The Research Concepts RC2000A operates in a mode architecture whereby the controller’s operational status is governed by the selected mode. An explanation of these modes are listed below.

Manual:

Allows for manual jogging of the antenna azimuth, elevation and polarization axis. The fast/slow speed toggle is active in this mode.

Auto:

A satellite, previously saved in memory, can be recalled and the RC2000A will position the antenna on the selected satellite.

Setup:

This mode is invoked to store azimuth, elevation and polarization values memory for a selected satellite.

Reset:

Used to reset the drive over-current protection circuits after the load error has been corrected.

Delete:

Allows the user to delete a satellite from the list of stored values.

Fix:

Used to restore the proper position counters in the event of a memory error or sensor failure.

Azim Slow:

This mode allows the user to select an appropriate drive slow speed value to optimize system performance.

Elev Slow:

Same as for Azim Slow

Config:

Provides a concise point to enter any necessary system constants or enable options. Examples are Auto-Pol sense and status as well as simultaneous movement of axis during an Auto move.

Limits:

Software limits are set for both axis in this mode. They provide backups for the mechanical limits and establish an estimate of the antenna range of operation.

Features:

- An intuitive user interface based on a 2 by 40 liquid crystal display with a 16 key keypad

- Dual Speed, Solid State Adapti-DriveTM can deliver 8 amps (at 30 volts DC) to the antenna actuator. The drive features electronic over current protection and dynamic braking. An application note is available which describes a method to interface with motors that operate at different voltages - see the Application Information section

- Precise slow speed control is implemented by a software servo based system that measures the rate at which position pulses are accumulated by the controller and adjusts the voltage applied to the drive to maintain a constant rate of movement

- Interfaces with pulse based position sensors

- reed switch, Hall effect, or optical

- Servo based polarization control. An optional daughter board, designated RC2KPOL, can interface with a 5 to 24 volt DC powered rotating feed equipped with a potentiometer for position feedback

- Serial communications via an RS-422 port. The RC2000 uses the industry standard SA Bus protocol

- Rack Mounting (2 rack units high), 115/230 VAC Switch Selectable Power Input

- Non-Volatile Memory retains satellite position data. The RC2000A can store location data for 50 geostationary satellites. The RC2000C stores location data for 35 satellites, 5 of which may be inclined.