COBHAM EXPLORER 8100, EXPLORER 8120 User & Installation Manual

EXPLORER 8000 series
Drive-Away VSAT Terminal

User & installation manual

EXPLORER 8000 series

Drive-Away VSAT Terminal

User & installation manual

Document number: 98-145510-E
Release date: 8 June 2017

Disclaimer

Any responsibility or liability for loss or damage in connection with the use of this product and the
accompanying documentation is disclaimed by Thrane & Thrane A/S. The information in this manual is
provided for information purposes only, is subject to change without notice and may contain errors or
inaccuracies. Manuals issued by Thrane & Thrane A/S are periodically revised and updated. Anyone
relying on this information should acquire the most current version e.g. from www.cobham.com/satcom,

Cobham SYNC Partner Portal, or from the distributor. Thrane & Thrane A/S is not responsible for the

content or accuracy of any translations or reproductions, in whole or in part, of this manual from any
other source. In the event of any discrepancies, the English version shall be the governing text.

Thrane & Thrane A/S is trading as Cobham SATCOM.

Copyright

© 2017 Thrane & Thrane A/S. All rights reserved.

Manufacturer address

Thrane & Thrane A/S, Lundtoftegaardsvej 93 D, DK-2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark

Trademark acknowledgements

• EXPLORER is a registered trademark of Thrane & Thrane A/S in the European Union and the United
States.

• Other product and company names mentioned in this manual may be trademarks or trade names of
their respective owners.

ii 98-145510-E

Safety summary

The following general safety precautions must be observed during all phases of operation,
service and repair of this equipment. Failure to comply with these precautions or with specific
warnings elsewhere in this manual violates safety standards of design, manufacture and
intended use of the equipment, and will void the warranty. Thrane & Thrane A/S assumes no
liability for the customer's failure to comply with these requirements.

WARNING! Heavy weight - Do not attempt to lift the antenna alone! Use

two or more persons or a lifting device. The antenna can weigh up to 70 kg and
is difficult to handle.

WARNING! Hazardous moving parts - keep fingers and other body parts

away from the antenna while the system is powered!

WARNING! Be aware of pinch points while the antenna is being positioned,

deployed or stowed.

Power supply

The voltage range for the EXPLORER 8000 series is 100 – 240 VAC (nominal), 50/60 Hz. The

socket-outlet shall be installed near the equipment and shall be accessible. See also System
power supply range (input via ACU) and Total system power consumption on page A-1.

WARNING! Before disassembling or performing any maintenance or upgrades,

unplug the unit from the power source.

Grounding

WARNING! Always connect your ACU to the safety ground of your

power source (e.g. generator, inverter, line outlet etc.).

Do not operate in an explosive atmosphere

WARNING! Do not operate the equipment in the presence of flammable gases

or fumes. Operation of any electrical equipment in such an environment
constitutes a definite safety hazard.

Keep away from live circuits

Operating personnel must not remove equipment covers. Component replacement and internal
adjustment must be made by qualified maintenance personnel. Do not replace components
with the power cable connected. Under certain conditions, dangerous voltages may exist even

98-145510-E iii

with the power cable removed. To avoid injuries, always disconnect power and discharge

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circuits before touching them.

Install and use the antenna with care

Thrane & Thrane A/S assumes no liability for any damage caused by the antenna falling off the
vehicle or stressing the mounting base. It is the responsibility of the customer to ensure a safe
and correct installation of the antenna. The instructions in this manual are only guidelines.

Service

User access to the interior of the system units is not allowed. Only a technician authorized by
Cobham SATCOM may perform service - failure to comply with this rule will void the warranty.

Microwave radiation hazards

During transmission the antenna radiates Microwave Power.This radiation may be hazardous to
humans close to the antenna. During transmission, make sure that nobody gets closer than the
recommended minimum safety distance.

WARNING! This device emits radio frequency energy. Do not place
your head or other body parts between transmitting feed horn and

reflector when the system is operational. Also do not place any objects
between feed horn and reflector, as the object may reflect the signal in a
different direction than the focal line.

The minimum safe distance applies in a cylinder between the reflector and satellite, parallel
with the feed arm (see Figure 1 below). No hazard exists at the back of the reflector. The safe
distance varies with the BUC version and the reflector size, see T

able 1 on the next page.

Figure 1: Radiation area

98-145510-E iv

Minimum safe distances:

5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

Safety Distance [m]

EXPLORER 8120
EXPLORER 8100

Safe distance,

trained professional

operators, short

b

term

Diameter

of radiation

area

Product Variant

Safe distance,

General

a

public

EXPLORER 8100 Ku-band, 8 W BUC 30 m 1 m

Ku-band, 20 W BUC 49 m 1 m

1200 mm

Ku-band, no BUC Depends on BUC, see Figure 2 below

Ka-band 36 m 1 m

EXPLORER 8120 Ku-band, 8 W BUC 35 m 1 m 1400 mm

Ku-band, 20 W BUC 58 m 1 m

Ku-band, no BUC Depends on BUC, see Figure 2 below

Table 1: Minimum safe distances

a. Uncontrolled environment, based on a radiation level of 10 W/m
b. Controlled environment, based on a radiation level of 100 W/m

2

2

For different BUCs for the EXPLORER 8120, read the safe distance below in Figure 2.

Figure 2: EXPLORER 8120 Safety distance versus BUC power

98-145510-E v

Antenna clearance space

Antenna clearance space

R1195

[47.0]

Ø2390

[94.1]

[9.7]

246

830

[32.7]

Ø2390

[94.1]

232

1427

997997

[39.3] [39.3]

[56.2]

[9.1]

Measures are in millimeter
[inches in brackets]. Add a
little extra security margin.

Mechanical “stay-clear” area, EXPLORER 8100

WARNING! Stay clear of the antenna when it is powered! The antenna

dish can move quickly across a large area, and can cause injury to persons
close to the antenna. When the antenna is powered, make sure nobody
gets closer than the limits of the “Stay-clear area” shown below.

Figure 3: Stay-clear area for the EXPLORER 8100 antenna

98-145510-E vi

Mechanical “stay-clear” area, EXPLORER 8120

Antenna clearance space

Antenna clearance space

Ø2800
[110.2]

[17.8]

453

1035
[40.7]

Ø2800

[110.2]

233

1633

1199

[47.2]

[64.3]

[9.2]

Measures are in millimeter
[inches in brackets]. Add a
little extra security margin.

R1400
[55.1]

1199

[47.2]

WARNING! Stay clear of the antenna when it is powered! The antenna

dish can move quickly across a large area, and can cause injury to persons
close to the antenna. When the antenna is powered, make sure nobody
gets closer than the limits of the “Stay-clear area” shown below.

Figure 4: Stay-clear area for the EXPLORER 8120 antenna

98-145510-E vii

Table of contents

Chapter 1 About this manual

1.1 Manual overview ...................................................................................................................1-1

1.2 Precautions ................................................................................................................................1-2

Chapter 2 Introduction

2.1 EXPLORER 8000 series Drive-Away VSAT System ...................................... 2-1

2.2 Description of the system components .............................................................2-3

2.3 Part numbers ......................................................................................................................... 2-10

Chapter 3 Installation

3.1 To unpack the system ......................................................................................................3-1

3.2 To install the EXPLORER 8000 series ....................................................................3-2

Chapter 4 Interfaces

4.1 Interfaces of the Antenna Control Unit (ACU) .............................................4-1

4.2 Interfaces of the antenna .............................................................................................4-8

4.3 Interfaces of the VSAT modem .............................................................................4-10

Chapter 5 Initial setup and basic functions

5.1 To drive with the antenna installed ......................................................................5-1

5.2 Prerequisites for installation .......................................................................................5-1

5.3 Initial setup ..............................................................................................................................5-3

5.4 Start up and basic functions .......................................................................................5-3

Chapter 6 Setup and operation

6.1 The web interface ................................................................................................................6-1

6.2 Keypad and display menus ........................................................................................ 6-27

6.3 SNMP support ......................................................................................................................6-33

Chapter 7 Service and maintenance

7.1 General support .....................................................................................................................7-1

7.2 Software update ....................................................................................................................7-4

7.3 Status signalling with LEDs and status messages .......................................7-7

7.4 To stow and unfold the antenna manually ......................................................7-9

7.5 BUC installation .................................................................................................................. 7-13

7.6 Replace the antenna or ACU ....................................................................................7-20

7.7 To return units for repair ............................................................................................ 7-20

98-145510-E viii

Appendix A Technical specifications

A.1 General specifications ......................................................................................................A-1

A.2 Antenna specifications ....................................................................................................A-2

A.3 Specifications for User I/O connector .................................................................A-5

A.4 VSAT LNB Data Sheet (physical LNB) ...................................................................A-6

A.5 VSAT 8W BUC Data Sheet (Extended) .................................................................A-7

A.6 VSAT 20W BUC Data Sheet (Extended) ..............................................................A-9

A.7 ViaSat eTRIA .........................................................................................................................A-11

A.8 Antenna dimensions .......................................................................................................A-12

A.9 ACU specifications ...........................................................................................................A-18

A.10 ACU dimensions .................................................................................................................A-19

Appendix B VSAT modem cables

B.1 Modem Cable COMTECH Serial & RSSI TT7016A .......................................B-2

Table of contents

B.2 iDirect & SkyEdge II VSAT modem serial cable ...........................................B-3

Appendix C VSAT modem settings

C.1 OpenAMIP setup for iDirect iNFINITI & Evolution ..................................C-2

C.2 OpenAMIP setup for Generic OpenAMIP VSAT modems .................. C-16

C.3 Serial setup for iDirect iNFINITI & Evolution ............................................C-20

C.4 COMTECH 570L ...................................................................................................................C-24

C.5 STM SatLink 2900 VSAT modem ...........................................................................C-27

C.6 Gilat SkyEdge II VSAT modem ...............................................................................C-30

Appendix D Command line interface

D.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................................D-1

D.2 Supported commands .....................................................................................................D-3

Appendix E System messages

E.1 Event messages – overview .......................................................................................... E-1

E.2 Lists of events ......................................................................................................................... E-2

Appendix F Approvals

F.1 EXPLORER 8100 .....................................................................................................................F-1

F.2 EXPLORER 8120 .....................................................................................................................F-6

Glossary ..............................................................................................................................................................Glossary-1

Index ....................................................................................................................................................................Index-1

98-145510-E ix

Chapter 1

About this manual

1.1 Manual overview

This manual has the following chapters:

• Introduction

• Installation

• Interfaces

• I nitial setup and basic functions

• Setup and operation

• Service and maintenance

This manual has the following appendices:

• Technical specifications

• VSAT mod em cables

• VSAT modem settings

• Command lin e interfa ce

1

• System messages

• DVB-S/DVB-S2 satellites for Ku-Band

• Approvals

1.1.1 Intended readers

This is an installation and user manual for the EXPLORER 8100 and EXPLORER 8120
systems, intended for installers and users of the system. It is important that you observe all
safety requirements listed in the beginning of this manual, and install and use the system
according to the guidelines in this manual.

Service that requires access to the interior of the system units may only be performed by a
technician authorized by Cobham SATCOM.

1.1.2 Software version

This manual is intended for EXPLORER 8100 and EXPLORER 8120 with software version

1.58 (Antenna and ACU). The modem software version is shown in its own web interface.

98-145510-E 1-1

1.1.3 Typography

In this manual, typography is used as indicated below:
Bold is used for the following purposes:

• To emphasize words.

Example: “Do not touch the antenna”.

• To indicate what the user should select in the user interface.

Example: “Select SETTINGS > LAN”.

Italic is used to emphasize the paragraph title in cross-references.

1.2 Precautions

Text marked with “Warning”, “Caution”, “Note” or “Important” show the following type of
data:

• Warning: A Warning is an operation or maintenance procedure that, if not obeyed, can

cause injury or death.

• Caution: A Caution is an operation or maintenance procedure that, if not obeyed, can

cause damage to the equipment.

Precautions

• Note: A Note gives information to help the reader.

• Important: A text marked Important gives information that is important to the user,

e.g. to make the system work properly. This text does not concern damage on
equipment or personal safety.

All personnel who operate equipment or do maintenance as specified in this manual must
know and follow the safety precautions. The warnings and cautions that follow apply to all
parts of this manual.

See also the Safety summary on page iii.

WARNING! Before using any material, refer to the manufacturers’

material safety data sheets for safety information. Some materials can be
dangerous.

CAUTION! Do not use materials that are not equivalent to materials

specified by Cobham SATCOM. Materials that are not equivalent can cause
damage to the equipment.

98-145510-E Chapter 1: About this manual 1-2

Chapter 2

Introduction

This chapter has the following sections:

• EXPLORER 8000 series Drive-Away VSAT System

• Description of the system components

•Part numbers

2.1 EXPLORER 8000 series Drive-Away VSAT System

2.1.1 Overview

The EXPLORER 8000 series is a series of drive-away VSAT antenna systems for vehicle roof
mounting. It comes in the following versions:

• EXPLORER 8100 (1 m reflector):

• Ku Band with 8 W BUC

• Ku Band with 20 W BUC

• Ku Band with no BUC

• Ka Band (Viasat eTRIA)

2

• EXPLORER 8120 (1.2 m reflector):

• Ku Band with 8 W BUC

• Ku Band with 20 W BUC

• Ku Band with no BUC

98-145510-E 2-1

EXPLORER 8000 series Drive-Away VSAT System

Reflector

RF assembly

Antenna positioner

ACU with keypad

and display

Modem with LAN
ports (Example)

Figure 1: Major system components, example with EXPLORER 8100

The auto-deploy system allows personnel with minimal satellite experience to easily
configure and operate this terminal enabling the user to access any broadband application
over satellite.

The EXPLORER VSAT systems are easy to install, set up, and commission by a non-specialist
technician. The system has the following system units:

1. One 2-axis semi-stabilized antenna for either Ku or Ka VSAT satellites.

2. One 1-Rack-Unit Antenna Control Unit (ACU) containing keypad and display and
LAN/WLAN ports for system access and internal communication.

VSAT modem: Apart from the two units that make up the EXPLORER VSAT system, you

need a VSAT modem to provide the IP services on the RF link. For a list of supported VSAT

modems see VSAT modem unit on page 2-9.

The antenna provides a stable RF link and the modem provides services on the RF link.

2.1.2 Satellite service

The EXPLORER 8100 operates in the Ku-band (10.7 to 14.5 GHz) or the Ka-band (Viasat

eTRIA,19.7 to 30 GHz), depending on the EXPLORER 8100 model.

The EXPLORER 8120 operates in the Ku-band (10.7 to 14.5 GHz).

Service capabilities are determined by the connected VSAT modem.

2.1.3 Service activation

The service is activated by your service provider. For details, contact your service provider.

98-145510-E Chapter 2: Introduction 2-2

Description of the system components

Emergency stop
button

Control box

Elevation drive

Azimuth drive

Connectors

Manual stow and
unfold access

Stow lock release
(only on early
EXPLORER 8100)

2.2 Description of the system components

2.2.1 Antenna pedestal/positioner

Antenna pointing is achieved with a 2-axis semi-stabilized pedestal. The Azimuth drive
comprises a dual gear and belt drives, the Elevation drive a dual gear. Both drives have a
manual stow function. An emergency stop button is placed on the side of the antenna.

Figure 2: EXPLORER 8100 antenna system components, part 1

The location of the EXPLORER 8120 system components is the same as on the

8100 shown above.

98-145510-E Chapter 2: Introduction 2-3

EXPLORER

Description of the system components

Reflector

GNSS antenna

Feed system

Stow brackets with
rubber bumpers

Mounting brackets

Base frame

Reflector

GNSS antenna

Feed system

Stow brackets with
rubber bumpers

Mounting brackets

Base frame

Deployment of the antenna unfolds the Reflector- and Feed support structure. The Feed
position is controlled by 2 gas-springs, which are compressed when the antenna is in
stowed position. Internal cable-wraps are included in both drives, whereas the Feed and
GNSS antenna connecting cables are exposed on the Feed Support Structure.

Figure 3: EXPLORER 8100 antenna system components, part 2

Figure 4: EXPLORER 8120 antenna system components, part 2

98-145510-E Chapter 2: Introduction 2-4

2.2.2 RF assembly

Ku-Horn with Polarization drive

LNB

BUC

OMT

FWG

eTRIA

The RF assembly varies depending on the antenna type. The following pages show the RF
assemblies for EXPLORER 8100 Ku-Band, EXPLORER 8120 Ku-Band and EXPLORER 8100 Ka­Band.

Ku-Band RF assembly

The Ku version features a distributed RF system with a Block Up Converter (BUC) placed in
the middle of the Feed support structure, connected to the Feed (Ortho Mode Transducer
(OMT)/Low Noise Blockdown converter (LNB)) via a Flexible Wave Guide (FWG). A motor
driven Polarizer is present.

Description of the system components

The location of the RF components are the same on the EXPLORER 8120 as on the

EXPLORER 8100 shown above.

Ka-Band RF assembly

In the Ka Eutelsat/Viasat version, the components in the RF assembly are integrated in a
monolithic Transmit and Receive Integrated Assembly (eTRIA) unit, placed at the end of

the Feed arm. For specifications on the eTRIA, see ViaSat eTRIA on page A-11.

Figure 5: Components of the EXPLORER 8100 Ku-Band RF assembly

Figure 6: Components of the Ka-Band RF assembly

98-145510-E Chapter 2: Introduction 2-5

2.2.3 Antenna Control Unit (ACU)

ACU

The ACU manages all communication between the antenna and the connected modem.
The ACU has status LEDs, a display and a keypad. It also provides a flexible configurable
LAN interface (DHCP client/server, static IP address etc.) and a built-in web interface for
configuration of the system. The ACU comes in two versions, a 500 W version and a
1000 W version.

Figure 7: ACU front panel

For details of the interfaces of the ACU, see Interfaces of the Antenna Control Unit (ACU)

on page 4-1.

Description of the system components

Figure 8: ACU connector panel

2.2.4 Keypad and display

Using the keypad and display on the ACU you can deploy, stow and stop the antenna,

including monitoring the system (warnings, errors and information). See Keypad and
display menus on page 6-27 for a full list of menus and details on how to use the display

and keypad.

The menus show how the system has been configured. You can also see events (warnings,
errors and information). Signal strength indication is rendered on the display as 7 blocks on
the main display.

Figure 9: Keypad and display (detailed, example)

The display has a two line menu system. The display also supports two status lines (Upper
and Lower) for compact satellite and antenna information. For a description of the LED light

indicators see LEDs on the keypad of the ACU on page 7-8.

98-145510-E Chapter 2: Introduction 2-6

2.2.5 Web interface

The VSAT system has a built-in web interface, which has two levels:

• Mobile web interface, used for basic operations and status. Accessed from a

smartphone or tablet.

• Computer web interface, used for configuration, line-up, troubleshooting, extended

status information etc. Accessed from a computer.

Mobile web interface

When you access the web interface from a smartphone or tablet you get access to the
mobile web interface, which offers the following basic operations and status:

• Deploy, Stow and Stop the antenna

• Activate satellite profile

• See status and events

• Access the full web interface

Description of the system components

To access the mobile web interface:

1. Connect your smartphone or tablet to the WLAN access point of the ACU. For

information on WLAN setup see WLAN settings on page 6-16.

2. In the browser of your smartphone or tablet, type in the IP address for the web
interface. By default the IP address is http://192.168.0.1.

Figure 10: Mobile web interface, for basic operation

98-145510-E Chapter 2: Introduction 2-7

Web interface for setup and troubleshooting

To fully configure the VSAT system, use a computer with a standard Internet browser to
access the built-in web interface.

The web interface is mainly used for calibration of the system, first-time setup of satellite
and modem profiles, setup of the LAN ports, WLAN use and administrating admin and guest
access rights. You can also deploy, stow and stop the antenna, and monitor the system
(warnings, errors and information) with the web interface.

The web interface can be accessed using LAN or WLAN, if configured. see WLAN settings

on page 6-16. Note that you must use the LAN connection when you first configure the
WLAN interface.

To access the web interface:

1. Connect your computer to the LAN 1 or WLAN interface. For details on LAN/WLAN

interface setup see To configure the LAN network on page 6-14.

2. Enter the IP address for the web interface. The default IP address is http://192.168.0.1.

For details about further configuration and use, see Setup and operation on page 6-1.

Description of the system components

Figure 11: Web interface, DASHBOARD (example, EXPLORER 8100 Ku-Band)

98-145510-E Chapter 2: Introduction 2-8

2.2.6 LAN ports and WLAN

The ACU has five configurable LAN connectors (type RJ45). LAN 2, LAN 3 and LAN 5 are
switched, i.e. the configuration for LAN 5 also applies to LAN 2 and LAN 3.

The default configuration is as follows:

• LAN 1 is used for system control via the web interface.
If you want to use the front connector instead of LAN 1, connect the short LAN cable
(37-206570-025) between LAN 1 and LAN X (Front) in the connector panel. LAN X is
internally connected to the front LAN connector.

• LAN 5 is used to connect to the VSAT modem.

• LAN 4 is configured as a DHCP client.

The ACU has a WLAN module. Access to one of the LAN ports using WLAN must be set up

in the web interface, see To configure the LAN network on page 6-14.

2.2.7 Power supply

Description of the system components

The power input for the ACU and modem is specified as follows: Nominal:100-240 VAC,
50/60 Hz, using IEC320 connector. The antenna is powered by the ACU.

2.2.8 VSAT modem unit

The EXPLORER 8000 series is designed to be operated with third-party VSAT modems.

VSAT modems for Ku Band

The following VSAT modems are supported: for Ku-Band:

• iDirect OpenAMIP (iNFINITY/Evolution)

• iDirect Serial (iNFINITY/Evolution)

• Comtech CDM-570/625

•Gilat SkyEdge II

•STM SatLink 2900

Additional VSAT modems may also be supported using the “Generic modem” or “Generic
OpenAMIP” setup in the web interface of the VSAT system.

• Generic OpenAMIP: Used for OpenAMIP modems that are not in the dropdown list

(e.g. Newtec). This profile uses the information from the modem.

• Generic modem: Used for other modems that are not in the list. You must enter the

information manually in this profile.

A Service modem profile is also available, e.g. for situations where a reference satellite is
needed, see To use a reference satellite (Ku only) on page 6-9.

VSAT modem for Ka Band

The following VSAT modem is supported for Ka-Band:

•Surfbeam II Pro

98-145510-E Chapter 2: Introduction 2-9

2.3 Part numbers

2.3.1 EXPLORER 8100 system

System part numbers

The following EXPLORER 8100 system part numbers are available:

Part number Description ACU Antenna

Part numbers

408157A-50013 EXPLORER 8100 Ku VSAT

System
(no BUC, 1000 W ACU)

408157A-50211 EXPLORER 8100 Ku VSAT

System
(8 W BUC, 500 W ACU)

408157A-50313 EXPLORER 8100 Ku VSAT

System
(20 W BUC, 1000 W ACU)

408157B-50551 EXPLORER 8100 Ka VSAT

System

Table 2-12: System part numbers for the EXPLORER 8100 systems

Conversion kits

The following conversion kits are available for the EXPLORER 8100 system:

Part number Description

408157A-100 EXPLORER 8100 eTRIA Conversion Kit

EXPLORER Antenna
Control Unit, 1000 W

EXPLORER Antenna
Control Unit, 500 W

EXPLORER Antenna
Control Unit, 1000 W

EXPLORER Antenna
Control Unit, 500 W

EXPLORER 8100 Ku VSAT
Antenna (no BUC)

EXPLORER 8100 Ku VSAT
Antenna (8 W BUC)

EXPLORER 8100 Ku VSAT
Antenna (20 W BUC)

EXPLORER 8100 Ka VSAT
Antenna (Viasat eTria)

408157B-100 EXPLORER 8100 Ku Conversion Kit

408157A-200 EXPLORER 8100 20W BUC Kit

Table 2-13: Conversion kit part numbers for the EXPLORER 8100 systems

98-145510-E Chapter 2: Introduction 2-10

2.3.2 EXPLORER 8120 system

System part numbers

The following EXPLORER 8120 system part numbers are available:

Part number Description ACU Antenna

Part numbers

408158A-50013 EXPLORER 8120 Ku VSAT

System
(No BUC, 1000 W ACU)

408158A-50211 EXPLORER 8120 Ku VSAT

System
(8 W BUC, 500 W ACU)

408158A-50313 EXPLORER 8120 Ku VSAT

System
(20 W BUC, 1000 W ACU)

Table 2-14: System part numbers for the EXPLORER 8120 systems

EXPLORER Antenna
Control Unit, 1000 W

EXPLORER Antenna
Control Unit, 500 W

EXPLORER Antenna
Control Unit, 1000 W

EXPLORER 8120 Ku VSAT
Antenna (No BUC)

EXPLORER 8120 Ku VSAT
Antenna (8 W BUC)

EXPLORER 8120 Ku VSAT
Antenna (20 W BUC)

98-145510-E Chapter 2: Introduction 2-11

Chapter 3

Installation

This chapter has the following sections:

•To unpack the system

• To install the EXPLORER 8000 series

3.1 To unpack the system

The antenna is attached to the bottom of the transport box. To unpack the antenna you
must remove the screws attaching the antenna to the packing material.

WARNING! Heavy weight - Do not attempt to lift the antenna alone! Use

two or more persons or a lifting device. The antenna can weigh up to 70 kg and
is difficult to handle.

CAUTION! Do not lift the antenna by the small metal bar on the back of

the reflector. It is not designed to hold the weight of the antenna.

3

3.1.1 What’s in the box

CAUTION! For early versions of EXPLORER 8100 only: Do not

manually unfold the antenna without first releasing the stow lock! If it is
necessary to unfold the antenna in order to access the screws attaching the
antenna to the packing material, you must first release the stow lock as

described in Manual unfolding on page 7-11.

Unpack the antenna and ACU and check that the following items are present:

• EXPLORER 8100 Ku VSAT antenna (no BUC, 8 W BUC or 20 W BUC), or
EXPLORER 8100 Ka VSAT antenna (Viasat eTRIA), or
EXPLORER 8120 Ku VSAT antenna (no BUC, 8 W BUC or 20 W BUC)

• EXPLORER Antenna Control Unit (ACU) (500 W or 1000 W)

•With the ACU:

• AC Power cord 1.8 m, US wall plug (37-207152-000)

• AC Mains cable 1.8 m, Schuko (Euro) wall plug (37-207148-000)

• Ethernet cable 2 m (37-203213-A)

• Short Ethernet cable 0.25 m (37-206570-025)

• WLAN antenna (88-139591-A)

•WLAN TNC key for mounting the WLAN antenna (41-140645-C)

• Quick guide (98-146768)

98-145510-E 3-1

• With the antenna:

• Cable harness, antenna to ACU and modem, 10 m (37-145530)

• Hand crank for manual operation (62-147900)

• Hex L key 4 X 142 mm for manual operation (covers and stow lock) (51-207294-000)

• For antenna installation: 6 mounting brackets (41-145536-A) and Thule rail adapter

(41-145220-A), nylon lock nuts and washers

• Ka only: F-to-SMA adapter for connection to modem (31-207170-000)

• Safety sheet (99-150490)

3.1.2 Initial inspection

Inspect the shipping cartons and wooden box immediately upon receipt for evidence of
damage during transport. If the shipping material is severely damaged or water stained,
request that the carrier's agent be present when opening the cartons and wooden box. Save
all packing material for future use.

WARNING! To avoid electric shock, do not apply power to the system

if there is any sign of shipping damage to any part of the front or rear
panel or the outer cover. Read the safety summary at the front of this
manual before installing or operating the system.

To install the EXPLORER 8000 series

After unpacking the system, i.e. removing the top and sides of the wooden box and opening
the cartons, inspect it thoroughly for hidden damage and loose components or fittings. If
the contents are incomplete, if there is mechanical damage or defect, or if the system does
not work properly, notify your dealer.

3.2 To install the EXPLORER 8000 series

3.2.1 Prerequisites

Vehicle

The antenna is intended for installation on a vehicle, taking advantage of the vehicle’s
suspension system during transport. Inadequate or no suspension, e.g. trailer mount, will
require special measures - contact your dealer or factory before such installation.

Make sure the vehicle and roof rails are approved to carry the weight of the antenna. See

Weights and measures on page A-3.

Magnetizable material

When you install the antenna, make sure the amount of magnetizable material close to the
antenna is as small as possible, as magnetizable material could interfere with the
magnetometer and affect the precision of the system. If in doubt, make a test setup prior to
final manufacture of the supporting structure.

Line of sight

The antenna should be installed in such a way that no objects on the vehicle can block the
line of sight from the antenna in any direction.

98-145510-E Chapter 3: Installation 3-2

To install the EXPLORER 8000 series

This end towards the
front of the vehicle

Mechanical obstructions

Make sure there are no objects on the vehicle that can obstruct the mechanical movement
of the antenna. Preferably do not place any objects within the stay-clear area shown in
page vi. If you cannot avoid objects inside the stay clear area, you must define a blocking

zone. For details, see Blocking zones on page 6-11.

3.2.2 Installation of the antenna on the vehicle

WARNING! Heavy weight - Do not attempt to lift the antenna alone! Use

two or more persons or a lifting device. The antenna can weigh up to 70 kg and
is difficult to handle.

CAUTION! Do not lift the antenna by the small metal bar on the back of

the reflector. It is not designed to hold the weight of the antenna.

CAUTION! Make sure that the Azimuth base faces towards the front of the

vehicle as shown in Figure 1 below. Otherwise the wind pressure may cause
damage to the antenna when the vehicle is moving!

Figure 1: Position of the antenna (stowed) on the vehicle

To install the antenna to the transport vehicle do as follows:

1. Safely and securely install the antenna's mounting frame to the roof of the vehicle.

CAUTION! The major part of the weight is on the front end (Azimuth base)

of the structure. Pay special attention to support for this area when you plan
the installation.

98-145510-E Chapter 3: Installation 3-3

You can mount the antenna on a roof-rack (Thule-bars) or mounted on a custom made

structure/enhancement of the vehicle roof or truck bed, see Custom made structure on the

next page. For optimum servo performance, resilience to wind loads and vehicle
movements, the azimuth base should be stiffly supported.

The mounting frame of the antenna has lengthwise adjustable brackets to accommodate

Note

different placements of the supports. If you are not using a roof rack, omit the U-bars.

Roof-rack mount

We recommend a 3-bar solution over a 2-bar solution whenever possible. Adhere to the
load limits of the roof-rack manufacturer and use sturdy, professional grade racks.

Custom made structure

Custom structures should likewise focus on supporting the azimuth base.

Avoid large amounts of magnetizable material close to the antenna - it could adversely
affect the magnetometer. If in doubt, make a test setup prior to final manufacture of the
supporting structure.

For measures for antenna installation, see Measures for antenna installation on page A-14.
See also Weights and measures on page A-3 and Antenna dimensions on page A-12.

3.2.3 Installation of the ACU

To install the EXPLORER 8000 series

To install the ACU, do as follows:

1. If you are going to use WLAN, connect the WLAN antenna to the connector marked
WLAN in the ACU connector panel. The WLAN antenna is part of the accessories
supplied with the EXPLORER 8000 series system.

CAUTION! Turn the WLAN antenna into horizontal position before

sliding the unit into the rack. The WLAN antenna may be damaged if it is
placed in a vertical position.

Figure 2: ACU connector panel with WLAN antenna

2. If you are going to use the LAN connector on the front, connect the enclosed patch

cable (37-206570-025) between LAN1 and LANX (Front) on the rear of the ACU.

3. Slide the ACU into a 1U space in a 19” rack.

We recommend supporting the ACU either with rails on the side of the rack
system or by attaching it with screws on the side using the 2 M4 inserts on

each side of the ACU (see ACU left and right side on page A-20).

4. Mount the screws on each side through the holes in the front and fasten the screws to
the rack. Make sure that the unit is mounted securely according to the requirements for
your 19” rack.

98-145510-E Chapter 3: Installation 3-4

To install the EXPLORER 8000 series

3.2.4 Installation of the VSAT modem

For a list of supported VSAT modems see VSAT modem unit on page 2-9.

1. Mount the VSAT modem close to the ACU, preferably at a distance less than 1 m.

2. Connect all cables. See VSAT modem settings on page C-1 for a description of the
connectors for supported VSAT modems. For cable specifications see VSA T modem
cables on page B-1.

3.2.5 To connect the ACU, VSAT modem and antenna pedestal

The connections to be made depend on the VSAT system (Ku or Ka) and the VSAT modem
used. The drawings on the next pages show an overview of connections in an
EXPLORER 8000 series Ku system and an EXPLORER 8000 series Ka system.

• For details on how to connect the modem, see VSA T modem settings on page C-1.

• For details on the interfaces, see Interfaces on page 4-1.

98-145510-E Chapter 3: Installation 3-5

Ku-band, connections

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Note

To install the EXPLORER 8000 series

Figure 3: Ku-Band: Connection between antenna, ACU and VSAT modem

Connect the cables as described below:

The cables 6, 7, 8 and 14 are delivered as a cable bundle.

1. If you are using LAN to connect the VSAT modem to the system, connect any LAN port

on the VSAT modem to the LAN 5 control port on the ACU.

2. Connect the VSAT modem's Tx Out port to the ACU's Tx In port.

3. Connect the VSAT modem's Rx In port to the ACU's Rx Out port.

4. If applicable, connect the VSAT modem's RS-232 port to the ACU’s RS-232 port.

5. If applicable, connect the VSAT modem's RS-422 port to the ACU's RS-422 port.

6. Connect the LNB Rx port on the antenna pedestal to the ACU’s LNB Rx port. Seal the

connection at the pedestal with splicing tape.

7. Connect the BUC Tx port on the antenna pedestal to the ACU's BUC Tx port. Seal the

connection at the pedestal with splicing tape.

8. Connect the ODU Power & comm. port on the antenna pedestal to the ACU's ODU
Power & comm. port.

9. If applicable, connect the BUC Power & comm. port on the antenna pedestal to the
ACU's BUC Power & comm. port.

If you replace antenna cables you must make a cable calibration. See Ku-Band
version only: Cable calibration on page 6-22.

Remember to set up the system with the correct BUC interface. See
antenna_data buc on page D-4.

10.Connect the ACU to an AC power source (Standard IEC320 on ACU).

11.Connect the VSAT modem to an AC power source.

98-145510-E Chapter 3: Installation 3-6

12.Use LAN1 to access the web interface.

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13.For LAN2, LAN3 and LAN4, see To configure the LAN network on page 6-14.

14.Connect ODU Comm. on the antenna pedestal to ODU Comm. on the ACU

Ka-band, connections

To install the EXPLORER 8000 series

Figure 4: Ka-Band: Connection between antenna, ACU and VSAT modem

Connect the cables as described below:

The cables 2, 3, 4 and 5 are delivered as a cable harness.

1. Connect the LAN port on the VSAT modem to a router connected to the LAN 5 control

port on the ACU.

2. Connect the RX/TX RF connector on the VSAT modem to the LNB RX connector on

the antenna pedestal, using the F-to-SMA adapter included in the delivery (31-207170-

000). Seal the connection at the pedestal with splicing tape.

3. Connect the ODU Comm. connector on the antenna pedestal to the ODU Comm.

connector on the ACU. Seal the connection at the pedestal with splicing tape.

4. Connect the BUC TX connector on the antenna pedestal to the BUC TX connector on

the ACU (this connection is not used for the Ka-Band version, but is part of the cable
bundle). Seal the connection at the pedestal with splicing tape.

5. Connect the ODU Power & comm. connector on the antenna pedestal to the ODU
Power & comm. connector on the ACU.

6. Connect the ACU to an AC power source (Standard IEC320 on ACU).

7. Connect the VSAT modem to a suitable power source.

8. Use LAN1 to access the web interface.

9. For LAN2, LAN3 and LAN4, see To configure the LAN network on page 6-14.

98-145510-E Chapter 3: Installation 3-7

Chapter 4

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Interfaces

This chapter is organized in the following sections:

• I nterfaces of the Antenna Control Unit (ACU)

• I nterfaces of the antenna

• I nterfaces of the VSAT modem

4.1 Interfaces of the Antenna Control Unit (ACU)

4.1.1 WLAN interface

The ACU has a WLAN interface for wireless access to the system. To be able to use the
WLAN interface, you must first set it up in the web interface, from a computer connected

to the front LAN connector or LAN 1 in the connector panel of the ACU. For details, see To
configure the LAN network on page 6-14 and WLAN settings on page 6-16.

4.1.2 LEDs, display and keypad

4

4.1.3 ACU Connector panel — overview

98-145510-E 4-1

Figure 1: ACU display and keypad and LEDs

Figure 2: ACU connector panel overview

The connector LAN on the front panel is internally connected to the LAN X connector in
the connector panel. Typically you connect LAN X to the service port at LAN 1 with a

straight Ethernet cable. Then you can access the service port from the front of the ACU.

4.1.4 AC Input connector

N

E

L

Provide AC power to the ACU from a standard 100-240 VAC supply using the cable
included in the delivery. First find a suitable connector for your AC Mains supply and mount
it on the cable according to the table below.

CAUTION! You must connect all three pins (Live, Neutral and Earth), in

order to meet the isolation requirements for the system.

The AC connector on the ACU is an IEC320 connector for universal AC power input.

Interfaces of the Antenna Control Unit (ACU)

Outline

(on the ACU)

Pin function Wire color

Live (L) Brown

Neutral (N) Blue

Earth (E) Green/Yellow

Table 4-3: ACU AC Input connector, pin assignment

98-145510-E Chapter 4: Interfaces 4-2

4.1.5 Connectors for antenna connection

A cable bundle with all necessary cables between antenna and ACU is delivered with the
system. There are 5 connectors on the ACU for connection to the antenna:

• BUC TX: N-connector for signal and power to the BUC.

• LNB RX: SMA-connector for signal from the LNB to the ACU and power to the LNB

• ODU Power & comm: GTC C4 female connector for antenna power (ODU power),

stow indicator signal and internal system communication.

Interfaces of the Antenna Control Unit (ACU)

Outline

(on the ACU)

Pin Pin function

P1 ODU Power RTN

P2 ODU Power +48V

P3 Reserved

P4 Reserved

P5 GND

P6 Com1 antenna ID

P7 Com2 antenna ID

P8 Reserved

P9 Reserved

P10 Reserved

P11 GND

P12 Stow indicator switch

Table 4-4: ACU Circular connector, ODU Power & comm, outline and pin assignment

98-145510-E Chapter 4: Interfaces 4-3

Interfaces of the Antenna Control Unit (ACU)

• BUC Power & Comm.: GTC C4 female connector.

Outline

(on the ACU)

Pin Pin function Wire color

P1 BUC Power Black/Red

P2 BUC Power Rtn Black/White

P3 GND

P4 GND

P5 BUC Serial RX- Red

P6 BUC Serial RX+ Orange

P7 BUC Serial TX- Yellow

P8 BUC Serial TX+ Green

P9 Keyline - Blue

P10 Band Select + gray

P11 Keyline + Purple

P12 Band Select - White

Table 4-5: ACU Circular connector, BUC Power & comm, outline and pin assignment

• ODU Comm: SMA connector used for Housekeeping communication between the ACU

and the antenna.

4.1.6 Rx/Tx connectors for VSAT modem

RX Out and TX In are F-connectors for connection to the Rx and Tx channels of the VSAT

modem.

Outline

(on the ACU)

Table 4-6: ACU F connector, Rx and Tx, outline and pin assignment

For step-by-step guidelines how to set up the VSAT modem see VSAT modem settings on

page C-1.

Pin

number

Pin function

1 Inner conductor:

10 MHz clock, VSAT Rx/Tx

2 Outer conductor: GND (Shield)

98-145510-E Chapter 4: Interfaces 4-4

Interfaces of the Antenna Control Unit (ACU)

15

69

15

69

4.1.7 RS-232 and RS-422 connectors for VSAT modem

Use these connectors to connect the ACU to the VSAT modems with serial interfaces. See

Appendix C, VSAT modem settings.

RS-232

Outline (on the ACU) Pin Pin function

1 Not connected

2RXD

3TXD

4DTR

5Ground

6DSR

RS-422

7RTS

8CTS

9 Receive Signal Strength Indicator

Table 4-7: ACU RS-232 connector, male, outline and pin assignment

Outline (on the ACU) Pin Pin function

1Ground

2Line A RXD (+)

3Line B TXD (+)

4Ground

5Ground

6 Not connected

98-145510-E Chapter 4: Interfaces 4-5

7Line A RXD (-)

8Line B TXD (-)

9 Not connected

Table 4-8: ACU RS-422 connector, male, outline and pin assignment

4.1.8 LAN connectors

Note

Important

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The LAN connectors on the ACU are used for system setup and for connection to the VSAT
modem.

These connectors are normally only for communication within the VSAT system,
not for connection to the Internet. For Internet connection, connect to your
VSAT modem.

The maximum cable length per connection is 100 m. Depending on the VSAT modem
connected, a LAN connector may be used for modem control.

The EXPLORER VSAT system is not designed to be connected directly to the
Internet. It must be located behind a dedicated network security device such
as a fire wall.

You should change the default passwords as anyone with access and
malicious intent can render the VSAT system inoperable.

Interfaces of the Antenna Control Unit (ACU)

Figure 9: ACU LAN connectors on rear panel (default setup)

Cable type: CAT5, shielded.

For information how to configure the LAN network see To configure the LAN network on

page 6-14.

Outline Pin Pin function Wire color

1Tx+ White/orange

2Tx- Orange

3 Rx+ White/green

4 Not connected Blue

5 Not connected White/blue

6Rx- Green

7 Not connected White/brown

8 Not connected Brown

Table 4-10: ACU LAN connectors, outline and pin assignment

98-145510-E Chapter 4: Interfaces 4-6

4.1.9 User I/O

1

2

3

4

6

5

7

8

The User I/O connector is an 8-pin circular connector for user inputs and outputs, such as
muting the antenna or signalling Rx lock.

A short cable with a mating connector is available from Cobham SATCOM (part number S­37-146760).

Pinout and functions

Interfaces of the Antenna Control Unit (ACU)

Figure 11: ACU User I/O connector, pinout

Pin Pin function Direction Ty pe Description Wire color

1 ACU Chassis common - - Black

2 RX Lock output 12 or 24 V

High when RX locked Brown

logic

3Stow

indicator
switch

output Switch in

antenna

Connected to GND (closed)
when antenna stowed,
otherwise open

Orange

4 TX Mute input 3-32 V logic Pull up to mute the antenna Yellow

5 Stow input input 3-32 V logic Float or pull up to force

Green
antenna to stow. Ground to
allow standard control of
deploy/stow

b

6 IF29 Aux1 input 3-32 V logic Spare input Blue

7 Do not

connect!

input or
output

3-32 V logic
or open drain

Spare input/output, for future
use

Violet

a

8 Do not

connect!

Table 4-12: ACU User I/O connector, Pin assignment, functions and wire color

a. The wire colors apply to the corresponding I/O cable available from Cobham SATCOM.

b. The Stow input must be enabled in the web interface in order to work. See Stow input

(discrete I/O) on page 6-19.

For specifications, see Specifications for User I/O connector on page A-5.

input or
output

3-32 V logic
or open drain

Spare input/output, for future
use

White

98-145510-E Chapter 4: Interfaces 4-7

Interfaces of the antenna

Important

LNB Rx ODU Comm ODU Power

& Comm

BUC Tx BUC Power

& Comm

4.2 Interfaces of the antenna

4.2.1 VSAT air interface

The antenna operates in the Ku-band (10.7 to 14.5 GHz) or the Ka-band (19.2 to 30 GHz).
Service capabilities are determined by the connected VSAT modem.

4.2.2 GNSS air interface

The antenna has a GNSS receiver for positioning input from the Positioning system.

4.2.3 Earth magnetic field interface (electronic compass)

The EXPLORER 8000 series has an electronic compass to support the pointing process.

You must calibrate the compass after first installation and every time you

have reinstalled it, see Compass calibration on page 6-19.

4.2.4 Connectors on the antenna

The connectors on the rear of the antenna are located as shown below:

Figure 13: Connectors on the rear side of the antenna

A cable bundle with all necessary cables between antenna and ACU is delivered with the
system. There are 5 connectors on the antenna for connection to the ACU:

• LNB Rx: TNC connector with signal from the LNB to the ACU and power to the LNB

• ODU Comm: TNC connector used for Housekeeping communication between the ACU

and the antenna.

• BUC Tx: N-connector for signal and power from the ACU to the BUC.

• ODU Power & Comm: GTC C4 male connector for antenna power (ODU power) and

information of the antenna to the ACU. For pinout see Connectors for antenna
connection on page 4-3.

• BUC Power & Comm: GTC C4 male connector for power supply to the BUC and for

communication with the BUC. For pinout see Connectors for antenna connection on

page 4-3.

98-145510-E Chapter 4: Interfaces 4-8

Interfaces of the antenna

Note

LNBGNSSBUC M&CBUC-TXPol-unit

The connectors on the front of the antenna are partially hidden behind the reflector as
shown.

Figure 14: Connectors on the front of the antenna

• Pol-unit. GTC C4 female connector for connecting to the Pol-unit.

• BUC-TX: N-connector for signal and power from the antenna control box to the BUC.

Remember to configure the system for the BUC connector you are using (N­connector alone or M&C connector and N-connector). See antenna_data
buc on page D-4. Also remember to use the corresponding connectors on the
ACU (BUC TX and/or BUC Power & Comm.).

• BUC M&C (Monitor & Control). GTC C3 female connector for DC power and
communication between the antenna control box and the BUC.

Outline Pin Pin function Wire color AW G

1BUC Power Black/Red 14

2BUC Power RTNBlack/White14

3GND Drain wire -

4NC NC -

5BUC Serial RX-Red 22

6BUC Serial RX+Orange 22

7 BUC Serial TX- Yellow 22

8 BUC Serial TX+ Green 22

9 Keyline - Blue 22

10 Band select + gray 22

11 Keyline + Purple 22

12 Band select - White 22

Table 4-15: Pinout for BUC M&C connector on antenna front

98-145510-E Chapter 4: Interfaces 4-9

• GNSS: SMA connector for input from the GNSS receiver

Important

• LNB: SMA connector for input from the LNB (Ku) or input/output for eTRIA (Ka)

4.2.5 Emergency stop button

The antenna has a emergency stop button for service purposes or emergency stop. In
normal operation the switch is on. When you switch it off (push the button) it stops in the
latest position and brakes the DC Motors and turns the BUC off.

To stop the antenna, push the red emergency stop button at the back of the
antenna dish.

Interfaces of the VSAT modem

Figure 16: Emergency stop button

If you want to manually stow the antenna, it is not enough to stop the
antenna. For safety reasons you must remove power from the system before
manually stowing the antenna. For details on how to manually stow the

antenna, see To stow and unfold the antenna manually on page 7-9.

To release the emergency stop, turn the emergency stop button and move
away from the antenna. The antenna restarts.

4.3 Interfaces of the VSAT modem

For interfaces of the VSAT modem and how to connect a VSAT modem correctly to the
ACU, see the user documentation of the VSAT modem. For step-by-step guidelines how to

set up the VSAT modem see Appendix C, VSAT modem settings.

98-145510-E Chapter 4: Interfaces 4-10

Chapter 5

Initial setup and basic functions

This chapter describes the initial setup and basic functions of the EXPLORER 8000 series
VSAT systems.

For information on configuration with the web interface and how to use the display and

keypad, see Setup and operation on page 6-1.

This chapter has the following sections:

• To drive with the antenna installed

• Prerequisites for installation

• Initial setup

• Start up and basic functions

5.1 To drive with the antenna installed

The antenna must be stowed when you drive the vehicle. The maximum speed depends on
your installation, but it must never exceed 130 km/h.

WARNING! Incorrect installation of the antenna may cause the antenna to

fall off the vehicle or stress the mounting base. Thrane & Thrane A/S assumes
no liability for any damage caused by the antenna falling off the vehicle or
stressing the mounting base. It is the responsibility of the customer to ensure a
safe and correct installation of the antenna. The instructions in the Installation
manual are only guidelines.

5

5.2 Prerequisites for installation

5.2.1 Location for transmission

Line of sight

Make sure the vehicle with the VSAT system is parked where there is free view to as much
of the sky as possible.

If possible, park the vehicle in such a way that the antenna, when deploying, points in the

approximate direction of the satellite. This is to avoid excessive movements of the
antenna and to improve the acquisition time. If the satellite elevation is close to

Zenith, the antenna elevation angle should preferably be less than 82 degrees.

Space for antenna mov ement

Make sure the vehicle is parked in a place where the antenna can move freely in all
directions, according to the Stay clear areas shown in Figure 3 on page vi and Figure 4 on
page vii.

98-145510-E 5-1

If you cannot avoid obstacles, you must define a blocking zone to make sure the equipment

Important

is not damaged. See Blocking zones on page 6-11.

Unexpected antenna movements

The movements of the antenna can be very powerful and hazardous to human beings. For
this reason, the antenna has a safety feature that prevents or limits unexpected movements
of the antenna, e.g. if the antenna has to repoint after a period with no movements. In this
case, you can set up the antenna so that the user must actively choose to continue. If you
need to avoid user interaction to allow the antenna to continue operation, you can set up

the antenna for Unmanned operation. See Antenna stabilization and safety on page 6-10.

WARNING! Make sure nobody can get close to the antenna, especially if

you use the unmanned operation feature! Observe the stay clear area
whenever the antenna is powered. See the mechanical stay-clear areas on
page vi and page vii.

Avoid magnetizable material

Make sure the vehicle with the antenna is not parked close to large areas of magnetizable
material, as this could interfere with the precision of the compass function.

Prerequisites for installation

5.2.2 Wind speed considerations

The antenna is designed to operate under high wind speeds, see the wind speed
specifications on page A-3. Note that the antenna may point away from the satellite in
winds blowing faster than the operational wind speed limit.

Do not operate the terminal at wind speeds exceeding the operational wind
speeds. In case the wind speeds exceed the operational wind speed limit
while the antenna is already assembled or operational, bring the antenna to
the stow position. In case the wind speeds exceed the survival wind speed
limit while the antenna is already assembled or operational, and you cannot
stow the antenna with the electronic stow function, bring the antenna

manually back to the stow position. See To stow and unfold the antenna
manually on page 7-9.

98-145510-E Chapter 5: Initial setup and basic functions 5-2

5.3 Initial setup

Note

Important

Important

After you have installed and connected the antenna, ACU and modem, you must make
some initial configuration in the web interface before you can use the system. Go through
the following steps to set up your VSAT system:

1. Ku-Band versions: If you have installed a new BUC, you must configure the system for

the new BUC, using the command antenna_data buc. See BUC installation on
page 7-13 and antenna_data on page D-4.

If you have purchased the No-BUC version of the antenna, there will be no
power on any of the connectors for the BUC connection until you have
configured the system with the antenna_data buc command.

2. Ku-Band versions: If you have replaced cables or installed a new BUC, you must make a

cable calibration. See BUC installation on page 7-13 and Ku-Band version only: Cable
calibration on page 6-22.

3. Make a Compass calibration. See Compass calibration on page 6-19.

Initial setup

You must make a compass calibration every time the antenna is
reinstalled. If the compass is not calibrated the system will not work
properly!

4. Create satellite profiles and modem profiles. See Satellite profiles on page 6-7 and
Modem profiles on page 6-6.

5. If you want to control the system using a WLAN connection, you must first set up the

use of WLAN in the ACU. See To configure the LAN network on page 6-14 and WLAN
settings on page 6-16.

After calibration and creation of satellite profiles and modem profiles you can deploy the
antenna as described in the next section.

5.4 Start up and basic functions

First time after installation or service, you must calibrate the VSAT system
and configure satellite and modem profiles as described in the previous
section.

After power on you must deploy the antenna. How to do this is described in the following
sections. Once you have finished the transmission you must stow the antenna again.

During commissioning you might need to manually jog the antenna, see To line up or jog
the antenna on page 6-22.

WARNING! Stay clear of the antenna! Be aware of movements and pinch

points, especially while the antenna is being positioned, deployed or stowed.

1. Switch on the ACU and the VSAT modem. The ACU starts up and goes through an
initialization procedure.

98-145510-E Chapter 5: Initial setup and basic functions 5-3

2. Wait until the Power LED and the Fail/Pass LED on the ACU light steady green and the

Note

Note

display shows Not ready: Not deployed. Then you can deploy the antenna.

To deploy and stow the antenna you can use the keypad and display on the ACU, a
smartphone or tablet, or a PC and the built-in web interface.

You must stow the antenna before moving the vehicle.

5.4.1 To deploy the antenna

It may take some time after the antenna is deployed before the modem is ready
to start the acquisition procedure. If this time exceeds the time-out limit, you may
get a popup in the display and in the web interface asking you to Deploy again.
This is for safety reasons, in order to avoid sudden unexpected movements of the

antenna. See Antenna stabilization and safety on page 6-10.

To deploy the antenna using the keypad and display

When the system has started up, do as follows:

Start up and basic functions

1. Shortcut: Press and hold  for 2 seconds.

It may take up to 10 seconds before the antenna starts to deploy.

To learn how to use the keypad see Keypad and display menus on page 6-27.

You can also deploy the antenna using the display menu system.

2. Wait until the ACU display shows TRACKING.
You may have to select Deploy again to allow the acquisition procedure, see note

above.

3. Check that your modem is ready. The indications may differ depending on the modem
type, refer to the documentation for your modem.

When the modem is ready, you can use it to connect to the Internet via the VSAT satellite
system.

To deploy the antenna using the mobile web interface

1. Connect your smartphone or tablet to the WLAN access point of the ACU. For

information on WLAN setup, see WLAN settings on page 6-16.

2. In the browser of your smartphone or tablet, type in the IP address for the web
interface. By default the IP address is http://192.168.0.1.

3. When the system has started up, tap Deploy.

4. Check the status on your smartphone/tablet. You may have to confirm before the
acquisition procedure can start, if too much time has passed after the deployment of
the antenna.

5. Check that your modem is ready. The indications may differ depending on the modem
type, refer to the documentation for your modem.

98-145510-E Chapter 5: Initial setup and basic functions 5-4

When the modem is ready, you can use it to connect to the Internet via the VSAT satellite

System status

Deployed status

system.

To deploy the antenna using the web interface

1. Connect a PC to the LAN1 or front LAN connector at the ACU.

You may also use WLAN, if it is configured.

2. Open an Internet browser and type the IP address (default http://192.168.0.1).

3. When the system has started up, click the Deploy button.

Start up and basic functions

Figure 1: To deploy the antenna using the web interface

4. Check the status in the web interface. You may have to confirm before the acquisition
procedure can start, if too much time has passed after the deployment of the antenna.

5. Wait until the system status shows Tracking.

6. Check that your modem is ready. The indications may differ depending on the modem
type, refer to the documentation for your modem.

When the modem is ready, you can use it to connect to the Internet via the VSAT satellite
system.

5.4.2 To stop the antenna

You can stop the antenna, e.g. if some object is interfering with the movement of the
antenna and you cannot access the emergency stop button. If you are close to the ACU,
you can use the on/off button to switch off the system. This will immediately stop the
antenna movement.

You can also use the electronic stop function, which is described below.

WARNING! This is not the same function as the emergency stop button! In

emergency situations, use the emergency stop button if possible. The
emergency stop button switches off the motors, whereas the electronic stop
function just stops the movement.

To stop the antenna using the display and keypad

To learn how to use the keypad see Keypad and display menus on page 6-27.

1. Press OK to enter the menu system and press OK again to access the OPERATION

page.

2. Press  until STOP is selected, and press OK.

98-145510-E Chapter 5: Initial setup and basic functions 5-5

3. Check that the status shows STOPPED.

Note

4. To start the antenna again, select OPERATION > START.
The antenna restarts. Select OPERATION > DEPLOY when you are ready to continue.

To stop the antenna using the mobile web interface

1. Connect your smartphone or tablet to the WLAN access point of the ACU. For

information on WLAN setup, see WLAN settings on page 6-16.

2. In the browser of your smartphone or tablet, type in the IP address for the web
interface. By default the IP address is http://192.168.0.1.

3. Tap Stop.
The Stop button changes to Start.

4. To start the antenna again, tap Start.
The antenna restarts. Tap Deploy when you are ready to continue.

To stop the antenna using the web interface

Start up and basic functions

1. Connect a PC to the LAN1 or front LAN connector at the ACU.

You may also use WLAN, if it is configured.

2. Open an Internet browser and type the IP address (default http://192.168.0.1).

3. At the top, click the red Stop button.

Figure 2: To stop the antenna using the web interface

The Stop button changes to Start and the system status shows Stopped.

4. To start the antenna again, click Start.
The antenna restarts. Select Deploy when you are ready to continue.

5.4.3 To stow the antenna

The antenna must be set into the stow position before moving the vehicle.

WARNING! Be aware of pinch points while the antenna is being positioned,

deployed or stowed.

You can stow the antenna manually, if for some reason the system is inoperable

(loss of power or similar). For details, see To stow and unfold the antenna
manually on page 7-9.

To stow the antenna using the keypad and display

Shortcut: Press and hold  for 2 seconds.

98-145510-E Chapter 5: Initial setup and basic functions 5-6

To learn how to use the keypad see Keypad and display menus on page 6-27.

You can also stow the antenna using the display menu system.

To stow the antenna using mobile web interface

1. Connect your smartphone or tablet to the WLAN access point of the ACU. For

information on WLAN setup, see WLAN settings on page 6-16.

2. In the browser of your smartphone or tablet, type in the IP address for the web
interface. By default the IP address is http://192.168.0.1.

3. Tap Stow.

4. Check that the status shows Stowed.

To stow the antenna using the configuration web interface

1. Connect a PC to the LAN1 connector.

2. Open an Internet browser and type the default IP address: http://192.168.0.1.

Start up and basic functions

3. At the top of the page, click the button Stow.

Figure 3: To stow the antenna using the web interface

4. Check that the status shows Stowed.

98-145510-E Chapter 5: Initial setup and basic functions 5-7

Chapter 6

Setup and operation

This chapter has the following sections:

• The web interface

• Keypad and display menus

• SNMP support

6.1 The web interface

The VSAT system has a built-in web interface, which has two levels:

• Mobile web interface, used for basic operations and status. Accessed from a

smartphone or tablet.

• Configuration web interface, used for configuration, line-up, troubleshooting,

extended status information etc. Accessed from a computer.

6.1.1 Mobile web interface

When you access the web interface from a smartphone or tablet you get access to the
mobile web interface, which offers the following basic operations and status:

6

• Deploy, stow and stop the antenna

• Activate satellite profile

• See status and events

• Access the configuration web interface

To access the mobile web interface of the ACU

1. Power up the VSAT system, i.e. switch on the ACU. Wait until the LEDs on the front plate
of the ACU show that the system is ready to be accessed.

•Power LED: Green

• Fail/Pass LED: Steady green.

2. Connect your smartphone or tablet to the WLAN of the ACU. For details on WLAN

setup, see WLAN settings on page 6-16.

3. Open your Internet browser and enter the IP address of the ACU. The default IP address

is http://192.168.0.1.

98-145510-E 6-1

The mobile web interface opens.

The deploy, stow and stop functions are described

in Start up and basic functions on page 5-3.

The web interface

Figure 1: Mobile web interface, main screen

To access the menu, tap the ikon in the top right corner.

Menu:

• Status shows information such as system status, host name, position, heading, selected

satellite profile, modem etc.

• Satellites lets you select which satellite to activate, see the next section.

• Eventlist shows a list of currently active events (if any).

• Desktop gives access to the “computer web interface”, i.e. the full version of the web

interface.

• Help opens the user & installation manual for the EXPLORER 8000 series VSAT system.

To select and activate a satellite profile

1. From the menu, select Satellites.

2. Select the satellite profile you want to activate.

3. Tap Activate.

98-145510-E Chapter 6: Setup and operation 6-2

6.1.2 Configuration web interface

Signal strength Buttons for antenna actions

System status Deployed status Host name Product name

Use the built-in web interface of the ACU to make a full configuration of the VSAT system
with the correct VSAT modem, the satellite positions you intend to use and other
parameters. You can use a standard Internet browser.

To access the configuration web interface

To access the web interface of the ACU do as follows:

1. Power up the VSAT system, i.e. switch on the ACU. Wait until the LEDs on the front plate
of the ACU show that the system is ready to be accessed.

•Power LED: Green

• Fail/Pass LED: Steady green.

2. Connect a PC to LAN interface 1 (Service port, standard Ethernet) of the ACU or to the
front LAN connector of the ACU. You can also connect to the WLAN interface if
configured.

3. Open your Internet browser and enter the IP address of the ACU. The default IP address

is http://192.168.0.1.

The web interface

4. By default, the web interface shows the DASHBOARD page. However, you can set up a

password protection, so that you have to log in before you can get access to the web

interface. See User permissions (guest login) on page 6-24.

When the Dashboard (or the Guest login page) is displayed, you know that the connection
to the VSAT system can be established. The web interface is ready for use. You can
continue to configure the system.

If you cannot establish a connection there might be problems with the Proxy server
settings of your PC (“Use proxy server” must be disabled in your PC).

If you want to use another LAN port you must configure it according to your network

requirements. For information how to configure the LAN connectors To configure the LAN
network on page 6-14.

Information and controls in the top bar of the web interface

The top bar, which is independent of the selected page, shows the signal strength, the
deployed status, the system status, and, if an event is active, a warning icon.

The buttons Deploy, Stow and Stop are also available from the top bar. For details on
these functions, see Start up and basic functions on page 5-3.

98-145510-E Chapter 6: Setup and operation 6-3

Figure 2: Top bar in Dashboard

Examples of system status:

Note

• Antenna SW upload

• Antenna POST (Power-On Self Test)

• Ready (waiting for data from the modem or no satellite profile selected)

• Tracking (antenna is locked to the satellite signal and ready to send/receive.

• Not ready: Not deployed (the system is waiting for the user to deploy the antenna)

• Safe mode (error, followed by an error description)

• <active event message>

Information fields on the Dashboard

The information on the Dashboard varies depending on the antenna and the used
satellite and modem profiles.

The web interface

DASHBOARD Description

GNSS position Current position, reported by the GNSS module or entered

manually

Base orientation Orientation of the mounting base relative to estimated North

Satellite profile Name of the currently active satellite profile

Satellite position Position of the satellite selected in Satellite profile

RX polarization Horizontal, Vertical, (Left-hand or Right-hand)

TX polarization Horizontal, Vertical, (Left-hand or Right-hand)

RX RF frequency Receiving frequency

LNB LO frequency The LNB Local Oscillator frequency

TX RF frequency Transmitting frequency

BUC LO frequency The BUC Local Oscillator frequency

Tracking RF frequency Current RF tracking frequency

ACU part name, Antenna
part name, ACU serial

Part names, serial numbers for ACU and antenna, software

version of the VSAT system
number, Antenna serial
number, Software
version

POINTING Description

Azimuth, elevation geo Current value for geographic azimuth and elevation

Azimuth, elevation rel Current value for relative azimuth and elevation

Polarization skew Current value for polarization skew

Table 6-3: DASHBOARD information fields

98-145510-E Chapter 6: Setup and operation 6-4

The web interface

MODEM Description

Model VSAT modem name, entered in SETTINGS > Modem profiles.

RX locked status Shows whether or not the system has locked to the incoming

signal.

Signal level Current input signal level from VSAT modem.

iDirect openAMIP modem: (PWR) 0-500, delivered by the

connected modem. For values <250 the antenna searches after a

new signal.

Other modem: Signal level in dB.

RX IF frequency RX IF frequency read from the VSAT modem

TX IF frequency TX IF frequency read from the VSAT modem

TX allowed On or Off. Indicates if the VSAT modem supplies the 10 MHz

reference signal on its TX connector (On) and if an iDirect

OpenAMIP modem indicates modem Locked and Tx ON in the

OpenAMIP message L (L 1 1).

TX mute Muted or Not muted. Indicates whether or not the antenna is

muted. You can mute the antenna using the TX mute input on

the User I/O connector. See User I/O on page 4-7.

TX Description

BUC TX On or Off. Shows if the VSAT system has enabled the BUC or not.

It is the same TX ON/TX OFF as shown in the display of the ACU,

see Keypad and display menus on page 6-27.

BUC output power Shows whether or not the BUC is transmitting and the power

level. At the P1dB compression point 4 bars are filled.

EIRP The EIRP readout is only valid for continuous modulated signals

and is for indicative use only (limited accuracy).

Table 6-3: DASHBOARD information fields

98-145510-E Chapter 6: Setup and operation 6-5

6.1.3 Modem profiles

Note

Important

A modem profile contains all VSAT modem settings that are necessary for a successful
connection to the satellite. The data you have to fill in are provided by your VSAT service
and modem provider. You must add at least one modem profile.

Modem profile – New entry and Edit

On the page Modem profiles you create, edit or delete modem profiles.

To add or edit a modem profile, do as follows:

1. Select SETTINGS > Modem profiles and click New entry or Edit.

For the Ka-Band system there is currently only one modem, the Surfbeam II
modem.

2. Fill in a modem profile name of your own choice.

3. Select one of the supported modems from the drop down list. Once you have selected a
VSAT modem, entry fields required for this VSAT modem are displayed.

Generic OpenAMIP: If you have an OpenAMIP modem that is not included in the list,

select Generic OpenAMIP.

Generic modem: If you have another modem that is not included in the list, select the

generic modem. With this modem profile you enter all information about the modem
manually.

Service modem: This is mainly used for reference satellites

purposes.

The web interface

1

and for troubleshooting

4. Fill in or edit the data provided by your VSAT service provider.

• Enter the passwords, if needed.

• Select the modem baud rate

• Select whether you want to use the 10 MHz reference from the ACU (Internal) or the

VSAT modem (VMU). “Cleaned” means that any noise on the 10 MHz reference
signal is removed before using the reference.

The VSAT system can work either using the Rx or Tx 10 MHz reference
signals provided by the modem or using its own built-in 10 MHz reference

(RX only). The setting in the ACU must match the setting in the
modem.

• GNSS output: Some modems need the current GNSS position from the ACU. If the

modem needs the GNSS position, you must select the baud rate for the RS-232

interface from the GNSS output dropdown list. Otherwise select Disabled.

• For generic modem: Select the RSSI Lock Type and type in the RSSI Lock Level.

• For OpenAMIP IP address

: Make sure that you have entered this IP address also

for the LAN connector that is used for the OpenAMIP modem, see To configure the
LAN network on page 6-14.

5. Click Apply to add the new profile to the list of modem profiles or to accept the edits.

1. For details on how to use a reference satellite profile, see To use a reference satellite (Ku

only) on page 6-9.

98-145510-E Chapter 6: Setup and operation 6-6

6.1.4 Satellite profiles

Note

Note

Note

Note

On the page Satellite profiles you add, edit, delete and activate satellite profiles. A

satellite profile contains all settings that are necessary for a successful connection to the
satellite, including a modem profile. Most of the data you have to fill in are provided by
your VSAT service provider.

You must activate one satellite profile.
To activate a satellite profile, click Activate next to the profile name.

You must add at least one modem profile before you can add a satellite profile.

See Modem profile – New entry and Edit on page 6-6.

To select a reference satellite (Ku only)

If you are going to use a reference satellite, select the satellite from the dropdown list and

click Apply.

First you have to create a reference satellite profile that uses the Service modem

a

profile.

The web interface

a. For details on how to use a reference satellite profile, see To use a reference satellite (Ku

only) on page 6-9.

Satellite profiles – New entry and Edit

You cannot edit nor delete an active profile. Make sure the profile is not active
before you edit or delete it.

1. Select SETTINGS or Satellite profiles.

2. Click Edit or New entry.

Each satellite profile has one assigned modem profile. The parameters vary depending
on the selected modem profile.

For a Generic modem you enter all parameters in the satellite profile manually.

3. Enter or edit the Satellite profile name.

It is helpful to assign a name containing the location where the Satellite profile

is to be used (e.g. Central America) and possibly the provider.

4. Select a modem profile. The page automatically displays the parameters available for the
selected modem profile.

For instruction how to add a modem profile see Modem profile – New entry and Edit

on page 6-6.

5. Enter the data for the satellite that you want to use. For satellite data see DVB-S/DVB-S2
satellites for Ku-Band on page F-1 or www.lyngsat.com. If you have selected a satellite

from the list, some of the information is filled in automatically.

6. Click Apply to save the settings for the satellite profile.

Depending on the selected modem profile, some or all of the below settings may be
available. You get most of the information from your VSAT provider.

98-145510-E Chapter 6: Setup and operation 6-7

Setting Values Explanation

The web interface

Predefined satellites User defined data or

selection of satellites

Select a satellite from the list, or select

User defined data and enter all

information manually.

Use reference satellite Checkbox Select Use reference satellite if you

are going to use a reference satellite. See

To use a reference satellite (Ku only) on

page 6-9.

Satellite position degrees E or W Position of the satellite

Polarisation skew degrees See documents from VSAT provider

Maximum inclination degrees Sets the satellite search window size to

match inclined orbit satellites.

Elevation cutoffl degrees The minimum elevation angle for the

antenna to function. According to FCC
(FCC §25.205) regulations the Elevation

cutoff must be minimum 5 degrees.

RX polarisation Horizontal or vertical Polarization of the desired RX signal

TX polarisation X-pol or empty Polarization of the TX signal - relative to

the desired RX signal. Orthogonal (X-pol)
or same (Co-pol).

RX IF frequency MHz RX IF frequency from the VSAT modem

LNB LO frequency 9.75 or 10.75 GHz Select 9.75 if the RX frequency is

between 10.7 GHz and11.7 GHZ

Select 10.75 if the RX frequency is

between 11.7 GHz and 12.75 GHZ

RX RF frequency GHz Receiving frequency

TX RF frequency GHz Transmitting frequency

Tracking type Narrow band,

VSAT modem RSSI,

Select which signal should be used for

tracking.
DVB-S/DVB-S2 or
Wideband power

RX frequency Modem or User

defined

Select Modem to use the modem RX

frequency or select User defined and

enter the RX frequency manually.

Table 6-4: Settings for satellite profile

98-145510-E Chapter 6: Setup and operation 6-8

To use a reference satellite (Ku only)

If your VSAT modem cannot communicate to the antenna that it is locked to the correct
satellite, you can initially use a reference satellite that the antenna can identify without the
modem.

To use a reference satellite, do as follows:

1. On the Modem profiles page, create and save a modem profile using the Service

modem. For details, see Modem profile – New entry and Edit on page 6-6.

2. On the Satellite profiles page, create and save a reference satellite profile that uses the

Service modem profile. For details, see Satellite profiles – New entry and Edit on

page 6-7.

3. Create your real satellite profile for the connected modem.

4. In the real satellite profile, select Use reference satellite.

5. In the Satellite profiles page under Reference satellites, select the reference
satellite profile from step 2 above and click Apply.

The web interface

Figure 5: Web interface: SETTINGS - select reference satellite

6. Activate the real satellite profile.

With this satellite profile activated, every time you deploy the antenna it will start up using
the reference satellite and automatically switch to the real satellite when possible.

98-145510-E Chapter 6: Setup and operation 6-9

6.1.5 Antenna stabilization and safety

The antenna movements of the VSAT system can be hazardous to people who are close to

the antenna. Always stay out of the Stay clear area shown in page vi and page vii. If you

have to enter the stay clear area, stop the antenna with the emergency stop button or
power off the system from the ACU.

In the web interface you can set up whether or not you want the system to ask for user
acknowledgement before moving the antenna.

The antenna also has Dynamic Pointing Correction (stabilization feature) that compensates
for movements in the vehicle e.g. if people are getting in our out of the vehicle while it is
deployed and active.

1. Select SETTINGS > Antenna.

2. Select the Operational mode.

• User acknowledgement (Default setting): The user interface will ask for

acknowledgement when the antenna is about to move after at least one minute
without moving. The antenna will not move until someone has acknowledged.

• No user acknowledgement: The antenna will move autonomously when

necessary, e.g. if there is a new satellite position from the modem.

• Unattended: The antenna will move autonomously when necessary, and attempt

to maintain the connection at all times, independently of the user. For example, if the
antenna enters safe mode because of an error, it will restart.

1

The web interface

3. Select Auto stow on vehicle movement if you want the antenna to stow

automatically when the vehicle moves. This setting is disabled by default.

4. Select the Stabilization mode.

• Continuous (Default setting): The antenna continuously compensates for

movements in the vehicle to keep a stable position in relation to the satellite.

• Off: Antenna stabilization is not used

• Automatic: The antenna periodically adjusts the position to compensate for

movements in the vehicle.

5. Click Apply.

1. The antenna is designed to compensate for a change of pointing angle due to a tilt of the

platform. It is not designed for tracking on a moving platform. The pedestal azimuth and
elevation joint has an angle acceleration limit of 14 Deg/s
limit of 9 Deg/s. If the tilt speed of the platform is slow and can be compensated within the
speed limits of the joints, the connection to the satellite will not be interrupted. If the
platform movements are faster than the speed limits of the joints, the antenna will for a short
moment not point correctly towards the satellite, but it will regain the correct pointing
towards the satellite within a short time.

2

and a positioner angular speed

98-145510-E Chapter 6: Setup and operation 6-10

6.1.6 Blocking zones

Note

0°

0°

92°

43°

44°

a. Azimuth low limit
(view from above)

b. Elevation high limit
(view from the side)

c. Azimuth high limit
(view from above)

If possible, avoid any objects within the stay clear area shown in Mechanical “stay-clear”
area, EXPLORER 8100 on page vi. If it cannot be avoided, you must enter blocking zones

for the area where the object is located. When the antenna meets a blocking zone, the
display and the web interface show “Blocking zone” and the antenna attempts to find
another path to the satellite signal.

The antenna should be placed on a plane surface relative to the ground, in order
for the elevation values to be precise during the Jog process.

There are two types of blocking zone:

• Boom blocking zone: Prevents the boom from colliding with the blocking object.

• Dish blocking zone: Prevents the dish from colliding with the blocking object.

For both types, you must define an azimuth low limit and an azimuth high limit. A boom
blocking zone additionally needs a high elevation limit to be defined (the low elevation limit
will be set to 0). A dish blocking zone, on the other hand, additionally needs a low elevation
limit to be defined (the high elevation limit will be set to 100 degrees).

The web interface

The blocking zone limits are found as follows:

1. Switch on the system and access the web interface. See To access the configuration
web interface on page 6-3.

2. Deploy the antenna and switch to Jog mode as soon as possible. See To line up or jog
the antenna on page 6-22.

3. For Ku antennas only: Jog Polarization to 0 Deg (so that the waveguide reaches down

as far as possible).

4. First define the boom blocking zones as follows (see Figure 6)

Figure 6: Boom blocking zones, example with cylinder-shaped blocking object

a. Boom blocking zone, azimuth low limit: Carefully jog the antenna clockwise

(increasing Azimuth) until the boom is as close as possible to the blocking object, and so
that the antenna can move freely in Elevation without touching the object.

98-145510-E Chapter 6: Setup and operation 6-11

The web interface

Note

0°

185°

a. Azimuth low limit
(view from above)

67°

b. Elevation low limit
(view from the side)

0°

311°

c. Azimuth high limit
(view from above)

Go to SETTINGS > Blocking zones, select Boom and read the “Current azimuth” at

the top - this is the low azimuth limit of the boom blocking zone. Type it in as the first

Azimuth value and click Apply (but not Active).

Figure 7: Web interface, Boom blocking zones

Go back to the Jog page.
b. Boom blocking zone, elevation high limit: Jog to the lowest elevation angle that
allows the antenna to move all the way past the object in Azimuth. Go to the Blocking
zones page and read the “Current elevation” - this is the high elevation limit of the

boom blocking zone. Type it in under Elevation and click Apply. If the antenna is

completely blocked, use 100 Deg when you type in the blocking zones. Go back to the

Jog page.

The elevation set in the Blocking zones page is the elevation of the signal
beam. Some parts on the antenna may be below the elevation angle (e.g. the
Forward Wave Guide), so you should add a little margin to keep all antenna
parts clear of the object(s).

c. Boom blocking zone, azimuth high limit: Jog the antenna counterclockwise

(decreasing azimuth) as close as possible to the blocking object, and so that the antenna

can move freely in Elevation without touching the object. Go to the Blocking zones

page and read the “Current azimuth” - this is the high azimuth limit of the boom blocking

zone. Type it in and click Apply. Go back to the Jog page.

5. Jog the antenna at least 5 degrees away from any blocking zone.

6. Define the dish blocking zones as follows: (see Figure 8)

Figure 8: Dish blocking zones, example with cylinder-shaped blocking object

98-145510-E Chapter 6: Setup and operation 6-12

The web interface

a. Dish blocking zone, azimuth low limit: Carefully jog the antenna clockwise until

the dish is as close as possible to the blocking object, and so that the antenna can move
freely in Elevation without touching the object.

Go to the Blocking zones page, select Dish at the next free line and read the “Current

azimuth” - this is the low azimuth limit of the dish blocking zone. Type in the low

azimuth limit and click Apply (but not Active).

Figure 9: Web interface, Boom blocking zones

b. Dish blocking zone, elevation low limit: Jog to the highest elevation angle that

allows the antenna (dish) to move all the way past the object in Azimuth. Go to the

Blocking zones page and read the “Current elevation” - this is the low elevation limit of
the dish blocking zone. Type it in under Elevation and click Apply. If the antenna is

completely blocked, use 0 degrees when you type in the blocking zones.

c. Dish blocking zone, azimuth high limit: Jog the antenna counterclockwise as

close as possible to the blocking object, and so that the antenna can move freely in

Elevation without touching the object. Go to the Blocking zones page and read the

“Current azimuth” - this is the high azimuth limit of the dish blocking zone. Type it in and

click Apply.

7. If there are more blocking objects, repeat the procedure above for each blocking object.

8. Select Activate for each blocking zone and click Apply.

After defining and activating the blocking zones you can test it using the Jog function. Jog
the antenna carefully until it meets the defined blocking zone. Observe that it stops at the
blocking zone and that the display and the web interface show a warning.

98-145510-E Chapter 6: Setup and operation 6-13

6.1.7 To configure the LAN network

Important

On this page you can set up the LAN network and enter a host name. The host name helps
identifying the VSAT system.

The VSAT system is not designed to be connected directly to the Internet. It
must be located behind a dedicated network security device such as a fire
wall. You should change the default passwords as anyone with access and
malicious intent can render the system inoperable.

To configure the LAN network, do as follows:

1. Select SETTINGS > Network.

2. Make the necessary changes on this page and click Apply.

For available options for the network configuration, see Table 6-11 on page 6-15.

The web interface

Figure 10: Web interface: SETTINGS, Network (default settings)

98-145510-E Chapter 6: Setup and operation 6-14

Important

Make sure that the networks do not use IP address ranges that overlap.

Important

Sections Preferred use

The web interface

NETWORK
Host
name

The host name is used for identifying the VSAT system, and is displayed in
the web interface (right side of top line, next to the product name). The
default host name is acu. You can change the name. Letters (a-z), digits (0-9)
and hyphen (-) are allowed as legal characters.
Note: The host name must start with a letter.

LAN Port 1 LAN port 1 is the service port and is used to access the web interface. By

default this port has the static IP address http://192.168.0.1; the current
value can be shown in the ACU display (NETWORK > PORT 1 IP).

If you want a different setup for LAN port 1, you can change the IP settings.
You get the default settings back by resetting to factory default.

LAN Port 2, 3
and 5

By default, LAN port 5 is dedicated to the modem connection. If you want a
different setup for LAN port 5, you can change the IP settings.

LAN 3 and 5 are switched with LAN 2, i.e. they are always on the same
network and have the same IP settings as LAN 5.

LAN Port 4 LAN port 4 is configured to be a DHCP client. You can change the IP settings

according to your needs.

WLAN The wireless port can be connected to one of the other ports.

Set here which of the ports 1 to 5 you want to access with WLAN. If you
want to access the web interface with WLAN, select the service port (LAN 1
by default).

For details on the WLAN interface setup, see WLAN settings on page 6-16.

Static IP or DHCP Client

The DHCP server is enabled by default.

If you select DHCP client the network IP address and sub-net mask must be provided by a
DHCP server on that network. If you select Static you must specify a unique IP address and

a sub-net mask.

DHCP Server Settings

When Mode is set to Static, you can select to let the LAN port act as a DHCP server.

The DHCP start and end addresses must be on the same subnet as the port's static IP.

DNS setup

If you have access to a Domain Name Server (DNS) you can specify the address of the
email server by using the server name instead of its IP address. This can be used in Outgoing

mail server in Email setup on page 6-17.

Table 6-11: Setup of LAN network

98-145510-E Chapter 6: Setup and operation 6-15

You may statically specify the address of one or two DNS servers. Select the DNS source as
static and fill in IP address or addresses.

Alternatively, if your DHCP server can provide a DNS address and you have selected DHCP
client above, then select the same LAN as your DNS source.

Gateway setup

If the ACU needs to communicate with network units outside the specified sub-nets, you
must specify a default gateway (typically a router).

The default gateway can be set as a static IP address. Then set the default gateway source
to static and enter the IP address of the default gateway. To remove the default gateway
set it to 0.0.0.0.

Alternatively, if your DHCP server is able to provide a default gateway address and you have
selected DHCP client above, then select the same LAN as your default gateway source.

6.1.8 WLAN settings

On the WLAN page you can enable and set up the WLAN access point. Do as follows:

The web interface

1. First, on the SETTINGS > NETWORK page, link the WLAN interface to one of the LAN

interfaces. Typically, you link WLAN to LAN 1, which is used to access the web interface

of the VSAT system. See To configure the LAN network on page 6-14.

2. Select SETTINGS > WLAN from the left navigation pane.

3. Enable or disable the WLAN (default: Disabled).

4. Select the Country for your present location.

5. WLAN channel can be changed, channels available depend on the setting for
Country.

6. For Broadcast SSID, select Enabled (default) or Disabled.

Enabled: WLAN access point is shown to other users.
Disabled: WLAN access point is hidden.

7. Type in the SSID of your choice or accept the default SSID, which is Cobham. The

SSID is the name of the wireless local area network. It is a text with maximum 32
characters.

8. Select the Security standard. Select one of the following encryption standards:

• Disabled (default)

• WEP-64, enter the encryption key in hexadecimal format.

• WEP-128, enter the encryption key in hexadecimal format.

• WPA-PSK, enter the encryption key in hexadecimal or text format.

• WPA2-PSK, enter the encryption key in hexadecimal or text format.

9. Select the Key type (hexadecimal or ascii) and type in the Encryption key for the
selected Security standard. This is not applicable if you have selected Disabled.

10.Click Apply.

98-145510-E Chapter 6: Setup and operation 6-16

6.1.9 Navigation

Note

On this page you can enter a fixed position or a fixed base heading. Do as follows:

1. Select SETTINGS > Navigation from the left navigation pane.

2. Set the Heading (Compass direction) and Position.

Item Description

The web interface

Heading
(Compass
direction)

Position GNSS - GNSS module is used for current position (default setting).

3. Click Apply for each of the new settings.

6.1.10 Email setup

To be able to send diagnostics reports and other system information using e-mail you must
set up a couple of parameters. Contact your IT department for the specific data.

To configure the e-mail setup, do as follows:

1. Select SETTINGS > E-mail setup from the left navigation pane.

2. Enter the data for Outgoing mail server (SMTP), SMTP port number, SMTP
authentication, User name and password. This data is typically provided by your IT
department.

Automatic - magnetic heading is used (default setting).
Manual - enter a value for the direction of the antenna as an

alternative to the magnetic heading (0 to 360 degrees, precision ±20°.
0 degrees is North).

Manual - enter values from other position source. (Accuracy should be

better than 50 m.)

Table 6-12: Web interface: SETTINGS > Navigation

You must set Outgoing mail server to an IP address if DNS has not been set
up in DNS setup in To configure the LAN network on page 6-14.

98-145510-E Chapter 6: Setup and operation 6-17

6.1.11 Reports, syslog and SNMP traps

Note

Important

You can set up the system to send the following reports and messages:

•Diagnostics report

•Remote syslog

•SNMP traps

To send a diagnostics report

You can send automatically generated diagnostic reports at fixed intervals. The diagnostic
report contains information relevant for the service personnel during troubleshooting. To
set up sending a diagnostics report, do as follows:

You must first set up the Email. See the previous section, Email setup.

1. Select SETTINGS > Reporting from the left navigation pane.

The web interface

2. Under Diagnostics report, enter the following:

3. Click Apply.

You can also send the report at any time by clicking Send now. Use Send now to validate
the e-mail setup. See also Help desk and diagnostics report on page 7-2.

Remote syslog

You can set up the antenna to send each syslog message to a syslog server to advise the
system administrator of the current status of the antenna.

To set up sending syslog messages to a syslog server, do as follows:

1. Select SETTINGS > Reporting.

2. In the section Remote syslog select On to enable remote syslog (default: Off).

Note that the diagnostics report also shows the WLAN key.

•E-mail sender

• E-mail recipients (comma separated)

•Send interval: Select e-mail disabled (default), day with 2-minute samples, week

with hourly samples or month with hourly samples. The report contains statistics

data for the selected intervals.

3. Enter the IP address of the syslog server to which the syslog messages will be sent.

4. Click Apply.

SNMP traps

SNMP traps, or notifications, are network packets which advise the system administrator
about significant events in the antenna, e.g. alarms and system error messages. They are
generated by the antenna and can be sent automatically to an SNMP trap
receiver/manager).

98-145510-E Chapter 6: Setup and operation 6-18

To set up reporting SNMP traps to an SNMP server, do as follows:

Important

Note

1. Select SETTINGS > Reporting.

2. In the section SNMP traps select On to enable sending of SNMP traps (default: Off).

3. Enter the IP address of the SNMP trap receiver/manager to which the SNMP traps will be
sent.

4. Enter the Community name. This is the name of the SNMP trap receiver/manager. This is
needed for authentication of the SNMP trap request.

5. Click Apply.

6.1.12 Stow input (discrete I/O)

You can use pin 5 on the I/O connector on the ACU to force the antenna to stow. E.g. if you
connect pin 5 to the ignition and enable the stow input in the web interface, the antenna
will automatically stow when you start the vehicle. Do as follows:

1. Connect pin 1 in the I/O connector to GND in your connected equipment, e.g. the
ignition system of your vehicle.

The web interface

2. Connect pin 5 in the User I/O connector to “high” when the antenna should be forced to
stow, e.g. when the ignition in the vehicle is switched on.

For specifications for the User I/O interface, see Interfaces of the antenna on page 4-8.

3. Connect pin 5 in the User I/O connector to GND when the normal stow functions should
apply, e.g. when the ignition is off.

4. In the web interface, select SETTINGS > Discrete I/O.

5. Under Stow input, select Enable.

6. Click Apply.

The antenna will now automatically stow when voltage is applied to pin 5 in the User I/O
connector. When pin 5 is connected to GND, the normal stow functions apply.

6.1.13 Compass calibration

You must make a compass calibration after first installation and every time
the antenna is reinstalled. If the compass is not calibrated the system will

not work properly!

You can set up whether or not you need administrator password to access

calibration. See User permissions (guest login) on page 6-24.

With the system installed in the vehicle, park the vehicle and make a compass calibration in
4 directions with approximately 90 degrees between them.

Do as follows:

1. Make sure the antenna is stowed before calibration.

98-145510-E Chapter 6: Setup and operation 6-19

The web interface

2. Locate a flat area for parking the vehicle. Make sure there are no large magnetizable
objects (e.g. containers or trucks) close to the parking spot - it could affect the precision
of the system.

3. Find fix points for parking the vehicle in four directions with approximately 90 degrees
(± 10 degrees) between them. You can start in any direction, it does not necessarily have
to be North-East-South-West.

Figure 13: Compass calibration, vehicle positions

4. Park the vehicle in the first position.

5. Switch on the ACU. The ACU starts up and goes through an initialization procedure.

6. Wait until the Power LED and the Fail/Pass LED light steady green.

7. Connect a computer, start your browser and access the web interface.

8. Click SERVICE > Calibration and locate the section Compass calibration.

98-145510-E Chapter 6: Setup and operation 6-20

Figure 14: Web interface: SERVICE, Calibration, Compass calibration

The web interface

9. When the Status field under Compass calibration shows Ready, click Start.
The first calibration step begins. When the first step is completed, the Result field

shows Done and the Start button changes to a Continue button.

10.When the first part is completed, move the vehicle so that it is parked approximately on
a 90 degrees angle relative to the previous position, see Figure 13.

11.Click Continue.

12.When the Result field shows Done, move the vehicle 90 degrees again, so that it is

parked approximately on a 180 degrees angle relative to the first position and click

Continue.

13.When the Result field shows Done, move the vehicle 90 degrees again, so that it is

parked approximately on a 270 degrees angle relative to the first position and click

Continue.

14.When the Result field shows Done and the button changes to Start again, the

compass calibration is completed.

98-145510-E Chapter 6: Setup and operation 6-21

6.1.14 Ku-Band version only: Cable calibration

Important

If you have the Ku-Band version of the VSAT system, use the web interface to make a cable
calibration to ensure that Tx power is calibrated at all frequencies.

For the system to work properly you must make a cable calibration in the
following cases:

• After installation

• After replacing antenna cables

• After replacing the BUC

•After service

WARNING! Stay clear of the antenna during Cable calibration! The antenna

is moving and transmitting during the calibration procedure. For Stay clear

area see Mechanical “stay-clear” area, EXPLORER 8100 on page vi or
Mechanical “stay-clear” area, EXPLORER 8120 on page vii. For radiation
safety distance, see Microwave radiation hazards on page iv.

The web interface

1. Deploy the antenna.

2. On the page SERVICE > Calibration click Start in the section Cable calibration.

3. 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.

When servicing the system it is recommended to make a cable calibration 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 with the
satellite operator to verify that the VSAT modem configuration is correct.

The VSAT system is calibrated now. If the calibration failed there will be a message on the
calibration screen.

6.1.15 To line up or jog the antenna

You can use the Lineup/Jog function to deliberately offset the antenna position. This is
useful when you define blocking zones, for testing and troubleshooting and sometimes also
during commissioning.

1. Connect a PC to the LAN1 or front LAN connector at the ACU.

You may also use WLAN, if it is configured.

2. Open an Internet browser and type the default IP address: http://192.168.0.1.

3. If the antenna is not already deployed, click Deploy in the top bar of the web interface.

4. Navigate to the page SERVICE > Jog and click Activate Jog or Activate Lineup.

• Lineup is typically used during commissioning. If you selected Lineup, the antenna

will be able to transmit during the Lineup procedure. You can enter offsets for the

98-145510-E Chapter 6: Setup and operation 6-22

The web interface

Note

position coordinates of the active profile, but you cannot change the coordinates of
the active profile.

• If you selected Jog, the antenna will not be transmitting, and you can enter any

position coordinates.

Figure 15: To line up or jog the antenna using the web interface

5. Click the arrow buttons for Azimuth or Elevation to change the offset, or type in specific
values.
 and  change the offset with 0.1° increments.
 and  change the offset with 1.0° increments.

The current position as well as the offset is shown on the screen.

There may be slight deviations (or “random walk”) of a few tenths degrees.

6. For Ka-Band: Select Deactivate to return to normal operation and reactivate the

selected satellite profile.

7. For Ku-Ban d only : Continue to the next steps.

8. Click the arrow buttons for TX polarisation to change the offset, or type in a specific
value. You may also select Add 90°.

The current position as well as the offset is shown on the screen.

9. Click Save polarisation offset.

10.Enter the correct Modem CW frequency.

This is provided by the satellite operator, typically when talking to the satellite operator
on the phone before doing a P1dB compression measurement.

11.When the lineup or jog procedure is ended, select Deactivate to return to normal

operation and reactivate the selected satellite profile.

For information on the submenus Modem and Antenna data, see chapter 7, Service and
maintenance.

98-145510-E Chapter 6: Setup and operation 6-23

6.1.16 Administration

In this section of the web interface you can configure the following administrative settings:

• Access to the administration settings (user name, password)

• User permissions (guest login)

• To import and export a system configuration

• Reset to factory default

Access to the administration settings (user name, password)

You can log on as an administrator or as guest (user name: guest, password: guest). The
Administration settings require an Administration user name and password. To log on as
administrator, do as follows:

1. Enter the IP address of the VSAT system.

2. If you are prompted, enter the Administration user name and password. If not, select

ADMINISTRATION and then enter the administrator user name and password.
The default user name is admin and the default password is 1234.

The web interface

3. Click Logon.

4. Select ADMINISTRATION.

The Administration page is now updated to let you change the user name and password
or log off Administration.

To change the administrator password, do as follows:

1. In the ADMINISTRATOR > User login page, locate the section Change Logon.

2. Type in the new password and retype it on the next line.

3. Click Change. At the next logon the new password is required.

To reset the administrator password, do as follows:

1. Contact your service partner for a reset code. Report the serial number of the ACU. You

find it in the Dashboard, ACU serial number.

2. Click the link Forgot administrator password? on the LOGON page.

3. Type in the reset code obtained from your service partner and click Reset.

4. Type in the user name admin, the default password 1234 and click Logon.

To log off administration

If you have not entered anything for 30 minutes under ADMINISTRATION, you are
logged off automatically. To log off manually, click Logoff in the ADMINISTRATION

page.

6.1.17 User permissions (guest login)

You can manage user access to certain functions of the VSAT system. You can allow or
deny users that are not administrators (user name: guest, password: guest) access to certain

98-145510-E Chapter 6: Setup and operation 6-24

The web interface

Important

Important

functions and make these pages read-only. This is useful if you want to protect the system
against unintended changes or tampering of the system.

Study this screen thoroughly and decide which areas of the VSAT system
you want to give non-administrator users (user name: guest) access to.

To set up the user permissions for guest users, do as follows:

1. Select ADMINISTRATION > User permissions.

2. For each item under ALLOW USERS TO: select

• Yes to allow the guest user access

• No to block the guest user access to the settings. Then the pages are read-only,

changes cannot be made by the guest user.

Change network: Locks the page SETTINGS > Network. Use this page to change IP
configuration of the LAN connectors of the ACU. For further information see To
configure the LAN network on page 6-14.

3. Click Apply.

6.1.18 To import and export a system configuration

If you need to reuse a configuration in another VSAT system, you can save the current
configuration to a file, which can then be loaded into another VSAT system. You can also
use this feature for backup purposes.

Load and save configurations can only be done with the same software
version in the units involved.

The configuration file contains all the settings you have entered during system setup:
satellite profiles, modem profiles, LAN setup, user permissions etc.

To save a configuration to a file, do as follows:

1. Select ADMINISTRATION > Export/import config.

2. Click the button Export. Follow the download instructions on the screen. You can use

this configuration file for upload to another VSAT system,

To load a configuration from a file, do as follows:

1. Select ADMINISTRATION > Export/import config.

2. Click the button Browse and locate the configuration file (.cfg file) you want to upload.

Then click the button Open.

3. In the web interface click the button Upload.

To clone a system configuration, do as follows:

1. Reset to factory default, see the following section for details.

2. Import a configuration from file, see section above.

98-145510-E Chapter 6: Setup and operation 6-25

6.1.19 Reset to factory default

Important

Note

To reset to factory default settings, do as follows:

1. Select ADMINISTRATION > Factory default.

Reset to factory default will delete or reset all the settings listed
below!

• Navigation settings

• All added satellite profiles

• All added modem profiles

• Changes in the network setup

• User permissions

• ACU display: brightness setting

2. Click Reset to factory default.

After resetting to factory default: When you power on the system, make sure

the antenna is connected to the ACU. If not, the list of available modem types

under SETTINGS > Modem profiles may not be correct, because the ACU

cannot determine whether the antenna type is Ka or Ku.

The web interface

6.1.20 Help desk

The Help desk pages in the web interface are described in the Service chapter under Help
desk and diagnostics report on page 7-2.

98-145510-E Chapter 6: Setup and operation 6-26

6.2 Keypad and display menus

5 6 7 8 Signal strength

1 2 3 4

6.2.1 Keypad and display

With the display menu you can do basic operations such as deploy, stow and stop the
antenna or apply the service function. You can also select which satellite profile to use.

In the menu system you can also see how the system has been configured. To configure
the system, use a connected PC and the web interface.

Keypad and display menus

Figure 16: Display and keypad of the ACU (example)

1. Current status of the VSAT system (examples):

NOT READY: NOT DEPLOYED
TRACKING
ANTENNA SW UPLOAD
ANTENNA POST (Power-On Self Test)
READY (waiting for data from the modem or no satellite profile selected)
SAFE MODE (used e.g. for software recovery)

2. Current menu, see The menu tree on page 6-29.

3. NAV: Navigational information
First letter: G (Valid position signal received from the GNSS module) or g (No valid GNSS

fix)

Second letter: H (Valid heading data) or h (No valid heading data).

4. LAN: LAN connectors used, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, –.

5. SAT: Longitude, satellite position of the currently active satellite profile.

6. RX:

1 (RX Lock, - or 1),
L (RX polarization of currently active satellite profile: L (left-hand), R (right-hand), H

(Horizontal) or V (Vertical)).

7. RF tracking frequency in GHz and LNB LO Frequency.

8. TX: <TX mute> <Modem TX> <ODU TX> <TX pol>

• <TX mute> = [U,u] (Muted by external signal on User I/O connector: U (unmuted) or

u (muted).

• <Modem TX> = [m,M], M (valid TX signal on modem) or m (no valid TX signal on

modem)

98-145510-E Chapter 6: Setup and operation 6-27

• <ODU TX> = [a,A] A (valid TX signal on antenna) or a (no valid TX signal on antenna)

• <Tx pol> = [-, X, C] (TX polarization of currently active satellite profile: X (Cross-pol), C

(Co-pol) or - (unknown)).

After 1 hour the display is dimmed to lowest intensity. Press any key to light up the display.

6.2.2 Brightness of the display

To adjust the brightness do the following:

1. Press and hold OK for a short moment until BRIGHTNESS XXX% is displayed (XXX is

the current brightness value).

2. Hold OK + press  to brighten or  to darken display.

3. Release OK to leave the brightness menu.

6.2.3 Navigating the menus

Use the keypad to navigate the menus.

•Press OK or  to select a menu item.

Keypad and display menus

•Use the arrow keys  and  to go through the menu items or enter a
number, digit by digit.

• Use the arrow keys  and  to go through the settings and move
from one digit to the next.

•Press OK to select a setting.

•Press  again to move one level up. If applicable, confirm to store the new setting by

pressing OK.

98-145510-E Chapter 6: Setup and operation 6-28

6.2.4 The menu tree

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With the display menu you can do basic operations such as deploy, stow and stop the
antenna or apply the service function. You can also select which satellite profile to use.

In the menu tree you can also see how the system has been configured. To configure the
system, use a connected PC and the web interface.

Keypad and display menus

98-145510-E Chapter 6: Setup and operation 6-29

Figure 17: Menu tree in the display

Top-level menu

Keypad and display menus

To p- l ev e l

menu

Description

MAIN View with current status of the VSAT system.

The status screen is displayed again after a time out of 10 minutes.
New events are shown in this display. If an event is displayed, press

OK to jump directly to the menu EVENTS for viewing the currently

active events.

Press any key (except left arrow) to enter the menu at MAIN.

OPERATION Allows you to deploy, stow or stop the antenna.

PROFILE Allows you to select which satellite profile to use.

ANTENNA Shows the current antenna parameters, position, polarization,

software version and serial numbers of the antenna and ACU.

MODEM Modem information, including modem type, signal level and status

for TX enable and RX lock

NETWORK Shows the IP addresses and netmasks of the LAN connectors on the

ACU, and the default gateway.

SATELLITE Current satellite information. This information is configured using

the web interface.

EVENTS View system events. Number of active events are shown as: X

Menu descriptions

OPERATION Description

DEPLOY Press OK to deploy the antenna
STOW Press OK to stow the antenna
STOP Press OK to stop the antenna immediately.

START Press OK to start the antenna when it has been stopped.

ACTIVE EVENTS in the MAIN display. Press OK to see the list.

Table 6-18: Top-level menus

The status shows STOPPED

After starting the antenna you must deploy it again.

Tab le 6-19: OPERATION menu

98-145510-E Chapter 6: Setup and operation 6-30

Keypad and display menus

PROFILE Description

<PROFILE> Lists the available satellite profiles. Use  and  to go through the

profiles and press OK to select the profile you want to activate.

Table 6-20: PROFILE menu

ANTENNA Description

POINTING ANTENNA STATE: Current state of the antenna, e.g. TRACKING

ELEVATION: Current elevation angle of the antenna
AZIMUTH: Current azimuth of the antenna, with reference to North

POLARIZATION RX POLARIZATION: HORIZONTAL, VERTICAL, (LEFT or RIGHT)

TX POLARIZATION: HORIZONTAL, VERTICAL, (LEFT or RIGHT)

GPS LATITUDE: current latitude, read from GNSS module

LONGITUDE: current longitude, read from GNSS module
FIX TYPE: 2D or 3D or USER (USER means the position is entered
manually)

HEADING Orientation of the mounting base in relation to estimated North.

VERSIONS Current software version of the antenna

SERIAL NUMBERS Serial numbers of the antenna and the ACU

Table 6-21: ANTENNA menu

MODEM Description

MODEM TYPE Current modem type.

TX ENABLE On or off, information delivered by the connected VSAT modem.

RX LOCK On or off, information delivered by the connected VSAT modem.

SIGNAL LEVEL Current input signal level from the VSAT modem, in dB.

Tab l e 6-22: MODEM menu

NETWORK Description

PORT 1 IP Current IP address for LAN1 (service port)

PORT 1 MASK Current netmask for LAN1

PORT 2 IP Current IP address for LAN2 (modem port)

PORT 2 MASK Current netmask for LAN2 (modem port)

PORT 3 IP Current IP address for LAN3

Table 6-23: NETWORK menu

98-145510-E Chapter 6: Setup and operation 6-31

NETWORK Description

PORT 3 MASK Current netmask for LAN3

PORT 4 IP Current IP address for LAN4

PORT 4 MASK Current netmask for LAN4

PORT 5 IP Current IP address for LAN5

PORT 5 MASK Current netmask for LAN5

DEFAULT GATEWAY Current default gateway

Table 6-23: NETWORK menu (Continued)

SATELLITE Description

POSITION Current satellite position

Keypad and display menus

RX POLARIZATION

TX POLARIZATION

RX FREQUENCY

LNB LO

a

TX FREQUENCY

BUC LO

a

a. Only for Ku antenna

a

-, HORIZONTAL, VERTICAL, (LEFT or RIGHT)

a

-, HORIZONTAL, VERTICAL, (LEFT or RIGHT)

a

Current RX frequency

LNB LO frequency

a

Current TX frequency

BUC LO frequency

Table 6-24: SATELLITE menu

EVENT Description

<EVENT> In this menu all active events are listed. Use  and  to go through the

active events.

Events can be of the type WARNING or ERROR.

If a new event occurs or there is a change in the event list while you are in

the EVENTS menu, a * is shown in the upper left corner of the display, next
to the menu name. Press OK to update the EVENTS list, the * will be

removed.

A > means the event text is longer than the display. Press > to see the

remaining text.

Table 6-25: EVENTS menu

Example: EVENT 1/4*: This is the first event out of a list of 4 and there has been a

change in the list. EVENT 1/4 will always be shown, the * indicates a change.

98-145510-E Chapter 6: Setup and operation 6-32

6.3 SNMP support

Note

The EXPLORER 8000 series supports SNMP v2 requests to retrieve configuration and
present settings. SNMP is always enabled on all Ethernet interfaces. The SNMP community

string is public. The EXPLORER 8000 series offers via SNMP most of the data that are

available from the DASHBOARD web pages. Detailed documentation about supported OIDs
can be found in the MIB file for your VSAT system.

The MIB entries are grouped as shown below:

• System configuration

• Navigation coordinates

• Antenna pointing

• Dashboard and profile

• Tracking receiver

None of the SNMP values need to be polled more often than once a minute.
Polling SNMP values more frequently will impact the performance of the ACU.

SNMP support

You can download the ACU MIB file directly from the ACU:

1. Go to the HELPDESK page.

2. Click the link Download MIB file

3. Save the file on your computer.

You can also download the ACU MIB from Cobham eSupport web site.

98-145510-E Chapter 6: Setup and operation 6-33

Chapter 7

Service and maintenance

This chapter has the following sections:

• General support

• Software update

• Status signalling with LEDs and status messages

• To stow and unfold the antenna manually

• BUC installation

• Replace the antenna or ACU

• To return units for repair

7.1 General support

Contact for support

If this manual does not provide the remedies to solve your problem, contact your service
provider.

7

7.1.1 Preventative maintenance

The EXPLORER 8000 series is constructed to require a minimum amount of regular
maintenance.

WARNING! Potentially hot surface when the system is operated in

hot environments without the possibility for ventilation. Contact may cause
burn. Allow to cool before servicing.

Make the following checks on a regular basis:

• Inspect the reflector front surface for physical damage including chips and cracks. Any
substantial damage can affect antenna performance and may require the reflector to be
replaced.

• Check the feed horn membrane for cracks or damage.

• Check that the mechanical connection between reflector arm and Feed boom is firm.
There must be no slackness in the connection between reflector arm and Feed boom.

• Check the flexible wave guide between the BUC and the feed for cracks or damage.

• Check that the polarization module can rotate.

• Use low-pressure washing and soft scrubbing to rinse off grit and reduce wear.

98-145510-E 7-1

7.1.2 Help desk and diagnostics report

During the installation you can enter the support contact for this installation.

1. To access the Help desk (Support page), select HELPDESK from the left navigation

pane.

2. Under Contact, click the link, enter support contact information and click Apply.

3. Under MIB file, you can download a MIB file from the ACU for retrieving configuration
and present settings via SNMP. For details, see section 6.3 SNMP support on page 6-33.

4. Under User manual you can either download the built-in user manual to your PC or

upload a newer version of the manual from your PC to the ACU.

•Click the Download manual link to see the manual.

• To upload a different version to the ACU, click Browse... and select the manual from

your PC, then click Upload.

5. At Legal notices you can see the licence text for the source code of the parts of the

EXPLORER 8000 series software that fall under free and open source software.

General support

6. In the section Download Reports click the button Download. If you need to include
modem information in the report, select Modem and click Apply before you download
the report. The Diagnostic report (txt file) is downloaded to your computer.

The Diagnostics report contains information relevant for the service personnel during
troubleshooting. It is also useful documentation of the current setup. It contains all
parameters set during configuration. The main sections are:

•Software

•System

• Hardware

•Setup - System data

• Network - LAN Configuration

•Modems

• Satellites - Satellite profiles

• Operation - Current modem and navigation parameters.

• POST - results of the Power-On-Self-Test

• Active Events - lists the currently active events

• Events - List of all cleared events.

•System log

7.1.3 Event list

When an event is registered, the web interface shows an event icon in the icon bar as
long as the event is active. The ACU display shows also active events. To view the event list
with active events, click the event icon from the icon bar at the top of the web interface, or

select HELPDESK > Event list from the left navigation pane.

98-145510-E Chapter 7: Service and maintenance 7-2

The Event list page shows a detailed list of active events and notifications including the

Important

time of the first occurrence, ID and severity of the event message, and a short text
describing the error. Active events are cleared from the event list when the error is cleared.

They are moved to the section Notifications and are displayed for 24 hours. All entries in
the section Notifications are deleted automatically after 24 hours and after restart of the

system. For a list of all events with description, error code (ID), explanation and remedy see

System messages on page E-1.

7.1.4 Self test

You can start a self test of the antenna and ACU.

1. Select SERVICE > Self test.

General support

The VSAT system will reboot to perform the self test. Rebooting the
ACU will terminate all existing connections.

2. Select
test the antenna alone or the system.

7.1.5 Restart

To restart the system do the following:

1. Press and hold  and  until the ACU display shuts down and the antenna reboots.

2. Wait until the antenna has rebooted and is operational again. The last active satellite
profile will be used.

If you want to reset the VSAT system to factory defaults, see Reset to factory default on

page 6-26.

Restart antenna or Restart terminal, depending on whether you want to

Figure 1: To restart the system

98-145510-E Chapter 7: Service and maintenance 7-3

7.2 Software update

Note

7.2.1 Prerequisites

The following items are required to make a software update:

•One computer with a standard Ethernet port available.

• A standard Internet browser.

• 1024 × 768 pixels or higher display resolution (best viewed with small fonts).

•One straight LAN cable.

• Access to the file with the new software.

7.2.2 Software update procedure

To update the VSAT system software

Software update

The antenna software is automatically updated when the ACU software has been updated.

Software update should only be done by qualified service personnel.

1. Power up the VSAT system, i.e. switch on the ACU.

2. Connect a PC to LAN interface 1 (Service port, standard Ethernet).
If you want to use another LAN port to access the web interface you must configure it

according to your network requirements. See To configure the LAN network on page 6-

14 for more information.

3. Open your Internet browser and enter the IP address of the VSAT system. The default IP
address is http://192.168.0.1.

4. Type in the user name admin and the password 1234 to access the Dashboard.

5. The web interface shows the DASHBOARD page.

6. Click SERVICE in the navigation pane.
The UPLOAD page is displayed.

98-145510-E Chapter 7: Service and maintenance 7-4

Software update

Important

7. Click Browse... and locate the new software file.

8. Click Upload.

Do not browse away from the upload page. This will terminate the
upload process. Wait for the browser to reload automatically.

9. You can select Enable automatic rollback on failure, then the system returns to the

previous software if the installed software fails.

10.Click Switch to this version if you want to force the system to use the alternative
software version stated under Software versions.

Note that the upload procedure takes a couple of minutes. When done, the ACU
automatically restarts with the new software version.

The start-up procedure after a software upload takes longer than the usual start-up time, as

the software in the antenna must also be updated. The ACU display shows: ANTENNA SW

UPLOAD.

To verify the software update

1. The software version can be viewed in the DASHBOARD window of the web interface.

Figure 2: Software update with the web interface

2. After completing the software update procedure, the VSAT system will perform a POST
(Power On Self Test).

3. When the POST has finished, the green Pass/Fail LED on the keypad must become
steadily green. Verify that the Pass/Fail LED is not red nor flashing orange once every 2
seconds. Wait until the Pass/Fail LED is green.

98-145510-E Chapter 7: Service and maintenance 7-5

Software update

4. Verify that the software update has been completed successfully. You find the software

version number in the DASHBOARD window of the web interface.

Figure 3: Verifying software update

Software recovery procedure (SAFE MODE)

To recover from a failed software upload, turn off the ACU and turn it on again. Then repeat

the upload procedure as described in Software update on page 7-4. If this does not help,

use the following procedure:

1. Switch off the ACU.

2. Press and hold down the arrow keys  and  simultaneously.

3. While holding down  and , Switch on the ACU and wait for the display to show

SAFE MODE in the top left corner.

4. Release the arrow keys.

5. Connect a PC to LAN port 1 (service port) of the ACU.

6. Set the IP address of the PC to static: IP:192.168.0.2, Subnet: 255.255.255.0.

7. Open an Internet browser and type http://192.168.0.1 (Default IP address of the ACU).
The software upload page opens.

8. Click Browse... and locate the software file.

9. Click Upload.

98-145510-E Chapter 7: Service and maintenance 7-6

Status signalling with LEDs and status messages

Important

The upload procedure takes a couple of minutes. When done, the ACU automatically
restarts with the new software version.

Do not browse away from the upload page. This will terminate the upload
process. Wait for the browser to reload automatically.

Software update (VSAT modem)

Refer to the documentation for your VSAT modem.

7.3 Status signalling with LEDs and status messages

Built-In Test Equipment

The VSAT system has a Built-In Test Equipment (BITE) function in order to make fault
diagnostics easy during service and installation. The BITE test is performed during:

• Power On Self Test (POST), which is automatically performed each time the system is
powered on.

• Person Activated Self Test (PAST), which is initiated by starting a self test in the web

interface HELPDESK > Self test.

For details on error messages after a POST or a self test see Event list on page 7-2.

Means of signalling

The VSAT system provides various methods for signalling the system status.

LEDs on the front panel of the ACU are used to signal:

• Power on/off

• Logon

•Fail/Pass

See LEDs on the keypad of the ACU on the next page.
Display and web interface: In addition to general status messages, the display and the

built-in web interface of the ACU show any events (BITE error codes) with a short message
describing each error.

See System messages on page E-1.

98-145510-E Chapter 7: Service and maintenance 7-7

7.3.1 LEDs on the keypad of the ACU

There are 3 LEDs: Power, Logon and Fail/Pass LED.

LED Behavior Description

Power Steady green Power supply OK

Steady red Power supply failure

Off No power

Logon Flashing green Current status is displayed:

• Searching satellite

• Identifying satellite

• Carrier lock & TX enabled from modem

Steady green Satellite link established

Off No satellite link acquired

Status signalling with LEDs and status messages

Fail/Pass
LED

Steady red A fault which prevents operation is present

in the system (ACU, antenna, MODEM).

Flashing green A Power On Self Test (POST) or Person

Activated Self Test (PAST) in progress. The
current status is displayed.

Flashing red Active BITE failure or warning. The event is

shown in the ACU display.

Steady green No faults.

Table 7-4: LEDs on the ACU

98-145510-E Chapter 7: Service and maintenance 7-8

To stow and unfold the antenna manually

7.4 To stow and unfold the antenna manually

CAUTION! Always release the stow lock before you operate the antenna

manually! The stow lock will be damaged if it is not released before you
operate the antenna manually.

7.4.1 Manual stow

If for some reason the system is inoperable, e.g. due to loss of power or similar, you can
stow the antenna manually.

Do as follows:

1. Find the Hex L key and the Hand crank included in the delivery.

2. If the Feed boom of the antenna is not pointing straight, aligned with the antenna base
frame, you must adjust the Azimuth as described in the next steps.

3. Find the adjustment location for Azimuth shown in the picture below and unscrew the
cover for the adjustment bolt.

Figure 5: Manual stow, azimuth adjustment

4. Use the Hand crank on the Azimuth adjustment bolt to adjust the Azimuth until the
antenna is aligned with the base frame of the antenna.

5. For Ku-version only: Before adjusting the Elevation, turn the OMT/LNB assembly 45

degrees by hand to make sure that the Flexible Wave Guide does not get caught
between the Feed boom and the base frame.

Figure 6: Manual stow, Turn OMT/LNB assembly 45 degrees

98-145510-E Chapter 7: Service and maintenance 7-9

To stow and unfold the antenna manually

Important

Note

Step 6 and 7 are only for antennas with the stow
lock mechanism (marked with this warning on the

elevation adjustment cover).

If you do not have this antenna version, go directly to

step 8.

6. In both sides of the antenna, use a hex L key to remove
the screws for the circular covers.

Figure 7: Covers for manual elevation adjustment and stow lock release

7. Insert the hex L key at the top of the L-shaped hole, tip it downwards and follow the
direction of the hole to the left to release the lock.

Leave the hex L key in the Released position while adjusting the

elevation.

Figure 8: Stow lock release

8. Go back to the other side of the antenna and use the Hand crank to adjust the elevation
(turn counter-clockwise to stow the antenna).

If you have the stow brake version of the antenna you must first remove the
small cover. You can do this with the Hand crank.

Figure 9: Manual elevation adjustment

98-145510-E Chapter 7: Service and maintenance 7-10

9. When the Feed boom is close to the base frame, check that the rubber bumpers on the

Important

base frame touch the feed boom correctly in both sides (straight and symmetrically).

10.Continue adjusting with the Hand crank until the rubber bumpers are slightly
compressed and the antenna is completely stowed.

11.Remove the screw driver from the Elevation stow lock release mechanism.

12.Remount the three covers (Elevation adjustment, Elevation stow lock release and the
small cover for the Azimuth adjustment).

7.4.2 Manual unfolding

CAUTION! There are two versions of the EXPLORER 8100 antenna. One

with a stow lock mechanism and one with a stow brake. For the stow lock

version it is important to release the stow lock before adjusting the
elevation. The stow lock will be damaged if it is not released before the

antenna is unfolded.

To stow and unfold the antenna manually

Do as follows:

Step 1 and 2 are only for antennas with the stow
lock mechanism (marked with this warning on the

elevation adjustment cover).

If you do not have this antenna version, go directly to

step 3.

1. In both sides of the antenna, use a hex L key to remove the screws for the circular
covers.

Figure 10: Covers for manual elevation adjustment and stow lock release

2. Insert the hex L key at the top of the L-shaped hole, tip it downwards and follow the
direction of the hole to the left to release the lock.

Leave the hex L key in the Released position while adjusting the

elevation.

98-145510-E Chapter 7: Service and maintenance 7-11

To stow and unfold the antenna manually

Note

Figure 11: Stow lock release

3. Go back to the other side of the antenna and use the Hand crank to adjust the elevation
(turn clockwise to unfold the antenna).

If you have the stow brake version of the antenna you must first remove the
small cover. You can do this with the Hand crank.

Figure 12: Manual elevation adjustment

4. When the Feed boom is free of the stow brackets, you can adjust the azimuth as
described in step 3 and step 4 in the previous section.

5. When you have finished adjusting the elevation, remove the screw driver from the
Elevation stow lock release mechanism.

6. Remount the covers for the adjustment locations (Elevation adjustment, Elevation stow
lock release and the small cover for the Azimuth adjustment).

98-145510-E Chapter 7: Service and maintenance 7-12

BUC installation

7.5 BUC installation

You may need to install a BUC on the antenna if you have purchased the “no BUC” antenna
version or you want to replace the BUC e.g. with a more powerful BUC. The following BUC
installation kit is available from Cobham SATCOM:

• 20 W BUC kit for EXPLORER 8100, part number 408157A-200
The 20 W BUC kit includes brackets, screws etc. as well as an installation guide
explaining how to install the 20 W BUC on an EXPLORER 8100.

An 8 W BUC is also available as spare part.

The mechanical specifications are slightly different on the EXPLORER 8120 compared to
the EXPLORER 8100. The following two sections describe the specifications needed for BUC
installation on the EXPLORER 8100 and the EXPLORER 8120 respectively.

7.5.1 EXPLORER 8100: Mechanical specifications for 3rd party BUCs

If you are mounting a 3rd party BUC on the EXPLORER 8100, make sure that the BUC
complies with the following specifications:

Maximum weight of BUC: 6 kg

Maximum size:
Make sure the BUC and the BUC installation complies with the following figures.

Figure 13: Max. dimensions for BUC (EXPLORER 8100)

98-145510-E Chapter 7: Service and maintenance 7-13

BUC installation

In the following figures, Tx - WR75 shows the allowed area for installation of the

Waveguide interface.

Figure 14: Waveguide position and mounting holes for BUC brackets (EXPLORER 8100)

Figure 15: Waveguide position, front (EXPLORER 8100)

98-145510-E Chapter 7: Service and maintenance 7-14

BUC installation

max. 139

max. 69

max. 200

See DETAIL B

max. 117

max. 69

max.
M8

max. 270
max. 279

4 x M4

26.42

19.05

28.5

9.53

DETAIL B

7.5.2 EXPLORER 8120: Mechanical specifications for 3rd party BUCs

If you are mounting a 3rd party BUC on the EXPLORER 8120, make sure that the BUC
complies with the following specifications:

Maximum weight of BUC: 6 kg

Maximum size:
Make sure the BUC size and the BUC installation complies with the following figures.

Figure 16: Max. dimensions for BUC (EXPLORER 8120)

98-145510-E Chapter 7: Service and maintenance 7-15

BUC installation

In the following figures, Tx - WR75 shows the allowed area for installation of the

Waveguide interface.

Figure 17: Waveguide position and mounting holes for BUC brackets (EXPLORER 8120)

Figure 18: Waveguide position and mounting holes for BUC brackets, Top view (EXPLORER 8120)

Figure 19: Waveguide position, front (EXPLORER 8120)

98-145510-E Chapter 7: Service and maintenance 7-16

7.5.3 Electrical specifications for BUC

The electrical specifications for BUC installation are the same on EXPLORER 8100 as on the
EXPLORER 8120.

BUC connectors

When you connect the installed BUC to the antenna pedestal you may use the BUC TX (N­connector) alone or the BUC M&C (GCT C3 connector) together with the BUC TX
connector. For details on the BUC connectors, see page 4-9.

Use the BUC M&C connector if:

• Your BUC requires a BUC M&C connection.

BUC installation

• Your system requires more power than the BUC TX connector alone supports (See
specifications in the following section).

1

Electrical specifications for installation of 3rd party BUCs

• Maximum current using the N-connector: 6.3 A (derated)

• Maximum current using the BUC M&C (GTC C3) connector: 12 A (derated)

• Minimum unloaded supply voltage: 47 V

• Cable harness resistance: 0.4 Ohm @ 10 m cable.

Note: Output power will be lower for cables with higher resistance.

Power available at BUC M&C connector for BUC (average/peak):

ACU type

ACU input voltage

range

1000 W ACU 110 V to 264 V 505 W / 615 W 475 W / 475 W

90 V to 110 V 505 W / 590 W 450 W / 450 W

500W ACU 90V to 264V 90W

Table 7-20: Power available on BUC M&C (GTC C3 connector)

BUC M & C output power, Ave./Peak

-25° to 50° 50° to 55°

Power available at BUC TX connector (N-connector) for BUC (average/peak):

BUC TX output power, Ave./Peak.

55°

ACU type

ACU input voltage

range

1000 W ACU 90 V to 264 V 188 W / 264 W

500 W ACU 90 V to 264 V 90 W

Table 7-21: Power available on BUC TX (N-connector)

1. If you are using the BUC TX connector alone, DC power is provided together with the RF

signal on the same connector. If you are using the BUC M&C connector, the BUC TX
connector provides only the RF signal and the BUC M&C connector provides the DC power
for the BUC.

98-145510-E Chapter 7: Service and maintenance 7-17

7.5.4 To install the BUC

Gaskets

The mounting method differs depending on the BUC and brackets used. Make sure the
requirements in the previous sections are met.

1. Install the BUC on the feed boom, using suitable brackets for the form factor of the BUC.

CAUTION! Install the front bracket with interface to the Waveguide

according to the specifications in Figure 14 (EXPLORER 8100) or Figure 17
(EXPLORER 8120). This is important in order to accommodate free
movement of the Waveguide below the Feed boom.

If you have the 20 W BUC kit from Cobham SATCOM, brackets and installation guide
are included.

BUC installation

Figure 22: BUC installation, location of front bracket (EXPLORER 8100)

For the rear bracket, the Feed boom has a number of mounting holes for flexible
installation of various BUC types. See Figure 14 (EXPLORER 8100) or Figure 17
(EXPLORER 8120).
Do not tighten the screws for the brackets until the Waveguide is connected.

2. Connect the Waveguide to the front bracket and the BUC. Make sure the gaskets on
both sides of the bracket are in place before mounting the screws for the Waveguide.

Figure 23: BUC installation, Waveguide (EXPLORER 8100)

98-145510-E Chapter 7: Service and maintenance 7-18

BUC installation

BUC M&C

BUC TX

Cable protection
sleeve

Strips

Strips

TX cable

3. Tighten the screws at the Waveguide to torque 2.5 Nm.

4. Tighten the screws for the brackets to torque 10 Nm.

5. Connect the BUC TX cable to the N-connector on the front of the antenna, right below
the reflector (BUC-TX).

Figure 24: BUC TX and BUC M&C connectors

6. If applicable, connect your BUC to the BUC M&C connector next to the BUC TX

connector. See BUC connectors on page 7-17.

7. Fit the BUC cable(s) behind the reflector and through the cable protection sleeve and
place cable strips loosely to attach the cable (and protection sleeve) to the Feed boom
structure.

Figure 25: BUC installation, TX cable

8. Connect the BUC TX cable to the BUC, tighten the cable strips and cut the excess
material off the strips.

9. Before you activate the antenna, use the command antenna_data buc to
enter the data for the new BUC. See antenna_data on page D-4.

10.Make a cable calibration as described in Ku-Band version only: Cable calibration on

page 6-22.

98-145510-E Chapter 7: Service and maintenance 7-19