Hiltron Communications recently reported the purchase of a latest-generation HMAM-XY motorized antenna mount by a German research organization—the mount is equipped with a 2.4 meter antenna and will be used for various applications including the advancement of technology related to LEO/MEO/SmallSat constellations.
Suitable for receive and transmit applications, 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. HACU can be mounted on the HMAM-XY support column with local control possible using a directly connected handheld unit.
HMAM-XY tracking velocity 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 polarization are supported. Multiband support is available as an option.
HMAM-XY can operate in temperatures of -30 to +50 Celsius (-40 to +60 Celsius 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) at up to 100% relative humidity. Power requirement is 400 volts AC, three-phase.
HMAM-XY builds on over 15 years of refinement since the introduction of the original HMAM,” said Antonio Monteverde, Sales Director of Hiltron Communications. “First exhibited at the September of 2024 International Broadcasting Convention in Amsterdam, it is designed to perform high precision tracking of LEO and MEO satellites, SmallSat constellations and flying objects such as drones. Planar antennas or prime focus reflectors of up to 2.5 metres diameter can be attached or changed quickly via a universal adapter. Fast acceleration combined with high tracking velocity and accuracy make HMAM-XY ideal for a wide range of broadcast, security and wider telecommunications applications.”