sat-nms RMC User Manual

Version 1.2.1 -- 2024-03-12 -- © 2009-2024 SatService GmbH

Abstract

The sat-nms Radiometer Controller (RMC) is a controller for radiometers. It is not only for use as core module for new radiometers in any frequency band, but also to upgrade existing radiometers. It was developed by SatService GmbH including a highly linear sat-nms Radiometer Detector (RMD) for the detection of the noise signal in any IF band between 50 and 2000MHz.

The chosen radiometer concept provides high stability and measuring accuracy and easy and flexible operation due to operator friendly user interface.

The radiometer type implemented is noise balancing / noise injection. In addition to that the software includes all other additional functions necessary for a radiometer, for example control functionality for azimuth and elevation of the radiometer antenna. This allows automatic tip curve calibration and automatic calibration with a cold-load via sat-nms RMC. Also the complete high precision temperature control of the feed box, including the microwave and IF receiving system, is performed via the radiometer controller.

Like any equipment belonging to the sat-nms family, the radiometer controller provides an Ethernet TCP/IP interface. All measurement results and the monitoring parameters are available via HTTP Web Interface and can be monitored and controlled from remote IOT software either via HTTP get functions or via RS232 interface. The controller includes a compact flash card of 2GB for data logging purposes and allows download of data via FTP.

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

Table Of Contents

• 1 Introduction
• 2 Installation
  • 2.1 Safety Instructions
  • 2.2 Setting the IP Address
  • 2.3 Connecting the RMC
    • 2.3.1 Connector Layout
    • 2.3.2 RMC Pin Descriptions
    • 2.3.3 Power Supply Cabling
    • 2.3.4 Mechanical Installation
  • 2.4 Connecting the RMD
    • 2.4.1 Connector Layout
    • 2.4.2 RMD Pin Descriptions
    • 2.4.3 Power Supply
    • 2.4.4 Mechanical Installation
  • 2.5 Format Compact Flash Card
• 3 Operation
  • 3.1 The Web-based User Interface
  • 3.2 Displayed Readings
  • 3.3 Operational Parameters
  • 3.4 Presets
  • 3.5 Calibration
  • 3.6 Tip Curve Calibration
  • 3.7 Cold-Load Calibration
  • 3.8 Installation Parameters
• 4 Remote Control
  • 4.1 General command syntax
  • 4.2 The TCP/IP remote control interface
  • 4.3 The RS232 remote control interface
  • 4.4 Parameter list
  • 4.5 FTP Download
  • 4.6 FTPUpdate
  • 4.7 Rescom Interface Protocol Emulation
• 5 Theory of Operation
  • 5.1 Radiometer Concept
  • 5.2 Radiometer Calibration
    • 5.2.1 Cold-load Calibration
    • 5.2.2 Tip-Curve calibration
  • 5.3 Antenna Control Unit
    • 5.3.1 Position sensor types
    • 5.3.2 Angle calibration
    • 5.3.3 Pointing/Motor Control
  • 5.4 Frequency Scaling
    • 5.4.1 CCIR Model
    • 5.4.2 SIGMA-A Model
    • 5.4.3 SIGMA-B Model
• 6 Specifications
  • 6.1 sat-nms RMC
  • 6.2 sat-nms RMD