TM/TC Stations

MORABA has two telemetry stations which are fully mobile and can be set up at virtually any site on the globe. They are self contained and adaptable to a variety of special configurations. Multiple telemetry and TV links can be supported simultaneously. All necessary equipment for demodulation and recording of FM, PM, PCM and TV signals is included in the stations. Signal de-commutation and conditioning is also performed. Real time quick look or post flight presentation is also available.

1. L/S BAND TRACKING AND RECEIVING
   
   

   5m Datron Station   Container Equipment   3m Sientific Atlanta Station

   The receiving frequency for the stations is specified for the L- and S- Band. Various types of modulation can be received (e.g. FM, PM,QPSK,...). Both systems have polarization or frequency diversity capability to ensure good signal quality even under extreme radiation or receiving conditions. Monopulse autotracking capability supports the station to follow the tracking target automatically after acquisition. Additionally an independent acquisitions aid system is part of each station to acquire signals fast and easily during near field radiation and for tests.
   
   
   ANTENNA Sientific Atlanta
   
   The three meter SA antenna system comprises several mayor components. The antenna pedestal which is movable in azimuth and elevation, the antenna reflector which is mounted on the elevation extender of the pedestal, the L/S Band feed with the integrated mono pulse auto tracking system which is fixed in the beam center of the dish and the acquisition aid antenna which is mounted on a carrier alongside the dish. The ACU and the electronic equipment are placed in a 19” rack inside the station container. The complete system is integrated and placed on top of a 20” station container or can be mounted on a specific base plate with an additional riser unit.
   
   

   Frequency Range	L - Band: 1435 - 1790 MHz S - Band: 2200 - 2400 MHz
   Antenna Type	3 meter parabolic reflector F/D = 0.4
   Feed System	5 element prime focus
   Beam width	L - Band: 6° S - Band: 3°
   Polarisation	simultaneously RHCP and LHCP
   G/T	L - Band: 7 dB/°K S - Band: 10 dB/°K
   Angular Tracking Speed	15 °/sec
   Angular Acceleration	20 °/sec^2

   
   
   ANTENNA DATRON
   
   The Datron antenna system comprises several mayor components. The five meter monopulse tracking antenna is mounted on a separate container flat with electric erection devices for easy build up. The antenna system consists of a pedestal which is movable in azimuth and elevation, an antenna reflector which is mounted on the elevation extender of the pedestal, an L/S Band feed with the integrated mono pulse auto tracking system which is fixed in the beam center of the dish and a 4 horn acquisition array which is mounted on top of the feed. The complete electrical equipment is integrated into a 20” station container.
   
   

   Frequency Range	L - Band: 1435 - 1790 MHz S - Band: 2200 - 2400 MHz
   Antenna Type	3 meter parabolic reflector F/D = 0.4
   Feed System	5 element prime focus
   Beam width	L - Band: 6° S - Band: 3°
   Polarisation	simultaneously RHCP and LHCP
   G/T	L - Band: 7 dB/°K S - Band: 10 dB/°K
   Angular Tracking Speed	30 °/sec
   Angular Acceleration	30 °/sec^2

   
   
   
2. MULTICOUPER DLR
   
   

   Number of outputs	12 for each polarisation
   Gain	0 dB
   Isolation between output channels	> 50 dB
   Impedance	50 Ohm

   
   
   
3. RECEIVERS
   
   Standard telemetry receivers are used for data reception and tracking. A number of TMR 74's and Scientific Atlanta 930B's can be configured for AM, FM and PM demodulation. Wide bandwidth TV signals are received and demodulated with either fixed frequency or tunable receivers.
   
   
   Scientific Atlanta 930B
   
   

   Number of Units	9
   First IF	160 MHz
   Second IF	20 MHz
   Frequency Range	2200 - 2400 MHz
   Second IF Bandwidth	150, 250, 350 500 KHz, 1, 3.3, 12 MHz
   Demodulators	FM, PM, AM
   Video Filters	25, 50, 100, 250, 500, 750, 1000, 2000, 3300, Bypass
   Frequency Response	DC to 5 MHz
   Output Impedance	75 Ohm

   
   
4. TV RECEIVER
   
   

   Fixed Frequencies	2201.5, 228.5, 2251.5, 2275.0, 2315.5, 2338.5, 2361.5, 2384.5 MHz
   Second IF	15 MHz
   Demodulation	FM, CCIR 405.1
   Video Frequency Response	DC to 5.5 MHz
   Output Voltage	1 Vpp
   Output Impedance	75 Ohm

   
   
   
5. DIVERSITY COMBINERS
   
   Whenever possible, simultaneous pre and post detection diversity combining is used. Polarization-, frequency- and space-diversity can be chosen to improve the link performance under severe propagation conditions. The pre-detection combined RF signals are demodulated in the combiners to provide optimal video signal-to-noise ratios.
   
   
   Scientific Atlanta 934-2B
   
   

   Data input	linear IF, video, AGC from two receivers
   Combining Modes	simultaneous pre and post detection
   Output	combined IF, demodulated combined IF, combined video
   Video Frequency Range	10 Hz to 5 MHz
   Output Impedance	75 Ohm

   
   
   
6. DATA EXTRACTION
   
   Bit Synchronization
   All standard PCM codes can be synchronized up to a maximum frequency of 20 Mbits per second. At the output a reconditioned PCM bit stream (Bi-diameter-L) plus NRZ and CLOCK are provided.
   
   PCM Decommutation
   All standard PCM formats can be decoded and analyzed on a quick look PC processing. Post flight ASCII Data transfer is also available.
   
   Formats
   
   

   Bits per word	6 to 16
   Words per frame	65536 max.
   Frames per format	256
   Length of sync word	64 bits max.
   Maximum bit frequency	10 MBit/s

   
   
7. DATA STORAGE
   
   Digital Recording
   
   A Heim Systems DataRec GSR200-HD is used to record all received signals. Data are recorded in digital format and can be archived and distributed via DVD.
   
   

   Number of units	1
   Tracks	4 direct, 3 multiplex
   Data-Rate	Up to 240 Mbit/s
   Recording modes	PCM serial or differential, MIL 1553B, ARINC 429 Serial data, Analog data, Time, voice
   Interfaces	Serial, SCSI, Ethernet
   Operation	Front panel, PC

   
   
   Analog Tape Recording
   Wide band II instrumentation tapes are used with Racal Store Horse tape recorders to record all received signals. IRIG B time code and a local station multiplex PCM signal are also recorded to provide a reference.
   
   

   Number of units	5
   Tracks	14
   Frequency response	DC to 2MHz
   Recording modes	FM and Direct (IB / WB I / WB II)

   
   Analog Video Recording
   A number of Panasonic Video SVHS Recorder are available to record all received video links. Copies can be made off line.
   
   
8. RANGING SYSTEM
   Provided that the on board PCM system is equipped with a highly stable oscillator accurate position can be derived from this one way ranging system.
   
   
9. TIMING SYSTEM
   For accurate time and position determination a GPS system is available. All standard IRIG codes can be distributed.
   
   
10. TELECOMMAND SYSTEM
    
    

    TC station

    
    L - Band System
    
    

    Frequency Range	400 - 500 MHz
    Antenna Type	Four Helix
    Polarisation	RHCP and LHCP
    Antenna Gain	18 dBi
    Output Power	400 Watts
    Modulation	FM/PM
    Modulation Frequency	0 to 100 kHz at 1 Vpp

    
    S - Band System
    
    

    Frequency Range	2000 - 2100 MHz
    Antenna Type	2 meter parabolic reflector
    Polarisation	RHCP and LHCP
    Antenna Gain	29 dBi
    Output Power	80 Watts
    Modulation	FM/PM
    Modulation Frequency	0 to 500 kHz at 1 Vpp