Rc1000a Polar Axis Antenna Controller

RC1000A Antenna Controller Chapter 3.
0 Theory of Operation: Overview 1

RC1000A POLAR AXIS

ANTENNA CONTROLLER

v 3.80

CONTENTS SUBJ ECT TO CHANGE
11.01.00

RESEARCH CONCEPTS, INC.
5420 MARTINDALE ROAD
SHAWNEE, KANSAS 66218-9680 USA
Phone: 913/422-0210; Fax: 913/422-0211
E-mail: support@researchconcepts.com
Web: www.researchconcepts.com

1.0 TABLE OF CONTENTS

2.0 REVISION HISTORY 2
3.0 THEORY OF OPERATION 3
4.0 INSTALLATION 4
5.0 QUICK START FAMILIARIZATION 8
5-1 Factory Presets 8
5-2 User Interface 8
5-3 Quick Start Procedure 9
6.0 IN-DEPTH FUNCTION DESCRIPTION 10
6-1 Display Screen Familiarization 10
6-2 Switch Function 12
6-3 MANUAL Mode 13
6-4 AUTO Mode 14
6-5 LIMITS Mode 15
6-6 SET Mode 15
6-7 DELETE Mode 18
6-8 FIX Mode 18
6-9 SPEED Mode 19
6-10 AUTO-POL Mode 19
7.0 BATTERY/FUSE REPLACEMENT 21
7-1a Power Line Fuse 21
7-1b Motor Drive Fuse 21
7-2 Battery Replacement 22
8.0 SPECIFICATIONS 24
9.0 TROUBLESHOOTING/ERROR CODES 26

TABLE OF FIGURES

4.1 Interface Diagram 5
4.2A Schematic Diagram - Reed Sensor 6
4.2B Schematic Diagram - Hall Effect Sensor 7
6.1 Display Screen Examples 11
6.6 Satellite Names 17
6.9 Drive Voltage relative to speed index 20
7.2 Component Layout 23
8.0 Drive Transfer Function 25

APPENDIX 1 RC1000A Remote Control Option

APPENDIX 2 RS422 Interface Implementation

APPENDIX 3 RS422 Interface Specification

RC1000A Antenna Controller Chapter 3.0 Theory of Operation: Overview 3

2.0 RC1000A REVISION HISTORY

DATE VERSION DESCRIPTION

12-20-89 1.0 - Original

4-23-90 1.1 - Allowed the user to specify the 'SLOW' mode speed index.

4-26-90 2.0 - Allowed the user to specify the 'FAST' mode speed index.
- Added new satellites to the preset select list.

8-24-90 2.1 - Implemented motion detect alarm software to protect the
antenna in the event of a sensor failure. When an error is
sensed, the RC1000A displays "ANT/SENSOR ERROR" and
halts drive signals after 2 seconds.
- Implemented a relative SKEW position display whenever the CW
or CCW SKEW keys are depressed and the position field is
active. Relative position is between P00 and P99.
- Autoscaled reed count input to work with any sensor resolution.
Count is scaled between the EAST and WEST limits with WEST
being mapped to a count of 980.

10-4-90 2.2 - The unit now automatically carries over the correct polarization
position upon termination of an AUTO move.
- Allowed the user to OVERWRITE position data when in SET
mode instead of allowing multiple positions with the same name.
- Alphabetized satellite preset list.

12-20-90 2.3 - Major revision to accommodate future remote PC software.
Added Auto-Pol feature whereby Pol control can be slaved to a
receiver. Changed display format to indicate relative position of
antenna to a target by making use of lower and upper case
names. Re-ordered satellite list by longitude. When
programming, controller returns to last used location in SET list
instead of starting from the beginning.

1-30-91 2.31 - The satellite list presented to the user in AUTO mode is now
sorted by ascending orbital position. SBS6 and Galaxy6 were
added to the SET mode list. A small positioning bug, found only
in V2.3, was fixed.

6-12-91 2.32 - updated satellite list.
- Accommodated hall effect sensor, changed fuse type.

1-3-92 2.33 - Updated satellite list.


Corrected bug in sat name display and H/V pol recall system.

4-15-98 - The RC1KS1 Comm option is now included as a standard
feature in all RC1000 units.

RC1000A Antenna Controller Chapter 3.0 Theory of Operation: Overview 3
3.0 THEORY OF OPERATION - OVERVIEW

The RC1000A Automatic Satellite Antenna Positioner is designed to automate the
process of positioning a polar antenna for a range of satellites. This microcontroller-based unit
eliminates the need to manually move the antenna each time a different satellite is desired. Once
the position and polarization have been programmed for each particular satellite, the RC1000A
will return to that position with precision every time.

The RC1000A rack mount controller was designed with commercial requirements in mind. It
offers a range of unique features, including dual speed control, built-in Polarotor
tm
control, and
motion detect software to guard against sensor errors. The friendly user interface features a 2 x
16-character backlit Liquid Crystal Display.

While in Manual mode, the user is able to J OG the azimuth position and SKEW polarization with
the touch of a key. AUTO mode will automatically move the antenna and polarotor to up to 50
preset positions. These positions are assigned by using the SET mode, then stored in battery
backed-up memory. The user will be able to delete any of this stored data, either selectively (in
DEL mode) or completely (by typing CLEAR at the USER entry in SET mode).

The user must set software limits in LIM mode. Doing so enables the unit to work with a reed
switch type of position sensor with any number of counts up to 32,000. The RC1000A will always
normalize the display position to approximately 10 at the East limit and 980 at the West limit for
display format consistency. In the event of a sensor failure, the user can easily re-sync the
satellite positions thru the FIX mode.

The SLOW and FAST speed indexes are user-programmable, enabling the user to match the
antenna drive to the antenna load for optimum C and Ku performance. It is also possible to slave
the polarization H/V toggle to commercial receivers that provide an H/V output signal. This is
done by turning the AUTO POL mode ON and telling the RC1000A whether Vertical POL
corresponds to a high or low signal on the RC1000A auto-pol input. When this feature is ON, the
front panel SKEW and POL keys are disabled.

Overall, the RC1000A is well equipped to handle the commercial requirements of hotel, school,
hospital, and flexible SMATV special event feeds, as well as network affiliate secondary downlink
control.
RC1000A Antenna Controller Chapter 4.0 Installation 4

4.0 INSTALLATION

1. Use (4) #10-32 panel mounting screws to fasten unit into a standard 19" rack.

2. Refer to Figures 4.1 (page 6) and 4.2A and B (page 7 & 8) for detailed interconnect
legends.

a. Motor Drive Controls (3 wires)

This cable connects J 1 of the RC1000A and the motor mounted at the antenna. It must
be capable of carrying the required motor current the desired distance without a
significant drop in voltage. Since this cable carries 36VDC, it is very important to protect
it in conduit at all times to minimize the potential hazard for electric shock.

b. Polarotor (Skew Control) (3 wires)

This cable connects J 1 of the RC1000A to the polarotor mounted at the antenna feed. A
three-conductor shielded cable is necessary for this application. To minimize noise
pickup and ground loop problems, be sure to ground the shield or drain wire at terminal 8
of J 1 ONLY. Failure to do so may result in poor polarotor operation, or even possible
damage to the polarotor circuits.

c. Sensor (Reed - 2 wires, Hall Effect - 3 wires)

This cable connects J 1 of the RC1000A to the position sensor located at the antenna.
Shielded cable is necessary, and the shield or drain should be grounded at pin 2 of J 1
ONLY. Again, the purpose is to minimize noise pickup and eliminate ground loop
problems. Failure to do so could result in antenna tracking errors or even damage to the
microcontroller itself. Refer to Figures 4.2A and 4.2B for connections.

d. Auto-Pol (2 wires)

This cable connects J 1 to the receiver H/V toggle output. Connect the signal line to pin
12, J 1, and the ground or return signal line to pin 8, J 1.

Note: It is critical that as the antenna moves from West to East the position count shown on the
display MUST decrease - if it does not, pins 9 and 11 (motor drive) on J 1 must be
reversed - recheck Figure 4.2 and correct.

FIGURE 4.1 INTERFACE DIAGRAM 1


FIGURE 4.2A

INSTALLATION SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM - REED SENSOR

J 1
4
5
6
7
9
10
11
8
RC2000
1
3
4
6
J 2
24-36VDC
AZIMUTH MOTOR
24-36VDC
ELEVATION MOTOR
ELEV DRIVE(1)
ELEV DRIVE(2)
AZIM DRIVE(1)
AZIM DRIVE(2)
18-22 AWG, SHIELDED
12-16 AWG, BRAIDED
18-22 AWG, SHIELDED
RECEIVER
(OPTIONAL)
H/V
OUTPUT
H/V INPUT
RETURN
INPUT
RETURN
INPUT
SKEW RETURN
SKEW PULSE
SKEW POWER, 5.7VDC
POLAROTOR
ASSEMBLY
AZIMUTH
REED SENSOR
ASSEMBLY
ELEVATION
REED SENSOR
ASSEMBLY
(AUTOPOL SIGNALS)
RTN

FIGURE 4.2B

INSTALLATION SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM - HALL EFFECT SENSOR

J 1
4
5
6
7
9
10
11
8
RC2000
1
3
4
6
J 2
24-36VDC
AZIMUTH MOTOR
24-36VDC
ELEVATION MOTOR
ELEV DRIVE(1)
ELEV DRIVE(2)
AZIM DRIVE(1)
AZIM DRIVE(2)
18-22 AWG, SHIELDED
12-16 AWG, BRAIDED
18-22 AWG, SHIELDED
RECEIVER
(OPTIONAL)
H/V
OUTPUT
H/V INPUT
RETURN
INPUT
RETURN
INPUT
SKEW RETURN
SKEW PULSE
SKEW POWER, 5.7VDC
TM
POLAROTOR
ASSEMBLY
AZIMUTH
HALL-EFFECT
ASSEMBLY
ELEVATION
HALL-EFFECT
ASSEMBLY
(AUTOPOL SIGNALS)
POWER
POWER
RTN
RC1000A Antenna Controller............................................................5.0 Quick Start 8

5.0 QUICK START FAMILIARIZATION

5-1 FACTORY PRESETS

When the RC1000A is shipped from the factory, the memory is clear. The Polarotor
tm
skew is set
at 50, halfway between the 0 and 99 limits. Similarly, the polar axis position is set at 500, halfway
between the East and West limits of 10 and 980, respectively. The speed index defaults are 11
for slow and 23 for fast. The AUTO-POL feature is OFF. This feature should not be enabled until
all satellite positions and polarizations are committed to memory, and then only if a receiver is
used that has polarization output capability. The Control front panel switch is set to MANUAL. If
it is set to REMOTE, all front panel keys will be locked out.

5-2 USER INTERFACE

The RC1000A makes use of the "Softkey" concept in the layout of the front panel. This means
that the function of each key is not fixed, but is defined by the legend, located directly over them,
on the bottom row of the display. The function of the buttons is determined by the mode shown in
the upper right hand corner of the display.

There are two levels of control in the RC1000A: Operational and Programming. Operational
control consists of two modes, Manual and Auto, that are necessary for daily operation of the
controller. The user can toggle from one mode to the other by rapidly depressing and releasing
the MODE key. The default mode is MAN.

Programming control consists of several modes, and can only be entered into by pressing the
MODE key for at least five seconds. This allows the user entry into the following modes: SET,
DEL, LIMITS, FIX, SPEED, and AUTO-POL. To return to manual mode depress the mode key
again for at least 5 seconds.
RC1000A Antenna Controller............................................................5.0 Quick Start 9

5-3 QUICK START PROCEDURE

1. Install unit. (Refer to Section 4.)

2. Set EAST limit - This value will be assigned a value of 10 after the west limit is set.
(Section 6-5.)

3. Set WEST limit - This value will be assigned a value of 980 to normalize the count for
display format consistency. (Section 6-5.)

4. Set SLOW and FAST speed indexes according to the antenna load and application. The
system defaults are 11 for slow and 23 for fast. (Section 6-9.)

5. Validate clear memory - "NO DATA" in AUTO Mode.

6. J og to easternmost satellite in MAN mode.

7. Assign position to satellite name and set polarization. (SET mode - Section 6-6.) If skew
keys don't seem to work, make sure that Auto-Pol is disabled. (Section 6-10.)

8. Manually jog WEST to next satellite.

9. Repeat 7 & 8 for all satellites desired.

10. Check positioning accuracy with AUTO mode. (Section 6-4.)

11. Enable AUTO-POL feature if the RC1000A is slaved to a receiver. (Section 6-10.)

RC1000A Antenna Controller...........................................................6-7 Delete Mode 10

6.0 IN-DEPTH FUNCTION DESCRIPTION

6-1 Display Screen Familiarization

The display screen contains two lines with 16 characters per line.

The SATELLITE NAME is either chosen from a pre-defined list (see page 17) or assigned by
user in SET mode. In MAN mode, when the name is in capital letters, this denotes that the
controller is within one degree east or west of that particular satellite. When in small letters, the
controller is within 1-3 degrees east or west of the satellite position. When no name is shown,
the controller is not within this specified range of any satellite position assigned to memory.

The POSITION variable default shows the current position of the antenna as derived from the
position sensor pulse count. The range for antenna position is 10 to 980. This data will be
replaced with the polarization position while the SKEW buttons are being pressed, then will
default back to the antenna position. The range for the polarization position is P00-P99.

The MODE shown on the display is the current operational status of the positioner, and
determines the function of the Softkeys.

The KEY DESCRIPTION describes the current function of the A, B, and E keys. The program
utilizes the " Softkey" concept. This means that a key does not maintain a fixed function, but
instead is periodically redefined by software to fit a particular mode of operation. Therefore, the
function of the keys is determined by the MODE the user is currently in.


FIGURE 6.1 SCREEN OPTIONS


6-2 SWITCH FUNCTION

To simplify instructions, the key or button descriptions will always be shown in enhanced text.

MODE

This pushbutton selects between Operation and Programming mode groups, and the
mode within each group. The current mode will always be displayed on the screen in the
upper right hand corner. See appendix for additional MODE information if using a remote
control option.

OPERATION MODE GROUP

AUTO Automatic

MAN Manual

PROGRAMMING MODE GROUP

LIM Limits

SET Set satellite & polarization position in memory

DEL Delete satellite from memory

FIX Correct position readout errors

SPEED Adjust fast & slow speed voltages for load

AUTO-POL Slaves the unit to a receiver with H/V output signals

To change from OPERATION Mode Group to PROGRAMMING Mode Group, or vice-versa,
simply hold the MODE button in for at least five (5) seconds, then release. The new mode will
not be displayed on the screen until you have released the MODE button. This will be referred
to in the text as:

Hold MODE and release

To change from AUTO to MAN, or from LIM to SET, DEL, or FIX, scroll to your selection by
pushing the MODE button once. This will be referred to in the text as:

Scroll MODE


A & B

The function of these buttons is determined by the mode shown in the upper right hand
corner of the display, and is described by the text appearing over them on the display
bottom line.

E

This Softkey is basically an "ENTER" button, which signifies the desired data is on the
display screen, and it should be saved or acted upon. The current function is defined by
the legend directly above the key, in the lower right hand corner of the display.

CW-SKEW
CCW-SKEW

These two buttons adjust the polarization skew in either a clockwise or counterclockwise
direction. The user fine-tunes the horizontal and vertical polarization with these buttons.
The current polarization count will display in the middle of the top line of the LCD display
while these keys are being pressed. NOTE: These keys are disabled when the Auto-
Pol feature is enabled.

6-3 MANUAL Mode

This mode is used to manually jog the antenna's polar axis as well as toggle the polarization
between the H and V values of the satellite in memory closest to the antenna's polar position.
Additionally, fine-tuning the polarization with the CW/CCW Skew keys is possible in this mode.

Fast and slow speeds are selected via the SPEED switch, positioned on the right side of the
RC1000A faceplate. The REMOTE switch must be kept in the MANUAL position for the front
panel keys to be active. Also, the AUTO-POL feature must be off for the CW/CCW Skew and
POL toggle key to be active (see section 6-10). If Auto-Pol is enabled, the legend above the E
key will be RCV: rather than POL:.

Once the unit is programmed, the user can view the arc of assigned satellites simply by jogging
from one limit to the other. When the antenna is within 3
o
of an assigned satellite, that satellite
name appears in lower case letters. As the antenna jogs to within 1
o
of the satellite, the name
changes to upper case letters, signifying the antenna is close to an established target. Any
satellite names that have not been assigned will not display.

Likewise, as the polarization is within approximately 40
o
of the target value, a lower case h or v
appears in the display. The indication changes to upper case (H or V) when the probe is within
10
o
. No indication for polarity means the probe is positioned between h and v.

1. Check the Mode in the upper right hand corner of the display to determine if the program
is in MAN mode. If the program is in the Programming Mode Group (either LIM, SET,
DEL, FIX, SPEED, or AUTO-POL) hold MODE and release to get to MAN mode. If it is
in AUTO mode, scroll MODE once to get to MAN mode.

2. J og the antenna as desired using either A to move east or B to move west.

3. Toggle the polarization from H to V by pressing E (if Auto-Pol is disabled).

4. Fine-tune the polarization as desired by using the CW & CCW Skew keys (if Auto-Pol
is disabled).

6-4 AUTO Mode

Once the programming has been completed, day to day operation of the RC1000A is very
simple. The user chooses a satellite, and the controller automatically moves the antenna to the
correct position and polarization.

1. Check the Mode in the upper right hand corner of the display to determine if the program
is in AUTO mode. If the program is in the Programming Mode Group (either LIM, SET,
DEL, FIX, SPEED, or AUTO-POL) hold MODE and release to get to AUTO mode. If it
is in MAN mode, scroll MODE once to get to AUTO mode.

2. Scroll using either A or B to desired satellite.

3. Press E to Enter.

4. Antenna will automatically move to assigned position.

(While the antenna is moving, the message " STOP" will appear above the E key. The
move will be disabled if E is pressed, and the system will return to MAN mode.)

5. When the move is completed, the mode will automatically change to MANUAL mode. In
this mode the picture can be fine-tuned using the A & B keys, and the desired
polarization may be selected via the E key.

NOTE: WHEN THE POWER IS TURNED OFF, THE POLAROTOR PROBE MAY SLIGHTLY
SHIFT POSITIONS. WHEN THE POWER IS REAPPLIED, THE POLARATOR PROBE
WILL MOVE BACK TO THE POSITION IT WAS AT BEFORE POWER WAS REMOVED.
FOR THIS REASON, ALWAYS LEAVE THE CONTROLLER ON.


6-5 LIMITS Mode

NOTE: To set limits, there must be someone outside at the antenna location to let the
programmer know when the antenna has reached its physical limits of travel. It is critical
that as the antenna moves from west to east, the position count shown on the display
MUST DECREASE. If it does not, pins 9 and 11 on J 1 are reversed. Recheck Figures
4.1 and 4.2 and correct.

************ WARNING *************
THERE ARE NO RESTRICTIONS ON
ANTENNA MOVEMENT WHEN IN THE
LIMITS MODE - USE CAUTION!
**********************************

1. Go to LIMITS mode (in Programming Mode Group.)

2. Screen will prompt " SET EAST LIMIT" . The first limit must be the east limit.

3. Move antenna using A or B to the East limit while the assistant outside alerts the
programmer when the antenna comes to within 2 inches of the east limit of the antenna
mount.

4. Press E to set the limit.

5. Screen will prompt " SET WEST LIMIT" for the opposing limit - Repeat steps 2 through 4.

6. Program will automatically put you back into MAN mode.

7. In order to verify that the limits have been stored correctly, turn the unit off for five
seconds, then turn it back on. While in contact with the person outside to verify the
physical position of the antenna, jog the antenna to its maximum eastern limit. Repeat
for the western limit. If the antenna does not stop at the designated physical limit, you
must repeat these steps. Check all connections and equipment.

6-6 SET Mode

Set mode allows the user to enter a satellite name, position, and polarization settings to memory.
Once a satellite has been entered into memory using SET mode, it can be automatically located
using AUTO mode.

1. Make sure that you are in MAN mode and the Auto-Pol feature is disabled.

2. Move antenna to the easternmost satellite position you wish to program by using the A
or B buttons to jog east.

3. Hold MODE and release to go to Programming Mode Group, scroll MODE to SET.

4. The satellite names will display in the order of their position in the arc, east to west.
Scroll through the predefined list if the satellite you wish to program is included. When
you find the name, proceed to 5a. If you do not find the name, proceed to 5b on the next
page to enter a user-defined name into memory.

5a. Press E to assign the name to this position. If the name has already been assigned to
another position in memory, the system will prompt you for a confirmation before
overriding this assignment.

6. The screen will now prompt you in the lower right hand corner to " SET: V" - (vertical
polarization.) You can choose to set horizontal first by pushing A.

7. Use SKEW buttons to fine tune picture for the designated polarization. If the skew
buttons don't seem to work, make sure that the Auto-Pol feature is disabled.

8. When satisfied with reception, press E.

9. The system will automatically prompt you for the other polarization - Repeat steps 8 & 9.
When the second polarization has been entered, the system should display a " DATA
ACCEPTED" message.

10. System will automatically put you back in MAN mode so that you can move the antenna
to the next satellite you wish to program - Repeat steps 2 through 10. The list of satellite
names will return to the last name assigned, so that if all satellites are programmed in
their position order from east to west, finding and assigning names is simplified.

*********************************************************************

5b. Procedure for entering user-defined satellite name

If the satellite name is not in memory, you can assign a new name of up to seven (7) alpha-
numeric characters (A-Z, 0-9, or space) by accessing the USER entry mode as follows.

a. Scroll A until USER is shown in upper left corner of screen.

b. Press E - star prompt (*) will appear in first space.

c. To enter letter, scroll B up through alphabet. To enter number, scroll A down through
numbers. To enter space, press A once and B once.

(Letters and numbers are on a continuous scroll, so if you pass the desired value, simply
back up by pushing the opposite key: A will always scroll down and B will always scroll
up, regardless of which character is currently displayed.)

d. When you reach the desired letter or number, press E to enter data to memory.

e. Star (*) will prompt you for second character - repeat steps c & d.

f. When the name has been entered, press E twice at star (*) to continue with the SET
procedure.

Return to step 6 above.


6-7 DELETE Mode

This mode is used to delete a satellite entry.

1. Proceed to DEL mode (found in PROGRAMMING Mode Group).

2. Scroll through the ASSIGNED satellite names by pushing A.

3. When the desired satellite name is shown on screen, push E.

4. System will automatically delete this satellite from memory and will return to MAN mode.

If it is necessary to delete all satellite positions from memory:

a. Scroll MODE to SET mode (section 6-6).

b. Access USER entry (see step 5b, page 16)

c. Enter CLEAR as a satellite name.

d. Press E twice to enter.

All satellites in memory will be deleted. (The predefined list of satellite names will still exist, but
you will need to reprogram the positions.)

6-8 FIX Mode

The FIX feature allows the controller to make a graceful recovery from sensor failure or the
unlikely event of an errant pulse count. By using this feature, the user simply has to correct for
one satellite location, and the RC1000A automatically will correct all others.

1. While in MAN mode, jog the antenna to a satellite whose location was previously stored
in memory.

2. Proceed to FIX mode (found in PROGRAMMING Mode Group.)

3. Scroll through the list of assigned satellites using the A & B keys until the correct
satellite name is displayed.

4. Press the E key, RESET, to recalibrate all stored satellite locations.

5. The unit will respond with POSITION SET, and then returns to MAN mode.

RC1000A Antenna Controller...........................................................6-9 Speed Mode 18

6-9 SPEED Mode

The SPEED feature allows the user to match the drive voltage levels to his particular antenna
load. By using this function, the installer can accommodate a wide range of cable runs or
antenna load requirements and still maintain an optimum drive level. This feature is applicable to
both slow and fast speeds. The system defaults are 11 for slow and 23 for fast.

1. Proceed to SLOW or FAST mode (found in the PROGRAMMING Mode Group.)

2. While referring to Figure 6.9 on the following page, select a speed index to yield an
output voltage, relative to maximum, that will drive the antenna satisfactorily. Use the A
& B keys to change the displayed value and the E key to fix it.

3. Try this new value while in the MAN mode to see if the results are satisfactory. If not,
repeat steps 1 & 2.

6-10 AUTO-POL Mode

Auto-Pol mode is used to slave the RC1000A polarization toggle to an externally generated
signal, normally provided by a commercial receiver. With this mode enabled, the RC1000A will
change the antenna's receive polarity as the controlling receiver's channel index is advanced.

To implement this control, the user must specify if a high level (example: 12V) or low level (0V)
signal coincides with vertical polarization. By pressing the A key, the user selects a low signal
level and the RC1000A acknowledges this by changing the lo indication to upper case letters
(LO) and the HI to lower case (hi). The opposite is true to select a HI level. Finally, to turn this
function on, the user presses the E key to toggle between ON and OFF in the display.

When this feature is ON, the CW/CCW keys are disabled in all modes, and the polarization H/V
toggle (E key) is disabled in MAN mode. The user can tell if this feature is enabled while in MAN
mode, by noting a RCV:__ indication in the lower right corner of the display where POL:__
typically resides. This is shown below.

RC1000A Antenna Controller...........................................................6-9 Speed Mode 19

FIGURE 6.9 DRIVE VOLTAGE RELATIVE TO SPEED INDEX

RC1000A Antenna Controller.......................................7.0 Battery & Fuse Replacement 20

7. BATTERY & FUSE REPLACEMENT

The RC1000A requires no periodic maintenance. The only components the user should have to
be concerned with under normal circumstances are the fuses and the battery used for memory
backup.

To prolong battery life and minimize polarotor skew drift problems, the unit should be left on at all
times.

7-1A Power Line Fuse Replacement

1. This fuse is located inside the front panel power switch. To replace, first turn the power
switch off and unplug the unit.

2. Push in and turn the power switch counterclockwise about 1/8 of a turn, and gently pull
out the switch assembly from its housing.

3. Pull out the fuse from the back of the switch, and replace it with a standard 3.0 amp, type
AGC fast blow fuse. NO SUBSTITUTE VALUES ARE ACCEPTABLE. Make sure the
fuse is firmly seated in the retaining cup.

4. Slide the fuse and switch assembly back into its housing, and turn clockwise to lock in.

5. Plug the unit back in, and turn the power switch on.

7-1B Motor Drive Fuse

Refer to page Figure 7.2 for placement of fuse F2. Should the main fuse be good and
the motor drive signals not be present, check this fuse. Its value is 6 amps, type ABC.
Be sure to have the unit powered down and the line cord unplugged before
replacing this fuse.


7-2 Battery Replacement

When the display flashes the warning " LOW BATTERY" , a new battery should be installed to
eliminate memory loss in case of power failure.

NOTE: The RAM battery backup circuit is designed to avoid loss of memory if the proper
procedure is followed when changing the battery.

The two key elements in this procedure are: (1) actual time spent in changing the battery and (2)
keeping the battery holder positive tab from touching the negative contact on the inside of the
holder. If the tab is kept isolated from the negative terminal of the holder, changing time is
extended to approximately 30 seconds. However, if the tab is allowed to short against the
negative terminal, this time is reduced to approximately 10 seconds. Therefore, if it is at all
possible, care should be taken during this procedure to hold the tab away from the negative
terminal.

1. With the power cord unplugged from the wall outlet, remove the back cover.

2. Carefully remove the battery by lifting up on the holder tab that keeps the battery in
place. Care must be taken in this procedure to prevent damage to any of the
surrounding components.

3. Replace with Duracell #DL2450 lithium coin cell. These are often available at local
hardware or electrical supply stores. They can also be obtained from your RC1000A
distributor.

AS YOU INSTALL THE NEW BATTERY BE SURE THAT THE POSITIVE SIDE IS
FACING UP AND IS IN DIRECT CONTACT WITH THE HOLDER TAB.

4. Replace the back cover.

5. Plug the unit back in and turn the power on. Check to see if the memory is still intact. If
not, it will be necessary to reset the limits and reprogram the memory. Refer to Section
6-5, LIMITS Mode, and 6-6, SET Mode.

FIGURE 7.2 COMPONENT LAYOUT

C 1 8
C 1 7
C 3 6
C 1 3
D
4
R 7
1 / 4 W C A R B O N F I L M
D
1
3
C
1
4
T
A
N
T
A
L
U
M
D 3
1 . 5 A M P R E C T I F I E R
K
2
K
1
A
C
A
C
B
R
1
S
3
S
2
R 2 8
C 2 9
C 3 1 5 M O N O C E R
C 3 3
C 3 1 5 M O N O C E R
R
2
4
1
/
4
W

C
A
R
B
O
N

F
I
L
M
R
2
3
1
/
4
W

C
A
R
B
O
N

F
I
L
M
S
9
D 1
D 2
R 2 7
R 2
1/ 4W,METAL FI LM
R 3
1/ 4W,METAL FI LM
C
1
5 513D ALUM.ELEC.
D
5
1
.
5
A
M
P

R
E
C
T
I
F
I
E
R
R 1
2 W P O W E R
J
4
R 6
1 / 2 W P O W E R
R
8
1
/
4
W

C
A
R
B
O
N

F
I
L
M
D
1
0
D
9
R
5
1
/
2
W

P
O
W
E
R
V
4
V
6
V
5
R
1
8
1
/
4
W

C
A
R
B
O
N

F
I
L
M
C
2
8
TANTALUM
C 3 5
C
2
7
C
2
6
X 2
D
6
R
E
C
T
I
F
I
E
R
R 1 5
R 1 2
R
1
6
1
/
4
W

C
A
R
B
O
N

F
I
L
M
U 1 0
C O M P A R A T O R
R 1 7
D
1
2
R
3
3
1
/
4
W

C
A
R
B
O
N

F
I
L
M
R
3
2
1
/
4
W

C
A
R
B
O
N

F
I
L
M
1
J
6
U
8
U
A
R
T
D 7
R E C T I F I E R 1
N
C
N
O
C
O
M
K
4
D 1 1
C
3
4
R 3 0
C 3 1
C 3 1 5 M O N O C E R
S
5
S
4
R 2 9
U
9
2
-
4

D
E
C
O
D
E
R
C 3 0C 3 1 5 M O N O C E R
R
3
7
1
/
4
W

C
A
R
B
O
N

F
I
L
M
J
5
C 1 9
D 8
R E C T I F I E R
C
5
T
A
N
T
A
L
U
M
C
6
T
A
N
T
A
L
U
M
U
1
MI CROCONTROLLER
U
7
I N V . D R I V E R
R 9
R 1 0
R
1
1
1
/
4
W

C
A
R
B
O
N

F
I
L
M
R
3
5
1
/
4
W

C
A
R
B
O
N

F
I
L
M
R
3
4
1
/
4
W

C
A
R
B
O
N

F
I
L
M
C
3
7
T
A
N
T
A
L
U
M
V
R
2
R 2 6
R 2 5
R
4
0
1
/
4
W

C
A
R
B
O
N

F
I
L
M
R
3
9
1
/
4
W

C
A
R
B
O
N

F
I
L
M
C
1
6
5
1
3
D

A
L
U
M
.
E
L
E
C
.
C
8
C
1
1
C 3
R
2
2
1
/
4
W

C
A
R
B
O
N

F
I
L
M
C
7
TANTALUM
U
2
L A T C H
C 1
C 2
C
4
T A N T A L U M
X
1
U
3
E P R O M
C
2
3
U
6
E
P
L
D
S
7
S
6
C 3 2C 3 1 5 M O N O C E R
P
1
R 3 6
1
/
4
W

C
A
R
B
O
N

F
I
L
M
C
2
2
C
2
1
R 4 1
R 4 3
D
1
4
1
/
4
W

Z
E
N
E
R
R 4 2
B
1
1 9
C 3 1 5 M O N O C E R
2
0
R 2 1
U
4
8 K x 8 S T A T I C R A M
U
5
S
1
0
R 3 1
C
9
TANTALUM
C
1
0
TANTALUM
C 3 8
T A N T A L U M
8
. 6
0
0
"
4
7
0
0
/
2
5
V
5
3
9
6
3 3 . 2
9 1
4 . 7 K
4
.7
K
4
. 7
K 4
7
0
0
/
2
5
V
P
6
K
E
2
7
4 7 0
5 3 9 6
5 3 9 6
5 3 9 6
M
P
T
E
5
1
0
0
0
/
1
0
0
V
1 K / 2 W
P
W
R
3
2
V
M
O
T
O
R
1
5
V
V
U
N
C
1
2
C
1
1
C
1
2
A
S P A R E
0 A C M - U H
1 M / . 5 W
1
.
5
/
1
0
W
P
6
K
E
6
.8
P
6
K
E
6
.8
1
M
/
. 5
W
1
0
0
3
2
V
1
S
S
R
1
R
4
F
2
L M 3 1 1 N
P
8
2
0
5
0
4
7
0
4 . 7 K
1 K
1 K
1 0 0 K
M P T E 5
1
0
0
1 8 . 4
1 0 0
.
1
1
K
M
P
T
E
5
4
.7
K
4
. 7
K
4
.7
K
4
. 7
P
4
. 7
P
J
1
U L N 2 0 0 3 A
4 7 0
4 7 0
4
. 7
1
0
0
/
1
0
V
7
4
L
S
1
5
6
N
8
0
9
7
B
H
7 4 L S 3 7 3
.
1
1 0
1
K
1
K
2
2
0
0
/
1
6
V
9 1
9 1
9 1
1
K
1
K
.
1
2 4 3
9 1
4
. 7
. 1
4
.7
K
3 0 P
3 0 P
2
0
0
.
1
1
2
L
C
D
C
2
4
1
N
4
6
8
5
3 0 0
7 . 5 K
3 0 0
t
m
C
O
P
Y
R
I
G
H
T

'
9
0
,
9
2
B
. R
C
1
0
0
0
A
4
D
L
2
4
5
0
.
1
4 . 7 K
.
1
.
1 .
1
.
1
8
. 2
M
1 0 M
M
A
X
6
9
1 C D M 6 2 6 4 E 3
2 7 2 5 6 / 5 1 2
RC1000A Antenna Controller..................................8.0 Instrument Specifications 23

8.0 INSTRUMENT SPECIFICATIONS

A. Initial Inspection - Contents

1. RC1000A Automatic Satellite Antenna Positioner
(19"W x 3.50"H x 5.50"D) 10#
Inspect the unit for any damage during shipping
(i.e., the display is cracked or metal is bent)
If so, notify shipper.

2. 12 pin Input/Output Connector

3. Manual

B. Power Requirements - 115V AC 60 Cycle, 22W, drive signals inactive

The input power line fuse is a 3.0 amp fast blow. NO SUBSTITUTES ARE
ACCEPTABLE. This is the value necessary to protect the motor in the event a
mechanical limit is encountered or the drive mechanism becomes jammed.

The drive control line fuse is a 6.0 amps, type ABC, and is referred to as F2 on the
component layout schematic on page 28. This value should not be substituted without
consulting the factory.

C. Drive Transfer Function

See Figure 8.0.

D. Non-Volatile Memory Battery

Duracell DL2450
RC1000A Antenna Controller..................................8.0 Instrument Specifications 24

FIGURE 8.0 DRIVE TRANSFER FUNCTION

RC2000 Drive Transfer Function (Fast Speed)
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
0 2 4 6 8 10
Output Drive Current (Amps)
O
u
t
p
u
t

V
o
l
t
a
g
e

(
D
C

V
o
l
t
s
)
RC1000A Antenna Controller...............................9.0 Troubleshooting/Error Codes 25

9.0 TROUBLESHOOTING/ERROR CODES

ERROR MESSAGES

" NO ROOM" - Denotes that the satellite non-volatile memory space is full - in order to enter a
new satellite, one must be deleted. When this message appears the user may reset the data for
a satellite name that is already in memory.

" CW/CCW SKEW LIMIT" - The polarotor probe has reached a limit and cannot be adjusted
any further in that direction.

" E/W LIMIT" - The antenna is at a polar axis software limit and cannot be moved any further in
that direction.

" LOW BATTERY" - Denotes that the battery needs to be replaced.

" NO DATA" - Denotes the memory is clear.

" AZIM COUNT ERROR" - The value for the position count, stored in memory, is corrupted.
This generally occurs in one of three possible ways.

1. The battery backup supply is too low to retain the SRAM memory - replace battery.

2. On initial power-up at the factory before the SRAM is cleared.

Should either of these cases occur, the unit needs to be reprogrammed.

3. If the antenna is moving when power is disconnected. This may or may not cause the
problem.

The user should implement the FIX mode, section 6-8, if case 3 occurs.

" ANT/SENSOR ERROR" - The unit senses no feedback from the position sensor while the
drive signals are present. The RC1000A will shut down if this occurs for two seconds. Check the
sensor or antenna for a jammed condition.

" INVALID" - This message can occur in AUTO mode. It means the selected satellite position
resides outside the software limits and the unit ignores the move command. Check to see if
LIMITS have been altered.

Resear ch Concept s RC1000A Remot e Commands
Her e ar e t he commands i mpl ement ed by t he RC1000A. Ref er t o t he RS 422
document f or a compl et e descr i pt i on of t he el ect r i cal and l ogi cal
i nt er f ace char act er i st i cs.
Revi sed 9. 29. 92.
Revi sed 1. 30. 98 ( sof t war e ver si on 3. 70) .
Fi l e name - SABUS3. TXT.
Her e ar e t he i t ems whi ch have changed.
The Pol command has been modi f i ed t o al l ow a host PC t o r emot el y enabl e
or di sabl e t he aut opol f l ag.
Byt e 19 of t he quer y r epl y r epor t s t he st at us of t he aut opol f l ag.
The r epl y t o a pol ar i zat i on j og or got o command wi l l be NAK i f aut opol
i s enabl ed. Pr evi ousl y t he command woul d be acknowl edged but not
execut ed.
The document at i on was changed t o pr oper l y r ef l ect t he pol ar i zat i on
di spl ay symbol . Ear l i er ver si ons of t hi s document di d not accur at el y
associ at e t he numer i c code r et ur ned as par t of t he quer y r epl y ( byt e
19) t o t he pol ar i zat i on symbol di spl ayed on t he LCD of t he cont r ol l er .
QUERY ID COMMAND
The message f or mat f or t hi s quer y wi l l be . . .
byt e 0 : STX
byt e 1 : ' AA' wher e AA i s t he RC1000A addr ess
byt e 2 : ' 30h' t he quer y command code
byt e 3 : ETX
byt e 4 : ' chksum' t he checksum
The checksum char act er i s si mpl y t he bi t - by-
bi t excl usi ve OR of al l char act er s i n t he
message st ar t i ng wi t h t he STX char act er
t hr ough t he ETX char act er .
The r esponse t o t hi s quer y wi l l consi st of 11 byt es, al l asci i
char act er s . . .
byt e 0 : ACK
byt es 3- 6: ' RC1K'
byt es 7, 8: ' XX' wher e XX i s t he ver si on number , f or
exampl e i f t he cur r ent sof t war e
ver si on number wer e 4. 3, XX woul d be
' 43' .
byt e 9 : ETX
I f t he command cannot be execut ed, t he RC1000A r esponse wi l l be . . .
byt e 0 : NAK
byt e 3 : ETX
QUERY COMMAND
Thi s command i nst r uct s t he RC1000A t o send back al l dat a as
di spl ayed on t he LCD. Thi s i ncl udes azi mut h and pol ar i zat i on posi t i on,
sat el l i t e name, al l l i mi t and st at us i nf or mat i on, er r or condi t i ons, and
comm- l i nk st at us. The quer y command message consi st s of 5 byt es and t he
f or mat i s
byt e 0 : STX
byt e 3 : ETX
The r esponse t o t hi s command wi l l consi st of 24 byt es, whi ch wi l l be a
combi nat i on of asci i and bi nar y dat a f i el ds. The bi nar y dat a wi l l be
pl aced i n t he l ower nybbl e of a byt e whose hi gher nybbl e wi l l be
i ni t i al i zed t o a val ue whi ch wi l l make t he r esul t an asci i char act er .
The i dea wi t h t hi s r esponse i s t o be abl e t o r epr oduce t he i nf or mat i on
pr esent ed on t he LCD t o t he user when manual mode i s act i ve. The f or mat
of t he r esponse wi l l be
byt e 0 : ACK
byt e 3 : ' F' or ' N' ' N' i f t he RC1k i s i n r emot e mode
( onl i ne) , and ' F' ( of f l i ne)
ot her wi se. Not e t hat i f t he
devi ce i s not i n r emot e mode,
commands cannot be accept ed.
byt es 4- 10 : Sat _Name Thi s f i el d wi l l cont ai n t he
sat el l i t e name i n upper case
l et t er s. I f t he name does not
occupy t he ent i r e f i el d t he name
wi l l be l ef t j ust i f i ed and t he
st r i ng wi l l be padded wi t h bl anks.
I f a sat el l i t e name i s not
cur r ent l y di spl ayed, t hi s f i el d
wi l l cont ai n al l bl anks.
byt es 11- 13: AZ posi t i on Thi s f i el d wi l l cont ai n t he
cur r ent azi mut h posi t i on,
f or mat t ed i n a manner i dent i cal t o
how t he posi t i on i s di spl ayed on
t he f r ont of t he uni t , ' 000' t o
' 999' . Not e t he azi mut h posi t i on
di spl ayed i s not t he act ual
azi mut h count , whi ch may be
gr eat er t han 999. The di spl ayed
val ue i s t he act ual count scal ed
by t he east and west l i mi t count s
so t hat di spl ayed posi t i on wi l l
al ways be l ess t han 1000.
byt es 14, 15: Pol posi t i on
Thi s f i el d wi l l cont ai n t he
cur r ent pol ar i zat i on posi t i on,
f or mat t ed i n a manner i dent i cal t o
how t he posi t i on i s di spl ayed on
t he f r ont of t he uni t , ' 00' t o
' 99' .
byt e 16 : Li mi t s - Bi nar y Dat a
7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
0 0 1 0 $ _ _ _ _
w e c c
e a c w
s s w
t t
When t he bi t i s set i t means . . .
West t he ant enna i s at t he west l i mi t .
East t he ant enna i s at t he east l i mi t .
CCW t he pol ar ot or i s at t he ccw l i mi t .
CW t he pol ar ot or i s at t he cw l i mi t .

byt e 17 : movement st at us - bi nar y dat a

7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
0 0 1 0 $ _ _ _ _
w e c c
e a c w
s s w
t t

West when set , t he ant enna i s movi ng west .
East when set , t he ant enna i s movi ng east .

ccw cw
0 0 . . . t he pol ar ot or dr i ve si gnal i s i nact i ve.
0 1 . . . t he pol ar ot or i s bei ng j ogged cl ockwi se.
1 0 . . . t he pol ar ot or i s bei ng j ogged count er
cl ockwi se.
1 1 . . . t he pol ar ot or i s movi ng t o an est abl i shed
posi t i on
byt e 18 : Sat _name di spl ay st at us - bi nar y dat a - t he
val ue of t he i nt er nal
sat $name$di spl ay$st at us$code var i abl e, whi ch
i ndi cat es t he pr esent st at us of t he
sat el l i t e name di spl ay f i el d. I n REMOTE or
MANUAL mode, i f t he ant enna' s pr esent
azi mut h posi t i on mat ches t he posi t i on of a
sat el l i t e i n t he cont r ol l er s non- vol at i l e
memor y, t he sat el l i t e' s name wi l l be
di spl ayed i n upper case l et t er s. I f t he
pr esent azi mut h posi t i on i s cl ose t o t he
posi t i on of a sat el l i t e i n non- vol at i l e
memor y, t he sat el l i t e name wi l l be di spl ayed
i n l ower case l et t er s; ot her wi se t he
sat el l i t e name i s not shown.

7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
0 0 1 0 $ 0 0 _ _
0 0 sat _name shown i n capi t al
l et t er s
0 1 sat _name di spl ayed i n l ower
case l et t er s.
1 0 sat _name not di spl ayed.

byt e 19 : Sat _pol ar i zat i on di spl ay st at us - bi nar y
dat a - t he val ue of t he i nt er nal
aut o$pol $enabl e$f l ag and
sat $pol $di spl ay$st at us$code var i abl es. The
Aut oPol f eat ur e sl aves t he RC1000' s
pol ar i zat i on cont r ol out put t o a di gi t al
i nput f r om a sat el l i t e r ecei ver . Thi s
f eat ur e i s document ed i n t he user ' s manual .
The sat $pol $di spl ay$st at us$code i ndi cat es
t he pr esent st at us of t he sat el l i t e
pol ar i zat i on di spl ay f i el d on t he LCD on
t he f r ont of t he uni t . I n REMOTE or MANUAL
mode, an ' H' or ' V' wi l l be di spl ayed i f a
sat el l i t e name i s di spl ayed i n upper case
l et t er s and t he pr esent pol ar i zat i on
posi t i on cor r esponds t o t he pr eset
hor i zont al or ver t i cal pol ar i zat i on f or
t hat sat el l i t e. Ot her wi se, an ' h' or a ' v'
wi l l be di spl ayed i f t he pr esent
pol ar i zat i on posi t i on i s i n t he
nei ghbor hood of t he pr eset hor i zont al or
ver t i cal pol ar i zat i on posi t i on f or t he
sat el l i t e cl osest t o t he ant enna' s pr esent
azi mut h posi t i on. I f nei t her of t he t wo
pr evi ous cases appl y t he pol ar i zat i on f i el d
wi l l be bl ank.

7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
0 0 1 0 $ 0 _ _ _

bi t
3
_
0 Aut oPol Di sabl ed
1 Aut oPol Enabl ed

bi t s
2 1 0
- - -
0 0 0 ' H' di spl ayed
0 0 1 ' h' di spl ayed
0 1 0 ' V' di spl ayed
0 1 1 ' v' di spl ayed
1 0 0 ' ' ( bl ank) di spl ayed
byt e 20 : Sat _azi mut h_posi t i on di spl ay st at us -
bi nar y dat a - t he val ue of t he i nt er nal
var i abl e, az$posi t i on$di spl ay$st at us$code,
whi ch i ndi cat es t he pr esent st at us of t he
azi mut h posi t i on di spl ay f i el d on t he LCD
on t he f r ont of t he uni t . I n REMOTE or
MANUAL mode, t he azi mut h f i el d wi l l usual l y
di spl ay t he ant enna' s pr esent azi mut h
posi t i on. When t he pol ar i zat i on i s j ogged,
t hi s f i el d wi l l cont ai n t he PXX wher e XX i s
t he pol ar i zat i on posi t i on.

7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
0 0 1 0 $ 0 0 _ _

0 0 az_posi t i on di spl ayed
0 1 pol _posi t i on di spl ayed
1 0 not hi ng di spl ayed i n
t he azi mut h posi t i on
f i el d.

byt e 21 : er r or st at us - bi nar y dat a

7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
ant $er r or s: 0 0 1 0 $ 0 _ _ _
j a b
a z a
m t

when t he bi t i s set , i t means . . .

J am. . . t he ant enna i s j ammed/ no sensor
f eedback.
AZ . . . . t he azi mut h count i s cor r upt ed.
Bat . . . a l ow bat t er y i ndi cat i on has been
r ecei ved.

byt e 22 : ETX

I f t he command cannot be execut ed, t he RC1000A r esponse wi l l be
byt e 0 : NAK
byt e 3 : ETX
QUERY NAME COMMAND
Thi s quer y command i nst r uct s t he RC1000A t o send back t o t he host
comput er an i ndexed sat el l i t e name and azi mut h posi t i on count f r om t he
l i st of l ocat ed sat el l i t es st or ed i n non- vol at i l e memor y. Thi s l i st i s
compr i sed of t hose sat el l i t es t hat wer e saved vi a t he SET mode i n t he
RC1000A. A maxi mum of 50 can be i n t he l i st . Thi s quer y command
cont ai ns 7 byt es and t he f or mat i s

byt e 0 : STX

byt es 3, 4 : ' XX' wher e XX i s t he i ndex of t he sat el l i t e name
bei ng r equest ed. Nor mal l y t hi s woul d be ' 01'
t he f i r st t i me t hr u and t hen i ncr ement ed unt i l
t he ' YY' ( YY bei ng t he l ast ent r y i n t he l i st . )
sat el l i t e name i s r ead.

byt e 5 : ETX
byt e 6 : ' chksum" t he checksum

The nor mal r esponse t o t hi s quer y command cont ai ns 19 byt es and t he
f or mat i s as f ol l ows . . .

byt e 0 : ACK

byt es 3, 4 : ' XX' wher e XX i s t he i ndex of t he sat el l i t e
name
bei ng r equest ed.

byt es 5, 6 : ' YY' wher e YY i s t he t ot al number of sat el l i t e
names cont ai ned i n t he l i st .

byt es 7- 13 : Thi s f i el d wi l l cont ai n t he sat el l i t e name.

byt es 14- 16: Thi s f i el d wi l l cont ai n t he sat el l i t e azi mut h
posi t i on count - 000 t o 999.

byt e 17 : ETX

I f t he command cannot be execut ed, t he RC1000A r esponse wi l l be . . .
byt e 0 : NAK
byt e 3 : ETX

AUTO COMMAND
Thi s command speci f i es t hat t he cont r ol l er move t he ant enna t o a
sat el l i t e. The command cont ai ns 13 byt es. Her e i s t he f or mat . . .

byt e 0 : STX
byt e 2 : ' 32h' t he command code

byt e 3 pol ar i zat i on Thi s f i el d can speci f y ' H' , ' V'
or ' ' ( bl ank) . I f t hi s f i el d cont ai ns a bl ank
t her e i s no pol ar i zat i on adj ust ment . I f t hi s
f i el d cont ai ns ' H' or ' V' t he pol ar ot or i s
dr i ven t o t he sat el l i t e' s pr eset hor i zont al or
ver t i cal posi t i on.

byt e 4- 10 sat _name Thi s f i el d speci f i es t he sat el l i t e
name. The sat _name shoul d be i n capi t al
l et t er s and l ef t j ust i f i ed wi t hi n t hi s f i el d.
I f necessar y, t he name can be padded wi t h
bl anks t o f i l l t he ent i r e f i el d.

byt e 11 : ETX

The r epl y t o t hi s command wi l l be t he same as t he r epl y t o t he QUERY
command except t hat t he command code f i el d wi l l be ' 32h' .

AZIMUTH JOG COMMAND
Thi s command j ogs t he ant enna i n azi mut h. The command cont ai ns 11
byt es. Her e i s t he f or mat of t he command

byt e 0 : STX
byt e 3 : di r ect i on Thi s f i el d can speci f y ' E' , ' W' , or
' X' . ' E' r ef er s t o east and ' W' t o
west . An ' X' speci f i es t hat t he
ant enna st op movi ng.
byt e 4 : speed Thi s f i el d speci f i es t he j og speed,
ei t her ' F' ( Fast ) or ' S' ( Sl ow) .
Not e t hat t hi s f i el d must cont ai n a
val i d val ue even i f t he di r ect i on
f i el d speci f i es ' X' ( St op) .
byt es 5- 8 : dur at i on Thi s f i el d speci f i es t he dur at i on
of t he azi mut h j og command i n
mi l l i seconds. The val i d r ange of
val ues f or t hi s f i el d i s ' 0000' t o
' 9999' . As a pr act i cal mat t er , t he
r esol ut i on of t he t i mer used t o
t i me t he move i s appr oxi mat el y 150
mi l l i seconds, so any move wi l l be
f or a t i me i nt er val equal t o a
mul t i pl e of appr ox. 150
mi l l i seconds. Not e t hat t hi s
command must cont ai n a val i d val ue
even i f t he di r ect i on f i el d
speci f i es ' X' ( St op) .

byt e 9 : ETX

The r epl y t o t hi s command wi l l be t he same as t he r epl y t o t he QUERY
command except t hat t he command code wi l l be ' 33h' .

POLARIZATION COMMAND
The f ol l owi ng command speci f i es a pol ar i zat i on j og. The command
cont ai ns 6 byt es. Byt e 3 can cont ai n one of t he f ol l owi ng val ues. . .
' C' . . . j og t he pol ar i zat i on cl ockwi se.
' W' . . . j og t he pol ar i zat i on count er cl ockwi se. Not e t hat
t her e i s not a dur at i on or a speed associ at ed wi t h
t hese commands. The dur at i on i s f i xed and t he speed
i ncr eases as t he pol ar i zat i on cont i nues i t ' s
movement wi t hout bei ng i nt er r upt ed. An i nt er r upt i on
occur s i f anot her command does not ar r i ve bef or e t he
pr evi ous pol ar i zat i on command t er mi nat es.
' H' . . . move t he pol ar ot or t o t he pr eset hor i zont al posi t i on
of t he sat el l i t e cl osest t o t he ant enna' s pr esent
azi mut h posi t i on.
' V' . . . move t he pol ar ot or t o t he pr eset ver t i cal posi t i on
of t he sat el l i t e cl osest t o t he ant enna' s pr esent
azi mut h posi t i on.
' F' . . . Di sabl e t he Aut oPol f unct i on.
' N' . . . Enabl e t he Aut oPol f unct i on.

The f or mat of t he command code i s as f ol l ows . . .
byt e 0 : STX
byt e 3 : ' X' t he pol ar i zat i on command par amet er
byt e 4 : ETX

I f t he Aut oPol f eat ur e i s enabl ed and t he command par amet er i s ' H' ,
' V' , ' C' , or ' W' t he NAK r epl y wi l l be sent t o t he host .
byt e 0 : NAK
byt e 3 : ETX

I f t he command can be execut ed t he r epl y t o t hi s command wi l l be t he
same as t he r epl y t o t he QUERY command except t he command code wi l l
' 34h' .

Rc1000a Polar Axis Antenna Controller

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Rc1000a Polar Axis Antenna Controller

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

RC1000A Antenna Controller Chapter 3.

0 Theory of Operation: Overview 1

You might also like