Research Concepts RC4000 User Manual

Page 141

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RC4000 Antenna Controller

Chapter 4

Support

133

is a power supply failure within the RC4000. Contact your vehicle integrator, mount manufacturer or RCI
for further instructions on how to proceed.

If +12 VDC is present, the limit switch sensing logic may be checked by jumpering between the
appropriate pins and noting if the limit switch condition is sensed correctly by the RC4000. The state of
the limit switches should be monitored via the Limits Maintenance (3.3.2.5) screen. The following table
shows which pins to jumper and state that should be seen via the Limits Maintenance screen.

LIMIT J3

PINS

JUMPERED

OPEN

Azimuth STOW

9,7

1

0

Elevation DOWN

5,6*

0

1

Elevation STOW

11,13

0

1

Elevation UP

10,14

0

1

Polarization STOW

1,2

0

1

* - To test Elevation DOWN, pins 11 & 13 must be jumpered to simulate elevation not stowed

The azimuth CW/CCW and polarization CW/CCW limit conditions are mechanized by potentiometers
inside the RC4000 that should be set to correspond to the axis voltage at the limit conditions. If any of
these limits appear to be activating at the wrong time, check the setting of the potentiometers as
described in the azimuth and polarization calibration procedures (2.3.3 and 2.3.4.)

4.2.2 Motor Drive

Axis JAMMED error displayed. A jammed error indicates that the axis was commanded to move, but the
RC4000 did not sense any movement within several seconds. A jammed condition may indicate one of
several conditions:

The mount’s mechanical drive mechanism is physically jammed. Inspect the mount to determine if
some mechanical problem (slipped gears, etc) exists. Unusual conditions such as icing may also cause
the mount to jam.

The mount’s position is not being sensed correctly by the RC4000. After resetting the drive error, go
to MANUAL mode and attempt to jog the axis in question. If the axis does move, check to see if the axis’
displayed position is updating. If the RC4000 doesn’t sense movement, it will declare a jam even though
the axis is moving.

The RC4000’s motor drive is failing to output the required voltage to move the axis. Attempt to
move the axis in question via the MANUAL mode. There are several things to note:

1) When a jog key is pushed, can relays inside the RC4000 be heard activating? If no relays are heard,

a limit switch condition may be present that disallows movement in the axis in question. Review the
above limit switch discussion.

2) Can the axis move in slow speed but not in fast? If this is the case, the fast voltage setting or current

limit setting of the motor drive may need to be adjusted.

3) Is there voltage present at the appropriate J7 pins when the axis jog is attempted? If no voltage is

present, there’s the possibility that a fuse inside the RC4000 has blown (take care inside unit => must
disconnect power, etc.)

If a fuse is blown, replace with the appropriate fuse. Reconnect J7 and remove the drive wires at the
motors. Attempt to jog the axis. If the fuse blows again, the drive cables should be checked for a short.
If the fuse does not blow, the motor should be checked.

The axis’ motor is damaged. If possible, attempt to apply DC voltage to the motor from an external
source such as a series of batteries. If the motor will not move, the motor is probably damaged.

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