Model 1278K Mobile VSAT Antenna System
7
Operation and Maintenance Manual
2.3 CONTROLLER OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
The TracStar Systems controller applies advanced motor control capability in a cost effective controller.
The controller is configured to require only two commands – Deploy and Stow. When the controller
receives the Deploy command the antenna is raised to a preset elevation angle where it scans in
azimuth until approximate southern direction is determined. It then pauses to collect GPS information of
latitude and longitude. It quickly calculates az, el and pol angles to North Star satellite. It scans in
anticipated direction of North Star satellite until it is found. This usually takes less than one minute. It
verifies it has found the North Star satellite, and then peaks up on signal. Once the North Star satellite is
determined the satellite of service az, el and pol angles are calculated from North Star satellite including
accommodating for any tilt in the vehicle. The controller then precisely commands the antenna to the
satellite of service.
1.1
To activate system, turn on power to the TracStar Systems In-Door Unit (IDB)
1.2
The display should read “Ready”. Press the + key to begin a satellite acquisition. To Stow the
antenna, press and hold the “-“ key for 3 seconds. There will be a 3 second delay before the
antenna begins to stow to ensure that transmit is disabled.
1.3
If at any time, either during an acquisition (Display reads “Run”), while locked or during a stowing
operation (Display reads “Stow”), the user may stop the motion by pressing the Start/Stop, + or –
key.
Controller Quick Start Guide
Deploy:
1.
From the READY screen, press “+”.
2.
The antenna will move to the deploy position.
3.
If the reflector is removable, the controller will display COMPASS DISH ERROR.
4.
Install the reflector, feed and cables as required, and press “+” again.
Auto-Acquisition:
The antenna will now begin the acquisition cycle. The antenna will step through the
following sequence:
Determine direction of south
Get GPS data
Locate reference satellite
Peak on reference satellite
Locate data satellite
Peak on data satellite
When complete, the display will indicate “LOCK ON xxx” where ‘
xxx
’ is the longitude of the data satellite.
Stow:
1.
From the READY screen, press “-”.
2.
The antenna will move to the reflector removal position and display REMOVE REFLECTOR.
3.
Remove the reflector and feed as required, and press “-” again.
4.
The antenna will move to the stow position.
