Overview Acquiring a Satellite Step, Operation

Operation

Overview

Acquiring A Satellite

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

Step 7

After you have completed the assembly of your antenna, you are now ready for it to become operational. In order to operate the earth station antenna, you will need to direct it to the desired satellite adjusting both the elevation and azimuth angles appropriately. The following procedures provide details on how to correctly position your antenna on the desired satellite.

Follow the procedures listed below when acquiring the desired satellite:

Note: Ensure that the feed system and all electronics are installed properly before proceeding.

Evaluate and determine the required elevation and azimuth angles for the satellite of interest.

Steps 2 through 6 are for Pedestal Mounted Antenna Only

Loosely attach the manual actuator assembly (P/N 207882) to the elevation strut as shown in Figure 100b using the appropriate hardware.

Note: The drain hole should be positioned downward for proper water drainage.

Ensure that the locking strut-support setscrew is firmly tightened on the strut assem- bly as shown in Figure 100b.

Remove the two indicated strut-support setscrews, and attach the base angle to the corresponding strut support using the supplied 1/2 inch clamping nuts and the previ- ously removed strut-support setscrews as shown in Figure 100b.

Securely tighten the remaining mounting hardware to achieve sufficient clamping force.

Repeat the entire process for the remaining strut assembly. Note: DO NOT loosen the azimuth drive bearings.

If you have a pedestal mounted antenna, move the antenna to the desired azimuth angle by adjusting the manual actuator until the satellite signal has been spotted. If your antenna is mounted upon a tripod, adjust the azimuth strut length through the fine adjustment assembly until the satellite signal has been spotted.

There are several procedures that may be used to properly acquire the satellite. Andrew recommends that a spectrum analyzer be used. The following procedures provide explanations as to how to use the spectrum analyzer.