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Objectives
- A lower cost VSAT tracking terminal programming very low-cost consumer computing hardware and motors to move the feed of an antenna, rather than the entire reflector.
- A manually adjusted feed bracket, which makes final fine adjustment on Ka-band reflectors to place the feed at the best point for cross-pol. The objective to reduce the installation time.
Challenges
Combining RF and hardware skills with computing programming skills. The computer program has a scheduler because it is a time-based program whi carries out actions on hourly, weekly and monthly intervals. Scheduling random customer intervention or alarms and re-syncing events had to be carefully programmed to avoid conflicts in the scheduler. These were carefully worked out through meticulous management of variables and state machines.
Current Status
The inclinded tracking feed prototype has been tracking NSS7 for 2 years reliably. The controller program is written and stable. 3 feeds were developed and passed ITU sidelobe compliance tests. The rotating 1.2mtr Skyware reflector is assembled and fits together.
Related Links
Companies
iSat Ltd
United Kingdom