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Advantech AMT Ltd. Advantech AMT is a wholly owned operating company of Advantech Wireless Inc.
The INTRAC-305 INtelligent TRacking Antenna Controller is a
microprocessor based controller for tracking any nominally
geostationary satellite including those at low elevation or with
high angles of inclination. It has been designed as a direct
physical replacement for the Andrew APC300 Steptrack
Controller. For information on replacing an Andrew APC300
with the INTRAC-305 see section 6 - Installation.
The INTRAC-305 builds a model of the satellite’s orbit using a
mathematical algorithm. To build the orbit model the INTRAC
makes measurements by perturbing the antenna pointing
angle very slightly and monitoring the change in received
beacon signal strength. These small movements enable the
INTRAC to estimate the position of the satellite and this
estimate is used by the modelling algorithm.
The system always tracks the satellite from the orbit model.
The small movements of antenna pointing are only used to
maintain and update the model.
By using the model to point the antenna the INTRAC system
ensures that the antenna is always pointed accurately at the
satellite. This is in contrast to Step Track systems where the
antenna spends most of the time not actually pointing directly
at the satellite.
The regular measurements made by the INTRAC ensure that
changes in the apparent orbit, due to station keeping
manoeuvres or other causes, are identified. The model is
modified and refined to incorporate these changes and
accurate tracking is automatically maintained. The INTRAC
will automatically increase the measuring rate if necessary in
order to obtain sufficient information on the changing orbit.
As the INTRAC tracks using its orbit model it will continue to
track the satellite if the tracking signal is degraded or lost.
The satellite position may be accurately predicted from the
model for up to 72hrs without a tracking signal.
The INTRAC system provides this exceptional tracking
performance and robustness for satellites with any inclination,
at any look angle, even in the presence of severe beacon
signal degradation entirely automatically. No operator
intervention or parameter setting is required when conditions
or satellites are changed.
The antenna position resolvers provide direction information
to the INTRAC. The IBR-L (beacon receiver) provides
tracking signal strength. (A signal strength derived dc voltage
from an external receiver may be used in place of the
Advantech AMT IBR-L)
The Motor Drive Cabinet receives the antenna drive
commands from the INTRAC and drives the azimuth,
elevation and polarisation (option) motors and brake
assemblies.
Limit switches on the antenna prevent it from being moved
beyond mechanically defined positions.
The INTRAC-305 may be controlled from its front panel or
from an optional PC based Remote Control and Monitoring
Terminal.
Retro FittingExisting Step Track or Program Track installations may be
updated to INTRAC systems. Advantech AMT Ltd. have
considerable experience of retro fitting INTRAC systems.
1/ Before modifying system make a note the antenna pointing angles from the old tracking
system.
2/ Perform any recommended resolver mounting bracket modifications.
3/ Connect INTRAC-305 in place of Andrew APC300 and check that the Fitted Options
(Home>Function>System Setup>Fitted Options) (Manual page 39) are set correctly. Note
that the resolvers used with the APC300 system were normally x2 resolvers which would
require the x2 setting in the fitted options.
4/ Select Station Coordinates (Home>Function>System Setup>Station Coordinates) and
ensure that latitude is in correct hemisphere (North or South). You only need to enter the
correct station co-ordinates if you intend to use IESS-412 or Norad ephemeris data.
5/ Select Date and Time (Home>Function>System Setup>Date & Time) and enter the correct
time and date (in UT (GMT)). This is only strictly necessary if you intend to use IESS-412 or
Norad ephemeris data, but most users prefer to set the time correctly anyway.
6/ Select beamwidth (Home>Function>System Setup>Az & El Beamwidth) and set the receive
3 dB beamwidths of your antenna.
7/ Now ensure drive direction feedback is correct.
Select Manual on INTRAC . (Home>New Mode>Manual/Stow) Note displayed Az angle.
Command drive Right. Check if displayed angle increases or decreases.
Command drive left. Check if displayed angle increase or decreases.
Continue driving left until displayed angle has returned to the previously noted angle.
The angle should have increased while driving right and decreased while driving left. If it did
the opposite then the resolver sense is not correct and will need correcting. By bringing the
antenna back to the original displayed angle we have maintained the angle reference.
Note the displayed Elevation angle and repeat the operation for Elevation. Commanding Up
should give an increasing angle, Down a decreasing angle. If you found the opposite then
you will need to change the elevation resolver sense. Make sure you return the antenna to
the same elevation position (reading).
8/ If either resolver senses required changing then Select Fine Tune (Home>Function>System
Setup>Fine Tune) and change the required senses on the first screen. Then press EN to
continue and adjust the fine tune offsets so that the angle display reads the correct angles (
the ones you noted in step 1).
9/ Now check that Manual drive drives the angles in the expected direction. At this point you
can also check that the physical direction on motion of the antenna is also correct, but this
will be correct if the original installation was correct.
10/ Connect the beacon signal.
If an IBR-L is fitted and an L-band beacon is available connect this to the RF input on the
rear panel of the INTRAC. Select the correct frequency and check that a valid beacon level
is displayed. Manually peak the antenna to maximize the beacon level and check that the
If an IBR-L is not fitted then provide a voltage signal to the beacon 1 input. You will need to
adjust the potentiometers (See manual page 76) to set the gain and offset to the correct
values. Manually peak the antenna to maximize the beacon level and check that the
beacon does not overload (24.9 dB displayed).
11/ Set any other parameters, such as Soft Limits.
12/ Select Auto-New Model (Home>New Mode>Auto New Model) and press enter. Monitor
system over 24 hours and check that system is maintaining track with displayed mode
“Learning”. Soon after the 24 hour learning period the mode should change to “Tracking”,
indicating that the system has successfully computed a full INTRAC model.
POSSIBLE LETHAL POTENTIALS EXIST WITHIN THIS EQUIPMENT
THE COVERS SHOULD NOT BE REMOVED EXCEPT BY QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
SWITCH OFF POWER AND ISOLATE SUPPLY BEFORE REMOVING COVERS.
IF IT IS NECESSARY TO OPERATE THE EQUIPMENT WITH THE COVERS
REMOVED FOR SERVICING PURPOSES ALL NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS
SHOULD BE TAKEN TO PROTECT AGAINST ELECTRIC SHOCKS
SAFETY INTRAC-305
1. SAFETY
ELECTRICAL Fusing The standard unit is protected by a user replacable fuse in the
live/phase power supply line.
Care should be taken to ensure that the power cable is
correctly connected to the power source such that the
live/phase connection of the INTRAC is connected to the
live/phase terminal of the supply.
When replacing the fuse be sure to do so with one of the
correct value and type.
The Dual Redundant power supply version is protected by
separate board mounted fuses on each power supply. These
are not user replaceable.
EarthingIt is important that the electrical supply has a good and proper
earth and that earth is connected through to the INTRAC-305
via the power cable.
Battery DisposalThe processor board contains a Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) or
Lithium battery. These elements are toxic. The battery
should be disposed of according to national requirements.
DO NOT PLACE IN NORMAL GARBAGE OR IN A FIRE.
RF I/P Connector for IBR-L18Vdc may be present on the inner of the N-Type connector
to power the LNB/BDC. This voltage can be removed by
unplugging connector J41.
Emergency StopThere is a latching emergency stop switch on the INTRAC
front panel. Pressing this switch will remove power from the
antenna drive motors and the INTRAC will enter Standby
Tracking Accuracy Typically <0.1dB RMS signal degradation after tracking for
30minutes (with tracking signal).
Prediction AccuracyTypically <0.1dB RMS signal degradation over 72hrs (after
loss of tracking signal).
Tracking Signal May be derived from an external tracking receiver or from the
(optional) Integral Beacon Receiver (IBR-L).
External DC voltage varying directly with received signal strength
(in dB). Scale factors between 0.1V/dB and 1.0V/dB can be
preset with up to 10V offset.
Internal Internal IBR-L requires an L-band signal with a level in the
range -80dBm to -45dBm and C/No >40dB. Stability better
than 150KHz. The received frequency is selected from the
INTRAC front panel.
The signal voltage and lock lost indicators are generated
internally.
Antenna Position EncodersSingle resolver units. Operating frequency is 800Hz nominal. Az & ElThe INTRAC-305 is designed to operate directly with
standard Andrew resolvers. Antennas used with the APC300
controller, for which the INTRAC-305 is a replacement, are
normally fitted with x2 resolvers. The part numbers of the two
(alternative manufacturers) 2x resolvers known to have been
used by Andrew are:
Harowe 11BRCX-310-M-85V
Clifton 11-BHM-19F/F776
The INTRAC-305 can be configured (by the user in “Fitted
Options”) to operate with the lower resolution (x1) resolver
that may be fitted to antennas intended for APC100 control.
The part numbers of the two (alternative manufacturers) 1x
resolvers known to have been used by Andrew are:
Harrowe 11_BRCX-310-R-85V
Clifton 11-BHW-46TK/F561 or F817
PolThe standard version of the INTRAC-305 is firmware
configured for x1 resolvers. Firmware to enable the use of a
x2 resolver for can be provided on request.
Dimensions 483mm Wide x 132mm High x 406mm Deep. (19” rack x 3U).
Mounting Standard 19” rack mounts or rails. DO NOT MOUNT BY FRONT PANEL LUGS ALONE THE UNIT MUST BE SUPPORTED ALONG ITS SIDES.
Weight12kg (without IRB-L). 15kg (with IRB-L).
Operating Temperature 0C - 40C.
Relative Humidity 10% - 90% non-condensing.
Power 220V - 240V 50Hz 50W.
110V - 120V 60Hz 50W.
Power supplies are auto-switching
Serial Port Configuration - Connector and Link Positions
Port Designation
SPECIFICATION & OPTIONS INTRAC-305
OPTIONS A number of options are available for the INTRAC-305.
The options are described in the following pages. Some of
these options require changes to the firmware or hardware
and some are only available when ordered at the time of
initial order.
Serial Interfaces only need a change to switch and / or
connector positions within the INTRAC.
VoltageThe power supply unit (or units for Dual Redundant PSU
option) of the INTRAC-305 auto switch for nominal mains
voltages of 110Vac or 220Vac.
Tracking SignalThe INTRAC-305 can be supplied with an integral L-band
beacon receiver (IBRL). Alternatively a voltage, from an
external receiver, which varies directly with the received
signal strength in dB may be used. The IBRL option should
be specified at time of initial order.
Serial Interfaces There are three communication ports on the INTRAC-305,
“Remote Port”, “Test Port 1” and “Test Port 2”. The Remote
Port is configured for RS232/RS423. Test Ports 1& 2 can be
independently configured as either RS423 or RS422.
This involves connecting the rear panel connectors to the
appropriate connectors on the main board and setting the
option links as shown below.
PolarisationIf the antenna has motorised polarisation the INTRAC can be
user configured to control the polarisation angle. Polarisation
uses the standard Andrew polarisation resolver.
Note The standard version of the INTRAC-305 is firmware
configured for a Pol resolver geared 1:1 to the polarisation
tube. Firmware for a Pol resolver geared 2:1 to the
polarisation tube is available if required. Note this is a
firmware change and required the EPROM on the interface
card to be changed.
Mount TypeTwo types of antenna mount may be used with the INTRAC.
An Az/El mount or a Polar mount. The appropriate one is
selected in “Fitted Options” as AZ/El or Hr-Ang/Declination.
Resolver TypeThe INTRAC-305 is intended for use with standard Andrew
resolvers, either x2 or x1 versions. Normally the INTRAC-305
is to replace an Andrew APC300 and the antenna will have
been fitted with x2 resolvers. Refer to the earlier specification
section. This is a user configuration option.
Stow OptionThere is provision in the INTRAC-305 configuration for Az/El
preliminary and final stow positions to be set.
The “Stow” command causes the antenna to be driven to the
preliminary position in both axes. Once at this position the
antenna is driven to the final position.
The “Unstow” command causes the pin(s) to be removed
(where appropriate) and the antenna driven to the preliminary
position.
The preliminary and/or final positions can be set to “not-
used” for one or both axes.
Dual Redundant PSU The INTRAC-305 can be supplied with dual redundant power
supplies. In this option the single PSU is replaced by two
indepenent PSUs and associated combining hardware.
Independent switched power inlets are provided and the
front panel power switch is replaced by status LEDs. The
INTRAC-305 will operate normally when either or both PSUs
are operational. This option must be requiested at time of
initial order
Emergency Stop Button Pressing the button removes all drive from the antenna. The
button locks in the safe position when pressed. To enable
drive to return to the antenna the button must be rotated
clockwise until it releases.
On/Off Switch Illuminated rocker switch to apply power to the INTRAC-305.
Illuminated when the INTRAC is on. On Dual Redundant
PSU units the rocker switch is replaced by status LEDs.
Dual Redundant Status Leds On Dual Redundant PSU units there is a green and red status
LED for each PSU. Green indicates that the PSU is powered
and working normally. Red indicates thjat the PSU is
powered but faulty. When the PSU is unpowered both LEDs
will be off. The INTRAC will operate correctly when at least 1
green LED is illuminated.
THE MENU STRUCTURE
The diagram above shows the various menus in a “tree”
The menu headings in heavy type are selected by the six
moves to the New Mode menu (not
available when in remote Control Mode)
Standby
New
Mode
puts the antenna control system into
STANDBY mode
Local
Current Mode
Beac Level
Beac Freq
El Angle
Az Angle
Pol Angle
Select
Remote
(Local)
Function
Show
Alarms
moves to the 1st ‘Function’ menu(not
available when in remote Control Mode)
shows the Alarms menu ie the currently
active alarms
toggles the INTRAC between Remote
and Local control modes
Home
INTRAC-305 OPERATION
STANDBY
Path STANDBY
Note This menu can be reached directly from almost every menu
by pressing Menu Key 1.
Description Standby is a monitoring but no movement mode.
The antenna is not driven in this mode but its position and the
beacon signal strength are monitored and displayed.
External inputs are also monitored and any appropriate
alarm(s) become active. The System Alarm indicator will
illuminate and the alarms may be viewed by pressing “Show
Alarms”.
Standby mode is entered in one of three ways : by being selected by the operator using Menu Key 1.
by a primary alarm becoming active.
at the end of a Goto move or at the end of a search.
moves to the New Mode menu (not
available when in remote Control Mode)
Stows or Unstows (toggle) the antenna
depending on its current state
(toggle) selects whether manual control
buttons drive Az/El or Pol axes
latches the currently operated Manual
Drive button until pressed a second time
Manual
Latch
Drive
Stow/
Unstow
Standby
skips to the Home (root) menu
Select
Az&El
or Pol
New
Mode
puts the antenna control system into
STANDBY mode and skips to the HOME
menu
Beac Level
Beac Freq
El Angle
Az Angle
Pol Angle
Local
Current Mode
Home
INTRAC-305 OPERATION
MANUAL/STOW
Path HOME - NEW MODE - MENU KEY 3
Description
Manual This menu screen enables the antenna pointing direction to
be changed manually by use of the Manual Control Keys on
the front panel. Menu key 5 enables either azimuth &
elevation or the polarisation motors to be driven.
Azimuth is driven by the left and right manual keys.
Elevation is driven by the upper and lower manual keys.
Polarisation is driven by the left (ccw) and right (cw) manual
keys.
Menu key 6 latches which ever manual key is pressed and
drives at an increased speed. (useful for large distance
moves) Pressing key 6 again releases the latching effect.
Stow Menu key 4 (alternate functions) causes the antenna to be
driven to the pre-set stow position (via the preliminary stow
position) and, where appropriate, the stow pins to be driven
into locking position.
If the antenna is “stowed” key 4 causes the stow pins to be
withdrawn, where appropriate, and the antenna to drive to the
preliminary stow position. (see Stow Setup)
Notes The Drive Fail alarm does not work in Manual (P) mode.
The antenna may be driven through azimuth 0 (North) in
Manual (P) mode is local (front panel) control as opposed to
moves the highlight box to the next field
in the current menu
Current Mode Tracking
Control State Local
Beac Freq 11.452000 GHz
Beac Level -10.05 dB
El Angle 25.37
Az Angle 210.50
Pol Angle 27.4
Mode
Press EN to go to position
Next
Field
Search
Home
Standby
puts the antenna control system into
STANDBY mode and skips to the HOME
menu
skips to the Home (root) menu
Goto
Satellite
New
Mode
OPERATION INTRAC-305
GOTO (Position)
Path HOME - NEW MODE - MENU KEY 4
Note Pressing menu key 4 (Goto) on the New Mode menu leads to
the Goto Position (as opposed to Goto Satellite) menu. Goto
Satellite and Search are accessed from this (Goto Position)
menu by Menu Keys 5 and 4 respectively.
Description Used to drive the antenna to the co-ordinates displayed.
The co-ordinates can be set by using menu key 6 (Next Field)
to step through the three angles and the Beacon Frequency.
The co-ordinate enclosed in the box can be edited from the
numeric keypad. The & keys are used to move the
cursor to the desired character.
Pressing the ENTER key causes the antenna to commence
driving to the set co-ordinates. When the antenna reaches
the position the INTRAC enters STANDBY Mode.