Page 3 - REVISION HISTORY
REVISION HISTORY DATE MODIFICATION SOFTWARE VERSION 8 March 1999 Preliminary document 1.00 13 April 1999 Initial Release 1.04 1 June 1999 Update 1.07 13 March 2000 Software Update 1.16 15 November 2002 Chapter 2 Update 1.37 10 January 2003 Appendix E Update 1.38 3 January 2005 Manual Format Update 1...
Page 4 - WARRANTY INFORMATION; To obtain such a warranty service, the original purchaser must:; REPAIR RETURN INFORMATION
WARRANTY INFORMATION 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, bo...
Page 5 - TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................. 1 1.1 M ANUAL O RGANIZATION ..............................................................................................
Page 9 - PLEASE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE MANUAL; . Due to the complexity of the functions performed; Manual Organization; Chapter 5 provides RC3000 schematics and drawings.; Please refer to
RC3000 Antenna Controller Chapter 1 Introduction 1 1.0 INTRODUCTION The RC3000 antenna controller is designed for use with elevation over azimuth antennas on mobile satellite uplink vehicles. The RC3000 assists both the technically-oriented and the non-technical operator of a mobile satellite antenn...
Page 10 - MANUAL CONVENTIONS
RC3000 Antenna Controller Chapter 1 Introduction 2 MANUAL CONVENTIONS Throughout the manual, representations of screens the user will see will be shown in the boxed format that follows: AZIM: 0.0 STOW SS1: 50 MANUAL ELEV: -67.5 STOW SAT:TELSTAR 402 POL: 0.0 SPD:FAST CST <0-9>JOG ANTENNA <MO...
Page 11 - Hardware Configuration.
RC3000 Antenna Controller Chapter 1 Introduction 3 1.2 RC3000 Features The RC3000 antenna controller is designed to automate the operation of mobile (both vehicle mounted and deployable) mounts. Features provided include: - Automatic azimuth and elevation pointing solution calculation - Optional GPS...
Page 12 - Software Configuration.
RC3000 Antenna Controller Chapter 1 Introduction 4 Software Configuration. The software configuration (SW:) field is presented in the form RC3K-ab-xyz: RC3K-(Mount Manufacturer/Model #)-(Nav Sensor Option)(Tracking Option)(Remote Option) Descriptions of the software configuration designations are pr...
Page 13 - Theory of Operation; The 4 row by 40 column LCD provides the user interface for
RC3000 Antenna Controller Chapter 1 Introduction 5 1.3 Theory of Operation The RC3000 performs its functions via digital and analog electronic equipment interfaced to the antenna’s motor drive and position feedback systems. This equipment is controlled through embedded software algorithms run by the...
Page 15 - Operational Group Functions; In LOCATE mode, azimuth and elevation pointing angles; STORING SATELLITE LOCATION.; The user may quickly and precisely move between previously; AUTOMATIC ANTENNA STOWING.; From STOW mode, the user may ask for the antenna to be
RC3000 Antenna Controller Chapter 1 Introduction 7 1.3.3 Operational Overview The RC3000 allows easy antenna operation via its menu based user interface. The screen displayed to the user is based on the current controller mode. Controller modes are divided into two major groups: operational and prog...
Page 16 - Programming Group Functions
RC3000 Antenna Controller Chapter 1 Introduction 8 Programming Group Functions The programming group modes provide for initial configuration of the controller and also provide screens to aid in maintenance and troubleshooting of the controller. Configuration mode screens allow the user to customize ...
Page 19 - System time; The RC3000’s system time is set to approximately; reference time; . The user may designate a three letter; Position Sensing and Limits
RC3000 Antenna Controller Chapter 1 Introduction 11 1.3.5 Timekeeping There are several versions of time (system, sidereal, referenced and GPS) discussed within this manual. System time is maintained by the RC3000’s real time clock. The real-time clock is backed up by battery so that system time is ...
Page 20 - Jam and Runaway Sensing
RC3000 Antenna Controller Chapter 1 Introduction 12 In the azimuth axis, movement in one direction is disabled when clockwise and counterclockwise limit switches are activated. There is also typically a region in the center of azimuth travel indicating that the azimuth axis is in a position that wil...
Page 24 - Physical
RC3000 Antenna Controller Chapter 1 Introduction 16 1.4 Specifications RC3000A RC3000B Physical Size 19.0 inches x 3.5 inches x 17.5 inches Weight 19 lbs 13 lbs Input Power 115/230 VAC switchable 50/60Hz; 50W max Idle;850W max Antenna Moving; optional universal input 115 OR 230 VAC 50/60Hz; 50W max ...
Page 26 - Equipment Mounting
RC3000 Antenna Controller Chapter 2 Installation 18 2.1 Equipment Mounting This section describes the physical mounting requirements for the RC3000 and optional sensor units. Wiring requirements are discussed in section 2.2. 2.1.1 RC3000 Antenna Controller NOTE: The RC3000 unit should not be install...
Page 32 - Electrical Connections; See appendix B for your exact backpanel configuration.
RC3000 Antenna Controller Chapter 2 Installation 24 2.2 Electrical Connections This section provides cabling requirements for interfacing to the RC3000. Note that cables should be made long enough to allow the unit to be open while still connected to the system. The following sections supply a sched...
Page 33 - To convert AC Voltage; LINE
RC3000 Antenna Controller Chapter 2 Installation 25 2.2.1 Power Entry J6 is an IEC male power connector on the backpanel for supplying AC power to the RC3000. The RC3000 is shipped from the factory with a line cord appropriate for the line voltage selected. If the line cord received with the unit is...
Page 35 - See diagram in; The reference position for the polarization position angle is
RC3000 Antenna Controller Chapter 2 Installation 27 2.2.3 Drive Sense J1 (DB-15 Female on backpanel) receives position sense from the azimuth and polarization potentiometers and the elevation inclinometer. Normally, it is not necessary to modify the sensors on the antenna. The antenna manufacturer s...
Page 49 - Initial Configuration; Initial Power Application.; When the RC3000 is turned on, a power up banner appears for 3; Enable Expert Access.; GPS: 1 CONFIG-SYSTEM
RC3000 Antenna Controller Chapter 2 Installation 41 2.3 Initial Configuration Whereas Final Calibration (section 2.4) requires an open area with an unobstructed view of satellites, initial configuration may be done in any area (possibly a shop environment) where the antenna may be moved throughout i...
Page 50 - Azimuth/Elevation/Polarization Calibration; . The next three steps calibrate the mount’s elevation,
RC3000 Antenna Controller Chapter 2 Installation 42 Azimuth/Elevation/Polarization Calibration . The next three steps calibrate the mount’s elevation, azimuth and polarization axes. Place the RC3000 in MANUAL mode. Values for the azimuth, elevation and polarization axes should be displayed, though t...
Page 51 - STEP 2. – Initial Movement
RC3000 Antenna Controller Chapter 2 Installation 43 2.3.2 Elevation Calibration Steps to perform elevation calibration will be described starting with the elevation axis in the stowed position. STEP 1.- STOW Limit Confirmation With the elevation axis in the stowed position, go to the Limits Maintena...
Page 52 - STEP 3a. – Inclinometer Reference Voltage; EXAMPLE
RC3000 Antenna Controller Chapter 2 Installation 44 STEP 3a. – Inclinometer Reference Voltage To perform this step, raise the antenna until the reflector is in the reference position appropriate for this mount (see Appendix B). For the majority of mounts, the reference position corresponds to having...
Page 53 - Elevation Scale Factor Calibration; ) With the elevation axis in the reference position, note the angle; (using an accurate inclinometer; and the A/D voltage at that
RC3000 Antenna Controller Chapter 2 Installation 45 STEP 4. Elevation Scale Factor Calibration This step is performed to characterize the output signal from the elevation inclinometer. 1) With the elevation axis in the reference position, note the angle (using an accurate inclinometer placed on the ...
Page 54 - STEP 5. Up Limit Confirmation
RC3000 Antenna Controller Chapter 2 Installation 46 NOTE: an alternate method for calculating the output signal from the inclinometer is to use the data supplied by the inclinometer manufacturer for each individual inclinometer and multiply by the gain (0.823) in the RC3000’s circuitry. (example: 59...
Page 55 - STEP 1a. Azimuth Potentiometer Reference Voltage.
RC3000 Antenna Controller Chapter 2 Installation 47 2.3.3 Azimuth Calibration Steps to perform azimuth calibration will be described starting with the azimuth axis in the stowed position and the elevation axis above the DOWN limit. Movement in the azimuth axis is not allowed until the elevation DOWN...
Page 56 - STEP 4. Clockwise and Counterclockwise Limits; . Other mounts may not have azimuth limit switches. In this case, the
RC3000 Antenna Controller Chapter 2 Installation 48 STEP 2. Initial Movement. The next step is to move the azimuth axis to confirm drive and sensor polarity. Azimuth clockwise and counterclockwise is defined as seen by an observer located above the antenna looking down on the antenna. In MANUAL mode...
Page 57 - STEP 6. Azimuth Software Limits; This value should initially be set
RC3000 Antenna Controller Chapter 2 Installation 49 Example: at +90 degree reference position the azimuth voltage is 3.86. At the –90 degree reference position the azimuth voltage is 1.14. The azimuth scale factor is calculated as: 180 degrees / (3.86 –1.14) = 66.16 degrees / volt. 66.16 would be en...
Page 58 - STEP 1. Polarization Type
RC3000 Antenna Controller Chapter 2 Installation 50 2.3.4 Polarization Calibration The following steps will require values to be entered in the POLARIZATION CALIBRATION configuration screen (see 3.3.1.2.4). REF_V:2.50 OFF: 0.0 CONFIG-POL CCW: 90.0 CW: 90.0 SF:41.67 TYPE:2 REF:1 H: -45.0 V: 45.0 AUTO...
Page 59 - STEP 3. Drive and Sensor Polarity
RC3000 Antenna Controller Chapter 2 Installation 51 The following diagram shows a typical situation of two waveguides that rotate together. Note that the diagram should be considered as if the observer is behind the reflector looking towards the arc of satellites. This representation is relevant for...
Page 62 - Final Calibration; Trees and wooden objects pose no problem for calibration.
RC3000 Antenna Controller Chapter 2 Installation 54 2.4 Final Calibration The final calibration steps tune up the system for performing automatic location of satellites. 2.4.1 Compass Calibration Ferrous metal on the vehicle distorts the earth's magnetic field in the vicinity of the vehicle. The flu...
Page 64 - Elevation Alignment; It is fairly easy to observe errors in the elevation calibration.; Azimuth Alignment
RC3000 Antenna Controller Chapter 2 Installation 56 Elevation Alignment It is fairly easy to observe errors in the elevation calibration. If test data shows that the actual elevation angle that a satellite is found is consistently above or below the calculated target, then it can be concluded that a...
Page 68 - SCALE FACTORS FROM MANUFACTURER’S SPECIFICATIONS; Elev; SCALE FACTORS FROM MOUNT MEASUREMENTS
RC3000 Antenna Controller Chapter 2 Installation 60 2.4.4 Pulse Scale Factors The pulse scale factors specify the number of pulses counted per degrees (in radians) of movement for the azimuth and elevation axis. It is critical that these numbers are accurate since the tracking algorithms use them to...
Page 69 - SCALE FACTOR FOR RESOLVER SYSTEMS
RC3000 Antenna Controller Chapter 2 Installation 61 The azimuth scale factor is obtained by noting the difference in the azimuth pointing solution angles between two satellites and the pulse counts when on the satellites. For best results, use satellites that are as far apart as possible and make su...
Page 70 - Example Usage
RC3000 Antenna Controller Chapter 2 Installation 62 2.4.5 Operational Presets This section has been included in the outline because it may simplify the user’s day-to-day operation. The user cannot make use of preset truck locations or preset satellites if they are never entered into the memory. This...
Page 71 - DETAILED OPERATION; Operation Overview; The rest of section 3.1 introduces common elements of all modes.
RC3000 Antenna Controller Chapter 3 Detailed Operation 63 3.0 DETAILED OPERATION 3.1 Operation Overview 3.1.1 Modes The functionality of the RC3000 is achieved by placing the controller in the desired mode of operation. The figure shows the hierarchy of the RC3000’s modes. Each mode has a unique dis...
Page 76 - POWER ON; RC3000A MOBILE ANTENNA CONTROLLER; MOUNT POSITION CONFIRMATION; SAVED MOUNT POSITION
RC3000 Antenna Controller Chapter 3 Detailed Operation 68 3.2 Operating Group Within the operating group of modes exists two high level modes – MANUAL and MENU. The MANUAL mode allows the user to manually jog the antenna while the MENU mode allows the user to select the modes that implement the RC30...
Page 77 - POL
RC3000 Antenna Controller Chapter 3 Detailed Operation 69 3.2.1 Manual Mode AZIM: 0.0 STOW SS1: 50 MANUAL ELEV: -42.5 DOWN SAT:TELSTAR 402 POL: 30.0 V SPD:FAST CST <0-9>JOG ANTENNA <MODE>MENU 14:25:47 In MANUAL mode, the user may jog the antenna in all three axes. A momentary push of the...
Page 78 - SPD; the antenna has been moved enough for case 2 to apply.; TIME DISPLAY
RC3000 Antenna Controller Chapter 3 Detailed Operation 70 The polarization axis may be moved manually be pressing the Pol CCW or Pol CW keys. The axis may also be moved automatically to the predefined horizontal or vertical positions by pressing the H or V keys. In the MANUAL mode, whenever the “5 H...
Page 79 - AUXILLARY FUNCTIONS; ) MANUAL mode was automatically entered following a LOCATE
RC3000 Antenna Controller Chapter 3 Detailed Operation 71 AUXILLARY FUNCTIONS According to the RC3000’s configuration and current conditions, several additional functions may be initiated via the MANUAL mode. 3.2.1.1 Heading Fix From the MANUAL mode the user is given the ability to correct the mount...
Page 84 - Mount Position Initialization.
RC3000 Antenna Controller Chapter 3 Detailed Operation 76 3.2.2.3 Locate The LOCATE mode performs a calculation of the pointing angle (1.3.4) to a selected satellite based on the RC3000’s estimate of where the antenna is positioned (lat/lon) and oriented (true heading). After the calculation is perf...
Page 85 - Location Readiness Status
RC3000 Antenna Controller Chapter 3 Detailed Operation 77 If the navigation sensors (GPS and/or compass) are not working (or not available), the position information may be entered manually via the POSITION mode (3.2.2.7). SAT: GALAXY 6 74.0W <1>SELECT NEW SAT The SAT: field shows the currentl...
Page 86 - manual satellite entry
RC3000 Antenna Controller Chapter 3 Detailed Operation 78 LONGITUDE: described in decimal degrees (180.0W to 180.0E) INCLINATION: the number of degrees of orbital inclination. If a satellite is described as having an inclination greater than zero, the RC3000 will consider it an inclined orbit satell...
Page 94 - Manual Lat/Lon Entry; Preset Location List; 4W GPS LAT/LON
RC3000 Antenna Controller Chapter 3 Detailed Operation 86 3.2.2.7 Position The POSITION mode allows the user to set the latitude, longitude and heading of the vehicle for subsequent use in calculating pointing angles to satellites. The first screen that appears shows the current mount position used ...
Page 98 - TRACKING INCLINED ORBIT SATELLITES.; The RC3000 tracking algorithm can be divided into three
RC3000 Antenna Controller Chapter 3 Detailed Operation 90 3.2.2.9 Track The optional TRACK mode may be entered via the STORE or RECALL modes if the selected satellite has been described as having a inclined orbit. Details of TRACK mode are available in the separate appendix TRK describing inclined o...
Page 99 - INTRODUCTION; This section details operations of the RC3000’s “VSAT” mode.; PRIOR TO ENTERING VSAT MODE; In order to achieve good performance, ensure that:; ENTERING VSAT MODE
RC3000 Antenna Controller Chapter 3 Detailed Operation 91 3.2.2.11 VSAT Mode INTRODUCTION This section details operations of the RC3000’s “VSAT” mode. VSAT mode is intended to be used when the following conditions exist: 1) the mobile satellite terminal is to be run by operators with limited or no s...
Page 100 - VSAT MODE OPERATION; After powering up the RC3000, the MENU screen will appear.; LOCATE
RC3000 Antenna Controller Chapter 3 Detailed Operation 92 VSAT MODE OPERATION After powering up the RC3000, the MENU screen will appear. 1-LOCATE SATELLITE MENU 2-STOW ANTENNA CST <1-2>SELECT <MODE>MANUAL 14:37:23 In VSAT mode, the MENU screen only gives the operator two automatic functi...
Page 101 - STOW
RC3000 Antenna Controller Chapter 3 Detailed Operation 93 ! LOCATE COMPLETE ! ! CONFIRM RECEIVER STATUS ! <MODE>MENU The operator should confirm that the antenna has been placed on the correct satellite. For example, confirmation could be achieved by recognizing if the modem has generated a si...
Page 102 - Programming Group; AZIMUTH CALIBRATION CONFIG-MENU
RC3000 Antenna Controller Chapter 3 Detailed Operation 94 3.3 Programming Group The programming group has two high-level modes (CONFIG-MENU and MAINTENANCE). Both of these modes serve as a menu system for sub-modes below them. Momentarily pressing the Mode key will switch between these modes in a si...
Page 108 - NOTE: for mounts that have only one
RC3000 Antenna Controller Chapter 3 Detailed Operation 100 3.3.1.2.2 Elevation Calibration REF_V:1.69 OFF: 0.0 CONFIG-ELEV DOWN: 0 UP: 90.0 SF:50.00 LOOK:1 SET REFERENCE VOLTAGE <0.50 – 4.50> REF_V: SET REFERENCE VOLTAGE <0.50 - 4.50> The elev_zero_voltage defines the voltage present whe...
Page 111 - RESOLVER
RC3000 Antenna Controller Chapter 3 Detailed Operation 103 In addition to the normal azimuth calibration items, two azimuth resolver calibration items are included. No azimuth reference_voltage or scale_factor items are displayed since no azimuth potentiometer will be present. FG: 0.0 CONFIG-AZIM CC...
Page 113 - NOTE: these items are only applicable to
RC3000 Antenna Controller Chapter 3 Detailed Operation 105 3.3.1.2.5 Signal Strength Factors This screen defines how signal strength inputs are used. See sections 2.2.5 and 2.4.3 for references to the use of signal strength inputs. RF LOCK:0 TIME:0.1 CONFIG-SIG SS1 LOCK:0 TIME:0.1 TH:100 POL:0 SS2 L...
Page 114 - before selecting this option
RC3000 Antenna Controller Chapter 3 Detailed Operation 106 3.3.1.2.6 Autopeak This screen defines how the autopeak functions of the LOCATE mode are configured. ON:1 SRCH_AZ: 3 CONFIG-AUTOPEAK SIG:1 SRCH_EL: 3 SCAN_RG: 2 BAND:1 SRCH_TH:200 SCAN_TH:200 TILT:0 AUTOPEAK <0>DISABLED <1>ENABLE...
Page 117 - Max Error; - described above) during an automatic move based
RC3000 Antenna Controller Chapter 3 Detailed Operation 109 3.3.1.3.2 Azimuth Pot Drive The CONFIG-AZ POT screen contains configuration items for calibrating large automatic azimuth movements based on angle (potentiometer or resolver-based) position feedback. See the Drive System theory section 1.3.7...
Page 118 - - described above) during an automatic
RC3000 Antenna Controller Chapter 3 Detailed Operation 110 3.3.1.3.3 Azimuth Pulse Drive The CONFIG-AZ PULSE screen contains items for configuring automatic movements based on sensor count (resolver or pulse) azimuth position feedback. SCALE:2406 CONFIG_AZ PULSE CW:49451 FAST/SLOW: 50 COAST: 5 CCW:1...
Page 127 - RESOLVER DATA; AD VOLTAGES
RC3000 Antenna Controller Chapter 3 Detailed Operation 119 3.3.2.1 Analog to Digital Voltage The AD VOLTAGES maintenance screen shows the current voltage levels sensed at the microcontroller’s 4 analog to digital inputs. The voltage will be displayed in the 0.001 to 5.000 range. If the microcontroll...
Page 129 - DATE
RC3000 Antenna Controller Chapter 3 Detailed Operation 121 The values for the time parameters may be altered by the actions described next. 1-DATE ENTER DATE DD.MM.YY This action allows the user to manually set the date. The prompt indicates that the / delimiter for date is entered by using the (dec...
Page 130 - ENTER
RC3000 Antenna Controller Chapter 3 Detailed Operation 122 3.3.2.4 Signal Strength Offset Calculator The signal strength offset calculator determines parameters needed to perform the signal strength channel calibration (2.3.5.2) procedure. The user enters observed voltages from receiving equipment a...
Page 134 - MOVEMENT MAY STOP-PERFORMING CALCULATION; PT COMPASS CAL; COMM ERROR
RC3000 Antenna Controller Chapter 3 Detailed Operation 126 3.3.2.9 Fluxgate Calibration Procedure The fluxgate compass calibration procedure is performed to compensate for sources of hard and soft iron magnetic deviations from the host mount. Review the discussion on the importance of selecting a su...
Page 138 - TRACK CONFIG
RC3000 Antenna Controller Chapter 3 Detailed Operation 130 AZ/EL OPTIONS This error (caused by an incorrect checksum) indicates that the value of at least one of the following CONFIG mode items has been corrupted: Az/El Drive Options Enable, Az/El Fast Slow Threshold , Az/El Retry Attempts , Az/El F...
Page 139 - Mount will move down in elevation but not up
RC3000 Antenna Controller Chapter 4 Troubleshooting 131 4.0 TROUBLESHOOTING This section provides tips for debugging typical problems. There are many interfaces between the RC3000 and position sensors, limit switches, mechanical components of the mount, other satellite equipment, etc. Some problems ...
Page 140 - The mount’s mechanical drive mechanism is physically jammed
RC3000 Antenna Controller Chapter 4 Troubleshooting 132 After removing the wiring harness from J3, the first thing to check is that 12 VDC is present at the “+” pin of each limit switch. Pins 2,9,10 and 11 should have +12 VDC present (see 2.2.4 – J3 wiring diagram.) NOTE: pin 5 should also have +12 ...
Page 141 - Automatic Movements; The mount does not go below the elevation DOWN limit when stowing; . To proceed below the
RC3000 Antenna Controller Chapter 4 Troubleshooting 133 When a manual jog key is released, the axis continues moving for about 5 seconds . This condition is indicative of a drive relay failure inside the RC3000. The RC3000 has a “safety” relay in series with the normal drive relays that opens 5 seco...
Page 142 - Fluxgate Compass; COMM ERROR during compass calibration; . During a compass calibration procedure, the RC3000
RC3000 Antenna Controller Chapter 4 Troubleshooting 134 **NO GPS NAV**. This message means that correct data streams are being received from the GPS, but the received data indicates that the GPS has not yet formulated a navigation solution (latitude and longitude.) Under normal conditions the GPS sh...