Research Concepts RC4000 - Manual (Page 118)

RC4000 Antenna Controller Chapter 4 Support
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4.1.1 Software Initialization
Initial Power Application. Before powering the unit on for the first time, please confirm that the input
voltage the unit is configured for matches the intended input supply voltage. See section 2.2.1.
Software Version Verification. When the RC4000 is turned on, a power up banner appears for 3
seconds. This banner indicates the software options enabled in the RC4000’s EPROM and PLD. The
software option data shown should be checked to confirm that all desired options are available. See 1.2
(Controller Features) for a description of the various software options.
Enable Expert Access. To perform RC4000 programming steps described below, expert access
permission must be enabled. Expert access permission is enabled as the factory default, but may have
been turned off if this is not the initial system configuration attempt. See 3.3.1.1.1 (Expert Access
Permission) for description of how to view/modify the expert access configuration item.
After installation is complete, expert access may be turned off to lessen risk of configuration settings
being unintentionally modified. Disabling expert access will also present a less complex set of screens
for normal operation.
Reset System Defaults. The RC4000 is shipped with the default parameters set for the particular mount
and software options. Most of the default values stored in non-volatile memory should be applicable. A
few items (antenna size, etc) may not be initially set to values appropriate for a particular installation.
Setting these values will be described next.
If the RC4000 has previously been configured, the installer may want to reset the system defaults as
described in 3.3.1.3.1. NOTE: the current value of all configuration items should be recorded prior
to resetting system defaults.
System Definition. The SYSTEM DEFINITION configuration screen (3.3.1.2.1) allows the user to
indicate whether or not the optional GPS receiver is present, if and how the fluxgate compass is mounted,
whether or not the optional waveguide switch module is present, the size of the reflector in use and what
mode the user prefers the RC4000 to go to upon power up. The user may also enter the unit's serial
number for later reference.
GPS: 1 CONFIG-SYSTEM
COMPASS: 1 SN:1234 WAVEGUIDE:0
MODE: 2 ANT_SIZE: 120
<1>GPS PRESENT <0>NOT PRESENT
Follow the description in section 3.3.1.2.1 and set the SYSTEM DEFINTION items to the correct value for
this installation.
Azimuth/Elevation/Polarization Calibration. The next three steps calibrate the mount’s elevation,
azimuth and polarization axes. Place the RC4000 in MANUAL mode. Values for the azimuth, elevation
and polarization axes should be displayed, though they may not be reasonable since calibration has not
yet been performed.
For each axis, limit switch status will be confirmed, position feedback will be calibrated and total range of
movement will be tested.
NOTE: be careful when initially moving a mount since limit switches may not yet be configured
correctly. In MANUAL mode, movement will stop whenever a particular jog key is released. The
RC4000 may also always be turned off to stop movement.
Throughout the 3 axis’ calibration procedures, two MAINTENANCE screens will be used extensively.