Hiltron Communications announces the latest addition to its satellite communication product family. Making its first exhibition appearance on stand 1.A42 at the 2024 International Broadcasting Convention (Amsterdam RAI, September 13-16), the HMAM-XY motorised antenna mount is designed to perform high precision tracking of LEO and MEO satellites, smallsat constellations and flying objects such as drones. A universal adapter allows easy attachment of planar antennas or prime focus reflectors with up to 2.5 metres diameter.

Designed for receive and transmit applications, the HMAM-XY provides very high pointing and tracking accuracy with low backlash, and full hemispheric coverage with no zenith keyhole. High-accuracy absolute-reference encoders are incorporated. Operation is via Hiltron’s HACU antenna control unit which includes TLE/NORAD tracking capabilities. Steptrack is available as an option. Control and monitoring can be performed through an Ethernet link with a web interface. The HACU can be mounted on the HMAM-XY support column with local control possible using a directly connected handheld unit.

Tracking velocity of the HMAM-XY is up to 10 degrees per second with 6 degrees per second squared maximum acceleration and within 0.05% accuracy. Elevation range is +5 to +175 degrees. Lateral rotation can be performed through a continuous 360 degrees. L, S, C, X, Ku and Ka bands with circular or linear polarisation are supported. Multiband support is available as an option.

The HMAM-XY can operate in temperatures of -30 to +50 degrees Celsius (-40° to +60°C storage) and in wind speeds of up to 90 kilometres per hour (up to 200 km/h survival in security position, dependent on reflector type) and up to 100% relative humidity. Power requirement is 400 volts AC, three-phase.

“HMAM is a long-established and highly successful product within our portfolio of satellite communication equipment and related services,” comments Jochen Ermel, Managing Director of Hiltron Communications. “HMAM-XY is a latest-generation development offering unsurpassed tracking speed, acceleration and accuracy with applications in the broadcast, security and wider telecommunications market. We look forward to showing this latest-generation model to existing and potential customers at IBC.”