Specifications

ManualsBrandsRESEARCH CONCEPTS ManualsAmplifierRC3000

RC3000/RC3050 INTERFACE SPECIFICATIONS

Research Concepts, Inc.

Shawnee, KS 66218-9680 USA

phone: (913) 422-0210 fax: (913) 422-0211

www.researchconcepts.com email: support@researchconcepts.com

Overview

The RC3000 Satellite Locator and RC3050 3-Axis Jog Controller are antenna controllers designed for use with elevation over

azimuth antennas on mobile satellite uplink vehicles (also referred to as satellite news vehicles - SNV's). The product has

also been adapted for use on flyaway systems. These microprocessor based controllers are housed in 2U rack enclosures

and interface directly with the antenna’s position sensors, limit switches and motors. The predecessor of these controllers

was the popular RC8097 Satellite Locator. This document describes the interface of the RC3000 and RC3050 controllers to

an antenna mount.

The RC3050 features a 2x16 liquid crystal display (LCD) and an 8 key keypad. The RC3050 can be supplied with an optional

hand-held remote control, (option RC3000HRC). The other option available for the RC3050 is auto-deploy and auto-stow

(option RC3050ASD). The auto deploy feature of the RC3050 allows the user to initiate an auto move that will raise the

antenna from the stow position to the vertical position. The auto stow feature automatically places the antenna in the stow

configuration.

The RC3000 calculates the antenna pointing solution given the vehicle latitude/longitude, vehicle heading, and satellite

longitude. (The pointing solution is the azimuth and elevation angles required to align the antenna with the desired satellite).

Once a pointing solution is available the controller can automatically position the antenna at the calculated azimuth and

elevation position. If the received signal (L band) or an analog voltage proportional to received signal strength is available the

controller will perform a search for the satellite. The RC3000 can obtain the vehicle heading from an optional flux gate

compass (designated RC3000FG) and the vehicle latitude and longitude from an optional GPS navigation receiver

(designated RC3000GPS). If the system does not include the optional flux gate and/or GPS sensors the user can manually

enter this data into the controller. The controller also allows the user to store a number of preset vehicle locations and

satellite longitude values. The RC3000CRC option adds support for RS-232 or RS-422 based serial communications using

the SA Bus protocol. The RC3000TRK option allows the RC3000 antenna controller to track inclined orbit satellites via step

track and memory track algorithms (the antenna must be fitted with azimuth and elevation type pulse position encoders for

inclined oribt tracking). The RC3000 also supports the RC3000HRC hand-held remote control.

Controller Types

The RC3000/RC3050 are currently available in two versions. Models with the ‘A’ suffix are designed for use with antennas

powered by low voltage (12 to 36 volts), high current (up to 12 amps) azimuth, elevation, and polarization DC motors. Models

with the ‘B’ suffix are designed for use with 90 volt (3/4 horsepower max) or 180 volt (1 ½ horsepower max) DC azimuth and

elevation motors (1 horsepower max) and 12 volt DC polarization control motors (400 ma max).

Schematics

Schematics that describe the controller’s motor, limit switch, position sensor, and accessory connections are included in the

appendix of this document.

Physical Characteristics

The RC3000 is designed for rack mounting. The dimensions are 19" x 3.5" x 17.5" (width x height x depth). The weight of

the RC3000A is 19 lbs. The RC3000B weighs 13lbs. The liquid crystal display (LCD) used with the unit is designed for

viewing from a 6 o'clock position. This means that the controller should be mounted above the operator’s eye level. An LCD

module optimized for a 12 o'clock viewing is also available.

The RC3000 enclosure is a standard rack mount chassis that occupies two rack units (2U). The controller is attached to the

panel via four (4) 10-32 screws. The distribution of weight within the controller requires that additional supports be provided

on either the back or sides of the controller enclosure. There are mounting points on the back and sides of the unit that can

accept 10-32 screws for securing the controller to these support structures. Note that the mounting points on the back of

the unit can also be used to attach cable strain relief straps. Locations of the additional enclosure mounting points is

detailed in the appendices of this document. The RC3000 must be supported from the rear.

Caution: RCI’s warranty does not cover damage to the controller due to inadequate support of the controller’s enclosure.

Cabling and Connectors

The only cables supplied with the unit are the AC line cord and the cables for the optional electronic compass and the GPS

receiver. All other cables must be supplied by the customer. A kit is available that contains all mating connectors. The kit

part number is FP-RC3K-CN-SET.

Summary of content (17 pages)

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RC3000/RC3050 INTERFACE SPECIFICATIONS Research Concepts, Inc. Shawnee, KS 66218-9680 USA phone: (913) 422-0210 fax: (913) 422-0211 www.researchconcepts.com email: support@researchconcepts.com Overview The RC3000 Satellite Locator and RC3050 3-Axis Jog Controller are antenna controllers designed for use with elevation over azimuth antennas on mobile satellite uplink vehicles (also referred to as satellite news vehicles - SNV's). The product has also been adapted for use on flyaway systems.
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Note that the cable service loop at the back of the controller should be long enough to allow the unit to be pulled out of its mounting rack with the cabling attached to perform internal adjustments. Also note that the controller’s J1, J3, J6, J7, and J10 connectors are identical to those on the back of the RC8097 controller. A back panel diagram is included in the appendix of this document. The following table describes the connectors on the back of the RC3000.
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4. Use a pair of needle nose pliers to remove the card (the end of the card is labeled either ‘115’ or ‘230’) from the power entry module. Rotate the card and insert it into the power entry module so that the desired line voltage is displayed. 5. Replace the fuse and fuse drawer. Use a slow blow fuse that is appropriate for the line voltage selected: 8 amp for 115 VAC, 4 amps for 230 VAC. The RC3000B can be configured at the factory for either 115 or 230 VAC operation.
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Quantity Units Example Value Total range of antenna movement about the axis. Degrees +/- 155 degrees of azimuth movement Total number of potentiometer turns. Whole turns and degrees. 10 turns, tolerance: + 0 degrees, - 10 degrees Ratio of movement about the antenna axis to potentiometer movement A ratio, 1:x (x greater than 1) If 310 degrees of azimuth movement results in 5.6 turns of the azimuth potentiometer the ratio is 1:x, where x equals (5.6 x 360) / 310 or 1:6.503.
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Limit Switch Limit Switch Contact Configuration When Antenna Is AT The Limit Elevation Up Open Elevation Down Open Flux Gate Placement The RC3000 antenna controller can obtain the vehicle’s heading from the optional flux gate compass (RC3000FG). A diagram of the flux gate is included in the addendum (an unhoused version of the flux gate is also available). The flux gate senses the direction of the earth's magnetic field.
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The range of analog voltages accepted by the RC3000 is –15 VDC to + 15 VDC. The analog voltages can be generated either by a beacon receiver or by an AGC (Automatic Gain Control) circuit in a modem or analog receiver. The RC3000 can accept signal strength inputs of either polarity. In this context positive polarity means that the output voltage increases as the received satellite signal increases. Negative polarity refers to the case where the output voltage decreases as the satellite signal increases.
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I 1PPS output, TTL compatible Hand Held Remote Connector J10 (DB-25 female) provides an interface to the optional hand-held remote control (designated RC3000HRC). The RC3000HRC option allows an operator to jog the antenna and view antenna limit indications. Antenna position information is not displayed on the hand-held remote. The remote is housed in a 3” x 6” x 1.75” aluminum chassis and interfaces to the RC3000 via a 25’ multi-conductor cable (included with the handheld remote).
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RS232/RS422 Serial Communications J5 allows for PC remote control of the RC3000. The RC3000 may be internally configured to communicate using either RS232 or RS-422 electrical levels. The communications protocol is derived from the SA Bus standard. Please see the white paper entitled ‘Computer Control of Satellite Antennas’ for more information on the communications protocol.
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P2 - Analog Signal Strength P1 - Position Sensors DB15 male 10 AZ Drain 9 AZ + 1 AZ Wiper 2 AZ - 3 POL Drain 11 POL + 4 POL Wiper 12 POL - 7 El Drain 6 El +15 14 El Com 8 El -15 15 El Signal DB15 male 8 Azimuth Position Pot. AGC 1 Input Receiver 7 Polarization Position Pot.
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P9 - GPS & Flux Gate Compass P4 - Pulse Sensor DB37 male DB15 female 2 AZ Pulse In 1 AZ Pulse Return 10 AZ Pulse Power * 9 AZ Pulse Shield 4 AZ Quad Pulse 3 AZ Quad Return 11 AZ Quad Power * 7 EL Pulse In 8 EL Pulse Return 14 EL Pulse Power * 15 EL Pulse Shield 5 EL Quad Pulse 6 EL Quad Return 13 EL Quad Power * 12 Alarm In Azimuth Pulse Sensor For Future Support of Quadrature Sensor Elevation Pulse Sensor For Future Support of Quadrature Sensor DB9 male 1 20 2 21 3 22 4
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Accessories RF Auto F Peak O S 2 G N 2 O S 1 Signal Strength Pulse Sensors Navigation Sensors DB-15 F DB-15 M DB-37 F J2 - AGC J4 - Pulses J9 - Navigation G N 1 J1 - Sensors J3 - Limits J5 - Comms. J10 - Handheld J12 - Waveguide DB-15 F DB-15 F DB-9 F DB-25 F DB-15 F Drive Sensor Limit Switches PC Remote Handheld Remote Wavguide Switch 10-32 threaded insert J8 - Acc.
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RC3000 FLUXGATE COMPASS Research Concepts, Inc. Fax: (913) 422-0211 • • • • • 5420 Martindale, Shawnee, KS 66218-9680 e-mail:support@researchconcepts.com Phone: (913) 422-0210 www.researchconcepts.com This sensor will operate through tilt (pitch & roll) ranges of +16o. Cable 25’, 1/4” diameter, terminated with a D9 male connector A 1.25” x .625” opening is required for the connector to pass through a panel. An unhoused model is also available.
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What you need to know to order. AccuStar Electronic Clinometer Model Number Description 0211 1002-000 0211 1102-000 Analog Vertical Flange Horizontal Flange Lucas Control Systems 1000 Lucas Way Hampton, VA 23666 Phone: (757) 766-1500 Fax: (757) 766-4458 Internet: www.schaevitz Analog Output Features √ √ Internally regulated Bipolar input/output The Analog clinometer is a signal conditioned sensor which has been designed for dc voltage, bipolar operation.
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RC3000 GPS RECEIVER MOUNTING Research Concepts, Inc. Fax: (913) 422-0211 5420 Martindale, Shawnee, KS 66218-9680 e-mail:support@researchconcepts.com Phone: (913) 422-0210 www.researchconcepts.com BASIC MOUNT MARINE MOUNT A marine mount is a 1” diameter rod with 14 TPI (Thread Per Inch), non tapered. Will work with 3/4” NPT (National Pipe Thread). 3.80” 2.25” FLANGE MOUNT 2.86” 1.5 7” 0” 2.5 Operating Temp. -30oC to +85oC Storage Temp. -40oC to +90oC 2.50” Cables 25’, 1/4” diameter A 1.25” x .
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VERTICAL REFERENCE INCLINOMETER REFERENCE X = 35 DEGREES - ANTENNA OFFSET X ELECTRICAL BORESIGHT INCLINOMETER ANTENNA OFFSET HORIZONTAL REFERENCE FEED REFLECTOR BACKSTRUCTURE RC3000 INCLINOMETER ORIENTATION
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DIGITAL TACHOMETER SENSOR KITS POWER/MATION W238 N1690 Rockwood Drive Waukesha, WI 53188 Phone: (414) 523-0600 800-242-2060 Fax: (414) 523-0611 SPECIFICATIONS INPUT: 5-16 VDC OUTPUT: NPN, 20ma TEMPERATURE: Minus 400F to plus 2250F OUTPUT CONNECTION: Three Wire PULSES PER REVOLUTION (ppr): 1 * WAVE FORM: Square Wave ENVIRONMENT: Impervious to dust, oil & water * 2, 15 & 60 ppr models are available ORDERING CHART DIMENSIONS MOTOR FRAME SIZE KIT MODEL NUMBER A B C D 56C DTK-056 M1 9.375 5.875 4.500 7.
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The RC3000 is housed in a standard 2 RU enclosure 17 inches long and 17 inches wide. Handles extend approximately 1.5" in front and connectors with the mating connectors will extend approximately 3.5" in the rear. Four #10-32 threaded inserts are positioned to the rear on each side for chassis support. These holes lie in a 2.5" x 6.0" rectangle. 2.95 0.45 0.00 10.50 16.50 0.00 17.