Research Concepts RC2500 Two Axis Antenna Controller

Description

The Research Concepts RC2500 Antenna Controller is satellite antenna positioner and tracking controller designed for use with two axis motorised antenna systems. The Research Concepts RC2500 Antenna Controller can directly drive linear 36 volt DC actuators or larger single and three phase antenna systems through the addition of a Drive Cabinet. The Research Concepts RC2500 Antenna Controller can be used to quickly and easily re-position two axis (Azimuth over Elevation) steerable satellite antennas or to track satellites in geosynchronous inclined orbits.

The Research Concepts RC2500 Antenna Controller can operate in three tracking modes, the first is Step Track mode whereby the ACU peaks up the system using a Received Signal Strength Indication provided by a beacon receiver, the second is a Program Track mode where the ACU positions the antenna to a set of predefined track table entries previous derived from a Step Track, and the third is a Search mode where the ACU enters a search pattern if the satellite signal has been lost.

The Research Concepts RC2500 Antenna Controller can support two channels of Received Signal Strength or AGC, that allow the controller to automatically track satellite in an inclined orbit. The RC2500 range of controllers utilise an analogue voltage in the range of 0 to 10 volts to peak the satellite dish to provide optimum performance. The AGC voltage is usually provided by a beacon receiver or modem with optional AGC output.

The Research Concepts RC2500 Antenna Controller can bhe enhanced with the addition of the RCI Web Server to allow remote positioning and to support system status updates Simple Network Monitoring Protocol (SNMP). For redundant operations we configure our RC2500 system with two sources of AGC, typically a beacon receiver, and AGC derived from a modem or a DVB-S/S receiver.

Av-Comm has extensive experience integrating the Research Concepts range of Antenna Control Units (ACUs) and Drive Cabinets with new or existing antenna systems. Av-Comm has successfully integrated Andrew, Scientific Atlanta, Vertex, NEC, Suman, and Prodelin antenna systems with Research Concept Controllers and is able to provide consultation to assist customers with integrating their existing antenna system to support motorisation, Inclined Orbit tracking, and active antenna positioning (for large aperture or high frequency Ku, Ka, Q, and E Bands).