Rhotheta RT-1000 User manual

User Manual
RT-1000 Multichannel
General System Description

RT-1000 Multichannel - General System Description
RHOTHETA Page 2 of 23 User Manual
Edited by:
RHOTHETA Elektronik GmbH
Kemmelpark
Dr.-Ingeborg-Haeckel-Str. 2
82418 Murnau
Germany
Tel.: [phone] - 0
Fax: [phone] - 15
Internet: www.rhotheta.de
E-Mail: [e-mail]
Copyright © RHOTHETA Elektronik GmbH
All rights reserved
-Issue: 2017/10/17 [Rev 2.01]
-Document-ID: 12-9-1-0015-3-1-62
Note
The manufacturer reserves the right to make modifications at any time and without previous
information of the here described product.

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Content
1General Information......................................................................................................... 4
2System Block Diagram.................................................................................................... 4
3Component Description .................................................................................................. 7
4System Configuration ................................................................................................... 12
4.1 Front View.............................................................................................................................................12
4.2 Rear View .............................................................................................................................................13
4.3 Connector Panel ...................................................................................................................................14
5Operation........................................................................................................................ 15
5.1 Switching ON and OFF.........................................................................................................................15
5.2 System configuration ............................................................................................................................15
6Technical Characteristics ............................................................................................. 16
6.1 Basic System Characteristics ...............................................................................................................16
6.2 Receiver Characteristics.......................................................................................................................17
6.3 Antenna Characteristics .......................................................................................................................18
6.3.1 Electrical Characteristics .........................................................................................................18
6.3.2 Antenna Mechanical Characteristics .......................................................................................18
6.3.3 Antenna Environmental Conditions .........................................................................................19
6.4 Cabinet Characteristics ........................................................................................................................19
7Legal Information........................................................................................................... 20
7.1 Legal Limitations of Use within the EU .................................................................................................20
7.2 EU Declaration of Conformity ...............................................................................................................20
7.3 Approval / Authorization of the Direction Finder RT-1000 Multichannel as a System in Air Traffic
Management 20
7.3.1 Approval in the Federal Republic of Germany / EU.................................................................21
7.3.2 EC Declaration of Suitability for Use........................................................................................21
8Notes............................................................................................................................... 23

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1 General Information
The RT-1000 Multichannel system is a direction finder (DF), which is designed for air traffic
control (ATC) and for vessel traffic service (VTS) applications. The system is based on the
very successful standard RT-1000 A and RT-1000 C Doppler direction finder, whose main
components are applied in the multichannel system. In applications where more than 2
simultaneously bearing channels are required, the RT-1000 Multichannel is the solution with
best cost-performance ratio. The flexible design enables system adaptation to almost all
applications. It is realised by using a couple of different standard components, which may be
combined and configured individually. The system can cover up to 24 simultaneous DF-
Channels. The software “DF-Commander” may display the bearing information and control
the system. Through various user interfaces, the DF can be integrated in other systems.
Note:
The RT-1000 Multichannel is not to be used as a voice communication receiver for
aeronautical mobile communication services.
Note:
The DF channels typically will be connected to a display system (e.g. PC software) through a
data network. The maximum reaction time between the start of a signal reception and
completed output of averaged bearing values is 260 ms. This value has to be taken into
account for network transfer and display of bearing data to maintain the 500 ms delay limit
defined by DF certification rules.
2 System Block Diagram
The RT-1000 Multichannel system is separated in three main parts. The antenna inclusive the
line protection box is installed outdoors. The antenna mast allows the changing of azimuth of
the antenna in exact 10° steps which provides a very convenient testing of the direction finder
only from one position on the field. Furthermore the mast provides a tilting mechanism which
is also very useful for the antenna installation, cleaning and maintenance issues.
The antenna is connected to the shelter with a coaxial cable for receiving the RF-Signal and
the cable for antenna control which conducts the necessary signals to provide the Doppler
modulation.
Further processing of RF-Signal occurs in the shelter inside the DF-Cabinet. First, the RF-
Signal is distributed to all installed DF-Channels by the RF-Splitter. Then DF-Channels
undertake the real signal processing. As an output, every DF-Channel provides an already
computed bearing data via the RS-232 protocol. This data is collected by a MOXA Nport
device, which actually represents the DF Control System, and transmitted via LAN to different
remote stations.
Remote stations represent in general a PC with HMI-Software “DF-Commander”, which not
only provides the visualizing of bearing, but also have the possibility to monitor the function of
all DF-Channels connected.
Remote stations can be integrated in a control tower, engineering room and in the cabinet
with different options of “DF-Commander”. If the transmission of audio is required, the

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installation of Audio Module and appropriate Ex-Streamer devices at control stations is
necessary.
As an option the RT-1000 Multichannel system allows its system testing using RF-Generator
and the Antenna Model. In this case, the RF-Generator simulates the electromagnetic field
which comes to the antenna and the Antenna Model simulates the RF-Antenna itself. So
these two options allow the complete testing of all system parameters during the normal
operation without disconnecting the antenna from the direction finder.
Further, the uninterrupted power supply (UPS) can be purchased as an option.

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RT-1000 Multichannel System Block Diagram

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The way of data transfer between the shelter (cabinet) and the engineering room or tower
depends on customer requirements and the type of laid data lines on the field. RHOTHETA
provides three main solutions to transfer the data from shelter to the tower: The data transfer
using Ethernet lines, the data transfer using the fibre optic lines and the data transfer via
telephone cables using modems. All three solutions can be extended with a second data line
to provide the redundancy and data transfer reliability.
3 Component Description
System Components
Nr. Component Description
1 RF-Antenna
The RF-Antenna is a very robust Doppler antenna with
four dipole elements and lightning protection rod in the
middle. Due to customer requirements the antenna can
be optimized for ATC or VTS applications in order to
provide the maximum system sensitivity.
2 Mast
The mast is used for the antenna installation, system
testing and maintenance. It offers the mechanism to turn
the antenna in exact steps of 10° in order to enable the
DF System testing from only one transmitter position on a
field (e.g. tower transmitter) and provides a second
mechanism to tilt the antenna for maintenance issues.
3 Line Protection
The line protection box includes all necessary
components for overvoltage protection of antenna control
lines and RF-Signal.
4 RF-Splitter
The RF-Splitter filters and distributes the RF-Signal to all
installed DF-Channels for further signal processing.
Maximum 24 DF-Channels can be connected.
As an option, the RF Splitter can be extended with a
second LNA (Low Noise Amplifier) in order to provide the
redundancy and consequently increase the reliability of
the system. Additionally the RF-Splitter can be equipped
with a maintenance test function for controlling the
function of LNAs.
The options can be combined:
Option 1: Without redundancy and without test function
Option 2: With redundancy and without test function
Option 3: Without redundancy and with test function
Option 4: With redundancy and with test function
The option 4 provides the most reliability and is strongly
recommended to use.

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System Components
Nr. Component Description
5 DF-Channel
The DF-Channel is the responsible unit for signal
processing and the bearing computing. It includes a
receiver, which have a RF-Signal as an input, and the
DF-Processing components which provide the bearing
data via RS232 protocol as an output.
Depending on customer requirements, the DF Channel
can operate in ATC frequency band or marine band or
both.
6 DF-Control System
The DF-Control System (MOXA Nport Device) represents
a data concentrator. This unit collects all the serial data
from all DF-Channels connected and transmits it to all
connected remote stations via LAN.
7 Antenna Control
The Antenna Control unit generates north, east, south
and west signals for each antenna dipole to provide the
Doppler modulation.
8 Antenna Model
The Antenna Model allows the testing of the bearing
accuracy of the system without the antenna. Using the
additional RF-Generator, the bearing angles of 0°, 90°,
180° and 270° can be adjusted and tested.
(If the antenna model is used, the RF-Splitter has to be
ordered with a test function)
9 RF-Generator
As an option RHOTHETA offers a RF signal generator in
order provide test signals. The RF-Generator can be
connected to all test inputs of the system and can be
used to assess all necessary parameters such as
sensitivity, test of squelch level or frequency deviation
test of the system.
10 UPS
Optionally the uninterrupted power supply (UPS) can be
installed in the cabinet. UPS provides at least 30 minutes
of system operation without AC power supply. UPS can
also be equipped with a network card module to provide
the status control of UPS and supply system via LAN.
11 DC Power Supply
DC Power Supply unit provides +15 V, -15 V and +5 V
supply voltage for RF-Splitter and DF-Channels.
12 Audio Module
The Audio Module is an optional unit used for transmitting
audio signals from DF-Channels over LAN. The Audio
Module includes 4 audio in-streamers in a 1U 19’’ rack,
so that 4 DF-Channels can be connected to it. It is
necessary to purchase additional audio modules to cover
more than 4 DF-Channels.

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System Components
Nr. Component Description
13 Network Switch
(Cabinet)
The position 13 on a block diagram is the Network
Switch, which is installed in the cabinet as a standard
unit. It combines all systems which have an LAN
connection and represents the network endpoint of the
cabinet.
14
Network Switch
(Tower / Engineering
Room)
The position 14 on a block diagram is the network switch,
which is installed in a tower or in the engineering room.
This switch is an optional unit unless the redundancy of
the data connection between the cabinet and engineering
room is required. In this case, the switch should be
ordered by RHOTHETA due to the special configuration
which provides the redundancy of data ports.
15 Data Transfer via
Ethernet Lines
This option provides the transfer of DF data via Ethernet
lines. Additionally, the second port of both switches (13
and 14) can be configured to allow the connection of the
second Ethernet line in order to provide redundancy.
16 Data Transfer via Fibre
Optic Lines
This option provides the transfer of DF data via fibre optic
lines. In order to use this option the appropriate switch
should be equipped with an optical interface to allow the
connection of fibre optic lines.
Additionally, the second port of both switches (13 and 14)
can be configured and equipped with the optical interface
to allow the connection of the second fibre optic line in
order to provide redundancy.
17 Data Transfer via
Telephone Lines
This option provides the transfer of DF data via standard
telephone cables. In order to use this option, modems are
necessary. One data transfer line A includes modem A1
inside the cabinet and modem A2 which is installed in the
engineering room or tower.
Additionally, the second line B with modems B1 and B2
can be configured in order to provide redundancy. In this
case modems and both switches (13 and 14) have to be
purchased.
18 Industrial PC
(Cabinet)
In order to control and monitor the DF system, the
industrial PC can be installed inside the cabinet as an
option.
19 HMI “DF-Commander”
(Cabinet)
HMI – Human Machine Interface “DF-Commander” for the
installation on the industrial PC (18) inside the cabinet.
The “DF-Commander” should have a channel monitoring
option in order to provide the technical setup, control and
monitoring of the system.

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System Components
Nr. Component Description
20 PC
(Engineering Room)
This PC is intended to be installed in the engineering
room for the technical monitoring and remote control of
the DF system.
21 HMI “DF-Commander”
(Engineering Room)
HMI – Human Machine Interface “DF-Commander” for the
installation on the PC (20) in the engineering room.
The “DF-Commander” should have a channel monitoring
option in order to provide the technical setup and control
of the system.
22 Audio
Ex-Streamer
Every controller remote stations or technical monitoring
stations can optionally be equipped with the Audio Ex-
Streamer devices. The Audio Ex-Streamer units provide
the audio output interface, which can be connected to an
audio amplifier or be integrated in the customer defined
audio system.
23 PC
(Tower)
This PC represents the controller remote station and is
intended to be installed in the tower in order to provide
the DF information to the ATC or VTS controller.
24 HMI “DF-Commander”
(Tower)
HMI – Human Machine Interface “DF-Commander” for the
installation on the PC (23) in a tower.
The “DF-Commander” should be configured according to
the ATC or VTS controller requirements.
- AIS Suppression
(Low pass)
Suppression of AIS signals with a low pass filter, which is
installed in a shelter (cabinet) between the shelter RF-
Input and the RF Splitter (s. Pos. 4).
AIS suppression is recommended to be used if the
distance between AIS transmitter with an EIRP of 10W
and the Direction Finder is less than 200m.
Provide the suppression of signals on 161.975 MHz and
162.025 MHz and limits the marine band to 157.425 MHz
(Attenuation 0.8 dB)

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System Components
Nr. Component Description
- AIS Suppression
(Notch)
Suppression of AIS signals with a notch filter, which is
installed in a shelter (cabinet) between the shelter RF-
Input and the RF Splitter (s. Pos. 4).
AIS suppression is recommended to be used if the
distance between AIS transmitter with an EIRP of 10W
and the Direction Finder is less than 200m.
Provide the suppression of signals from 161,965 MHz to
162,035 MHz with more than 20 dB
Pass frequencies in the range from
DC to 157,500 MHz and
166,600 MHz to 470,000 MHz
with an attenuation of smaller than 0,75 dB
157,500 MHz to 161,600 MHz and
162,500 MHz to 166,600 MHz
with an attenuation of smaller than 3,5 dB
- Mast flange
Flange used for the installation of the antenna on a
shelter
25 Obstacle Light
Optional safety accessory for the RT-1000 antenna mast.
There exist two orderable variations: Single Obstacle
Light and Double Obstacle Light.
26 PTT Module
Optional module used for the transmission of the ground
transmitter suppression signal via LAN.
Note:
All system components delivered by RHOTHETA are tested by RHOTHETA. Their
interoperability within the Air Traffic Control environment is confirmed by means of EC
Declarations of Suitability for Use for each single system component.
All other components, e.g. supplied by the operator, have to be tested for compatibility by the
operator in the course of a Site Acceptance Test (SAT). In this case, the operator has to
provide an EC declaration of suitability for Use or an EC declaration of verification of systems,
respectively.

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4 System Configuration
4.1 Front View

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4.2 Rear View

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4.3 Connector Panel

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5 Operation
5.1 Switching ON and OFF
Please control whether the following components are switched off, before connecting the AC
Power:
-Main power switch (S1)
-DC Power Supply (+5 V, -15 V, +15 V, +15 V)
-RF-Splitter
-All DF-Channels
After the system is connected to power and connected according to block diagram, switch ON
the components in the following order:
-UPS (if this option is available)
-Main power switch (S1)
-DC Power Supply from left to right (+5 V, -15 V, +15 V, +15 V)
-RF-Splitter
-All DF-Channels
-IPC
If it is necessary to switch OFF the system, so please switch off the components in the
following order:
-Shut down the IPC
-Switch off all DF Channels
-Switch off the RF Splitter
-Switch off the DC Power supply from right to left (+15 V, +15 V, -15 V, +5 V)
-Switch off the main switch (S1)
-UPS (if this option is available)
5.2 System configuration
1. Please configure the DF-Control System (MOXA Nport Device) according to the
manual “DF Control System”.
2. Please configure the switches and modems according to manual “Network Interface”.
3. Please configure the Audio Module (if this option is ordered) according to the Audio
Module manual.
4. Please configure the DF-Channel and DF-Commander according to the manual “DF-
Commander”.

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6 Technical Characteristics
6.1 Basic System Characteristics
System Characteristics
Parameter
Condition
Data
DF Method - Doppler (3 kHz rotation frequency)
Bearing sensitivity
118,000 – 136,975 MHz,
±2°bearing fluctuation
≤ 5 µV/m 4) (≤ 2,5 µV/m typ.)
156,000 – 174,000 MHz, 6)
±2° bearing fluctuation
≤ 5 µV/m (≤ 2,5 µV/m typ.)
Bearing accuracy
118,000 – 136,975 MHz 8)
2° RMS
1° RMS (Opt.)
7)
156,000 – 174,000 MHz 8)6)
2° RMS
1° RMS (Opt.)
7)
Response time 1) With sufficient signal strength ≤ 260 ms 4) (< 200 ms typ.)
Minimal signal duration 2) -400 ms
Internal system resolution - 0,5°
Frequency range 3)
Air band VHF
Marine band VHF
118,000 – 136,975 MHz
156,000 – 174,000 MHz
6)
Channel Spacing
Air band VHF:
Marine band VHF:
25 kHz / 8,33 kHz (Option)
25 kHz
Bearable modulation types - A3E, F3E, A3X (ELT-modulation)
Number of DF Channels -max. 24
Polarization - vertical
Polarization Error With field vector rotation up to 45° ±1° 4)
Cone of Silence Bearing Fluctuation ±5° ≤ 45° 4)
MTBF 5) Complete System
48.500 h (4 channels basic system)
35.000 h (8 channels basic system)
9)
Service Life 15 years
1) Time required to determine and to put out a bearing value at the bearing channel interface. The remaining
time between this value and 500 ms is the maximum permissible processing time of the network and bearing
indicator output.
2) Minimum required signal duration to determine a bearing value
3) Frequency range depend on the software configuration (Unlock Options)
4) Requirement as per NfL II 43/03 [1-1]: 500 ms. The remaining time between the specified value and those 500
ms is the maximum permissible processing time of the network and bearing indicator output.
5) Refer to document 12-9-1-0015-3-2-61 MTBF Estimation
6) This frequency range is only valid without using the AIS Suppression
7) Option with improved Bearing Accuracy 1° RMS
8) Measured in undisturbed wave field, with not modulated signal, with sufficient signal strength
9) Basic system includes DF Core System (DF Channel, Antenna, Antenna Control, RF Splitter), DF Control
System (Nport device, Switch), Power Supply. For other combinations, refer to document 12-9-1-0015-3-2-61
MTBF Estimation

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6.2 Receiver Characteristics
Receiver Properties
Parameter Condition Limit Typical
Sensitivity
Sensitivity AM
118,000 – 174,000 MHz,
m = 30%, fmod = 1 kHz,
12 dB SINAD
1)
-101 dBm -110 dBm
Sensitivity FM
118,000 – 174,000 MHz,
∆f = 3 kHz, fmod = 1 kHz,
20 dB SINAD
2)3)
-107 dBm -115 dBm
Large Signal Immunity
Intermodulation IMD3 (3rd Order) 118,000 – 174,000 MHz 1) ≥ 70 dB 73 dB
Blocking dynamic 118,000 – 174,000 MHz 1) ≥ 80 dB 95 dB
Cross modulation 118,000 – 136,975 MHz 1) ≥ 80 dB -
Selectivity
Adjacent channel rejection
AM, 25 kHz 1) ≥ 60 dB 65 dB
AM, 8,33 kHz 1) ≥ 60 dB 65 dB
Spurious response rejection 4) 118,000 – 174,000 MHz 1) ≥ 70 dB 80 dB
Image Rejection 118,000 – 174,000 MHz 1) ≥ 70 dB 100 dB
AF Signal Quality
Total harmonic distortion THD
AM (m=30%, fmod = 1 kHz) 1) ≤ 5 % -
AM (m=90%, fmod = 1 kHz) 1) ≤ 10 % -
FM 3) ≤ 5 % -
Signal to noise ratio S/N
AM 1)2) ≥ 40 dB 60 dB
FM 3) ≥ 40 dB -
Dynamic
Dynamic Range AM 1) ≥ 100 dB -
1) Measured according to ETSI EN 300 676 [1-7]
2) Measured with ITU O.41 filter
3) Measured according to 12-9-0-2-8-1-1 Messprozeduren.doc [Rev 1.01]
4) Except 1st image frequency

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6.3 Antenna Characteristics
6.3.1 Electrical Characteristics
Antenna
Parameter Condition Data
Antenna type - Compact Antenna
Number of radiators - 4 Dipole Antennas
Antenna connectors1) - 6 Flat Connectors 2,8x0,8 mm
- BNC Connector
Antenna Gain 118,000 – 136,975 MHz ≥ -6 dBi
156,000 – 174,000 MHz ≥ -11 dBi
Coin of silence ± 5° bearing fluctuation ≤ 45°
1) Connection of the RT-1000 antenna with special RT-1000 antenna cable
6.3.2 Antenna Mechanical Characteristics
Antenna RTA 1300.A with Antenna Mast RTA 1306.A
410
40 +1
-0
141
885
3120
200
1490
Klemmbereich
Mechanical Characteristics
Subsystem Width Height Weight
RT-1000 Antenna RTA 1300.A 400 mm 3120 mm 10,2 kg
DF antenna RTA 1300 with lightning rod and mast tube
Mast Tube
1120

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6.3.3 Antenna Environmental Conditions
Environmental Conditions
Parameter Condition Data
Wind load
With constant wind speed of 150 km/h
With constant wind speed of 180 km/h
135 N
195 N
Maximum wind speed - ≤ 240 km/h
Operating temperature range - -40°C…+80°C
Storage temperature range - -40°C…+80°C
6.4 Cabinet Characteristics
Environmental Conditions
Parameter Condition Data
AC Power Supply Without UPS
With UPS
115V … 230V (± 15 %)
230V (± 15 %)
AC Power Consumption
4 Channels
8 Channels
12 Channels
16 Channels
24 Channels
≤ 400 W
≤ 450 W
≤ 500 W
≤ 550 W
≤ 600 W
Dimensions
Height (incl. foot and eyelet)
Width
Depth
210 cm
60 cm
60 cm
Weight 2 m cabinet with 3 to 8 DF Channels ≤ 250 kg
Operating temperature range - +5°C…+40°C
Storage temperature range - +5°C…+40°C

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7 Legal Information
7.1 Legal Limitations of Use within the EU
Due to its conformance to “Directive 2014/53/EU on the harmonisation of the laws of the
Member States relating to the making available on the market of radio equipment and
repealing Directive 1999/5/EC”, declared in the EU declaration of conformity, the equipment
may be used within the European Union without limitations regarding the use of frequencies
in those countries.
National limitations or requirements for special operational permissions might exist for the use
within Vessel Traffic System or Air Traffic Control applications.
7.2 EU Declaration of Conformity
Hereby, RHOTHETA Elektronik GmbH declares that the product RT-1000 Multichannel is in
compliance with the essential requirements to be put on the market, and with other relevant
provisions:
•Directive 2014/53/EU on the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating
to the making available on the market of radio equipment and repealing Directive
1999/5/EC
•Directive 2014/30/EU relating to electromagnetic compatibility
•Directive 2014/35/EU relating to electrical equipment designed for use within certain
voltage limits
•Directive 2011/65/EU on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in
electrical and electronic equipment
A copy of the EU declaration of conformity is available at http://www.rhotheta.com/
7.3 Approval / Authorization of the Direction Finder RT-1000 Multichannel
as a System in Air Traffic Management
After successful installation of all components and north alignment of the direction finder
antenna as described in the manual sub-part “Recommendation of Antenna Installation”, the
system is ready for operation. But before bearings may be transmitted to an aircraft, approval
from the appropriate authority must be obtained. This approval is regulated differently in every
country.
NOTE
Authorization or approval of the device itself and as a system within the air traffic
management is regulated differently in every state.
NOTE
Explanations refer to the state of rules in 2017. They are subject to change or alteration.