TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION

INTRAC-305

 

within the soft limits?). If they are invalid the INTRAC sets the

 

maximum possible angle(s) in the required direction and

 

prompts the operator for action. If the co-ordinates are valid

 

the INTRAC drives the antenna to those co-ordinates and

 

enters Standby. The antenna can then be peaked using

 

manual mode or search mode (see below) before selecting

 

Auto New Model.

Note

If Auto Continue is selected at the end of Goto and there is a

 

model in existence the INTRAC will continue to track using that

 

model. To commence learning a new orbit either Auto New

 

Model should be selected or any existing model cleared before

 

selecting Auto Continue.

Goto Satellite

This mode allows one of the previously programmed satellites

 

(up to 40 can be programmed) to be selected by number and

 

its position driven to. Using the “Edit Satellite” sub menu of the

 

Goto Satellite menu a new satellite can be added or an existing

 

one edited. Having selected the required satellite pressing the

 

enter key causes the antenna to be driven to that satellite. The

 

INTRAC enters Standby when the antenna is at the satellite’s

 

position. Antenna position peaking can then be carried out

 

manually or in search mode (see below). To commence

 

tracking this new satellite select Auto New Model or if there is

 

no existing model Auto Continue may be selected. (see Note

 

above)

Search

Search Mode conducts a search of the sky based on

 

parameters entered in this menu. When the menu is entered

 

the displayed parameters are those of the current antenna

 

pointing. e.g. the parameters from a Goto move. If these

 

parameters are not those required they may be edited in this

 

menu. (see page 21)

 

The search box size angles are plus and minus on the nominal

 

angle. Thus entering 2° by 2° would cause a search box of 4°

 

square.

 

The search begins in the nearest corner of the defined box to

 

the antenna’s current pointing. The search pattern is a “toast

 

rack” or “serpent shape. The scanning comprises full scans in

 

elevation for each move in azimuth. The azimuth move is

 

equal to the 3dB beamwidth of the antenna commencing 1/2 of

 

the 3dB beamwidth in from the edge of the box.

 

The position of the highest beacon signal strength during these

 

scans is recorded. At the end of the “serpentine” search the

 

antenna is driven to the point of highest signal strength found

 

during those scans and phase two of the search is

 

commenced.

 

This is the peaking phase and causes the antenna to search a

 

smaller area of sky around the point of highest signal strength

 

for the peak level. Again the position of the highest signal

Page 58

INTRAC-305 MANUAL - Issue 3.2

© 2011 Advantech Wireless

Page 70
Image 70
Advantech INTRAC-305 Maximum possible angles in the required direction, Intrac drives the antenna to those co-ordinates