Research Concepts RC2000A - Manual (Page 117)

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-4.6.1 Precautions
To upgrade the RC2000 controller’s software an EPROM has to be replaced (U4 on the controller’s
digital board – the digital board is the one without the large heatsink).
The memory map of this version of the software is compatible with controller’s currently running
software versions 1.30 and higher. This means that it is possible to update the EPROM and not corrupt
the contents of the controller’s non-volatile memory (current positions, limits, satellites and CONFIG
mode items).
Note that whenever IC’s (like the EPROM) are replaced there is a slight chance that the contents of
non-volatile memory will be corrupted. For this reason we recommend that the user make a record of
the contents of the controller’s non-volatile memory. This includes the CONFIG mode items and
satellite data. To record satellite data use AUTO mode to position the antenna on each of the satellites
stored in non-volatile memory. Record the satellite name, azimuth position, elevation position, H
position (horizontal polarization), and V position (vertical polarization) values for each satellite. It is also
recommended that the user position the controller at the antenna’s east (azim ccw) and down limit
before powering the controller down to replace the EPROM.
When replacing the EPROM, make sure that the notch on the end of the IC package is aligned with the
notch on the IC socket and the notch depicted on the silkscreen on the top of board. Some users
remove the keyboard cable from the connector on the digital board when replacing the EPROM. If the
cable is removed make sure that the cable is properly connected. If the controller powers up but the
keyboard is un-responsive check the cable.
I-4.6.2 Rotating Feed Present CONFIG Mode Item Replaced
The Rotating Feed Present CONFIG mode item is not present on this version of the software. The type
of polarization control device attached to the system is now specified via the Pol Control? CONFIG
mode item. The Pol Control? mode item is described in section I-4.4 Polarization Control Options.
The Pol Control? CONFIG mode item allows the user to specify the following types of polarization
control equipment … i) no polarization control device, ii) one port polarization control, iii) two port
polarization control, or iv) Chapparal Polarotor type three wire servo.
It is possible to have the latest software emulate the operation of previous software versions that
contain the Rotating Feed Present CONFIG mode item.
To emulate the polarization control behavior of previous versions of the software where the Rotating
Feed Present CONFIG mode item is set to 0 (FALSE), specify 3 – Polarotor at the Pol Control? prompt.
To emulate the polarization control behavior of previous versions of the software where the Rotating
Feed Present CONFIG mode item is set to 1 (TRUE), specify 1 – One Port at the Pol Control? prompt.
Note that if Two Port polarization control is specified the controller’s AutoPol feature is disabled
regardless of the state of the AutoPol CONFIG mode item.
I-4.6.3 Satellite Band Data
Versions of the RC2000A software before v2.4x did not prompt the user to specify the satellite band
when a satellite was programmed into non-volatile memory via SETUP mode. The peaking feature of
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