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AvL Technologies AAQ Antenna Controller, User Manual

The AvL Technologies AAQ Antenna Controller user manual is available for free download on our website. This comprehensive manual provides detailed instructions and technical information to help users optimize the performance and functionality of their AAQ Antenna Controller. Get the most out of your product and download the manual today at manualshive.com.

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AvL Proprietary and Confidential 

 

Content is Subject to Change without Notice

   

 

Page 

154

 of 

195

 

 

of testing at AvL, all of the configuration parameters and files for every antenna system are recorded 
and stored by the Service group for future reference. 

 

7.3.6   Power-On Calibration 

 

Calibration is not a process that occurs only once during the factory assembly and test of AvL 
antenna systems.  It is an important automatic step that is performed every time the antenna is 
powered on for normal operation.  This calibration step is referred to as the “Home” process.  It is 
also a system command that figures prominently on all of the AAQ GUIs.  The main purpose of the 
Home process is to calibrate the primary position feedback devices used on most of AvL’s antenna 
systems.  The optical encoders mounted on the AZ and EL motors and the potentiometer mounted 
on the POL motor would be an example of this.   

 

These devices are high resolution and very precise, but they provide only relative angular position 
measurements with no reliable absolute reference point.  For this reason, when the antenna system 
powers on it does not know with certainty where the antenna is pointing or where the positioner’s 
axes are relative to hardware safety limits.  Executing the Home command/process moves the 
antenna to known reference points using inclinometer and potentiometer feedback and a magnetic 
reed switch that together allow the AAQ to assign a reliable absolute position value to the readings 
provided by the encoders. 

 

7.3.7   Product Lifetime 

 

AvL designs antennas for a long service lifetime with minimal maintenance required.  However, it 
may become necessary at some point to re-calibrate the antenna system due to replacement of a 
sensor or some other critical component of the antenna system. AAQ software includes several 
automated calibration (Auto-Cal) routines to assist the user in many of these situations.  When 
necessary, step-by-step instructions may be provided to address special cases.  A properly trained 
System Integrator technician or end-user, with sufficient log-in privileges, is able to safely and 
accurately execute all the calibration steps necessary to maintain the antenna system in good 
working order. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Summary of Contents for AAQ Antenna Controller

Page 1: ...prietary and Confidential Content is Subject to Change without Notice AAQ Antenna Controller Users Manual Revision R11 9 0 AvL Confidential and Proprietary Information Do Not Copy AvL Technologies 900 159 000 ...

Page 2: ...0 7 11 Oct 2013 Software Release 10 7069 1 1 3 187 N A Rev 1 0 0 8 02 May 2014 Rewrite 8564 1 1 3 224 N A Rev 1 0 0 9 31 Aug 2015 Rewrite for Release 11 4 10542 1 1 4 324 N A Rev 11 5 0 5 Jan 2016 Update for Release 11 5 Change in Revision Sequence 10649 11 5 342 N A Rev 11 5 1 14 Jan 2016 Update message section chapter 8 10649 11 5 342 N A Rev 11 6 0 21 June 2016 Updates for release 11 6 10738 11...

Page 3: ...ms 13 Chapter 2 AAQ System Architecture Hardware Overview 15 2 1 Controller System Block Diagram 15 2 1 1 The AAQ enclosure contains 16 2 2 AAQ Antenna System 18 2 2 1 AvL Cable Drive System 18 2 2 2 Motor Drives 18 2 3 AAQ Components 19 2 3 1 Navigation Remote Input Output Module RIOM 19 Chapter 3 GUI Installation Set up Network Configuration 20 3 1 Requirements 20 3 2 Installation 22 3 2 1 Windo...

Page 4: ...in Window 33 4 2 2 Connection Indicator 34 4 2 3 RIOM Remote Input Output Module Indicators 34 4 2 4 Scrolling Alarms 34 4 2 5 Command Pane 35 4 2 6 Manual Control Pane 36 4 2 7 Heading Source 36 4 2 8 Target Selection Pane 37 4 2 9 Status Pane 38 4 3 File Menu 39 4 3 1 Settings 39 4 3 3 AAQ Support Files Upload Download 44 4 3 4 Calibration 46 4 3 5 RIOM Software Update 48 4 3 6 Show Movement 49 ...

Page 5: ... Basic Connections 78 5 3 AAQ Remote Application GUI Installation 79 5 3 1 Remove previous versions 79 5 4 Install the AAQ Remote 79 5 5 Power on and Boot 80 5 6 Initial Login and IP settings 80 5 7 Command Functions 81 5 7 1 Command Descriptions 82 5 8 Profile System 83 5 8 1 Discussion on Profiles 83 5 8 2 Configuration Parameter Types 84 5 9 Profile Examples 85 5 9 1 Target Satellite selection ...

Page 6: ...Feed On Off 107 6 2 4 Interlocks 108 6 3 General System Set Up Core 109 6 3 1 RSL Meter 111 6 3 2 Navigation 111 6 3 3 Manual Moves 113 6 3 4 Acquisition 114 6 3 5 Time 115 6 3 6 Other Core Parameters 117 6 4 Automatic Operation Target 118 6 4 1 Target Satellite 119 6 4 2 Target Sources 121 6 4 3 Target Acquisition 122 6 4 4 Other Target Based Parameters 122 6 5 Signal Source Based Parameters 123 ...

Page 7: ...ction 135 7 1 1 Auto Point Antenna Basics 136 7 2 Antenna Drive System 137 7 2 1 Azimuth Cable Drive 137 7 2 2 Elevation Positioning 142 7 2 3 Feed and Polarization Positioning 146 7 3 AAQ Controller System Detailed Description 150 7 3 1 Modular Parametric Software 150 7 3 2 Operator Access Levels 151 7 3 3 AAQ Configuration Items 152 7 3 4 Antenna System Calibration 153 7 3 5 Factory Test 153 7 3...

Page 8: ...te Signal Properties 169 7 4 18 Scintillation Effect 169 7 4 20 Signal Sources 170 7 4 21 Profile System 171 7 5 The Acquisition process 172 7 5 1 Power on and Boot 172 7 5 2 Home Sequence 172 7 5 3 Acquisition Sequence 175 7 5 4 Peaking Sequence 176 Chapter 8 Troubleshooting 178 8 1 Alarms Messages 178 8 1 1 Alarms 178 8 1 2 Error Messages 180 8 1 3 Prompts 181 8 1 4 Running Messages with Associa...

Page 9: ...ation Offset 187 8 4 2 Azimuth Offset 188 8 4 3 Recognizing a Failed Compass 189 8 4 4 Changing the Compass Heading Sources 190 8 5 Recognizing a Failed GPS 191 8 5 1 Changing to Manual GPS 192 8 6 Maintenance 193 8 6 1 Annual Inspection 193 8 7 Contacting Customer Service 194 8 7 1 Email Support 194 8 7 2 Priority Telephone Fax Support 195 ...

Page 10: ...ed with the basic system 1 2 Standard Hardware Components The hardware architecture employs multiple micro processors to distribute processing tasks efficiently and to share processing burdens optimally The standard hardware consists of two embedded components the ACU Antenna Control Unit and the NAV RIOM Navigation Remote Input Output Module The ACU contains a total of five 5 microprocessors each...

Page 11: ... operating system for the controller is LINUX 1 3 2 ROM The ROM code comprises the core software and performs administrative functions coordinates transforms tilt compensation and communication between RIOMs and other external devices 1 3 3 PIC PIC Programmable Integrated Circuit code is written to utilize the MicroChip PIC microprocessors in the system These are used for motion control encoder qu...

Page 12: ...ound in Chapters 4 6 and 7 1 4 Controller Hardware Specification The two basic AAQ Controller components are the ACU and the NAV RIOM ACU Size approximately 8 3 H x 7 4 W x 1 4 D Weight 3 lb Communication Ports 2 RS 232 ports 1 Ethernet port LNB Voltage Output 0 13 VDC 18 VDC Input Power 24 to 32 VDC 14A maximum Operating Temperature 40 C to 60 C Humidity 0 to 95 RH Condensing Environmental Protec...

Page 13: ...ed with East West plane Pedestal Elevation angular orientation of antenna bore sight about tilted and yawed pedestal horizontal axis Polarization angular orientation of the plane of the electric field perpendicular to the plane of propagation in the receive RF signal can be linear or circular World Polarization skew angle of the feed relative to antenna bore sight plane and the equatorial plane Pe...

Page 14: ...0 East 180 South 270 West typically measured by embedded magnetic compass with declination adjustment or True North heading without declination adjustment Tilt non level condition where pedestal horizontal and vertical axes are pitched and rolled so pedestal azimuth axis is no longer aligned with local gravity vector ...

Page 15: ...oller block diagram is shown in Figure 1 1 The AAQ communicates with the motors and NAV RIOM on an internal LAN The ACU requires 28 VDC and communicates externally over a LAN or WAN The User Interface can be any combination of personal computer custom GUI application or web browser 1 RU Control Interface or Hand Held Control Interface Figure 2 1 AAQ Controller Hardware Components EL MOTOR AZ MOTOR...

Page 16: ...rom the LNB Two D sub miniature connectors one 28 pin J2 and one 44 pin J1 provide connection to various sensors and other external devices including the NAV RIOM over serial and Ethernet The AAQ Enclosure is shown in Figure 2 Figure 2 2 AAQ Enclosure and Connectors 2 1 1 The AAQ enclosure contains 1 CPU ARM9 running the LINUX OS 2 Memory 4 GB micro SD 2 GB RAM 4 GB NAND Flash w battery backup 3 S...

Page 17: ...sitioner Sensor Inputs Digital and Analog 10 LNB Bias Tee and Tone Generator 11 Sensor Analog and Digital I O Interfaces The AAQ enclosure shown in figure 2 1 1 is generally mounted underneath the positioner AZ EL cover Each connector on the enclosure has a wire harness to connect to positioner components Figure 2 1 1 AAQ Controller Typical mounting in a positioner ...

Page 18: ...apstan results in a minimum free length of cable The load in the cable on the main drum is exponentially reduced as it is wrapped around the drum Therefore the total elongation of the cable when under load is minimized The AvL cable drive system results in stiffness of up to 10 times that of comparable gear or harmonic drive systems The cables are pre tensioned and spring loaded at the main drum a...

Page 19: ... Depending on the model a 2 axis inclinometer may reside within the NAV RIOM The NAV RIOM see Figure 2 3 1 is plugged into the AAQ s J2 harness and it is typically mounted on the back of the reflector at the topmost point when deployed At this location the GPS antenna is afforded a good view of the sky in order to provide accurate location and pointing information Figure 2 3 1 NAV RIOM on Reflecto...

Page 20: ...required devices modem beacon receiver GPS device etc 3 1 Requirements Operating System Microsoft Windows 10 Microsoft Windows 8 1 Microsoft Windows 8 Microsoft Windows 7 Microsoft Windows Vista Microsoft Windows XP with appropriate service packs updates framework and settings Net Framework Net Framework 3 5 or greater Important Note Uninstall any previous version If a previous version of the AAQ ...

Page 21: ...al Content is Subject to Change without Notice Page 21 of 195 This will prompt the programs and Features screen Uninstall the file by left clicking the AAQ Remote file initiating the uninstall wizard Figure 3 1 Programs and Features ...

Page 22: ... your operating system through the AAQRemoteSetup_X X X X msi Windows installation file provided in your Customer Documentation Flash Drive Figure 3 2 1 Installation File 3 2 2 Installation Folder By default the wizard will save the GUI under the PC s All Programs menu located under START ALL PROGRAMS AAQREMOTE Figure 3 2 2 Installation Wizard Important Use the Default location ...

Page 23: ...eping the customization available for knowledgeable users with higher level login privileges The AAQ Remote application incorporates these login level rules Depending upon the login level of the user various tools and interactions will become available Note Integrators are typically set to access level 4 from the factory 3 2 4 AAQ Remote Settings Access Level 0 The Remote Settings window displays ...

Page 24: ...te an alphanumeric name with an IP address This feature is accessed by clicking the Edit button in the AAQ Remote Settings window This allows users to identify specific systems within a network Figure 3 2 5 Edit Controller Alias Profile 3 2 6 AAQ Remote Settings Level 1 9 Figure 3 2 6 AAQ Remote Settings Level 1 9 Note See Chapter 4 for description of non network GUI description settings ...

Page 25: ...e application by left clicking the File button on the File Bar and selecting Settings The Settings window is capable of setting the current IP address of the controller and setting a new IP address to the controller to use on the next power cycle The controller will accept any valid IPv4 address in the following ranges Figure 3 3 1c Valid IP Address Range Note The Control Interface Panel display u...

Page 26: ...een the two devices Figure 3 4 Advanced Network Settings Tool Window item Description DHCP When the ACU is set to use DHCP make sure that the server is also a DNS server Using a DHCP server without a DNS server will cause the ACU to receive a valid IP address that is unknown to the user Customer Network 1 2 Customer IPs may be changed in accordance with customer device requirements Once a new addr...

Page 27: ...work Eth1 0 Settable interface 1 and Eth1 1 Settable interface 2 These network interfaces can be configured using the provided AAQ Remote application Each interface can be configured to use a specific IP Address Subnet Mask and Gateway The use of two interfaces allows the user to configure the controller to be active on multiple networks communicating with multiple external devices but keep the de...

Page 28: ...Network Example The default network configuration contains basic networking needed to set up the controller on the customer s network The IP addresses are set on the 192 168 129 x network To communicate to the AAQ controller connect a computer to the controller as shown below Figure 3 5 1b Simple Network Configuration Example In the above example the computer may be set to any address within the s...

Page 29: ...mmunicating with a modem that is used as feedback for acquisition of the satellite The modem communicates on a standard IPv4 scheme One of the controller s settable interfaces Eth1 0 Customer Network will be changed to communicate to the modem on the modem s preset or existing network When connecting Ethernet devices to the controller it is necessary to use the network switch contained in the CIP ...

Page 30: ...eceiver Both devices communicate using an IPv4 scheme Both settable controller interfaces must be used at this point one for each device The Eth1 0 Customer Network interface will be set to communicate to the modem and the Eth1 1 Customer Network interface will be set to communicate to the beacon receiver Though each device is on a different IP network by setting both interfaces the controller wil...

Page 31: ... scenario the controller needs to communicate with an acquisition device that is not on the same physical network as the controller Cases like this would include the device being at a different location or that the device handles sensitive data and cannot be on the controller network or that networking on the controller s network interferes with the device s ability to function In these and other ...

Page 32: ...on Example IPv4 Address 192 168 1 2 Subnet Mask 255 255 255 0 Computer Modem Network Switch IPv4 Address 192 168 1 1 Subnet Mask 255 255 255 0 Network Router IPv4 Address 192 168 3 30 Subnet Mask 255 255 255 0 IPv4 Address 192 168 1 50 192 168 3 50 Subnet Mask 255 255 255 0 255 255 255 0 Gateway 192 168 1 1 AAQ Controller External Network ...

Page 33: ...T 3 5 framework This framework allows the use of the AAQ Remote GUI across most Microsoft operating systems Windows 10 Windows 8 1 Windows 8 Windows 7 Windows Vista and Windows XP provided XP users have proper service packs updates framework and settings The AAQ system relies on an Ethernet RJ45 Wireless etc connection from the PC to the controller s ACU module Once properly connected the AAQ Remo...

Page 34: ... the computer s IP and subnet mask are valid and the physical Ethernet connection is present See Chapter 3 for network settings 4 2 3 RIOM Remote Input Output Module Indicators Figure 4 2 3 RIOM Connection Indicators The RIOM Connection Indicator LEDs will change from inactive grey to active green when the controller has negotiated a connection to each RIOM these indicators give the user the abili...

Page 35: ...e current command Command Action Taken Stop Stops the controller Manual Control Activates the manual control functions Home Moves antenna to the Home position initializes sensors and reads the compass Stow Stows the antenna Acquire Acquires the selected satellite Home must be completed first Move to Moves the antenna to a specific position Home must be completed first Repeak Finds the signal peak ...

Page 36: ... move in that direction until the button is released If the Step Mode Checkbox is checked the system will operate in a jog by step mode When the button is pressed the system moves the antenna in the direction of the button pressed by the amount listed in the Step Amount Display text box While the antenna is moving to the position button presses are ignored steps are not accumulated by pressing the...

Page 37: ...when the Vector Compass option is installed for high accuracy systems Figure 4 2 7b Heading Source Device Descriptions 4 2 8 Target Selection Pane Figure 4 2 8 Target Selection Pane The Target Selection Pane contains the satellite profile currently active from the ACU s onboard satellite profile list Opening the Target Profile Selection Dropdown Menu displays all of the available profiles which ma...

Page 38: ... used sensor outputs from the controller These are variables that the controller reports back to the application to be displayed for quick reference Other variables can be accessed through the Sensor Output Window The variables being displayed can be selected through File Edit Layout Figure 4 2 9b Motor Status Indicators Status Variable Display Motor Status Indicators ...

Page 39: ...o indicate that the motor is moving in that direction The indicators also function as an indicator to the operator that a condition has been reached Condition Motor Status LEDs Displayed Azimuth Clockwise Limit Reached Azimuth Counter Clockwise Limit Reached Pol Clockwise Limit Reached Pol Counter Clockwise Limit Reached Elevation Up Limit Reached Elevation is Below the Down Limit Elevation is in ...

Page 40: ...plication to the AAQ Controller s present address This is the address that the controller is using for network communication This setting is available in both versions of the Settings Tool Figure 4 3 1b Advanced level 1 Settings Window By default the AAQ Controller indicates the static TCP IPv4 service address 192 168 129 51 The service address is permanent and cannot be changed The configurable E...

Page 41: ...to customize the user experience These options are turned on and off by checking and unchecking the checkboxes located near the bottom of the window Checkbox Action Show Graphical Window on Open When the application is opened the main window will be minimized and the graphical window will be displayed Show Limit Error Messages Once the system has encountered any type of limit a message box will ap...

Page 42: ...for network devices to use a DHCP DNS server you may set the ACU to obtain its network settings through the DHCP DNS server via the DHCP checkbox Using a DHCP server without a DNS server will cause the controller to receive a valid IP address that is unknown to the user Whenever the ACU is set to use DHCP make sure that the server is also a DNS server To check the current running network configura...

Page 43: ...his new subnet in order to maintain remote power control Remote Power functions are described below See chapter 3 for further details on setting system IP addresses Heading Description Alias Addresses for multiple terminals may be added to a stored listing Assigning an Alias to the IP address simplifies selection when the function is used Current Settings Shows the IP of the remote power device cu...

Page 44: ...controller left click the File button on the File Bar and select Upload Download This will open the Maintenance Window Figure 4 3 3a System Maintenance Window From the Maintenance Window there are various options of uploading downloading and resetting the software on the AAQ Controller Files used by the controller include ROM files Configuration files and Module files To Upload a new file or Downl...

Page 45: ...ile Types 4 3 3 1 Uploading an Encrypted Service Configuration File The AAQ Remote application has the capability to accept an encrypted service configuration file This encrypted configuration file can be provided by AvL Technologies and is uploaded the same as a regular configuration file When detected during a configuration upload this will change configuration items as an administrator level us...

Page 46: ...d when an antenna system is moved into an area of high magnetic disturbance Caution This function calibrates the compass device itself and cannot be removed For setting compass read offsets to the controller use the Compass Test Tool Pressing the Automated Calibration button starts the calibration process without any user assistance The antenna will swing throughout its entire azimuth range and th...

Page 47: ...e top and press begin Testing By default the tool will scan from the CCW Limit to the CW Limit If the system allows greater than 360 degrees of motion it will only scan 360 degrees Additionally scanning will pause every 10 degrees to calculate the heading This is configurable by the vendor but it is recommended that it is left at the default setting Once testing has begun you will be prompted to s...

Page 48: ...ees or 20 Peak to Peak If the compass is within tolerance it will inform the user of the recommended Heading offset and ask them if they wish to apply it to the configuration item Apply the offset to complete Figure 4 3 4 2c Test Results Note If the program indicates that the compass is out of tolerance repeat the calibration process 4 3 5 RIOM Software Update Path Main Window File RIOM Software U...

Page 49: ...ompted to pick the location of the new file via a Windows location dialog box Once the upload s are completed the files will be shown in the payload box To program individual RIOMs first make sure that the correct files have been uploaded Then check the appropriate box in the right hand pane for the device s to be updated For each RIOM device use the pulldown to select the appropriate file and pre...

Page 50: ...mber in the Desired Cycles text box If continuous motion is desired check the Continuous checkbox The routine has the capability of performing single or multi axis movements depending on the axis button pressed located In the upper portion of the window Movement will begin when the desired axis button is pressed 4 3 7 Edit GUI Layout Path Main Window File Edit layout Level 4 The Command box and St...

Page 51: ...tor levels To change the status variables displayed in the Status box on the main window left click the Change Status Variables button The Status Variable Select Window will then allow the user to choose the status variables to display in the Status box on the main window Once all changes have been made left click the Save button to accept the changes The application will now apply the changes the...

Page 52: ...ndow Change Order of Variables located on the right side of the screen From the Change Order of Variables sub window the order of all selected variables may be changed To move a variable up left click the button beside the variable To move a variable down left click the button beside the variable To remove the variable from the main window left click the X button beside the variable this will remo...

Page 53: ...sage rights Note Customer user profiles are typically set to access level 4 4 3 9 1 Adding Users Path Main Window File User Manager Add User Level 1 Figure 4 3 9 1 Add New User To add a new user enter the desired credentials for the new user and click the Add button Upon successful completion the new user ID may be used immediately 4 3 9 2 Deleting Users Path Main Window File User Manager Delete U...

Page 54: ...r To delete a user enter the User ID of a user already known to the controller The user will be removed from the system upon clicking the Delete button A User List is also available which provides all user IDs and the level of access for each one 4 3 10 Lock Path Main Window File Lock Level 0 Figure 4 3 10 Lock Window ...

Page 55: ...4 3 11 Exit The Exit command closes the application and all of its windows 4 4 View Menu 4 4 1 Sensor Output Path Main Window View Sensor Output Level 0 Figure 4 4 1 Sensor Output Window To view the list of sensor output variables left click the View button on the File Bar and select Sensor Output This brings up the Sensor Output Window which contains all of the output variables To view an output ...

Page 56: ...set of options to choose from items such as signal sources contain choices RSL Modem Beacon Non choice items allow the user to input a value such as changing the interval that tracking is recorded can be any value within range Configuration parameter details are covered in Chapter 6 The Core tab primarily displays model related items Configuration items changed will remain in the current working c...

Page 57: ...is page allows the user to view make various changes which relate to each of the available system profiles Acquisition of a target satellite begins with constructing or more commonly editing an existing profile that is specific for the method and target the user wishes to acquire Profiles contain all the necessary parameters for acquisition Profile Selection Drop Down Add Edit Remove Profile Butto...

Page 58: ...ite to the new Profile Target can be any Satellite included from the Satellite list See Main View Satellite List Figure 4 4 3b Profile functions Selecting a profile to use or edit is done through the Profile Selection Drop Down Menu The drop down menu contains all of the profiles on the system Figure 4 4 3c Profile Selection The AAQ Controller acquisition process contains up to three major process...

Page 59: ...located in the top right corner of the Configuration Window Target tab Once clicked the Add Profile Window will be shown prompting the user to enter the name of the new profile It is advised that the new profile be named based on the Target satellite Signal device Polarization or combination of these but can be any name the user wishes In addition the newly created profile is initially populated w...

Page 60: ... Removing a Profile Figure 4 4 3 2 Delete Profile Window To remove a profile select the profile you wish to remove through the Profile Selection Drop Down Menu Once selected left click on the Remove button located in the top right corner of the Configuration Window Target tab You will then be prompted to confirm that the selected profile is the one you wish to remove from the working set Click Yes...

Page 61: ...ious devices on the system Important As different devices will have unique parameters it is necessary to first select the Signal Device before modifying its parameters 4 4 3 4 Editing Profile Feed Parameters Figure 4 4 3 4 Configuration Window Feed Tab The feed tab is located in the configuration window This contains all of the feed specific parameters that directly affect how the controller inter...

Page 62: ...vB S2 Control Path Main Window View DvB S2 Control Level 4 Figure 4 4 4 DvB S2 Control Window The DvB S2 control window allows full monitoring and captured carrier control of the AvL DvB receiver The DvB receiver option functional modes and GUI details are covered in Appendix H of this User s Manual ...

Page 63: ...ed by a single band LNB or adjusted to change band as required by some multiband systems 4 4 6 Satellite List Path Main Window View Satellite List Level 0 The Satellite List Window is populated by a list which is maintained on board the ACU controller To add a satellite to the Profile target selection pane select the checkbox of the satellite to be added then click the Save Satellite List button S...

Page 64: ...target satellite of this type To import a satellite list or TLE data upload files or data strings in txt format only Note that importing a satellite list will clear all existing data Importing TLE data will give the user the option to overwrite Delete the existing list or to append to the existing list TLE Data can also be typed or copied directly into the TLE1 and TLE2 spaces in the Satellite Lis...

Page 65: ...e accuracy Should the TLE data be entered incorrectly the data will populate the satellite list upon saving but operation for this satellite will not function for TLE tracking Once changes have been made save the satellite list This will make the new information available to the controller and preserve it in non volatile memory allowing the updated list to be retrieved even after a power cycle 4 4...

Page 66: ...mple The Data Logger window allows the user to plot up to six status variables over time This can be used for testing troubleshooting and plotting operational data over time The sampling interval as well as the duration of the individual graph may be set to suit individual test requirements These test samples may be saved as a graph shown or as a list of values if needed The results of the test ca...

Page 67: ...hout Notice Page 67 of 195 4 4 9 Alarm List Path Main Window View Alarm list Level 0 Figure 4 4 9 Alarm Window The Alarm Window displays the current alarms reported by the controller If the window has no red X in the Status column the system is not in an alarm state ...

Page 68: ...indow displays the data and status of the connected Signal Device used for acquisition The module that handles communication from the AAQ to the device reports up to 8 predetermined status labels and values This information is placed in the Device Data table and can also be seen in the Sensor Output Window When multiple devices are used for acquisition the window will automatically switch to the a...

Page 69: ...Window Level 0 Figure 4 4 11 Graphic Controller Window The Graphic Controller Window is a simplified user friendly display of the main window This window shows graphically all the necessary inputs and outputs for a normal user to select a Profile acquire a satellite Each graphical area represents a corresponding command or monitor point from the main NET GUI window ...

Page 70: ...the Graphic Controller Window allow the same functions available in the Command Pane and the Manual Control Pane This includes all of the basic commands with indicator LEDs showing which command is active and a group of jog buttons In contrast to the main window there is no Manual Control button to activate the jog buttons Jog buttons are always active on the graphic window and one left click will...

Page 71: ...ed by the antenna is represented as a circle red or green on the earth s surface An arc is displayed above the earth this arc is populated with satellites that are currently in use by the controller Use the satellite list View Satellite List to add or remove satellites from the controller s list of selectable targets The current heading of the antenna is shown at the top of the display Any message...

Page 72: ...current position of that axis in world coordinates The current value of that axis is also displayed in the center of each dial 4 4 11 4 Signal Strength Meter Figure 4 4 11 4 Graphic Controller Window Signal Strength Meter The signal strength of each signal source is represented as a bar chart in the signal strength meter Depending on the strength of the source the associated color bar will increas...

Page 73: ... in the upper left hand corner of the Main AAQRemote window Path Main Window Login Level 0 Figure 4 5a File Login Menu Select The AAQ Controller system provides the ability to have the user login to access various levels of interaction with the controller This allows users of higher levels to access configuration parameters and sensor output variables that can change the functionality of the contr...

Page 74: ...ogin Window Upon logging in the controller will accept the user and allow that user access up to their level 4 6 Help Menu The Help Menu is located on the toolbar in the upper left hand corner of the Main AAQRemote window Figure 4 7 File Bar Help Menu Select 4 6 1 About Path Main Window Help About Level 0 ...

Page 75: ... 7 1 About Window The About Window shows the versions of the AAQ software and legal information Additional information may be listed in the About Window pertaining to the build of the AAQRemote Software 4 6 2 Version Path Main Window Help Version Info Level 0 Figure 4 6 2 About Window Version example ...

Page 76: ...f the versions of code running on the system This includes the application ROM main running code RIOM and module version 4 6 3 Troubleshoot Path Main Window Help Troubleshoot Level 4 Figure 4 6 3 Troubleshooting Variables The Troubleshoot window displays specific variables for each axis that are commonly used in troubleshooting by AvL technical staff ...

Page 77: ...ails 5 1 Unpacking When unpacking your system you will find taped to the CIP an envelope containing the Customer Flash Card This card contains generic and customer specific configuration documents needed to operate your AvL system Your flashcard contains the following Antenna manual Specifications sheet Interface control document Outline drawing of antenna system Overall Wiring Diagram Controller ...

Page 78: ... 2 CIP Connections A HandHeld Controller B Control Interface Panel Front Rear connections shown C Remote Controller HandHeld Cable D Ethernet to PC LAN Modem or Beacon receiver E AAQ Power Connector F Pedestal DC Power Connector G AAQ Data Connector H Serial for Aux Equipment such as Modem or Beacon receiver depending on system type I Antenna Pedestal Control Cable ...

Page 79: ...of AAQ Remote GUI installed on your PC remove them before continuing For Windows7 and below navigate Start Control Panel All Control Panel Items Programs and Features Uninstall or change a program will bring you to the screen below For Windows8 and above navigate Start settings button search Programs and Features in dialogue box Figure 5 3 1 Uninstall Prior Version 5 4 Install the AAQ Remote Begin...

Page 80: ...to RAM This boot process requires 30 60 seconds to complete Once the controller is booted it is in an operational state and ready to accept commands All external equipment software modules are initialized during the boot process During this process the modules are allowed to initialize specific devices or functions outside the normal AAQ operations In order to ensure complete functionality check t...

Page 81: ...ted in your customer documentation package or flash drive The typical integrator access is at a level 4 This level determines the commands and configuration items visible and available to be modified Figure 5 6c Login Window Once Login is accepted you are ready to command the system 5 7 Command Functions Commands recognized by the AAQ controller from the GUI are shown on the main GUI page command ...

Page 82: ... X Pol Moves the polarization 90 degrees from its current position 5 7 1 Command Descriptions The Manual Control command allows the user to move the antenna freely in any axis desired by way of the Manual Control pane which is directly below the Command pane Note that manual movement via step requires a Home sequence first to initialize axis sensors The Home command initializes the motor feedback ...

Page 83: ...nditions The Track command performs the currently selected mode for satellite tracking Tracking is an optional feature and the command will only function when the appropriate module is installed The X Pol command will move the antenna feed 90 degrees to receive the satellite s opposite polarization This is typically used to simplify initial antenna cross pol isolation testing The direction of the ...

Page 84: ...n needs to be added to the new Profile Some examples of parameters to be updated may include Modem Type Modem Scan Width Acquisition Sources for scanning and peaking Modem Lock Threshold AvL technical staff works closely with our customers to insure that configuration details for system enhancements are captured and kept on file for reference All equipment additions require AvL software modules to...

Page 85: ...ow to create new profiles 5 9 1 Target Satellite selection In preparation for making a profile we need to select the satellite which we will be using for our Target From the main screen Path Main Window View Satellite List Level 1 Figure 5 9 1 Satellite List In this example the Factory Test Profile was created using Satellite AMC 9 83W with Horizontal Receive Polarization selected For the new prof...

Page 86: ...dow View Configuration Target tab Level 1 Figure 5 9 2 Configuration Target tab Note that the factory test profile is shown in the Profile Name box Next click Add next to the Profile name The name you choose can be anything which has not been used before however certain conventions are recommended Satellite name Satellite longitude Receive Polarization Signaling device ie iDirect Beacon RSL Carrie...

Page 87: ... parameters copied forward We are ready to update some basic parameters to match your new Target choice 5 9 4 Select Target Keeping in mind that the profile added so far is just a name use dropdown box under the Profile name to add the new target satellite which was added in 5 9 1 Figure 5 9 4a Select Profile Target Once the Target Satellite has been selected you can see the changes in Longitude a...

Page 88: ...ered manually to the listed parameters 5 9 5 Common Profile Adjustments When a currently used profile requires a simple configuration change it is not necessary to create a new profile unless the user wishes to keep the original as a reference or alternate In the latter case add a new profile to the list and adjust the new profile name slightly in order to be able to distinguish between different ...

Page 89: ...erference The following parameter will be updated User El Up Limit under core parameters level 4 Figure 5 9 6 User El Up Limit Parameter Remember to click Save after entering the new value to your Profile IMPORTANT Since positioner Limits are of a critical nature for the safety of any and all personnel that may be near to the antenna system it is highly recommended that any change to these limits ...

Page 90: ...ailed acquisition The recommended solution is to lower the following parameter to compensate Keep in mind that multiple parameters may affect a specific acquisition issue we might also adjust the modem lock threshold to improve the result Scan Az Velocity under signal parameters level 4 Figure 5 9 7 Modem Scan Az Velocity The Scan Az Velocity controls how quickly the antenna moves in Azimuth while...

Page 91: ...alphabetical list of all user level 4 and below parameters can be found at the beginning of Chapter 6 For signaling devices and other options check the appendix section of the manual 5 9 7 1 Acquisition Redundancy In order to improve the likelihood of a successful acquisition a secondary scan peak sequence or tertiary can be added in cases where the first attempt was unsuccessful From the Target P...

Page 92: ...ctor as our Acquisition Source This new satellite however has shown itself to be in a position of higher background noise low elevation angle This is bringing the noise level at the detector too close to its minimum threshold for lock detection We will therefore adjust a parameter based on actual measurement RSL Minimum Lock Threshold under Core parameters for level 4 see figure 5 9 8b below RSL M...

Page 93: ...ed off satellite our Rx Signal indicates 38 0 which represents the background noise level in this location With the background noise this close to our Minimum Lock Signal threshold false triggering of the RSL lock is likely and our threshold should be increased to insure a complete acquisition This setting is best determined empirically by first pointing to the satellite manually then moving off c...

Page 94: ...ges to your Profile 5 10 Adding a Reference Satellite Adding a reference satellite ref sat to the acquisition process corrects for any heading errors that may exist The ref sat process performs an acquisition on a known satellite that is low on the arc The compass heading is then corrected and the antenna can move directly to the target satellite s location Two reference satellites may be associat...

Page 95: ...lite If the closest ref sat does not meet the requirements the second ref sat will be used If the second ref sat does not meet the requirements the SatTant process will be used to correct the heading Any profile may be used as a ref sat profile The ref sat mode may be enabled or disabled If disabled the SatTant process will be used 5 10 1 Using a DBS signal with the DVB Receiver or AvL Receiver as...

Page 96: ...erably lower on the arc which makes it a good candidate for our reference Other CONUS DBS examples are 101W 110W 119W 5 10 1 Create a Reference Profile When a profile is created for the Reference satellite it can be then selected as the reference for our Target satellite As this Reference satellite uses the DVB receiver it will need to be configured as follows Figure 5 10 1 Reference Satellite Pro...

Page 97: ...sources In the Target tab however we have enabled Reference Satellite Mode and selected our DBS reference profile for Reference profiles 1 2 Here the choice to use the profile for reference 2 is arbitrary and may serve as redundancy Should Reference profile 1 fail the system will then go to the second profile Any profile reference or otherwise created may be used for either reference 1 or 2 It is ...

Page 98: ...number with decimal point Integer Whole number that is usually positive String String of alpha numeric characters Unsigned Status flag typically having a value of 0 or 1 Value Range Upper and lower limit on parameter value Documentation Tool Tip that appears when that parameter is selected in the AAQ Remote GUI It offers a basic description of the parameter The following sections are arranged in a...

Page 99: ...or Abs Enc Offset 6 3 4 Azimuth Motor Abs Enc Scale Factor 6 3 4 Azimuth Motor Scale Factor 6 3 4 Azimuth Pot Offset 6 3 4 Azimuth Pot Scale Factor 6 3 4 Azimuth Stow Is Interlock 6 2 4 Azimuth Stow Pedestal Position 6 2 2 Circular Polarization Center Position 6 3 6 Compass Heading Offset 6 3 2 Compass Scan Width 6 3 4 Controller Name 6 3 6 Controller Serial Number 6 3 6 Cross Polarization Disable...

Page 100: ...eed 6 3 3 Manual Control Polarization Slow Speed 6 3 3 Manual Latitude 6 7 2 Manual Longitude 6 7 2 Manual Pitch 6 7 3 Manual Roll 6 7 3 Manual Time Offset Date 6 3 5 Manual Time Offset Time 6 3 5 Modem Tx Enable On Rx Lock 6 3 6 Modem Tx Restore On Open 6 3 6 NMEA Server Com Port 6 8 1 NMEA Server Com Port Settings 6 8 1 NMEA Server Enable 6 8 1 NMEA Server Interval 6 8 1 NMEA Server Message Sour...

Page 101: ... Service Maximum GPS Drift 6 3 5 Time Source 6 3 5 Use Fast Home 6 3 3 Use Manual GPS on Fail 6 3 3 Use Manual Tilt 6 7 3 User Azimuth CCW Limit 6 2 1 User Azimuth CW Limit 6 2 1 User Elevation Down stow Limit 6 2 1 User Elevation Up Limit 6 2 1 6 1 2 Target Parameters Target Parameters relate directly to the scanning acquisition of the target satellite Circular Polarization Left Hand Position 6 4...

Page 102: ...RF level and movement of the antenna system Coarse Peak Signal Difference Threshold 6 5 2 Coarse Peaking Cycles 6 5 2 Coarse Peaking Maximum Cycles 6 5 2 Coarse Peaking Mode 6 5 2 Cross Pattern Coarse Azimuth Velocity 6 5 4 Cross Pattern Coarse Elevation Velocity 6 5 4 Cross Pattern Coarse Peaking Height 6 5 4 Cross Pattern Coarse Peaking Width 6 5 4 Cross Pattern Coarse Signal Tolerance 6 5 4 Cro...

Page 103: ...ation Velocity 6 5 1 Scan Polarization Velocity 6 5 10 Skip Coarse Peak If Tx Enabled 6 5 11 Slow Scan Azimuth Velocity 6 5 1 Slow Scan Elevation Velocity 6 5 1 Slow Scan Polarization Velocity 6 5 1 Step Pattern Coarse Azimuth Velocity 6 5 7 Step Pattern Coarse Elevation Velocity 6 5 7 Step Pattern Coarse Peaking Azimuth Step 6 5 7 Step Pattern Coarse Peaking Elevation Step 6 5 7 Step Pattern Fine...

Page 104: ...gory of configuration where they can be found Feed Slide 6 8 2 NMEA Server 6 8 1 Vector Compass 6 8 3 Wings 6 8 4 Wind Compensation 6 8 5 See Appendices for the following internal options Appendix Ab Newtec 3X00 Modem Appendix Ac Romantis Modem Appendix Ag AvL Receiver Appendix Ah Handheld Appendix Ai Configuration Management Appendix B Controller Interface Panel CIP Appendix C AAQ SNMP Appendix D...

Page 105: ...ion for the stow switch position Elevation Down Stow Limit 4 Float 90 0 to 90 0 deg The minimum elevation at the stow position Elevation Down Limit 4 Float 45 to 45 deg Down elevation limit except stow position when using a removable reflector and the reflector is mounted Safe Turn Maximum Elevation 4 Float 0 to 180 deg Maximum elevation that is safe to turn in Azimuth Safe Turn Maximum Elevation ...

Page 106: ...The Elevation Down Stow Limit is set to a value slightly typically 0 5 degrees below the target Elevation stow position The target Elevation stow position is set by either a mechanical switch located on the antenna s elevation axis or less frequently by a sensor usually a Resolver when Stow to Position mode is employed This parameter is a safety limit that is only tripped if the normal stow proces...

Page 107: ...s use non standard type mounting designs The manual provided with every AvL antenna system provides details on how the Stow Position should be determined for that antenna Once the antenna has been manually placed in the correct Stow Position the Azimuth Elevation and Polarization Stow Position parameter values with Type Float should be set to match the appropriate Pedestal angle displayed at that ...

Page 108: ...erate as intended without these items installed so the same confirmation process in reverse is required on antenna deployment These parameters are typically set by the operator s response to an appropriately timed prompt offered by the AAQ in the appropriate GUI window 6 2 4 Interlocks Long name Level Type Value Range Documentation Azimuth CCW limit switch Is Interlock 4 Choice No Yes The flag ind...

Page 109: ...al redundancy is called for Contact AvL customer support for additional information and before changing any interlock parameters which are part of your factory system configuration 6 3 General System Set Up Core The parameters discussed in this section are static and configure the AAQ for operation independent of the chosen Target Satellite or Signal Source s They typically affect basic behavior o...

Page 110: ...AvL Proprietary and Confidential Content is Subject to Change without Notice Page 110 of 195 Figure 6 3 AAQRemote Configuration Window ...

Page 111: ... it is recommended that this device settings are changed only under the guidance of AvL technical staff The RSL Minimum Lock Threshold value determines the Minimum signal strength reported for detecting a lock signal from a satellite When this level is reached during a modem scan the system will scan at the slow speed The RSL 1 Noise Floor value determines the Minimum signal strength above which a...

Page 112: ...SatTant For future use VectorCompass Optional Vector Compass is used at the Heading Source optional Heading Averaged Averaging is performed during the compass read part of acquisition The normal condition for this parameter is Yes Compass Heading Offset is the nominal difference between the Pedestal Heading and the Compass Heading This parameter takes into account the difference between the orient...

Page 113: ...al Moves Long name Level Type Value Range Documentation Manual Control Azimuth Fast Speed 4 Float 0 1 100 0 Speed in degrees per second for manual control of the azimuth motor in fast mode Manual Control Azimuth Slow Speed 4 Float 0 1 100 0 Speed in degrees per second for manual control of the azimuth motor in slow mode Manual Control Elevation Fast Speed 4 Float 0 1 100 0 Speed in degrees per sec...

Page 114: ...uring a SatTant or 0 0 to disable SatTant Manual Compass Scan Width 1 Float 0 0 to 360 0 Heading scan width in degrees to scan if override compass is selected NoCompass Scan Width 1 Float 0 0 400 0 deg Scan width to use during a SatTant or 0 0 to disable SatTant Polarization Flip Amount 4 Float 180 to 180 This will be added to pol when target is below CCW limit subtracted when above CW limit Polar...

Page 115: ...d directly without scanning Pitch Inc Offset Roll Inc Offset are factory settings where access is reserved for field service requirements Consult AvL technical staff before making changes Motor Offset Because of variations in manufacturing tolerance it occasionally becomes necessary to add a small angular value to correct for mechanical error in the axis This should not be adjusted unless the syst...

Page 116: ... the source used by the AAQ for time synchronization purposes A description of the available choices follows The default value for this parameter is None None AAQ will use its internal time reference Time stamps in AAQ system logs will reflect time since system start up with time zero equal to 0 00 AM on 1 January 2000 NTP AAQ will use the NTP server with the IP address and port number specified b...

Page 117: ...ol is run Step Mode Sample Delay 4 Integer 0 to 1000 Delay in MS between testing and retrying the step jog mode move Step Mode Wobble Correction 4 Choice No Yes Flag indicating that wobble correction should be performed when the Pol is changed Circular Polarization Center Position 4 Float 90 to 90 Center position in degrees Of the motorized circular pol Feed Bit Override 4 Choice No Yes Flag indic...

Page 118: ...ribed in Chapters 4 5 of this document In this section the configuration parameters contained in these Profiles are detailed The Signal Sources and Acquisition Geometry may be defined for each Target Satellite independently by setting up a Profile In this way reliable satellite detection and good signal quality for antenna peaking purposes can be assured for all satellites of interest Without this...

Page 119: ...rization for the selected satellite Current Satellite TLE Line 1 0 String Line 1 of the NORAD Two Line Ephemeris Current Satelliite TLE Line 2 0 String Line 2 of the NORAD Two Line Ephemeris Run Repeak on Startup 4 Choice No Yes Flag indicating whether the repeak command should be run on startup if Rx is locked Run Track After Acquire 1 Choice No Yes Flag indicating that the Track Command should r...

Page 120: ...satellite to target during acquire with the numeric portion in decimal degrees and the hemisphere as a single letter ie 61 5 W The Current Satellite NORAD ID parameter is the NORAD ID of the Satellite Used For Target Updates The Current Satellite Polarization parameter is the Feed polarization for the selected satellite The Current Satellite TLE Line 1 parameter is Line 1 of the NORAD Two Line Eph...

Page 121: ...s parameter are None AAQ will skip that step in the Acquisition process Modem The modem signal is used provided the AAQ has been optionally configured to interface with the Modem Otherwise the AAQ will use RSL Meter 1 Beacon The signal level reported by the Beacon Receiver is used provided the AAQ has been optionally configured to interface with that device Otherwise the AAQ will use RSL Meter 1 V...

Page 122: ...ompass scan over the target will not be run Choosing Yes will prevent scans from being run This allows the controller to use the original heading source instead of performing a SatTant or in the case where TLE tracking is used If signal sources with good satellite signal discrimination are going to be used and short acquisition times are essential then the time required to complete a SatTant under...

Page 123: ...onal modes of operation such as TLE and Predictive Track do not require a standard acquisition For these the Skip Acquire Sat State in enabled to allow these tracking modes to begin immediately 6 5 Signal Source Based Parameters Properly configuring the parameters in the previous section assures that a good signal will be made available to every Signal Source device Since each device has its own c...

Page 124: ... speed is used by the AAQ Speeds should be selected with the delay and response time of the device in mind For example if the device s signal output level is slow to respond to actual changes in signal level then setting a relatively slow scan speed is advisable If scan speed is set too slow acquisition time will lengthen unnecessarily Note Picking a value above the actual maximum speed of any axi...

Page 125: ...king The selection of the peaking method used for fine peaking routines Fine Peaking Maximum Cycles 4 Unsigned 1 to 100 Maximum number of cycles to complete for fine peaking stops Fine Peak Signal Difference Threshold 4 Float 0 1 to 100 0 The amount of signal difference between peaking iterations that will satisfy the system as the signal is peaked Fine Peaking Cycles sets the minimum number of cy...

Page 126: ...e enough to insure that Coarse Peaking is not performed in a side lobe of the antenna beam However making them overly large will add time to the overall Acquisition process and increase the chance that the signal from a stronger neighboring satellite will be used for Coarse Peaking The Cross Pattern Coarse Velocity parameters specify the speed that the antenna will move in each direction during th...

Page 127: ...the scan However making them overly large will add time to the overall Acquisition process Cross Pattern Fine Signal Tolerance sets a tolerance on acceptable signal drop between peaking cycles If this parameter value is exceeded then the AAQ assumes that the satellite signal is experiencing a Rain Fade and the peaking process is suspended 6 5 6 Step Pattern Mode Long name Level Type Value Range Do...

Page 128: ...AQ is forced to correct for frequent over shoot of the target position 6 5 8 Step Pattern Fine Peaking Long name Level Type Value Range Documentation Step Pattern Fine Peaking Azimuth Step 4 Float 0 0 to 60 0 Width in degrees to scan during a fine step pattern peaking function Step Pattern Fine Peaking Elevation Step 4 Float 0 0 to 60 0 Height in degrees to scan during a fine step pattern peaking ...

Page 129: ...l Limit 4 Float 0 1 to 100 0 deg The maximum amount of travel the pol can be moved during a single peaking cycle Polarization Peak Coarse Azimuth Velocity 4 Float 0 02 to 30 0 Azimuth velocity in degrees sec for coarse peaking Polarization Peak Coarse Elevation Velocity 4 Float 0 02 to 30 0 Elevation velocity in degrees sec for coarse peaking Polarization Peak Fine Azimuth Velocity 4 Float 0 02 to...

Page 130: ...lication in multiple Software Modules If no Modem module is present then these parameter values have no influence on the behavior of the AAQ and the AvL antenna system Modem Minimum Wait Time During acquisition the controller will wait this amount of seconds before attempting to read the modem signal level Modem Maximum Wait Time If the AAQ controller has acquired but modem has not acquired and wa...

Page 131: ...sition move for pol when no encoders are present Polarization Pos Move PWM Factor 4 Integer 1 to 1000 Pol proportional multiplier to produce a PWM value when no encoders are present User Polarization CCW Limit 4 Float 180 0 to 0 0 The maximum pol position for counter clockwise travel User Polarization CW Limit 4 Float 0 0 to 180 0 The maximum pol position for clockwise travel Polarization Center S...

Page 132: ... feed has been replaced or repaired includes Abs Encoder Scale Factor Polarization Pos Move Min PWM and Pol Pos Move PWM Factor are factory settings where access is reserved for field service requirements Consult AvL technical staff before making changes The Polarization CW Limit Read Only parameter is the maximum clockwise polarization position The Polarization CCW Limit Read Only parameter is th...

Page 133: ... Manually entered roll angle in degrees used in tilt override Use Manual Tilt 4 Choice No Yes Flag indicating whether manual tilt values are used 6 8 System Options The following section addresses specific equipment and optionally installed AvL modules Any changes to parameters on systems where options are not installed will have no effect on operation 6 8 1 NMEA Server Long name Level Type Catego...

Page 134: ...00 0 The scale factor to divide by to produce the actual value SlideMotor Switch 1 through 3 is Interlock 4 Choice Sensor No Yes Flag indicating the digital input as an interlock blocks other operations when set Slide Position 1 4 Float Modules 100 0 to 100 0 Numeric slide position representing the left slide position Slide Position 2 4 Float Modules 100 0 to 100 0 Numeric slide position represent...

Page 135: ...at Sensor 10000 0 to 10000 0 Not Used Wing Motor Scale Factor 4 Integer Sensor 10000 0 to 10000 0 Not Used Wing Right Deploy Switch is Interlock 4 Choice Sensor No Yes Not Used Wing Right Stow Switch is Interlock 4 Choice Sensor No Yes Not Used Chapter 7 Theory of Operation 7 1 Introduction AvL antenna systems combine the AvL Cable Drive positioning system with a completely automatic satellite acq...

Page 136: ...mmands Provides the ability to monitor system logs and status in real time Supports SNMP communication protocol The ACU is designed to handle all of the antenna operations in a standalone fashion no external M C connection is required It also permits all configuring operating and monitoring functions remotely through various methods to externally connected computers and other devices While the sys...

Page 137: ...range of motion based solely on the satellite s longitude 7 2 Antenna Drive System The Drive systems for Azimuth Elevation and Polarization along with their respective sensor components are described below 7 2 1 Azimuth Cable Drive The AvL cable drive system produces a drive system with zero backlash high stiffness no wear no lubrication and maximum reliability The system consists of stainless ste...

Page 138: ...th Gear Box The azimuth gearbox is a low backlash worm gear type The worm gear drive isolates any backlash in the motor drive from the system In addition the gear box eliminates back drive eliminating any need for a brake on the drive train The motor drives the input worm via a quill female hole and square key The worm shaft is extended with a hex shape installed for the hand crank The hand crank ...

Page 139: ...POT The azimuth position feedback is produced in part by a potentiometer The pot acts as an adjustable voltage divider using a three terminal resistor with a sliding contact The pot is driven by the output shaft of the worm gear box Since the AvL cable drive has no backlash the position feedback is as accurate as the resolution and accuracy of the potentiometer along with its gear drive interface ...

Page 140: ...oint A to point B The information is then processed by the AAQ and displayed as distance and angular position Figure 7 2 1 4 Motor Encoder 7 2 1 5 Azimuth Resolver optional The on axis resolver may be used for more precise motion control Resolvers are generally used for the elevation and azimuth axis The resolver is an on axis sensor and is generally located on the pivot points of the unit to prov...

Page 141: ...ng drum The logic of Stowing and Acquire requires that all axes be centered to physical zero for the antenna to complete its cycles Figure 7 2 1 6 Azimuth Stow Switch 7 2 1 7 Notes on Azimuth Settings The limits should be set after the potentiometer has been centered Anytime the potentiometer is moved or repositioned the limits should be reset The Az angle displayed by the ACU is affected by sever...

Page 142: ...n and stiffness should be checked as per a periodic maintenance schedule The Elevation drive components are described in this section 7 2 2 1 Elevation Pivot Assembly The elevation pivot assembly consists of two elevation drum assemblies pivoting between two clevis blade assemblies The drum shafts pivot in hi tech plastic Delrin bushings 7 2 2 2 Elevation Gear Box The elevation gearbox is a low ba...

Page 143: ...l not be seen by the reflector bore sight The motor is mounted to an adapter plate that is bolted to gearbox No maintenance of the elevation motor is required 7 2 2 5 Elevation Cable Drive The elevation cable drive system provides zero backlash high stiffness no wear no lubrication and maximum reliability The system consists of stainless steel aircraft control cables reverse wrapped twice around t...

Page 144: ...checked as per a periodic maintenance schedule 7 2 2 6 Elevation Position Feedback inclinometer The elevation position feedback is typically produced by an electronic inclinometer within the AvL NAV RIOM see 7 4 1 1 The NAV RIOM will most likely be located at the top of the reflector while the optional EL RIOM will generally be located in either elevation arm 7 2 2 7 Motor Shaft Encoders The shaft...

Page 145: ...nts such as peaking Figure 7 2 2 8 Elevation Resolver 7 2 2 9 Elevation Limit Switches The elevation limit or stow switch is actuated by a cam on the elevation capstan or the on axis pivot drum The location of the switch s will vary depending on model The elevation Up and Down switches can also be actuated by a cam on the elevation capstan or the on axis pivot drum The location of the switches wil...

Page 146: ...ing Polarization movement is defined in the directional sense as CW or CCW as seen by an observer standing behind the reflector looking at the satellite Feed assemblies consist of a feed boom a feed RF components feed sensing bits optional and a polarization drive assembly Some models have a pivot connection at the end of the feed and use Elevation Stow Switch Elevation Capstan Elevation Cam Typic...

Page 147: ... using the hand crank in the case of a drive failure Figure 7 2 3 1 Feed and Polarization Drive Since the low backlash worm gear drive isolates the feed from the motor no brake is required No maintenance of the polarization motor assembly is required 7 2 3 2 Potentiometer POT The polarization position feedback is typically produced by a potentiometer The pot is an adjustable voltage divider using ...

Page 148: ... precise feedback on Pol position The controller uses the output of the encoder to determine the range of motion from axis point A to point B The information is then processed by the AAQ and displayed as angular position Figure 7 2 3 3 Pol Motor Encoder 7 2 3 4 Polarization Limits The controller uses the polarization potentiometer voltage and motor encoders to determine limits Most units have the ...

Page 149: ...retical focal point of the reflector This assures the RF System functions In Accordance With FCC compliance as stated in the specifications Figure 7 2 3 5 Antenna Test Receive Pattern Example 7 2 3 6 Feed Bits Band Sensing The AAQ is capable of multiband operation When using a multi feed system the feed bits are utilized in recognizing the feed selected Generally the feed connection is located on ...

Page 150: ...a system and is responsible for the basic control and communication functions necessary for any of our auto point antenna systems It runs on a state of the art ARM Advanced RISC Machine processor where RISC stands for Reduced Instruction Set Computer with ample memory available for program execution and storage The PIC code runs on distributed processors that are tasked with critical lower level p...

Page 151: ... a user s log in credentials The operator s access to all AAQ functions and configuration parameters is dictated by the level associated with their log in username and password Those privilege levels are Level 9 AvL Engineering Level 7 AvL Production and Service Level 4 AvL Customer System Integrator Level 1 End User of the Antenna System Every system leaves the AvL factory configured with default...

Page 152: ...meters that do not fall into the previous two categories are generally useful in fine tuning the electromechanical operation and behavior of the antenna system 7 3 3 1 Hardware Parameters Hardware parameters specify the types of motors gear ratios and sensors present on the antenna system There is one motor per positioner axis usually three in all There are a large number of sensors on each system...

Page 153: ... lower log in privilege levels to provide the system integrator and the knowledgeable end user the ability to fine tune the performance of the AvL antenna system for their specific application satellite frequency band and even terminal location This is a very powerful feature of the AvL AAQ design and should be exercised with some care and due diligence Advice on how to set these parameters and th...

Page 154: ...ements with no reliable absolute reference point For this reason when the antenna system powers on it does not know with certainty where the antenna is pointing or where the positioner s axes are relative to hardware safety limits Executing the Home command process moves the antenna to known reference points using inclinometer and potentiometer feedback and a magnetic reed switch that together all...

Page 155: ...le in the vicinity of the antenna system For this reason the default value for the azimuth line scan angle employed during acquisition is set to a value of 20 degrees In AvL s extensive experience supporting users of our transportable antenna systems this value has proven to be very reliable in the vast majority of applications Both the Electronic Compass and GPS are built into the AAQ s NAV RIOM ...

Page 156: ... s bore sight The GPS antenna and receiver included in every AvL antenna system provides location information to accuracy much higher than the SATTANT process needs A carefully calibrated elevation inclinometer provides an accurate estimate of the antenna s elevation angle relative to the local gravity vector Based on the antenna s location and heading the imaginary line in the sky traced by the g...

Page 157: ... satellite method which takes advantage of knowledge of location and or carrier information to provide more reliable data for acquisition 7 4 3 Reference satellite function Reference satellites are generally of two types Those of the first Direct Broadcast type have broad high power carriers in the high band section of their transmitted signal Once found these carriers can be used to fine tune the...

Page 158: ...n and to minimize cross polarized interference on the forward and return links Tilt of the antenna platform is measured by precision inclinometers that are usually located inside the AAQ ACU main module The ACU module is typically mounted directly on the Azimuth positioner base plate above the Azimuth Bearing Assembly Mounted in this location the sensors are always on a surface that is nominally l...

Page 159: ...m using Yaw Heading followed by Pitch and then Roll The Yaw Pitch and Roll values used in this transform are measured during a Home routine at power up When these corrections are added to the Actual values they become the Pedestal Coordinates that will point the antenna boresight at the Target Satellite assuming the Pitch Roll and Heading values last reported by those sensors This process is perfo...

Page 160: ... AZ width that is many times larger than the EL height As mentioned previously the AAQ typically acquires the target satellite on the first AZ scan This high success rate is due in large part to a feature called continuous tilt compensation This standard AAQ feature enables the antenna system to perform acquisition AZ scans at a constant World EL value instead of a constant Ped EL value In this wa...

Page 161: ...are sometimes required to increase the probability that the antenna acquires and peaks on the correct satellite As mentioned previously in this chapter prior to acquisition of a satellite the AAQ is typically operating with a very good knowledge of the EL angle and a relatively poor estimate of the AZ angle for the antenna beam Consequently the AAQ searches for the target satellite using relativel...

Page 162: ...o several other GSO satellites If the EL angle is off by even a small amount and or any of those other satellites is transmitting higher broadband power than the target satellite then the AAQ could easily select and peak on the wrong satellite s signal In order to minimize the probability of making the wrong choice under these circumstances a SATTANT is automatically performed by the AAQ before ta...

Page 163: ...ed by our system integrator customers The AAQ is compatible with a large number of Satellite Modems and Beacon Receivers and they are the Signal Source of choice for robust and reliable satellite acquisition Their preference is based primarily on their ability to confirm that the signal detected is originating from the target satellite and not one of its neighbors Modems usually lock exclusively o...

Page 164: ...beam of the antenna s pattern and not a side lobe and 2 position the antenna such that the peak of the main beam is closely aligned with the satellite The objective for Fine Peaking is to precisely align the antenna with the target satellite The following Sections describe the default recommended mode for Coarse and Fine Peaking on the Target Satellite signal In reality either of the modes describ...

Page 165: ...s scan s maximum signal point Again the AAQ commands the antenna to the scan angle corresponding to maximum received signal level seen during the second scan This process is repeated until Coarse Peaking success criteria are met Those criteria may be a predetermined number of cycles or some minimum peak signal difference between cycles The length of the cross scans in AZ and EL are selected to ins...

Page 166: ...onal small step is made in the same direction and the signal is measured at the new position Else the AAQ commands a backwards step and begins a step scan in the orthogonal direction Ped EL This step scan process is illustrated in Figure 7 8 2 Figure 7 4 11 Fine Peaking Example At the end of each Ped AZ Ped EL step scan cycle the signal level achieved at the end of the current cycle is compared to...

Page 167: ...d on the target satellite or the SATTANT satellite the pedestal heading is updated with an extremely accurate value Without this final adjustment the satellite terminal s performance would be degraded and the resulting cross polarized interference on the return link could be a significant issue for the satellite operator and other users of the system 7 4 13 Tracking on the Signal Optional The vast...

Page 168: ...loyed on an unstable surface such as sand or loose soil Any gradual permanent changes in antenna pointing due to the frequent vibration of passing vehicles or induced by gusty winds on the antenna s reflector are automatically corrected Step Track is best described as periodic Fine Peaking of the antenna system The periodic peaking process is the same as described in Section 7 4 10 Small step scan...

Page 169: ...ation of the signal received by the antenna from the target satellite The signal itself is subject to significant perturbation by the atmosphere through which the electromagnetic waves travel For the AAQ the satellite signal is represented by the output of a device called a Signal Source The AAQ is designed to work with several types of signal sources each with its own advantages and disadvantages...

Page 170: ... duration events so the antenna typically returns to normal operation very quickly 7 4 20 Signal Sources The AAQ is designed to interface with four different types of signal sources RSL broadband power meter Beacon Receiver the AvL DvB receiver and a variety of Modems Each of these devices falls short of being the ideal signal measurement device for an auto point antenna system That ideal device w...

Page 171: ...in the DvB receiver appendix H For the average operator it provides the means to create a selectable target without having to adjust simple parameters for longitude polarization or signaling devices each time For the knowledgeable operator or integrator it provides the ability to optimize the AAQ s acquisition and peaking processes for each satellite placed on the Target Satellite list Additionall...

Page 172: ...ntroller awaits a command request Commands recognized by the AAQ controller are Stop Stops the current running command Manual Control Enables the manual jog commands to be accepted Home Positions antenna upright initializes axis based sensors and reads compass Stow Stows the antenna to the specified values based on the configuration X Pol Moves the polarization 90 degrees from its current position...

Page 173: ...switch to the Clockwise side Record the values of the transitions on and off the switch Move through the magnetic switch to the Counter Clockwise side Record the values of the transitions on and off the switch Calculate the center of the switch removing hysteresis effect Move to the calculated center of the switch Command Response Initializing Azimuth Encoder Figure 7 5 2 1 Setting Azimuth Axis 7 ...

Page 174: ...range core config to then set El encoders Command Response initializing elevation encoder 7 5 2 3 Elevation down Limit Only elevation axis movements are permitted below the Down Limit with the azimuth centered this is to avoid collateral damage that could result from moving the azimuth or polarization axis prematurely The following warning will show on the GUI main window Elevation is Below the Do...

Page 175: ...rom the compass the system reads the value from the compass and generates a heading based on the reading Once the heading is generated the system creates a series of azimuth and elevation points that are tilt compensated according to the pitch and roll values taken during the Home command The points are based on a compass scan width where the width is set to compensate for any compass error Comman...

Page 176: ...to locate and lock onto the strongest signal detected from the desired satellite using the signal levels and reported by the Modem beacon receiver RSL etc This operation consists of the following steps Note Setting values referred to below are part of the parameter settings for a particular profile See chapters 4 5 for more information on the Profile system 7 5 4 1 Coarse peaking Coarse Peaking is...

Page 177: ...ngly to allow for the signal level to stabilize before the comparison between steps is calculated If the current signal level is greater than the previous signal level it will step again This process will continue until the previous signal level is greater than the current signal level At this point it will return to the previous signal level s position It will then step in Elevation based on the ...

Page 178: ... read The polarization RIOM reports this error This does not indicate a polarization potentiometer is broken it indicates the A D interface cannot be read by the RIOM RSL1 Indicates an RSL read issue AzStow The azimuth stow magnetic switch cannot be read The azimuth RIOM reports this error This does not indicate the magnetic switch is broken it indicates the digital input cannot be read by the RIO...

Page 179: ...oes not indicate the right deploy switch is broken it indicates the digital input cannot be read by the RIOM WingLeftStowSwitch The wing left stow switch cannot be read The wing RIOM reports this error This does not indicate the left stow switch is broken it indicates the digital input cannot be read by the RIOM WingRightStowSwitch The wing right stow switch cannot be read The wing RIOM reports th...

Page 180: ... not sent a target Check device and retry All signal sources tried with no valid signal detected Possible RF or signal threshold issue Scanning will exceed Az Limits Rotate Base and try again Rotate Base and try again Heading calibration failed No signal found during arc scan Check heading source and retry Command failed Home must be run first Home command needed to initialize resolvers Elevation ...

Page 181: ...ntial damage Connect all RIOMs and select OK to continue A RIOM may have been unintentionally disconnected or may need to be connected during deployment Disconnect all removable RIOMs and select OK to continue This message is typically used during the stow process for the antenna 8 1 4 Running Messages with Associated Hex Code The following table lists running messages and their descriptions as sh...

Page 182: ...flector dismount position 0x0102 Acquire Complete Locked and Acquired continuing pos wind hold and track ops 0x0103 Tilt Compensating Calculating Tilt compensation 0x0104 Moving to Target Moving to begin Scanning in Az for Target Sat Signal 0x0105 Moving back to Peak Moving back to Peak signal 0x0106 Calibration Performing Calibration 0x0107 Initializing Sensors Initializing Az Encoder 0x0108 Init...

Page 183: ...orld calc failed Could not transform world coordinates 0x1012 Signal wait failed Acquire failed waiting for modem beacon signal 0x1013 El Deploy failed Elevation deploy failed 0x1014 El Stow failed Elevation stow failed 0x1015 Heading Cal Failed Heading calibration Failed No signal found during scan for a reference satellite 0x1016 XPol not valid The crosspol command cannot be performed with this ...

Page 184: ...hical User Interface GUI application not show a connection to the Antenna Control Unit ACU follow the steps below 8 2 1 Comms LED Indicator Communication between the GUI and ACU is indicated by an LED located in the bottom left corner of the GUI Green indicates communication is present while gray indicates no communications are present Figure 8 2 1 GUI Communication Indicator 8 2 2 Remote IP Addre...

Page 185: ...s Contact AvL to ensure the correct GUI is installed in the AAQ Version Info found in HELP VERSION tab 5 Contact AvL support to assist in reinstalling ROM software if necessary 6 If ping does not respond ensure power is present by checking power supply and re checking control cable connections Figure 8 2 3 Version Info Example 8 2 4 ACU communication to RIOMs Communication between the GUI and RIOM...

Page 186: ...d in the VIEW DEVICE WINDOW tab If communications is present the window will populate with the device s information if communications is not present the window will be blank for the device in use The unit will fail to acquire if communication is not present between the ACU and the external device Figure 8 3 1 Current Device Stats Example 8 3 2 IP Addressing Verify the Configuration port and IP add...

Page 187: ...e the most common inaccuracies when acquiring a satellite Offsets may be introduced due to mechanical tolerances slight inaccuracies in installation etc 8 4 1 Elevation Offset Once a known satellite is identified the elevation can be verified If the actual and the predicted are noticeably different an elevation offset may need to be applied in the system calibration window The Elinc Offset configu...

Page 188: ...d STOW should be checked 8 4 2 Azimuth Offset If a consistent error in actual vs predicted azimuth is observed an offset in the compass may need to be applied The Compass Heading configuration item is located the System Configuration window located in the View Controller Configuration tab Compass test and calibration tools are located in File Calibration Predicted Target Actual Target Figure 8 4 2...

Page 189: ... not change from default zero regardless of the true heading The compass readout will remain zero during the compass routine and continue the acquiring process The ACU assumes the compass heading of zero is correct and continues the acquiring process See Figure 8 3 3 Figure 8 4 3 Main GUI Heading Indicates Zero Note A compass fault will not be indicated in the event the compass fails to produce a ...

Page 190: ...for Manual Compass for the heading source This parameter is listed under the Configuration window VIEW CONFIGURATION Core tab as shown in Figure 8 3 4b Note Searching for the Keyword s simplifies the process as indicated The ACU is now set to recognize this value as the position of the Antenna frame when beginning the acquisition process Typically the pedestal is pointed due south north when opera...

Page 191: ...ent is Subject to Change without Notice Page 191 of 195 8 5 Recognizing a Failed GPS A GPS Coordinates are not valid error will occur when zero values are displayed in the Lat and Long readout positions Figure 8 5 Main GUI GPS Coordinates ...

Page 192: ...d in the Configuration window under VIEW CONFIGURATION Core Tab Figure 8 5 1 GPS Source to Manual Selecting Manual from the GPS Source pull down menu will direct the AAQ controller to use the values listed under Manual Latitude and Manual Longitude for the GPS source These values are also listed under the Configuration window VIEW CONTROLLER CONFIGURATION Core tab ...

Page 193: ...ng checkup is recommended each year If any problems are observed refer to section 8 6 in order to contact Customer Service 8 6 1 Annual Inspection Azimuth Check for unusual noise in the azimuth bearing the azimuth gearbox and the azimuth motor Run in azimuth and check for unusual noise in the azimuth motor Check the position of the azimuth drive cables on capstan at 0 Azimuth Check the drive cable...

Page 194: ...ice is available 24 hours a day seven days a week for your inquiries We strive to assist our customers in any way they need providing as much information training and assistance as is necessary AvL customer support is committed to solving our customer problems We are a team of dedicated professionals working to continually improve all aspects of our products and the service we provide We want to t...

Page 195: ...ase of an emergency or relating to matters of a more pressing nature telephone and fax support is available per incident to AvL customers throughout the world General telephone support Monday Friday 8am 5pm EST 1 828 250 9950 After hours emergency customer service Weekends and Holidays 1 828 250 9140 then follow prompts to page Custom ...

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