Technology Spotlight #6
Nano-Sextant
Tracking System - Photo-Sonics
Light weight
This is a light-weight portable tracking system weighing 140 pounds. It can be hard-mounted on a stable platform for high dynamic performance and accuracy. It can also be mounted on a tripod for less stringent requirements.
High performance
The Nano-Sextant is designed with more power than is typically offered for this sized tracking system to ensure excellent dynamic performance. It incorporates a 25 ft/ pound torque motor in azimuth and another 25 ft/pound torque motor for elevation. These motors enable 120°/sec2 acceleration with a nominal payload of 225 pounds providing high bandwidth for excellent tracking performance.
Versatile payload configuration
The payload can be mounted directly to the vertical side plates of the mount or to horizontal payload platforms. The horizontal payload platforms are removable for transport.
Pedestal rotation
The pedestal is designed to allow rotation of 270° in each direction from the centre position. The elevation axis has -30° to +210° of travel to be able to turn and dump (30° look down).
Servo System
The Nano-Sextant digital servo system consists of a digital amplifier with position feedback, digital notch filter, and power module. The servo system can be located up to 75 feet away from the pedestal.
Encoder System
21-bit or 23-bit Inductosyn® encoders.
Photo-Sonics™ Argus Digital Control System
The Argus Instrument Control and Auto Tracker is implemented on the Nano-Sextant with a Photo-Sonics designed servo amplifier, a control console, and a QNX controller. The basic system includes a touch screen display, stick controller, and keyboard in a mobile electronics package. The controller unit can be configured for IRIG/GPS, with an auto-tracker, and can include interfaces to video or digital recording systems.
Key Pedestal Specifications
| System accuracy with payload after calibration | ± 10 arc seconds * |
| Bearings | 14.75" diameter azimuth thrust bearing 7.5" diameter elevation ball bearing |
| Drive System | Direct drive DC torque motors (brush type) |
| Torque | AZ - 25 foot pounds EL - 25 foot pounds |
| Velocity (with 225 pound payload) | AZ - 120°/second (21-bit mode) 45°/second (23-bit mode) EL - 120°/second (21-bit mode) 45°/second (23-bit mode) |
| Acceleration (with 225 pound payload) | AZ - 120° sec2 * EL - 120° sec2 * |
| Bandwidth @ +3dB (no payload) |
AZ - 18 Hertz * EL - 25 Hertz * |
| Nominal Payload | 225 pounds |
| Bearing accuracy (measured optically) | AZ - ± 5 arc seconds EL - ± 5 arc seconds |
| Orthogonality | ± 5 arc seconds |
| Encoders (Inductosyn®) | AZ and EL- 21-bit or 23-bit |
| Elevation Travel Azimuth Travel |
-30° to +210° (from horizontal) 270° (each direction from centre) |
| Transit Locks | Locking stow pins in AZ and EL |
| Weight (with no payload) | 140 pounds * |
| Height | 20" |
Other Editions
Data
Nano Sextant pdf data-sheet (4.3MB)
Gallery
(click to view)
Contact
Object Tracking:
Tel: +44 (0)1844 260600
Fax: +44 (0)1844 260126
Email us
