The provided document is a Quick Start Guide for the RANGER 1200 Manual Antenna, manufactured by Airbus. This guide outlines the assembly and initial setup procedures for the antenna system.
Function Description
The RANGER 1200 is a manual antenna system designed for field deployment. Its primary function is to establish and maintain communication links, likely for satellite communication (SATCOM) or similar applications, given its parabolic dish design. The "manual" designation indicates that its pointing and alignment are performed by hand, rather than through automated motorized systems. This typically implies a simpler, more robust design, often favored for rapid deployment in austere environments where power or complex automation might be limited. The antenna appears to be highly portable, as indicated by its breakdown into multiple components that fit into cases, suggesting ease of transport and quick assembly/disassembly.
Important Technical Specifications
While explicit technical specifications like frequency range, gain, or power handling are not detailed in this quick start guide, several aspects can be inferred from the visual information:
- Antenna Type: Parabolic dish antenna. The dish itself is segmented into multiple panels for portability, which are then assembled to form the complete reflector.
- Mount Type: The antenna utilizes a robust, adjustable tripod-style mount, designed for stability on various terrains. The mount incorporates features for leveling and precise angular adjustment.
- Portability: The entire system breaks down into several cases, as shown on page 1. This modular design is a key feature, enabling transport by hand or in standard vehicles. The components include the dish segments, the feed assembly, and the adjustable mount.
- Assembly Method: The assembly process involves interlocking latches for the dish panels and screw/bolt mechanisms for securing the mount components. The feed assembly is attached to the main mount structure.
- Color: The antenna components are predominantly a tan or desert-sand color, suggesting intended use in environments where camouflage or reduced visibility is desired. The guide notes that "Antenna color may differ from that shown here," indicating potential variations based on specific orders or production batches.
Usage Features
The Quick Start Guide highlights several key usage features related to the assembly and initial setup of the RANGER 1200:
- Rapid Deployment: The guide emphasizes a quick start, suggesting that the antenna is designed for relatively fast assembly in the field. The visual steps show a logical progression from unpacking to full assembly.
- Adjustable Feet: The initial step involves adjusting the feet of the antenna mount to achieve the lowest possible position. This is crucial for stability and potentially for maintaining a low profile. Page 2 further clarifies that the feet should be adjusted to "level the antenna mount," which is fundamental for accurate pointing.
- Modular Dish Assembly: The parabolic dish is assembled from multiple interlocking panels. The guide instructs to "Leave all panel interlocking latches loose until last panel in place," indicating a specific sequence to ensure proper alignment and fit of the segments. Once all panels are in place, the inner panel latches are tightened first, followed by the outer latches, ensuring a secure and correctly formed reflector surface.
- Feed Yoke Adjustment: A critical step involves loosening "all 4 thumb screws before moving feed yoke." This suggests that the feed assembly, which directs the radio waves to and from the dish, has an adjustable yoke. This adjustment is likely for optimizing the focal point or polarization, and the warning "!! EXTREMELY IMPORTANT !! Damage will occur if next step isn't followed!" underscores the sensitivity of this component and the importance of following the correct procedure.
- Manual Pointing: While not explicitly detailed in the quick start guide, the "Manual Antenna" designation implies that the user will physically adjust the azimuth and elevation of the antenna to align it with the target satellite or signal source. The robust mount with visible adjustment points supports this.
Maintenance Features
The quick start guide primarily focuses on assembly and initial setup, so detailed maintenance features are not extensively covered. However, some aspects can be inferred:
- Modular Design for Repair/Replacement: The modular nature of the antenna, with separate components for the dish, mount, and feed, suggests that individual parts could potentially be replaced if damaged, rather than requiring the replacement of the entire system. This can simplify logistics and reduce downtime.
- Robust Construction: The visual appearance of the components, particularly the mount and connection points, suggests a durable construction suitable for field use. This inherent robustness contributes to reduced maintenance needs under normal operating conditions.
- Simple Fasteners: The use of thumb screws and latches for assembly implies that basic tools, or even no tools, are required for many assembly and adjustment tasks, which can simplify field maintenance or adjustments.
- Contact Information for Support: The inclusion of "CONTACT INFORMATION" on page 4, with details for Airbus DS Government Solutions, Inc., including a customer service email and phone number, indicates that professional support and potentially spare parts or repair services are available for the RANGER 1200. This is a crucial "maintenance feature" from a logistical standpoint, ensuring that users can obtain assistance when needed.
In summary, the RANGER 1200 Manual Antenna is a portable, field-deployable parabolic dish antenna designed for robust and relatively quick manual setup. Its modular construction, adjustable mount, and emphasis on correct assembly procedures are key characteristics. While specific technical performance data is not provided, the guide clearly outlines the steps for its initial operational readiness.
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