is defined for modified polar type antenna mounts. For a modified polar mount this is the elevation position where the antenna will track the geo-stationary satellite arc with only azimuth movements. See section 3.4.3 for more information on this feature. This value is normally set via LIMITS mode.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Chapter 4 Modes 41 prompts for the antenna latitude and longitude, and the longitude, azimuth position count, and elevation position count values for a pair of satellites which have been located with the controller. The Angle Display Enable item is the controlling item for the other items described in this section.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Chapter 4 Modes ELEV SCALE FACTOR: 1 CONFIG ENT,BKSP,SCRLL ^v ELEV OFFSET: 0 CONFIG ENT,BKSP,SCRLL ^v The Hemisphere CONFIG mode item is used to calibrate the azimuth display angle (see the formula above for the displayed azimuth angle). North America, Europe, Asia, and the Northern half of Africa lie in the northern hemisphere. Australia and most of South America lie in the southern hemisphere. HEMISPHERE:1 0-SOUTH 1-NORTH 4.10.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Chapter 4 Modes 43 POL DISPLAY 0 DEG CNT: 500 CONFIG 1-1023 ENT,BKSP,SCRLL ^v POL DISPLAY 90 DEG CNT: 750 CONFIG 1-1023 ENT,BKSP,SCRLL ^v The Pol Motor Jog Duration CONFIG mode item controls the length of time (in milliseconds) that the polarization motor drive signals are applied when a polarization jog command is received via the serial communications port.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Chapter 4 Modes AZIM COAST THRESHOLD: 4 CONFIG 1-40 COUNTS ENT,BKSP,SCRLL ^v ELEV COAST THRESHOLD: 4 CONFIG 1-40 COUNTS ENT,BKSP,SCRLL ^v The 'Max Position Error CONFIG mode items set the maximum acceptable error between the final resting position and a target position for an automatic move which occurs in AUTO mode.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Chapter 4 Modes 45 Configuring the Runaway Sensing System The user can modify the operation of the runaway alarm sensing system via the values assigned to the Azim Fast Deadband and Elev Fast Deadband CONFIG mode items. Each axis can be configured separately.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Chapter 4 Modes ELEV SLOW DEADBAND: 800 CONFIG 175-5000 MSEC ENT,BKSP,SCRLL ^v 4.10.9 Expert Access Flag This CONFIG mode item is used to toggle the state of the Expert Access Flag. When the Expert Access Flag is set (ON), the user has access to all controller modes and all CONFIG mode items. When the Expert Access Flag is reset (OFF), the user is locked out of several modes and most CONFIG mode items.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Chapter 4 Remote Mode Enable: 0 (Disabled) Comm Port Address: 50 Comm Baud Rate: 9600 Geo Elev Position: 0 Azim Slow Speed: 253 Elev Slow Speed: 253 Angle Display Enable: 0 (Disabled) Azim Scale Factor: 1 Azim Offset: 0 Elev Scale Factor: 1 Elev Offset: 0 Hemisphere: 1 (Northern Hemisphere) Rotating Feed Present?: Modes 0 (No) Pol Angle Display: 0 (Disabled) Pol Display 0 Deg Count: 500 Pol Display 90 Deg Count: 750 Pol Motor Jog Durati
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Expert Access Flag: Chapter 4 Modes 1 (on - flag set) 4.11 LIMITS Mode In this mode the user can jog the antenna in any direction, set the azimuth and/or elevation limits, adjust the polarization, and specify the Geo Elevation Position. If the azimuth or elevation limits are corrupted on power-up, the system will come up in LIMITS mode, prompting the user to re-enter the LIMITS before using the controller. The Expert Access Flag must be set (see section 2.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Chapter 4 Modes 49 NOTE: If LIMITS mode is exited before both endpoints of a limit are set, the RC2000A will ignore the partial limits and retain the previous values. If the controller powers down while LIMITS mode is active, all limit data will be lost. 4.12 POL LIMITS Mode This mode allows the user to set the limits for the optional motorized feed with potentiometer feedback.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Chapter 5 Chapter 5 Specifications SPECIFICATIONS Inspect unit for any damage caused during shipping. If any exists, notify shipper immediately. 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: Temperature: 12.5 lbs. 0-50oC Input Power: 115/230 VAC, 50/60 Hz., 48 W B. DRIVE Output: 12-36VDC, 8.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Chapter 6 Chapter 6 Troubleshooting 51 TROUBLESHOOTING/ALARM CODES The alarm system monitors important system parameters and flashes a message on the bottom line of the LCD display if an error is found. The parameters monitored include the condition of the lithium battery, status of the azimuth and elevation antenna drive systems, and the values of certain variables. Some error codes have priority over others.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Chapter 6 Troubleshooting AZIM SLOW SPEED, ELEV SLOW SPEED The code entered by the user for the azimuth or elevation slow speed has been corrupted. Go to the corresponding speed mode and reenter the slow speed code. See Section 4.8 AUTOPOL CONFIG DATA The user has the option to configure the system for AutoPol ON or OFF, and to denote a HI or LO level for the vertical polarization. If either of these values is corrupted, this error will appear.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Chapter 6 Troubleshooting 53 to be shielded. This is seldom necessary, but if it is, follow the rules for connecting the shields as outlined in Section 3.2. THE CONTROLLER RETURNS TO APPROXIMATELY THE CORRECT POSITION BUT MUST BE PEAKED MANUALLY TO ACHIEVE A GOOD SIGNAL This is generally an indication of mechanical hysteresis (slop) in either the actuator or the mount.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Chapter 6 Troubleshooting Before the controller executes an automatic move it checks to see if the azimuth, elevation, horizontal polarization, and vertical polarization are within their respective limits. If they are not, the error message is displayed. This error can occur if the limits were reset after the satellite position was programmed into memory via SETUP mode.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Appendix A Expert Access/ Reset Code 55 Appendix A - EXPERT ACCESS / RESET SYSTEM DATA CODE To clear the system memory or toggle the expert access, the user must enter the five-digit code 41758, then press enter. This code has been printed in this removable appendix only, so that management can choose to remove the information to eliminate the possibility of inexperienced users entering the code and clearing the memory inadvertently.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Appendix B Field Upgrading Appendix B - Field Upgrading This appendix outlines a procedure that allows the user to restore the contents of non-volatile memory. The controller firmware is contained in an EPROM memory chip. Firmware upgrades may also require the replacement of a programmable logic device (PLD). Changing the EPROM and PLD may sometimes corrupt the data stored in the non-volatile memory of the controller.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Appendix B Field Upgrading 57 11. Power-up the RC2000 and verify the start-up banner and subsequent manual mode. If the unit comes up in LIMITS mode or is flashing an error message, the non-volatile memory has been corrupted and the following steps must be performed to restore memory. If the unit comes up normally, go to step 16. 12. Go to Limits Mode. WITHOUT MOVING THE ANTENNA, set the down and east limits.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Appendix B Field Upgrading RC2000 Non-Volatile Memory Items Worksheet 1 Current Firmware Version_______________ Date/Operator:_________________________ AZIM CW LIMIT:____________________ POL CW LIMIT:________________________ ELEV UP LIMIT:________________________ POL CCW LIMIT:_______________________ CONFIG MODE ITEMS AUTOPOL ENABLE:____________________ AUTOPOL VPOL LEVEL:________________ SIMULTANEOUS AZ/EL ENABLE:_________ REMOTE MODE ENABLE:_______________ C
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Appendix B Field Upgrading 59 RC2000 Non-Volatile Memory Items Worksheet 2 Current Firmware Version_______________ Date/Operator:_________________________ AZIM CW LIMIT:_____________________ POL CW LIMIT:________________________ ELEV UP LIMIT:________________________ POL CCW LIMIT:_______________________ CONFIG MODE ITEMS AUTOPOL ENABLE:____________________ AUTOPOL VPOL LEVEL:________________ SIMULTANEOUS AZ/EL ENABLE:_________ REMOTE MODE ENABLE:_______________
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Appendix C RS-422 Serial Interface Appendix C - RS-422 Serial Interface The RC1000A, RC2000A, RC2000C, and RC2500 antenna controllers support an RS-422 serial interface. The communications protocol employed by RCI is compatible with the SABUS standard originally developed by the Scientific Atlanta Corporation. The protocol is described in appendix D RS-422 Communications Protocol.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Appendix D RCI RS-422 Specification 61 Appendix D - The RCI RS422 Interface Specification Introduction The purpose of this document is to explain the key parameters needed by a user to interface to the RCI RS422 Interface. This interface is compatible with the SAbus and can be readily integrated into an existing SAbus network. A few query and control commands are all that are needed to control the equipment and fetch all data from it.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Appendix D RCI RS-422 Specification Each network configuration can have one master and up to 32 slave devices. Each controller is internally configured to respond to a unique address. A master could be a protection switch, earth station controller, or any micro- or mini-computer that is electrically and operationally compatible with RS-422.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Appendix D RCI RS-422 Specification 63 Data Format The data format supports the industry's standard asynchronous ASCII format with one start bit, eight data bits (7-bit ASCII with the 8th bit sent as even parity), and one stop bit. The ASCII control character subset 00-1F (hex) is reserved for message control. The printable ASCII characters 20-7F (hex) are used for address, command and data characters. The standard bus data rate via direct connect (up to 1,500 ft.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Appendix D RCI RS-422 Specification message-not acknowledged reply begins with NAK (15 hex), the ASCII Not Acknowledge control character. All messages end with the ETX (03 hex), the ASCII End-of-text control character, followed by the checksum byte. Address Character The device address must be a valid ASCII printable character between 31 and 6F in hex; thus, 63 addresses are possible. These are set in the controller in decimal format, or 49-111.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Appendix D RCI RS-422 Specification 65 Table 1. State Diagram Mnemonics __________________________________________________________________________________ _ Mnemonics Description __________________________________________________________________________________ _ STX Start-of-Text ASCII control character, used as a header in command messages to identify the beginning of a new message.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Appendix D RCI RS-422 Specification A slave will exit State 2 and enter: • State 3 (Slave Data State) if received address byte equals a slave's address. • State 1 (Slave Idle State) if received address byte does not equal a slave's address. • State 2 (remain in current state) if STX byte is received, which may be the beginning of a new message data block. State 3 (Slave Data State).
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Appendix E Communications Protocol Appendix E - RC2000A Communications Protocol /* RC2KCREM.DOC Revision History 1.22.92 - Original communications protocol for the RC2000A derived from the RC1000A sabusext.inc file. 4.6.93 - Revised to document the new Auto Move to a target az/el position command in the RC2000A vers. 1.30 software. 1.2.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Appendix E Communications Protocol If the remote$mode$enable$flag is FALSE and a valid command arrives via the serial port, the offline reply is sent to the host. Here is the format of the offline reply... byte 0 : byte 1 : ACK A where A is the RC2000 address byte 2 : 'CC' the command code of the message which triggered this reply. byte 3 : byte 4 : 'F' Ascii 'F', for offline. ETX byte 5 : 'chksum' the checksum.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller byte 2 : bytes 3-6: bytes 7,8: byte 9 : byte 10 : 30h Appendix E Communications Protocol the device type query command code 'RC2K' 'XX' where XX is the version number, for example if the current software version number were 4.31, XX would be '43'. ETX checksum */ /* DEVICE STATUS POLL COMMAND ** The SA Bus specification requires that command character 31h cause a device to return its status information.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Appendix E Communications Protocol 7654 3210 0010$00__ 0 0 displayed in upper case letters 0 1 displayed in lower case letters 1 0 sat_name not displayed bytes 14-18: az position This field will contain the current azimuth position, formatted in a manner identical to how the position is displayed on the front of the unit, ' 0' to '65535'. If an azimuth limit is active, the field will contain either ' CCW' or ' CW'.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Appendix E Communications Protocol byte_24_25_position ... is the value returned in bytes 24 and 25. user_interface_position ... is the polarization position displayed on the display of the user interface. Note that the division defined above is an integer division. The result is rounded DOWN to the closest integer. Please see byte 32 of this command's reply message for more information on polarization position representations.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Appendix E Communications Protocol movement in progress'. byte 28 : elevation movement/alarm status - binary data 7654 3210 0010$____ 0 0 0 0 no alarms or movement 0 0 1 0 down movement pending 0 0 1 1 up movement pending 0 1 0 0 down movement in progress 0 1 0 1 up movement in progress 0 1 1 1 an auto move is in progress 1 0 0 0 runaway alarm active 1 0 0 1 jammed alarm active 1 0 1 0 limit alarm active 1 1 0 0 drive alarm active.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller aaaa$aaaa 7654 3210 ---- ---0000 0000 0000 0001 0000 0010 0000 0011 0000 0100 0000 0101 0000 0110 0000 0111 0000 1000 0000 1001 0000 1010 0000 1011 0000 1100 0000 1101 0001 0001 0001 0010 0001 0011 0001 0100 0001 0101 0001 0110 byte 32 : Appendix E Communications Protocol 0 - no alarm active 1 - low battery alarm 2 - azimuth alarm 3 - elevation alarm 4 - azim count alarm 5 - elev count alarm 6 - azim limit corrupt alarm 7 - elev limit corrupt alarm 8 - autopol data a
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Appendix E Communications Protocol from this byte and bytes 24 and 25, use the following formula ... internal_position = ((byte_24_25_position * 661) / 99) + ls_nibble_byte_32 where ... internal_position ... is the controller's internal polarotor position representation. byte_24_25_position ... is the polarotor position reported via byte 24 and 25 of the device status poll reply and displayed on the user interface (a value in the range of 0 to 98).
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Appendix E Communications Protocol internal_position = (byte_24_25_position * 11) + ls_nibble_byte_32 where the variables are as defined for the polarotor case. Note that when a rotating feed is present in the system, the upper nibble of byte 32 will be '0011'. byte 33-35 : Reserved for future use. This field will contain the space character, 20 hex or 32 decimal.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Appendix E Communications Protocol bytes 7-16 : This field will contain the satellite name. byte 17 : byte 18 : ETX 'chksum' the checksum Note that if entry 'XX' does not exist in the list (or the list has no entries) the NAK reply will be sent back to the host. */ /* AUTO MOVE COMMAND ** This command causes the controller to automatically position the antenna in either azimuth and elevation and/or polarization. The command has 3 forms. Form 1.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Appendix E Communications Protocol (polarization sub-field). See byte 32 of the device status poll reply for more information on the internal polarization position representations for the different types of polarization control devices. The polarization position in the polarization sub-field must be right justified and left padded with zeroes. The second 5 characters of the sat_name/position field must contain '00000'.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Appendix E Communications Protocol 'S' (Slow). Note that this field must contain a valid value even if the direction field specifies 'X' (Stop). bytes 5-8 : duration This field specifies the duration of the azimuth jog command in milliseconds. The valid range of values for this field is '0000' to '9999'.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller byte byte byte byte byte 1 2 3 4 5 : : : : : Appendix E Communications Protocol A where A is the RC2000 address 34h the command code 'X' the polarization movement code ETX checksum The reply to this command will be the same as the reply to the status poll query except the command code will be '34h'. Note that the NAK reply will be sent back to the host if autopol is enabled or if 'H' or 'V' is specified and there are no satellites available in the RC 2000 memory.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Appendix E Communications Protocol RC 2000. The program runs on an IBM PC (or compatible - running DOS) and was designed to aid the software developer who is writing programs to control the RC 2000. All of the commands listed above can be sent to the controller. The program features three windows. In the top window the user is prompted for commands to send to the controller. In the middle window, the command strings sent to the controller are displayed.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Appendix F AC or Large DC Motors 81 Appendix F - Controlling Antennas Powered by AC or Large DC Motors The RC1000A, RC2000A, and RC2000C antenna controllers are designed to control satellite antennas powered by 36-volt DC motors that use pulse type position sensors. The RC1000A is designed for use with single axis polar mount antennas. The maximum output current from the RC1000A is 5 amps. The RC1000A has a built-in interface for a Chaparral type Polarotor.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Appendix F AC or Large DC Motors Note that the scheme shown in Figure 1 does not support slow speed movement. With 36-volt motors, the RC1000 and RC2000 vary the motor speed by rapidly switching the 36-volt antenna drive signals off and on - which gives an average voltage of less than 36 volts. If this signal is applied to the circuit of Figure 1, the relays would chatter.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Appendix F AC or Large DC Motors 83 Polarization Control If the polarization is controlled with something other than a polarotor, an interface for a polarization motor is necessary. If control for a polarization motor is needed, use the RC2000 with the RC2KPOL option. For a single axis antenna this will mean that the elevation control capability of the RC2000 is not used.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Appendix F AC or Large DC Motors The RC1000A and RC2000 antenna controllers count the number of rising and falling edges of the waveform. The position count is decremented for azimuth ccw movement and incremented for azimuth cw movement. The waveform's high level should be 4.5 to 5.7 volts, and the low level should be 0.0 to 0.5 volts. The waveform's minimum high or low pulse duration should be at least 10 milliseconds.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Appendix F AC or Large DC Motors 85 www.powermation.com) and Dart's CF Series (phone. 317-873-5211, www.dartcontrols.com) are two examples. These sensors consist of a Hall effect pickup and a magnet wheel that attaches to the shaft of the motor via set screws. They are available with several different pulses per revolution characteristics. Both of these sensors increase the separation between the motor and the gear reducer or actuator by 0.750”.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Appendix F AC or Large DC Motors To determine the total number motor revolutions which occur when moving from the antenna’s azimuth ccw limit to the antenna’s cw limit and to get a rough idea of the number motor revolutions per each degree of movement determine the time that it takes for the antenna to move through a known angle.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Appendix G Drive Transfer Function 87 APPENDIX G Drive Transfer Function Output Voltage (DC Volts) RC2000 Drive Transfer Function (Fast Speed) 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 0 2 4 6 8 Output Drive Current (Amps) Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas • 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.
0.000" 4.050" J1 AC R13 AC R12 BR1 K1 R20 12 R18 R19 C8 R38 11 C2 VR1 1 R17 2 R5 Q2 R40 C9 3 AZ AZ CL + Q4 V8 P1 C3 R43 R42 R41 C11 Q7 R53 R52 R27 R44 C4 R57 1 2 J3 R51 C7 AZ TP R25 R26 Q1 R39 13 C10 R11 Q3 R3 R4 1 R1 R2 R10 .039 K2 8 R32 R49 RC2KDRV2 Copyright 1992 Research Concepts,Inc.
C6 U17 C34 VREF C35 J4 R3 R2 C9 U2 Q2 Q1 R1 U5 U3 C14 C7 DISPLAY C4 U4 C8 P2 VREF TRIM J2 D8 U6 1 RN5 1 RN1 R34 D9 C3 P1 C5 U1 X1 C2 C1 +5V LCD CONTRAST C30 RN4 C38 C39 R6 L1 E U7 J3 M VR1 R4 B1 U12 D10 U8 C19 C21 C22 C17 U11 RF BD. C29 C23 RN3 C24 C18 U10 U9 J7 R31 VR2 C31 www.researchconcepts.com TM R30 +5.7V D11 R39 C43 C42 R44 i Copyright 1992 Research Concepts, Inc. rc AGC_2 AGC_1 DRIVE BD.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Appendix H Electrical Diagrams Comm Port Wiring Legend Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas • 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.
A DB9 3 2 5 DB25 2 3 7 COMPUTER RS-23 2 PIN O UTS B B RXD TXD SG J2 J1 Protocol Converter RC1KADP 9VDC/200mA PO WE R SUPPL Y TXD TXD RXD RXD SHLD J3 C C Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas • 66218-9680 • USA Rev 4 3 2 1 Electrical Diagrams www.researchconcepts.com D Drawn by PFG Sheet 1 of 1 RC1KADP 11-15-91 RC1KADP Number RC1KADP INTERCONNECTS Date Filename A4 Size Titl e 5 8 2 7 Research Concepts, Inc.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Appendix H Electrical Diagrams RC1KADP Schematic Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas • 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Appendix H Electrical Diagrams RC2KPOL Schematic Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas • 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Appendix H Electrical Diagrams RC2KHPP Schematic Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas • 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Appendix H Electrical Diagrams Processor Board Schematic Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas • 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Appendix H Electrical Diagrams Drive Board Schematic Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas • 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Appendix I 2.6x Addendum 97 Appendix I RC2000A version 2.6x Addendum 1.0 Introduction This addendum documents the RC2000A version 2.6x modifications. The major changes introduced with this revision of the software are … 1) Support for an optional Signal Strength Peakup function that can be initiated either by the user from the front panel or via reception of a remote command on the controller’s serial port.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Appendix I 2.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Appendix I 2.6x Addendum 99 down resistor. This means that if one of the AGC channels is unused, its input is pulled to ground. This can cause problems if the AGC Polarity Flag specifies negative polarity, because an input of zero volts (ground potential) corresponds to the strongest possible satellite signal.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Appendix I 2.6x Addendum 5a. If two receivers are interfaced to the controller proceed to step 6. If the receiver's AGC has NEGATIVE polarity, go to step 5b. If the receiver's AGC has POSITIVE polarity, from MANUAL mode use the Scroll Up/Scroll Down keys to examine the signal strength for the AGC channel which was NOT selected in step 3.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Appendix I 2.6x Addendum 101 ‘Threshold value is applied to both channels for operation at a given band. There are unique ‘Threshold values for each band. 2.1.2 Dual Frequency Band Potentiometer Adjustment The setup procedure described above was for a single band antenna system (either C or Ku). A slight increase in complexity occurs dual C and Ku band operation.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Appendix I 2.6x Addendum adjustments are made from MANUAL mode. Note that the GAIN and OFFSET adjustments are implemented using 20 turn pots. A lot of turns may be required. To adjust the potentiometers, several quantities have to be identified for each receiver. If the controller has NEGATIVE polarity, go to step 6b.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Appendix I 2.6x Addendum 103 If the AGC has NEGATIVE polarity and the signal strength is too low, adjust the OFFSET pot clockwise. If the AGC has NEGATIVE polarity and the signal strength value is too high, adjust the OFFSET pot counter-clockwise. 9. Position the antenna 'RCVx - off satellite – weak band'. If the signal strength is between 50 and 100, proceed to step 11. If the signal strength is less than 50 or greater than 100 perform steps 8 and 9 again. 10.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Appendix I 2.6x Addendum 2.2.2 AGC Input Below Threshold for Active Satellite Transponder Test Perform the following procedure to insure that type (ii) problems do not occur. Align the antenna with a weak satellite. Tune the receiver over all transponders on any frequency bands of interest. Insure that for all active transponders the displayed signal strength is above Threshold.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Appendix I 2.6x Addendum 105 3.0 Signal Strength Peakup This version of the software includes optional support for a signal strength peakup function after an auto move to a satellite. The software version number indicates whether or not the software installed in a given controller supports the peakup function. The controller displays it’s software version on power-up.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Appendix I 2.6x Addendum 3.2 Peakup Algorithm When a peakup occurs, the controller first peaks the antenna in elevation and then is azimuth. Here is how the peakup occurs for the elevation axis (the azimuth axis is similar) … 1. Measure the signal strength at the starting position (average for 3 seconds). 2.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Appendix I 2.6x Addendum 107 3.3 Peakup Errors The following error conditions can cause a peakup to terminate prematurely … Azim Alarm, Elev Alarm, or Pol Alarm … These alarms are generated whenever the controller detects a fault for an axis. Fault conditions detected include are over-current sense, jammed (or no position pulse feedback), or runaway. These alarms will be accompanied by a flashing error message on the bottom row of the controller’s LCD.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Appendix I 2.6x Addendum Here is an example of how fading can lead to a bad peakup decision. Assume that during a peaking operation the controller takes a step away from the true satellite position. If during that movement a cloud that had previously been positioned between the antenna and the satellite ‘moves out of the way’ the controller will record a stronger signal even though the antenna has been moved away from the satellite.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Appendix I 2.6x Addendum 109 is perfectly aligned with a satellite) gives the best performance. Stated another way, the step size should be the antenna pointing error in degrees from antenna boresight, that corresponds to an antenna pointing loss of 0.5 to 1.0 dB. For an elevation over azimuth type antenna mount, to determine the optimal elevation step size it is necessary to know … 1.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Appendix I 2.6x Addendum 3.5.3 Determining The Antenna Azimuth and Elevation Count per Degree Characteristic To calculate the optimal step sizes for a given antenna it is necessary to know the antenna mount’s azimuth and elevation count per degree characteristic.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Mag Heading: Appendix I 2.6x Addendum 111 117.3 Here are the calculations for the antenna azimuth and elevation count per degree characteristics for the data in the table above. Azimuth Counts per Degree = [2110 – 1455] / [149.5 – 136.0] = 375 / 13.3 = 48.5 counts per degree Elevation Counts per Degree = [2167 – 1639] / [30.7 – 25.4] = 355 / 5.3 = 99.6 counts per degree Here are some count per degree characteristics that have been tabulated for 3.5.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Appendix I 2.6x Addendum 3.5.5 Recommended Step Sizes for Various Antennas In the following tables, the first value in each field corresponds to a step size that will result in a 0.5 dB drop in received signal strength (assuming that the antenna was perfectly aligned with the satellite before the antenna movement occurred). The second value in each field is the step size that will correspond a drop in received signal strength of 1.0 dB. Antenna Type: EASi 4.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Appendix I 2.6x Addendum 113 5. The controller now displays signal strength information received via the AGC1 (automatic gain control channel 1) and AGC2 inputs. In MANUAL mode the user can use the Scroll Up/Down keys to display either the signal present at the AGC1 input, the AGC2, or the strongest signal on AGC1/AGC2. See section 4.2 for more information. 6.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Appendix I 2.6x Addendum Azimuth CW Limit and Azimuth Position Setting the Azimuth CW Limit CONFIG mode item also initializes the Azimuth CCW Limit to 30. Normally these limits are set via LIMITS mode. The Azimuth Position count is normally set to 30 when the Azimuth CCW Limit is set via LIMITS mode. The Azimuth Position count can also be set via RESYNC mode.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Appendix I 2.6x Addendum 115 4.4.3 RC2000 Non Volatile Memory Satellite Data Polarization Position Fields Satellite data is stored into the RC2000A’s non-volatile memory via the the controller’s SETUP mode. When the Pol Control? CONFIG mode item is set to something other than None, SETUP mode prompts the user to specify the band (C, Ku, or hybrid C and Ku) of each satellite stored in non-volatile memory.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Appendix I 2.6x Addendum RC2000A only allowed the user to select either a Polarotor type polarization control device or a Rotating Feed. If this altered behaviour of the AutoPol System causes a problem, set the Pol Control Equipment code to One Port even if a two port feed is connected to the system. With the Pol Control? CONFIG mode item set to One Port, version 2.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Appendix I 2.6x Addendum 117 Note that to obtain access to the Azim Fast Deadband and Elev Fast Deadband CONFIG mode items the controller’s Az/El Drive Options Enable CONFIG mode item must be set to 1 and the Expert Access Flag must be set. 4.6 Upgrading Controllers This section contains information for customers with older controllers upgrading to the most current version of the software. I-4.6.
RC2000A Dual Axis Antenna Controller Appendix I 2.6x Addendum the controller requires band information to select the az/el stepsize before the peakup operation can occur. If a peakup is specified and satellite band information is not available for a given satellite the controller will prompt the user to specify the satellite band before a peakup occurs. It is possible to edit a satellite’s band data entry in the controller’s non-volatile memory. This feature is described in section I-3.6.
Declaration of Conformity Application of Council Directive: 72/23/EEC; 89/336/EEC Standards to which conformity is declared: EN-55022:1991, EN 50082-2, EN60950 Manufacturer’s Name: RESEARCH CONCEPTS, INC. Manufacturer’s Address: 5420 MARTINDALE ROAD SHAWNEE, KANSAS 66218-9680 USA Type of Equipment: Satellite Antenna Controllers Model No’s.: RC2000A Year of Manufacture: 1998 In order to meet the EMC directive, fully shielded, properly connected cable is required for all connections.
WARRANTY One Year Limited Warranty 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. In some cases, RCI can supply the customer with a loaner unit during the time of repair.
