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RC3000 Antenna Controller Chapter 2 Installation
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2.1.4 Electronic Clinometer
The electronic clinometer (also referred to as the inclinometer) should be positioned on the mount
structure in an orientation that allows the inclinometer’s linear range of movement to rotate through the
antenna’s RF boresight operational range.
Determining the correct orientation of the inclinometer requires knowledge of the mount’s mechanical
structure and the antenna’s RF offset. Typically the mount manufacturer will place the inclinometer in the
correct position on the mount. See appendix B for the correct orientation for a particular mount.
The elevation position sense circuit of the RC3000 is designed to interface to the Lucas/Schaevitz
AccuStar model 0211 1002-000 or 0211 1102-000 inclinometers. The inclinometer’s position reference is
marked on the body of the inclinometer. The inclinometer should be mounted such that the body of the
inclinometer is rotated CW (as viewed by an observer looking at the front of the inclinometer) as the
antenna’s elevation angle increases. The inclinometer must also be oriented properly on the antenna
mount.
To describe the orientation of the inclinometer, the term ‘elevation offset angle’ needs to be defined.
Elevation offset angle is defined as the antenna’s RF elevation pointing angle (relative to horizontal) when
a straight edge oriented vertically across the face of the antenna reflector (reflector top to bottom) is
plumb. The inclinometer should be oriented so that, when the antenna reflector is plumb, the reference
mark is deflected CCW (from the vertical position) by an amount equal to the 35 degrees minus the
‘elevation offset angle’. If the inclinometer is attached as described the sensor will operate in its most
accurate region for elevation look angles up to 80 degrees.
The inclinometer mounting flange allows for some adjustment of the device’s rotational orientation. The
mounting position selected for the inclinometer should allow for adjustment of the inclinometer’s
orientation. The inclinometer should be mounted in a location such that it is protected somewhat from
blowing rain.
See section 2.2.3 for wiring of the inclinometer.