Fully remote controlled telemetry tracking antenna system

Abstract

This paper describes a high performance telemetry receiving antenna tracking system which utilizes unique software to allow full remote control of the tracking antenna, two telemetry receivers, and a diversity combiner.Features include a modular pedestal design, electronically scanned tracking feed (ESCAN), mouse-driven software which uses full screen representation of selected components, and a joystick linked through serial interface to the control computer to allow slewing of the antenna axes.This state-of-the-art system allows operation from the front panel of the controlled devices and over extended distance via fiber-optic buss extenders.