RT100/RT200A SERIES ANTENNA TRACKING RECEIVER
USER’S GUIDE
Systems Engineering & Management Company
1430 Vantage Court
Vista, California 92081
PROPRIETARY INFORMATION
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT CONSTITUTES PROPRIETARY INFORMATION AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
OF SYSTEMS ENGINEERING & MANAGEMENT COMPANY (SEMCO). ACCORDINGLY, THE USER(S) OF THIS INFORMATION
AGREE(S) TO PROTECT THIS INFORMATION TO THE EXTENT THAT THEY WILL PREVENT OTHERS FROM COPYING AND/OR
REPRODUCING THIS INFORMATION, EITHER IN WHOLE OR IN PART, OR MANUFACTURE, PRODUCE, SELL OR LEASE ANY
PRODUCT COPIED FROM OR ESSENTIALLY REPRODUCED FROM THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT WITHOUT
THE EXPRESSED WRITTEN APPROVAL OF SYSTEMS ENGINEERING & MANAGEMENT COMPANY.
DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT
DISTRIBUTION OF THIS DOCUMENT IS AUTHORIZED TO U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, THEIR CONTRACTORS, AND
INTERNATIONAL USERS WHO HAVE PURCHASED SEMCO’S PC-BASED ANTENNA TRACKING RECEIVERS UNDER U.S. EXPORT
RULES AND REGULATIONS. THIS PUBLICATION IS PROVIDED AND REQUIRED SOLELY FOR THE USE AND OPERATION OF THESE
PC-BASED TRACKING RECEIVERS. OTHER REQUESTS FOR THIS DOCUMENT SHALL BE REFERRED DIRECTLY TO SYSTEMS
ENGINEERING AND MANGEMENT COMPANY (SEMCO).
A2535-001/01 August 2015
SEMCO Proprietary Information
SAFETY SUMMARY
System Weight and Handling Restrictions - Depending upon the specific system and configuration,
each chassis weighs between approximately 15 lbs. (1U RT100 Series) and 25 lbs. (2U RT200A Series).
Accordingly, take care in the lifting and installation of each chassis. When lifting the chassis, always lift
from the bottom of the main chassis frame.
Electrical – Both the RT100 Series and RT200A Series Tracking Receivers are designed to operate
on 115/230 VAC 50/60 Hz, and comply with all U.S. and International safety codes and
regulations required for safe operation and use of commercial equipment. Use standard and
accepted safety practices with respect to operating commercial electrical equipment at all times to
avoid the risk of personal injury or death.
EMI/EMC – Both the RT100 Series and RT200A Series Tracking Receivers comply with all FCC and CE
regulations regarding electromagnetic interference and compatibility. There are no personnel hazards or
safety issues with respect to EMI/EMC when operating the systems.
Exposures to Radio Frequency (RF) Signals – SEMCO’s RT100 and RT200A receivers are designed
to receive RF signals from 70 MHz to 5250 MHz at levels of +10 dBm to threshold. These signal levels
are well below the minimum safe exposure levels prescribed by both U.S. and International standards.
A2535-001/01 August 2015
SEMCO Proprietary Information
LIST OF EFFECTIVE PAGES
Page
Change
Date
All
Initial Release
08/01/2015
Page
Change
Date
Note:
This Document applies to RT100 and RT200A receivers with RCMS
v1.0.0.3 or higher Software installed.
This Document also applies to all RT200A receivers with 4.3” Touch
Screen v1.0.0 and higher software installed.
The latest revision levels of all released software are available on
SEMCO’s website (www.semco.com) and can be downloaded,
installed and used on all RT100 and RT200A receivers, regardless of
receiver S/N. Instructions for downloading and installing this software
are on the website as well as in this User’s Manual.
A2535-001/01 August 2015
SEMCO Proprietary Information
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION
TITLE
PAGE
1
1.1
1.2
INTRODUCTION
Scope
Purpose and Description
1
1
1
2
2.1
2.1.1
2.2
2.3
2.3.1
2.3.2
2.3.3
2.3.4
2.3.5
GETTING STARTED
System Description
System Configuration and Options
System Hardware Installation and Set-up
System Software Installation
Software Overview
Software Installation and Boot Procedures
System Shutdown
RCMS Program Installation
Touch Screen Software Installation
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
6
7
7
3
3.1
HARDWARE I/O AND SOFTWARE CONTROLS
Hardware Telemetry I/O and Operation
11
11
4
4.1
4.1.1
4.1.2
4.1.3
4.1.3.1
4.1.3.2
4.1.3.3
4.1.3.4
4.1.3.5
4.1.4
4.1.5
4.1.6
4.1.6.1
4.1.6.2
4.1.6.3
4.1.6.4
4.1.6.5
4.1.6.5.1
4.1.7
4.1.8
TRACKING RECEIVER OPERATION
GUI and Touch Screen Operator Controls
Frequency Selection
Receiver Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) Displays
IF Bandwidth and AGC Selection and Displays
IF Bandwidth Selection
AGC Slope, Polarity and Output Impedance Selection
AGC Time Constant Selection
AGC Freeze Function
AGC Zero Function
Amplitude Modulation (AM) Function
10 MHz Reference
System and Channel Presets
Saving a System Preset
Saving a Channel Preset
Loading a System Preset
Loading a Channel Preset
One Touch Presets
Accessing One Touch Presets From Touch Screen
Help Feature
System Configuration
12
12
13
14
15
15
16
18
19
20
21
23
24
26
27
28
28
29
30
30
30
5
TRACKING RECEIVER CALIBRATION AND MAINTENANCE
32
Appendix A
Detailed Specifications For RT100 and RT200A Series
Tracking Receivers
A-1
A2535-001/01 August 2015
i
SEMCO Proprietary Information
TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued)
ILLUSTRATIONS
FIGURE
TITLE
PAGE
1-1
1-2
RT100 Series Tracking Receiver
RT200A Series Tracking Receiver
1
1
2-1
2-2
2-3
2-4
2-5
2-6
2-7
2-8
2-9
2-10
2-11
2-12
2-13
RT200A System Power and Boot-Up Connections
Tracking Receiver Local and Remote Control Connections
GUI and Touch Screen Boot-Up Displays
GUI and Touch Screen Main Menu and Status Displays
Front panel Touch Screen Control Panels
GUI User Controls Panel
Touch Screen Configuration Window
Touch Screen System Power Down Sequence
Touch Screen Firmware/Software Installation Screen
Touch Screen Firmware Installation Status Screen
Touch Screen Software Installation Sequence
Touch Screen Software Location
Touch Screen Boot-up and Main Menu Display
2
3
4
4
5
5
6
6
8
9
9
10
10
3-1
RT200A-2 Rear Panel I/O
11
4-1
4-2
4-3
4-4
4-5
4-6
4-7
4-8
4-9
4-10
4-11
4-12
4-13
4-14
4-15
4-16
4-17
4-18
4-19
4-20
RF Control
Frequency Selection on GUI User Control Display
Frequency Selection on Touch Screen Display
Relative Signal Strength Feature
IFBW Selection
GUI User Controls AGC Slope Settings
Touch Screen AGC Slope Settings
GUI User Controls AGC Polarity Settings
Touch Screen AGC Polarity Settings
GUI User Controls AGC Output Impedance Settings
Touch Screen AGC Output Impedance Settings
AGC Time Constant Selection
AGC Freeze Feature
AGC Zero Feature
GUI User Controls AM Polarity Settings
Touch Screen AM Polarity Settings
GUI User Controls AM Output Impedance Settings
Touch Screen AM Output Impedance Settings
AM Low Pass Filter Feature
GUI User Controls Internal or External 10 MHz Reference
Selection
Touch Screen Internal or External 10 MHz Reference
Selection
12
13
13
14
15
16
16
17
17
18
18
19
20
21
22
22
22
23
23
4-21
A2535-001/01 August 2015
ii
24
24
SEMCO Proprietary Information
ILLUSTRATIONS (continued)
FIGURE
TITLE
PAGE
4-22
4-23
4-24
4-25
4-26
4-27
4-28
4-29
4-30
4-31
Systems Presets Feature
Channel Presets Feature
Creating System Preset SAVE File
Creating Channel Preset SAVE File
Loading a System Preset From the Tracker Presets Directory
Loading a Channel Preset From the Tracker Presets Directory
Setting Up the One Touch Presets Feature
Accessing One-Touch Presets From the Touch Screen
Help Feature
System Configuration Information
25
25
26
27
28
28
29
30
30
31
5-1
Calibration Controls
32
TABLES
TABLE
3-1
TITLE
Basic System I/O
A2535-001/01 August 2015
PAGE
11
iii
SEMCO Proprietary Information
1 - INTRODUCTION
1.1
Scope
This User’s Guide addresses the installation and operation of SEMCO’s RT100 and RT200A Series
Antenna Tracking Receivers used for antenna tracking functions related to aircraft, missiles and weapon
system testing.
1.2
Purpose and Description
This User’s Guide provides detailed information to allow for installation and operation of the RT100
Series Receiver (Figure 1-1) and RT200A Series Receiver (Figure 1-2).
Section 2, Getting Started briefly describes and lists the standard and optional hardware features of
SEMCO tracking receivers and describes how to install and apply power. Section 2 also describes the
initial installation and boot process for the Receiver Control & Monitor Software (RCMS) program and
related Touch Screen software.
Section 3, Hardware I/O and Software Controls describes system hardware I/O interface and provides
instructions for setting up system operation and control. The standardized hardware I/O description
facilitates installation of each receiver in a typical Telemetry Ground Station. All of SEMCO’s Tracking
Receivers employ the same basic hardware I/O configuration.
Section 4, Tracking Receiver Operation provides instructions for tracking receiver operations,
including set-up and status monitoring of all receiver operating features and parameters.
Appendix A provides detailed specifications for SEMCO’s family of PC-Based Tracking Receivers.
Figure 1-1
RT100 Series Tracking Receiver
Figure 1-2
RT200A Series Tracking Receiver
A2535-001/01 August 2015
1
SEMCO Proprietary Information
2 – GETTING STARTED
2.1
System Description
Both the RT100 Series and the RT200A Series Tracking Receivers are rack-mount products. They each
are configured as either single channel or dual channel tracking receivers.
2.1.1
System Configurations and Options
Each of these rack-mount receivers (2U and 1U) is produced in user-specified configurations.
Standard hardware features include:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
i)
200 MHz to 1150 MHz and 1415 MHz to 2485 MHz RF Tuning
Multiple and scalable AGC and AM antenna tracking outputs
70 MHz IF outputs
User-Selectable IF Filters from 300 kHz to 40 MHz
User-Selectable Low Pass Filtering from 30 Hz to 50 kHz
User-Selectable 50 or 75 ohm AM output impedance
User-Selectable high or low AGC output impedance
Front Panel Touch Screen controls and status displays (RT200 Series Receivers)
Removable 32 GB solid state drive
Optional features include:
a)
b)
2.2
C-Band RF Tuning 4400 MHz to 5250 MHz
Multi-Channel Spectrum Display
System Hardware Installations and Set-up
The user should read this User’s Guide and become familiar and comfortable with the overall receiver
features, options and configuration that will be installed and operated.
Figure 2-1 illustrates the rear panel I/O of an RT200A-2 Dual Channel Tracking Receiver and represents
the common I/O configuration of all tracking receiver configurations (RT100 and RT200A) with respect to
AC power, software communications, display, keyboard and mouse. Each connector is identified and the
I/O determined by the connector label. A USB jumper cable is installed where shown in order to
operate properly. (This jumper cable provides the ability to operate the receiver with an external PC,
bypassing the internal PC and PC peripherals. This feature is further described in subsequent
paragraphs of this User’s Guide).
AC Power
KB/Mouse
Video
USB Jumper
Cable
Ethernet
Figure 2-1
RT200A System Power and Boot-Up Connections
A2535-001/01 August 2015
2
SEMCO Proprietary Information
Figure 2-2 depicts the proper system set-up for initializing the system software for both local control and
remote control via Ethernet. (Initializing the system via the Touch Screen does not require this set-up).
Note:
Ensure all connections per Figure 2-1 before applying power. The PC
Operating System (OS) will not boot up properly if the display, keyboard
and mouse are not connected and turned on before applying initial AC
power to the system (Remote control operation via the Ethernet does
not necessarily need to be connected for the OS to boot properly).
Video
Display
Keyboard
RT100/RT200A
Keyboard
Tracking
Receiver
Trackball
Mouse
USB
USB
Remote PC
(Can support
multiple remote
PCs)
Ethernet
AC Power
Figure 2-2
System Local and Remote Control Connections
2.3
System Software Installation
2.3.1
Software Overview
All of SEMCO’s PC-based Telemetry Receiving Systems use the Receiver Control and Monitor Software
(RCMS) program and Touch Screen software as applicable to the individual system. The RCMS provides
a Graphical User Interface (GUI) for all user-required control and status monitoring of system operation.
The RCMS runs on a Windows-Based Operating System (Windows XP), and is designed for local
operation using a front panel Touch Screen, a display and keyboard/mouse, and/or remotely controlled
via RS-232C or Ethernet. (The RC100 and PTR110 do not have front panel Touch Screen controls).
This document addresses the RCMS Local software v1.07 and higher program, RCMS Remote software
V1.06 and higher program, 4.3” Touch Screen software v1.08 and higher program and 7” Touch Screen
software v1.05 and higher program. All system functions and set-up controls are by keyboard entry
and/or by pull-down menu screens selected and controlled by the mouse/touchpad, or via the Touch
Screen on specific systems with this feature. System status is via display indicators (numerical readouts
and bar graphs) on both a PC display and the system Touch Screen if installed.
2.3.2
Software Installation and Boot Procedures
Once AC power is applied to the system chassis, start the Windows 7 Operating System as well as the
RCMS program by depressing the ON/OFF button located on the front panel (the RT200A also has two
ON/OFF switches, one for each redundant power supply on the rear panel).
A2535-001/01 August 2015
3
SEMCO Proprietary Information
Clicking on the Antenna icon in the Start-Up Menu or Desktop will also initiate system software.
During the “auto-boot” process, a “Searching for Tracker Cards” bar appears (Figure 2-3) and the
software polls the installed hardware to determine the configuration (i.e., what cards are installed). The
system then automatically retrieves and displays all system receiver settings from the last system set-up.
The RCMS “auto-boot” process display on the Touch Screen (RT200A), is also shown in Figure 2-3.
Once the receiver boots up, the displays shown in Figure 2-4 will appear (touching STATUS produces
the Touch Screen Status Display as shown). Both CH1 and CH2 are displayed simultaneously on the
GUI for dual channel configurations, as shown in Figure 2-4.
GUI
Touch Screen
Figure 2-3
GUI and Touch Screen Boot-Up Displays
GUI
Touch Screen
Figure 2-4
GUI and Touchscreen Main Menu and Status Displays
A2535-001/01 August 2015
4
SEMCO Proprietary Information
Figure 2-5 depicts the sequence used to select CH1 or CH2 controls using the front panel Touch Screen.
Touching Channel 1 or Channel 2 takes the user to the selected control panel as shown (Channel 1 is
illustrated). These control panels can also be displayed by touching the CH1 or CH2 buttons as shown
on the Status Display. The user may return to the Main Menu at any time by selecting Return.
Main Menu
Status Display
Channel 1 Controls
Figure 2-5
Front Panel Touch Screen Control Panels
Figure 2-6 depicts the sequence for accessing either CH1 or CH2 control panels on the GUI. Doubleclicking on any blank area in the CH1 window opens up the CH1 control panel as shown. The CH2
control panel is enabled in the same way.
Figure 2-6
GUI User Controls Panel
A2535-001/01 August 2015
5
SEMCO Proprietary Information
The “Card Info” window in the CH.1 User Controls display provides important information to ascertain
initial system health and communication status, as well as determine the exact system Circuit Card
Assembly (CCA) and software/firmware configuration. Figure 2-7 shows the corresponding Touch
Screen display.
Figure 2-7
Touch Screen Configuration Window
2.3.3
System Shutdown
There are 3 methods to Shutdown/Power down a system:
A.
Standard Windows shutdown through the Windows Operating System
(1) Press Start on the GUI Desktop; (2) Select Shutdown; and (3) Select Shutdown from the
resulting pop-up window to commit to shutting down the system.
B.
Shutdown Sequence using the system Touch Screen (Figure 2-8)
(1) Press Utility from the top-level menu; (2) Press SHUTDOWN button in top right corner; and
(3) Select YES to commit to shutting down the receiver
Step 2
Step 1
Step 3
Figure 2-8
Touch Screen System Power Down Sequence
A2535-001/01 August 2015
6
SEMCO Proprietary Information
C.
Physical shutdown by a SINGLE ONE (1) SECOND PRESS of the RED power button on the
system front panel of the receiver.
CAUTION
The methods described above should be used in all circumstances
unless absolutely unavoidable. Physically removing power from the
chassis by means of cutting AC power to the chassis or holding the
power button down for a hard shutdown is not recommended.
If the operating system is in the middle of a write cycle, a hard
shutdown could cause file corruption resulting in faulty operation or
inability to boot the system.
2.3.4
RCMS Program Installation
A.
Using a CD provided by the factory.
Step 1 - To install a new or updated RCMS program, click the GUI Desktop “Start”, “Control Panel”,
“Add or Delete Programs” and then uninstall the “SEMCO RCMS” or “SEMCO CMD” program on the
receiver.
Step 2 – Go to C:\Program Files\SEMCO and then delete all files within the program folder (“SEMCO
RCMS Local” or “SEMCO RCMS Remote”) on the receiver, except for the .pdf User’s Manual.
Alternatively, copy the User’s Manual to another hard drive location, delete the program folder and copy
the PDF manual back into the program folder after the new RCMS program is installed in Step 3.
Step 3 – Install the RCMS program CD on the receiver using a commercially-available USB-compatible
external CD drive and one of the system’s USB ports, execute the Setup.exe program file on the CD and
follow the instructions appearing on the display Desktop.
B.
Downloading and Installing RCMS Software from the SEMCO website.
Step 1 – Using a PC with internet access, Go to the www.semco.com homepage and select
TECHNICAL and then PRODUCT SOFTWARE. Select and download the software to the PC hard drive.
Alternatively, download the software to a USB Flash Drive, if Flash Drives are authorized at the
Telemetry Receiver Installation site.
Step 2 - Using an installed Read-Write CD drive or commercially-available USB-compatible external CD
drive connected to one of the PC USB ports; write the downloaded software program(s) to a new CD. A
USB Flash Drive can also be used if authorized at the Telemetry Receiver Installation site.
Step 3 – Follow A. Steps1 thru 3 above with the new CD.
2.3.5
Touch Screen Software Installation
Step 1 – Download the latest 4.3” Touch Screen software from the www.semco.com website (see
paragraph 2.3.4 B.). Extract the LCD folder from the downloaded “zip” file and replace the “C:\LCD”
folder located on the hard drive of the receiver.
Step 2 - First make sure the SEMCO RCMS GUI is completely closed.
A2535-001/01 August 2015
7
SEMCO Proprietary Information
Step 3 - The program that is used for installation of new or updated Touch Screen firmware and software
is available on the hard drive of each receiver system in C:\LCD\BMPloadxxxx.exe. Execute the
BMPload program. The program will open with the window shown in Figure 2-9. Please make sure the
text “BMPload Vx.x.x Supports SLCD43” is displayed in the blue bar of the program as shown. Contact
the factory if the text is different.
Step 4 - Ensure that the latest firmware is installed in the Touch Screen. The latest version at the time of
this publication is (2.9.15c). Contact the factory for a CD with the latest 4.3” Touch Screen firmware, or
go to www.semco.com home page to check and, if necessary download the latest firmware version. In
the Figure 2-9 example, because the latest firmware is 2.9.15c, then the firmware needs to be updated.
The latest file to be added in this case is “at043_2_9_15c.upg”.
Step 3
Step 6
Step 5
Step 4
Step 7
Figure 2-9
Touch Screen Firmware/Software Installation Screen
Step 5 - Click on the “Add Firmware” button. A window will pop up for navigating to the location of the
firmware upgrade file (i.e. Hard Drive, Flash Drive or CD).
Step 6 - Set the Port Settings as shown in Figure 2-9. Select the COM3 Port and a 460800-Baud Rate.
Select USB Autobaud and press Connect. If an error appears try 115,200 Baud Rate.
Step 7 - If the connection is successful, click on the button “Store into SLCD”. When programming is
complete, the SLCD Status screen will appear as shown in Figure 2-10.
A2535-001/01 August 2015
8
SEMCO Proprietary Information
Figure 2-10
Touch Screen Firmware Installation Status Screen
Step 8 - After new firmware is loaded into the Touch Screen, all parameters including the Baud rate are
reset. The baud rate should now be 115,200. If the baud rate has not automatically changed to 115,200,
change it to that rate as shown in Figure 2-11.
Step 9 – The latest 4.3” Touch Screen software file, which was downloaded in Step 1, is shown in Figure
2-12. Alternatively, contact the factory to obtain a copy of the latest software version. This software
program name will always end in .BIN.
Step 10 – Referring again to Figure 2-11, click on “Load from File” and a pop-up window will appear.
Navigate to the location of the .BIN file, select the file and press Open.
Step 11 - Make sure the following boxes are selected (checked); Set Power On Macro, Enable Bitmap
Compression, Power On Macro = 1 and High Color.
Step 10
Step 8
Step 12
Step 11
Figure 2-11
Touch Screen Software Installation Sequence
A2535-001/01 August 2015
9
SEMCO Proprietary Information
Step 12 - Click on “Store into SLCD” and wait until the “SLCD Status” completes (see Figure 2-11).
Step 13 – Power down the receiver system. This action allows the Touch Screen to reset itself with the
new programming. Re-boot the system. As soon as the computer starts booting, the Touch Screen
display will appear as shown in Figure 2-13.
Select .BIN file
for download
Figure 2-12
Touch Screen Software Location
Figure 2-13
Touch Screen Boot-up and Main Menu Display
At this point, verify that the latest RCMS Local Software has been installed, and refer to paragraph 2.3.4
if the RCMS Software needs to be installed. When the GUI completes its startup, the Touch Screen will
be functional, and the Touch Screen Main Menu screen appears as also shown in Figure 2-13.
A2535-001/01 August 2015
10
SEMCO Proprietary Information
3 – HARDWARE I/O AND SOFTWARE CONTROLS
3.1
Hardware Telemetry I/O and Operation
The RT100 and RT200A I/O interface is listed in Table 3-1.
Table 3-1
Basic System I/O
Inputs and Outputs
RF Signal Inputs
AGC Outputs
AM Outputs
Linear IF Outputs
(70 MHz)
10 MHz Reference
Description
1 “N” connector input per installed channel
2 BNC outputs per channel labeled “AGC A” and “AGC B
1 BNC output per channel
1 BNC output per channel
2 BNC connectors providing for an external 10 MHz input and an internal
10 MHz reference output
Figure 3-1 depicts the rear panel I/O of an RT200A-2, which can be directly correlated to an RT100:
Figure 3-1
RT200A-2 Rear Panel I/O
A2535-001/01 August 2015
11
SEMCO Proprietary Information
4 – TELEMETRY TRACKING RECEIVER OPERATION
Telemetry Tracking Receiver Operation consists of using the RCMS program to select various receiver
parameters for optimum RF signal reception and setting up an antenna tracking interface for Antenna
Control Units (ACUs).
It is important to note that, once the receiver parameters are selected, the system begins
receiving and processing the incoming signal and only needs the chassis power supply voltages
to operate. This means that as long as the system is turned on, the system will continue to
receive and process the incoming signal(s) even if PC communications is temporarily lost and
the system needs to be restarted.
RCMS program GUI control panels and correlating Touch Screen controls are described in subsequent
paragraphs.
4.1
GUI and Touch Screen Operator Controls
Figure 4-1 depicts both the Main Menu and CH1 Control Panel (GUI and Touch Screen). Double Clicking
anywhere on the blank area of the CH1 window (GUI) opens up the CH.1 User Controls. Touching the
Channel 1 control panel (Touch Screen) opens up the Channel 1 control panel. Accessing the CH2
User Controls or Channel 2 control panel is performed in the same manner.
Double-clicking
On blank area
of CH1 window
enables CH1
User Control
Display (CH2 is
enabled in the
same way)
RCMS Local GUI
Touch Screen Controls
Figure 4-1
RF Control
A2535-001/01 August 2015
12
SEMCO Proprietary Information
4.1.1
Frequency Selection
Figure 4-2 depicts the CH.1 User Controls. Clicking on the RF Freq. (MHz), the RF Input Frequency
can be either typed in, or selected by scrolling in 0.1, 1.0, 5.0 or 10.0 MHz increments using the up-down
arrow (▲▼) icons located on the right of the frequency indicator box. (Right click on RF Freq. (MHz) box
to select frequency steps). The system will only accept valid frequencies of the particular frequency
bands installed in the receiver. The user completes the selection by clicking “ENTER”.
The Synth “Locked” indicator (
indicator on Touch Screen) is green when the receiver channel is
able to be tuned to the frequency entered in the RF Freq (MHz) box, and is a red “Unlocked” indicator
when the receiver channel cannot be tuned. The “Unlocked” indication after a valid frequency has been
entered indicates a hardware malfunction in either the internal 10 MHz reference or the RF Tuner CCA.
These Synth indicators are also present on the Main Menu display (See Figure 4-1).
Type in the RF Input Frequency or
select by scrolling in .1, 1, 5 or 10 MHz
increments using the (▲▼) arrows
Right click on the RF Freq (MHz) window to select
frequency steps using the (▲▼) arrows
Figure 4-2
Frequency Selection on GUI User Control Display
Figure 4-3 depicts frequency tuning via the Touch Screen keypad. The Input Freq. (MHz) box is
touched and the user then uses the keypad to type in the frequency of interest. Touching ENTER then
enters the frequency into the Input Freq. (MHz) box and the system tunes to the new frequency.
Touch the Input Freq (MHz)
window to enable keypad
Figure 4-3
Frequency Selection on Touch Screen Display
A2535-001/01 August 2015
13
SEMCO Proprietary Information
4.1.2
Receiver Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) Displays
The signal strength of the incoming signal is displayed on the GUI User Controls as absolute (dBm)
signal strength at the receiver channel’s RF Input. Figure 4-4 shows the Relative Signal Strength feature.
When AGC A ZERO and/or AGC B Zero is enabled, the signal strength display switches to Relative
signal strength, reading 0 dB at the input signal level that was present when AGC ZERO was enabled,
and reading either +dB or –dB relative to that input signal level. The GUI Status Display also indicates
Relative RSSI as shown. Referring again to Figure 4-4, AGC “A” has been zeroed, RSSI is Relative “0
dB” and AGC “A” (V) indicates 0 +/- 0.02 VDC. (Paragraph 4.1.3.4 provides more information regarding
the AGC Zero feature).
To enable the RELATIVE SIGNAL STRENGTH feature using the front panel Touch Screen, the user
touches the Zero A and/or Zero B button as shown in Figure 4-4. A GREEN ON and Relative are
enabled as shown.
GUI Status Display
Click on the AGC “A” and/or AGC “B” button
window to enable AGC Zero and Relative RSSI
readout (AGC “A” Zero illustrated)
RCMS Local GUI
Touch Screen
Touching the Touch Screen AGC Zero “A” and/or
AGC Zero “B” OFF button enables AGC Zero
Figure 4-4
Relative Signal Strength Feature
A2535-001/01 August 2015
14
SEMCO Proprietary Information
4.1.3
IF Bandwidth and AGC Selection and Displays
The GUI User Control display provides the ability to select and display IF bandwidth values, both AGC
“A’ and AGC “B” slope, polarity and time constants, and either high or low AGC output impedance. In
addition, Both AGC Zero and AGC Freeze functions are enabled using the User Control display.
4.1.3.1 IF Bandwidth Selection
Referring to Figure 4-5, the IF filter bandwidth value is a pull-down menu selected by clicking on the
arrow (▼) icon to the right of the IFBW box. The user then clicks on the IF bandwidth desired, which is
then displayed in the box. The user can also click on the box and when BLUE, can use the keyboard
UP-DOWN arrow keys to scroll through all IF bandwidth values. 8 IFBW values are available from 300
kHz to 40 MHz.
Referring again to Figure 4-5, IFBW selection via the front panel Touch Screen is performed by
repeatedly touching the IFBW – or + box on each side of the IF BW display until the desired IFBW value
is displayed.
IF filter bandwidth value is a pull-down menu selected by
clicking on the (▼) arrow
RCMS Local GUI
Touch Screen IF filter bandwidth value selection is
performed by repeatedly touching the – or + buttons
Touch Screen
Figure 4-5
IFBW Selection
A2535-001/01 August 2015
15
SEMCO Proprietary Information
4.1.3.2 AGC Slope, Polarity and Output Impedance Selection
The User Controls display and Touch Screen provides for setting up two independent AGC outputs
(AGC “A” and AGC “B”). Each of these AGC outputs can be changed with respect to slope, polarity
and output impedance. Each AGC output is a scalable +/-20, 50 or 100 mV/dB. The output impedance
select feature provides the flexibility of matching the output impedance to the devices that are connected
to the AGC outputs. Output impedance can be either high (Hi-Z), which is used when connecting to
devices with input impedances > 1K ohm, or low (Lo-Z), which is used when connecting to devices with
input impedances < 1K ohm.
AGC “A” Slope and AGC “B” Slope are selected by clicking on the (▼) arrow in each applicable
window as shown in Figure 4-6 (AGC “A” shown). Actual AGC voltage output levels are displayed on
each receiver display as shown. AGC Slope is selected on the Touchscreen by touching the AGC Slope
windows as shown in Figure 4-7. The AGC Slope will change to 20, 50 or 100 mV/dB each time the
window is touched.
AGC Output Slope selection is a pull-down menu
selected by clicking on the (▼) arrow
Figure 4-6
GUI User Controls AGC Slope Settings
AGC Output Slope is selected by touching the AGC Slope
window as shown. The AGC slope value will change to
20, 50 or 100 mV/dB each time the window is touched
Figure 4-7
Touch Screen AGC Slope Settings
A2535-001/01 August 2015
16
SEMCO Proprietary Information
AGC “A” and AGC “B” Polarity are selected by clicking on the (▼) arrow in each applicable window as
shown in Figure 4-8 (AGC “A” shown). AGC Polarity is selected on the Touch Screen by touching the
box next to Neg as shown in Figure 4-9. The AGC polarity is Positive unless there is an “X” in the box,
which then indicates that Negative polarity has been selected.
AGC Polarity selection is a pull-down menu selected by
clicking on the (▼) arrow
Figure 4-8
GUI User Controls AGC Polarity Settings
Touching the white box next to “Neg” changes AGC
Polarity. AGC polarity is Negative when there is an “X” in
the box
Touching the white box next to “Neg” changes AGC
Polarity. AGC polarity is Positive when no “X” is present
Figure 4-9
Touch Screen AGC Polarity Settings
AGC “A” and AGC “B” output impedance are selected by clicking on the (▼) arrow in each applicable
window as shown in Figure 4-10 (AGC “A” shown). AGC output impedance is selected on the Touch
Screen by touching the box next to Neg as shown in Figure 4-11. The AGC output impedance is Hi-Z
(for devices > 1K ohms) unless there is an “X” in the box, which then indicates that Lo-Z (for devices <
1K ohms) has been selected.
A2535-001/01 August 2015
17
SEMCO Proprietary Information
AGC Output Impedance selection is a pull-down menu
selected by clicking on the (▼) arrow
Figure 4-10
GUI User Controls AGC Output Impedance Settings
Touching the white box next to “Neg” changes AGC
Output Impedance. AGC Output Impedance is Lo-Z when
there is an “X” in the box
AGC Output Impedance is Hi-Z when no “X” is present
Figure 4-11
Touch Screen AGC Output Impedance Settings
4.1.3.3 AGC Time Constant Selection
The AGC Time Constant value on the GUI User Controls display is a pull-down menu selected by
clicking on the arrow (▼) icon to the right of the AGC T/C box (Figure 4-12). Selecting any one of the
five available AGC time constant values will affect the “attack” and “recovery” time of the linear 70 MHz
IF output. It does not affect the “attack” and “recovery” time of the demodulated AM output signal. Both
of these signal inputs are at a fixed AGC level that provides for optimum AM response for ACU antenna
tracking functions.
Referring again to Figure 4-12, AGC Time Constant selection via the front panel Touch Screen is
performed by repeatedly touching the AGC TC readout until the desired AGC Time Constant value is
displayed.
A2535-001/01 August 2015
18
SEMCO Proprietary Information
RCMS Local GUI
AGC Time Constant value is a pull-down menu selected
by clicking on the (▼) arrow
Touching this Touch Screen button
selects one of the five AGC Time
Constant values
Touch Screen
Figure 4-12
AGC Time Constant Selection
4.1.3.4 AGC Freeze Function
The AGC Freeze feature allows the operator to freeze or hold the gain of the selected receiver, and is
primarily used to measure signal to noise ratios on the receiver’s IF output to perform Antenna G/T
measurements. Without AGC Freeze, the receiver would normally amplify incoming signals including
noise at different gain levels as determined by the selected IF filter bandwidth. Freezing (holding) the
receiver gain at a fixed level independent of signal input level allows the operator to measure signal
noise floor levels by measuring the IF output at different noise input levels.
The most frequently used noise floor level measurement is Antenna G/T measurements, whereby the
operator measures the antenna gain by pointing the antenna away from the sun (“Cold Sky”) and then
measuring the IF signal power increase (i.e., antenna G/T) when the antenna is then pointed directly at
the sun (“Hot Sky”).
AGC Freeze is selected on the GUI User Controls display and Touch Screen as shown in Figure 4-13.
The AGC Freeze indicator will turn GREEN when activated.
A2535-001/01 August 2015
19
SEMCO Proprietary Information
RCMS Local GUI
Clicking on “OFF” enables AGC Freeze,
which then turns “ON”
Touch Screen
Touching the “OFF” button enables AGC
Freeze, which then turns “ON”
Figure 4-13
AGC Freeze Feature
4.1.3.5 AGC Zero Function
The AGC Zero feature (Figure 4-14) zeroes the AGC voltage level at a user-desired signal level
(typically the noise floor). There are two independent AGC outputs; AGC “A” and AGC “B”. Clicking on
AGC “A” Zero and/or AGC “B” Zero enables this feature as shown. The absolute RSSI readout
changes to Relative signal strength when AGC “A” Zero and/or AGC “B” Zero is enabled, the readout
is in “dB” relative to the signal level present, and the corresponding AGC voltage output(s) are zeroed
when this feature is activated Figure 4-14 also depicts the correlating AGC Zero Touch Screen controls.
Because signal noise level will vary as a function of receiver IF filter bandwidth, the AGC Zero feature is
used in conjunction with IF filter bandwidth selection during initial receiver set-up or whenever IF filter
bandwidth values are changed.
A2535-001/01 August 2015
20
SEMCO Proprietary Information
RCMS Local GUI
Touch Screen
Figure 4-14
AGC Zero Feature
Touching the Touch Screen AGC Zero “A” and/or
AGC Zero “B” OFF button enables AGC Zero
4.1.4 Amplitude Modulation (AM) Function
AM settings include polarity, output impedance and low pass filter values. Either Positive (POS) or
Negative (NEG) Polarity can be selected, as well as 75-ohm high impedance (Hi-Z) or 50-ohm low
impedance (Lo-Z) for each installed tracking receiver channel. AM low pass filtering can be selected
between 30 Hz and 50 kHz.
AM Polarity selection for both the GUI User Controls display and Touch Screen is shown in Figures 4-15
and 4-16.
Figures 4-17 and 4-18 depicts how AM output impedance is selected using either the GUI User Controls
or the front panel touch screen.
Figures 4-19 and 4-20 illustrate how the user inputs the desired low pass filter value.
A2535-001/01 August 2015
21
SEMCO Proprietary Information
AM Polarity selection is a pull-down menu selected by
clicking on the (▼) arrow
Figure 4-15
GUI User Controls AM Polarity Settings
Touching the box puts an “X” in the box and
changes the AM Polarity to NEGATIVE
AM Polarity is POSITIVE when the box is not
checked.
Figure 4-16
Touch Screen AM Polarity Settings
AM Output Impedance selection is a pull-down menu
selected by clicking on the (▼) arrow
Figure 4-17
GUI User Controls AM Output Impedance Settings
A2535-001/01 August 2015
22
SEMCO Proprietary Information
Touching the box puts an “X” in the box and
changes the AM output impedance to Lo Z (50 ohms)
AM output impedance is Hi Z (75 ohms) when the
box is not checked.
Figure 4-18
Touch Screen AM Output Impedance Settings
Figure 4-19 illustrates how to enter low pass filter values between 30 Hz (30) and 50 kHz (50000).
The user touches the AM Filter (Hz) button,
enabling a keyboard that allows the user to type in
LP filter values from 30 Hz (30) to 50 kHz (50000)
The user types in LP filter values from 30 Hz (30)
to 50 kHz (50000) in the AM Filter (Hz) Window
Figure 4-19
AM Low Pass Filter Feature
4.1.5
10 MHz Reference
Clicking on the (▼) arrow in the 10 MHz Ref window allows the user to select either an internal (Int) or
external (Ext) 10 MHz reference as shown in Figure 4-20.
When “Ext” is selected, the receiver uses an external reference via the External 10 MHz input BNC
connector on the rear panel. “Int” selection means that the receiver is using the internal reference that is
incorporated into each receiver channel circuit card design.
Figure 4-21 also illustrates selection of the 10 MHz internal or external reference on the front panel
Touch Screen.
A2535-001/01 August 2015
23
SEMCO Proprietary Information
10 MHz Reference selection is a pull-down menu selected
by clicking on the (▼) arrow
Figure 4-20
GUI User Controls Internal or External 10 MHz Reference Selection
Touching the box puts an “X” in the box and
changes the 10 MHz reference to External
10 MHz reference is Internal when the box is not
checked.
Figure 4-21
Touch Screen Internal or External 10 MHz Reference Selection
4.1.6
System and Channel Presets
Figure 4-22 depicts the pull-down menu that is available when “System Presets” is selected on the GUI
Status Window Toolbar. This feature allows the user to “Save” receiver settings in the receiver’s Solid
State Drive and recall these settings (“Load”) for the intended mission applications.
As shown in Figure 4-23, the user can also save and load the settings of a selected receiver channel
(“Channel Preset”) by right clicking the desired channel on the GUI SEMCO Tracker Software Status
Panel window or right clicking on the CH1/2 User Controls window.
A2535-001/01 August 2015
24
SEMCO Proprietary Information
Clicking on System Presets in the Toolbar provides access to a pull-down window for loading
or saving receiver settings, as well as access to One Touch Presets
Figure 4-22
Systems Presets Feature
Right clicking anywhere in the blank area of the
window provides access to Channel Presets
Figure 4-23
Channel Presets Feature
A2535-001/01 August 2015
25
SEMCO Proprietary Information
4.1.6.1
Saving a System Preset
Referring to Figure 4-22, the user clicks on “System Presets” and “Save” from the GUI Status Panel.
The “Tracker Presets” Directory is then displayed as shown in Figure 4-24. The user then:
Step 1 - “Names” (types in) the preset desired and clicks on SAVE. (Figure 4-24 example is “2335”).
The user is then asked if he/she wants to “create this file”.
Step 2 - Selecting “Yes” then enters this “named file into the “Tracker Presets” directory as a Systems
Preset (*.syst) file and all current receiver settings are now under this named (i.e., “Saved”) file as
shown in Figure 4-24.
The user names the receiver settings to
be saved in the Tracker Presets
Directory and then clicks “Save”
Figure 4-24
Creating System Preset SAVE File
A2535-001/01 August 2015
26
SEMCO Proprietary Information
4.1.6.2
Saving a Channel Preset
Referring to Figure 4-23, the user right clicks on any blank area of the window in either the GUI Status
Panel or CH1/2 User Controls Window, and then clicks on “Save”. The “Tracker Presets” Directory is
then displayed as shown in Figure 4-25 below. The user then:
Step 1 - “Names” (types in) the preset desired and clicks on SAVE. (Figure 4-25 example is “2250
MHz”). The user is then asked if he/she wants to “create this file”.
Step 2 - Selecting “Yes” then enters this “named file into the “Tracker Presets” directory as a Channel
Preset (*.chan) file and the selected receiver channel settings are now under this named (i.e., “Saved”)
file as shown in Figure 4-25.
The user names the receiver settings to
be saved in the Tracker Presets
Directory and then clicks “Save”
Figure 4-25
Creating Channel Preset SAVE File
A2535-001/01 August 2015
27
SEMCO Proprietary Information
4.1.6.3
Loading a System Reset
Referring again to Figure 4-22, the user clicks on “System Presets” and “Load” from the GUI Status
Panel. The “Tracker Presets” Directory is then displayed as shown in Figure 4-26. The user then
selects the .syst file (i.e. saved receiver settings) desired and then clicks on “Open”. (Figure 4-26
example is “2335.syst”).
The user selects the .syst file with the
saved receiver settings desired and then
clicks on “Open”
Figure 4-26
Loading a System Preset From the Tracker Presets Directory
4.1.6.4
Loading a Channel Reset
Referring again to Figure 4-23, the user right clicks on any blank area of the window in either the GUI
Status Panel or CH1/2 User Controls Window, and then clicks on “Load”. The “Tracker Presets”
Directory is then displayed as shown in Figure 4-27 below. The user then selects the .chan file (i.e.
saved receiver channel settings) desired and then clicks on “Open”. (Figure 4-27 example is
“2335.chan”).
The user selects the .chan file with the
saved receiver channel settings desired
and then clicks on “Open”
Figure 4-27
Loading a Channel Preset From the Tracker Presets Directory
A2535-001/01 August 2015
28
SEMCO Proprietary Information
4.1.6.5
One Touch Presets
The One Touch Presets feature allows the user to display up to 10 desired presets that can then be
“loaded” by a simple click or touch of the particular Preset desired. This feature eliminates the steps
required to load presets as previously described in paragraphs 4.1.5.3 and 4.1.5.4.
Figure 4-28 depicts how to access the One Touch Presets display from the SEMCO Tracker Software
GUI and assign presets to the One Touch Presets Window. Right clicking on the label in Preset#1
window (i.e., “None” in the example) enables a window to “Assign Preset #XX” or “Clear Preset #XX”.
As shown in Figure 4-28, clicking on Assign Preset #1 opens the Tracking Presets Directory, where
the user then selects a saved preset (2335.syst in the example) and clicks on Open. The selected
preset is then assigned to the One Touch Presets Window as shown.
Right clicking on the label in each
window provides the user with the ability
to “Assign” or “Clear” presets as shown
1
2
3
4
Figure 4-28
Setting Up the One Touch Presets Feature
A2535-001/01 August 2015
29
SEMCO Proprietary Information
4.1.6.5.1
Accessing One Touch Presets From Touch Screen
Once “Presets” have been loaded and saved into the “One-Touch Preset Window” (Figure 4-28), these
“Presets” can be accessed via the front panel Touch Screen as depicted in Figure 4-29.
Figure 4-29
Accessing One-Touch Presets from the Touch Screen
4.1.7
Help Feature
Figure 4-30 illustrates the “Help” feature on the Toolbar. Clicking on “About” identifies the latest RCMS
software revision level. The Help feature also provides an indexed access to this User’s Guide (“Users
Manual”) and facilitates answering any system operational questions or technical inquiries.
Figure 4-30
Help Feature
4.1.8
System Configuration
Figure 4-31 illustrates the configuration information that is provided when the user accesses the CH1 or
CH2 User Controls Window. This configuration information can also be accessed on the Touch Screen
as shown in Figure 2-31. This configuration information is extremely useful, as it identifies the COM Port
A2535-001/01 August 2015
30
SEMCO Proprietary Information
used, the firmware address for each channel, part number (PN), Revision Number (RN), Channel Serial
Number (SN), Firmware Number (FN) and Firmware Version (FV). The user can use this information for
configuration control purposes, as well as for use when discussing with the factory any receiver issues
that may arise.
Figure 4-31
System Configuration Information
A2535-001/01 August 2015
31
SEMCO Proprietary Information
5 – TELEMETRY TRACKING RECEIVER CALIBRATION AND MAINTENANCE
5.0
Calibration Controls
As shown in Figure 5-1, right clicking anywhere in the blank window enables the user to select Standard
Controls, Advance/Cal Controls or the Channel Preset process. Standard Controls and the Channel
Preset process have been described in previous paragraphs of this manual. Selecting Advance/Cal
Controls takes the user to the password-protected Calibration Controls.
Receiver calibration is primarily accomplished through the use of the on-screen calibration controls.
These on-screen settings are made at the factory during initial receiver calibration, alignment and
acceptance testing. These calibration controls are password protected and access by the user is limited
to individuals who have attended the factory-training course and are certified by SEMCO for access and
use of these calibration controls in the field. Notwithstanding this controlled access, the initial calibration
and alignment performed during receiver testing at the factory will normally suffice for the life of the
receiver.
Contact the factory to obtain additional information on these calibration controls as well as if there is an
interest in attending the factory training course.
Figure 5-1
Calibration Controls
A2535-001/01 August 2015
32
SEMCO Proprietary Information
Appendix A
Detailed Specifications
For
RT100 and RT200A Series Tracking Receivers
A2535-001/01 August 2015
Appendix A-1
SEMCO Proprietary Information
RT100/200A TRACKING RECEIVER SPECIFICATIONS
PERFORMANCE
Number of Independent Channels
Frequency Bands
Tuning Resolution
Operating Environment and Controls
System
Up to 2
200 MHz to 1150 MHz
1415 MHz to 1625 MHz
1625 MHz to 1850 MHz
2185 MHz to 2485 MHz
Optional 1850 MHz to 2185 MHz
100 kHz
SEMCO RCMS Network SW in Windows 7 Operating
Serial/USB Communications + SDK for 3rd Party SW
Development
Dynamic Range
Noise Figure
Maximum Safe Input Level
Image and Spurious Signal Rejection
IF Rejection
Tuner LO Tuning Resolution
IF Filters
AGC Time Constants
1000 mS)
AGC Outputs
AGC Output Impedance
AM Output
Modulation
AM Low Pass Filter
70 MHz Outputs
Reference Clock
POWER REQUIREMENTS
Input Power
Input Frequency
Redundancy
Only)
PHYSICAL
Dimensions and Weight
ENVIRONMENTAL
Operating Temperature
Storage Temperature
Humidity
Altitude
EMI
A2535-001/01 August 2015
-10 dBm to Threshold
<8 dB
+10 dBm
>60 dB
70 dB minimum; 80 dB typical
100 kHz
8 SAW Filters (0.3, 0.75, 1.5, 3.3, 8, 15, 30 and 40 MHz)
5 software selectable (.1 mS, 1 mS, 10 mS, 100 mS and
2 scalable AGC outputs (+/-10, 20 and 50 dB/V)
User-selectable low <1K) or high output (>1K) impedance
2 Vp-p into user selectable 75 or 50 ohms @ 50% AM
User Selectable 30 Hz to 50 kHz Bessel Filter
2 linear outputs (-10 +/-2 dBm)
Internal 10 MHz
90-264 VAC, 50-60 Hz, Auto-Ranging
47-63 Hz
Dual, Hot Swappable Power Supplies (R200 Series
(RT200 Series) 17” W x 3.5” H x 20” D; <20 lbs.
(RT100 Series) 17” W x 1.75” H x 20” D; <15 lbs.
0ᵒ to 50ᵒ C
-20ᵒ to +70ᵒ C
Up to 95% (non-condensing)
Up to 30,000'
Designed to meet MIL-STD 461
Appendix A-2
SEMCO Proprietary Information