RC4500 Antenna Controller Chapter 6 Support
128
when it was powered down. It also has stored the ephemeris data it had at that time. While powered
down the GPS’ real time clock will continue to timekeep.
The GPS will not generate a navigation solution if it cannot “see” 4 satellites. Check that the GPS unit has
a clear view of the sky. If parked next to a tall building, even if the GPS has a seemingly clear view of the
sky, the current GPS satellite constellation may be such that too many satellites are masked.
RF Interference. Strong interference from transmitting antennas close to the GPS receiver may also
disrupt the receiver’s ability to “see” satellites. Attempt to turn off transmitting sources (satellite phones,
etc.) close to the GPS antenna to see if that affects the GPS’ performance.
6.1.5 Alarm Displays
The alarm system monitors important parameters and flashes a message on the bottom line of the LCD
display if an error is found. The parameters monitored include the condition of the lithium battery, status
of the azimuth and elevation antenna drive systems and the values of certain variables. Some error codes
have priority over others. Alarm conditions are sampled sequentially, with the highest priority sampled
first. As corrective action is taken for each error, the code is eliminated, and if there is a lesser error, it will
then appear.
6.1.5.1 FLASH / NVRAM VERSION MISMATCH
If the RC4500 recognizes a mismatch in the stored data (antenna mount type data) then this error code
will appear. The only time this error typically would occur is during a software change in the ACU. A
system reset to defaults may clear this error (5.2.1.3.11).
6.1.5.2 FLASH / NVRAM DATA CORRUPT
If there is corrupt data stored, then this error code will appear. The only time this error typically would
occur is during a software change in the ACU. A system reset to defaults may clear this error (5.2.1.3.11).
6.1.5.3 LOW BATTERY ALARM
The RC4500 constantly monitors the level of the lithium battery via a 10 bit ADC channel on the
microcontroller. When the power level is low, this error code will appear. Replace the battery with a
Duracell DL2450. Make sure that the unit is unplugged from the AC or DC input power before removing
the cover to change the battery.
6.1.5.4 TIME / DATE ERROR
This alarm code indicates either the Time or Date is corrupt. The time and date are entered via the
Maintenance menu, refer to
section 5.2.2.3 Time Maintenance.
6.1.5.5 AZIMUTH / ELEVATION / POLARIZATION JAMMED
The RC4500 continuously monitors the axis positions to detect incorrect movement of the mount. If an
axis has been commanded to move and the RC4500 does not detect movement within a prescribed time,
the controller will declare a “JAMMED” condition and not allow further movement in that axis until the
condition has been reset.
More information is provided with regards to troubleshooting JAMMED errors in
section 6.1.2.
6.1.5.6 AZIMUTH / ELEVATION / POLARIZATION RUNAWAY
If the RC4500 senses movement in an axis when no movement should be occurring, the RC4500 will
declare a “RUNAWAY” condition. Like JAMMED, the RUNAWAY condition must be reset before further
movement in the axis may occur.
To Next Page
Loading...