Key highlights from Hiltron’s Hall 1 exhibit included a demonstration of the newly launched HMAM-XY motorized antenna mount, designed specifically for precise tracking of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites, small satellite constellations, and moving aerial objects.

Features and Capabilities of the HMAM-XY Antenna Mount

The HMAM-XY is the latest addition to Hiltron’s HMAM product line, engineered to meet the tracking demands of government and telecommunications sectors. It delivers high tracking speed, acceleration, and precision for receive and transmit operations. This model supports full hemispheric coverage, eliminating zenith keyhole issues and incorporates high-accuracy absolute-reference encoders for improved tracking. A universal adapter facilitates the attachment of prime focus reflectors up to 2.5 meters in diameter or planar antennas.

Control of the HMAM-XY is managed via the Hiltron HACU antenna control unit, which can be mounted directly onto the antenna support column. This system enables remote control and monitoring over Ethernet, with a web interface for TLE/NORAD tracking. Local control is also possible through a handheld unit, with an optional steptrack feature. The HMAM-XY achieves up to 15 degrees per second in tracking velocity, with a maximum acceleration of 6 degrees per second squared and accuracy within 0.05%. It operates across various frequency bands (L, S, C, X, Ku, and Ka) with options for circular or linear polarization and multiband support.

Durability and Environmental Resilience

Designed for extreme conditions, the HMAM-XY operates at temperatures between -30 and +50 degrees Celsius and withstands wind speeds of up to 80 km/h in standard operating mode or up to 200 km/h when secured. It functions in up to 100% relative humidity and requires a 400-volt AC three-phase power supply.

Additional Innovations on Display

Hiltron also promoted its recently launched Drive-Away transportable satellite link and a new motorization kit for the CPI 2385 Satcom Antenna at IBC2024. The Drive-Away system features a 3.7-meter segmented parabolic reflector mounted on a custom motorized steering unit. The unit, complete with control electronics, heating, and de-icing systems, is housed on a 2.4-meter-wide platform, designed for easy loading onto standard container trucks with the aid of an onboard crane.

The CPI 2385 Satcom Antenna motorization kit provides an efficient, cost-effective alternative to new installations. It supports multiple tracking modes, including manual positioning, automatic positioning, active step tracking, and NORAD TLE inclined-orbit tracking. Hiltron also offers custom motorization kits for various reflector types based on customer specifications.