CPI 1.8AEBP-1.8m Elevation-Over-Azimuth Antenna Positioner

The Orbital System’s 1.8AEBP-1.8m antenna is designed and built to provide high reliability while withstanding severe environmental conditions. A high-quality, high-precision, elevation-over-azimuth satellite tracking system suitable for X, S, and L Band operation. Utilizing the proven Orbital Data Bus (ODB) technology to provide integrated control of the antenna positioner and RF payload. Superior engineering, precision manufacturing, and strict quality control standards result in maintenance-free operations making the 1.8AEBP-1.8m system the optimal choice for service in remote locations and hostile climates.

Features

Equipped with a high-quality 1.8 meter reflector, brushless servomotors, sealed gears, built-in programmable tracking controller with internal GPS receiver, and a complete tool kit. The 1.8AEBP positioner features unlimited azimuth rotation using gold-on-gold contact slip rings and a single channel rotary joint with a frequency of zero to four (0 to 4) GHz. Controlled remotely using 100BASE-FX fiber optic Ethernet. Reception loss caused by what is sometimes called a “keyhole effect” is eliminated by the high speed of azimuth rotation in Orbital Systems’ two axis products. When tracking a near overhead pass the antenna uses a predictive motion with a peak azimuth velocity of 60 degrees/sec, and acceleration at up to 60 degrees/sec². These very high speeds serve to reduce loss of signals on a worst case near overhead pass.

System Control and Tracking

• ACU-2 antenna control unit is standard and enables flexible control options
• Tracks satellites at X Band and below without keyhole effect
• Customized controller interface options are available

Motors and Gears

• Mechanical system components are fully integrated with IP65-rated brushless servomotors and integrated brakes, matched and tuned motor drives, and heavy duty gears
• Gears are automatically heated to achieve optimal performance at temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius (-40°C)
• Gears are completely enclosed in a cast housing operating inside a regulated, optimal environment to increase their service life; no annual lubrication required

Pressurization

• Antenna positioner and feed are sealed and pressurized with dehydrated air or nitrogen to prevent corrosion of the internal components
• Dry air is supplied using conventional transmission line dehydrator technology
• Temperature and humidity sensors in the electrical cabinet, gear enclosure, and feed; the antenna control unit monitors these areas and automatically purges the system of moisture
• System continues to operate if pressurization fails

Reflectors and Feeds

• Supplied with a high quality 1.8 meter spun aluminum reflector
• Equipped with 4 feed support poles; RF data cable, dry air hose, and ODB run inside a pole for use with Orbital Systems’ feeds
• Many feeds are available with optional downconverters and polarity switching
• Orbital Systems’ feeds have a purge valve controlling internal system moisture levels
• Feed communication is integrated into the antenna control unit over Orbital Data Bus (ODB)
• Typical 1.8m X- and -L Band system performance is 22 dB/K and 6 dB/K, respectively

Special Order Options

• Mains A/C or D/C power supplied internally through antenna positioner for elevation arm- mounted electronics
• Gigabyte Ethernet supplied internally through antenna positioner
• Additional RF channels supplied internally through antenna positioner
• Additional data pairs supplied internally through antenna positioner
• Optical multi-mode fiber supplied internally through antenna positioner