W2DRZ Controller Support Web

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The W2DRZ CT-2 antenna controller system is a low cost but effective system to monitor and control an antenna system's position. It features a 18F4580 PIC processor chip with nonvolatile memory to hold program instructions and configuration settings. It interoperates with four different kinds of sensors to read the antenna position for azimuth and elevation. The controller is normally used by connecting to a PC via a serial data link. The PC runs a program to interact with the controller, sending and receiving position and control information. A setup and test program is supplied with the controller to allow configuration and calibration as well as testing. The controller can track heavenly bodies by interacting with several popular tracking programs:

 There are several safeguards built into the controller to help prevent antenna system damage in case something goes wrong. If the antenna fails to move when commanded to, the controller will stop the motion motors and refuse new motion commands until the problem is resolved and the controller has been reset. If a reverse motion command should be received while the antenna is in motion the controller will stop the antenna for a short time before engaging the opposite direction. The user can configure the operation of these safeguards to suit his needs. And if communications with the Setup or tracking program are lost for more than 2 seconds the controller will stop antenna motion.
  • Operates on 12 VDC with on board regulator
  • Can supply +12 or +5 volts to encoders if needed
  • Onboard A/D conversion for use with potentiometers as position sensors.
  • Interface for US Digital A2 absolute encoders on board
  • Interface for various incremental (pulse type) encoders on board
  • Interface for binary switch type encoders (16 bits) on board
  • A/D decoder for measuring signal levels or any other voltage value
  • Standard DB9 serial interface connector to connect with PC
  • Built in loss of movement safety monitor and shutdown
  • Built in stop motion timer to prevent antenna whiplash
  • Automatic shutdown in case of loss of communication
  • Two antenna speed control systems.
  • Control program DrzCom.exe can act as a DDE client, allowing more programs to control the CT-1 (Nova in DDE mode, TrackSm, and SatScape).
  • When working in DDE mode the control program shows current antenna position, and desired position requested by tracking program.
  • Readout accuracy to less than .01 degree with appropriate encoder
  • Has a receptacle for an external LCD display show current position
  • Comes with Setup program to configure, test, and calibrate
  • Open collector transistor driver outputs to control your relays
  • Microprocessor is socketed for easy replacement with updated firmware

Firmware and Software Upgrades
01/17/2008 - CT-2 Firmware version 2.00

From time to time there may be improvements or fixes released for either the controller firmware, the control program, or both.  Details of these upgrades will be summarized here.

See the Control Program page for details on usage of the DrzCom program.  See the Download Page to obtain the DrzCom program and for information on determining what firmware version you have.

To upgrade your firmware, you have two options. If you can program a PIC then you may contact us at W2DRZ for the Hex file which we will send you via email at no charge.  Otherwise you may order a replacement PIC with the new firmware for $25 plus shipping (see the Order page).

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