System information

9797B-70 C-Band TXRX Operation
2-1
2. Operation
WARNING: RF Radiation Hazard - This stabilized antenna system is designed to be used with
transmit/receive equipment manufactured by others. Refer to the documentation supplied by the
manufacturer which will describe potential hazards, including exposure to RF radiation, associated
with the improper use of the transmit/receive equipment. Note that the transmit/receive
equipment will operate independently of the stabilized antenna system.
The ultimate responsibility for safety rests with the facility operator and the individuals
who work on the system.
WARNING: RF Radiation Hazard - When the transmit/receive system is in operation, no one
should be allowed anywhere within the radiated beam being emitted from the reflector.
The ultimate responsibility for safety rests with the facility operator and the individuals
who work on the system.
2.1. System Power-up
Turn the Power switch on the louvered panel of the antenna pedestal ON. This will energize the antenna pedestal and
the associated RF equipment.
Turn the Power switch on rear panel of the Antenna Control Unit (ACU) ON.
2.2. Antenna Initialization
A functional operation check can be made on the antenna stabilization system by observing its behavior during the 4
phases of initialization.
Turn the pedestal power supply ON. This will release the elevation and cross-level bakes and then the PCU will initialize
the stabilized portion of the mass to be level with the horizon and at a prescribed Azimuth and Elevation angles. The
antenna will go through the specific sequence of steps (listed below) to initialize the antenna. These phases initialize
the level cage, elevation, cross-level and azimuth to predetermined starting positions.
Initialization is completed in the following phases, each phase must complete properly for the antenna to operate
properly (post-initialization).
1. Level Cage is driven CCW, issuing extra steps to assure that the cage is all the way to the mechanical stop.
Then the Level cage will be driven exactly 45.0 degrees CW.
2. Elevation axis activates - Input from the LV axis of the tilt sensor is used to drive the Elevation of the
equipment frame to bring the tilt sensor LV axis to level (this results in the dish being at an elevation angle of
45.0 degrees).
3. Cross-Level axis activates - Input from the CL axis of the tilt sensor is used to drive Cross-Level of the
equipment frame to bring the cross-level axis of the tilt sensor to level (this results in the tilt of the Cross-
Level Beam being level).
4. Azimuth axis activates - Antenna drives in azimuth until the “Home Flag” signal is produced. This signal is
produced by a Home Switch hitting a cam or by a Hall Effect sensor in close proximity to a Magnet.
This completes the phases of initialization. At this time the antenna elevation should 45.0 degrees and Relative
azimuth should be at be at home flag (home switch engaged on the home flag cam).
If any of these steps fail, or the Antenna Control Unit reports model number as "xx97(A/B)" re-configure the PCU as
described in section the Setup section of this manual. If initialization still fails, refer to the troubleshooting section of
this manual.
2.3. Antenna Stabilization
After initialization has completed, real-time stabilization of the antenna is an automatic function of the PCU.