sat-nms ACU-19V User Manual

Version 2.3.0 -- 2023-07-04 -- (C) 2003-2023 SatService GmbH

Abstract

The sat-nms ACU19V is an advanced automatic tracking antenna controller. It can be used as a cost efficient antenna tracking system to replace the Vertex / General Dynamics Satcom Technologies Model 7200 Antenna Control Unit keeping the outdoor 7150 Antenna Drive Unit as it is. The replacement is simple plug & play by reusing the existing cables. The system is based on the sat-nms ACU-ODM Module and provides Model 7200 ACU fully compatible rear panel connectors in the 19inch 1RU chassis. The sat-nms ACU19V points any antenna size precisely on the satellite and performs a fully automatic and accurate inclined orbit satellite tracking with an improved adaptive tracking algorithm. The sat-nms ACU19V records the tracked positions over several days and calculates based on this data a precise mathematical model, which is used to predict the antenna position. This reduces the step-track failures and provides continuous operation in case of a beacon receive failure. In the Program Tracking Mode the antenna follows a path defined by a file that contains time stamped azimuth, elevation and polarization values. These values have usually been calculated by external software.

This document describes how to install, setup and operate this antenna controller.

Table Of Contents

• 1 Introduction
• 2 Safety Instructions
• 3 The sat-nms ACU19V
  • 3.1 Frontpanel Display
  • 3.2 Frontpanel Keyboard
  • 3.3 Drive cabinet interfaces
  • 3.4 Analog beacon level input
  • 3.5 Angle encoder interfaces
  • 3.6 Alarm interfaces
  • 3.7 Remote interfaces
  • 3.8 Mains input
• 4 Installation
  • 4.1 Mechanical installation
  • 4.2 Interfaces to the Antenna, Pin descriptions
    • 4.2.1 Connector Layout
    • 4.2.2 Pin descriptions
  • 4.3 Start-up
    • 4.3.1 Setting the IP Address
    • 4.3.2 Angle detectors
    • 4.3.3 Driver Interface
    • 4.3.4 Pointing/ Tracking
    • 4.3.5 Backup of ACU settings
• 5 Operation
  • 5.1 The Web-based User Interface
  • 5.2 Antenna Pointing
  • 5.3 Target Memory
  • 5.4 Tracking Parameters
  • 5.5 Test Page
  • 5.6 Setup
  • 5.7 Handheld Terminal
• 6 Frontpanel operation
  • 6.1 Display mode
  • 6.2 The main menu
  • 6.3 Select targets
  • 6.4 Step move
  • 6.5 Editing Numeric Parameters
  • 6.6 Set tracking mode
• 7 Remote Control
  • 7.1 General command syntax
  • 7.2 The TCP/IP remote control interface
  • 7.3 The RS232 remote control interface
  • 7.4 Parameter list
  • 7.5 One line read via TCP/IP
• 8 Theory of Operation
  • 8.1 Angle Measurement
  • 8.2 Pointing / Motor Control
  • 8.3 Steptrack
    • 8.3.1 The sat-nms Steptrack Algorithm
    • 8.3.2 ACU and Beacon Receiver
    • 8.3.3 Smoothing
    • 8.3.4 Steptrack Parameters
  • 8.4 Adaptive Tracking
    • 8.4.1 The sat-nms Adaptive Tracking Algorithm
    • 8.4.2 The Tracking Memory
    • 8.4.3 Adaptive Tracking Parameters
  • 8.5 Program Tracking
    • 8.5.1 Practical Usage
    • 8.5.2 File Format
  • 8.6 Faults and Tracking
• 9 Specifications