AvL Technologies AAQ Step Track Hold Module Setup guide

pg. 0
AAQ Step Track Hold
Module
Setup and Operation Guide
Revision R11.9.0
This document describes the concepts required to use the AvL Step Track Hold
software module and provides a detailed explanation of the associated module
configuration items that are accessible through the AAQ GUI as part of the AvL
AAQ Controller.
Appendix P
AvL Technologies
900-159-015

Step Track Hold Tracking
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Revision History
Contents
1. Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................................ 2
2. Setup Guide......................................................................................................................................................................... 3
2.1. Hardware...................................................................................................................................................................... 3
2.2. Software....................................................................................................................................................................... 3
2.3. Hardware Connection .................................................................................................................................................. 3
2.3.1. Serial Communication Connection........................................................................................................................ 3
2.3.1 Ethernet Communication Connection ................................................................................................................... 3
3. Configuration ...................................................................................................................................................................... 4
3.1. Core Configuration Items............................................................................................................................................. 4
3.2. Target Configuration Items .......................................................................................................................................... 4
3.3. Signal Configuration Items........................................................................................................................................... 6
3.4. Feed Configuration Items............................................................................................................................................. 7
4. Operation............................................................................................................................................................................ 8
4.1. Functional Overview .................................................................................................................................................... 8
4.1.1. Step Track Only ......................................................................................................................................................... 8
4.1.2. Position Hold Only............................................................................................................................................... 10
4.1.3. Step Track and Position Hold .............................................................................................................................. 11
4.2. Sensor Outputs........................................................................................................................................................... 12
Date
Revision
Revision By
Approved
By
Revision Description
12/3/15
Rev. 1.0
JF
Initial Release for 11.5
3/11/16
Rev. 1.1
WL
Updates for 11.6 release
6/28/16
Rev. 11.6.0
WL
Changes to revision sequence and additions to 11.6
10/19/16
Rev. 11.8
IH/WL
MF
Combining Step Track, Step Track Hold, and Positon Hold
Documentation
5/12/17
Rev. 11.9.0
WL/SW
JF
Updates for R11.9 release

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4.3. Module Windows....................................................................................................................................................... 13
4.3.1. Device Window ................................................................................................................................................... 13
4.3.2. Device Control Window ...................................................................................................................................... 13
5. Issues and troubleshooting............................................................................................................................................... 14
Figures
Figure 1 - Version Information................................................................................................................................................ 3
Figure 3 - Target Configuration Window ................................................................................................................................ 4
Figure 4 - Signal Configuration Window ................................................................................................................................. 6
Figure 5 - AAQ GUI Track Command....................................................................................................................................... 9
Figure 6 - AAQ GUI Peak Command...................................................................................................................................... 10
Figure 7 - Sensor Outputs ..................................................................................................................................................... 12
Figure 8 - Device Window ..................................................................................................................................................... 13
1. Introduction
The Step Track Hold module provides three modes of operation.
In Step Track operating mode the module performs fine peaking at regular, user configurable intervals to maintain
accurate antenna beam pointing in circumstances where either the antenna or the target satellite are prone to small or
gradual movements. This includes placing the antenna in environments subject to vibration as well as maintaining
accurate beam pointing at a target satellite with an inclined orbit.
When implementing the Position Hold operating mode the module uses the antenna positioner motors to return the
positioner to set pedestal azimuth and elevation coordinates while the module is active. In this manner the Position
Hold mode further reduces the already low AvL antenna system positioner backlash, maintaining more accurate beam
pointing while compensating for external forces applied to the antenna positioner/reflector by wind or other factors.
The Step Track Hold operating mode combines the functions of the Position Hold operating mode and the Step Track
operating mode by alternating between a position hold phase and a peaking phase at user configurable intervals.

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2. Setup Guide
2.1. Hardware
No additional hardware is required for the operation of this module.
2.2. Software
Verify that you are using the correct revision software.
Version Info
Main Window → Help → Version
Level 0
Be sure that the Remote Client, ROM, and device module are at or above the versions shown below:
Figure 1 - Version Information
2.3. Hardware Connection
2.3.1. Serial Communication Connection
Serial connection is not an option for the hardware associated with this module.
2.3.1 Ethernet Communication Connection
The Ethernet connection is internal for this module and reconfiguration is not an option.

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3. Configuration
The Step Track Hold module uses configuration items to allow the user to tailor the module’s operation, operating
modes, and its interaction with the AAQ controller. The configuration items are located in the Target section.
3.1. Core Configuration Items
There are no Core Configuration items for this module
3.2. Target Configuration Items
Path
Main Window → View Configuration Target
Level 4
Figure 2 - Target Configuration Window

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Long Name
Level
Type
Value Range
Description
Run Repeak on
Startup
4
Choice
“Yes”, “No”
Flag indicating whether the repeak command should
be run on startup if Rx is locked
Run Track After
Acquire
4
Choice
“Yes”, “No”
Flag indicating that the Track Command should run
after a successful acquisition
Run Track After
Peak
4
Choice
“Yes”, “No”
Flag indicating that the Track Command should run
after a successful peak command
Run Track on
Startup
4
Choice
“Yes”, “No”
Flag indicating whether the track command should
be run on startup
Step Track Hold Az
Threshold
4
Float
0.01-2
The amount of pedestal azimuth travel, in degrees,
before Position Hold becomes active.
Step Track Hold El
Threshold
4
Float
0.01-2
The amount of pedestal elevation travel, in degrees,
before Position Hold becomes active.
Step Track Hold
Gradient Threshold
4
Integer
0-10000
The maximum signal change that will not cause a
peaking decision mistake during step track peaking.
If this value is exceeded by the Current Signal
Gradient (sensor output) then the peaking delay
time will be reset and the antenna will not peak. Set
to 0 to disable the threshold.
Step Track Hold
Noise Threshold
4
Integer
0-10000
The maximum signal variance (noise) that will cause
a peaking decision mistake during step track
peaking. If this value is exceeded by the Current
Signal Noise (sensor output) then the peaking delay
time will be reset and the antenna will not peak. Set
to 0 to disable the threshold.
Step Track Hold
Operating Mode
4
Choice
“Step Track Only”,
“Position Hold
Only”, “Step Track”
and “Position Hold”
The mode in which Step Track Hold should operate,
if it is to perform Step Track operations, Position
Hold operations, or both.
Step Track Hold
Peaking Delay
4
Float
1-3600
The time interval in seconds from the end of the last
peaking cycle to the start of the next peaking cycle.
The timer interval restarts at the end of the last
peaking cycle or when the gradient and/or noise
threshold is exceeded.
Tracking Method
4
Choice
“None”,
“StepTrackHold”,
<Any other tracking
modules uploaded>
Tracking Method to use after an Acquisition has
been completed

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3.3. Signal Configuration Items
Path
Main Window → View Configuration Signal
Level 4
Figure 3 - Signal Configuration Window
Long Name
Level
Type
Value Range
Description
Cross Pattern Fine Azimuth
Velocity
4
Float
0.01 –0.5
Azimuth velocity in degrees/sec for fine peaking
Cross Pattern Fine Elevation
Velocity
4
Float
0.01 –0.5
Elevation velocity in degrees/sec for fine peaking
Cross Pattern Fine Peaking
Height
4
Float
0.25 –5
Height in degrees to scan during a fine cross pattern
peaking function
Cross Pattern Fine Peaking
Width
4
Float
0.25 –5
Width in degrees to scan during a fine cross pattern
peaking function

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Cross Pattern Fine Signal
Tolerance
4
Float
0 –1000
Signal degradation amount before a scan stops
Fine Peak Signal Difference
Threshold
4
Float
0.1 –100
The amount of signal difference between peaking
iterations that will satisfy the system as the signal is
peaked
Fine Peaking Cycles
4
Float
0 –100
Number of cycles to complete for fine peaking
Fine Peaking Maximum Cycles
4
Float
1 –100
Maximum number of cycles to complete for fine
peaking stops
Fine Peaking Mode
4
Choice
CrossPattern/
StepPattern/
PlateauPeaking
Selection of the peaking method to use for fine
peaking routines
Plateau Peaking Fine Azimuth
Velocity
4
Float
0.02 –0.5
Azimuth velocity in degrees/sec for fine peaking
Plateau Peaking Fine Elevation
Velocity
4
Float
0.02 –0.5
Elevation velocity in degrees/sec for fine peaking
Step Pattern Fine Azimuth
Velocity
4
Float
0.02 –0.5
Azimuth velocity in degrees/sec for fine peaking
Step Pattern Fine Elevation
Velocity
4
Float
0.01 –0.5
Elevation velocity in degrees/sec for fine peaking
Step Pattern Fine Peaking
Azimuth Step
4
Float
0.02 –0.5
Width in degrees to scan during a fine step pattern
peaking function
Step Pattern Fine Peaking
Elevation Step
4
Float
0.01 –0.5
Height in degrees to scan during a fine step pattern
peaking function
3.4. Feed Configuration Items
No feed configuration items are available for this module.

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4. Operation
4.1. Functional Overview
The Step Track Hold module provides three modes of operation.
In Step Track operating mode the module performs fine peaking at regular, user configurable intervals to maintain
accurate antenna beam pointing in circumstances where either the antenna or the target satellite are prone to small
or gradual movements.
The Position Hold operating mode the module uses the antenna positioner motors to return the positioner to set
pedestal azimuth and elevation coordinates while the module is active, compensating for external forces applied to the
antenna positioner/reflector by wind or other factors.
The Step Track Hold operating mode combines the functions of the Position Hold operating mode and the Step Track
operating mode by alternating between a position hold phase and a peaking phase at user configurable intervals.
In order to run the Step Track Hold module:
StepTrackHold must be selected as the “Tracking Method” configuration item in the target tab
“Run Track after Acquire” will cause the system to enter tracking at the end of an Acquire process
“Run Track after Peak” will cause the module will be activated after a successful completion of a Peak or
Repeak command.
“Run Track on Startup” will cause the module will be activated after about 30 seconds, if the antenna is both
idle and has an Rx lock with the Current Signal source after the antenna is powered up.
“Step Track Hold Operating Mode” allows the user to choose between the three available operating modes
for the StepTrackHold module
These configuration items are relevant to all of the operating modes.
4.1.1. Step Track Only
In order to run Step Track Only it needs to be set as the “Step Track Hold Operating Mode”. The following
configuration items control system behavior while in this mode.
The “Step Track Gradient Threshold” configuration item is used to prevent the antenna from walking off of
the target satellite during the peaking process if there is signal degradation due to rain fade or other cause. If
the “Current Signal Gradient” (sensor output) exceeds the “Step Track Gradient Threshold” then the “Step
Track Peaking Delay” interval timer is reset preventing the antenna from entering the peaking phase. This
threshold can be disabled by setting it to “0”.

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The “Step Track Noise Threshold” configuration item is used to prevent the antenna from walking off of the
target satellite during the peaking process if the target signal becomes unusually noisy due to atmospheric
conditions or other causes. If the “Current Signal Noise” exceeds the “Step Track Noise Threshold” then the
“Step Track Peaking Delay” interval timer is reset preventing the antenna from entering the peaking phase.
This threshold can be disabled by setting it to “0”.
The “Step Track Peaking Delay” is the time interval in seconds from the end of the last peaking cycle to the
start of the next peaking cycle. The interval timer restarts at the end of the last peaking cycle or when the
gradient and/or noise threshold is exceeded. The delay interval should be set to trigger the peaking phase
when the radial beam error is greater than one tenth of a degree.
The Step Track Only mode can be set up as an automatic continuation of the satellite acquisition process via the “Run
Track after Peak” or “Run Track after Acquire”. Once the module has been activated, the antenna will perform fine
peaking at regular, user configurable intervals. The mode can be used with any signaling device configured to be used
with the antenna system.
When the system enters tracking with Step Track mode selected, it starts a timer which it checks against the “Step
Track Peaking Delay”. Once this delay interval has been reached, the antenna will perform fine peaking. Fine peaking
(also accessible through the Repeak command) optimizes Rx signal strength by optimizing antenna beam pointing. It
does this by commanding small azimuth and elevation movements while checking for peak Rx signal level. Once the
fine peaking is complete, the timer is reset and the antenna remains idle until the delay interval has been reached
and the antenna reenters the peaking phase.
For the Step Track Only mode to be activated manually, it first must be configured as the Step Track Hold Operating
mode for the currently selected target. The module can then be activated by selecting the Track command through
the AAQ GUI. It will remain active until another command is sent.
Figure 4 - AAQ GUI Track Command

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When the Step Track Only mode has entered the fine peaking phase the Peak command on the AAQ GUI will show as
indicated.
Figure 5 - AAQ GUI Peak Command
4.1.2. Position Hold Only
In order to run Position Hold Only it needs to be set as the “Step Track Hold Operating Mode”. The following
configuration items control system behavior while in this mode.
The “Step Track Hold Az Threshold” configuration item controls how sensitive the module is to pedestal
azimuth position deviation. If the difference between the “Pedestal Az” sensor output and the module’s
recorded value exceeds the “Step Track Hold Az Threshold” then the module will command movement using
the azimuth motors and return to the recorded azimuth pedestal position.
The “Step Track Hold El Threshold” configuration item controls how sensitive the module is to pedestal
elevation position deviation. If the difference between the “Pedestal El” sensor output and the module’s
recorded value exceeds the “Step Track Hold El Threshold” then the module will command movement using
the elevation motors and return to the recorded elevation pedestal position.
The Position Hold only mode can be set up as an automatic continuation of the satellite acquisition process via the
“Run Track after Peak” or “Run Track after Acquire”. Once the mode has been activated, it will command antenna
movements whenever the antenna positioner has shifted from its original pedestal azimuth or elevation position to a
degree that exceeds user configurable thresholds.
For Position Hold Only mode to be activated manually, it must be configured as the Step Track Hold Operating Mode
for the currently selected target. The mode can then be activated by selecting the Track command through the AAQ
GUI (figure 5). It will remain active until another command is sent.

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4.1.3. Step Track and Position Hold
In order to run StepTrack and Position Hold it needs to be set as the “Step Track Hold Operating Mode”. The
following configuration items control system behavior while in this mode.
“Step Track Hold Az Threshold”
“Step Track Hold El Threshold”
“Step Track Hold Gradient Threshold”
“Step Track Hold Noise Threshold”
“Step Track Hold Peaking Delay”
As mentioned before this mode is a combination of the two previous operating modes. Descriptions of these
configuration items can be found in section 4.1.1 and 4.1.2 of this document.
The Step Track and Postion Hold mode can be set up as an automatic continuation of the satellite acquisition process
via the “Run Track after Peak” or “Run Track after Acquire”. Once the mode has been activated, it will command
antenna movements whenever the antenna positioner has shifted from its original pedestal azimuth and/or
elevation position to a degree that exceeds user configurable thresholds or when the peaking delay has been
exceeded.
For the Step Track and Position Hold mode to be activated manually, it must be configured as the Step Track
Operating mode for the currently selected target. The module can then be activated by selecting the Track command
through the AAQ GUI (figure 5). It will remain active until another command is sent. The Track command on the AAQ
GUI will show as indicated whenever the module is in the position hold phase. When Step Track and Position Hold
mode has entered the fine peaking phase, the Peak command on the AAQ GUI will show as selected (figure 6).
When Step Track and Position Hold mode is activated it starts a timer which it checks against the “Step Track Hold
Peaking Delay” parameter. Once this delay interval has been reached, the antenna will enter the peaking phase and
perform fine peaking. Fine peaking (also accessible through the Repeak command) optimizes Rx signal strength by
optimizing antenna beam pointing. It does this by commanding small azimuth and elevation movements while
checking for peak Rx signal level. The original recorded pedestal values used by the position hold phase will then be
updated and overwritten with the new peaked coordinates determined by the Fine peaking process. Once the fine
peaking is complete, the timer is reset and the antenna returns to the position hold phase using the new coordinates
until the delay interval has been reached and the antenna reenters the peaking phase.
When Step Track and Position Hold mode completes the peaking phase, the module enters the position hold phase
and records current pedestal azimuth and elevation coordinates from the antenna positioner encoders or resolvers.
While the module remains in the position hold phase, it will command movements whenever the coordinates shift
from the recorded values by more than the user configurable thresholds to maintain a constant encoder or resolver
count. This mode further improves this backlash performance; the improved backlash performance will keep the
antenna beam pointed at a specific point even as external forces are applied to the antenna positioner/reflector. This
mode cannot compensate for sudden large movements (more than a few tenths of a degree) of the antenna base or
flexing of the antenna reflector.

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4.2. Sensor Outputs
Path
Main Window → View→ Sensor Output
Level 0
Figure 6 - Sensor Outputs
Item
Level
Description
Current Signal Average
0
The average of the current signal
Current Signal Gradient
0
The rate of change of the current signal level
Current Signal Latched
Lock
0
Reports if modem ever locked.
Current Signal Level
0
The Signal to Noise ratio that is being reported by the modem in use.
This is the signal that the controller will use to peak on.
Current Signal Lock
0
If the signal is above the configured threshold
Current Signal Noise
0
The amount of noise in the current signal level.
Current Signal Source
0
The type of signal source being used to scan
Current Signal Type
0
The type of signal being picked up by scanning
Step Track Hold
Elevation Inc Average
0
Based on the Configuration item, “Elevation Inclinometer Counts”. This
is the Inclinometer averaged reading.
Step Track Hold Pedestal
Elevation Target
0
After a peaking cycle is complete, the pedestal Elevation axis is latched
for current cycle. This value is read here.
Step Track Hold Target
Elevation Inclinometer
0
Following peaking cycle, the actual inclinometer is read here.

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4.3. Module Windows
4.3.1. Device Window
When using a Beacon Receiver or other signal source device, the receiver data will be shown in the device window.
For signal device configuration, see the appendix for the device used.
Path
Main Window → View→ Device Window
Level 0
Figure 7 - Device Window
4.3.2. Device Control Window
A Device Control Window is not needed for operation and is not included in the software.

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5. Issues and troubleshooting
Issue
Description
Corrective Action
No response from module
commands
Once target is acquired and locked,
tracking does not commence.
Check that ROM, Module and GUI
versions are current.
Insure that “Acquisition Sources”
are all set for system as equipped.
Tracking does not occur
After a locked and acquired of target,
tracking does not begin
Check “Tracking Method” is set to
‘StepTrack Hold’ and “Step Track
Hold Operating mode” is set
properly
Antenna does not Repeak
The system does not enter the Peaking
phase of Step Track Hold. Track
command button is illuminated and
the GUI message reads “waiting for
next command” or “Locked and
Acquired”
Check Step Track Hold Gradient
Threshold, Step Track Hold Noise
Threshold in target tab.
Check “Step Trak Hold Peaking
Delay” and all Step Track hold
Thresholds in target tab.
Check to see if there is a signal
lock.
Does not receive a Signal Lock
Antenna does not receive a signal lock
on target satellite to get a proper
acquisition.
Check Signal Level and Current
Signal Lock in Sensor Output.
Check the configuration and all
connections for the current signal
source.
Check that the antenna is pointing
at a target.
Poor peaking during fine
peaking
Fine peaking does not seem to narrow
in on target and seems to search for
extended period of time
Check fine peaking configuration
items in signal tab