MODEL 11803
Ground Steerable Antenna

The Technical Systems Associates TSSAP Series Model 11803 Steerable Ground Antenna consists of a single-axis antenna and pedestal assembly with an antenna controller. The Steerable Grount Antenna can be positioned in azimuth by a remote host computer or a local controller with accuracy to within 0.1°. Several interface options are available.

The system shown consists of two antennas. The high gain antenna is a 4' parabolic reflector with feed assembly and randome. The low gain antenna consists of three pyramidal horn antennas arranged in a horizontal array. It is mounted on the top edge of the reflector. This second antenna acts as a wide beamwidth acquisition antenna when the collection platform is in close proximity to the remote system.

The pedestal is equipped with a pulse width modulated servo drive system and power supply. This pedestal is capable of rotating CW or CCW using a specially designed, low backlash, heavy-duty steel spur gear system. The rotating velocity is software-limited to a maximum of 6 rpm but may be designed to meet specific customer requirements. Speeds up to 40 rpm and torques to 1000 ft.# are available. A custom designed rotary joint/slip ring package is integrated into the pedestal shaft and provides the means of routing the RF and electrical signals through the pedestal assembly.

The Antenna Control Unit (ACU) is a 19" rack-mounted microprocessor controller that is capable of selecting the parabolic or acquisition antennas and manually positioning the antennas in azimuth. This ACU may solely command the pedestal using function switches on the front panel or relinquish control to a host computer input. Up to 400' of cable connects the ACU with the antenna system.

The ACU provides 12 bit digital steering commands to the antenna system and receives azimuth positioning information accurate to within 0.1°. The azimuth position is continuously updated by a resolver located in the pedestal. An LED indicator on the front panel of the ACU shows the azimuth antenna position. A true position and azimuth offset capability are included in this system. The offset feature allows the user to program the desired offset for alignment purposes. A Built-in-Test button provides a self test capability of the controller and pedestal as a unit.

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