ASA DBS-4500 Users Guide

M-01335, Rev. A

The DBS-4500 / Land Version

In-Motion Satellite Television System

User’s Guide

Includes:
– 100 Series Antennas

IMPORTANT!

DO NOT OPERATE THIS SYSTEM
WITHOUT FIRST READING
SECTIONS 3 & 7 OF THIS MANUAL.

All rights reserved, patent pending
Copyright ? 1999 by Datron/Transco Inc.
A subsidiary of Datron Systems Incorporated

M-01335, Rev. A

NOTICE!!

Important Warranty Information

Keep this User Guide with the Antenna

System at all times.

For Customer Service, contact an Authorized Service Center
nearest you, or call Datron at 1-(800)-287-5052.

M01335, Rev. A

Page 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................ 2

1.1 What to Expect While Operating the DBS-4500..................................................2

1.2 Features of your DBS-4500.................................................................................2

2. SYSTEM OVERVIEW .................................................................................................... 3

2.1 Antenna/Radome Assembly................................................................................3

2.2 Antenna Control Unit (ACU) ................................................................................3

2.3 Satellite Receiver.................................................................................................3

3. SYSTEM OPERATION................................................................................................... 5

3.1 General................................................................................................................5

3.2 Powering On the System.....................................................................................5

3.3 First Time Start-Up ..............................................................................................5

3.4 Automatic Satellite Signal Acquisition and Tracking............................................6

3.5 Power Conservation Mode ..................................................................................6

3.6 Operating Tips.....................................................................................................6

4. REGULAR SERVICE AND PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE........................................... 8

5. SPECIFICATIONS.......................................................................................................... 8

5.1 Mechanical ..........................................................................................................8

5.2 Electrical..............................................................................................................8

6. TROUBLESHOOTING................................................................................................... 9

6.1 Failure Messages ..............................................................................................11

7. PRECAUTIONS ........................................................................................................... 11

8. GLOSSARY................................................................................................................. 12

9. WARRANTY................................................................................................................. 13

APPENDIX A – DATRON SATELLITE SYSTEM RECEIVER COMPATABILITY MATRIX

M-01335, Rev. A

Page 2

1. Introduction

Thank you for purchasing CruiseTV?, Datron’s DBS-4500 Land In-Motion Satellite Television
System. You now own one of the most advanced automatic satellite systems available, providing
access of more then 200 channels of digital television and CD quality audio programming while your
vehicle is in motion. The DBS-4500 is specially designed for Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS)
television viewing while traveling on highways and thoroughfares in the lower 48 states that have a
clear view to the southern sky.

1.1 What to Expect While Operating the DBS-4500

The DBS-4500 has been designed as an open road, cross-country system that works best on open
stretches of road. It has not been designed to drive around town, but may surprise you with its in­town capabilities. As you drive your DBS-4500 you will learn its characteristics and how it works
best for you. If you encounter any conditions that you don’t expect, just contact us at 1-800-287­5052 and we will discuss them with you.

1.2 Features of your DBS-4500

? Automatic signal acquisition from anywhere in the Continental United States on roads with an

unobstructed view to the DBS satellite in the southern sky.

? Automatic satellite tracking and TV viewing while your vehicle is in motion
? Dual LNBF allowing two receivers to be used simultaneously
? Automatic system calibration
? On-screen status reporting
? Compatibility with most digital satellite system receivers equipped with a low speed data port
? Power conservation mode when vehicle is parked

This User’s Guide describes the operation and use of the DBS-4500 satellite system. Operation of
your satellite receiver is covered in your receiver’s operating instructions.

Please take the time to read this booklet completely. Your new CruiseTV? system by Datron
represents the very latest in satellite tracking technology. Therefore it is very important that you
understand the proper operation of both your receiver and your satellite antenna system.

M-01335, Rev. A

Page 3

2. System Overview

Your Datron DBS-4500 is the first fully automatic in-motion satellite system specifically designed for
use with the new high-power DBS television satellites. The satellites have revolutionized television in
the United States and have made DBS television receiving systems the fastest selling consumer
electronics product in history.

The DBS-4500 has been designed for simplicity of operation. The DBS-4500 incorporates the latest
solid state satellite tracking technology with advanced computer software to give you, our customer,
true value and years of entertainment enjoyment.

Datron has been designing and manufacturing satellite tracking systems for military and commercial
customers worldwide since 1969. This experience has created this revolutionary new satellite
television receiving system.

The DBS-4500 has three main parts, the Antenna/Radome Assembly, the ACU, and the Satellite
Receiver. Since your DBS-4500 was probably installed by a Datron dealer, we will give you some
background on the system.

2.1 Antenna/Radome Assembly

The DBS-4500 uses a specially designed 12” x 24” parabolic reflector (dish) and an LNBF to receive
the DBS satellite’s signals. The antenna and its drive motors are covered by a low-profile protective
cover called a radome. The dish is automatically and continuously pointed at the satellite by the
antenna control unit (ACU) while the vehicle rolls down the road. The radome is specially designed
and molded from a material that is strong and light weight and must not be painted with metallic based
paints. The metallic content of many paints will severely impair system performance.

2.2 Antenna Control Unit (ACU)

The ACU is located under the radome. The ACU contains the motion sensing devices that give the
ACU’s computer the information it needs to keep the antenna accurately pointed at the satellite as the
vehicle turns, sways and rolls over bumps. Your only interface with the ACU is “ON” or “OFF”
through the remote switch in your vehicle.

2.3 Satellite Receiver

The final main part of the system, other than your TV, is the satellite receiver. The receiver is the
same type of unit you would use to view DBS television in your home. Appendix A contains a matrix
of compatible receivers.

M-01335, Rev. A

TV

Page 4

2nd
TV

2nd

Satellite

Receiver

? Coax Cable

ANTENNA

Stereo

Optional

Audio Connection

Satellite

Receiver

Video Connection

110 VAC OR 12 VDC

? Coax Cable

Receiver Control

110 VAC

?

Antenna Control Cable

Receiver
Control Interconnect

Power Switch

GND

+12 VDC

Figure 1. Diagram of DBS-4500 System Connections