Research Concepts RC2000C - Manual (Page 73)

RC2000C Az/El Tracking Antenna Controller Chapter 7 Troubleshooting/Alarm Codes 65
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Chapter 7 TROUBLESHOOTING/ALARM CODES
This chapter covers error messages and system troubleshooting. Two types of error messages can
occur: System errors, covered in 7.1, and Track Errors, in 7.2. System errors can occur at any time.
When a system error is detected, an error message flashes periodically on the bottom row of the
display. Track error messages are displayed when TRACK mode is active, and an error related to the
tracking system has been detected. This chapter concludes with a list of troubleshooting tips in section
7.3.
7.1 System Error Codes
The alarm system monitors important system parameters and flashes a message on the bottom line of
the LCD display if an error is found. The parameters monitored include the condition of the lithium
battery, status of the azimuth and elevation antenna drive systems, and the values of certain variables.
Some error codes have priority over others. Alarm conditions are sampled sequentially, with the
highest priority alarm sampled first. As corrective action is taken for each error, the code is eliminated,
and if there is a lesser error, it will then appear.
Many of the alarm messages described in this section are caused by corrupt CONFIG mode items.
Note that access to certain CONFIG mode items is controlled by the value of other CONFIG mode
items. See the first few paragraphs of section 5.10 for an explanation of the role of controlling CONFIG
mode items. If the value of a controlling CONFIG mode item is such that access to other CONFIG
mode items is restricted, corrupt values of those other CONFIG mode items can still generate an alarm
message. Access to the corrupted item is only available if the controlling item is changed to allow it.
All of the CONFIG mode items must be initialized to a valid value, even if the feature associated with
that CONFIG mode item is disabled. For example, even if REMOTE mode is disabled, the Comm Port
Baud Rate and Comm Port Address CONFIG mode items must still be initialized properly.
LOW BATTERY
The RC2000C constantly monitors the level of the lithium battery. When the battery voltage
level is low, this error code will appear. Replace the battery with a Duracell DL2450. Make
sure that the unit is unplugged from the AC power before removing the cover to change the
battery. Take care to hold the battery holder tab (positive terminal) away from the negative
terminal of the battery holder housing while replacing the battery and it will not be necessary to
reprogram the memory. Since there is a chance that the non-volatile memory will be corrupted
when the battery is changed, please refer to the Appendix entitled 'Restoring the Non-Volatile
Memory' before changing the battery.
AZIM LIMITS, ELEV LIMITS
One of the antenna software limits has been corrupted. Go into LIMITS mode and reset the
software limits. See Section 5.5
POL LIMITS
This error indicates that the polarization motor limits have been corrupted. See sections 5.10.6
and 3.3. Note that not all versions of the controller support polarization control.
ANT AZIM, ANT ELEV, ANT POL
These alarm messages indicate that an error has been detected for the axis referenced in the
alarm message. When one of these alarms are detected, the axis is disabled. Go to RESET
mode (section 5.7) to view the actual fault condition that was detected and to clear the fault.
The ANT POL message will be displayed only if the optional RC2KPOL or RC2KHPP rotating
feed control option is installed and enabled via the Rotating Feed Present CONFIG Mode item.
Note that not all versions of the software support polarization control.
A RESET mode JAMMED indication may mean that the drive breaker is open. This can occur if
simultaneous Az/El movement is enabled, and the total current draw from both motors exceeds
8 amps. Reset the breaker by pressing it back into place, and disable Simultaneous AZ/EL
movement via CONFIG mode. See Section 5.10.2