Locus RDS-1089 LNA Control Monitor Panel SatCom RF Microwave 19" 2U Rackmount

Locus RDS-1089 LNA Control Monitor Panel SatCom RF Microwave 19" 2U Rackmount

The Locus Inc RDS-1089 is a dual-channel Low Noise Amplifier (LNA) control and monitor panel designed for satellite communications (SatCom) ground station RF systems. It provides automated or manual switching between two LNAs and continuously monitors each for on-line status and fault conditions, giving ground station operators visibility and control over LNA redundancy from a single 19-inch rackmount chassis.

Specifications & What's Included

• Manufacturer: Locus Inc
• Model: RDS-1089
• Type: LNA Control/Monitor Panel
• Form Factor: 19" rackmount, 2U
• LNA Channels: 2 (LNA 1 and LNA 2)
• Switching Modes: AUTO and MANUAL (front-panel mode selector switch)
• Front Panel Indicators: On-Line LEDs (green) for LNA 1 and LNA 2; Fault LEDs (red) for LNA 1 and LNA 2; Mode LEDs (AUTO/MANUAL); AC PWR LEDs (ON) for both AC feeds
• AC Power: Dual IEC C14 inlets (AC1 and AC2) on rear panel
• Fusing: AC1 fused at 1A, AC2 fused at 1A; LNA 1 and LNA 2 outputs independently fused (0.5A each, visible on rear panel)
• Control Interface: DB9 connector (Control Cable port) with adjacent DIP switch block on rear panel
• LNA Connectors: Circular multi-pin connectors for LNA 1, LNA 2, and Switch outputs on rear panel
• Terminal Strip: 25-position screw terminal strip on rear panel (positions 1–25)
• Interior: Main PCB with relay modules, relay driver ICs, transformer, large electrolytic filter capacitors, and inter-board wiring harness
• Unit only — no accessories or cables included

Applications

LNA control and monitor panels like the RDS-1089 are used in satellite ground station receive chains to manage redundant low-noise amplifiers. In a typical SatCom installation, two LNAs are installed at the antenna feed — one active and one on standby — and the control panel switches between them automatically (AUTO mode) if a fault is detected, or allows the operator to select either LNA manually. This protects uptime in telecom, broadcast, government, and military satellite receive systems where loss of the LNA would drop the entire downlink. The RDS-1089's dual AC input design also supports power redundancy. Equipment of this type was commonly installed in C-band and Ku-band satellite earth stations from the 1980s through the 2000s and continues to see service in legacy ground station infrastructure and teleport facilities.