User's Manual

1-6 888-2687-001 10/19/07
WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.
Section 1 Introduction
Ranger ™ Mobile Series
1.2.2 Transmitter Control System
The transmitter uses a distributed architecture control system. This means that each
transmitter sub-system is responsible for its own monitoring and protection and simply
reports back to the Main Controller for display on the GUI (Graphical User Interface) or
to a remote interface. The heart of the system is the 376 Micro Module which is used in
all of the transmitter systems for control, monitoring and protection. The Micro Module
is used on each of the following controllers and sub-systems:
a. Main Controller Board - This board is responsible for transmitter control and
monitoring. However, with the distributed control architecture, it is not directly
responsible for protection of the individual transmitter components. It merely
gathers all status and fault data from the individual sub-systems and reports that
information to the operator. The Main Controller is responsible for system level
control (issues which effect multiple systems) since it is the only part of the con-
trol system which can monitor the entire transmitter.
b. RF Monitor Board - Responsible for cabinet VSWR protection and monitoring of
combiner reject loads. Reports directly to the Main Controller.
c. Power Supply Monitor Board - Responsible for control and monitoring of the PA
power supply and distribution of the low voltage. Also responsible for monitoring
the cooling system including temperature and air pressure. Reports directly to the
Main Controller.
d. External I/O Board - Provides all customer interface connections including paral-
lel remote control. Reports directly to the Main Controller.
e. PA Module Controllers (1 in each module) - This is not actually a 376 micro
module but is a micro controller and is responsible for protection and control of
the PA Module. Reports directly to the Main Controller Board via the CAN bus.
1.2.2.1 Graphical User Interface
The front panel user interface is a 1/4 VGA, LCD touchscreen display. The touchscreen
display is used to monitor the transmitter. Hardware buttons for the primary transmitter
functions such as ON, OFF, RAISE and LOWER are provided on the overlay panel next
to the display.
1.2.2.2 Control System Communications
The control system uses a serial communications system called a CAN bus. CAN stands
for Controller Area Network. The CAN bus is a closed loop serial network operated by
the Main Controller Board. Each circuit board and module connected to the CAN bus is