Setup and comissioning of Cobham SeaTel System

Typical Seatel/Cobham VSAT system includes:

Antenna Hardware

The first two digits of the SeaTel model number indicates the approximate size of the refecftor in inches, and the last two digits indicate the year that model was first released. A 4009 antenna is a 40" (1m) antenna that was first released in 2009. Likewise, the 9797 antenna is a 2.4m (97") antenna released in 1997.

Sea Tel 100 TV is a 3-axis Ku-band satellite TV antenna with a 100 cm / 40 inch dish. It has advanced technology that enables the user to receive Ku-band HD satellite services worldwide without have to change the LNB.

Technical Information

Typical Data for Media Xchange Point (LMXP)

The Sea Tel 100 TVHD is able to receive worldwide ku-band high definition and standard definition programming without having to make any adjustments to the hardware. Fully compatible with DIRECTV, the largest broadcaster in the US with 285 channels, of which 195 are full time HD.

Technical Information

Typical Data for Media Xchange Point (LMXP)

Sea Tel 120 TV is a 3-axis Ku-band satellite TV antenna with a 120 cm / 50 inch dish. It has advanced technology that enables the user to receive Ku-band HD satellite services worldwide without having to change the LNB.

Technical Information

Typical Data for Media Xchange Point (LMXP)

The Sea Tel 120 TVHD is able to receive worldwide Ku-band high definition and standard definition programming without having to make any adjustments to the hardware. Fully compatible with DIRECTV, the largest broadcaster in the US with 285 channels, of which 195 are full time HD.

Technical Information

Typical Data for Media Xchange Point (LMXP)

Sea Tel’s Model 6004 is the most powerful Ku-Band, DTH antenna with a greater range than other systems in its class. At 1.5 meters in dish diameter, the Model 6004 delivers crystal clear digital signals from satellite television providers around the world.

Technically, the Model 6004 is one of the most sophisticated marine antennas in the world. Its state-of-the-art three axis, servo-stabilized system enhanced with DISHSCAN tracking, provides reliable digital television and CD quality digital music while underway, even in the harshest marine conditions imaginable. Just ask the thousands of fishermen, deep-water oil men, ferry operators, work boaters, yachtsmen and sailors who rely on Sea Tel marine satellite antenna systems.

All Sea Tel DBS TV-at-Sea systems accommodate any number of satellite receivers. Many TV sets may be installed onboard, each receiving its own programming from its own satellite receiver. Compatible with the services provided by the industries leading satellite companies like DirecTV™, DISH Network™, Bell TV™, Hotbird, Sky, Orbit and DirecTV Latin America (DLA)™.

Technical Information

Stand alone setup

Dual setup

Typical data for DAC2202 Controller

Included is an integrated and secure user interface with extensive logging capabilities and as with all Sea Tel products, it is built to operate and last in extreme conditions.

Technical Information

Typical Data for Media Xchange Point (LMXP)

The ST24 is in the long line of how-did-we-ever-live-without-it TV-at-Sea marine stabilized antennas from Sea Tel. It features a greater elevation range than most standard antennas with 2 axes of stabilization and 1 axis of polarization. The high elevation range enables viewing TV at higher latitudes. The ST24 is available with automatic or manual skew control. Automatic skew control allows antenna to operate at optimal skew angle to receive satellite signal at maximum strength. Sea Tel’s ST24 features high performance stabilization and satellite tracking.

The ST24 eliminates the need of expensive upgrades when mounted on a tuna tower; a significant cost savings over competitive products. The ST24 also features a state-of-the-art 4.3 inch touch screen Graphic Antenna Control Panel (GACP) as standard equipment. Compact size, large viewing area and easily recognizable icons makes operating the GACP fun. The GACP is sleek and simple to operate with many new innovative features. Some of these features include interactive and intuitive graphics user interface, satellite selection capability, extended list of presets, built-in in service and out of service test, backup GPS information and manual control for AZ, EL and pol.

The ST24 antenna system is easy to install since it uses standard off-the-shelf cables. The ST24 is compatible with most KuBand HDTV services worldwide and will support multiple satellite receivers.

Technical Information

Graphical Antenna Control Panel (GACP) details:

Single ST24 setup

Sea Tel ST94 Satellite TVRO is the next generation 2.4M TV-at-Sea system and based on the well proven 9497 antenna system. Packed with electronic innovation the antenna continuously calculates position, orientation and velocity for smart, seamless satellite TV for offshore applications.

With a host of improvements the system's advanced electronics enhance system awareness - including LED indicators for troubleshooting, the USB port for BlueTooth adaptor and a digital control interface between the motor driver and PCU for improved communications whilst high-accuracy accelerometers enhance positioning for a better service.

The Sea Tel ST94 Satellite TV supports any number of satellite receivers so many TVs can be installed and individually programmed for the enjoyment of everyone on board. Crew and passengers can enjoy digital TV and music programming from leading providers in some of the world's most remote oceans. By installing the Sea Tel ST94 Satellite TVRO system you can enhance crew welfare and increase passenger satisfaction when operating offshore.

Cobham SATCOM TV-at-Sea antennas are designed and built to exacting standards. Using innovative, cutting-edge technology to ensure high performance and reliability that end-users can trust. The micro-electromechanical (MEM) sensors used in Sea Tel's antennas are based on the same technology currently being used in missile and aerospace technology around the world. This high-end quality in combination with the unmatched satellite TVRO antenna manufacturing process ensures you can count on the Sea Tel ST94 Satellite TVRO to keep working in any conditions.

The Sea Tel ST94 Satellite TV has been protected against motion and interference to ensure consistency of operation and unspoilt viewing pleasure for passengers and crew alike in teh harshest of conditions. The Sea Tel ST94 Satellite TV's complete antenna stabilisation system including proprietary antenna control and fast-track signal lock software detects the slightest motion and compensates / corrects accordingly. The ST94 is available in C-band and Ku-band configurations or as a dual-band system to permit both frequencies.

Technical Information

Typical data for DAC2202 Controller

The Sea Tel Model 14400 is the top-ofthe-line TV-at-Sea™ system. It has always been the choice for the user who needs the largest possible offshore operating area and compatibility with all known and planned satellites. With the major tracking, reliability and stability improvements introduced recently, it is more than ever the antenna system of choice.Available in C-band and Ku-band configurations or “dual-band” configuration that permits the same antenna to be used for both.

The 14400 is designed and built to pass the U.S. Navy’s tests for vibration, shock and protection against RFI and EMI emissions. And when it comes to vibration, this antenna actually exceeds Navy MIL-STD-167-1 standards.

Technical Information

Typical data for DAC2202 Controller

Sea Tel 4009 MK3 is a 3-Axis marine stabilized antenna system compatible with most Ku-band satellites. The 4009 MK3 system uses the latest Integrated Marine Antenna (IMA) software. MK3 is to differentiate from the current 1m systems and is offered as Ku-Band ONLY system fitted with a 16 Watt BUC and Dual Quad-band LNBs as standard.

The 4009 MK3 is supplied in a frequency tuned 1.27m (50”) radome. Featuring an Integrated Control Unit (ICU) that offers a single box integrated electronic control to maintain the best and most efficient pointing accuracy in the maritime market. With its extended web based secured user interface, built-in remote management capabilities it offers integration into network management systems through its Media Xchange Point (MXP), first seen on the Sea Tel 4012GX antenna system.

The Media Xchange Point (MXP) and Integrated Control Unit (ICU) features include three levels of User Access (Password Protected), a one key stroke monolithic software upgrade, extensive remote monitoring and diagnostic capabilities, legacy command set compatibility support and ease of system parameter file uploads for multiple systems operating on identical networks.

The intuitive web user interface is accessible from practically any internet-enabled device including mobile devices, with secured socket layer (SSL) password protection, built-in remote management capabilities, multi-level data analysis capability and easy integration into network management systems through its Media Xchange Point (MXP), make IMA software enabled Sea Tel 4009 MK3 antennas ready to face the communications needs of the maritime market in the 21st century. Sea Tel 4009 MK3 is easy to install and designed to meet some of the toughest shock and vibration specifications, such as IEC 60721, IEC 60945 and MIL STD 167-1.

Technical Information

Typical data for MXP Controller

Sea Tel 5012 is a 3-Axis marine stabilised antenna system compatible with most Ku-band satellites. The revolutionary architecture of this 1.24 metre system is based on Sea Tel's industry leading XX09 marine stabilised antenna system. The 5012 is the industry's first 1.24m Ku-band only system powered by integrated marine antenna (IMA) software, supplied in a frequency tuned 1.68m (66") radome. Featuring an integrated control unit (ICU) that offers a single box electronic control solution to maintain the best and most efficient pointing accuracy in the maritime market. With its extended web based secured user interface, built-in remote management capabilities it offers integration into network management systems through its Media Xchange Point (MXP), first seen on the 4012 system.

The intuitive web user interface accessible from practically any internet enabled device including mobile devices, with secured socket layer (SSL) password protection, built-in remote management capabilities, multi-level data analysis capability and easy integration into network management systems through its Media Xchange Point (MXP), make IMA software enabled Sea Tel 5012 ready to face the communications needs of the maritime market in the 21st century.

Sea Tel 5012 is easy to install and designed to meet some of the toughest shock and vibration specifications, such as IEC 60721, IEC 60945 and MIL STD 167-1.

Technical Information

Typical data for MXP Controller

The Sea Tel 6012 is a 3-Axis marine stabilized antenna system compatible with most Ku-band satellites. The revolutionary architecture of this 1.5 meter system is based on Sea Tel’s industry leading series 09 marine stabilized antenna system.

The 6012 is the industry’s first 1.5m Ku-band system powered by integrated marine antenna (IMA) software, supplied in a frequency tuned 76" (1.93m) radome or optionally in a 81" (2.05m) radome with air conditioner. The antenna can be equipped with a Codan 8 or 16 Watt LBUC and dual Quad LNBs for Cross or Co-Pol operation. Featuring an integrated control unit (ICU) that offers a single box electronic control solution to maintain the best and most efficient pointing accuracy in the maritime market. With its extended web based secured user interface, built-in remote management capabilities it offers easy integration into network management systems through its Media Xchange Point (MXP).

The intuitive web user interface is accessible from practically any internet-enabled device, including mobile devices and features secured socket layer (SSL) password protection and multi-level data analysis capability. This makes the IMA software-enabled Sea Tel 6012 ready to face the communications needs of the maritime market in the 21st century.

Sea Tel 6012 is easy to install and designed to meet some of the most demanding shock and vibration specifications, such as IEC 60721, IEC 60945 and MIL STD 167-1. High performance and efficient RF components are integrated in the design of Sea Tel 6012 providing unparalleled reliability

Technical Information

Typical data for MXP Controller

The Sea Tel Model 9707D radical offset antenna is our most efficient ever C-band Circular only, stabilized antenna system. The Model 9707D is both INTELSAT and DSCS compliant. You get more through-put using the same or lesser amount of valuable deck space.

Innovative Radical Offset antenna technology provides unparalleled efficiency and performance. An unmatched range of additional powerhouse features means a system you can rely on whatever the weather or the sea conditions.

The Sea Tel 9707D Utilizes the DAC 2202 Antenna Control Unit. The DAC 2202 is 19” rackmount unit (1.75” tall) featuring: (3) RS-232/422 Serial Ports; (1) full function M&C and (2) NMEA ports for heading, GPS input and modem compatible, reformatted GPS output; (1) Ethernet port allowing (2) full function TCP/ IP M&C ports; (1) multi-user HTML interface port for setting all DAC parameters and viewing the current DAC status; (1) UDP download port for updating software in the Comm Interface. DAC 2302 is available for 70/140 MHz receivers.

Technical Information

Typical data for DAC2202 Controller

The Sea Tel 9711 IMA (Integrated Maritime Antenna) System combines a C-band circular/linear Switchable Feed as well as a Ku-band cross/co pol switchable feed with sub-reflector. The combination allows switching from C-band operation to Ku-band operation electronically and eliminates the need to manually change the feed. The Ku-band sub-reflector has been designed to optimize the RF performance of the 2.4 meter antenna. This patented state-of the-art design is second to none when it comes to RF performance.

Tx/Rx All-In-One Antenna

The Sea Tel 9711 IMA features a 2.4-meter radical offset antenna for both the C-band and Ku-band operation. This offset design provides the most efficient 2.4-meter antenna in the market today. Software has been specially designed to switch from C to Ku-band operation in a matter of seconds.

Easy Automation

By eliminating the need to manually change feeds when switching between bands, the Sea Tel 9711 IMA is incredibly cost effective. A technician is no longer required to be dispatched for making configuration changes, eliminating offline time for a vessel while switching between networks.

Seamless Operation

The Sea Tel 9711 IMA system is fully compatible with ABS technology. By combining multiple option files in a single modem, the user can make near seamless transitions from C band circular A Pol to B Pol, C-band linear, and Ku-band satellites.

State-of-the-art Platform

The Sea Tel 9711 IMA Systems utilize the IMA architecture currently used on Cobhams XX12 series products. It features an Integrated Control Unit (ICU) that offers a single box electronic control solution to maintain the best and most efficient pointing accuracy. With its extended web based secured user interface, built-in remote management capabilities, it offers easy integration into network management systems through its Media Xchange Point (MXP)

Secure Solution

The web user interface, accessible from practically any internet enabled device, including mobile devices, features Secured Socket Layer (SSL) password protection and multi-level data analysis capability for ease of use and added security. The Sea Tel 9711 IMA systems with C/Ku switchable feeds are the cutting edge, top-of-the-line solutions for your top performance maritime communication needs.

Technical Information

Typical Data for Media Xchange Point (MXP)

One of the most common causes of internet downtime onboard vessels is when the VSAT cannot achieve line-of-sight with the satellite often caused by mast or other equipment blockage. In some locations satellite operators can provide service on 2 or more satellites that are located on different satellites to eliminate mast blockage. However there are may sea areas that service is still provided only on a single beam so internet is often lost at certain ships headings.

The 1U Sea Tel Dual VSAT Arbitrator allows two VSAT antennas to be arbitrated to ensure that you have seemless coverage for all azimuths at all ships headings. With two arbitrated antennae you only need a single modem and single airtime contract and the system is fully compatible with ABS (Automatic Beam Switching). The system also allows manual switching (either from the front panel or remotely from the web GUI) giving any dual system increase resilience from hardware failure.

Technical Information

Features and Benefits

Sea Tel Arbitrator

Dual System Arbitrator for TX/RX Systems

Check and Setup of DAC22XX controller

The DAC 2200 Controller

Targeting the satellite

If the antenna is not tracking the satellite, or is tracking the wrong satellite, you may need to point it back at the target satellite during troubleshooting. To do this you need to tell the antenna, once again, which satellite to point to.

When targeting the satellite, the antenna calculates the target azimuth and elevation using the ships latitude, longitude, and heading, and the satellite longitude and then points to a location in the sky 10 degrees above where the satellite ought to be. It knows that there can be no satellites in this location, so it measures the off-satellite signal strength or AGC. Once it knows what the signal strength is off satellite, it adds about 100 counts to this AGC and sets the THRESHOLD. The antenna then moves down 10 degrees in elevation to where it expects to see the satellite, and looks for a signal level or AGC that is above the THRESHOLD.

Turning off the Error light

The numbers on the left of the screen indicate how many errors have occurred. It is quite normal to have numbers showing on the left of the screen and it is even OK for these numbers to increment slowly, perhaps about once per minute. This indicates that minor errors have occurred, like packets being dropped, and should not be of great concern, unless the number continues to increment regularly.

SeaTel DAC 2202 Status Menu

Status Menu

The status menu is the first of four menus accessed by pressing the NEXT button. It is also referred to as the SEATEL menu

Press reset to see DAC model and version

To see the antenna controller model and version it is necessary to press the reset button. The screen will scroll through the DAC model, version, and on the latest software the CommIF version and SCPC or DVB tuner version.

Control Tracking screen

The control screen shows you the status of the antenna. It could be TRACKING, BLOCKED etc. With older software, or with tracking display set to 0000 this screen also shows the type of tracking C, X, KuLo and KuHi.

Track disp Enable

Most satellites are Xpol (cross pol), where the transmit and receive are on oposite pols, but there are regions of Asia and the Pacific that use copol, where both the receive and transmit are on the same pol, either vertically or horizontally polarized. This might need to be changed by the operator when changing satellite beams. To change the band use the left arrow to edit mode, then the down arrow to cycle through the band and POL options.

Status Error Screen

It is quite normal for the number on the left to gradually increase the error count, about once per minute. This is could be due to missed packets or some other minor issue, and is no cause for concern if the antenna is otherwise functional, and there is no error type on the right.

Lat - Lon Menu

Checking GPS and changing Latitude and Longitude

Checking and entering Heading

If the ship heading from the gyro compass is in NMEA format, the heading should update automatically. If the heading source is in a Step-By-Step or Synchro signal you may need to enter an initial heading when the antenna is first powered on, afterwhich the heading will be updated automatically, as the vessel turns. If power is reset to the DAC, you will need to re-enter the heading, if it is not a NMEA serial input.

To check if the vesel is receiving a NMEA heading signal from the compass, press ENTER three times until the screen shows only HDG on the bottom line. Press the left arrow to edit mode and you will see the cursor under a digit in the left hand screen. Use the up and down arrows to change the heading one digit and press ENTER. Watch to see if the heading is corrected by the input from the compass. If not, the heading may not be functional.

Save Parameters

Satellite Menu

The Satellite Menu is accessed by pressing the NEXT button until SAT is displayed.
The Satellite menu contains tracking information for the target satellite. The first screen displays the selected satellite longitude, the threshold, the tracking frequency and the satellite ID decoded from the satellite.

SAT: Satellite Longitude

This is the longitude at which the geostationary satellite is 'parked' above the equator. The antenna needs this input, and the ships location and heading, to calculate where to point the antenna.
To change the satellite longitude, press ENTER. Only the SAT longitude will be displayed in the top left hand corner. Press the left arrow to edit mode and the cursor will appear under one of the digits. Use the up and down arrows and left and right arrows to change the digits to the correct satellite longitude and to change to W or E as appropriate. Press ENTER to target the new satellite.
You can use the same procedure to retarget the same satellite if the antenna has tracked off onto something else. When re-targeting the same satellite, there is no need to change the digits, but you do need to use the left arrow to go to edit mode, as if you were going to change the satellite and then ENTER to begin the targeting.

THRS: Threshold

Threshold tells the antenna when it is on and when it is off satellite. When the receive signal level (AGC) is above the threshold, the antenna will assume that it is on satellite and begin tracking. When the receive signal level is below the threshold, the antenna will continue to search and target until it finds a signal stronger than the threshold.
If Auto Threshold is set in the setup menu, the antenna will automatically adjust the threshold based on the off-satellite and on-satellite signal levels it sees, each time it targets the satellite. If Auto Threshold is set to 0000 (manual) then the threshold can be set manually in this screen.
In most situations, the setting is not critical as long as it is well above the noise floor and well below the satellite peak to keep operating in variable conditions. If the threshold is set way too low, the antenna will happily "track" the noise in every direction, whereas if it is set above the on-sat AGC it will continue to search even after it has found the satellite.
To set the threshold manually it needs to be between the on-sat and off-sat AGC levels. Subtract the off-satellite AGC from the on-satellite AGC. Divide this delta by two (or by three) and add this to the off-satellite AGC as the threshold.
Example:
On-Satellite AGC 1800 minus Off-Satellite AGC 1620 = 180
divided by two = 90.
New THRS = 1620+90 = 1710

Some manual tweaking may be necessary, especially if there is a strong signal on an adjacent satellite. Bear in mind that the noise floor and situation can change over time, and with location requiring the manual threshold to be revisited. Auto Threshold is therefore clearly the mode of choice, as this will adapt with each retarget, as conditions change over time.

FREQ or MHz: Tracking Frequency

Sometimes with VSAT they will have you track the same carrier that you are communicating on, but if this is a small signal it is often better to use a large TV carrier on the same satellite. Unless you know the origin of the signal, there is always the risk that the carrier might me removed or changed without your knowledge.

For TV listings it is necessary to deduct the LNB local oscillator frequency from the listed Ku-Band frequencies to obtain an L-Band tracking frequency. For example a Ku-Band Frequency on 101W of 12297 MHz less the LNB local oscillator of 11250 would give you a tracking L-Band frequency of 1047 MHz.

Baud or KHz

If the FEC is set to AUTO or any other ratio, this field will display as Baud which is essentially the width of the carrier. The TV Baud rates are available on sites like lyngsat.com or your VSAT provider can recommend a baud rate for the carrier that they suggest to track.

Having the correct baud rate is important if you plan to use satellite NID to positively identify that you are on the right satellite. Otherwise, if you are just tracking an unknown carrier, it can be reduced to a point where you get the maximum difference between on-satellite and off-satellite AGC. If you do not know what the correct baud should be try 08000 or 10000.

Tone ON/OFF- 22KHz

The VSAT, SMW quad band LNB can be controlled from the DAC with tone on older VSAT systems. The newer systems do not pass tone from the DAC through the FSK modems, but rather regenerate the tone in the antenna. With this type of system the tone is controlled in the STATUS menu with the band selection. For example B1, for Europe, is with tone OFF, and B2 for USA is with tone ON. Older systems can achieve the same result using the tone from the DAC in this menu.

TV LNBs are also controlled by the tone in this menu and the voltage in the next menu. With 22KHz tone the LNB switches to high band, and with tone off the LNB switches to low band. (13VDC switches to vertical and 18VDC horizontal polarization).

Volt: HORZ, VERT, RHCP, LHCP

With TV antennas and older VSAT antennas, this 18 Volt/13 Volt setting can control certain multiband LNBs and multiswitches. This has no effect on the newer VSAT systems that generate the LNB voltage in the antenna. For the Volt setting to have effect the LNB voltage must be supplied by the DAC (System Type must include 64) directly, or via a multiswitch.

FEC: Forward Error Correction

If the DAC has a DVB tuner (wide band TV) then the FEC can be set to AUTO where the tuner will automatically adjust to the correct FEC ratio. You can also enter the specific FEC for the carrier you are tracking if that information is available. This information should be available from your VSAT provider or from the TV listings on websites like www.lyngsat.com.

FEC or Forward Error Correction is a special way that data is coded to prevent and reduce errors due to noise or weak signals. This is used in satellite TV broadcast signals and it is important to have the correct setting if you are tracking a TV signal, for the DVB tuner to lock on to the carrier and decode the NID. When set to AUTO, the tuner will automatically identify the FEC ratio, and this is most commonly used. For example, the FEC for 101W is 6/7 and for 95W it is 2/3. The available FEC settings are 1/2, 2/3, 3/4, 6/7, 7/8 or AUTO.

Skew

Skew can be used to align the pol angle of the antenna feed with the satellite during alignment with the teleport. Most teleport operators prefer to use the POL OFFSET setting in the setup menu which achieves the same objective. This would only apply to a VSAT antenna with linear polarization where the pol angle alignment with the satellite is critical to avoid interference with other carriers on the opposite pol.

Adjusting the skew only applies with POLANG TYPE set to auto (0072). The skew setting adds or subtracts to the target polang that is calculated by the DAC based on the vessel position and the satellite longitude.Each digit represents one degree on pol angle.

NID: Target Satellite Network ID

The NID on this screen is the target NID setting, whereas the NID displayed on the main satellite menu screen (at the top of this page) is the NID received and decoded from the satellite. Make sure that you are receiving a steady and reliable NID before entering anything in this field. The NID is in hexadecimal digits (ie 0-F). For example, the NID from the satellite at 101W is FFFE and appears to be extremely reliable.

FEC

Forced NID applies to the FEC settings with the asterisk * (or star). This feature applies only to DVB tuners and is rarely used. This is only necessary if the antenna repeatedly tracks off onto an adjacent satellite and the target satellite does not have an NID, but does have a unique combination of frequency, baud rate and FEC. The available forced FEC rates are 7/8*, 6/7*, 5/6*, 3/4*,2/3*, 1/2* and AUT*.

With the FEC set to the appropriate rate with an asterisk *(star), the antenna will generate a pseudo NID, only if the DVB tuner achieves a lock on a carrier with the required frequency, baud rate and FEC parameters. This pseudo NID can then be set in the target NID field. If the antenna tracks off onto the wrong satellite, that does not have the unique frequency, baud, FEC combination, then the pseudo NID will disappear (just like a real NID) and the antenna will retarget.

Antenna Menu

The azimuth and elevation can be driven manually from this screen using the up and down arrows for elevation, and the left and right arrows for azimuth. This is useful for manually searching for a satellite while watching for an increase in AGC.

AZ: Azimuth

Press ENTER from the main Antenna menu to go into the Azimuth menu. Only the Azimuth will be displayed in the top left corner and the AGC in the bottom left corner.
The azimuth is the horizontal direction of the satellite, or the direction of the antenna, in a clockwise direction from from true north. Azimuth includes the relative azimuth (angle from the bow) and the ships heading.
Press the left arrow to enter edit mode so that the cursor appears below the digits.
Use the left and right arrows and up and down arrows to change the azimuth to the required setting, and then press enter to command the new azimuth.

EL: Elevation

Press ENTER again to move to the Elevation screen. Only the elevation and AGC will be displayed.
Elevation is the angle of the antenna, or the satellite, in a vertical direction above the horizon.
To change to a specific elevation, use the left arrow to enter edit mode. Use the left and right arrows and up and down arrows to change the digits to the required elevation and ENTER to target the new elevation.
Pressing NEXT at any time will return to the main Antenna menu.

AZ EL COMMANDS TO THE ANTENNA:

The commands from the DAC to the antenna to change elevation or azimuth can be viewed flashing in the bottom left corner of this screen. The direction each number represents is similar to the layout of a telephone dialpad (2=UP, 8 =DOWN, 4=LEFT, 6=RIGHT). The numbers only appear when the DAC requires the azimuth or elevation to change in a certain direction, to peak the signal, for instance.
Pressing NEXT at any time, will return to the main Antenna menu.

REL: Relative Azimuth

The REL or relative azimuth is the horizontal angle from the bow of the vessel. The relative azimuth plus the heading of the vessel combine to give the true azimuth.
On unlimited azimuth antennas the REL goes from 000 on the bow, clockwise through 360 degrees.
On limited azimuth antennas, like to SeaTel XX04 series, the relative azimuth rotates through almost two revolutions through 680 degrees, begining at 020 off the starboard bow, rotating clockwise to 360 degrees on the bow and continuing for a second rotation to 700 degees off the port bow before unwrapping. (see drawing)
In some cases the antenna may not be may not be mounted with 360 or 000 on the bow, due to mounting or access restrictions. With dual TV antennas, one antenna is usually mounted with REL 360 facing the stern, so that both antennas are not in unwrap mode at the same time.
With VSAT antennas the homeflag magnet can be rotated to set the homeflag on the bow. A homeflag offset can also be entered (so that the antenna knows the REL of the bow) or an azimuth trim can be entered. Neither method will actually change the REL reading, but they will compensate for the offset.

POL: Pol Angle

The Pol cannot be changed in this screen when the polang type is set to auto (0072). To change POL manually you need to set the polang type to manual (0009) in the setup menu. To adjust the POL use the left arrow to edit mode, and then use the up and down arrow to change the POL one click at a time or holding the button to rotate. It does not seem to make any difference which digit the cursor is under, the feed still moves at the same speed. Press enter after each adjustment and let the feed settle. This is best done is small increments.

If the polang pot in the antenna is correctly aligned, the feed should be square (orthogonal) with the antenna when the POL reading in this screen reads about 130 for a VSAT and 120 for a TV antenna. This is the center of travel of the potentiometer. The easiest way to check this is to target an imaginary satellite at the ships own longitude, and inspect the feed to check that it is indeed at 90 or 180 degrees.

The Setup Menu

AUTO TRIM

In the latest software 6.08g the elevation will move up 10 degrees to measure the off satellite AGC and then come back on satellite and measure the on satellite AGC to calculate the new AUTO THRES value. The EL TRIM and AZ TRIM values will also be adjusted. You can then read the new values in the following two screens.

EL TRIM and AZ TRIM

The EL TRIM and AZ TRIM function allows one to tweak the target elevation and azimuth to find the satellite more quickly. This can be done automatically using the AUTO TRIM function above, or manually if your software does not have the AUTO TRIM feature. This is only necessary if the antenna struggles to find the satellite or requires assistance to find the satellite.

EL TRIM

AZ TRIM

Save Parameters

AUTO THRESHOLD

Each time the antenna targets the satellite, the elevation moves 10 degrees above where it expects to see the satellite (confident that there are no satelites up there), to measure the background, off-satellite AGC. It then adds the AUTO THRES value to that level and sets the new THRESHOLD. So if the off-satellite AGC reading was 1640 and the AUTO THRES was set to 0100 then the new THRESHOLD will be 1640 +0100 = 1740.

EL STEP SIZE 0000

AZ STEP SIZE 0000

STEP INTEGRAL 0000

SEARCH INC, SEARCH LIMIT and SEARCH DELAY

If it does not find the satellite it will begin a search by moving up one step of the SEARCH INC size in azimuth, followed by a step up in elevation, followed two steps down in azimuth, continuing to increase in a spiral patern until the satellite is found (AGC goes above threshold) or the preset SEARCH LIMIT is reached. If it has not found the satellite it will then return to the center (or to the target) and begin to search again after the preset SEARCH DELAY period.

SEARCH INC

SEARCH LIMIT

SEARCH DELAY

SWEEP INC

SYSTEM TYPE

SeaTel System Type Calculator

System type information

GYRO TYPE

POLANG TYPE

POL OFFSET

The Pol Offset is added to the polarization that the antenna calculates as the target Pol. The Pol Offset does not modify the Pol reading in the Antenna screen that comes directly from the polang potentiometer on the feed. It changes the angle that the feed moves to when targeting the satellite. If the antenna calculates a Pol angle of 90 degrees, the target Pol will be 90 + the Pol offset or 40 = 130.

When doing a crosspol lineup with the satellite NOC, it is easiest to adjust the Pol Offset in Auto Pol mode (0072) rather than going to manual. Leave the system in Auto mode and go to the POL OFFSET screen. When the NOC asks you to rotate the feed, give them the starting point as a reference (example 40) and then adjust the pol offset one degree at a time. Use the left arrow to edit mode and set the cursor under the last digit. Use the up or down arrow to change it 1 degree and press ENTER. Allow 5 seconds for the feed to settle, and then tell the NOC the new reading. Continue to adjust the pol offset up or down under direction from the NOC until the optimum pol angle is attained. Exit by pressing NEXT and then SAVE PARAMETERS.

To visually check the Pol Offset, set the TX POL to 0002 and target an imaginary satellite at the ships own longitude. If the longitude is 80W set SAT=80W. The target light will come on an the Pol angle in the Antenna menu will go to about 130. Go to the antenna and verify that the feed (and LNB) is (square or at right angles) with the antenna. If it is not, the Pol Offset needs to be corrected, or if it is way off, the polang pot will need alignment.

POL SCALE

AZ LIMIT 1, AZ LIMIT 2 and EL LIMIT 12

Three blockage zones can be set, always in a clockwise direction, using the beginning azimuth of the blockage zone (AZ LIMIT 1) set from REL 0000-3600, the end limit of the blockage zone (AZ LIMIT 2) set from REL 0000-3600, and the elevation of the blockage (EL LIMIT 12) set from 0000-0900 degrees. The elevation defaults to 0900 or 90 degrees which would be total blockage from say a tall mast, but if the blockage only extends up to say, 45 degrees, then this could be changed to 0450 to allow the antenna to operate above this level.

TX POLARITY

5V OFFSET

5V SCALE

TRACK DISP

Track Display changes the options in the Status Menu to accommodate the newer antennas that provide LNB power and tone switching for multi band LNBs in the antenna rather than via the coax from the DAC. It also allows switching of LNB coax relays using the Aux signal.

Save Parameters

Remote Commands

Remote Command

REMOTE MONITOR

STATUS WORD S0000 - Error 8 Decoding [.83]

Error codes are most easily decoded using DacRemP. If DacRemP is not available, it can be decoded in the Remote Command menu using the Status word S0000.

N-Parameters

N0 Parameters

N6 Homeflag Offset or HFO

To convert to homeflag units, take the degrees relative to the bow, divide by 360 and then multiply by 255. So in this example, the antenna stops 25 degrees to port, or 335 degrees to the physical bow of the ship. So we divide this by 360 to get 0.93... and then multiply by 255 and round it off to whole numbers of 237 (N6237).

Save Parameters

Reset Antenna ^0090 [.94]

REMOTE TILT

REMOTE BALANCE

REMOTE DISHSCAN ON

SAT REF ON

Why can't I see the satellite




If the LNB has a DC supply voltage on the coax, of 12V or 18V, you will normally see an AGC of about 0800 to 1600 when the antenna is off satellite. When the dish is pointed at a satellite, you should see a rise in AGC to about 1200 to as high as 2200. If you don't see any variation in AGC, you are most likely not pointing at the right place in the sky.

There is not much between the LNB and the tuner in the DAC to prevent one form seeing a rise in AGC, even when on the wrong satellite, so if no change is seen, the dish is not pointing in the right direction, or there is an obstruction between the antenna and the satellite.

This could be for several reasons including: Heading input is incorrect, Azimuth out of alignment, GPS position is wrong, Elevation is out of alignment, Polarization is on opposite pol, Satellite is blocked. Satellite frequency is wrong, Satellite longitude is wrong. Other satellite settings are wrong.

An AGC below 0400 or thereabouts, indicates that the LNB has no supply voltage, or the tuner has no connection to the LNB. Having said this, there are some tuner models that have and AGC of about 800 with no signal or supply voltage.

Check your tuner settings

Go to the SAT menu by presing the NEXT button and then press ENTER ENTER to cycle through the antenna parameters. Take note of each parameter, and compare this with the instructions sent by the satellite provider.

The following is an example of settings on Thor 1W with a quad LNB. Your required settings may be quite different.





Check the Gyro Compass input





The gyro heading input to the antenna is incorrect. Gyro compasses can take several hours to settle on the correct heading after a power outage. Check that you are receiving data from the gyro by pressing the NEXT key until you come to the LAT LON (SHIP) menu. Pres ENTER a few times to enter the menu and go to the heading screen. The heading on the left of the screen is the input from the gyro, and the heading on the right is what the antenna is receiving from the DAC.

Manually checking the heading. Press the left arrow and move the cursor under the heading, and then the up or down keys to change one of the digits to something else, and press ENTER. If the heading remains at the new setting and does not revert back to the original heading, then you are not receiving input from the gyro. If it changes back to the original setting, you are receiving data from the gyro.

Go to the bridge and verify the actual heading using a magnetic or hand bearing compass, taking magnetic variation and deviation into account. If the actual heading from the gyro is obviously wrong, you will need to correct this. If it cannot be corrected immediately, one can drive the antenna manually to the corrected azimuth to find the satellite. This will work for a while if the vessel is on a steady course or tied to the dock.

If it cannot be corrected, there are ways to disconnect the heading input and enter the correct heading manually to find the satellite. The antenna will need to be put into Sat Reference mode to operate without heading input until the gyro can be corrected.





Check the Azimuth and Elevation Alignment

Manually Searching for the satellite.


Target the satellite again, as detailed above, and note the target azimuth and elevation once the antenna settles down. In the AZ EL menu, press the left arrow to slowly move the azimuth down about 10 degrees, while watching for changes in the AGC. Then try going up in Azimuth with the right arrow until you are 10 degrees above the target azimuth and watch the AGC. Return to the target azimuth. Then try using the up and down arrows to go up and down 10 degrees in elevation while watching the AGC.

Stop if you see a rise in AGC, and try peaking up the signal using the left/right and up/down arrows. Once tracking, check the receive light on the modem. If you get a solid receive light you can be 99.9% sure that you are on the right satellite. If not, you may be tracking the wrong satellite.





Point the antenna at the bow

If all else fails, check the heading and change the azimuth to the same as the heading. In other words, point the antenna at the bow. Then go to the antenna and verify that it is pointing to the bow.
If swinging at anchor, you may need some assistance, communicating by VHF radio or cellular phone to ensure that the azimuth remains the same as the heading while observing the antenna in the radome.





Point the elevation at 0 degrees

Turn the tracking off, and change the elevation to 0 degrees. Then go to the antenna, and verify thet the antenna is pointing at the horizon. If not, try and estimate how many degrees it is above or below the horizon and try compensating for this error, manually when targeting the satellite.





Reseting power to the antenna

If all else fails, it may be necessary to reset power to the antenna and let the antenna reinitialize. This can solve many problems. Note that with a VSAT, turning off the power switch on the antenna controller does not reset power to the antenna (with TV antenna it does). In many cases the power to the antenna is supplied by a UPS somewhere else on the vessel. A way to be sure that the antenna has been reset, is to climb up in the radome and turn the breaker located on the base of the radome, off and on.
The TV antenna receives it's power from the antenna controller on the coax cable, so turning off the antenna controller will reset power to both.





Watching the antenna re-initialize

All antennas prior to the 09 series, have a mechanical level cage that contains sensors that tell the antenna how to compensate for movement of the vessel and and keep the sensors level with the horizon.


The level cage is a small, 50mm x 70mm silver or gold box on the side of the antenna frame that is driven by a small stepper motor with belt. When the antenna is first turned on, you will hear and see the level cage drive to it's physical endstop. When it reaches the endstop you will hear it cluck several times as it verifies that it has arrived at it's starting point. It will then move to the 45 degree position, and the antenna will drive in elevation to 45 degrees where the level cage should be level.

After a few seconds, the cross level will drive to make the antenna level from side to side.

The azimuth will then drive the whole antenna in a clockwise direction until it is pointing at the bow. After a minute or two, it will then drive to target the satellite. (TV antennas are different)

Watching the antenna as it initializes can often show up problems, especially with finding the satellite.



For TVRO antenna:




TV Picture Pixelating


Tracking on sidelobes


The parabolic dish reflector in the antenna focuses the beam from the satellite toward the LNB receiver. In a perfect world, this beam focus would be just a single beam from the satellite to the center of the dish, but in the real world the dish has more than one lobe of gain toward the satellite. In fact there are several lobes spirallng off from the center of the dish.


With larger antenna sizes of 1 meter and above, and with strong satellite signals, it is possible for the antenna to begin tracking the satellite on one of the sidelobes.



If the threshold is set too low, the antenna could happily track the satellite when it is actually pointing a few degrees away. If the signal is strong enough, you could even get a good picture on some of the stronger channels, but the picture will break up into pixilation on some of the weaker channels.

When tracking on sidelobes, one usually sees the AGC drop from a normal ~2100 down to about ~1800 and the quality of the signal on the decoder signal strength meter drops down to about 50 or 60 percent.



To confirm this, go to the AZ-EL Antenna menu on the DAC and use the up, down and left, right buttons to drive the antenna in azimuth and elevation and watch the AGC to see if there is a stronger signal within a few degrees of where the antenna is tracking.

Imagine the above illustration in 3 dimensions with the sidelobes in a donut around the main beam, so the main beam could be above or below, or left or right of where you are tracking.



If this is the case, it is necessary to set the threshold above the sidelobes, so that the antenna will continue to search to find and track the main beam. This can be done by increasing the auto threshold in the setup menu from the default 0100 to about 0120 or 0150, or in extreme cases set it to 0000 to go to manual threshold and adjust the threshold manually in the Satellite menu so that it is above the sidelobe AGC but still below the real, mainbeam AGC.

NMEA input for DAC22XX and MXP

NMEA Heading Input to the ACU (MXP)




J13 NMEA 0183
NMEA 0183 I/O connections.
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

NMEA Heading Input to the ACU (DAC2202)



TB-4 NMEA 9-pin PCB.
TX+ and TX- screw terminals are used to provide GPS NMEA
GPGGA output to a Satellite Modem used with Sea Tel
Transmit/Receive (TX/RX) antennas.
RX+ and RX- screw terminals are commonly used to connect
GPS (Latitude and Longitude) or Gyro Compass (Heading)
NMEA inputs to the ACU J-13 communications port.
+24V and GND screw terminals are commonly used to provide
+24 VDC operating voltage to a GPS, Dual Antenna Arbitrator or other below decks tone generators or switches.

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 ✔
• Azimuth trim value adjusted complete ✔
• Elevation trim value adjusted complete ✔
• N7 Dishscan parameters complete ✔
• Grounding & waterproofing ✔
• Updated Blocking zones ✔
• Photos & handover docs ✔