A Microprocessor Controlled Antenna Pointing Unit

Abstract

Two prototype antenna pointing units (APUs) for controlling different antennas tracking geostationary satellites have been built using an 8080 microprocessor. The use of the microprocessor has allowed the same basic hardware to control two separate and different parabolic dish antennas with minimal circuitry changes and has provided significant flexibility in the performance of the units. This paper describes the APU design, which optimizes hardware and software to provide the flexibility necessary during initial testing and subsequent operation of the prototypes.