The KNS SUPERTRACK MK3-Z10 is a Ku-Band TX/RX satellite antenna system designed for reliable broadband communication in various weather conditions and locations worldwide. This system is engineered for high performance, cost efficiency, and user convenience, making it suitable for both business and pleasure applications.
Function Description
The MK3-Z10 is a stabilized VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) antenna system that provides continuous satellite connectivity. It utilizes a 3-axis harmonic stabilization system to compensate for ship motion (pitch, roll, and yaw) and maintain precise antenna pointing. The system employs a conical scan tracking technique to detect and track satellite positions by analyzing received signal power, automatically adjusting the antenna's direction for optimal performance.
The system's core functionality revolves around its ability to search for and track satellites using a sophisticated algorithm. It supports multiple searching references, including DVB C/N threshold, DVB AGC threshold, RSSD threshold, DVB carrier lock bit, external lock bit, external AGC threshold, and combinations thereof. This flexibility ensures robust satellite acquisition even in challenging environments or when adjacent satellite interference is present.
The MK3-Z10 includes an Above Deck Unit (ADU) and a Below Deck Unit (BDU), with the ADU containing the radome, stabilized platform, PCU (Pedestal Control Unit) electronics, movement system, and RF equipment. The BDU, typically located in a radio room, houses the ACU (Antenna Control Unit) which controls the stabilized antenna and interfaces with other communication equipment.
Important Technical Specifications
Mechanical Specifications:
- Dish Diameter: 100 cm (39”)
- Antenna Weight: 114 kg
- Radome Size: 151 cm (H) x 139 cm (D)
- Radome Material: Honeycomb FRP
- Packing Size & Weight: 158 x 158 x 177 cm, 224 kg (Wooden crate)
Antenna Stabilizations:
- Operating Platform: 3-axis (yaw, level, cross)
- Azimuth Angle: Unlimited (720 degrees)
- Elevation Angle: -18 to +110 degrees
- Cross Angle: +/- 35 degrees
- Skew Angle Control: Automatic
- Ship Motion:
- Roll: +/- 25 degrees at 8 sec periods
- Pitch: +/- 15 degrees at 6 sec periods
- Yaw: +/- 8 degrees at 15 sec periods
- Pointing Accuracy: 0.2 degree peak to peak
- Tracking Speed: More than 90 degrees per second
- Searching & Tracking: Conical Scan + Rate Sensor
Reflector and Feed Systems:
- Antenna Operation Frequency:
- TX: 13.75 ~ 14.5 GHz (Ku-Band)
- RX: 10.95 ~ 12.75 GHz (Ku-Band)
- Antenna Gain:
- TX: 41.7 dBi @ 14.5 GHz
- RX: 40 dBi @ 11.75 GHz
- G/T: 18.29 dB/K (in Radome) @ 30 deg. Elevation angle and 11.75GHz, Clear Sky
- System EIRP with 8W BUC: 50.7 dBW @ 14.5 GHz
- Polarity: Linear / Circular (optional)
- Polarity Control: Automatic Skew Control
- Polarized Feed: Cross-pol / Dual-pol (optional)
Electrical Specifications:
- Antenna Input Power: 48V DC, 6.6A
- Motor: Axis controlled by BLDC servo motor; Skew and Sensor controlled by stepping motor
- Power Supply: Antenna and BUC power supplied by ACU
- GPS Module: Built-in
Operation Condition:
- Temperature: -20°C to 55°C
- Humidity: Up to 100% @ 40°C
- Wind Speed: 60m/sec. max from any direction
- Vibration Damper: Shock observer and wire rope isolator
ACU (Antenna Control Unit):
- Input Power: 100 – 120 V AC / 200 – 240V AC, 50/60Hz, 8A/4A
- Output Power: 48V DC, 6.6A
- Connection Method with PCU: High Speed FSK Modem
- External I/O Interface: RS-232C, Mini-USB, Ethernet
- Gyro Interface: NMEA 0183, Synchro, Step by Step
- Display: 2 line 40 character VFD Module
- Modem Interface: Ethernet, Console
BUC (Ku Band 8W BUC - Model NJT5218N):
- RF Frequency: 13.75 to 14.5 GHz (Universal Ku-band)
- Output Power @ P1dB: 8W Linear (+39 dBm min.)
- Power Requirement: +24 / +48 VDC (+18 to +60 VDC) / 79 W typ., 93 W max.
- Weight: 3.2 kg [7.0 lbs]
The system is MIL-STD-167, MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-901D, and IEC 60945 Marine equipment vibration compliant, ensuring durability in harsh marine environments.
Usage Features
The MK3-Z10 offers a user-friendly interface through its ACU, which features a main display and keypad for configuration and operation.
- Multiple Satellite Finding Methods: Users can choose between Manual Pointing, Manual Searching, Auto Searching, and Reference Searching. Auto Searching is recommended, leveraging pre-configured satellite longitude and GPS data.
- Polarity Adjustment: The skew angle can be adjusted using Auto, Manual, or Jog modes, with an auto mode range of -95° to +95° and manual/jog mode range of -130° to +130°.
- DVB Tuner Configuration: Allows operators to input satellite parameters like LNB local frequency, RX RF frequency, symbol rate, and network ID.
- Temporal S&T Reference Test: Enables evaluation of all S&T references to select the best active reference for searching and tracking.
- Yaw Axis Initialize: For manually inputted heading angles or immediate upload of changed heading angles.
- Static Function ON/OFF: Changes the control algorithm from dynamic to static, useful for CPI (Cross Polarization Isolation) testing in stable conditions.
- Searching ON/OFF: Prevents the antenna from entering searching mode during frequent blockages or tracking failures.
- Tracking ON/OFF: Allows operators to cut off the tracking process, causing the antenna to point towards its current position without conical scanning.
- STR ID Selection: Supports up to 80 STR IDs, allowing quick switching between pre-configured satellite parameters for different satellites.
- Automatic Beam Switching Protocol (ABS): The ACU can change target satellites based on modem protocols (iDirect, iDrtABS, ComROAM, HNS, STM VACP) or KNS protocol (GTP) via Ethernet.
- External Lock TTL Level: Configurable for different modem types (HNS, iDirect, Comteh) to interpret lock signals.
- TCP/IP v4 Setting: Allows configuration of IP address, gateway, and subnet mask for remote access via Ethernet.
Maintenance Features
The MK3-Z10 is designed for simplified maintenance and repairs.
- Simplicity in Design: Innovative ideas are incorporated to make maintenance and repairs extremely simpler.
- Remote Access: A web-based SuperTrack Control Software (SCS) allows remote access for diagnostics, status review, satellite parameter changes, and monitoring.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Enables technicians to connect to the ACU via PC above deck to adjust antenna parameters and configuration wirelessly, eliminating the need to run below deck.
- Remote Software Upgrades: Both PCU and ACU software can be upgraded remotely.
- Easy Cable Management: Uses only 8 cables for easier maintenance.
- Built-in Shock Absorbers and Rubber Damper: Improves product reliability by reducing impact and vibrations.
- Diagnostic for Sensor and Driver: Allows operators to check the operating state of the antenna, including error codes, motor driving torque, sensor angles, and angular velocities.
- Troubleshooting Guide: The manual provides a comprehensive troubleshooting section with symptoms, check points, and solutions for common malfunctions.
- BDU Installation Check List: Ensures proper installation and operation.
- Balancing: The antenna system is factory-balanced, but users are advised to check and adjust balance if a new BUC (with different capacity and weight) is installed.
- Warranty: KNS offers a limited warranty of 2 years (1-year labor, 2-year parts) for the complete antenna system, provided installation is by an authorized KNS dealer.
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