ANTENNAE

Caravan International specializes in a wide range of leading edge Antenna Systems including the Model 150 Series Automatic Tracking Antennas for applications requiring two-axis position data. The standard series manufactured consists of 10, 12 or 14-foot diameter paraboloidal reflectors illuminated by the RADSCAN conscan tracking feed. Wide-band coverage of L-Band through S-Band yelemetry frequencies, multi-band systems like S- and X-Band, as well as optimized narrow bands from L-Band through Ka-Band are available.

Through our various affiliates, we integrate all types of telemetry systems and provide integrated data processing  functionality at rates up to 300 Mbps as well as Unmanned Threat Emitter Systems, Manned and Unmanned test instrumentation systems for ground, airborne, and ship based applications, and strategic and tactical low and high bandwidth data link systems.
Our current product range includes all types of  telemetry receive or transmit applications available at short notice, at affordable prices.

Two and Three-Axis Automatic Tracking Antenna Systems

TWO AXIS -The Model 200 Series Automatic Tracking antennas are intended for those applications requiring two-axis position data. The standard series consists of 15, 16.4, 20 or 23.4-foot diameter paraboloi-dal reflectors illuminated by the RADSCAN conscan tracking feed. Wide-band coverage of L-Band through S-Band telemetry frequencies, multi-band systems like S- and X-Band, as well as optimized narrow bands from L-Band through Ka-Band are available. The versatility afforded by a wide selection of Antenna Control Systems and other optional building blocks permits the user to match the degree of system sophistication to mission requirements at the lowest cost.

Pedestal - The pedestal assembly is an eleva-tion-over-azimuth configuration provid-ing high dynamics and precision point-ing. The pedestal is fabricated using high-strength steel castings, hardened-steel, low-backlash spur-gear reducers, four-point contact bearing/gear assemblies and stainless steel hardware throughout. Also featured are fail-safe brakes, adjustable electrical limits and modular data packages. An optional slipring assembly and RF rotary joints permits con-tinuous azimuth rotation in lieu of the standard +/-370 degrees. The standard medium-bandwidth (12 Hz) 3-phase, Pulse-Width Modulated (PWM) servo power amplifiers are mounted within the pedestal base. Optional high-performance, wide-band-width (>100 Hz) servos are available to provide wide dynamic range and ultra-smooth operation.
Antenna - The antenna subsystem consists of a RADSCAN feed rigidly supported by a graphite-composite quadrapod which firmly locates the feed at the focal point of the paraboloidal reflector. The RADSCAN feed uses a brushless d-c, hollow-shaft drive motor. and has only one moving part with no rotary points. The scan reference signal is derived from a solid-state optical commutator rather than the old-fashioned two-phase reference generator. RADSCAN reliabil-ity is extremely high. with an MTBF exceeding 60,000 hours RADSCAN's r-f enclosure provides a housing in which optional items such as low-noise amplifiers (LNAs), bandpass filters and coaxial relays may be mounted, thus placing these items as close as possible to the feed elements to minimize losses. As an option. the antenna can be supplied with an automatic tracking Acqui-sition Aid antenna, providing a wide beamwidth for acquisition. Switch-over to the main antenna is automatic.

Antenna Control Systems - Functionally. all of our Antenna Control Systems are available as slaved "pointers" Program Tracking, and Full Autotracking systems. We have packaged our Control Sys-tems in two form factors: desk top, with mouse and keyboard operator interface - the ACU-8, and rack mounted windowed interface system which is controlled via touch pad membranes to facilitate navigating the windows - the ACU-21. Both form factors can accept all commercial bus inputs (i.e. GPIB, Ethernet, RS-232, RS-422) and are available to control many COSTS products like Receivers, Bit Synchronizers, Bit Error Rate Test Sets, Power Meters, RF Switch Relays, HPA's etc. Built-in ephemeris data generation can be proved which will accept almost every input format from Range and Elevation to NORAD 2 line elements. All of our software was either developed in C, or C+ +. Chances are one of our existing Antenna Control System Baselines will meet your needs, but if not - the modular design of these systems allows us to rapidly and inexpensively customize Antenna Control System functionality to meet your specific nee