System information

Maintenance and Troubleshooting 9497B-20 Ku-Band TVRO
7-2
7.2.4. Azimuth & Elevation Drive
Refer to the Azimuth & Elevation Drive check procedure in the Functional Testing section of this manual.
7.2.5. Test Tracking
Refer to the four quadrant Tracking check procedure in the Functional Testing section of this manual.
7.2.6. Visual Inspection - Radome & Pedestal
Conduct a good, thorough, visual inspection of the radome and antenna pedestal. Visually inspect the inside
surface of the radome top and of the antenna pedestal. Look for water or condensation, rust or corrosion,
white fiberglass powder residue, loose wiring connections, loose hardware, loose or broken belts or any other
signs of wear or damage.
1. Radome Inspection - All the radome flanges are properly sealed to prevent wind, saltwater spray
and rain from being able to enter the radome. Re-seal any open (“leaky”) areas with marine
approved silicone sealant. If heavy condensation, or standing water, is found inside the radome,
isolate and seal the leak, and then dry out the radome. Small (1/8 inch) holes may be drilled in the
base pan of the radome to allow standing water to “weep” out.
2. Antenna Pedestal Inspection - The shock/vibration springs and/or wire rope Isolators should not be
frayed, completely compressed, or otherwise damaged. The plated and painted parts should not be
rusted or corroded. The harnesses should not be frayed and all the connectors should be properly
fastened and tightened. All hardware should be tight (no loose assemblies or counter-weights).
Replace, re-coat, repair and/or tighten as necessary.
7.2.7. Mechanical Checks
Turn the pedestal power supply OFF
1. Inspect inside of radome for signs that the dish or feed have been rubbing against the inside of the
fiberglass radome.
2. Rotate the pedestal through its full range of azimuth motion. The antenna should rotate freely and
easily with light finger pressure.
3. Rotate the pedestal through full range of elevation rotation. The antenna should rotate freely and
easily with light finger pressure.
4. Rotate the pedestal through full range of cross-level rotation. The antenna should rotate freely and
easily with light finger pressure.
5. Rotate the level cage through the full 90 degrees of rotation from CCW stop to CW stop. The level
cage antenna should rotate freely and easily with light finger pressure. Attached cables should not
cause the cage to spring back more that a few degrees from either stop when released.
6. Inspect all drive belts for wear (black dust on/under the area of the belt).
7. Inspect AZ Drive chain. IF chain is beginning to show signs of rust or corrosion, apply a light coat
of light duty oil to the chain. Wipe excess oil off to leave a light coating on the chain. DO NOT
over-lubricate.
7.2.8. Check Balance
Check the balance of the antenna, re-balance as needed (refer to the Balancing the Antenna procedure
below).
7.2.9. Observe Antenna Initialization
Observe the Antenna Initialization as described in the Troubleshooting section below.
7.3. Troubleshooting
7.3.1. Theory Of Stabilization Operation
The antenna system is mounted on a three axis stabilization assembly that provides free motion with 3
degrees of freedom. This assembly allows the inertia of the antenna system to hold the antenna pointed
motionless in inertial space while the ship rolls, pitches and yaws beneath the assembly. Three low friction
torque motors attached to each of the three free axes of the assembly provide the required force to
overcome the disturbing torque imposed on the antenna system by cable restraints, bearing friction and