Research Concepts RC2000C - Manual (Page 28)

20 RC2000C Az/El Tracking Antenna Controller Chapter 3 Installation/Setup
Research Concepts, Inc. • 5420 Martindale Road • Shawnee, Kansas • 66218-9680 • USA www.researchconcepts.com
the AutoPol input. One side of the relay can be connected to ground and the other side connected to
the AutoPol input. When the relay is active the AutoPol input is connected to ground - a low level input,
and when the relay is open the AutoPol input floats high due to the pull-up in the RC2000C.
Here is the procedure for installing and configuring the AutoPol feature:
1. Identify an output on the receiver that can be used to drive the AutoPol input on the RC2000C.
Note if a high level output corresponds to V polarization or H polarization.
2. Connect the AutoPol input as shown in figures 3.2 or 3.3.
3. Go to CONFIG mode, use the SCROLL keys to bring up the AutoPol Enable prompt, and key in 1
followed by the ENTER key.
4. Use the SCROLL keys to bring up the AutoPol Vpol Level item. If a high level corresponds to
vertical polarization, key in 1 followed by the ENTER key. If a high level corresponds to horizontal
polarization, key in 0 followed by the ENTER key.
5. Go to MANUAL mode and verify that the AutoPol feature works properly. In MANUAL mode, when
the AutoPol feature is active the polarization display banner reads 'AP:' rather than 'PL:'.
3.9 Simultaneous Azimuth and Elevation Movement
The RC2000C has the capability to move the azimuth and elevation axis actuators simultaneously
during AUTO mode moves. The use of this feature is subject to a limitation in that the total current draw
for both 36-volt actuators combined cannot exceed 8 amps. If this requirement is satisfied over all
operating conditions, simultaneous azimuth and elevation movement can be enabled by going to the
CONFIG mode Simultaneous Az/El Enable item and keying in 1, followed by the ENTER key.
3.10 Installation and Setup Checklist
This section gives a summary of the installation and configuration procedure outlined in this chapter.
The summary is presented in the form of a checklist.
1. Before power is applied verify that the line voltage is correct. Check the sticker over the power
entry module.
2. Make sure that the memory has been cleared. The controller should come up in LIMITS mode.
3. Make the required electrical connections. Shielded cable must be used for the position sensors and
the shields must be connected at the back of the controller and NOT at the antenna. Refer to
figures 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3.
4. If the RC2KPOL option (which allows the RC2000C to interface to a 24 volt DC polarization control
motor) is installed, make the required electrical connections for the motor and sensor, verify the
polarity of the motor and the position feedback sensor, and set the polarization limits. Make sure
that when the CCW key is depressed to jog the polarization motor counter-clockwise, the displayed
position count INCREASES. Use caution to avoid damaging the potentiometer.
5. Go to LIMITS mode and verify the motor drive polarity. Set the azimuth CCW, azimuth CW,
elevation down, and elevation up limits.
6. Enter the Azim Slow Speed and Elev Slow Speed CONFIG mode items. See section 3.5 for setting
the slow speed. For a standard 36 volt DC linear actuator with 30 to 40 pulses per inch, a slow
speed value code of 140 to 180 is generally appropriate.
7. Go to SETUP mode and program in the geostationary satellites. Review section 3.7 which
describes a procedure for locating satellites that makes use of the RC2000's ability to display
azimuth and elevation position in an angle format.