Research Concepts RC2000C - Manual (Page 13)

RC2000C Az/El Tracking Antenna Controller Chapter 2 Basic Function Description 5
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always active - when the MODE key is depressed and released, the controller's current mode will
change.
The modes are divided into two groups, referred to as mode groups. The Operational mode group
consists of the MANUAL, AUTO, REMOTE, and TRACK modes. The Programming mode group
consists of the SETUP, RESET, DELETE, RE-SYNC, CONFIG, and LIMITS modes. The Programming
modes are typically only used during system installation and configuration. The Operational modes are
the ones used in everyday operation of the controller.
To switch between modes in a group, rapidly depress and release the MODE key. To switch to a mode
in the other mode groups, depress the MODE key for at least five seconds and release. Note that the
Expert Access feature can prevent access to certain modes. See section 2.5 for more information on
the Expert Access feature.
2.3 Mode Descriptions
The mode system on the RC2000C 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 that allows access to the function or data that the user wishes to manipulate. On the RC2000C
the mode which is currently active is always displayed in the upper right hand corner of the LCD.
On power up, either MANUAL, TRACK or LIMITS mode will be active. If the unit powers up and the
azimuth or elevation limits are invalid LIMITS mode will activate. If the unit powered down while
tracking an inclined orbit satellite TRACK mode will receive control. For all other cases MANUAL mode
will be active on power up.
Here is a summary of the modes implemented on the RC2000C ...
MANUAL
AZ: 325 EL: 976 PL:50 H S:635 MANUAL
SAT:SBS 2 97.0 W FAST
In manual mode you can:
1. Jog the antenna in elevation and azimuth using the AZIM CW, AZIM CCW, ELEV UP, and ELEV
DOWN keys.
2. Toggle the speed from fast to slow (and vice versa) with the SPEED key.
When MANUAL mode is active the following information is displayed on the top row of the LCD:
azimuth position (AZ), elevation position (EL), and the current signal strength (SS). The signal strength
is derived from an analog input in the controller’s backpanel.
The bottom row of the LCD displays the name and longitude of the satellite that was the last target of an
AUTO move, and either the FAST or SLOW banner to indicate the speed that will be used for jogging
the antenna. When the antenna is being jogged at slow speed the voltage applied to the actuator is
displayed to the right of the SLOW speed banner.
AUTO
SELECT A SATELLITE:PANAMSAT-1 AUTO
USE SCROLL UP/DOWN, ENTER TO SELECT
This mode allows the user to automatically position the antenna on any satellite that has been
programmed into memory. The list of programmed satellites is reviewed via the SCROLL UP/DOWN
keys, and the ENTER key initiates the automatic move. The STOP key will terminate the move. When
the antenna is positioned, the controller will switch to MANUAL mode for a geostationary satellite, or
TRACK mode for an inclined orbit satellite.