Hiltron Communications has chosen the upcoming GovSatCom 2023 in Luxembourg at which to promote its latest-generation HMAM LEO high speed motorised tracking antenna mount. The event will be held in the European Convention Center on February 23rd.
Based on over 10 years of Hiltron experience in designing, manufacturing and integrating motorised satellite mounts, HMAM LEO is capable of accommodating parabolic antennas of up to 2.4 metres diameter. Supported on a high-stability ground pillar, it incorporates the computing resources needed to track satellites using the NORAD TLE (two-line element) data format which defines satellite locations based on their location and velocity. The system can lock onto the desired LEO satellite within the approximately 10 minute timespan where the target satellite is in sight.
The HMAM LEO mount can be controlled and oriented within more than 360 degrees of azimuth and 80 degrees of elevation at the required tracking speed. All elements of the antenna control unit are accommodated inside a weatherproofed outdoor housing.
HMAM LEO systems can be specified from a wide range of options. These include a feed changer allowing the antenna to be switched between up to four microwave bands. Customers can choose between standard steel mounts designed to screw directly to a base surface, or non-penetrating mounts. Control can be performed via an integrated web interface or SNMP. Other options include de-icing, extended temperature range tolerance and increased protection from salt water.
A low Earth orbit (LEO) is an orbit around Earth with a period of 128 minutes or less, making at least 11.25 orbits per day, and an eccentricity less than 0.25. Most of the artificial objects in outer space are in LEO below an altitude of 2,000 km, about one-third of Earth's radius.
Fully compatible with with HMAM LEO, the Hiltron HSACU4 is a compact antenna control unit designed specifically for use with flyaway antennas. Control and monitoring are performed through an Ethernet link with a web interface or via a directly connected handheld unit. A GPS sensor determines the antenna's latitude and longitude, allowing the exact azimuth and elevation angles of each satellite to be calculated; an integral fluxgate compass confirms the antenna direction. The motorisation kit includes 17-bit optical SSI encoders to ensure precise angle measurement of azimuth and elevation. An auto-pointing function can be activated using the web interface which displays the coordinates of the target satellite. After locating the satellite, the HSACU4 progresses to fine-adjustment mode. It can also scan a predefined area and search within this area for a satellite.
Hiltron Communications is a globally active system integrator, manufacturer and distributor in the field of satellite and wireless communication. It has decades of experience in the development and production of tracking systems for fixed and mobile antennas and hundreds of installed base around the world, for tracking LEO, GEO, MEO, and inclined orbit satellites. Hiltron offers a comprehensive portfolio of services, from initial planning to the implementation of customised antenna systems, including factory acceptance tests, installation and commissioning, operator training and post-sale support. Hiltron operates from modern purpose-built headquarters at Backnang near Stuttgart. On-site facilities include a large technical operations area with high access doors and ceiling, capable of accommodating satellite-link vehicles and their roof-mounted antennas.
www.hiltron.de
