Product Information

Antenna Controllers

Antenna Interface Module (AIM) common platform for all uplink systems.

In the dynamic realm of satellite communications, Holkirk has emerged as a vanguard of innovation with its comprehensive range of antenna control systems.

The AIM (Antenna Interface Module) antenna controller is a sophisticated Antenna Control Unit (ACU) designed to streamline the satellite acquisition process for mobile satellite applications. It’s the perfect blend of user-friendliness and advanced functionality, making it an essential tool for anyone in the field of satellite communications and provides a COMMON interface for all HOLKIRK terminals 60cm to 2.5M (Person-Pack, Flyaway, Trailer and DSTG)

Supplied as upgrade for third party antenna systems
OpenAMIP compatible for modem communication
M&C functions for amplifiers and LNB’s (8 LO)
Tracking functionality with TLE input
GPS over-ride for time and location

Block diagram for AIM system

The AIM controller has multiple user friendly screens to guide you through every stage of satellite acquisition for multi-frequency and multi-orbit.

Our auto-acquire and tracking solutions come in multiple deployment scenarios:

Person-Pack: Ideal for fast setup and immediate use.
Flyaway Terminal: Portable and easy to transport, perfect for field operations.
Vehicle Mounted: Provides reliable communication on the pause.
Deployable Earth Stations: For quick deployable command centres.

Acquiring Inclined Orbit Satellites

The AIM control unit is engineered to track non-geostationary (non-GEO) satellites, including those in inclined orbits. These inclined orbit satellites can present challenges due to their unique movement patterns, but the AIM control unit is equipped with sophisticated functionalities to address these challenges.

Toast Rack Search Method

One of the key features of the AIM control unit is its ability to perform a toast rack search during the initial acquisition of the satellite. This method utilises the beamwidth of the satellite receive frequency, the current inclination angle of the satellite, and the estimated position (box centre) of the orbital slot satellite of the designated geostationary position.

By carefully calculating these parameters, the AIM control unit systematically scans the sky, searching for the satellite beacon, and performs various calculations for side-lobe rejection, ensuring that the antenna is accurately aligned with the satellite’s current position. This process optimises the acquisition and tracking of inclined orbit satellites, providing reliable communication links.

Video to show the Holkirk SCARAB Person-Pack acquiring SKYNET 4E that has an inclination of 14º with no NORAD TLE data. RESULT – locked and tracking in 2 minutes 13 seconds

Integration with NORAD TLE Data

In addition to the toast rack search method, the AIM control unit leverages data from NORAD’s Two-Line Element (TLE) sets. This data is sourced directly from NORAD’s extensive satellite catalogue and is continuously updated to ensure precision in satellite tracking.

The AIM controller’s algorithm uses this TLE data, allowing it to predict satellite positions with remarkable accuracy without the need for a toast rack search. This predictive capability of the acquire process saves valuable minutes and is another great tool for maintaining robust and reliable communication links, especially for non-GEO satellites.

For TLE data, navigate to the CelesTrak website at:-

https://celestrak.org/NORAD/elements/gp.php?GROUP=geo&FORMAT=tle.

CelesTrak is a reliable source for up-to-date TLE data, constantly refreshed based on observations and predictions.

Video to show the Holkirk SCARAB Person-Pack acquiring SKYNET 4E that has an inclination of 14º with NORAD TLE data. RESULT – locked and tracking within 1 minute 18 seconds

Predictive and memory tracking

Complementing the toast rack and TLE acquire and tracking methods, the 24-hour learning algorithm implemented in the AIM controller further enhances its predictive capabilities.

By continuously analysing and adapting to satellite movement patterns, the algorithm learns and refines its models, offering unparalleled precision in non-geostationary (NON-GEO) satellite tracking. This dual approach ensures that the AIM controller remains versatile and effective, regardless of the satellite’s orbit.

AIM MOBILE stands as a testament to Holkirk’s commitment to advancement, offering full automation for mobile applications and integrates a plethora of sensors—GPS, inclinometer, compass, pitch and roll sensors, alongside motor drive feedback and control—making it indispensable for both Flyaway and vehicle-mounted systems.

The AIM ASSIST extends this innovation, providing a semi-automatic pointing solution that leverages the same sensor array but mitigates motor drive circuitry for an intuitive command and control interface, simplifying the pointing and acquisition process.

Completing the triad, the AIM STATION caters to Vsat earth stations and tracking terminals, featuring a dish positioner with built-in sensors for automatic satellite location, transition between feed satellites, or tracking of non-GEO orbits.

Together, these systems exemplify Holkirk’s pioneering spirit and its profound impact on the market, offering unparalleled ease of use and functionality.