Setup and comissioning of Cobham Sailor System

SPECIFICATIONS






FREQUENCY BAND: Ku-Band






ANTENNA CABLE & CONNECTORS






ABOVE DECK UNIT (ADU)






BELOW DECK UNIT (BDU)






VSAT MODEM SUPPORT






Antenna specification

SPECIFICATIONS

FREQUENCY BAND: Ku-Band

ANTENNA CABLE & CONNECTORS

ABOVE DECK UNIT (ADU)

BELOW DECK UNIT (BDU)

VSAT MODEM SUPPORT

Antenna specification

NATO STOCK NUMBERS

With the same key SAILOR XTR platform benefits of unmatched performance, reliability and smarter industrial design; the SAILOR 1000 XTR GX-R2 for Inmarsat Fleet Xpress services offers a true Internet of Things-ready platform, capable of optimizing every aspect of antenna operation and management. The SAILOR 1000 XTR is already GX-R2 compliant and thus compatible with future GX7-10 satellites, providing the greatest flexibility in the industry. SAILOR XTR thus unlocks the widest choice of multiple constellations, orbits, and frequencies to secure dependable access to the fastest and most competitive high-speed maritime broadband allowing diverse users to meet diverse business needs – today and tomorrow.

SPECIFICATIONS

FREQUENCY BAND: Ku-Band

ANTENNA CABLE & CONNECTORS

ABOVE DECK UNIT (ADU)

BELOW DECK UNIT (BDU)

VSAT MODEM SUPPORT

Antenna specification

Your compact and lightweight future-proof Ka-band system for Inmarsat Global Xpress® – available with either 4.5W or 9W wideband, dual-pol transceiver. Enjoy fast, dependable broadband for operations, business and entertainment with the powerful combination of cutting-edge SAILOR 600 XTR GX-R2 antennas and Inmarsat Fleet Xpress services. Small, superlight and featurepacked, SAILOR 600 XTR GX-R2 delivers the ultimate at-sea connectivity experience for any size of vessels.

SPECIFICATIONS

FREQUENCY BAND: Ku-Band

ANTENNA CABLE & CONNECTORS

ABOVE DECK UNIT (ADU)

BELOW DECK UNIT (BDU)

VSAT MODEM SUPPORT

Antenna specification

Cobham Satcom continues to expand its innovative next generation SAILOR XTR portfolio with the introduction of two new Ka-band antenna systems for Telenor Satellite’s THOR 7 VSAT services: the one-meter SAILOR 1000 XTR Ka and the 65-centimeter SAILOR 600 XTR Ka. Both being the perfect choice for vessels working with numerous business and welfare applications, and eager to secure a return on their investment in digital operations and the IoT. Choosing ultra-reliable and future-ready satellite communication solutions is business critical to ensure full operational efficiency 24/7, anywhere, under any condition, and keep pace with the ever-growing demand for data analysis and reporting. With SAILOR 600 XTR Ka and SAILOR 1000 XTR Ka, vessels not only get the performance they need for business-critical operations today, but the flexibility for effective hybrid network integration or service migrations in the future. Moreover, they will be able to unlock even more ways to work safer, reduce operational costs and limit their environmental impact, by securing more reliable data connectivity on Telenor Satellite’s dedicated European VSAT network.

SPECIFICATIONS

FREQUENCY BAND: Ka-Band

ANTENNA CABLE & CONNECTORS

ABOVE DECK UNIT (ADU)

BELOW DECK UNIT (BDU)

VSAT MODEM SUPPORT

Antenna specification

Cobham Satcom continues to expand its innovative next generation SAILOR XTR portfolio with the introduction of two new Ka-band antenna systems for Telenor Satellite’s THOR 7 VSAT services: the one-meter SAILOR 1000 XTR Ka and the 65-centimeter SAILOR 600 XTR Ka. Both being the perfect choice for vessels working with numerous business and welfare applications, and eager to secure a return on their investment in digital operations and the IoT. Choosing ultra-reliable and future-ready satellite communication solutions is business critical to ensure full operational efficiency 24/7, anywhere, under any condition, and keep pace with the ever-growing demand for data analysis and reporting. With SAILOR 600 XTR Ka and SAILOR 1000 XTR Ka, vessels not only get the performance they need for business-critical operations today, but the flexibility for effective hybrid network integration or service migrations in the future. Moreover, they will be able to unlock even more ways to work safer, reduce operational costs and limit their environmental impact, by securing more reliable data connectivity on Telenor Satellite’s dedicated European VSAT network.

SPECIFICATIONS

FREQUENCY BAND: Ka-Band

ANTENNA CABLE & CONNECTORS

ABOVE DECK UNIT (ADU)

BELOW DECK UNIT (BDU)

VSAT MODEM SUPPORT

Antenna specification

The SAILOR 900 VSAT Ka is the world’s most advanced and reliable 3-axis stabilized Ka-band antenna system for the Telenor THOR 7 satellite network. It’s unique design and technology streamlines the deployment process, introducing significant installation benefits. While in operation, SAILOR 900 VSAT Ka enables service providers to deliver unmatched reliability and link uptime.

A single coax cable carries the Receive signal, Transmit signal, Antenna control M&C signals, 10 MHz reference for the BUC, and the 48VDC power between the below deck, antenna control unit and the above deck antenna.

Because the quad band Philtech LNB receive signals are downconverted to 625 MHz and then remixed in the ACU to a standard L-Band frequency, the LNBs can be made to emulate any standard LO frequency.

Acronyms for S900 parts

Dual antennas require no arbitrator

On installations where two antennas are installed to overcome blockage limitations, no arbitrator is needed to switch between the antennas. The receive and transmit signals from the modem are simply split to the two antennas and the antennas take care of the switch over.

SPECIFICATIONS

FREQUENCY BAND: Ka-Band

ANTENNA CABLE & CONNECTORS

Single crossdeck IF cable

A single, 50 Ohm coax between the BDE and ADE carries the IF transmit signal (L-band), the 10MHz reference signal, the down converted receive signal (625MHz) , the M&C up (54MHz) and down (36MHz) between ACU and antenna and the DC supply voltage to the antenna.

ABOVE DECK UNIT (ADU)

BELOW DECK UNIT (BDU)

System requires 24VDC supply at ACU

Be sure to order the TT-6080A 28VDC power supply when ordering the antenna.This must be ordered separately, as it is not automatically supplied with the antenna.
Most installations will use the TT-6080A power supply to run off AC power.
The antenna operates on 20-32VDC (23-14A) with a startup peak current of 35A. It can operate on ship's 24V battery supply fused with a 30A (Slowblow) breaker.

Connect Modem IF cables

VSAT MODEM SUPPORT

Antenna specification

Connect and setup Sailor systems

Connect Modem IF cables

Connect Modem Console RJ45 to DB9

Connect modem to ACU LAN1

Connect PC to the GUI in the ACU

Configure NETWORK/ Lan port 1: VSAT Modem Unit

Find the antenna IP address in the option file from the satellite provider, or downloaded from the modem via iSite or the modem web GUI. LAN Port 1 IP address is in the option file paragraph under the heading [ANTENNA]. This is the address to be entered in LAN1 of the ACU.

Edit VSAT Modem Profile

PROFILE NAME can be anything (Example "idirect openAMIP"). This profile will be selected in the EDIT SATELLITE PROFILE later.

Set Tracking Profile

Edit Satellite Profile

Connect Gyro Heading

Azimuth Calibration

Cable Calibration

Cable calibration measures transmit cable loss between the ACU and the antenna at 5 different frequencies 13825-14425MHz and automatically adjusts the attenuation, based of frequency, so that the modem has the same (~-5dBm) maximum output (compression point) at all frequencies. This is important to ensure that, when switching between satellites, the modem can transmit maximum power at higher frequencies, where the attenuation is greater, and does not go into saturation at lower frequencies, where the attenuation is less. The same maximum power will apply across the whole frequency band.

At the bottom of the page under SERVICE>Calibration> Cable calibration press [Start]. The antenna will move in elevation to the zenith (straight up) and then measure the line loss at 5 different frequencies while measuring the output power using a built-in detector in the OMT. This measurement can be seen on a bar graph on the DASHBOARD under TX. It is best to use Chrome or Firefox browser, as IE had some issues with early versions of software.

When the cable calibration is complete, the Attenuator margin will indicate the quality of the coax cable run, and how much extra margin remains. A low number (<5dB) indicates a coax run that is close to the maximum length limit or compromised connectors, and a high number ~20dB indicates a shorter cable run and good connectivity between ACU and antenna.
There have been issues with some versions of Internet Explorer where Cable cal is grayed out, so it is recommended to use Chrome or Firefox.

Confirm GPS latlong update to modem

Telnet into the modem IP address and ensure [LAT LONG] GPS output sentences appear periodically from the antenna to the modem over openAMIP.

Satellite Line up with provider

Confirm Rx lock on the modem and call the NOC for lineup. They will provide a test frequency to be entered in iSite (X5) or the Modem webGUI (X7) and also into the antenna webGUI.
It is essential to enter the Modem CW frequency in the web interface Line up page under SERVICE/Line Up and click [ACTIVATE]. This allows the antenna to use the correct attenuation for that frequency. The test, Ku band, frequency is entered in both the antenna and the modem.
Polarization adjustment is seldom necessary. After peaking the polarization with the provider. Click [SAVE POLARIZATION OFFSET] and [DEACTIVATE] the CW carrier.
For the 1dB compression point test, the transmit power is adjusted with iSite, webGUI or telnet session as usual.
Note that because of the multiplexing of the signals onto the signal cable, and the cable calibration, the BUC compression point will be much higher than other antennas, in the region of -10dBm to -5dBm output from the modem.
Some NOCs can access the modem and Sailor antenna remotely to activate and deactivate the carrier and adjust power.

Set Blockage Zones

STEP 1

Set the network card on your computer to DHCP.


STEP 2

Conncet LAN port 3 on the ACU, and use an Ethernet cable to connect your computer to this port.


STEP 3

Open a Browser and access the web GUI at default IP http://192.168.0.1


STEP 4

Log into the BDU(ACU) by using:

• User: admin
• Password: Sailoracu1! or 1234


Note: If the paswords above does not give you access, hold left arrow for 5 sec on the BDU to enable administration mode. Then use: User: admin and leave password empty

STEP 5

Verify that the firmware version of the ACU is the latest approved according to the list found on Inmarsat Sharefile. Upgrade according to the step below if needed.


STEP 6

If firmware upgrade is needed: Collect the latest approved firmware file from Inmarsat Sharefile. Navigate to Service  Upload, Enable the “Enable automatic rollback on failure”, than choose the latest file and Upload.




STEP 7

Set new admin password if needed XXXXXXXX



STEP 8

Change the host name to vessel or what the clients want



STEP 9

Change the Mode settings on LAN Port 3 to: “Switched with port 1”.

Note: After Step 9 you will reach the ACU through IP Address 192.168.1.2(or given IP) DHCP is no longer enabled.

STEP 10

Cable calibration
You must make a cable calibration.
10.1. Select SERVICE > Calibration 10.2 In the section TX cable calibration, select the Type:


• Cable calibration: The system will make a complete cable calibration (recommended).
• User defined system gain: Allows you to set a fixed gain. Note that this may decrease the maximum allowed cable length.
• Disabled: The gain is set at a maximum and no cable calibration is made. It is up to the modem to make the necessary adjustments.
10.3 Click Start in the section TX cable calibration.

10.4 Wait typically for 2 minutes for the calibration to finish. A message is displayed when the calibration has been completed successfully.This screen shows how much attenuation margin is left for the antenna cable. This indicates whether the antenna cable and connectors are in good condition and well crimped.


It is recommended to make a cable calibration when servicing the system to check if the antenna cable is still in good order. If the attenuator margin changes by 2 dB or more after a cable calibration, it is recommended to do a P1dB compression measurement to verify that the VSAT modem configuration is correct.
The SAILOR 900 VSAT Ku is calibrated now. If the calibration failed there will be a message on the calibration screen.





STEP 11

To set up a service profile for calibration


If you do not want to use the automatic azimuth calibration or if you want to enter the satellite parameters directly on the calibration page, use this calibration method. To prepare for calibration you can set up a service profile for calibration.
To setup a service profile do as follows:

11.1 Open your Internet browser and enter the IP address of the ACU. The default IP address is http://192.168.0.1.
11.2 Select SETTINGS > Satellite profiles > New entry. Enter the name of the satellite profile for calibration (a name of your own choice).
11.3 Select the modem profile Service & Calibration from the drop-down list



STEP 12

Automatic azimuth calibration with an active satellite profile
To enable automatic azimuth calibration, do as follows:


• 12.1 Create a modem profile, see Modem profiles
• 12.2 Create a satellite profile, see Satellite profiles
• 12.3 Click SETTINGS and Activate the satellite profile
• 12.4 Click SERVICE > Calibration

• 12.5 Select Enable in the section Azimuth calibration (active satellite profile).
• 12.6 Click Apply.
• 12.7 Switch on the modem.



STEP 13

To make a line up procedure.

The SAILOR 900 VSAT Ku has been tested at the factory and online on a live satellite link to calibrate the TX polarization unit. You can fine-tune the TX polarization by doing a line up as described below. To do the line up, do as follows:

• 13.1 Open your Internet browser and enter the IP address of the ACU. The default IP address is http://192.168.0.1.
• 13.2 Create a VSAT modem profile and a satellite profile using the previously created VSAT modem profile
• 13.3 Go to the page SERVICE > Line up. As soon as the antenna is in tracking mode and points to the satellite, the text next to Status shows: Please wait. Improving tracking. This may take up to 2 minutes.
• 13.4 Wait until the text shows: Ready for lineup.

• 13.5 Click the button Activate lineup and wait until the status field shows Antenna ready. Follow the instructions from your service provider.

• 13.6 Enter the Modem CW frequency (Continuous Wave) in GHz. This is provided by the satellite operator, typically when talking to the satellite operator on the phone before starting the line up.
• 13.7 Set the values as advised by the service provider:
  • Azimuth
  • Elevation
  • TX polarization
  
• 13.8 If needed, add 90 degrees to the TX polarization by selecting the field.
• 13.9 To save the TX polarization offset value, click the button Save polarisation offset.
• 13.10 Follow the instructions from the service provider to make a P1dB compression test (VSAT modem).
• 13.11 Click the button Deactivate to leave the line up procedure

When finished, the saved value for TX polarization is visible the next time the line up procedure is selected.




STEP 14


To set up blocking zones (RX and TX)


You can define blocking zones, i.e. No TX and RX zones by entering azimuth and elevation angles for each blocking zone. The system’s blocking map is built up over some weeks and shows where the actual blocking zones are. This is useful if the antenna looses the signal frequently and you might want to check whether the blocking zones are set up correctly. To enable a blocking zone and display it on the blocking map you must select Active. For more information about the blocking map see Optimization of the blocking zones


14.1 Select SETTINGS > Blocking zones.
14.2 Select Active to enable the blocking zone and display it in the blocking map. A dashed line shows a blocking zone, a solid line shows a No TX zone.
14.3 Enter start and stop azimuth value in degrees for the blocking zone. Values allowed: 0 to 360 degrees. Enter clockwise.

14.4 Enter the start and stop elevation angle for the blocking zone. If you enter nothing, there will be no blocking zone. Values allowed: -30 to 90 degrees.

14.5 Select No TX for zones if you don’t want the system to transmit when the antenna points within this zone.
If No TX is not selected, the system also transmits when pointing through areas with blocking objects. The VSAT modem will shut off for TX if no signal is received.
14.6 Click Apply to save the blocking zones



The blocking map is intended as a tool to optimise the blocking zones in order to reduce the antenna’s downtime. It shows the active blocking zones and an automatic evaluation of the antenna reception. Over time the antenna can determine where the signal is blocked by structures on the ship. The blocking map helps you to set more accurate blocking zones.
To enable a blocking zone and display it on the blocking map you must select Active. The re-defined zones will show immediately on the map.
The antenna updates the blocking map every 12 hours, showing whether the antenna has been in a blocking zone (dark gray) or has received a signal (white). After a voyage of days, weeks, months the blocking map will display where the blocking zones are on the vessel (dark gray). The time it takes to draw a meaningful map depends on the ship’s size and motions throughout the voyage. A small ship following a school of fish will have a populated map faster than a larger tanker sailing across the Atlantic ocean.
The following figure shows a populated map.

NMEA 0183 connector

NMEA Heading Input to the ACU




Connect the ship’s gyro to this connector. A mating connector is supplied with the ACU.

NMEA 0183 The NMEA 0183 connection supports IEC 61162-1 and IEC 61162-2.


• IEC 61162-1, baud rate 4800, format 8N1.
• IEC 61162-2, baud rate 38400, format 8N1.

The baud rate is auto detected by the ACU, the user cannot configure this interface.
Supported NMEA strings in order of priority:


• 1. HEHDT (North seeking Gyro compass)
• 2. GPHDT (GPS compass)
• 3. HNHDT (Non-North seeking gyro compass)
• 4. IIHDT (Integrated Instrument)
• 5. HCHDT (Magnetic compass)


Recommended NMEA 0183 cable:

Two-wire constructed with one enclosed shield.
Network signal pair:


• Size: No. 24 AWG (0.24 mm2) or heavier
• Characteristic impedance: 95 - 140 Ohm
• Propagation delay: 5 nanoseconds per meter, maximum
• 15 Twists (minimum) per meter

Gyro Cable

Tools

• Crimping tool for ferrules
• Knife
• Combination plier
• Side cutter
• Self-amalgamating tape
• UV protective electrical tape

STEP 1:

STEP 2:

STEP 3:

Quick Checklist

• Update all software ✔
• LoS verified ✔
• Cable Calibration complete ✔
• Azimuth Calibration complete ✔
• Grounding & waterproofing ✔
• Updated Blocking zones ✔
• Photos & handover docs ✔