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Light-weight, very stiff drive system, suitable for high stability requirements such as Ka Band
Method used to wrap the capstan 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, minimizing elongation of the cable under load
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 attachment point which
eliminates backlash at installation and backlash from any cable stretch in the future
Key features of the AAQ ACU:
Supports multiple users with unique passwords and levels of access
Provides an extensive set of configuration items
All internal measurement and status variables are accessible
Capability to remotely log any system variables
Has the ability to run multiple levels of calibration
Allows remote software upgrading and system diagnostics
Allows remote and local setting of basic runtime acquisition parameters
Allows remote and local execution of various position commands
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 system is
designed to operate in a standalone fashion, all of the operational aspects can also be performed
remotely by a connected device or computer.
7.1.1 Auto-Point Antenna Basics
All AvL transportable satellite antennas employ a parabolic main reflector with a single feed
providing optimal RF illumination. The vast majority of our designs are front-fed full offset parabolic
reflector antennas that provide exceptional antenna gain efficiency and very low side-lobe radiation
characteristics. These antennas produce a very narrow “pencil shaped” beam that must be
accurately pointed at a geostationary communications satellite located at a great distance (over
22,000 miles away). Antenna pointing is achieved by an elevation-over-azimuth positioner, or
pedestal, that employs high-stiffness, low-backlash cable drive technology. For operation with
linearly polarized satellite communication signals, an additional polarization positioner is included
that typically rotates only the feed assembly.