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CPI Antenna Technologies, Orbital Systems Operations Antenna Positioners and Satellite Tracking Antenna Systems

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CPI Antenna Technologies, Orbital Systems operations' antenna positioners are smartly designed and ruggedly built to withstand the most extreme environments. CPI Antenna Technologies' antenna positioners and satellite tracking antenna systems are powerful, fast, high precision instruments suitable for Ka-, Ku-, X-, S-, and L-Band tracking applications. These elevation-over-azimuth positioners are offered in sizes 1.8 meters through 7.3 meters and provide accuracy, flexible operation and reliability that is unsurpassed in the industry. Standard equipment includes: feed mounting poles, an antenna tracking controller unit and a complete maintenance tool kit with every antenna system. Standard options support AC or DC power and 100BASE-T Ethernet, with optional fiber available. CPI Antenna Technologies offers multiple reflector size choices in diameters ranging from 1.5 meters through 7.3 meters, along with flexible single and multi-band RF options. CPI Antenna Technologies' products are designed and built to meet the high performance and accuracy requirements of all demanding Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellite tracking ground station solutions, Telemetry, Tracking and Control (TT&C), Earth Observation Satellite (EOS), Direct Broadcast (DB), radar, Search and Rescue Satellite (SARSAT), Unmanned Aerial Vehicles / Remotely Piloted Vehicles Tracking (UAV/RPV), trailer mounted, and other custom tracking applications. The entire system is sealed and pressurized with dehydrated air or nitrogen gas to prevent corrosion of the controller, electromechanical parts and the feed. This also eliminates internal rust problems such as failing brakes and weakened gears. Temperature and humidity sensors are monitored by the ACU, which automatically purges the system when needed with fresh, dry air or nitrogen. By eliminating condensing humidity, the reliability of the system is greatly increased. If pressurization fails, the antenna still runs. Other features include:
  • CPI Antenna Technologies, Orbital Systems operations' designs use servomotors and four-quadrant drives that minimize power consumption while providing full torque at near zero velocity
  • Elevation over Azimuth fully counterbalanced systems draw little power while tracking unless subject to significant wind load
  • Integrated mechanical system components, with IP65-rated brushless motors and internal brakes, matching motor drives tied to generously overrated heavy-duty gears
  • Gears and drives automatically heat as needed for full performance to -40°C
  • Gears are enclosed in a cast housing to further protect gear lubricants from dust and moisture for maximum longevity
  • Tracking uses built-in precision GPS timing and location reference
  • Positioners are controlled over Ethernet or Fiber to simplify interfacing to control computer systems. Using the simple control interface TLE ephemeris is stored for each satellite and the antenna tracks on command by simply naming the satellite
  • No indoor rack space needed, as the controller is located in electrical cabinet at base of positioner
  • High speed azimuth axis allows reliable tracking of satellites with no keyhole effect
  • All structural metal is made from aluminum with stainless steel fasteners to eliminate rust
  • Exposed surfaces are powder coated or hard anodized to maintain an excellent finish appearance for many years to come
Click on the links below for product sheets describing CPI Antenna Technologies' antenna pedestal and positioner products.