- Inclined-Orbit tracking: Allows single axis tracking for modest-sized antennas with a motorized declination axis
- Three Track Modes: Step Track, Memory & Search modes supported
- Polarization Control Interface: Automatic or manual polarization control for three-wire PolarotorTM or optional control for rotating feeds with potentiometer feedback
- High-Resolution Pulse Sensor Interface: Ensures accurate Ku-band positioning
- Software Controlled Limits: Provides backup to mechanical limits
- Dual Speed: For fast slewing, fine positioning, user programmable
- RS-422 PC Control Interface: Automated control with many popular packages; basic PC-control software is included
- Adapti-Drive™: Maintains stable speed with varying load
- Solid-State Drive Circuitry: Provides reliable, quiet operation, rated at 5A with over-current protection
- Multi-Band Operation: Supports C, Ku and L-band satellites
- An intuitive user interface based on a 2 by 16 liquid crystal display and a 16 key keypad.
- Interfaces with pulse based position sensors - reed switch, Hall effect, or optical.
- Servo based polarization control. An optional daughter board, designated RC2KPOL, can interface with a 5 to 24 volt DC powered rotating equipped with a potentiometer for position feedback.
- Serial communications via an RS-422 port. The RC1500 uses the industry standard SA Bus protocol.
- Rack Mounting (2 rack units high), 115/230 VAC Switch Selectable Power Input
OPERATIONAL OVERVIEW
The RC1500 was designed to provide years of reliable operation through the use of a heavy duty solid-state drive network coupled with a novel microcontroller-based fault monitoring system. The 5 amp rated drive output capability is adequate for either moving feed trackers or full-size linear actuators and the Adapti-Drive digital servo speed control optimizes antenna movement for today's demanding Ku-band applications. Additional features like an RS-422 communications port for PC control and a very userfriendly, menu scheme make the RC1500 a unique and highly adaptable piece of equipment. Overall, the RC1500 is well equipped to handle the demanding requirements for cost sensitive domestic and international inclined-orbit satellite tracking.
RC1500 Tracking Algorithms
The RC1500 provides tracking for inclined orbit satellites via Step Track, Search, and Memory Track algorithms. An analog voltage (in the range of 0 to 10 volts) proportional to signal strength is required for peaking the satellite. This voltage is usually provided by a receiver or modem AGC output but can also be generated by a beacon receiver.
Setup of the tracking system is straight forward. From the controller's CONFIG mode the user enters the following information ...
Antenna Size,
Antenna Latitude and Longitude,
Maximum Tracking Error in tenths of dB,
Elevation Constant (the number of elevation position counts per degree of antenna elevation movement),
AGC Polarity (positive polarity implies that a stronger satellite signal produces a greater AGC voltage),
AGC Threshold (an AGC level above the threshold implies that a satellite signal is present).
When a track is initiated on a satellite the user is prompted for: the satellite�s longitude, the satellite�s current inclination, and the satellite�s frequency band(s) - C, Ku, C/Ku, L, X, Ka.
From this information the controller is able to automatically determine the optimum tracking parameters ...
Step Track step size.
Interval between Step Track peaking operations.
Frequency of Memory Track antenna alignment operations.
