CODEM DELIVERS NEW FAC-1000 FLEXIBLE ANTENNA CONTROLLER

Contact: John Gargasz
Phone: 603-429-0111 x 529
Fax: 603-429-0155
E-Mail: jgargasz@codem.com

MERRIMACK, New Hampshire - Codem System, Inc. has successfully delivered its new FAC-1000 Antenna Control Unit to the Satellite Applications Centre (SAC) of Johannesburg, South Africa. Under the contract, Codem replaced the control system on SAC's existing 10mDatron L/S/X band tracking antenna resulting in extended operating life and increased performance. The L/S/X antenna receives SPOT-1, 2, 4; Landsat and ERS-1, 2 image telemetry and provides TT&C support for telemetry reception.
The FAC-1000 ACU (Antenna Control Unit) includes an integrated software based monopulse detector and incorporates multiple tracking and scanning modes including Ephemeris and Autotrack. Using windows, 'drag and drop', operating modes may be stacked together to provide automated operations from acquisition through on-going tracking. In addition to providing a local Windows user interface, the FAC-1000 also includes a remote interface to an L-3 Mircodyne M&C system.
Roy Blatch, manager, ground segment services at SAC, said, "The recent installation of the FAC 100 has substantially reduced the need for human intervention during operations and has improved our operational performance and flexibility. In addition, the turn around time between two consecutive satellite passes has improved, thereby minimizing the loss of data when switching between overlapping satellite passes. The new system has all the interfaces required to provide high quality track data to our TT&C clients, which is essential in this business."
"Codem's engineering team was highly professional and skilled, which made the integration process very efficient and minimized disruption on daily operations," Blatch added.
Codem's FAC-1000 is also Internet ready. It features built-in intelligence to automatically download ephemeris data from the Internet and update tracking algorithms without operator intervention. Additionally, it allows multiple remote users to simultaneously monitor and control a given antenna.
The FAC-1000 is part of Codem's new Antenna Control product line. Codem manufacturers a wide range of antenna controllers for applications including: limited motion/inclined orbit tracking, Ka band MEO/LEO tracking, TT&C, Shipboard stabilized SATCOM, and Communications On The Move (COTM).
All of Codem's Flexible Antenna Controllers are software based, digital controllers permitting control of virtually any antenna system regardless of manufacturer. The FAC places intelligence at the antenna providing superior tracking and pointing performance while reducing the communication bandwidth required for remote control. The combination of software configuration and built-in intelligence reduces integration time, expense, and training.

About SAC
The Satellite Application Centre (SAC), located near Johannesburg, South Africa is a world-leading supplier of services, products and information for the space industry, including:
Spacecraft Tracking: Tracking, Telemetry and Command Services for launchers, operators and owners of spacecraft

Geo-information: Acquisition, archiving and commercial distribution of image data from a range of earth observation satellites, as well as resource management solutions using geo-information technologies

Ground Segment Establishment for customers involved in earth observation, space tracking, communications and navigation

SAC has a track record of doing competitive business in the global market,
thanks to an excellent team of internationally recognized staff members. SAC also provides consultation services and advice on all of the above space related services as well as other space-related topics.

About Codem
Codem Systems, Inc. is a leading provider of broadband wireless and wired communication solutions for commercial and government telecommunications customers throughout the world. For more than 10 years, Codem has provided a full range of antenna control systems, On The Move (OTM) pedestals, network access products, spectrum management (SIGINT) systems, monitor & control systems and engineering services for a variety of applications. As a key advantage, Codem offers unique expertise in software-based digital control systems, tactical network interfaces, radio geo-location and signal analysis. Working from an ISO 9001 facility in Merrimack, New Hampshire, Codem consistently delivers high-caliber engineered solutions for its customers. More Information about Codem Systems, Inc. is available on the Internet at www.codem.com.

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