Legacy replacement · Tracking receivers
The VertexRSI Digital Tracking Receiver was discontinued in 2019, and many stations still track with it. The Polaris DTR is designed to take its place in the same rack, on the same I/O wiring, driving the same antenna control unit. Here is what carries over, what is different, and what to send us.
The short answer
The Polaris DTR keeps the VertexRSI DTR's I/O 1 and I/O 2 pin positions (operating manual CG-1220), takes the same step-track level output settings, and adds SNMPv2c and SNMPv3, a live spectrum display and single-channel monopulse with the Polaris TDC.
We do not claim it is identical. Before you swap a unit, check where your ACU reads the level outputs, and whether anything on site still talks the VertexRSI serial M&C protocol. The table below says exactly where each stands.
The 550A, named as the DTR's successor at end of sale, is a different design; the Polaris DTR is not a drop-in replacement for a 550A today.
Compatibility
From the Polaris DTR operating and maintenance manual, appendix F, and our comparison against the VertexRSI DTR manual (CG-1220).
| Area | Status | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Rack size and front-ear mounting | Compatible | Fits the same rack space. |
| I/O 1 and I/O 2 pin positions | Compatible | Same pins for summary fault, beacon select, POL relays and GPIO. |
| Summary fault behaviour | Compatible | Closed when normal, opens on fault or power loss, ACK re-closes. |
| Step-track level output settings | Compatible | Same fields and formula: voltage range, minimum reference, slope (−1 to +1 V/dB), update rate, attenuation. |
| Serial port pinouts | Compatible | Same positions; PORT 3 RS-485 on pins 1, 6, 7. |
| Level output ranges | Compatible | 0 to +10 V, −10 to +10 V and −5 to +5 V. |
| Relay contacts | Compatible | Ours are solid-state. The summary fault contact is held closed while the unit is healthy and opens on any fault or on power loss (ACK FAULTS closes it; a new fault reopens it). The track-enable contact is closed only while tracking is good. Same failsafe sense as the VertexRSI normally-closed relays. |
| Level output location | Different | On I/O 3, not I/O 1 pins 1/14 and 3/16. |
| Signal monitor port | Different | Baseband signal, not a 70 MHz IF. |
| Beacon select by contact closure | Planned | Inputs fitted; function in a future release. |
| VertexRSI serial M&C commands | Planned | Use SNMPv2c or SNMPv3 until the compatible command set is released. |
Questions
The VertexRSI Digital Tracking Receiver (DTR) was discontinued in 2019. The Signal Dynamics Polaris DTR is designed to replace it in an existing earth station: it fits the same rack space with front-ear mounting, uses the same I/O 1 and I/O 2 pin positions for summary fault, beacon select, polarization relays and GPIO, and its step-track level outputs use the same settings as the VertexRSI DAC outputs (voltage range, minimum reference, slope in V/dB, update rate and attenuation). It adds SNMPv2c and SNMPv3 monitor and control, a live spectrum display and single-channel monopulse with the Polaris TDC.
Not for the summary fault contact or the I/O 1 and I/O 2 wiring: those keep their pin positions and behaviour, and the step-track level outputs take the same settings. Our solid-state contacts keep the same failsafe sense as the VertexRSI normally-closed relays: the summary fault contact is closed while healthy and opens on fault or power loss. Check two things first: the level outputs are on I/O 3, not I/O 1 pins 1/14 and 3/16; and the VertexRSI serial M&C command set is not available yet.
Record each beacon's frequency, polarization and filter, and the DAC setup: voltage range, minimum reference power, slope in V/dB, update rate and attenuation. Enter the same values in the Polaris DTR's ANALOG OUT menu (0 to +10 V, −10 to +10 V or −5 to +5 V). SET PEAK sets the minimum reference so the current signal reads the peak target, the manual's setup step in one press.
The 550A was named as the VertexRSI DTR's successor at end of sale. It is a different design, and the Polaris DTR is not a drop-in replacement for a 550A today. For a site choosing between them, the Polaris DTR keeps the VertexRSI DTR's I/O wiring and adds single-channel monopulse with the Polaris TDC and SNMPv2c / SNMPv3 monitoring. Send us the 550A's configuration and we will say what would carry over.
The VertexRSI serial M&C commands are planned for a future software release; until then use SNMPv2c or SNMPv3. Beacon select by contact closure has the inputs fitted, with the function planned. The front-panel monitor port carries a baseband signal, not a 70 MHz IF.
Email sales@signal-dynamics.com with the receiver's model and options, the band and feed, which outputs and contacts the ACU uses, the receiver's beacon and DAC settings, and how the station monitors and controls it today. An engineer replies within one business day with what carries over and a configuration number.
VertexRSI is named for compatibility only. Signal Dynamics is not affiliated with VertexRSI, and its products are not named after theirs.
Get in touch
Send the receiver's model, settings and how your ACU is wired, and an engineer will tell you what carries over.
Replies within one business day
