Hiltron Communications’ latest-generation HMAM-XY motorised antenna mount will form the centrepiece of the company’s exhibit on stand 1.A37 at the 12-15 September International Broadcasting Convention in Amsterdam. HMAM-XY is designed to provide stable transmit/receive links to GEO, MEO, LEO, smallsat satellite constellations, polar-orbit satellites and UAV drones.
“HMAM-XY builds on 15 years of refinement since the introduction of the original HMAM,” comments Antonio Monteverde, Sales Director. “Shown as a preview prototype at IBC 2024 and now in full production, HMAM-XY combines high precision with outstanding versatility. It offers fast tracking speed and rapid acceleration with accurate pointing and tracking, including low backlash and full hemispheric coverage with no zenith keyhole.”
A key aspect of the HMAM-XY motorised antenna mount is its tracking velocity: up to 10 degrees per second with 6 degrees per second squared maximum acceleration. Parabolic reflectors and planar antennas of up to 2.5 metres diameter can be accommodated, operating in L, S, C, X, Ku and Ka band with circular or linear polarisation. Antennas can be attached or changed quickly via a universal adapter. Elevation range is +5 to +175 degrees. Lateral rotation can be performed through a continuous 360 degrees. TLE/NORAD tracking capabilities are included and can be automatically activated after fine pointing of the antenna. Step-tracking, available as an option, allows the antenna direction to be adjusted in small increments to maintain optimal received signal strength. An interface for 12 to 24 bit optical SSI encoders is also provided. Prediction tracking is included for use with inclined-orbit satellites. Multiband support plus an analog and digital beacon receiver interface are available as options.
HMAM-XY can operate in temperatures of -30 to +50 degrees Celsius, wind speeds of up to 90 kilometres per hour and up to 100% relative humidity. HMAM-XY can optionally be installed in a radome to operate in extreme weather conditions. A serial interface port is included for connection to devices such as a wind sensor.
Operation and supervision of HMAM-XY are via the Hiltron HACU four-axis antenna control unit or the more compact HSACU4. The standard HACU occupies a 300 x 400 x 150 mm housing. The HSACU 4 housing is 300 x 300 x 150 mm and can be mounted directly onto the HMAM-XY. Browser-based control and monitoring can be performed securely from any desired location via an Ethernet link connection. The HSACU4 has eight slots which can be populated with plug-in modules to support the required functions. Azimuth, elevation and polarisation axes can be adjusted simultaneously. Also included are a sensor box with a fluxgate compass, a GPS receiver and an inclinometer for adjustment of elevation and polarisation. Local operation is additionally possible via a directly connected handheld unit.
