Advent ACU42xx Antenna Controller

TECHNICAL OPERATION HANDBOOK
for
ADVENT ACU42XX ANTENNA CONTROL UNIT
The Document is supplied on the express terms that it is to be

treated as confidential and that it may not be copied, used or
disclosed to others for any purpose except as authorised by
Advent Communications
ADVENT COMMUNICATIONS
Preston Hill House
Nashleigh Hill
Chesham
Bucks HP5 3HE
England
Telephone: National 01494 774400

International +44 1494 774400
Fax: 01494 791127
E-Mail Support@advent-comm.co.uk
FIRST AID
FIRST AID IN CASE OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT TOUCH THE VICTIM WITH YOUR BARE HANDS until the circuit is broken.
SWITCH OFF. If this is not possible, PROTECT YOURSELF with DRY insulating material and
pull the victim clear of the conductor.
If breathing has stopped, indicated by unconsciousness, lack of

respiratory movements and a `blue` look to cheeks, lips, ears and
nails, START RESUSCITATION AT ONCE.
EMERGENCY RESUSCITATION - THE EXPIRED AIR METHOD

(Approved by the Royal Life Saving Society)
1. If possible, lie the victim on his back with his head slightly higher than his feet. Clear the
mouth and throat of any obvious obstruction.
2. Kneel on one side of the victim, level with his head. LIFT THE JAW AND TILT THE
HEAD BACK AS FAR AS POSSIBLE (Figs. 1a and 1b)
3. One of the following may happen:

(a) breathing may begin and consciousness return.
(b) breathing may begin but consciousness NOT return. Turn the victim on his side
and ensure that the airway is kept clear.
(c) breathing may return but be NOISY which means that the airway is not fully clear.
Try to the clear the airway.
4. IF THERE IS NO SIGN OF BREATHING:

(a) Check that the head is still tilted back.
(b) Take a deep breath.
(c) Pinch the victim’s nose and blow firmly into his mouth (Fig. 2). As you do the
chest will RISE.
(d) Turn your head away and take another breath, watching for the chest to FALL
(Fig. 3).
5. Start with four quick breaths and then continue with one breath every five seconds (i.e. 12 times a minute). This
should be continued until the victim revives or a doctor certifies death.
6. As consciousness returns the victim will start to breathe on his own, and a `pink` colour replaces the `blue` look: this
is the time to stop resuscitation Continue to hold his chin up and so keep the airway clear.
7. In the case of injuries to the mouth, it may be necessary to use mouth-to-nose resuscitation. Seal the victim’s mouth
with your cheek and blow firmly into his nose, proceeding as above.
8. In the case of severe facial injuries it may be necessary to do a manual method of artificial respiration (Silvester-
Brosch or Holger Nielsen). Briefly, these methods apply compression to the ribcage with the victim lying on his back
(S-B) or face down (H.N.) with associated movement of his arms up and out. The cycle of movement should take
about five seconds, i.e. the normal breathing phase.
9. Whatever the method, it is ESSENTIAL to commence resuscitation WITHOUT DELAY and to send for medical
assistance immediately.
TREATMENT FOR BURNS
If the victim is also suffering from burns, then, without hindrance to resuscitation, observe the following:
(a) DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REMOVE CLOTHING ADHERING TO THE BURN.

(b) If possible alleviate the pain from the burnt part by immersing in cold water.
(c) If help as available or as soon as resuscitation is no longer required the wound should be covered with a DRY clean
dressing.
(d) Oil or grease in any form should not be applied.
(e) If severely burnt, get the victim to hospital immediately.
Further details of charts and books on emergency resuscitation may be obtained from:
The Royal Life Saving Society, 14 Devonshire Street, Portland Place, London, W1N 2AT
208698 - ACU42xx Antenna Controller Page 2 of 123

EMC DECLARATION

AMENDMENT RECORD SHEET
ISS DATE ECR SOFTWARE DESCRIPTION

REVISION
A 16/01/04 7630 C.03 SOFT-000119C

CONTENTS
FIRST AID 2
EMC DECLARATION 3
AMENDMENT RECORD SHEET 4
CONTENTS 5
1. INTRODUCTION 9
2. SPECIFICATION 11
2.1. PHYSICAL 11
2.2. ANGULAR POSITIONAL DISPLAY 11
2.3. ANGULAR CONTROL 11
3. ACU42XX QUICK START GUIDE 12
3.1. ANTENNA INSTALLATION AND TEST 12
3.2. ACU42XX COM PORTS 12
3.3. ACS3000-ACU42XX SOFTWARE 13
3.4. ACU42XX DATABASE INITALISATION 13
3.5. AUTOPOINT CALIBRATION 13
3.6. CALIFORNIAN DEPLOY INHIBIT 14
3.7. ACU42XX AZIMUTH DISPLAY OPTIONS 14
3.8. AUTO-OPERATION 14
4. ACU42XX INSTALLATION RECOMMENDATIONS 15
4.1. ACU 12V DC POWER CONNECTION 15
4.2. ACU-ANTENNA DCU CONNECTION 15
4.3. ACU-REMOTE CONTROL CONNECTION 15
4.4. ACU-PC CONNECTION 16
4.5. ACU-GPS CONNECTION 16
4.6. ACU-COMPASS CONNECTION 16
4.7. ACU-BEACON RECEIVER CONNECTION 16
4.8. ACU-CALIFORNIAN DEPLOY INHIBIT CONNECTION 16
5. FRONT PANEL 19
5.1. ALARM LED 19
5.2. REMOTE LED 19
5.3. POWER LED 19
5.4. STOP KEY 19
5.5. SHIFT KEY 19
5.6. TX SWITCH KEY 19
5.7. DEPLOY AND STOW KEYS 20
5.8. RATE LEDS AND KEY 20
5.9. POL → AND POL ← KEYS 20
5.10. MAIN LCD DISPLAY AND CONTROL KEYS 20
6. REAR PANEL 21
6.1. J1 : DCU COMMS 21
6.2. J2 : GPS COMMS/POWER 21
6.3. J3 : REMOTE CONTROL 22
6.4. J4 : STATUS 22
6.5. J5 : BEACON RX COMMS 23
6.6. J6 : COMPASS COMMS/POWER 23
6.7. J7 : DCU POWER OUTPUT 24

6.8. J8 : POWER INPUT 24
6.9. J9 : PC CONTROL 24
6.10. FUSES 24
7. CONFIGURATION AND OPERATING PROCEDURE 25
7.1. ACU42XX POWER-UP 25
7.2. CALIFORNIAN DEPLOY INHIBIT 25
7.3. ACU42XX SYSTEM CONFIGURATION 25
7.4. SELECT SATELLITE AND RESTART OPERATION 28
7.5. SATELLITE TRACKING OPERATION 28
7.6. ANTENNA DEPLOYMENT 28
7.7. ANTENNA MOVEMENT 29
7.8. ANTENNA STOWING 29
7.9. OPERATE MODE DISPLAY INTERPRETATION 29
7.10. ANGLE/XXX.TL FLASHING 31
7.11. AXIS RECALIBRATION 31
7.12. ALARMS AND FAULT CODES 33
7.13. TX POLARISATION SWITCH OPERATION 34
8. MENU OPERATION 35
8.1. OUTLINE MENU STRUCTURE 35
8.2. SELECT SATELLITE MENU 36
8.3. RESTART MENU 36
8.4. MORE:ALARMS MENU OPTIONS 36
8.5. MORE: ACTIONS MENU OPTIONS 37
8.6. MORE:SETTINGS MENU OPTIONS 39
8.7. MORE:SETTINGS:SYSTEM:SET-UP MENU OPTIONS 41
8.8. MORE:SETTINGS:SYSTEM:SET-UP:AUTO SYSTEM: AUTO SYSTEM SETUP 44
8.9. MORE:INFO MENU OPTIONS 47
8.10. MORE:INFO: UNITS: ACU MENU OPTIONS 48
8.11. MORE:INFO: UNITS: DCU MENU OPTIONS 49
8.12. MORE:INFO: UNITS: BRX MENU 50
8.13. MORE:INFO: UNITS: GPS/COMPASS MENU 50
9. RECOMMENDED OPERATING PROCEDURE 51
9.1. DEFINITION OF TERMS 51
9.2. ACU4202 52
9.3. ACU4204 56
9.4. ACU4206 59
9.5. ACU4209 65
9.6. ACU4210 70
10. REMOTE CONTROL 73
10.1. INTRODUCTION 73
10.2. SET UP 73
10.3. PACKET STRUCTURE 75
10.4. COMMANDS, QUERIES AND RESPONSES 76
10.5. MESSAGE DATA STRUCTURE 78
10.6. CHANNEL 00: ANTENNA CONTROL SYSTEM 79
10.7. CHANNEL 01: GPS CONTROL 84
10.8. CHANNEL 02: COMPASS CONTROL 86
10.9. CHANNEL 03: BEACON RECEIVER CONTROL 87
10.10. CHANNEL 04: DCU CONTROL 91
10.11. CHANNEL 05: INTERNAL DATABASE CONTROLS 95

11. FAULT CODES 103
11.1. F1: DCU POWER SUPPLY VOLTAGE LOW 103
11.2. F2: DCU MOTOR SUPPLY FAILURE 103
11.3. F3: MOTOR DRIVE MODULE INHIBIT 103
11.4. F4: INCLINOMETER FAILURE 103
11.5. F5: INCLINOMETER SUSPECT 104
11.6. F6 : DRIVE STALL DETECTED 104
11.7. F7: DRIVE FREEWHEEL DETECTED 104
11.8. F8: DRIVE END OF TRAVEL DETECTED 104
11.9. F9: TX POLARISATION SWITCH FAILURE 104
11.10. F10: AZIMUTH STOW SENSOR FAILURE 105
11.11. F11: ELEVATION STOW SENSOR FAILURE 105
11.12. F12: POLARISATION SENSOR FAILURE 105
11.13. F13: ELEVATION DEPLOYMENT SENSOR FAILURE (LYNX 2000) 105
11.14. F14: FEEDARM DEPLOYMENT SENSOR FAILURE (LYNX 2000) 105
11.15. F15: ELEVATION STOW SENSOR FAILURE (LYNX 2000) 106
11.16. F16: DCU FPGA PROGRAMMING FAILURE 106
11.17. F17 : MANUAL BRAKE OVERRIDE ON 106
11.18. F18: AZIMUTH STOWING FAILURE 106
11.19. F19: ELEVATION STOWING FAILURE 106
11.20. F20: POLARISATION STOWING FAILURE 106
11.21. F21: ELEVATION DEPLOYMENT STOWING FAILURE 107
11.22. F22: FEEDARM DEPLOYMENT STOWING FAILURE 107
11.23. F23: POWER UP STATE SUSPECT 107
11.24. F27 : FPGA WATCHDOG TRIGGERED 107
11.25. F31 : HHC OVERIDE ACTIVE 107
11.26. F32: ACU-DCU SERIAL LINK FAILURE 107
11.27. F34: ACU DCU +12V PSU FAILURE 108
11.28. F35: ACU-GPS SERIAL LINK FAILURE 108
11.29. F36: ACU DCU +36V PSU FAILURE 108
11.30. F37: ACU-COMPASS SERIAL LINK FAILURE 108
11.31. F38: ACU GPS +12V PSU FAILURE 108
11.32. F39: ACU COMPASS +12V PSU FAILURE 108
11.33. F40: ACU-BEACON RX SERIAL LINK FAILURE 109
11.34. F42: ABR UNIT ALARM 109
11.35. F43: ACU STATUS +12V PSU FAILURE 109
11.36. F44: ACU SUPPLY OVERVOLTAGE 109
11.37. F45: BRX UNLOCKED 109
11.38. F46: E2PROM CHECKSUM FAILURE 109
11.39. F47: E2PROM TIMEOUT ERROR 109
12. ANTENNA HANDHELD CONTROLLER OPTION 110
12.1. INTRODUCTION 110
12.2. SPECIFICATION 110
12.3. FRONT PANEL 110
12.4. REAR PANEL 110
12.5. OPERATING PROCEDURE 111
13. MAINTENANCE 113
13.1. PERIODIC MAINTENANCE 113
13.2. FUSE RATINGS 113
14. WARRANTY 114
14.1. WARRANTY INFORMATION 114

14.2. CLAIM FOR DAMAGE IN SHIPMENT 114
14.3. FIELD SERVICE 114
14.4. SHIPMENT OF REPAIR PARTS TO FIELD 114
14.5. RETURN PROCEDURES 115
14.6. TRANSPORTATION AND PACKAGING 115
14.7. AUTHORISATION FOR EVALUATION 115
15. FIGURES 116
FIGURE 1- LAYOUT ACU4XXX 117
FIGURE 2 - INTERNAL LAYOUT ACU4XXX 118
FIGURE 3 - ACU4XXX-PC LEAD – A41-111958 119
FIGURE 4 - ACU4XXX-GPS LEAD – A41-206712 120
FIGURE 5 - ACU4XXX-COMPASS LEAD – A41-206704 121
FIGURE 6 - ACU4XXX/ABR4951 BEACON TRACKING RECEIVER LEAD – A41-208005 122
FIGURE 7 - ACU42XX CALIFORNIAN DEPLOY INHBIT WIRING 123

1. INTRODUCTION
The ACU42XX is an antenna control unit designed to operate with the NewSwift MKII, Lynx
2000 (DCU30XX) or motorised Mantis antenna systems (DCU32XX). The ACU42XX provides
all power and communication interfaces to the DCU (Drive Control Unit) mounted on the
antenna from two D-type connectors on the ACU rear panel.
The ACU42XX has software embedded into the unit to be able to calculate the position of a
satellite from the location and orientation of the system. The location and orientation can either
be entered manually or obtained automatically from a GPS and compass unit interfaced to the
ACU42XX. If a beacon receiver is added to the system the ACU42XX can search for and peak
on the satellite beacon signal. If a tracking capable beacon receiver is used the software
embedded into the unit can track inclined orbit satellites.
The unit is a 1U high 400mm deep chassis, powered directly off a nominal 12V DC battery
supply. This is used to power the ACU as well as provide all power requirements for the
antenna mounted DCU. This allows the antenna to be deployed and stowed without the
presence of a mains power supply. The 12V DC supply is also used to power the GPS
receiver and flux gate compass if fitted.
The antenna control unit communicates to the DCU via a RS485 serial communications bus.
The DCU controls the sequencing of the antenna movements, whilst the ACU42XX issues
commands to the DCU and displays the antenna position and status information provided by
the antenna DCU.
The ACU42XX is available in a number of options, these are designated with the following
model numbers.
ACU4202 Base system. (PC and Remote interface)

ACU4204 4202 system +GPS+ fluxgate compass interface.
ACU4206 4204 system + ABRX951 beacon receiver interface.
ACU4209 4202 system + ABRX951 beacon receiver interface.
ACU4210 4202 system + fluxgate compass interface.
The base system (ACU4202) is able to control an antenna and interface with a PC via a rear
panel 25-pin D-type connector. The PC is used to configure the ACU4202 system and enter
the satellite and location databases. Once configured the ACU4202 can then use these
databases, along with a manual entry of the vehicles magnetic heading, to align the antenna
to the estimated position of the satellite.
The ACU4202 also has a remote Advent protocol compliant interface. This allows the unit to
be controlled using RC&M type computer control systems. The PC port is not suitable for this
type of application.
The ACU4204 system has interfaces for both a GPS receiver and a flux gate compass. The
GPS is used to provide the location of the antenna system automatically. The location can
also be manually selected from the database of user settable locations. The flux gate compass
is used to provide the orientation of the antenna to magnetic north. This allows the ACU42XX
software to automatically align the antenna to the approximate position of any satellite.
The ACU4206 system has a GPS receiver, a flux gate compass, and either an ABR3951 or
ABR4951 beacon receiver interface. Either beacon receiver can be used to search for a
satellite with a known beacon signal. The antenna system will automatically search for the
satellite, and peak the antenna on to the beacon signal when found. The tracking capable
ABR4951 beacon receiver enables the antenna system to track satellites in inclined orbits.
The ACU4209 only has the beacon receiver interface enabled, the GPS and compass options
are not fitted. Either the required satellite is found manually, or the position and orientation
data is input manually for a search to be started. If an ABR4951 tracking beacon receiver is
used the system can track a satellite in an inclined orbit.
The ACU4210 only has the compass interface enabled, the GPS and beacon receiver options
are not fitted. The systems location is selected from the internal database before a satellite
‘goto’ function can be started.
The ACU42XX DC supply has an over voltage protection circuit. If the DC supply is over 20V,
the unit disables all power supplies to the antenna DCU, GPS and compass if fitted. A
warning display is also shown and an alarm reported. If the supply voltage exceeds 25V a
thyristor is triggered which shorts the DC power supply. The main protection fuse F2 should
blow assuming the PSU is not current limited to below 25A.
IMPORTANT NOTE: On the right hand side of the front panel is a STOP key. Press this
key if you ever want to stop the antenna moving or re-gain LOCAL control. Section 5.4
provides more information.

2. SPECIFICATION
This section is for illustrative purposes only and does not form the basis for any contractual
obligation.
2.1. PHYSICAL
Dimensions 1U chassis x 400 mm deep.
Weight 3.0 kg approx.
Power 12V DC nominal. (10 - 14 V DC.)
System inhibited > 20V DC.
Supply shorted > 25V.
Consumption 15 A max. (NewSwift MKII)
Temperature Range -20 to +50 °C operating.
-40 to +80 °C storage.
2.2. ANGULAR POSITIONAL DISPLAY

Azimuth ±0.1°
Elevation ±0.1°
Polarisation ±0.1°
2.3. ANGULAR CONTROL

Angular Rates
Unless otherwise stated. Fast : 2.0°/s.
Medium : 0.4°/s.
Slow : 0.1°/s.
NewSwift
DCU3015 : EL Fast : 1.0°/s.
Lynx 2000
DCU3020 : AZ,EL Fast : 1.0°/s.
Motorised Mantis
DCU32XX : Fast : 0.5°/s.
Angular Steps
All unit types. Fast : 1.0°.
Medium : 0.5°.
Slow : 0.1°.

3. ACU42XX QUICK START GUIDE
3.1. ANTENNA INSTALLATION AND TEST

3.1.1. INSTALLATION
Install the antenna system, ACU42XX and if applicable the GPS, Compass and
Beacon receiver as recommended in section 4.
3.1.2. ANTENNA TEST

On powering up the ACU42XX the system will enter its Auto-Acquisition menu
sequence. Press ‘STOP’ to exit and enter ‘operate’ mode.
Once in ‘operate’ mode, test the antenna by deploying the antenna. (Pressing SHIFT +
DEPLOY together.) Once deployed move the antenna round in azimuth, elevation and,
if applicable polarisation.
Ensure that the antenna cannot hit any obstacles. If a mechanical clash is possible, the
soft-limits of the antenna can be re-programmed to suit. Contact Advent
Communications Customer Support for further details.
If a transmit polarisation waveguide switch is fitted, test the operation by pressing
SHIFT + TX SWITCH together. The switch should move position each press.
Stow the dish by pressing SHIFT + STOW together.
The front panel alarm LED should remain off. If an alarm is reported see section 7.12
for further details.
3.2. ACU42XX COM PORTS

The serial links between the ACU42XX and its peripheral units require setting up.
3.2.1. COMPASS AND GPS SERIAL LINKS

The serial links to the GPS and compass units if fitted do not require any configuration.
3.2.2. BEACON RECEIVER SERIAL LINK

The ACU4206 and ACU4209 have a beacon receiver connected, this serial link
requires to be configured.
The baud rate and unit address settings must be the same as the settings used in the
beacon receiver unit. Check the beacon receiver settings, the default values are
address 128, baud rate 9600.
The interface type (RS232 or 485) depends on the beacon receiver type. The
ABR3951 beacon receiver can only use a RS232 interface. The ABR4951 supports
both types, but usually the link is a RS485.
See section 8.7.2.3 for the beacon receiver communications setting menu.
3.2.3. REMOTE SERIAL INTERFACE

If the ACU42XX system is to be controlled by a RC&M (Remote Control and
Monitoring) system, this is attached to the REMOTE COMS port on the rear panel. The
address, baud rate and interface type must be setup correctly. See section 8.7.2.2 for
the menu details.
This interface also supports the ACS3000 PC program protocol, allowing the use of
both the RC&M and the ACS3000 software on one PC. Although both programs
cannot be run simultaneously, this does allow the same port to be used for RC&M,
system configuration, diagnostics and testing if required.

3.2.4. PC SERIAL INTERFACE

The PC serial communications port (see section 8.7.2.1) is designed for use with the
ACS3000 software. The settings must match the ACS3000 communications settings.
The default values are address 180, and a baud rate of 9600.
If a direct connection to a PC is used the RS232 type is usually used.
3.3. ACS3000-ACU42XX SOFTWARE

The ACS3000 software is used to configure the internal ACU42XX databases. Install
the software, as described in the ACS3000 manual (207173).
Configure the ACS3000 program to use the correct PC port, and set the address and
baud rate to match the ACU COM port being used. (PC or Remote)
3.4. ACU42XX DATABASE INITALISATION

The internal ACU42XX databases require initialisation.
3.4.1. SYSTEM DATABASE

The system database holds the information about the antenna system the ACU42XX.
This is configures as described in section 7.3.1.
The recommecded operating procedures, see section 9, describe in detail the
database setting up procedure for each type of ACU42XX individually.
3.4.2. SATELLITE DATABASE

The satellite database holds the information about all the satellites that are to be used
with the antenna system This can hold up to 50 entries. See section 7.3.2 for further
details.
A database of satellites visible from Chesham, UK is supplied with the ACS3000
software. This can be loaded, and the entries viewed to see the format of the satellite
database entries.
3.4.3. LOCATION DATABASE

The location database holds data, longitude, latitude and magnetic variation for up to
800 entries. If the system does not have a GPS fitted this database must be initialised
before the system can be used. If a GPS is fitted this is only required if the GPS unit
fails. See section 7.3.3 for further details.
Two location databases are supplied with the ACS3000 software. One has
approximately 700 locations for the USA, and the other approximately 50 locations
over Europe.
3.5. AUTOPOINT CALIBRATION

3.5.1. COMPASS CALIBRATION
The compass unit, if applicable, must be calibrated once fitted to the vehicle. This
procedure attempts to compensate for the magnetic error produced by the ferrous
metal of the truck, assuming the error is not too gross.
The compass calibration is covered in the ACU System Installation section of the
ACS3000 manual. (207173)
3.5.2. AUTOPOINT OFFSET CALIBRATION

The offset between the 0° marks of the compass and antenna system, the AutoPoint
Offset, is also required to be calibrated for. The procedure for this is covered in the
ACU System Installation section of the ACS3000 manual. (207173)

3.6. CALIFORNIAN DEPLOY INHIBIT

The ACU4200 can be configured to require an external closed contact closure to be
present to enable antenna deployment. This is a safety feature when visual
conformation is required that no obstructions, such as trees, low roof, or HT lines, are
close to the deploying dish.
This is configured as described in section 7.2.
3.7. ACU42XX AZIMUTH DISPLAY OPTIONS

The ACU4200 series has four different azimuth display options. The default is to
display the basic system ±180° option. The second option is to display the system
angle in the range 0-360°.
The last two options display the azimuth angle relative to either true or magnetic North.
This requires the heading of the vehicle to be entered accurately, or the system
calibrated on to a known satellite, and at a known location.
See section 8.7.3.1 for the menu details on the azimuth display options.
3.8. AUTO-OPERATION
The ACU4200 is designed with a friendly user interface, on power-up the ACU4200 will
ask the operator for the required information to align itself or find the required satellite.
Each ACU4200 option has a different sequence of requests, these are detailed in the
relevant part of the Recommended Operation Procedure as described in section 9.

4. ACU42XX INSTALLATION RECOMMENDATIONS
4.1. ACU 12V DC POWER CONNECTION

The ACU42XX requires a nominal 12V DC power supply at up to 15A peak current. To
reduce the potential voltage drop it is recommended to use cables of at least 2.5mm2
and keep the leads to the battery or power supply as short as possible.
A suitable isolation switch is also required in-line, as no power switch is fitted internally
to the ACU42XX chassis.
The power is connected to J8 on the ACU42XX rear panel. See section 6.8 for
connector type and pin out details.
4.2. ACU-ANTENNA DCU CONNECTION

The antenna DCU (Drive Control Unit) is fitted with flying communication and power
leads. These are normally supplied fitted with suitable D-type connectors to fit directly
in the rear of the ACU.
DCU Connector ACU Rear Panel Connector
DCU Power Lead.
J7
(9 pin male D-type)
DCU Communications Lead
J1
(25 pin female D-type)
The wiring of the D-type connectors to the DCU flying leads are as follows: -
See section 6.7 for pin out details of J7.
DCU Power Cable Wiring
Male 9-pin D-type Cable wire colour
1 Red
6 Blue
2 Green
7 Yellow
3 White
8 Black
See section 6.1 for pin out details of J1.

DCU Communications Cable Wiring
Female 25-pin D-type Cable wire colour
14 Red
1 Blue
15 Green
2 Yellow
13 White
25 Black
11 Brown
23 Violet
4.3. ACU-REMOTE CONTROL CONNECTION

The ACU42XX has a control port with a suitable command protocol to be used with a
software RC&M system. This connects via the remote control connector (see section
6.3) on the rear panel. The command protocol is specified in section 10.

This control connection also supports the command structure used by the ACS3000
control and test software. (See section 4.4 for further details.)
4.4. ACU-PC CONNECTION

The ACU42XX has a PC interface control connector fitted on the rear panel, J9. (see
section 6.9) The command protocol used on this connection is NOT suitable for use by
a RC&M system, and is not detailed in this manual. The command structure is
designed for use with the ACS3000 software running on a suitable PC. The PC can
then be used to configure the ACU42XX databases, control the antenna system and
allows diagnostic and test routines to be run.
It is advisable to extend the PC interface to a 25-pin Male D-type connector easily
accessible in the vehicle or system to which the ACU42XX is fitted. The connections
are as shown in the following table for RS232 connections only.
ACU42XX recommended PC interface extension (RS232 only)
J9 : ACU42XX 25-Pin Male D-type
2 (TX) 2
3 (RX) 3
7 (GND) 7
If a RS485 interface is required, then the following connections should be made. This
allows both 485 and 232 systems to be connected.
ACU42XX recommended PC interface extension (RS232/485)
J9 : ACU42XX 25-Pin Male D-type
1 (RX-A) 1
14 (RX-B) 14
2 (TX-A/TX) 2
15(TX-B) 15
3(RX) 3
7(GND) 7
A suitable PC-ACU communications lead is shown in 0. This assumes the PC has a 9-
pin COM port connector fitted.
4.5. ACU-GPS CONNECTION

The Advent supplied GPS system has a suitable lead to connect the ACU to the GPS
receiver. Section 0 shows the details of this lead, it plugs into J2 on the ACU rear
panel. (See section 6.2)
4.6. ACU-COMPASS CONNECTION

The Advent supplied compass has an integral lead, this should have a suitable
connector fitted to plug directly to J6 on the rear ACU panel. See section 6.6 for pin-out
details of J6, and section 0 for the wiring of the cable connector.
4.7. ACU-BEACON RECEIVER CONNECTION

Section 0 details the cable required to connect the ACU4206/9 to an ABR4951 tracking
beacon receiver.
This cable connection plugs into J5, section 6.5, on the ACU rear panel.
4.8. ACU-CALIFORNIAN DEPLOY INHIBIT CONNECTION

The ACU4200 can be configured to require a close contact closure to be present
during the elevation axis deployment phase. This is a safety feature designed to use a
push button switch fitted on the outside of the vehicle, requiring the operator to hold the
switch and observe the dish deployment. This ensures that the dish is not going to hit
an external obstruction, such as a low roof, tree or HT power lines.

The Californian Deploy inhibit is enabled or disabled using special ACU4XXX
calibration software (ACU4000.exe) this runs on a PC communicating with the ACU
using either the PC (J9) or REMOTE COMMS (J3) interfaces.
Contact Advent Communications for a copy of this software if required to enable this
feature.
Section 0 shows the wiring details for the external push button, and a display LED. The
LED will illuminate when the push button is required to be held down. This is
connected to J4 on the ACU42XX rear panel.


5. FRONT PANEL
5.1. ALARM LED

The ‘alarm’ LED indicates the presence of alarms within the antenna control system.
The detected alarms can be viewed from the FAULT menu. (See section 8.4.1)
5.2. REMOTE LED

The ‘remote’ LED indicates that the front panel controls have been locked by the
controller on the PC or REMOTE interfaces. The remote lock can be turned off from
the MORE:SETTINGS:SYSTEM:CONTROL menu, see section 8.6.1.2. The ACU local
inhibit (Section 8.6.1.1) overrides the remote lock.
5.3. POWER LED

When the unit is connected to a power supply, the ‘power’ LED will be illuminated.
5.4. STOP KEY

The function of the STOP key is dependent on the antenna system state.
When the antenna is deploying or stowing, pressing the STOP key will stop the
antenna moving. The system will wait for a further deploy or stow command.
If the system is in the recalibration state, pressing the STOP key will exit the
recalibration state.
If the ACU is processing any automatic sequences, such as a ‘goto’ satellite, ‘search
for satellite’, ‘go to preset position’ or satellite ‘track’, pressing stop will exit the
automatic procedure sequence.
If the system is under the control of the ACS3000 PC control software pressing the
STOP key will exit a current satellite search or track procedure
5.5. SHIFT KEY

The functions marked in red (TX SWITCH, DEPLOY, and STOW) are activated only in
conjunction with the shift key. The shift key has to be pressed down at the same time
as the required red function key is pressed.
5.6. TX SWITCH KEY

The current position of the waveguide transmit polarisation switch fitted on the antenna
system is shown on the main LCD display window, either Y(V) or X(H). To change the
state of the waveguide polarisation switch press SHIFT and TX SWITCH together. The
switch state will toggle with every key press.
If no TX switch is fitted, the main display shows no waveguide switch information and
no waveguide switch alarm will be present.

5.7. DEPLOY AND STOW KEYS
The DEPLOY and STOW keys command the antenna system to deploy or stow
respectively. To operate, the shift key must be held down at the same time.
5.8. RATE LEDS AND KEY

The rate at which the antenna moves or the movement step size is controlled with the
RATE keys. The currently selected rate is displayed by the ‘Fast’, 'Medium', and ‘Slow’
LEDs. In fast mode the movement rate is 2.0°/s and the step size 1.0°. In medium
mode the angular rate is 0.4°/s and the step size 0.5°, and in slow mode the angular
rate is 0.1°/s and the step size 0.1°.
5.9. POL → AND POL ← KEYS

These directly control the motion of the polarisation display. Push and hold for a rate
command. A short push gives a step command as for the main azimuth and elevation
control keys. (See 5.10)
5.10. MAIN LCD DISPLAY AND CONTROL KEYS
The main LCD has two modes, ‘operate’ and ‘menu’. It powers up into its ‘operate’
mode after the unit splash screen has been displayed. To enter the ‘menu’ display
mode press the MENU button. To exit back to the ‘operate’ display from anywhere in
the menu structure, press the MENU button again.
The ‘menu’ operation and structure is described in section 8. The ‘operate’ menu
display is described in section 7.9.
The ‘operate’ display shows the current state and position of the antenna. When in
‘operate’ mode the arrow keys are used to control the antenna movement in azimuth
and elevation. The polarisation axis is controlled by the two separate POL keys.
If a movement key is pressed down and held, the chosen axis moves at a fast, medium
or slow rate. If pressed down for a short period then released, the axis will step a fixed
angle, set by the fast, medium or slow selection.

6. REAR PANEL
6.1. J1 : DCU COMMS

This is designed to directly connect to the serial communications cable from an Advent
antenna DCU.
Connector : 25-pin male D-type.
Pin Signal description
Number
14 RS 485 TX-B.
1 RS-485 TX-A.
15 RS-485 RX-B.
2 RS-485 RX-A.
13 Antenna transmit microswitch input.
25 Antenna transmit microswitch input.
11 Antenna stowed microswitch input.
23 Antenna stowed microswitch input.
6.2. J2 : GPS COMMS/POWER

This interface is designed to directly power and communicate with a suitable GPS
(Global Positioning System) receiver.
Connector : 25-pin female D-type.
Number
2 RS232 TX.
3 RS232 RX.
7 RS232 GND.
12 +5V DC NiMH backup supply.
(Not Implemented)
13 +12V DC supply. (0.5A max.)
25 Power return.

6.3. J3 : REMOTE CONTROL

Configured as a standard Advent slave interface.
See section 8 for software command protocol, this command protocol is suitable for
use by a RC&M system. This control port also supports the command protocol used by
the ACS3000 software. (See section 6.9.)
Pin Number Signal description
RS485 RS232
1 RX-A.
14 RX-B.
2 TX-A. TX.
15 TX-B.
3 RX.
7 GND GND
6.4. J4 : STATUS
This connector has three contact closure status and safety signals.
Current: 100mA max.
Voltage: 30V max.
The switched 12V-power supply, control outputs and opto-isolated inputs are for future
expansion.
Connector: 15-pin male D-type.
7 Fault O/C.
8 Fault C/C.
15 Fault common.
4 Antenna transmit microswitch.

11 Antenna transmit microswitch.
2 Antenna stowed microswitch.
9 Antenna stowed microswitch.
1 Switched +12V DC supply. (0.5A max.)

10 Control output 1. (30V, 150mA max)
3 Control output 2. (30V, 150mA max)
5 Ground return.
13 +ve. Opto-isolated input 1.

12 -ve. Opto-isolated input 1.
14 +ve. Opto-isolated input 2.
6 -ve. Opto-isolated input 2.

The fault output is used to indicate the presence of an alarm for the antenna control
system. If an alarm is present, pins 8 and 15 will be connected, and pins 7 and 15
open circuit.
The antenna stowed position output indicates when the antenna is in the stowed
position. If the antenna is stowed pins 2 and 9 are connected.
The antenna transmit position output indicates when the antenna is in a position where
transmit power could be applied to the antenna. Pins 4 and 11 are connected when the
antenna is in a possible transmit orientation.
For the NewSwift system the transmit position is reached just after the feedarm has
been picked up by the elevation axis drive. For the Lynx 2000 system this point is
reached when the feedarm is in its deployed position.
6.5. J5 : BEACON RX COMMS

This interface is designed communicate with a beacon receiver.
Configured as a standard Advent master interface.
Number
RS485 RS232
1 TX-A
14 TX-B
2 RX-A TX
15 RX-B
3 RX
7 GND GND
6.6. J6 : COMPASS COMMS/POWER

This interface is designed to directly power and communicate with a fluxgate compass.
Connector : 25-pin female D-type.
Number
2 RS232 TX.
3 RS232 RX.
7 RS232 GND.
12 +5V DC NiMH backup supply.
(Not Implemented)
13 +12V DC supply. (0.5A max.)
25 Power return.

6.7. J7 : DCU POWER OUTPUT

This is designed to directly connect to the power cable from an Advent antenna DCU.
Connector: 9-pin female D-type.
1 +12V DC. (3A max.)
6 Power return. (12V supply)
2 +36V DC supply A. (2.5A max.)
7 Power return. (Supply A)
3 +36V DC supply B. (2.5A max.)
8 Power return. (Supply B)
6.8. J8 : POWER INPUT

Connector: 3-pin male XLR.
1 +12V DC. (15A peak.)
2 Power return.
The ACU4XXX metal chassis is connected

WARNING : to J8-Pin 2.
6.9. J9 : PC CONTROL
Connector: 25-pin male D-type.
Configured as a standard Advent slave.
The command protocol used by this control port is not documented in this manual. It is
designed for use by the ACS3000 software only, and is not suitable for use by a RC&M
(Remote Control and Monitoring) system.
RS485 RS232
1 RX-A
14 RX-B
2 TX-A TX
15 TX-B
3 RX
7 GND GND
6.10. FUSES
F1: 20x5mm 5A anti-surge fuse. (Advent part No. Q00-000021)
F2: 1¼”x¼” 10A anti-surge fuse. (Advent part No. Q00-000025)

7. CONFIGURATION AND OPERATING PROCEDURE
7.1. ACU42XX POWER-UP

The antenna system powers up in the same state and condition as it was in when
powered down.
7.2. Californian Deploy Inhibit

The Californian Deploy Inhibit is enabled using the ACU4000 calibration program,
ACU4000.exe. This program can use either the PC (J9 rear panel, section 6.9) or
REMOTE (J3 rear panel, section 6.3) RS232/485 interfaces.
Configure the ACU4000 program to use the correct PC based COM port, ACU unit
address and baud rate, using the ‘System Configure’ button. The unit address and
baud rate must match the settings for the ACU interface being used. (See sections
8.7.2.1 or 8.7.2.2 for further details.)
Once the ACU4000 calibration program is initialised and communicating with the unit,
press the ‘ACU Configuration’ button. The ‘Californian Inhibit’ is enabled by ‘checking’
the check box and pressing the ‘OK’ button.
The current state of the Californian Deploy inhibit is displayed in the menu section
8.10.2. If active the circuit as shown in section 0 is required to be connected to the rear
panel status connector J4. (Section 6.4)
When enabled the external close-contact push button (section 0) must be held down to
allow the antenna to deploy the antenna dish. Once the antenna dish is vertical or the
elevation axis has deployed the ‘deploy inhibit’ is inactive. The LED is illuminated when
the ‘deploy inhibit’ is active.
7.3. ACU42XX SYSTEM CONFIGURATION

The embedded Auto Acquisition System requires setting up before being used. Three
databases are required to be initialised, the system setup, the satellite and the location
databases. This setup procedure requires the use of the ACS3000 software installed
on a PC.
Using the ACS3000 software, version B.26 or later, from the ACU select tab press the
‘ACU setup’ button.
See section 4.4 for PC-ACU connections details, and ACS3000 manual (207173) for
ACS3000 installation and operational details. This includes calibration of the fluxgate
compass.
7.3.1. SYSTEM SETUP DATABASE

Using the ACS3000 software, select the ‘System setup’ button from the ACU Setup
dialog box. The system setup dialog box has four tab selections, ‘Antenna’, ‘Search’,
‘LNX’, and ‘Track’. For any ACU42XX system without a beacon receiver only the
‘Antenna’ selections are relevant.
The ACS3000 software allows the user to store the system setup database onto the
PC hard or floppy disc. This can then be retrieved and uploaded to another ACU42XX
system at a later date.
Antenna: ‘Antenna Fixing’:
This set the orientation of the antenna fixing to the vehicle. If the antenna stows
pointing towards the front of the vehicle, select ‘Antenna 0° forward’. If the antenna
stows pointing towards the rear of the vehicle select ‘Antenna 0° backward’.
Note: The ACU42XX has options that display the azimuth angle in the range 0° to
360°, rather than in the range ±180°. The nominal 0° is at the antenna stow position
irrespective of the azimuth display option chosen.
Antenna: ‘Slope Compensation’:
Control not implemented in current software release.
Antenna: ‘Compass Interaction’:
Antenna: ‘RX Pol Type’:
Search: ‘Detection Threshold’:
ACU4206/9: The detection threshold sets the level a beacon peak signal has to be
above the average noise for it to be detected. A figure of 13dB has been found to give
good results.
Search: ‘Search Range’:
The antenna will initially go to the expected position of the satellite. If the expected
beacon is not detected, the ACU42XX will search over the azimuth and elevation
search range set here.
The azimuth search range is set to be larger than the expected error in the vehicle
orientation measurement. Typically the fluxgate compass is within ±10° of the correct
orientation, an azimuth search range of ±15° is set by default.
The elevation search range is smaller, as once the antenna system has been trimmed
to a known satellite the elevation axis is usually within ±0.5° of the expected value.
Search: ‘Use Ref Satellite’:
If the final satellite required does not have a unique or easily detected beacon, then a
reference satellite can be nominated. The system will then first search and peak on the
reference satellite, and once confirmed, move to the final chosen satellite.
LNB: ‘Number of LNBs’:
If the antenna system has dual band or multiple LNBs fitted the number of different
LNBs is entered here.
LNB: LNB data:
A text description of the LNB band (max. 12 characters), the LO frequency and the
sideband used is entered for each different LNB band in use.
TRACK: Tracking mode:
The ACU42XX tracking system can currently only use the fixed rate tracking mode.
The elevation and azimuth rates are re-peaked at the time periods set in the axis
tracking rates. The adaptive tracking rate mode will be available in a future software
version.
TRACK: Axis tracking rate:
This sets the period of the azimuth and elevation track peaking operations. These are
set such that the satellite drift between track peak operations does not result in too
significant a loss in signal strength. The values depend on the greatest movement rate
during the satellite orbital movement. The default values of elevation every 4 minutes,
and azimuth every 8 minutes, can handle the most inclined satellites that are likely to
be encountered. Advent Communications can advise on individual cases if required.
TRACK: Jog Step size:
The track jog step size sets the angular step used in the tracking algorithm. This
should be set to get a 0.2 to 0.3dB signal change if the antenna were pointed correctly
at the satellite and the antenna steps off. This step size is dependant on the antenna
size and beacon frequency in use. The table below shows the recommended step size
for different antenna diameters at 2 different beacon frequencies. For a NewSwift 1500
and a beacon frequency of about 11.5GHz, a step size of 0.12° is recommended.
Advent Communications can advise on individual cases if required.
Antenna Diameter Beacon Frequency Recommended Step
(Meters) (GHz) Size (°)
0.9 4.0 0.55
1.2 4.0 0.41
1.5 4.0 0.33
2.0 4.0 0.25
0.9 11.5 0.19
1.2 11.5 0.14
1.5 11.5 0.12
2.0 11.5 0.09
7.3.2. SATELLITE DATABASE
The satellite database holds the information about the satellites the system is to be
used with. The database holds a maximum of 50 entries, with a name, longitude
position and the option to specify a beacon frequency for each satellite. The beacon
data is only necessary for a system with a beacon receiver.
Select the ‘Satellite Database’ option from the ACU setup dialog box. The current
satellite database can be downloaded from the ACU by pressing the ‘Download from
ACU’ button, or from a saved file no the PC by pressing the ‘Load from File’ button. A
new entry can be created by pressing the ‘New button’.
Each satellite database entry has the following data :-
1. Name.
2. Longitude and hemisphere. So a satellite could be entered as 10°E, or
350°W.
3. Inclination, if inclined check the box. The inclination value is for future use.
4. The polarisation offset is a value added to the calculated polarisation angle
from the satellites longitude and systems location on the earth. This value is
calculated assuming the satellite aligns its vertical transmit polarisation to the
spin axis of the earth. A number of satellites deliberately tilt the satellites
transmit polarisation so that the polarisation in the transponders beam centre is
aligned to the local vertical axis at the receivers location. This polarisation offset
allows this tilt to be compensated for.
5. The satellite beacon data specifies the satellites beacon frequency,
polarisation (vertical, horizontal or circular) and system LNB if more than one
LNB is fitted. The expected beacon power is for future use.
6. The beacon signal type, CW or modulated, is for future use.
The satellite database can be ordered either by °E, °W or alphabetically. This is the
order that the satellites will appear in the ACU42XX embedded database display.
7.3.3. LOCATION DATABASE

The location database holds up to a maximum of 800 entries of longitude, latitude and
magnetic variation at the specified location. For the ACU4202 system without a GPS
receiver, this database has to be set up for the locations the system is to be used in.
The locations can be general ones, as a 50-100Km positional error results in a small
error in the estimated azimuth and elevation angles.
To configure the location database, press the ‘Location Database’ button from the
‘ACU setup’ dialog. Pressing ‘Download From PC’ will download the current ACU42XX
location database. Pressing ‘Load From File’ will load a previously saved database
from the PC disk storage.
To edit an entry, press the ‘Edit Entry’ button. Either, enter the latitude and longitude
into the data entry boxes, remembering to put a text description of the location in as
well. Or the ‘Map’ button calls up a world map that can be used to select the location
latitude and longitude data if required.
The database can then be either uploaded back into the ACU42XX, by pressing the
‘Upload To ACU’ button, or saved to a file by pressing the ‘Save To File’ button. When
uploaded into the ACU the magnetic variation at each location is estimated using a
built in World Magnetic Model in the PC software.
7.4. SELECT SATELLITE AND RESTART OPERATION

The Auto Acquisition functions are started from the ‘SELECT SATELLITE’ or
‘RESTART’ menu options. An ACU4202/04/10 can only ‘go to’ the estimated position
of a chosen satellite. The ACU4206/09, with a beacon receiver, can ‘go to’ the
estimated position, and if a valid beacon is not detected, then start a ‘search’ routine to
find and peak up on the satellite beacon.
The detailed descriptions of these options and their operation are described in the
relevant unit recommend operation procedure section. (See section 9)
7.5. SATELLITE TRACKING OPERATION

The satellite tracking operation is entered during the ‘SELECT SATELLITE’ or
‘RESTART’ menu options, if the system is tracking capable and the required satellite is
set as inclined. Only the ACU4206/9 with ABR4951 can track satellites.
It is also possible to manually start tracking any satellite.
Before the system can start to track a satellite, the system must be aligned to the
required satellite and the beacon receiver locked to the signal. Either use the
‘AutoSearch’ option to find the required satellite. Or if in manual acquisition mode, set
the beacon receiver to the correct setting for a preset satellite from the ACU42XX
database using the ‘SET SATELLITE’ control.
Press ‘MENU’, press ‘ENTER’ selecting ‘MORE’, then press ‘ENTER’ again selecting
the ‘ACTIONS’ option, then the ‘TRACK option. Select the ‘SET SATELLITE’ option
from the menu and press ‘ENTER’. Using the ‘Å’ and ‘Æ’ keys select the required
satellite and press ‘ENTER’. The beacon receiver will then be correctly configured by
the ACU for this satellite. Then find the required satellite.
Once the system has been aligned to the required satellite and the beacon receiver
locked to the beacon signal, system tracking can be started. Press ‘MENU’, press
‘ENTER’ selecting ‘MORE’, then press ‘ENTER’ again selecting the ‘ACTIONS’, then
‘TRACK’ option.
If the ACU42XX based tracking system is to be used, select the ‘ACU-TRACK’ option
from the menu and press ‘ENTER’. Tracking should start immediately.
If the ACS3000 software is being used to control the system, the PC based tracking
system can be started by selecting the ‘PC-TRACK’ option from this menu.
7.6. ANTENNA DEPLOYMENT

To deploy the antenna press SHIFT and DEPLOY. The antenna will now deploy, and
the ACU displayed system state will be ‘Deploying’. Once all axes have been
deployed, the system state will be ‘Deployed’.
To temporarily halt the deployment sequence press the STOP key. The system will stop,
and the system state will display ‘Halted’. To continue deploying from the halted state,
press SHIFT and DEPLOY.
California Deploy Inhibit
If the system state displays show ‘Ext. Inhibit’ then the Californian Deploy Inhibit is active.
(See section 7.2.) An external push button switch is required to be pushed and held down.
The antenna will then go to the ‘Deploying’ state and will deploy the antenna. Once the
elevation axis is deployed, or the antenna dish at or beyond vertical, the Californian
Deploy Inhibit will be inactive.
Note: Not applicable to the DCU32XX motorised Mantis systems. The Mantis is always in
the deployed state.

7.7. ANTENNA MOVEMENT
When the antenna is deployed, the axes can be moved either using rate commands, or
angle step commands.
By pressing and holding an axis control key an angular rate command is requested.
The movement rate is indicated by the ‘fast’, 'medium' or ‘slow’ LEDs, and the direction
of movement determined by the key pressed. To stop the movement, release the key
pressed.
To step the angle, press an axis control key for a short time. This will request an angle
step command. The size is indicated by the ‘fast’, 'medium' or ‘slow’ LEDs, and the
direction determined by the key pressed.
7.8. ANTENNA STOWING

To stow the antenna press SHIFT and STOW. The antenna will now stow, and the
ACU display will show ‘Stowing’ as the system state.
Once all axes have been stowed, the system state will be ‘Stowed’. To temporarily halt
the stowing sequence press the STOP key. The system will stop, and the system state
display 'Halted'. To continue stowing from the halted state, press SHIFT and STOW.
Note: Not applicable to the DCU32XX motorised Mantis systems. The Mantis is always
in the deployed state.
7.9. OPERATE MODE DISPLAY INTERPRETATION

The following sections describe the meaning of the displays on the ACU42XX front
panel.
7.9.1. SYSTEM STATE : STOWED

The system state is stowed. All axis displays will show a line of minus signs.
7.9.2. SYSTEM STATE : DEPLOYED

The system is deployed. The axis displays will show one of 7.9.6 to 7.10.
7.9.3. SYSTEM STATE : HALTED

The system is in the halted state. The antenna has been stopped during the automatic
stowing or deploying sequence. Either deploy or stow the antenna, using the SHIFT
and DEPLOY or STOW keys.
7.9.4. SYSTEM STATE : CALIBRATING

The antenna DCU is in the re-calibrating mode. The antenna is primed to re-calibrate
an uncalibrated axis automatically. For further details see section 7.11.
7.9.5. SYSTEM STATE : EXT.INHIBIT

The Californian Inhibit function is enabled, and the external switch contact is not
closed. The contact closure is required until the elevation axis is deployed or the RF
elevation is greater than 20°, at which point the antenna dish is vertical. (See section
4.8 for further details.)
7.9.6. ANGLE CONSTANT DISPLAY

The angle displayed is a valid angle for the axis. If an axis stalls, freewheels, detects a
travel limit, or an unexpected stow sensor is detected the axis will become
uncalibrated. See 7.9.8.

7.9.7. ANGLE QUICK FLASHING

If an axis angle display is flashing quickly, the axis has run into a ‘soft’ stop. These are
factory set software limits on the antenna movement.
7.9.8. ANGLE/UCAL FLASHING

If an axis display is toggling between the angle and UCAL display, the axis has
become uncalibrated. This axis can still be moved and used, but the angle display is
not guaranteed to be within the specification limits.
To re-calibrate the axis refer to section 7.11.
7.9.9. ACAL CONSTANT DISPLAY

An axis with a constant ACAL axis display is carrying out an automatic re-calibration
procedure. For further details see section 7.11.
7.9.10. ------ DISPLAY

An axis display of solid minus signs (----) shows that an axis has been stowed. The
antenna is only physically stowed at the end of the stowing procedure.
7.9.11. ANGLE/XXX.STALL FLASHING

An axis display toggling between an angle and xxx.STALL shows that a motor stall
has been detected on that axis. This means that the motor axis has been detected to
be stationary while attempting to drive the motor.
Azimuth axis : RHT.STALL Right movement stall.
LFT.STALL Left movement stall.
Elevation axis : UP.STALL Upwards movement stall.
DN.STALL Downwards movement stall.
Polarisation axis : CW.STALL Clockwise stall.
ACW.STALL Anti-clockwise stall.
If an axis stalls, further movement in the same direction is inhibited. To clear the stall
move in the opposite direction indicated in the axis stall information. The axis will be
uncalibrated.
7.9.12. ANGLE/XXX.FR FLASHING

An axis display toggling between an angle and xxx.FR shows that an axis freewheel
has been detected. This means that there is excessive movement of the motor axis
while attempting to drive or hold a motor.
Azimuth axis : RHT.FR Right movement freewheel.
LFT.FR Left movement freewheel.
Elevation axis : UP.FR Upwards movement freewheel.
DN.FR Downward freewheel.
Polarisation axis : CW.FR Clockwise freewheel.
ACW.FR Anti-clockwise freewheel.
If an axis freewheels, further movement in the same direction is inhibited. To clear the
freewheel move in the opposite direction indicated in the axis freewheel information.
The axis will be uncalibrated.

7.10. ANGLE/xxx.TL FLASHING

An axis display toggling between an angle and xxx.TL shows that an axis has
detected a travel limit sensor. A travel limit indicates that the axis has become
uncalibrated, and the system is driving the axis outside its designed softlimits towards
its mechanical hard stop.
Azimuth axis : RHT.TL Right movement travel limit.
LFT.TL Left movement travel limit.
Elevation axis : UP.TL Upwards movement travel limit.
DN.TL Downward travel limit
Polarisation axis : CW.TL Clockwise travel limit.
ACW.TL Anti-clockwise travel limit.
If a travel limit is detected, further movement in the direction of the travel limit is
inhibited. To clear the travel limit move in the opposite direction indicated in the axis
travel limit information. The axis will be uncalibrated.
7.11. AXIS RECALIBRATION

If an axis or axes become uncalibrated whist the system is deployed, it is possible to
re-calibrate each axis individually. It is also possible to re-calibrate the system by
stowing the antenna completely and re-deploying.
Motorised Mantis System (DCU32XX) : The Motorised mantis system re-calibrates all
uncalibrated axis on entering the re-calibration state.
Enter the re-calibration state by pressing MENU, to enter the menu. Select the MORE
option, then ACTIONS, followed by ANTENNA, then the CALIBRATE option. The
system will return to the operate mode, and the system state will be ‘calibrating’ if an
axis is uncalibrated.
7.11.1. ELEVATION AXIS RECALIBRATION

Check the fault menu, see section 7.12. If the fault F4 (Inclinometer failure) is present
the elevation axis can only be re-calibrated by stowing and then deploying the antenna.
If the inclinometer is functioning then use the following procedure.
For Lynx2000 and NewSwift version earlier than J.01:
If the azimuth or polarisation axis are uncalibrated, move these axes away from their
stow positions if necessary. It is advisable to position them at least 10° away from their
stow positions.
For NewSwift versions J.01 and later:
If the azimuth axis is uncalibrated, move it away from its stow position if necessary. It is
advisable to position it at least 10° away from the stow position.
Press either elevation up or down. The elevation axis will now be re-calibrated.
7.11.2. AZIMUTH AXIS RECALIBRATION

axis is uncalibrated. Move the azimuth axis back to its ‘stow’ position. The system
display will change to ACAL. The azimuth axis will re-calibrate itself.

Note : The re-calibration procedure uses a metal marker tab fitted to indicate the ‘stow’
position. The azimuth axis also has a metal tab marking the end of travel limits. If the
azimuth axis is over this end of travel marker, the re-calibration procedure will be
entered but will fail and the axis will remain uncalibrated. In this case move the azimuth
axis away from the end of travel limit, re-enter the re-calibration state, and move the
azimuth axis to its ‘stow’ position.
7.11.3. POLARISATION AXIS RECALIBRATION

NewSwift:
Versions A-I: Move the polarisation axis back near to its central position.
Version J: The position of the polarisation is not critical, except the polarisation must
not be beyond its +50° travel limit. The NewSwift will move the polarisation until the
edge at –51° is seen, so the polarisation MUST not be positioned on the other metal
edge at +51°.
Lynx2000:
Move the polarisation axis back near to its stow position.
Move the polarisation axis over its calibration marker position. The system display will
change to ACAL, and the axis will re-calibrate itself.
Note :
NewSwift:
Versions A-I: The re-calibration procedure uses a metal marker tab fitted to indicate the
central 0° position.
Version J: Uses a metal edge at approximately –51° position as a calibration mark.
Lynx2000: The re-calibration procedure uses a metal marker tab fitted to indicate the
stow position.
The polarisation axis also has a metal tab marking the end of travel limits. If the
polarisation axis is over this end of travel marker, the re-calibration procedure will be
entered but will fail and the axis will remain uncalibrated. In this case move the
polarisation axis away from the end of travel limit, re-enter the re-calibration state, and
move the polarisation axis to its calibration marker.

7.12. ALARMS AND FAULT CODES

If the antenna control system detects a fault or possible failure, the alarm LED is
illuminated on the ACU42XX front panel. The ACU42XX displays a fault number and
text description of the faults registered
To enter the fault menu see section 8.4.1.
7.12.1. ALARM CODES

The following table lists all the fault codes for the ACU42XX. An explanation of each
fault code and possible causes are listed in section 11. If the alarm is latched, the
alarm is cleared by using the clear alarm function in the menu structure. See section
8.4.2.1.
Fault Code Alarm Latched Brief Description
F1 9 DCU power supply voltage low.
F2 9 DCU motor supply failure.
F3 Motor drive module inhibit.
F4 9 Inclinometer failure.
F5 9 Inclinometer suspect.
F6 9 Drive stall detected.
F7 9 Drive freewheel detected.
F8 Drive end of travel detected.
F9 9 Waveguide polarisation switch failure.
F10 Azimuth sensor failure.
F11 9 Elevation sensor failure.
F12 Polarisation sensor failure.
F13 Elevation deployment sensor failure. (Lynx 2000)
F14 Feedarm deployment sensor failure. (Lynx 2000)
F15 Elevation stow sensor failure. (Lynx 2000)
F16 DCU FPGA programming failure.
F17 Manual brake override on.
F18 Azimuth axis stowing failure.
F19 Elevation axis stowing failure.
F20 Polarisation axis stowing failure,
F21 Elevation deployment axis stowing failure.
(Lynx 2000)
F22 Feedarm deployment axis stowing failure.
(Lynx 2000)
F23 9 Power up state suspect.
F27 FPGA watchdog triggered.
F32 ACU-DCU serial link failure.
F34 ACU DCU +12V PSU failure.
F35 ACU-GPS serial link failure.
F36 ACU DCU +36V PSU failure.
F37 ACU-Compass serial link failure.
F38 ACU GPS +12V PSU failure.
F39 ACU Compass +12V PSU failure.
F40 ACU-Beacon Rx. serial link failure.
F42 Beacon receiver Unit Alarm.
F43 ACU Status +12V PSU failure.
F44 ACU supply over voltage. (ACU version B)
F45 BRX Unlocked. (Tracking BRX only)
F46 E2PROM Checksum failure.
F47 E2PROM timeout error.

7.13. TX POLARISATION SWITCH OPERATION
The current position of the TX polarisation switch is indicated by the Y(V) or X(H) in the
main LCD display. This indicates the polarisation of transmission if the polarisation
angle is set to 0°.
To change the TX polarisation switch, press SHIFT and TX SWITCH. The switch
position will toggle each key press.

8. MENU OPERATION
The ACU42XX menu structure is entered by pressing MENU. The menu structure has
3 top level menu options (SELECT SATELLITE, RESTART, and MORE) with various
options below these main menus. The ‘left/right’ control keys are used to change
between the main menu options, and the ‘up/down’ control keys to change the sub-
menu option.
Pressing MENU exits the menu back to the ‘operate’ display. To select a value to
change, press ENTER, adjust the value using the arrow keys. To enter and action the
new entry, press ENTER. Pressing ESCAPE to exit editing the value, and reverting
back to the original value.
8.1. OUTLINE MENU STRUCTURE

SELECT
RESTART MORE
SATELLITE
ALARMS ACTIONS SETTINGS INFO
SUPPORT UNITS DATABASES SYSTEM
ACU INFO. SATELLITE LOCATION HEADING
SATELLITE LOCATION
GPS/
ACU DCU BRX
COMPASS
GPS COMPASS
DATA DATA
BRX
VERSION
DATA
ANTENNA
VERSION LYNX
LIMITS
UPPER LOWER
SOFTLIMITS
LIMIT LIMIT
OUTPUT
SYSTEM GOTO VERSION CONFIG. TIME
VOLTAGES
SET SET
PRESET RELATIVE
CONTROLS SETUP RESET TIME
AUTO
TRACK GOTO ANTENNA COMMS DISPLAY MODEM
SYSTEM
POSITION PRESET PC REMOTE BRX
SET ACU AUTO SYSTEM MAGNETIC

PC-TRACK SETUP
SATELLITE TRACK ERROR
FAULT CLEAR VIEW LOG ANTENNA SEARCH LNB TRACK
MODE PERIOD JOG SIZE
REF.
THRESHOLD RANGE
SATELLITE
MOUNTING RX POL COMPASS SLOPE

SELECT
RESTART MORE
SATELLITE
ALARMS ACTIONS SETTINGS INFO
Section 8.4 Section 8.5 Section 8.6 Section 8.9
8.2. SELECT SATELLITE MENU

The operation of the ‘Select Satellite’ menu option is described in detail in the unit
option recommended operation procedures. (See section 9) The sequence of
operations is system dependant.
8.3. RESTART MENU

The operation of the ‘Restart’ menu option is described in detail in the unit option
recommended operation procedures. (See section 9) The sequence of operations is
system dependant.
8.4. MORE:ALARMS MENU OPTIONS
FAULT CLEAR VIEW LOG
FAULT: FXX DESCRIPTION <XX> Clear Alarms? YES/NO EVENT: FXX DESCRIPTION <XX>
Clear event log: YES/NO TIME: HH:MM:SS DD/MM/YY or MM/DD/YY
8.4.1. FAULT
A list of the current active alarms are displayed in this option. The list can be scrolled
through by using the ‘Å’ and ‘Æ’ keys.
8.4.2. CLEAR
8.4.2.1. CLEAR ALARMS
Use this menu option to clear any alarms the system has detected. Set the menu
option to 'yes', and press ENTER. Any latched alarms will be cleared.
8.4.2.2. CLEAR EVENT LOG

The event log is cleared of all entries using this option. Set the menu option to 'yes',
and press ENTER.
8.4.3. VIEW LOG

The event log records the date and time of every fault that becomes active, and the
date and time of when the fault was cleared. This option allows the user to scroll
through the last 20 events that were recorded.

8.5. MORE: ACTIONS MENU OPTIONS
TRACK GOTO ANTENNA
Calibrate mode: Yes/ No

Reset Mantis: N/A
Reset Pol. Axis: Yes/ No
POSITION PRESET
Start Goto ACU:Goto Preset: XX <Description>

AZ: +/-XXX.X° AZ: +/- X.X°
Pol: +/- XXX.X° EL: +XX.X°
EL: +XX.X° Pol: +/- X.X°
TX: N/A
SET ACU
PC-TRACK
SATELLITE TRACK
Select Satellite <XX> Select Satellite <XX>
<SATELLITE DESCRIPTION> <SATELLITE DESCRIPTION>
Beacon: Known/.......... Beacon: Known/..........
(XXX.X°E/W) (XXX.X°E/W)
8.5.1. MORE: ACTIONS: TRACK MENU OPTIONS

8.5.1.1. SET SATELLITE
Sets the system up for one of the preset satellites in the ACU42XX database. The
beacon receiver will be set up correctly if the preset satellite selected has a known
beacon frequency.
8.5.1.2. ACU-TRACK
Starts the ACU embedded AutoTrack mode, the ACU will start to track the currently
detected beacon. The beacon receiver must already be locked on to a beacon for the
tracking process to start.
8.5.1.3. PC-TRACK
If the ACU42XX system is under the control of the ACS3000 software on a PC, the
tracking process running on the PC can be requested to start by selecting this option.
The beacon receiver must already be locked on to a beacon for the tracking process to
start.
8.5.2. MORE:ACTIONS:GOTO MENU OPTIONS

8.5.2.1. POSITION
The user can enter any valid antenna angular position, and then request the system to
move the antenna to this position. The ‘goto’ process is started by selecting the ‘Start
Goto’ option then pressing ENTER.
To stop a ‘go to’ command press the STOP key.
8.5.2.2. PRESET
This option is used to position the antenna to a stored preset position. Select the
preset number from 01 to 20. To action the ‘go to’ command, press ENTER. The
system state will show GOTO and the preset number being used. If an alarm or any of
the axes become uncalibrated during the ‘go to’ operation, command will terminate.
To stop a ‘go to’ command press the STOP key.

8.5.3. MORE: ACTIONS: ANTENNA MENU OPTIONS

8.5.3.1. CALIBRATE MODE
To calibrate an axis that has become uncalibrated, the system state has to be
‘calibrate’. To enter, select the 'yes' option and press ENTER to action the request.
8.5.3.2. RESET MANTIS

This command will only work with the motorised Mantis system (DCU32XX). This
resets the system to azimuth 0°, and elevation 90°. This should be done immediately
after powering up the system after setting up the mantis system with the elevation axis
pointing vertically, and the azimuth set to its mid-travel point.
To reset the Mantis system, select the 'yes' option and press ENTER to action the
request.
8.5.3.3. RESET POL AXIS

This command will only work with DCU software versions A.08 and later.
NOT relevant to NewSwift versions J.01 or later.
Under certain conditions the polarisation travel limit trigger can trip at the centre stow
tab. This can happen if the polarisation drive is manually turned. This command is
used to reset the polarisation drive software.
To reset the polarisation axis, ensure the polarisation stow sensor is situated on the
middle stow metal tab. Select the ‘yes’ option and press SHIFT and MENU to action
the reset command. The polarisation axis will be reset to an angle of 0°, uncalibrated.
The axis can now be recalibrated as described in 7.11.3.

8.6. MORE:SETTINGS Menu Options
SYSTEM GOTO
SET SET
PRESET RELATIVE
ACU:Goto Preset: XX <Description> ACU:Set Relative: XX <Description>
AZ: +/- X.X AZ: +/- X.X°
EL: +XX.X° EL: +XX.X°
Pol: +/- X.X° Pol: +/- X.X°
CONTROLS SETUP RESET TIME
Inhibitor: On/Off Software reset? YES/NO

Deploy angle: +/-XX° Clear event log? YES/NO
Remote Lock: LOCAL/REMOTE Reset e2prom? YES/NO
Elevation trim: +/-0.0°
Section 8.7
8.6.1. MORE:SETTINGS:SYSTEM:CONTROLS MENU

8.6.1.1. INHIBIT
The system can inhibit all movement commands from the ACU front panel and any
remote controller. Set the option to 'yes', and press ENTER. The system state will be
INHIBITED.
To clear the inhibit, the option has to be set to 'no', and ENTER pressed.
8.6.1.2. REMOTE LOCK

The remote lock is used by a controller to inhibit the ACU front panel antenna control. If
the remote lock is on, the front panel green ‘remote’ LED will be illuminated.
Set the required remote lock state, and press ENTER.
8.6.1.3. DEPLOY ANGLE

The angle to which the antenna initially deploys can be adjusted using this menu
option.
8.6.1.4. ELEVATION TRIM

(NewSwift/Lynx)
The elevation axis calibration offset can be adjusted using this feature. If the antenna
has been aligned with a known satellite and the calculated RF elevation angle is
different from the antenna RF elevation angle, the display can be adjusted using this
menu option. The elevation angle offset adjustment does not require a ENTER to
action it.
On each press of the elevation axis control keys the RF elevation angle will change by
0.1°. The adjustment can only be done if the system is deployed, the elevation axis is
calibrated, and there is no inclinometer error detected. The adjustment has a range of
±5.0° about the factory calibration.
(Motorised Mantis DCU32XX)

On each press of the elevation keys the displayed RF elevation angle will be changed
by 1.0°. The adjustment is used to set the ACU displayed RF angle to the same value
as indicated on the mechanical elevation scale on the Mantis antenna mount.
8.6.2. MORE:SETTINGS:SYSTEM:SET-UP MENU

See section 8.7.
8.6.3. MORE:SETTINGS:SYSTEM:RESET MENU OPTIONS

8.6.3.1. SOFTWARE
This option resets the unit back to the initial factory default settings. Any presets set up
will be cleared. (This does not affect the system, location, or satellite databases which
are held in E2PROM.)
8.6.3.2. RESET E2PROM

This resets the ACU42XX system variables held in E2PROM. This will reset all display
option and COM port settings to the factory default values. The antenna system,
location and satellite databases are not reset using this command. They can only be
erased and reset using the ACS3000 PC software.
8.6.3.3. CLEAR EVENR LOG

The event log is cleared of all entries using this option. Set the menu option to 'yes',
and press ENTER.
8.6.4. MORE:SETTINGS:SYSTEM:TIME MENU

The current time, date and date display format for the ACU real time clock can be set
using the functions in this menu option.
8.6.5. MORE:SETTINGS:GOTO MENU OPTIONS

8.6.5.1. SET PRESET
This menu option is used to store the current antenna position as a preset. Twenty
such preset positions can be stored, numbered 01 to 20. Select the number of the
preset to store the current position using the elevation axis control keys. To enter the
position into memory, exit this option by pressing ENTER.
A text description for each preset can be entered by using a PC with the ACS3000
software, version B.18 or later, via the PC or REMOTE port. The text description
cannot be edited via the front panel of the ACU42XX.
8.6.5.2. SET RELATIVE

If a number of the presets are set up to point to different satellites in one geographical
location, the set relative preset position can be used to realign all the presets to their
respective satellites quickly, when the antenna equipment is moved. This will only work
satisfactorily if the distance between locations is small. (Less than 100 miles/160Km.)
If preset 1 is set to satellite 1, preset 2 set to satellite 2 etc. at the first location. When
the system is redeployed at the second location, by aligning the antenna with one of
these satellites, and then using the corresponding set relative preset function, the
relative positions of all the presets is maintained.
To set a relative preset position, align the antenna, select the preset number to use,
then press ENTER. The selected preset azimuth is changed to the current antenna
azimuth angle. All other presets are adjusted by the same azimuth angle change. This
keeps the relative azimuth angles between all the presets unchanged.

8.7. MORE:SETTINGS:SYSTEM:SET-UP Menu Options
AUTO
COMMS DISPLAY MODEM
SYSTEM
ACU: True/Magnetic/0-360° or +/-180°
Polarisation: Normal/ TX(V)/ TX(H)
PC Remote BRX
PC Comms: Baud:4800/9600bps Remote Comms: Baud:4800/9600bps ABR Comms: Baud:4800/9600bps

Address:XXX Address:XXX Address:XXX
Connection: RS232/RS485 Connection: RS232/RS485 Connection: RS232/RS485
AUTO SYSTEM MAGNETIC

SETUP ERROR
Magnetic Error: Set/Clear
State: Calibrated/Uncalibrated
Error: +XXX.X°
Section 8.8
8.7.1. MORE:SETTINGS:SYSTEM:SET-UP:AUTO SYSYEM MENU OPTIONS
8.7.1.1. AUTO SYSTEM SETUP MENU
See section 8.8.
8.7.1.2. MAGNETIC ERROR MENU

Displays the current state and value of the local magnetic error. Once a satellite has
been selected, and the system correctly aligned with it. The local magnetic error can
be calculated by selecting ‘SET’ from this menu option.
The ACU42XX automatically calculates this local magnetic error when the correct
satellite is confirmed at the end of a search operation, or at the end of the Align
process.
The local magnetic error is the change of the expected magnetic to true north direction
difference and the actual local value. This error usually arises from local changes to
the earths magnetic field caused by buildings or other magnetic material close by. In a
‘green field’ site this error is usually small.
8.7.2. MORE:SETTINGS:SYSTEM:SET-UP:COMMS MENU OPTIONS

8.7.2.1. COMMS:PC MENU
The PC port is used to communicate with a local PC running the ACS3000 control
software. The PC port uses connector J9 on the rear panel.
8.7.2.1.1.BAUD
Sets the baud rate for the PC port.
8.7.2.1.2.ADDRESS
Sets the address of the PC port. As the PC port is a slave this is the address of the
unit.
8.7.2.1.3.TYPE
Sets the PC port to either RS-232 or RS-485.

8.7.2.2. COMMS:REMOTE MENU
The REMOTE port is used to control the antenna remotely using standard Advent
protocol. See section 10 for the software interface specification. The REMOTE port
uses J3 on the rear panel.
8.7.2.2.1.BAUD
Sets the baud rate for the REMOTE port.
8.7.2.2.2.ADDRESS
Sets the address of the REMOTE port. As the REMOTE port is a slave this is the
address of the unit.
8.7.2.2.3.TYPE
Sets the REMOTE port to either RS-232 or RS-485.
8.7.2.3. COMMS:BRX MENU

The BRX port is used to communicate with a beacon receiver if fitted to the system.
8.7.2.3.1.BAUD
Sets the baud rate for the BRX port.
8.7.2.3.2.ADDRESS
Sets the address of the BRX port in use. As the BRX port is a master the address set
is the address of the beacon receiver unit.
8.7.2.3.3.TYPE
Sets the BRX port to either RS-232 or RS-485.
8.7.3. MORE:SETTINGS:SYSTEM:SET-UP:DISPLAY MENU

8.7.3.1. AZIMUTH
The ACU has four azimuth display modes, ±180°, 0-360°, True and Magnetic.
The default is ±180°. The azimuth range is displayed as –180° to 180°, with the system
stowing at 0°.
In the 0°-360° mode, a fixed offset of 180° is added to the above value, so the display
is now in the range 0° to 360°, with the system stowing at 180°. (Note –182° translate
to –2°, and +182° translates to 362°) The 0°-360° display is not very relevant to a
system with a limited azimuth range of ±90°.
In the True and Magnetic modes, once the antenna system has been aligned and
calibrated to a satellite the azimuth will display the estimated heading of the antenna
relative to True or Magnetic North. (Displayed in the range 0-360°.)
8.7.3.2. POLARISATION
The ACU has three polarisation display modes, NORMAL, TX(V), and TX(H).
In normal mode the display shows the directly measured polarisation angle and, if
fitted, separate waveguide switch position.
In TX(V) mode the two displays are merged to display the actual transmit polarisation
relative to the local vertical plane. Negative angles are anticlockwise looking from
behind the antenna dish towards the satellite. The polarisation angle is normalised to
the range -90° to +90°.
In TX(H) mode the display shows the actual transmit polarisation relative to the local
horizontal plane.

8.7.4. MORE:SETTINGS:SYSTEM:SET-UP:MODEM MENU
The PC remote interface can output the modem reset string 'ATZ'. This will reset any
Hayes compatible modem connected to the PC remote interface, and set the modem
to communicate at the selected PC interface baud rate. This allows the system to be
controlled remotely via the modem.
Selecting this option outputs the reset string to the PC port.

8.8. MORE:SETTINGS:SYSTEM:SET-UP:AUTO SYSTEM: AUTO SYSTEM SETUP

Menu Options
ANTENNA SEARCH LNB TRACK
<LNB Band Number>: X of X

C/Ku Band XX.XXXXXXGHz Sideband: UPPER/ LOWER
MODE PERIOD JOG SIZE
Tracking Mode: Fixed rate Track period: Azimuth : XXX min Track Jog size: X.XX°
(Control not implemented yet) XXX min
REF.
THRESHOLD RANGE
SATELLITE
Beacon Threshold:+ XXdB Ref. Satellite: ON/OFF Search Ranges: Azimuth: +/-XX°
------------ Long.:----.- dE Elevation: +/-XX°
MOUNTING RX POL COMPASS SLOPE
Antenna Fixing: REVERSE/FORWARD RX Polarisation Type: X-POL Interaction: ON/OFF Slope Compensation: ENABLED/ DISABLED
(Control not implemented yet) Azimuth: X° +/- XX° (Control not implemented yet)
Elevation: X° +/- XX°
8.8.1. AUTOSYSTEM: AUTOSYSTEM SETUP: ANTENNA MENU

These system database settings are changeable from the ACU42XX front panel.
8.8.1.1. MOUNTING
This sets the orientation of the antenna fixing to the vehicle. If the antenna stows
pointing towards the front of the vehicle, select ‘Antenna 0° forward’. If the antenna
stows pointing towards the rear of the vehicle select ‘Antenna 0° backward’.
Note: The ACU42XX has options that display the azimuth angle in the range 0° to
360°, rather than in the range ±180°. The nominal 0° is at the antenna stow position
irrespective of the azimuth display option chosen.
8.8.1.2. RX POL
8.8.1.3. COMPASS
8.8.1.4. SLOPE
8.8.2. AUTOSYSTEM: AUTOSYSTEM SETUP: SEARCH MENU

8.8.2.1. THRESHOLD
ACU4206/9: The detection threshold sets the level a beacon peak signal has to be
above the average noise for it to be detected. A figure of 13dB has been found to give
good results.

8.8.2.2. REF. SATELLITE

If the final satellite required does not have a unique easily detected beacon then a
reference satellite can be nominated. The system will first search and peak on the
reference satellite, and once confirmed move on to the final chosen satellite.
8.8.2.3. RANGE
At the start of the search the antenna will initially go to the expected position of the
satellite. If the expected beacon is not detected, the ACU42XX will search over the
azimuth and elevation search range set here.
The azimuth search range is set to be larger than the expected error in the vehicle
orientation measurement. Typically the fluxgate compass is within ±10° of the correct
orientation, an azimuth search range of ±15° is set by default.
The elevation search range is smaller, as once the antenna system has been trimmed
to a known satellite the elevation axis is usually within ±0.5° of the expected value.
8.8.3. AUTOSYSTEM: AUTOSYSTEM SETUP: LNB MENU

These system database settings can only be viewed from the ACU42XX front panel;
they can only be updated by using the ACS3000 software.
The number of LNBs the system has been configured to use is viewable. Each LNB
entry has a text name, LO frequency and sideband type.
8.8.4. AUTOSYSTEM: AUTOSYSTEM SETUP: TRACK MENU

8.8.4.1. MODE
The ACU42XX tracking system can currently only use the fixed rate tracking mode.
The elevation and azimuth rates are re-peaked at the time periods set in the axis-
tracking period
The adaptive tracking rate mode will be available in a future software version.
8.8.4.2. PERIOD
This sets the period of the azimuth and elevation track peaking operations. These are
set such that the satellite drift between track peak operations does not result in too
significant a loss in signal strength. The values depend on the greatest movement rate
during the satellite orbital movement. The default values, elevation every 4 minutes,
azimuth every 8 minutes, can handle most inclined satellites that are likely to be
encountered. Advent Communications can advise on individual cases if required.
8.8.4.3. JOG SIZE

should be set to get a 0.2 to 0.3dB signal change if the antenna were pointed correctly
at the satellite and the antenna steps off. This step size is dependant on the antenna
size and beacon frequency in use. The table below shows the recommended step size
for different antenna diameters at 2 different beacon frequencies. Advent
Communications can advise on individual cases if required.

Antenna Diameter Beacon Frequency Recommended Step

(Meters) (GHz) Size (°)
0.9 4.0 0.55
1.2 4.0 0.41
1.5 4.0 0.33
2.0 4.0 0.25
0.9 11.5 0.19
1.2 11.5 0.14
1.5 11.5 0.12
2.0 11.5 0.09

8.9. MORE:INFO Menu Options
SUPPORT UNITS DATABASES SYSTEM
TELEPHONE 24hr:
EMAIL:
ACU INFO. SATELLITE LOCATION HEADING
ACU Information: <message display> Current selected Satellite: <satellite description> <location description> Current selected Heading:
Preset: 10 Data not set <country> Held : XXX.X°
Lt: XX°XX'XX" N/S
Lg: XXX°XX'XX"E/W
Var: +/-XXX.X°
SATELLITE LOCATION
<XX> <satellite description> <location description>

Long: +XXX.X°E/W <country>
XX.XXXXXXGHz (X/Y) Lt: XX°XX'XX" N/S
LNB: X Lg: XXX°XX'XX"E/W
PO +XX.X° Var: +/-XXX.X°
Incl: YES/NO
GPS/
ACU DCU BRX
COMPASS
Section 8.10 Section 8.11 Section 8.12 Section 8.13
8.9.1. MORE:INFO:SUPPORT MENU

The contact information for technical support is displayed.
8.9.2. MORE:INFO:UNITS MENU OPTIONS

8.9.2.1. ACU
See Section 8.10.
8.9.2.2. DCU
See Section 8.11.
8.9.2.3. BRX
See Section 8.12.
8.9.2.4. GPS/COMPASS
See Section 8.13.
8.9.3. MORE:INFO:DATABASES MENU OPTIONS

8.9.3.1. SATELLITE
Displays the internal ACU satellite database. This cannot be altered from the
ACU42XX front panel, but must be configured using the ACS3000 software on a PC.
8.9.3.2. LOCATION
Displays the internal ACU location database. This cannot be altered from the
ACU42XX front panel, but must be configured using the ACS3000 software on a PC.
8.9.4. MORE:INFO: SYSTEM MENU OPTIONS

8.9.4.1. ACU INFO
The last ACU information text string can be viewed using this option.

8.9.4.2. SATELLITE
View the currently selected satellite.
8.9.4.3. LOCATION
View the current selected location data source.
8.9.4.4. HEADING
View the current magnetic heading data source and value.
8.10. MORE:INFO: UNITS: ACU Menu Options
OUTPUT
ERSION CONFIG. TIME
VOLTAGES
ACU: 42XX Californian Deploy Inhibit: Enables/Disabled DCU12: XX.Xv Current time and date:
SN XXXXXXX DCU36: XX.Xv HH:MM:SS DD/MM/YY or MM/DD/YY
SW X.XX Compass: XX.Xv
LIB XXX Status: On/Off
Software P/N: SOFT-000115A GPS: On/Off
FGPA: n/a
8.10.1. VERSION
The ACU type number, serial number, software version and software part number are
displayed in this option.
8.10.2. CONFIG.
The current status of the Californian deploy inhibit is displayed. If active, an external
switch is required to be pressed and held down to enable the antenna to deploy. If not,
the antenna displays ‘Ext. Inhibit’, and the antenna will not deploy.
8.10.3. OUTPUT VOLTAGES

This menu option displays the ACU output voltages provided to power up the system.
The +12V electronics and +36V motor supply to the antenna DCU are monitored,
along with the +12V GPS, compass and status power outputs.
8.10.4. TIME
The current date and time of the ACU real time clock are displayed using this menu
option.

8.11. MORE:INFO: UNITS: DCU Menu Options
ANTENNA
VERSION LYNX
LIMITS
DCU: 42XX LYNX 200
SN XXXXXXX Feedarm: N/A
SW X.XX El deployment:
LIB n/a N/A
HW Rev n/a
FGPA: n/a
Rev ----
UPPER LOWER
SOFTLIMITS
LIMIT LIMIT
Softlimits Upper Wooded Area. ON/OFF Lower Wooded Area. ON/OFF
AZ: +X° to +X° AZ left: ----- AZ left: -----
EL: +X° to +X° AZ right: ----- AZ right: -----
POL: +X° to +X° EL: ----- EL: -----
8.11.1. VERSION
The DCU type number, serial number, software and FPGA version are displayed in this
menu option.
8.11.2. ANTENNA LIMITS

8.11.2.1. SOFTLIMITS
The antenna softlimit angles are displayed in this menu option This menu option
displays the maximum movement for all the antenna axis.
8.11.2.2. UPPER WOODED AREA

A wooded area can be set at the top of the elevation movement range. This allows the
elevation limit to change with azimuth angle. The area type can either be OFF, INNER
or OUTER.
If OFF no restricted area is active. If an INNER type is defined the wooded elevation
limit will apply between the azimuth left and right limits. If an OUTER type is defined
the elevation limit will apply outside the azimuth left and right limits.
8.11.2.3. LOWER WOODED AREA

A wooded area can be set at the bottom of the elevation movement range. This allows
the elevation limit to change with azimuth angle. The area type can either be OFF,
INNER or OUTER.
If OFF no restricted area is active. If an INNER type is defined the wooded elevation
limit will apply between the azimuth left and right limits. If an OUTER type is defined
the elevation limit will apply outside the azimuth left and right limits.
8.11.2.4. LYNX
The Lynx2000 antenna has two extra motor axes. The position and state of these
axes, elevation deployment and feedarm deployment, are displayed in this menu
option.

8.12. MORE:INFO: UNITS: BRX Menu
BRX
VERSION
DATA
ABR: ---- Signal: ----.-dBm
SN ------- Frequency: --------kHz
SW -.--
LIB n/a
HW Rev n/a
FGPA Rev n/a
8.12.1. VERSION
Display the unit details, type and serial number, of the beacon receiver if fitted.
8.12.2. BRX DATA

Displays the current data received from the beacon receiver if fitted.
8.13. MORE:INFO: UNITS: GPS/COMPASS Menu
GPS COMPASS
DATA DATA
Latitude: ---------- Compass Heading: ------
Longditude: ---------- Compass Offset: ------
Mag. Var: --------
8.13.1. GPS DATA

Shows the current data from the GPS receiver if fitted.
8.13.2. COMPASS DATA

Shows the current data from the fluxgate compass if fitted.

9. RECOMMENDED OPERATING PROCEDURE
9.1. DEFINITION OF TERMS

9.1.1. AUTOPOINT
AutoPoint uses the location of the system, antenna orientation and satellite orbital
position to estimate the antenna settings to align the antenna with the satellite.
Any errors in any of the three inputs, location, satellite orbital position and especially
antenna orientation will result in a pointing error. A manual search and peak operation
may then be required to find the correct satellite.
The AutoPoint system sets the antenna transmit polarisation to align with the satellites
vertical receive polarisation. Any beacon information in the satellite database is NOT
used.
9.1.2. AUTOSEARCH
AutoSearch carries out an AutoPoint action first. The system then uses a beacon
receiver and satellite beacon data to confirm the antenna is pointing at the correct
satellite. If no beacon data is detected the system starts to search for the beacon over
a predefined search area.
As the system is attempting to use beacons to identify satellites, care must be
exercised in assuming that because the system has detected a possible beacon the
system is pointing at the correct satellite. Many satellites use the same or very similar
beacon frequencies. It is up to the user to confirm that the AutoSearch system has
found the correct satellite by using other identification means.
9.1.3. AUTOTRACK
The Auto Track operation allows the antenna to track the beacon of an inclined orbit
satellite. The system uses a tracking capable beacon receiver to continually maintain
the antenna pointing at the tracked satellite. The beacon receiver must be ‘locked’ onto
the beacon signal before Auto Tracking can start.

9.2. ACU4202
This section outlines a suggested set up and operating procedure for the ACU4202.
Before the system can be used sections 9.2.1 to 9.2.3 must be carried out. The system
is configured using the ACS3000 software, version B.26 or later, installed on a PC and
connected to the ACU via the PC (J9 rear panel) or REMOTE (J3 rear panel) port.
9.2.1. ACU4202: SYSTEM CONFIGURATION

On the ACS3000 software, from the ACU control tab press the ‘ACU setup’ button, the
‘ACU setup’ dialog will appear. Press the ‘system setup’ button, the ‘System setup’
dialog box will appear.
The ACU4202 only requires the antenna fixing orientation to be set, as the system
does not have a beacon receiver and so cannot search for any satellite beacons. The
antenna fixing is set from the ‘Antenna’ tab.
If the antenna stows pointing towards the front of the vehicle, select the ‘Antenna 0°
forward’ option. If the antenna stows pointing towards the rear of the vehicle, select the
‘Antenna 0° backward’ option.
Note: The ACU4XXXs have azimuth display options that show the azimuth angle in the
range 0-360°, rather than –180° to +180°. The system 0° mark is always at the
antenna azimuth stow position, irrespective of the azimuth display option selected.
Once set, press the ‘Upload to ACU’ button.
The system set up can be saved to the disc of the PC using the ‘Save to file’ button,
and retrieved from the PC disc using the ‘Load from file’ button.
9.2.2. ACU4202: SATELLITE DATABASE ENTRY

The satellite database holds the position and beacon information for up to 50 satellites
to be used in operation. As the ACU4202 does not have a beacon receiver, the beacon
data can be left as unknown, only the longitude position of the satellites is required.
The ACU4202 system cannot handle inclined orbit satellites.
To configure the satellite database, press the ‘Satellite Database’ button on the ‘ACU
setup’ dialog box. Pressing ‘Download From PC’ will download the current ACU42XX
satellite database. Pressing ‘Load From File’ will load a previously saved database
from the PC disk storage.
To edit an entry, press the ‘Edit Entry’ button. Enter a satellite name and the longitude
position of the satellite in degrees east. The ‘Beacon freq known’ can remain
unchecked.
The polarisation-offset entry allows the system to correct for satellites that tilt the
polarisation from ‘nominal’ for operational reasons. The calculations assume the
satellite is aligned to the earth’s axis, the polarisation offset is added to this calculated
value.
‘Upload To ACU’ button, or saved to a file by pressing the ‘Save To File’ button.
9.2.3. ACU4202: LOCATION DATABASE ENTRY

As the ACU4202 does not have a GPS receiver fitted the location database requires to
be configured. The database can store up to 800 preset locations. In operation the
exact location does not need to be used, as a location error of up to 100Km does not
affect the estimated satellite direction significantly.
To configure the location database, press the ‘Location Database’ button from the
‘ACU setup’ dialog. Pressing ‘Download From PC’ will download the current

ACU42XX location database. Pressing ‘Load From File’ will load a previously saved
database from the PC disk storage.
To edit an entry, press the ‘Edit Entry’ button. Either enter the latitude and longitude
into the data entry boxes, remembering to put a text description of the location in as
well. Or the ‘Map’ button calls up a world map that can be used to select the location
latitude and longitude data if required.
‘Upload To ACU’ button, or saved to a file by pressing the ‘Save To File’ button. When
uploaded into the ACU the magnetic variation at each location is estimated using a
built in World Magnetic Model in the PC software.
9.2.4. ACU4202: ACU42XX UNIT OPTIONS

The ACU42XX has four azimuth angle display options. From the MORE:
SETTINGS:SYSTEM:SETUP:DISPLAY menu (see section 8.7.3.1) select the required
azimuth display option, either the ±180°, 0-360°, magnetic or true options.
In the magnetic or true heading options the display shows the angle the antenna is
pointing with respect to either magnetic or true north.
Until the system has been aligned to a known satellite the azimuth display will be
uncalibrated, a ‘U’ will appear on the azimuth heading display.
The polarisation display has three display options. (See section 8.7.3.2.) In normal
mode, the waveguide switch position and polarisation angles are displayed separately.
In TX(V), both displays are combined to show the current TX polarisation angle relative
to the vertical. In TX(H) both are combined to show the TX polarisation relative to the
horizontal. The graphic below shows the current polarisation angle within the
polarisation movement softlimits.
9.2.5. ACU4202: POWER-UP(STOWED) & RESTART OPERATION

The following automatic sequence of operations is followed either when the ‘Restart’
option is selected from the main menu, or the system is powered up with the antenna
in its stowed state.
All user entered data is cleared, and the local magnetic error set to 0°. The system will
then go through the following sequence.
9.2.5.1. HEADING DATA ENTRY
Magnetic Heading: 321°

Enter magnetic heading of vehicle
The system is asking for the magnetic heading of the vehicle. This is the direction
towards the front of the vehicle if standing directly behind. The cursor keys are used to
enter the correct value. Pressing ‘ENTER’ will enter the current displayed value.
Pressing ‘ESCAPE’ or ‘STOP’ will exit the sequence and enter operate mode.
9.2.5.2. LOCATION DATA ENTRY
Select:Chesham GB
Lt:51°43’05”N Lg:000°36’06”W Var:002.8°
The system will show the currently select location from the database. Use the up/down
keys to change the town or state, and the left/right keys to change between town and
state selection. Once the correct location is selected press ‘ENTER’ to accept.
Pressing ‘ESCAPE’ will move back to the magnetic heading entry, and pressing
‘STOP’ will exit the sequence and enter operate mode.

9.2.5.3. SATELLITE DATA ENTRY
Select:Atlantic Bird +347.5°E

11.703400GHZ(X) LNB:1 PO:+00.0° Incl:NO
The system will show the currently selected satellite from the database. Use the
up/down keys to change the satellite required. Once the current satellite is selected
press ‘ENTER’ to accept. Pressing ‘ESCAPE’ will move back to the location entry, and
pressing ‘STOP’ will exit the sequence and enter operate mode.
9.2.5.4. SYSTEM ACTIONS
Goto: <Current Action Description>

AZ:+132.0° EL:29.4° POL:-7.8°
The ACU42XX will move the antenna system to the angles calculated to align the
antenna with the chosen satellite. Once the antenna system has reached this position
the ACU42XX goes into an ‘Align’ mode.
Align:Atlantic Bird (ENTER to CAL)

AZ:+195.0° EL:29.7° POL:+9.2° TX:Y(V)
The display shows that the system is in its ‘align’ mode. The antenna can now be
moved by using the normal movement controls. Align the antenna to the selected
satellite and then press ‘ENTER’ to calibrate the system. The error between the
estimated antenna azimuth angle and the actual azimuth angle required to align with
the satellite is the local magnetic error. This value is calculated and stored for use in
later satellite ‘goto’ processes. The system will then enter operate mode. The name of
the satellite will appear in place of the ‘Deployed’ antenna state.
AZ(True) EL POL Atlantic Bi

195.0° +29.8° +9.3° TX:Y(V)
The local magnetic error is stored in non-volatile memory until a ‘Restart’ command, or
the system is powered up with the antenna stowed.
Pressing ‘STOP’ or ‘ESCAPE’ will exit the sequence without calibrating the system and
enter operate mode. The uncalibrated azimuth display is indicated by the ‘U’ in the
azimuth angle display.
AZ(True) EL POL Deployed

195.1°U +29.8° +9.3° TX:Y(V)

9.2.6. ACU4202: SELECT SATELLITE OPERATION

The following sequence is followed if the ‘Select Satellite’ option is selected from the
main menu.
If the heading or location data has not been entered, then the sequence of section
9.2.5 is followed, asking for the required data. The system will ask the user to select a
satellite. Pressing ‘STOP’ will exit the sequence and enter operate mode.
Select:Intelsat 515/709 +342.0°E

11.198000GHZ(C) LNB:1 PO:+00.0° Incl:NO

AZ:+201.7° EL:28.6° POL:+13.8°
antenna with the chosen satellite. If the system currently does not have a valid local
magnetic error then the system will enter the ‘Align’ mode as described in section
9.2.5.
If the local magnetic error is valid, the system has already been calibrated for the
current location and should be aligned correctly with the required satellite.
AZ(True) EL POL lsat 515/709

201.7° +28.6° +13.8° TX:Y(V)

9.3. ACU4204
Before the system can be used sections 9.3.1 to 9.3.2 must be carried out. The
configuration of the location database (9.3.3) is optional as the preset locations could
be used as a backup for a failed GPS unit.
The system is configured using the ACS3000 software, version B.26 or later, installed
on a PC and connected to the ACU via the PC (J9 rear panel) or REMOTE (J3 rear
panel) port.

The system is configured using the same procedure as section 9.2.1. As no beacon
receiver is fitted to this system the only necessary entry is the antenna mounting
configuration details.

The satellite database is configured using the same procedure as section 9.2.2. As no
beacon receiver is fitted to this system the satellite beacon details are optional.

The location database is optional for the ACU4204 system. The GPS will typically be
used to provide the location data. The preset locations could be used in the rare case
of a GPS receiver failure.
To configure the location database follow the same procedure as outlines in section
9.2.3.

The ACU42XX display options are configured as described in section 9.2.4.


The ACU4204 has a fluxgate compass fitted to the system. If the serial
communications link with the compass is OK the heading data from the compass is
sampled. The sequence moves on to the location data entry.
If the compass unit has failed the system enters the manual heading menu.



The ACU4204 has a GPS unit fitted to the system. If the serial communications link
with the GPS is OK, the location data from the GPS is sampled. The sequence moves
on to the satellite selection entry.
If the GPS unit is searching for sufficient GPS satellites to get a location fix, the option
of using the location database is offered. Pressing ‘ESCAPE’ enters the manual
location entry.
If the GPS has failed the system enters the manual location menu.
Select:Chesham GB
Lt:51°43’05”N Lg:000°36’06”W Var:-002.8°


AZ:+132.0°U EL:29.4° POL:-7.8°

AZ:+195.0° EL:29.7° POL:+9.2° TX:Y(V)
The display showsthat the system is in its ‘align’ mode. The normal movement controls
are used to control the antenna position. Align the antenna to the required satellite,
then press ‘ENTER’ to calibrate the system. The error between the estimated antenna
azimuth angle and the actual azimuth angle required to align with the satellite is the
local magnetic error. This value is calculated and stored for use in later satellite ‘goto’
processes. The system will then enter operate mode.


195.0° +29.8° +9.3° TX:Y(V)
enter operate mode.

195.1°U +29.8° +9.3° TX:Y(V)

main menu.
If the compass or GPS units have failed and the heading or location data has not been
entered, then the sequence of section 9.3.5 is followed.
The system will ask the user to select a satellite. Pressing ‘STOP’ will exit the
sequence and enter operate mode.


AZ:+132.0° EL:29.4° POL:-7.8°
antenna with the chosen satellite. If the system does currently does not have a valid
local magnetic error then the system will enter the ‘Align’ mode as described in section
9.3.5.

201.7° +28.6° +13.8° TX:Y(V)

9.4. ACU4206
configuration of the location database (9.4.3) is optional as the preset locations could
be used as a backup for a failed GPS unit.
panel) port.

On the ACS3000 software, from the ACU control tab press the ‘ACU setup’ button, the
‘ACU setup’ dialog will appear. Press the ‘system setup’ button, the ‘System setup’
dialog box will appear.
The antenna fixing is set from the ‘Antenna’ tab.
If the antenna stows pointing towards the front of the vehicle, select the ‘Antenna 0°
forward’ option. If the antenna stows pointing towards the rear of the vehicle, select the
‘Antenna 0° backward’ option.
Note: The ACU4XXXs have azimuth display options that show the azimuth angle in the
range 0-360°, rather than –180° to +180°. The system 0° mark is always at the
antenna azimuth stow position, irrespective of the azimuth display option selected.
The slope compensation and compass interaction are not supported by this software
release.
The search is configured on the ‘Search’ tab of the ‘System setup’ dialog. The beacon
threshold is used to detect the presence of a beacon from the beacon receiver data.
This specifies the beacon peak signal level above the noise floor for the system to
detect the beacon. A figure of 13dB has been found to work well.
The search range specifies the range over which the antenna searches for the beacon
from the expected satellite position. The magnetic compass error is typically less than
±10°, so the default azimuth search range is ±15°. If in operation the magnetic error is
found to be larger than this, then the azimuth search range should be increased
accordingly.
If the required satellite does not have a beacon, or uses a non-unique beacon
frequency, than a reference satellite can be nominated. The system will first find and
peak on the reference satellite. Having confirmed that the reference satellite has been
found, the system calibrates the magnetic error and then moves to the required final
satellite. The reference satellite is selected from the entries in the satellite database.
The details of the LNBs fitted to the system are entered on the ‘LNB’ tab of the ‘System
setup’ dialog. The system allows up to 4 different LNBs, and the details are entered in
the data entry text boxes.
If the system is using an ABR4951 beacon receiver the system is capable of tracking
inclined orbit satellites. The tracking configuration details are entered on the ‘Track’ tab
of the ‘System Setup’ dialog.
Currently the embedded tracking software can only use the fixed rate mode. The
period of the azimuth and elevation track peaking are set such that the satellite drift
between track peak operations does not result in a significant loss in signal strength.
The values depend on the greatest movement rate during the satellite orbital
movement. The default values, elevation every 4 minutes, azimuth every 8 minutes,
can handle most inclined satellites that are likely to be encountered. Advent

should be set to get about a 0.2 to 0.3dB signal change if the antenna were pointed
correctly at the satellite and the antenna steps off. This step size is dependant on the
antenna size and beacon frequency in use. For a NewSwift 1500 and a beacon
frequency of about 11.5GHz, a step size of 0.12° is recommended. Advent
Once set, press the ‘Upload to ACU’ button.
The system set up can be saved to the disc of the PC using the ‘Save to file’ button,
and retrieved from the PC disc using the ‘Load from file’ button.

The satellite database is configured using the same procedure as section 9.2.2. As a
beacon receiver is fitted to this system the beacon details have to be entered for
satellites to be searched for and tracked if applicable.

The location database is optional for the ACU4206 system. The GPS will typically be
used to provide the location data. The preset locations could be used in the rare case
of a GPS receiver failure.
9.2.3.



communications link with the compass is OK, the heading data from the compass is
If the compass has failed the system enters the manual heading menu.


The ACU4206 has a GPS unit fitted to the system. If the serial communications link
with the GPS is OK, the location data from the GPS is sampled. The sequence moves
on to the satellite selection entry.

If the GPS unit is searching for sufficient GPS satellites to get a location fix, the option
of using the location database is offered. Pressing ‘ESCAPE’ enters the manual
location entry.
If the GPS has failed the system enters the manual location menu.
Select:Chesham GB
Lt:51°43’05”N Lg:000°36’06”W Var:-002.8°


If the satellite selected has beacon data entered in the satellite database the system
will start an antenna ‘search’ process. If no satellite beacon data is known and a
reference satellite is not in use then an antenna ‘goto’ process is started.
Antenna Search Process:
If the antenna has multiple LNBs fitted, the ACU4XXX will ask to confirm that the
correct LNB for the selected satellite has been selected.
Press ENTER to Confirm :-

Set LNB to Ku Band
Press ENTER to confirm that the correct LNB is being used. The system will then start
the search sequence.
Search: <Current Action Description>

AZ:+132.0° EL:29.4° POL:-7.8°
antenna with the chosen satellite and setup the beacon receiver. If no beacon signal is
detected a search pattern is started.

If the beacon is detected then the system will peak up on the signal. If the user
confirms that the correct satellite has been found the local magnetic error is calculated.
The error between the estimated antenna azimuth angle and the actual azimuth angle
required to align with the satellite is the local magnetic error. This value is calculated
and stored for later use.
If the system is using a tracking capable beacon receiver and the satellite is inclined,
the system will ask if tracking should start. Pressing ‘ENTER’ will start the AutoTrack
process.
Antenna Goto Process:

AZ:+132.0° EL:29.4° POL:-7.8°

AZ:+195.0° EL:29.7° POL:+9.2° TX:Y(V)
The display will show that the system is in its align mode. The antenna can now be
moved by using the normal movement controls. Align the antenna to the required
the satellite is the local magnetic error. This value is calculated and stored for later
use. The system will then enter operate mode.
enter operate mode.

main menu.
If the compass or GPS units have failed and the heading or location data has not been
entered, then the sequence of section 9.4.3 is followed.



If the satellite selected has beacon data entered in the satellite database the system
will start an antenna ‘search’ process. If no satellite beacon data is known and a
reference satellite is not in use then an antenna ‘goto’ process is started.

Set LNB to Ku Band

AZ:+132.0° EL:29.4° POL:-7.8°
antenna with the chosen satellite, and setup the beacon receiver. If no beacon signal is
confirms that the correct satellite has been found and the local magnetic error is
currently not valid, the local magnetic error is calculated. The error between the
use.
process.

AZ:+132.0° EL:29.4° POL:-7.8°
antenna with the chosen satellite. If the system does currently does not have a valid
local magnetic error then the system will enter the ‘Align’ mode as described in section
9.4.5.
If the local magnetic error is valid the system has already been calibrated for the
9.4.7. ACU4206: MANUAL AUTOTRACK OPERATION

If the ACU4206 has an ABR4951 fitted then the system is capable of tracking inclined
orbit satellites.

To start AutoTrack the system must be aligned to the required satellite and the beacon
receiver ‘locked’ to the satellites beacon signal.
To set the beacon receiver to the correct setting for a preset satellite from the
ACU42XX database use the ‘SET SATELLITE’ operation.
Press ‘MENU’, selecting ‘MORE’, then the ‘ACTIONS’ option, then the ‘TRACK option.
Select ‘SET SATELLITE’ from the sub-menu. Using the ‘Å’ and ‘Æ’ keys select the
required satellite and press ‘ENTER’. The beacon receiver will then be correctly
configured by the ACU for this satellite. Then find the required satellite.
locked to the beacon signal, system tracking can be started. Press ‘MENU’, selecting
‘MORE’, then ‘ACTIONS’, then the ‘TRACK’ option. Select the ‘ACU-TRACK’ option
To stop the AutoTrack process press ‘STOP’ at anytime.

9.5. ACU4209
configuration of the location database (9.5.3) is optional, as the preset locations will
only be used for an AutoPoint or AutoSearch operation if available with the system.
panel) port.

The ACU4209 should be configured in the same way as an ACU4206 as described in
section 9.4.1.
If AutoPointing and AutoSearching are not used, the search range details can be left at
the default values. The beacon threshold should still be set, as this is used by the
system to detect the presence of a satellite beacon signal.

The satellite database is configured using the same procedure as section 9.2.2. As a
beacon receiver is fitted to this system the beacon details have to be entered for
satellites to be searched for and/or tracked.

The location database is optional for the ACU4209 system. The preset location will
only be used in an AutoPoint or AutoSearch operation.
9.2.3.

9.5.5. ACU4209: POWER-UP(STOWED) & RESTART OPERATION: NON-

MANTIS SYSTEM.

Select:Chesham GB
Lt:51°43’05”N Lg:000°36’06”W Var:-002.8°

keys to change the town or state, and the left/right keys to change between the town
and state selection. Once the correct location is selected press ‘ENTER’ to accept.


If the satellite selected has valid beacon data the system will start an antenna ‘search’
process. If no satellite beacon data is known and a reference satellite is not in use then
an antenna ‘goto’ process is started.

Set LNB to Ku Band

AZ:+132.0° EL:29.4° POL:-7.8°
antenna with the chosen satellite, and setup to receive the satellite beacon signal. If no
beacon signal is detected a search pattern is started.
confirms that the correct satellite has been found the local magnetic error is calculated.
The error between the estimated antenna azimuth angle and the actual azimuth angle
required to align with the satellite is the local magnetic error. This value is calculated
and stored for later use.
process.


AZ:+132.0° EL:29.4° POL:-7.8°
Align:

AZ:+195.0° EL:29.7° POL:+9.2° TX:Y(V)
The display shows that the system is in its ‘align’ mode. The antenna can now be
moved by using the normal movement controls. Align the antenna to the required
use. The system will then enter operate mode.
enter operate mode.
9.5.6. ACU4209: POWER-UP(STOWED) & RESTART OPERATION: MANTIS

SYSTEM.
All user entered data is cleared. The system will then go through the following
sequence.


Set LNB to Ku Band

Press ENTER to confirm that the correct LNB is being used. The system will set the
beacon receiver to the correct settings.
If the satellite is flagged as in an inclined orbit, and a beacon is detected, then the user
is asked whether to ‘Start Tracking?’
9.5.7. ACU4209: SELECT SATELLITE OPERATION: NON-MANTIS SYSTEM.

main menu.
If the heading or location data has not been entered, then the sequence of section
9.5.5 is followed.

If the satellite selected has valid beacon data the system will start an antenna ‘search’
process. If no satellite beacon data is known and a reference satellite is not in use then
an antenna ‘goto’ process is started.

Set LNB to Ku Band

AZ:+132.0° EL:29.4° POL:-7.8°
antenna with the chosen satellite and setup the beacon receiver. If no beacon signal is
confirms that the correct satellite has been found and the local magnetic error is
currently not valid, the local magnetic error is calculated. The error between the
use.

process.

AZ:+132.0° EL:29.4° POL:-7.8°
antenna with the chosen satellite. If the system does not have a valid local magnetic
error then the system will enter the ‘Align’ mode as described in section 9.3.5.
If the local magnetic error is valid the system has already been calibrated for the
9.5.8. ACU4209: SELECT SATELLITE OPERATION: MANTIS SYSTEM.

The sequence of section 9.5.6 is followed.
9.5.9. ACU4209: MANUAL AUTOTRACK OPERATION

To start AutoTrack the system must be aligned to the required satellite and the beacon
receiver ‘locked’ to the satellites beacon signal.
To set the beacon receiver to the correct setting for a preset satellite from the
ACU42XX database use the ‘SET SATELLITE’ operation.
Press ‘MENU’, selecting ‘MORE’, then the ‘ACTIONS’ option, then the ‘TRACK option.
Select ‘SET SATELLITE’ from the sub-menu. Using the ‘Å’ and ‘Æ’ keys select the
required satellite and press ‘ENTER’. The beacon receiver will then be correctly
configured by the ACU for this satellite. Then find the required satellite.
locked to the beacon signal, system tracking can be started. Press ‘MENU’, selecting
‘MORE’, then ‘ACTIONS’, then the ‘TRACK’ option. Select the ‘ACU-TRACK’ option
To stop the AutoTrack process press ‘STOP’ at anytime.

9.6. ACU4210
Before the system can be used sections 9.6.1 to 9.6.3 must be carried out.
panel) port.

The system is configured using the same procedure as section 9.2.1. As no beacon
receiver is fitted to this system the only necessary entry is the antenna mounting
configuration details.

The satellite database is configured using the same procedure as section 9.2.2. As no
beacon receiver is fitted to this system the satellite beacon details are optional.

To configure the location database follow the same procedure as outlined in section
9.2.3.



communications link with the compass is OK the heading data from the compass is
If the compass has failed the system enters the manual heading entry.

Select:Chesham GB
Lt:51°43’05”N Lg:000°36’06”W Var:002.8°



AZ:+132.0°U EL:29.4° POL:-7.8°

AZ:+195.0° EL:29.7° POL:+9.2° TX:Y(V)
The display will show that the system is in its ‘align’ mode. The normal movement
controls are used to control the antenna position. Align the antenna to the required
satellite, then press ‘ENTER’ to calibrate the system. The error between the estimated
antenna azimuth angle and the actual azimuth angle required to align with the satellite
is the local magnetic error. This value is calculated and stored for use in later satellite
‘goto’ processes. The system will then enter operate mode.

195.0° +29.8° +9.3° TX:Y(V)
enter operate mode.

195.1°U +29.8° +9.3° TX:Y(V)


main menu.
If the compass has failed and the heading or location data has not been entered, then
the sequence of section 9.6.5 is followed. Asking for the required data. The system will
ask the user to select a satellite. Pressing ‘STOP’ will exit the sequence and enter
operate mode.


AZ:+132.0° EL:29.4° POL:-7.8°
antenna with the chosen satellite. If the system currently does not have a valid local
magnetic error then the system will enter the ‘Align’ mode as described in section
9.3.5.

201.7° +28.6° +13.8° TX:Y(V)

10. REMOTE CONTROL
10.1. INTRODUCTION
Advent equipment is designed to be operated either locally (using the front panel)
and/or remotely using remote control and monitoring software (not supplied) running
on a PC platform. The remote command set enables control of all operational
functions of the unit and querying of the current status of the unit.
The complete list of commands and queries available with this unit is listed in the
following tables.
10.2. Set up
NOTE. Advent Communications products are normally operated in RS485 mode.
In order to control the units a converter from RS232 to RS485 (not supplied) may
have to be fitted between the PC and the unit.
10.2.1. RS485
RS485 allows multiple units to be connected on the same bus with cable lengths of up
to 1200m.
Advent use a four wire bus with the following connections:
REMOTE CONTROL RS485
connector
Pin 1 Rx A
Pin 2 Tx A
Pin 7 Ground
Pin 14 Rx B
Pin 15 Tx B
This should be wired into the remote control connector (25way male D type) at the
back of the unit.
10.2.2. RS232
RS232 is a point-to-point protocol allowing two pieces of equipment to communicate
over a distance of up to 15m.
REMOTE CONTROL RS232
connector
Pin 2 Tx Data
Pin 3 Rx Data
Pin 7 Ground
This should be wired into the remote control connector (25way male D type) at the
back of the unit.
Note: RTS and CTS are not implemented.
Connections to a standard 9 way PC serial port are as follows:
Advent unit RS232 signal PC serial port
Pin 2 Tx Data Pin 3
Pin 3 Rx Data Pin 2
Pin 7 Ground Pin 5

10.2.3. BAUD RATE
Advent units support the following baud rates:
• 9600
• 4800
• 2400
• 1200
This is settable from the front panel. It is essential that all units connected on the
same bus be set to the same baud rate.
10.2.4. ADDRESS
When being controlled remotely, all Advent units must be allocated an address.
When multiple units are connected on the same bus, it is essential that each be
provided with a unique, individual, address otherwise communications will be
corrupted.
The address is normally settable from the front panel, although some units are factory
configured to a preset address.
The address range for Advent units is 1-255.
10.2.5. SETUP INSTRUCTIONS

1. Connect a suitable cable between the PC com port and the REMOTE connector at
the rear panel of the indoor unit.
The pin connections to be used are shown in section above.
2. From the unit front panel, set the following parameters:
• Address
• Baud rate
• RS232/RS485
These are available in the REMOTE PORT menu. (Section 8.7.2.2.)
3. Start the remote control and monitoring software (not supplied) and set the following
parameters:
• com port
• address (must be the same as the unit to be controlled)
• baud rate (must be the same as the unit to be controlled)
• 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit
Once these are set correctly then the PC should be able to communicate with the unit.

10.3. Packet structure

Advent uses a non-printable packet format. This means that the full range of 255 ascii
characters can appear in the message.
The format of all messages is:
[STX] [BYTE COUNT] [ADDRESS] [DATA....] [CHECKSUM] [ETX]
STX (start of transmission)

STX is the ascii character 2. It is one byte in size and is used to represent the start of
each message.
BYTE COUNT
The BYTE COUNT is one byte in size and is the total number of bytes in the packet,
i.e. number of data bytes plus five (one each for STX, BYTE COUNT, ADDRESS,
CHECKSUM and ETX).
ADDRESS
The ADDRESS is one byte in size. This is the address of the equipment to which the
packet is being sent. Unique addresses can be in the range 001 to 255.
DATA
This is the actual data being sent to the equipment. In any one packet, the maximum
number of data bytes is 250. The DATA section includes the remote command and
any associated parameters.
CHECKSUM
The CHECKSUM is one byte in size and is included for error detection. It is the
modulo addition of all ADDRESS and DATA bytes.
Here is a typical example calculation:
[STX] [BYTE COUNT] [ADDRESS] [DATA....] [CHECKSUM] [ETX]
[2] [8] [5] [97 98 99] [43] [3]
The checksum is calculated as follows:

CHECKSUM = (5 + 97 + 98 + 99) mod 256 = 43
ETX (end of transmission)
ETX is the ascii character 3. It is one byte in size and is used to represent the end of
each message.

10.4. COMMANDS, QUERIES AND RESPONSES

10.4.1. DEFINITIONS.
A command is an instruction sent from the remote PC to the unit to change some
operating parameter or display mode.
A query is an instruction sent from the remote PC to the unit for the unit to report one,
or many, operating parameter.
A response is some data sent from the unit to the remote PC that gives the answer to
a query.
10.4.2. RESPONSE TO VALID COMMANDS

The response to a valid remote command is an echo back of the command (with
associated parameters). This indicates that the command has been accepted and the
unit will attempt to action the command.
Note: Receiving a response of this type does not mean that the command has been
actioned. Generally, the action will occur after the response has been sent. This is to
ensure that all responses are returned quickly. (Average response time <300ms). If
you want confirmation that a change has taken place, you must send a query and then
look at the response.
Example
Command to set the transmit gain to -20.0dB.
The command is ‘GT’ and the valid range for the parameters is 000 to 400.
Command sent GT200

Response from unit GT200
Result – this response indicates that the unit will set the transmit gain to –20.0dB

10.4.3. RESPONSE TO INVALID COMMANDS
A message can be invalid for two reasons: invalid command and invalid parameters
Error 1 – invalid command
If the command is invalid, the response will be the first character of the command sent
followed by “Error”
Example
Command sent G200

Response from unit G Error
Result – the response indicates that the command was not valid (the command sent
should have been GT200 as in the example above). The unit will not action this
command.
Error 2 – invalid parameters

Responds with current settings
Example
Command sent GT500

Response from unit GT200
Result – the response indicates that the parameters were not valid (-50.0dB is outside
the range for this unit). Response indicates that the current value is –20.0dB i.e. no
changes have been made.

10.5. MESSAGE DATA STRUCTURE

The ACU42XX remote commands are split into 6 separate virtual control channels.
One for the ACU, GPS, compass, beacon receiver, antenna DCU and database
management commands.
ACU42XX Control Channels

Channel Number Unit
00 ACU
01 GPS
02 Compass
03 Beacon receiver
04 DCU
05 Database Management
10.5.1. COMMAND MESSAGE STRUCTURE

The command message structure is :-
Unit Command : UnnC<command string>

Unit Response : UnnC<response string>
nn : Channel number. Fixed two digit.

<command string> : A valid command to unit channel nn.
< response string> : The unit channel response.
All message bytes are ascii coded characters. For channel 0 (zero), the channel
number is coded as two bytes, values ‘<48><48>’, decimal ascii coded ‘00’, (zero
zero).
10.5.2. BULK STATUS REQUEST (QQ) MESSAGE STRUCTURE

The QQ message structure is
Unit Command : UnnQ

Unit Response : Unn< response string>
All message bytes are ascii coded characters.

10.6. CHANNEL 00: Antenna Control System

10.6.1. CHANNEL 00: STANDARD ADVENT REMOTE COMMANDS
Query Model ID
Command: QM
Response: ACU42XX
Queries the units model number. (e.g. ACU4202)
Query Unit Serial Number

Command: QSN
Response: Serial No. xxxxxxx
Seven digit serial number xxxxxxx
Query Software revision

Command: QSR
Response: Software Rev. x.yy
e.g. Software Revision A.01
Query Software Part Number

Command: QSPN
Response: SPN<text>
Where <text> is a variable length ASCII string, 20 characters max.
e.g. SOFT-000119A
Query local/remote lock

Command: QSL
Response: SLn
n :L Loc al
:R Remote
Set local/remote lock

Command: SLn
Response: SLn
n :L Loc al
:R Remote
Query status and faults

Command: QSF
Response: SfxyCz
x : Primary Alarm (0/1)
y : Secondary Alarm (0/1)
z : Status Change (0/1)

Bulk status request

Command: QQ
Response: Q±aaaa±bbbb±ccccdefghjklmnn<System Information String>pqr
±aaaa : Antenna azimuth angle. Fixed length. Units 0.1°
±bbbb : Antenna RF elevation angle. Fixed length. Units 0.1°
±cccc : Antenna polarisation angle. Fixed length. Units 0.1°
d : Waveguide switch position.
M: Moving.
X: X(H) TX polarisation.
Y: Y(V) TX polarisation.
E: Error.
N: Not fitted.
e: : Antenna State.
a: Stowed.
b: Stowing.
c: Deployed.
d: Deploying.
e: Calibrating.
f: Halted.
g: Measuring
f: : Antenna Calibration
U: Uncalibrated.
C: Calibrated.
g: : ACU state.
a: No action in progress.
b: Local inhibit active.
c: Going to a position.
d: Searching for a satellite.
e: Peaking on a beacon.
f: Calculating slope compensation.
g: Powered down.(Only ACU&GPS powered).
h: Re-calibrating an axis.
i: Tracking satellite.
h: : Beacon.
a: No Beacon receiver fitted.
b: Beacon detected.
c: No beacon detected.
j: : Tracking
a: Not available.
b: Tracking off.
c: Tracking waiting.
d: Azimuth tracking action.
e: Elevation tracking action.
f: Polarisation tracking action.
g: Tracking on Hold.
k: : Magnetic errors.
a: Not available.
b: Uncalibrated.
c: Calibrated.
l: : Slope Compensation (Future use)
a: Not available.
b: Uncompensated.
c: Compensated.
m: : Active Satellite.
a: No satellite selected.
b: Preset.(Preset number = nn: 01-50)
c: Reference. (Preset number = nn: 01-50)
d: User specified.
nn: : Satellite preset number.
<System Information String>
A 30 character ascii string. Displaying system action information. (Fixed length)
p: : System information state.
a: Information.
b: Yes/No/Abort response required. (See Yes/No/Abort command below)
c… Future expansion.
q: : Summary alarm.
0: No alarm.
1: Alarm.
r : Local/Remote.
R: Remote.
L: Local.
10.6.2. CHANNEL 00: REMOTE COMMANDS
Yes/No/Abort response
Command: SIYNAb
Response: SIYNAb

b :Y Yes.
:N No
:A Abort.
If the ACU system information state is ‘Yes/No/Abort response required’, see bulk status
request message above, the system waits for this command to be given to the ACU
c hannel .
Goto Antenna Position

Command: GAP±aaaa±bbbb±ccccd
Response: GAP±aaaa±bbbb±ccccd
±aaaa : Antenna azimuth angle. Fixed length. Units 0.1°
±bbbb : Antenna RF elevation angle. Fixed length. Units 0.1°
±cccc : Antenna polarisation angle. Fixed length. Units 0.1°
d : Waveguide switch position.
M: Moving.
X: X(H) TX polarisation.
Y: Y(V) TX polarisation.
E: Error.
N: Not fitted.
Any problems are reported in the QQ <System Information String>.
Goto Antenna Stow Position

Command: GAS
Response: GAS
Search for Satellite.

Command: SFSaaaabzffffffffpx
Response: SFSaaaabzffffffffpx
aaaa : Satellite longitude position. (0.0-359.9°E). Fixed length. Units 0.1°.
b : In c l i n e d .
1: Yes.
0: No. (Geostationary)
z : Beacon freq known. (1: Yes. 0: No. Must be 1)
ffffffff : Beacon frequency (KHz) (8 characters, fixed length)
p : Beacon Polarisation.
Y: Vertical
X: Horizontal
C: Circular
x : System LNX used. (1 – 4)
Search for Preset Satellite

Command: SPSnn
Response: SPSnn
nn : ACU preset satellite number. (nn: 01-20)
Peak on detected beacon

Command: PDB
Response: PDB
Peform slope compensation

Command: PSC
Response: PSC
NOT IMPLEMENTED IN THIS SOFTWARE RELEASE.
Start Tracking Satellite

Command: STS
Response: STS
Halt current operation

Command: HLT
Response: HLT
Puts the ACU into the ‘No action in progress’ ACU state.
Jog Antenna Position

Command: JAPn±xx
Response: JAPn±xx
n: Axis. A: Azimuth.
E: Elevation.
P: Polarisation.
±xx Step Size. Units 0.1°. Max step ±1.0°
Power system down/up

Command: PSD
Response: PSD
Waveguide Switch control

Command: SWn
Response: SWn
n : Switch position.
X: Horizontal.
Y: Vertical.
Clear Alarms
Command: CA
Response: CA
Re-calibrate system
Command: RCS
Response: RCS
Calibrate local magnetic errors

Command: CME
Response: CME
Reset local magnetic error.

Command: RME
Response: RME

10.6.3. CHANNEL 00: INFORMATION COMMANDS
Query number of alarms active.

Command: QAA
Response: AAmm
mm : Number of alarms active.
Query text description of alarm.

Command: QANnn
Response: ANnn<Alarm Text description>
nn : Alarm number nn, (01 - mm, from QAA command)
<Alarm text description> : 30 character ascii description of alarm.

10.7. CHANNEL 01: GPS Control


Command: QSF
Response: SFxyCz
Bulk status request

Command: QQ
Response: Qabbbb.bbbbccccc.cccc±ddd.deeeeeeeeffffgi
a : GPS data.
a: Not fitted.
b: Searching.
c: Current valid GPS data.
d: Last valid GPS data received.
e: Preset position database entry.
f: Remote location data in use.
bbbb.bbbb : Latitude data (9 characters, including decimal point.)
ddmm.mmmX
dd : Degrees. (00-90)
mm.mmm : Minutes. (Decimal)
X : Hemisphere (N/S)
ccccc.cccc : Longitude data (10 characters, including decimal point.)
dddmm.mmmX
ddd : Degrees. (000-180)
mm.mmm : Minutes. (Decimal)
X : Hemisphere (E/W)
±ddd.d : Mag. variation. (6 characters, including decimal point.)
±ddd.d (Degress 000.0-180.0)
eeeeeeee : Date information. (8 characters.)
ddmmyyyy
dd : Day
mm : Month
yyyy : Year
ffff : Time information. (UTC time)
hhmm
hh: Hours.
mm: Minutes
g : Summary alarm.
0: No alarm.
1: Alarm.
I : Local/Remote.
R: Remote only.

Set location data source

Command: GPSn
Response: GPSn
n : L Last valid GPS data received.
: C Current GPS data.
Any problems are reported in the ACU channel QQ <System Information String>.
Set location to remote data point

Command: GPSRbbbb.bbbbccccc.cccc±ddd.deeeeeeeeffff
Response: GPSRbbbb.bbbbccccc.cccc±ddd.deeeeeeeeffff
Sets the location to be used to data supplied by the remote controller. Coded as the QQ
re s p o n s e .
10.7.3. CHANNEL 01: INFORMATION COMMANDS
Query location data source

Command: QGPS
Response: GPSm
m :L Last valid GPS data received.
:C Current GPS data.
:P Location database entry.
:R Remote location data.

10.8. CHANNEL 02: Compass Control


Command: QSF
Response: SFxyCz
Bulk status request

Command: QQ
Response: Qabbbbcd
a : Compass status.
a: Not fitted.
b: Data valid.
c: Data invalid.
d: Powered down.
e: User override value.
bbbb : Magnetic heading of vehicle. Units 0.1°
c : Summary alarm.
0: No alarm.
1: Alarm.
d : Local/Remote.
R: Remote only.
Use manual compass data entry.

Command: SCHnnnn
Response: SCHnnnn
nnnn : Magnetic heading. (0.0 – 359.9°). Fixed length. Units 0.1°.
Use electronic fluxate compass heading

Command: SCA
Response: SCA

10.9. CHANNEL 03: Beacon receiver control

Query Model ID
Command: QM
Response: ABR0000 : No beacon receiver fitted
ABR3951 : ABR3951 in use.
ABRVRTX : Vertex beacon receiver in use.
ABR4951 : ABR4951 in use.
Queries the units model number.

Command: QSN

Command: QSR
e.g. Software Revision A.01

Command: QSL
Response: SLn
n :L Loc al
:R Remote
ABR3951: Remote only.

ABRVRTX: Set on front panel of unit.

(NOT IMPLEMENTED IN ABR3951, NO FRONT PANEL CONTROL)
Command: SLn
Response: SLn
n :L Loc al
:R Remote

Command: QSF
Response: SFxyCz
X : Primary Alarm (0/1)

Bulk status request. Model types: ABR0000/ABR3951/ABRVRTX

Command: QQ
Response: Qabcccccccc±dddd±eeee±ffffgh
A : Beacon receiver status.
a: Not fitted.
b: Data valid.
c: Data invalid.
d: Powered down.
b : Beacon receiver mode.
a: Search mode.
b: Track mode. (Future use)
cccccccc : RX center freq. (Units: KHz. 8 characters.)
±dddd : Freq. Offset to max signal. Fixed length. (Units 0.01KHz)
ACU4207/8: Fixed at 00000. (0.0KHz)
±eeee : Signal peak. Fixed length. (Units 0.1dBm).
±ffff : Average noise level. Fixed length. (Units 0.1dBm)
ACU4207/8: Fixed at -1000. (-100.0 dBm)
g : Summary alarm.
0: No alarm.
1: Alarm.
h : Local/Remote.
R: Remote only currently
Bulk status request. Model types: ABR4951

Command: QQ
Response: Qabcccccccc±dddd±eeee±ffffghiiijk
A : Beacon receiver status.
a: Not fitted.
b: Data valid.
c: Data invalid.
d: Powered down.
b : Beacon receiver mode.
a: Search mode.
b: Track mode. (Future use)
cccccccc : RX center freq. (Units: KHz. 8 characters.)
±dddd : Freq. Offset to max signal. Fixed length. (Units 0.01KHz)
±eeee : Signal peak. Fixed length. (Units 0.1dBm).
±ffff : Average noise level. Fixed length. (Units 0.1dBm)
g : Beacon Lock.
L: Locked.
U: Unlocked.
h :Search range.
1: x1 mode. (Only option currently)
iii : FFT averaging time. Units 0.01 seconds. Range 0.25-5.00 seconds.
j : Summary alarm.
0: No alarm.
1: Alarm.
k : Local/Remote.
R: Remote.
L: Local.

Set beacon receiver frequency

Command: Fnnnnnnnn
Response: Fnnnnnnnn
nnnnnnnn: Frequency in KHz. Fixed length, 8 characters. Units KHz.
(ABR3951: 950-2150MHZ)
(ABR4951: 950-2050MHZ)
Extra commands for use with ABR4951 only
Query FFT Resolution bandwidth

Command: QRB
Response: RBx
x : 1 (CW mode)
: 8 (Modulated mode)
Set FFT Resolution bandwidth

Command: SRBx
Response: RBx
x : 1 (CW mode)
: 8 (Modulated mode)
Query FFT averaging time

Command: QFAT
Response: FATnnn
nnn : Averaging time. Units 0.01secs. Range 0.25-5.00 seconds.
Set FFT averaging time

Command: SFAT
Response: FATnnn
nnn : Averaging time. Units 0.01secs. Range 0.25-5.00 seconds.
Start tracking averaging

Command: STAnn
Response: STAnn
nn : Averaging time. Units secs. Range 05-60 seconds.

Query tracking average

Command: QTA
Response: TAa±xxxxx
a : Averaging state.
0 : Fi n i s h e d .
1: Averaging.
±xxxxx : Average peak power. Units 0.01dBm
Set centre frequency to current peak signal

Command: SPC
Response: SPC

10.10. CHANNEL 04: DCU Control

Query Model ID
Command: QM
Response: DCUxxxx
Queries the units model number. (DCU3009/3012/3015/3020)

Command: QSN

Command: QSR
Software Revision A.00
Query FPGA revision

Command: QFR
Response: FRxx.yy
FPGA revision xx.yy.
xx : Number 00-99.
yy : Number 00-99.

Command: QSL
Response: SLR
Remote interface only available.

Command: SLn
Response: SLR (Remote only)
n :L Loc al
:R Remote

Command: QSF
Response: SFxyCz

Bulk status request

Command: QQ
Response: Q±aaaa±bbbb±cccc±dddd±eeee±ffff±gggghijkkkkklllllmmmmmnpq
±aaaa : Azimuth angle. Fixed Length. Units 0.1°.
±bbbb : RF elevation angle. Fixed Length. Units 0.1°.
±cccc : Internal elevation angle. Fixed Length. Units 0.1°.
±dddd : Polarization angle. Fixed Length. Units 0.1°.
±eeee : Elevation deployment angle. Fixed Length.Units 0.1°. (Valid Lynx 2000 only)
±ffff : Feedarm deployment angle. Fixed Length.Units 0.1°. (Valid Lynx 2000 only)
±gggg : Uncorrected Int. El. angle. Fixed Length. Units 0.1°. (Valid Lynx 2000 only)
h : System Mode
O : Operational
T : Test.
i : System Monitor
0 : Off
1 : On
j : System State
a : Stowed.
b : Stowing.
c : Deployed.
d : Deploying.
e : Calibrating.
f : Halt.
g : Measuring.
kkkkk : Axis Az,El,Pol, El deployment,Feedarm deployment.
C : Axis State
a : Stowed.
b : Stowing.
c : Deployed.
d : Deploying.
e : Calibrating.
lllll : Axis Az,El,Pol, El deployment,Feedarm deployment.
D : Axis Calibration
U : Uncalibrated.
C : Calibrated.
mmmmm : Axis Az,El,Pol, El deployment,Feedarm deployment.
E : Axis Limits
a : OK.
b : Clockwise Softlimit.
c : Anti-Clockwise Softlimit.
d : Clockwise Freewheel.
e : Anti-Clockwise Freewheel.
f : Clockwise Travel Limit.
g : Anti-Clockwise Travel Limit.
h : Clockwise Stall.
i : Anti-Clockwise Stall.
n : WaveGuide Switch
M : Moving.
X : Position TX X(H).
Y : Position TX Y(V).
E : Error.
N : Not fitted.
p : Summary Alarm
0 : No Alarm.
1 : Alarm.
q : Local/Remote
R : Remote control only.

Axis rate control

Command: Rn±xxx
Response: Rn±xxx
n : Selected axis.
A : Azimuth.
E : Elevation.
P : Polarisation.
±xxx : Rate. (Units 0.1°/S)
Axis Goto control

Command: Gn±xxx
Response: Gn±xxx
n : Selected axis.
A : Azimuth.
E : Elevation.
P : Polarisation.
±xxx : Requested final angle (Units 0.1°)
Halt all current movement.

Command: H
Response: H
Deploy antenna
Command: Dnn
Response: Dnn
nn : Optional. Deploy to RF angle nn° (nn: Units 1°)
Stow antenna
Command: S
Response: S
Enter re-calibration mode

Command: ECM
Response: ECM
Set elevation angle

Command: SEC±xxx
Response: SEC±xxx
±xxx : New elevation angle. (Units 0.1°).
Used to trim the displayed RF elevation angle. Only works if the antenna is deployed, the
elevation axis calibrated, and no inclinometer error present.

NewSwift: Query pre-programmed limits.

Command: MRD
Response: RD±aaaa±bbbb±ccc±ddd±eee±fffgghhiijjkk
All fixed lengths. Softlimits and maximum motor rates.
±aaaa : Azimuth limit. Clockwise.(Units 1°)

±bbbb : Azimuth limit. Anti-Clockwise.(Units 1°)
±ccc : Elevation up limit.(Units 1°)
±ddd : Elevation down limit. (Units 1°)
±eee : Polarisation limit. Clockwise.(Units 1°)
±fff : Polarisation limit. Anti-Clockwise.(Units 1°)
gg : Motor 1 maximum rate.(Units 0.1°/s)
hh : Motor 2 maximum rate.(Units 0.1°/s)
ii : Motor 3 maximum rate.(Units 0.1°/s)
jj : Motor 4 maximum rate.(Units 0.1°/s)
kk : Motor 5 maximum rate.(Units 0.1°/s)
Lynx2000: Query pre-programmed limits.

Command: MRD
Response: RD±aaa±bbb±ccc±ddd±eee±fff±ggg±hhh±iii±jjjkkllmmnnoo
All fixed lengths. Softlimits and maximum motor ratres.
±aaa : Azimuth limit.Clockwise.(Units 1°)

±bbb : Azimuth limit.Anti-Clockwise.(Units 1°)
±ccc : Elevation up limit.(Units 1°)
±ddd : Elevation down limit. (Units 1°)
±eee : Polarisation limit.Clockwise.(Units 1°)
±fff : Polarisation limit.Anti-Clockwise.(Units 1°)
±ggg : EL. deployment limit.Clockwise.(Units 1°)
±hhh : El. deployment limit.Anti-Clockwise.(Units 1°)
±iii : FeedArm limit.Clockwise.(Units 1°)
±jjj : FeedArm limit.Anti-Clockwise.(Units 1°)
kk : Motor 1 maximum rate.(Units 0.1°/s)
ll : Motor 2 maximum rate.(Units 0.1°/s)
mm : Motor 3 maximum rate.(Units 0.1°/s)
nn : Motor 4 maximum rate.(Units 0.1°/s)
oo : Motor 5 maximum rate.(Units 0.1°/s)

10.11. CHANNEL 05: Internal Database Controls

10.11.1. CHANNEL 05: MANAGED DATABASE COMMANDS
Managed Database States and Commands
<A>
ERASING
<E>
<A>
IDLE WRITE
<I> ENABLED
<A> INDEXING <I>
LEGEND
: STATE
<n> : COMMAND
: FINISHED TRANSITION
The above diagram shows the database states, and the database command actions.
On power-up all the databases are indexed. Before updating any data the whole
database must be erased, the database will enter the <Write Enabled> state on
finishing erasing.
The I, E, and A commands in the above diagram correspond to the action requests in
the CDS command below.
Database entries can only be queried whilst the database is in its <IDLE> state.
Managed Database Controls
Command: CDSxy
Response: CDSxy
Controls current state of the managed databases.
x : Action request.
I : Index database.
E : Erase database.
A : Abort current database action.
y : Database selector.
L : Location Database.
S : Satellite Database.

Query Managed Database State.
Command: QDSy
Response: DSyannmmm
Queries the selected database state.
a : Database State
L : Idle.
I : Indexing.
E : Erasing.
W : Write enabled.
X : State Error.
nn : Progress. 00-99, % progress.
mmm : Number of entries.
Query Managed Database Number of Entries.

Command: QDNy
Response: DNyzzz
Queries number of entries in the selected managed database.
zzz : Number of valid entries. (000-999).
Location database max = 800.
Satellite database max = 50.

10.11.2. CHANNEL 05: SATELLITE DATABASE COMMANDS
Query Satellite Database entry.

Command: QSDBnn
Response: SDBnnU<Name>±aaaabcddeffffffffghi±jjj±kk
Queries satellite database entry. Satellite database must be in its <Idle> state.
nn : Database Entry Number. (01-Database Size)

U : Data state.
‘0’ : Invalid.
‘1’ : Valid.
<Name> : 20 charater ACSII coded satellite Name.
±aaaa : Satellite longitude position. (±359.9°). Units 0.1°.
b : Satellite longitude hemisphere.
‘E’ : East.
‘W’ : West.
c : Orbit type.
‘0’ : Geostationary.
‘1’ : Inclined.
dd : Inclination. Range 2° to 20°. Units 1°.
e : Beacon frequency known.
‘0’ : No.
‘1’ : Yes.
ffffffff : Beacon frequency. (Units 1KHz) 8 characters.
g : Beacon Polarisation.
‘X’ : Horizontal.
‘Y’ : Vertical.
‘C’ : Circular.
h : Beacon Type.
‘0’ : CW.
‘1’ : Modulated.
i : LNX band used. ASCII ‘1’ to ‘4’.
±jjj : Polarisation Offset. Range ±90.0°. Units 0.1°.
±kk : Expected beacon power. Range ±99dBm. Units 1dBm.
Set Satellite Database entry.

Command: SDBnnU<Name>±aaaabcddeffffffffghi±jjj±kk
Response: SDBnnU<Name>±aaaabcddeffffffffghi±jjj±kk
Programs a satellite database entry. Satellite database must be in its <Write> state.
nn : Database Entry Number. (01-50)

U : Data state. Must be ‘1’.
‘0’ : Invalid.
‘1’ : Valid.
Encoded as QSDB command.

10.11.3. CHANNEL 05: SATELLITE DATABASE COMMANDS
Query Location Database entry.

Command: QPDBnn
Response: PDBnnnUaabbb<Name>ccddeefggghhiij±kkkk
Queries location database entry. Location database must be in its <Idle> state.
nnn : Database Entry Number. (001-Database Size)

U : Data state.
‘0’ : Invalid.
‘1’ : Valid.
aa : Region Code.
00 : No Region Specified.
01 : USA. (See section 10.11.4 for state codes.)
02 : Europe. (See section 10.11.5 for state codes.)
bbb : State Code. 000 to 255. See Regional state coding.
<Name> : 25 charater ACSII coded location Name.
cc : Latitude degrees. (00-90)
dd : Latitude minutes. (00-59)
ee : Latitude seconds. (00-59)
f : Latitude hemisphere.
‘N’ : North.
‘S’ : South.
ggg : Longitude degrees. (000-180)
hh : Longitude minutes. (00-59)
ii : Longitude seconds. (00-59)
j : Longitude hemisphere.
‘E’ : East.
‘W’ : West.
±kkkk : Location magnetic variation. Range ±180.0°. Units 0.1°.
Set Location Database entry.

Command: PDBnnnUaabbb<Name>ccddeefggghhiij±kkkk
Response: PDBnnnUaabbb<Name>ccddeefggghhiij±kkkk
Programs a location database entry. Location database must be in its <Write> state.
nnn : Database Entry Number. (01-800)

U : Data state. Must be ‘1’.
‘0’ : Invalid.
‘1’ : Valid.
Encoded as QPDB command.

10.11.4. USA STATE CODING
State Name Code Number

Alabama 1
Alaska 2
Arizona 4
Arkansas 5
California 6
Colorado 8
Connecticut 9
Delaware 10
District Of Columbia 11
F l o ri d a 12
Georgia 13
Hawaii 15
Id a h o 16
Il l i n o i s 17
In d i a n a 18
Iowa 19
Kansas 20
Kentucky 21
Loui s i ana 22
Maine 23
Maryland 24
Massachusetts 25
Michigan 26
Minnesota 27
Mississippi 28
Missouri 29
Montana 30
Nebraska 31
Nevada 32
New Hampshire 33
New Jersey 34
New Mexico 35
New York 36
North Carolina 37
North Dakota 38
Ohio 39
Oklahoma 40
Oregon 41
Pennsylivania 42
Rhode Island 44
South Carolina 45
South Dakota 46
Te n n e s s e e 47
Texas 48
Utah 49
Vermont 50
Virginia 51
W a s h i n g to n 53
West Virginia 54
Wi s c ons i n 55
Wyoming 56

10.11.5. EUROPE STATE CODING
State Name Code Number

Albania 1
Austria 2
Belgium 3
Bosnia 4
Bulgaria 5
Croatia 6
Cyprus 7
Czech Republic 8
Denmark 9
Estonia 10
Fi n l a n d 11
F ra n c e 12
Germany 13
Gibraltar 14
Greece 15
Holy See (Vatican) 16
Hungary 17
I re l a n d 18
Ita l y 19
Latvia 20
L e i c h te n s te i n 21
L i th u a n i a 22
Luxembourg 23
Macedonia 24
Malta 25
Moldova 26
Monaco 27
Netherlands 28
Norway 29
Poland 30
Portugal 31
Romania 32
Russia 33
San Marino 34
Solvakia 35
Solvenia 36
Spain 37
Sweden 38
Switzerland 39
T u rk e y 40
Ukraine 41
United Kingdom 42
Yugoslavia 43

10.11.6. CHANNEL 05: SYSTEM SETUP DATABASE COMMANDS
Query System setup.

Command: QSS
Response: SSabb±cccddd±eeefffgghxxyyiij<LNX data>klllmmmnnn
Queries System setup database entry.
a : Antenna fixing.
‘F’ : Forward.
‘R’ : Reverse.
b : Compass Interaction.
‘0’ : Dsiabled.
‘1’ : Enabled.
b’ : RX polarisation.
‘X’ : X-Polar receive.
‘C’ : Co-Polar receive.
±ccc : Azimuth compass Interaction centre. Range ±180°. Units 1°.
ddd : Azimuth compass interaction range. Range 000 to 180. Units 1°.
±eee : Elevation compass interaction centre. Range ±90. Units 1°.
fff : Elevation compass interaction range. Range 000 to 90°. Units 1°.
gg : Beacon detection threshold.
ACU4206 : Range 00..99. Units dB.
ACU4207/8 : Range 00..99. Units –1dBm.
h : Slope Compensataion.
‘0’ : Disabled.
‘1’ : Enabled.
xx : Azimuth Search range. Units 1°.
yy : Elavtion search range. Units 1°.
ii : Reference satellite.
00 : no reference in use.
01..50 : Reference satellite database entry.
j : No. of LNXs fitted. (‘1’..’4’)
<LNX data> : <LNXn> 4 blocks of data. If LNX unused, data set to default values.
<Name> : Band Name. 12 characters.
ffffffff : LO frequency. Units KHz. (8 characters)
s : SideBand.
‘U’ : Upper.
‘L’ : Lower.
k : Tracking Mode.
‘F’ : Fixed rate.
‘A’ : Adaptive.
lll : Azimuth tracking period. (002..120) Units 1 minute.
mmm : Elevation tracking period. (002..060) Units 1 minute.
nnn : Antenna tracking log size. Fixed length. Units 0.01°.
Set System database.

Command: SSabb±cccddd±eeefffgghxxyyiij<LNX data>klllmmmnnn
Response: SSabb±cccddd±eeefffgghxxyyiij<LNX data>klllmmmnnn
Encoded as QSS <Response>.

Query system LNX setup

Command: QLNX
Response: LNXn<NAME1><NAME2><NAME3><NAME4>
n : Number of LNX’s fitted to system.
<NAMEn> : Band name. (12 Characters)
Query number of location regions in use

Command: QLDNR
Response: LDNRnn
nn : Number of Regions used by system.
If response gives number of regions as 2, then region number 0,1 and 2 can be used.

11. FAULT CODES
11.1. F1: DCU POWER SUPPLY VOLTAGE LOW

The antenna DCU has measured a voltage below 9.5V at the antenna electronics. The
voltage supplied from the 12V nominal supply is approaching the minimum required to
drive the antenna. Action should be taken to boost the 12V supply to the DCU.
This alarm is latched, and has to be cleared through the alarm clear menu option.
11.2. F2: DCU MOTOR SUPPLY FAILURE

The antenna DCU has not detected any motor supply voltage. This means no motor
power is available, and so the antenna cannot be moved.
Possible causes:
The ACU4XXX motor supply has failed. Check for F36: ACU DCU +36V PSU
failure, and the ACU output voltage display. Check output voltages at rear of
ACU4XXX, J7.
The connections to the DCU motor power supply are reversed. Check wiring of
DCU power connector on rear of ACU4XXX.
The motor supply fuse within the antenna DCU has failed.
11.3. F3: MOTOR DRIVE MODULE INHIBIT

The stepper motor drive module within the antenna DCU has inhibited itself.
Possible causes:
Over temperature. The module has overheated due to a combination of high
ambient temperature and long driving periods of the motors.
If the stepper motors are back driven by antenna movement, such as being blown
by the wind, this can cause the motor drive module to inhibit itself. This may also
be accompanied with a freewheel alarm. (F7)
A short circuit of one of the stepper motor windings also causes the motor
module to inhibit.
11.4. F4: INCLINOMETER FAILURE

The inclinometer fitted to the elevation axis has stopped responding to data requests.
The RF angle will be estimated using the systems internal elevation axis based on
motor turns and pulse counting.
Possible causes:
Inclinometer broken.
Inclinometer disconnected, or wire crimp failure.

11.5. F5: INCLINOMETER SUSPECT

The RF angle calculated from the inclinometer and the internal elevation axis disagree
by more than 15°.
Possible causes:
Antenna base on a very steep slope.
If the elevation axis display on ACU4XXXis continuously approximately 45°±5° and
no inclinometer error is reported, possible inclinometer connector crimp failure.
If the elevation axis display on ACU4XXX is always between 45° and 90° and no
inclinometer error is reported, possible inclinometer connector crimp failure.
11.6. F6 : DRIVE STALL DETECTED

A drive axis stall has been detected. It is possible that a stall on an axis can clear itself
and this alarm shows the cause of the axis becoming uncalibrated.
Possible causes:
Axis hitting physical end stop.
Moving antenna under high wind or snow loading.
11.7. F7: DRIVE FREEWHEEL DETECTED

A drive axis freewheel has been detected. It is possible that a freewheel on a drive
display can clear itself and this alarm shows the cause of the axis becoming
uncalibrated.
Possible causes:
Axis hitting physical end stop.
Moving antenna under high wind or snow loading.
11.8. F8: DRIVE END OF TRAVEL DETECTED

A drive axis travel limit has been detected. The axis causing this will become
uncalibrated.
Possible causes:
Severe axis stall or freewheel causing the calculated angle which the soft stop
uses to be seriously in error.
11.9. F9: TX POLARISATION SWITCH FAILURE

The TX polarisation switch has been detected in an illegal state, or will not respond to
switch commands.
Possible causes:
Manual operation of the switch with the DCU on will trigger this alarm.
Switch is disconnected.
Switch is stuck or jammed.
If a TX polarisation switch is not fitted (Lynx 2000), then the TX switch simulator
connector has failed.

11.10. F10: AZIMUTH STOW SENSOR FAILURE
The sensor used to detect the azimuth tab markers has failed.
Possible causes:
Sensor disconnected.
Sensor failure.
Metal stuck in sensor.
11.11. F11: ELEVATION STOW SENSOR FAILURE

NewSwift:
The sensor used to detect the elevation tab markers has failed.
Possible causes:
Sensor failure.
Lynx 2000:
The micro-switches in the elevation tracking jack have failed.
Possible causes:
Micro-switches disconnected.
Mechanical actuators jammed.
11.12. F12: POLARISATION SENSOR FAILURE

The sensor used to detect the polarisation markers has failed.
Possible causes:
Sensor failure.
11.13. F13: ELEVATION DEPLOYMENT SENSOR FAILURE (Lynx 2000)

The micro-switches in the elevation deployment jack have failed.
Possible causes:
Micro-switches disconnected.
Mechanical actuators jammed.
11.14. F14: FEEDARM DEPLOYMENT SENSOR FAILURE (Lynx 2000)

The sensor used to detect the feedarm tab markers has failed.
Possible causes:
Sensor failure.

11.15. F15: ELEVATION STOW SENSOR FAILURE (Lynx 2000)

The sensor used to detect the elevation stow tab marker has failed.
Possible causes:
Sensor failure.
11.16. F16: DCU FPGA PROGRAMMING FAILURE

The field programmable gate array IC in the antenna DCU has failed to be
programmed. Possible causes:
FPGA IC failure.
FPGA IC connection failure.
11.17. F17 : MANUAL BRAKE OVERRIDE ON

The manual brake override in the antenna DCU is in use.
Possible causes:
The manual brake override switch has not been put back into the automatic
position. (See NewSwift MKII Motor manual: 205106)
11.18. F18: AZIMUTH STOWING FAILURE

The system failed to detect the correct azimuth stow sensor. The system will search
±10° from its expected stow position for the tab marker.
Possible causes:
Excessive stall or freewheel has uncalibrated the axis so much, that the system’s
azimuth angle is in error by more than 10°. Action; re-calibrate the axis.
The stow marker is not present.
The stow sensor or drive circuit has failed.
11.19. F19: ELEVATION STOWING FAILURE

The system failed to detect the elevation stow sensor at its expected position.
Possible causes:
internal elevation angle is in error by more than 2°. Action; re-calibrate the axis.
11.20. F20: POLARISATION STOWING FAILURE

The system failed to detect the correct polarisation stow sensor. The system will
search ±10° from its expected stow position for the tab marker.
Possible causes:
polarisation angle is in error by more than 10°. Action: re-calibrate the axis.

11.21. F21: ELEVATION DEPLOYMENT STOWING FAILURE
The system failed to detect the correct elevation deployment stow sensor.
Possible causes:
polarisation angle is in error by more than 10°. Action; re-calibrate the axis.
11.22. F22: FEEDARM DEPLOYMENT STOWING FAILURE

The system failed to detect the correct feedarm deployment stow sensor.
Possible causes:
Excessive stall or freewheel has uncalibrated the axis so much that the system’s
polarisation angle is in error by more than 10°. Action: re-calibrate the axis.
11.23. F23: POWER UP STATE SUSPECT

The system has been powered down when not physically stowed. The alarm warns the
user that the system is not physically stowed.
11.24. F27 : FPGA WATCHDOG TRIGGERED

The hardware watchdog in the FPGA, has timed out. All motor drive and brake outputs
are disabled. The system will not be able to be driven. Power cycling the antenna
system will reset the FPGA watchdog.
This alarm is triggered by a serious software timing error which should never happen. If
seen please report the occurrence to Advent Communications Customer Support.
11.25. F31 : HHC OVERIDE ACTIVE

The Antenna handheld controller attached to the antenna DCU has been turned on.
The handheld unit is controlling the antenna, the ACU/DCU control is disabled. The
ACU front panel controls will not work.
11.26. F32: ACU-DCU SERIAL LINK FAILURE

The communication link between the ACU4000 and the antenna DCU has failed.
Possible causes:
The serial communication cable is disconnected. Check the connection to J1,
ACU4XXX rear panel.
The antenna DCU is un-powered. Check for F34, and view DCU+12V measured
output voltages.
The antenna DCU electronics protection fuse has blown. (See NewSwift/Lynx
Antenna manual: 207160/207161)

11.27. F34: ACU DCU +12V PSU failure

The 12V DC supply for the DCU electronics has dropped below 8.5V.
Possible causes:
The 12V supply to the ACU has dropped below 8.5V.
A short circuit or DCU fault has triggered the resettable thermal fuse. The
displayed output voltage for the DCU+12V supply would be 0.0 in this case.
11.28. F35: ACU-GPS serial link failure

The serial link between the GPS and the ACU has failed.
Possible causes:
The GPS cable is disconnected. Check connection to J2, ACU4000 rear panel.
The GPS unit is unpowered. Check for F38, and view the GPS+12V measured
output voltages.
The GPS receiver has failed.
11.29. F36: ACU DCU +36V PSU failure

The +36V motor power supply from the ACU has dropped below 25.0V.
Possible causes:
The internal 12-36V SMPS has failed.
A short circuit or DCU fault has blown the 36V 5.0A output fuse. The displayed
output voltage for the DCU+12V supply would be 0.0 in this case.
11.30. F37: ACU-Compass serial link failure

The serial link between the compass and the ACU has failed.
Possible causes:
The compass cable is disconnected. Check connection to J6, ACU4000 rear
panel.
The compass unit is unpowered. Check for F39, and view the Compass+12V
measured output voltages.
The compass has failed.
11.31. F38: ACU GPS +12V PSU failure

The 12V DC supply for the GPS receiver has dropped below 8.5V.
Possible causes:
A short circuit or GPS receiver fault has triggered the resettable thermal fuse.
The displayed output voltage for the GPS supply would be 0.0 in this case.
11.32. F39: ACU Compass +12V PSU failure

The 12V DC supply for the compass has dropped below 8.5V.
Possible causes:
A short circuit or compass fault has triggered the resettable thermal fuse. The
displayed output voltage for the Compass supply would be 0.0 in this case.

11.33. F40: ACU-Beacon RX serial link failure

The serial link between the Beacon receiver and the ACU has failed.
Possible causes:
The beacon receiver communication cable is disconnected. Check connection to
J5, ACU4000 rear panel.
The beacon receiver is unpowered. Check for illuminated POWER LED on front
panel of the beacon receiver unit.
The beacon receiver has failed.
11.34. F42: ABR Unit Alarm

The beacon receiver is reporting an alarm. Contact Advent Communications for further
advice.
11.35. F43: ACU Status +12V PSU failure

The 12V DC supply to the status connector has dropped below 8.5V.
Possible causes:
A short circuit has triggered the resettable thermal fuse. The displayed output
voltage for the status supply would be 0.0 in this case.
11.36. F44: ACU Supply Overvoltage

The DC supply to the ACU has exceeded 20V. The ACU does not turn-on the DCU,
compass and GPS units if fitted. This protects the components from excessive voltage.
If the supply voltages exceeds 25V, an internal thyristor is triggered and the input
supply shorted out. The main supply fuse, F2, should blow under this situation.
11.37. F45: BRX Unlocked

The beacon receiver is unable to phase lock on to a suitable beacon signal. The
system is not aligned to the satellite or set up correctly for the beacon frequency
expected.
11.38. F46: E2PROM Checksum failure

A page of the E2PROM memory has failed its checksum on reading and has been
reset to factory default values. The setup of the ACU42XX should be checked to see
what has been reset. (Including the unit serial number.)
11.39. F47: E2PROM Timeout error

One of the E2PROM memory chips has failed.

12. ANTENNA HANDHELD CONTROLLER OPTION

An antenna handheld controller is available as an option. Currently only a handheld
controller for the NewSwift antenna family is available.
12.1. INTRODUCTION
The HHC4000 is a hand held controller for the NewSwift antenna system. This enables
an override facility for the antenna DCU (Drive Control Unit) processor.
If the DCU processor fails the HHC unit can be turned on and a simplified level of
control be obtained. The unit allows the user to directly control the antenna drive
motors, also to change the transmit polarisation waveguide position. True RF elevation
angle is displayed on the unit.
12.2. SPECIFICATION
The HHC plugs into the Handheld Controller cable fitted to the NewSwift Antenna
DCU. This enables all antenna motorised axis’s to be driven under user control, and
the waveguide switch position to be changed.
No automatic deploying or stowing functions are available.
The true RF elevation angle ( ±2°) is displayed. This requires the HHC unit to be
calibrated for the antenna being driven. (See section 12.5.3 for calibration details.)
12.3. FRONT PANEL
The above diagram shows the front panel layout of unit. Section 12.5 describes how to
use the unit in detail.
12.4. REAR PANEL

The rear panel of the unit has brief text descriptions of how to use the HHC unit with
the NewSwift system.

12.5. OPERATING PROCEDURE

12.5.1. TURNING OVERIDE ON/OFF
To turn the HHC unit on or off, hold the ‘SHIFT’ key down and press the ‘c’ key.
NOTE:- Once the HHC has been used to move the antenna, the stowing procedure of
section 12.5.5 followed by a software reset, section 12.5.6, is required before fully
automatic DCU/ACU operation can be reused.
12.5.2. AXIS MOVEMENT

To drive an axis, hold the required axis key down, ‘AZ’, ‘EL’ or ‘POL’ and press down
the required direction key.
The manual brake override switch on the DCU must not be active if the handheld
controller is to be used. If the antenna does not respond to handheld controller
movement commands check that the brake override switch on the DCU front panel is
in its centre position.
If the elevation or polarisation axis is being driven and it is approaching its end of travel
limit, the display will toggle between the RF elevation axis and ‘DRIVE LIMIT’ display
whilst the axis is being driven. The movement rate will be limited to slow.
If this happens STOP driving the axis, change direction and back the axis off the travel
limit sensor.
NOTE:- Once the HHC has been used to move the antenna, the stowing procedure of
section 12.5.5 followed by a software reset, section 12.5.6, is required before fully
automatic DCU/ACU operation can be reused.
12.5.3. RF ELEVATION DISPLAY CALIBRATION

To calibrate the RF elevation display, set the front face of the dish in a vertical position.
Press the ‘FAST’, ‘SLOW’ and ‘-‘ keys down together to toggle into or out of calibration
mode. When in calibrate mode press ‘FAST’, ‘SLOW’ and ‘+‘ keys down to calibrate
the display.
12.5.4. WAVEGUIDE SWITCH CONTROL

To change the transmit polarisation waveguide switch position, press the Y(V) or X(H)
keys whilst holding the ‘SHIFT’ key down. The LEDs beside these switches display the
current transmit polarisation.
12.5.5. ANTENNA STOWING PROCEDURE USING HAND HELD CONTROLLER

To stow the antenna using the HHC carry out the following procedure.
Ensure the polarisation drive is over to the ‘-‘ direction and is compressing the flexible
waveguides on to the support arms. Drive the polarisation axis in the ‘-‘ direction until
the waveguides are being supported and the ‘DRIVE LIMIT’ warning is NOT being
displayed.
Drive the azimuth axis to its approximate stowed position.
The drive the elevation axis down until the ‘DRIVE LIMIT’ warning message is
displayed.
12.5.6. DCU SOFTWARE RESET

To reset the DCU software, ensure the antenna is in its stowed position. The
polarisation axis should have the flexible waveguides compressed against the support
arms, and the elevation axis driven down until the ‘DRIVE LIMIT’ warning is displayed.
To reset the software, whilst holding the ‘SHIFT’ key down, press and release the
‘RESET’ key. The reset display LED will turn-on, when this LED turns off, press and
release the ‘RESET’ key again. The reset LED will then flash three times, indicating
that a successful software reset has been done.

12.5.7. UNIT SYSTEM INFORMATION DISPLAY
Pressing the ‘AZ’ key while holding the ‘SHIFT’ key down puts the HHC into the system
information display mode. The unit type, serial number, software version, software part
number and FPGA version will scroll across the display.
Pressing the ‘EL’ key while holding the ‘SHIFT’ key downs puts the unit back into its
operate mode.

13. MAINTENANCE
13.1. PERIODIC MAINTENANCE

There are no specific maintenance requirements for this assembly.
13.2. FUSE RATINGS

F1: 20x5mm 5A anti-surge fuse. (Advent part No. Q00-000021)
F2: 1¼”x¼” 10A Antisurge fuse. (Advent part No. Q00-000025)

14. WARRANTY
14.1. WARRANTY INFORMATION

Under recommended use and service, all Advent products are warranted against
defects in material and workmanship to twelve (12) months from the date of original
shipment.
Advent's obligation is limited to repairing or replacing, at our plant, products, which
prove to be defective during the warranty period.
Under no circumstances shall the warranty be transferred or assigned to any third
party unless the consent in writing has first been obtained from Advent. Advent shall
not be under any liability for warranty in respect of any equipment, which shall be sold
by the Customer to any third party unless otherwise agreed in writing.
Advent is not liable for consequential damage resulting from the use of Advent
equipment.
Tubes are covered by the respective manufacturer's warranty, which applies from the
date of shipment.
14.2. CLAIM FOR DAMAGE IN SHIPMENT

Your unit should be inspected and tested as soon as it is received. Claims for damage
should be filed with carrier.
14.3. FIELD SERVICE

Advent will make field warranty repairs, at Customer's request, where (in Advent's
judgement) practicable. The Customer will be responsible for all transportation
charges, per item, and current daily engineering labour rate. A purchase order for
these services must be issued prior to field service.
14.4. SHIPMENT OF REPAIR PARTS TO FIELD

A purchase order for warranty repair parts must be issued prior to sending parts to
field. Parts will be priced at current prices and payment if full will be due if failed parts
are not returned within 30 days (regardless of responsibility) of receipt of warranty
parts.
If parts are shipped within the prescribed time, a credit will be given.

14.5. RETURN PROCEDURES

All claims under warranty must be made promptly after occurrence of circumstances
giving rise to the claim and must be received within the applicable warranty period by
Advent or its authorised representative. Advent reserves the right to reject any
warranty claim not promptly reported. After expiration of the applicable warranty
period, products are not subject to adjustment.
Before any Product is returned for repair and / or adjustment, authorisation from
Advent for the return and instructions as to how and where the Product should be
shipped must be obtained. The Product type, serial numbers, and a full description of
the circumstances giving rise to the warranty claim should be included. Such
information will help establish the cause of failure and expedite adjustment or repair.
IMPORTANT
Any Product returned without complete information will be considered not to have met
all contractual requirements. Information required includes (as a minimum): Model
Number, Serial Number, Description, Hours of Use, Type of Failure, and Operating
Conditions during failure.
14.6. TRANSPORTATION AND PACKAGING

Any Product returned for examination must be sent prepaid via the means of
transportation indicated as acceptable by Advent. Advent reserves the right to reject
any warranty claim on any item that has been altered or has been shipped by non-
acceptable means of transportation. Returned Products should be carefully packed
and unless otherwise indicated, shipped to:
Preston Hill House
Nashleigh Hill
Chesham
Buckinghamshire HP5 3HE
England
14.7. AUTHORISATION FOR EVALUATION

When any Product is returned for examination and inspection, or for any other reason,
Customer and its shipping agency shall be responsible for all damage resulting from
improper packing or handling, and for loss in transit, notwithstanding any defect or non-
conformity in the Product. By returning a Product, the owner grants Advent permission
to open and inspect the returned Product to determine the cause of failure, and
Advent's determination with regard thereto shall be final.
If it is found that the Product has been returned without cause and is still serviceable,
the Customer will be notified and the Product returned with appropriate inspection
charges billed, at Advent's discretion, to the Customer.

15. FIGURES

FIGURE 1- LAYOUT ACU4XXX
208698 – ACU42xx Antenna Controller Page 117 of 123

FIGURE 2 - INTERNAL LAYOUT ACU4XXX

FIGURE 3 - ACU4XXX-PC LEAD – A41-111958

FIGURE 4 - ACU4XXX-GPS LEAD – A41-206712

FIGURE 5 - ACU4XXX-COMPASS LEAD – A41-206704

FIGURE 6 - ACU4XXX/ABR4951 BEACON TRACKING RECEIVER LEAD – A41-208005

FIGURE 7 - ACU42XX CALIFORNIAN DEPLOY INHBIT WIRING
1 2 3 4
D D
PL?
1
9
2 D?
10 R?
3 680R
11 SW?
4 SW-PB LED
12
C C
5
13
6
14
7
15
8
DB15
B B
VISLINK 2003
A
CALIFORNIAN SAFETY DEPLOY A
208554 ISS.A
SHEET 2
1 2 3 4

Advent ACU42xx Antenna Controller

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Advent ACU42xx Antenna Controller

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TECHNICAL OPERATION HANDBOOK

ADVENT ACU42XX ANTENNA CONTROL UNIT

The Document is supplied on the express terms that it is to be

Telephone: National 01494 774400

If breathing has stopped, indicated by unconsciousness, lack of

EMERGENCY RESUSCITATION - THE EXPIRED AIR METHOD

3. One of the following may happen:

4. IF THERE IS NO SIGN OF BREATHING:

(a) DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REMOVE CLOTHING ADHERING TO THE BURN.

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AMENDMENT RECORD SHEET

ISS DATE ECR SOFTWARE DESCRIPTION

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ACU4202 Base system. (PC and Remote interface)

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2.2. ANGULAR POSITIONAL DISPLAY

2.3. ANGULAR CONTROL

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3. ACU42XX QUICK START GUIDE

3.1. ANTENNA INSTALLATION AND TEST

3.1.2. ANTENNA TEST

3.2. ACU42XX COM PORTS

3.2.1. COMPASS AND GPS SERIAL LINKS

3.2.2. BEACON RECEIVER SERIAL LINK

3.2.3. REMOTE SERIAL INTERFACE

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3.2.4. PC SERIAL INTERFACE

3.3. ACS3000-ACU42XX SOFTWARE

3.4. ACU42XX DATABASE INITALISATION

3.4.1. SYSTEM DATABASE

3.4.2. SATELLITE DATABASE

3.4.3. LOCATION DATABASE

3.5. AUTOPOINT CALIBRATION

3.5.2. AUTOPOINT OFFSET CALIBRATION

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3.6. CALIFORNIAN DEPLOY INHIBIT

3.7. ACU42XX AZIMUTH DISPLAY OPTIONS

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4. ACU42XX INSTALLATION RECOMMENDATIONS

4.1. ACU 12V DC POWER CONNECTION

4.2. ACU-ANTENNA DCU CONNECTION

See section 6.1 for pin out details of J1.

4.3. ACU-REMOTE CONTROL CONNECTION

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4.4. ACU-PC CONNECTION

4.5. ACU-GPS CONNECTION

4.6. ACU-COMPASS CONNECTION

4.7. ACU-BEACON RECEIVER CONNECTION

4.8. ACU-CALIFORNIAN DEPLOY INHIBIT CONNECTION

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5.1. ALARM LED

5.2. REMOTE LED

5.3. POWER LED

5.4. STOP KEY

5.5. SHIFT KEY

5.6. TX SWITCH KEY

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