3860 ViaSat Digital Antenna Controller

The ViaSat Series 3860 Digital Antenna Controller provide antenna pedestal or positioner control in tracking, communications, and microwave instrumentation applications. These controllers implement full digital servo loop control and compensation in several control modes suitable for use with two-axis pedestals and may be adapted for use with positioners having up to eight axes. The controllers are available in a variety of physical and functional configurations to provide maximum flexibility for any given application.

The ViaSat 3861 Manual Controller provides basic operator control of the pedestal. This controller is equipped with a Servo Assembly and a Synchro/Resolver Assembly and includes the enclosures and/or interfaces appropriate to the physical configuration selected. The Model 3861 operates using an indoor control panel or an external computer and remote interface.

The 3862 Autotrack Controller includes the Autotrack Assembly which allows operation with automated tracking systems. The automated tracking (Autotrack) function requires input of both a signal strength and a tracking video signal from the receiver. The Autotrack function can be used with a wide variety of feeds and is compatible with ViaSat Satellite Networks ESCAN and MONOSCAN tracking feeds and the associated digital demodulation techniques.

The 3863 Steptrack Controller is equipped with steptrack capability which allows operation with step tracking subsystems. The steptrack function is contained within the Operator/Remote Interface Assembly or within a computer subsystem equipped with the PC Interface Module. The steptrack function requires an automatic gain control (AGC) signal from a receiver and may be used with a wide variety of feeds.

A single-chassis configuration is used in most systems. Using the single-chassis requires that all electrical control cables extend from the pedestal into the control room and be connected directly to the 3860.

Two-chassis configurations are used in large pedestal systems where it is possible to mount a rack-mounted chassis within the base extension. The two-chassis configuration greatly reduces the length and number of electrical control cables from the pedestal into the control room by placing the functional modules that interface to the pedestal within the pedestal equipment. The second chassis provides the operator controls and indicators. The two chassis are functionally connected by a full-duplex fiber optic link.

The operator interface components include the keypad, display screen, position knobs, and power switch on the front panel. The unit chassis is 5.25 inches high and can be mounted in a standard, 19-inch-wide equipment rack. All of the Series 3860 Digital Controller's printed wiring boards provide direct cabling access through integral connector plates on the unit's rear panel. A fan in the rear panel provides cooling for the enclosure.