Research Concepts RC1000 - Manual (Page 5)

RC1000A Antenna Controller Chapter 3.0 Theory of Operation: Overview 3
3.0 THEORY OF OPERATION - OVERVIEW
The
RC1000A Automatic Satellite Antenna Positioner is designed to automate the
process of positioning a polar antenna for a range of satellites. This microcontroller-based unit
eliminates the need to manually move the antenna each time a different satellite is desired. Once
the position and polarization have been programmed for each particular satellite, the RC1000A
will return to that position with precision every time.
The RC1000A rack mount controller was designed with commercial requirements in mind. It
offers a range of unique features, including dual speed control, built-in Polarotor
tm control, and
motion detect software to guard against sensor errors. The friendly user interface features a 2 x
16-character backlit Liquid Crystal Display.
While in Manual mode, the user is able to JOG the azimuth position and SKEW polarization with
the touch of a key. AUTO mode will automatically move the antenna and polarotor to up to 50
preset positions. These positions are assigned by using the SET mode, then stored in battery
backed-up memory. The user will be able to delete any of this stored data, either selectively (in
DEL mode) or completely (by typing CLEAR at the USER entry in SET mode).
The user must set software limits in LIM mode. Doing so enables the unit to work with a reed
switch type of position sensor with any number of counts up to 32,000. The RC1000A will always
normalize the display position to approximately 10 at the East limit and 980 at the West limit for
display format consistency. In the event of a sensor failure, the user can easily re-sync the
satellite positions thru the FIX mode.
The SLOW and FAST speed indexes are user-programmable, enabling the user to match the
antenna drive to the antenna load for optimum C and Ku performance. It is also possible to slave
the polarization H/V toggle to commercial receivers that provide an H/V output signal. This is
done by turning the AUTO POL mode ON and telling the RC1000A whether Vertical POL
corresponds to a high or low signal on the RC1000A auto-pol input. When this feature is ON, the
front panel SKEW and POL keys are disabled.
Overall, the RC1000A is well equipped to handle the commercial requirements of hotel, school,
hospital, and flexible SMATV special event feeds, as well as network affiliate secondary downlink
control.