REMOTE CONTROL OF TWO AXIS AUTO-TRACKING TELEMETRY ANTENNAS

Abstract

Due to Cost and Safety considerations the Range Division of the 412th Test Wing is upgrading remote telemetry (TM) antenna sites to be operated and monitored remotely. This is possible, in part, due to the installation of fiber optic cable, and the use of ATM communications protocol. Both of these applications significantly reduce signal latency from the remote control station located at Ridley Mission Control Center (RMCC) and the Antenna site. This paper discusses the challenges associated with controlling these sophisticated systems remotely. We will also describe the decisions and how they were made, the concerns over system performance, and the impact to other systems. This paper also addresses the technologies chosen to support the requirements and overcome the challenges. The benefits of remote range sensors are also discussed. We will provide top-level block diagrams of the system architecture.