DirecTV Advanced Installation Meter User Manual

Advanced Installation Meter

User’s Manual

© 2010 Rev B

i

Contents

Warranty iv
Return Policy v

Getting Started 1

Introduction 1
Using This Manual 2

Overview 2
Conventions 4

Getting To Know Your Meter 5

Features 5
Accessories 7
Display 8
Buttons 8
Navigation 9
HOME Screen 10

Powering Your Meter 10

Power-On 10
Standby Mode 11
Restart 11
Power-Off 11
Power Management 12
Battery Charging 13
Battery Replacement 14

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Getting Technical Support 17
Safety Instructions 18
Technical Specifications 19
Spare Parts List 20

Setting Up the Meter 21

Entering Registration Information 22
Changing Volume Setting 24
Changing the Display Contrast or Brightness 25
Changing Time and Date Settings 26
Changing Automatic Timer Settings 28

Setting Up a Job 30

Starting a Job 31
Modifying the Setup for a Job 33

Notes 33
ODU Type 34
Switch Type 35
Zip Code 36

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Installing an ODU 37

Aligning the ODU 37

Task A. Installation Setup 39
Task B. Coarse Azimuth Adjustment 40
Task C. Coarse Elevation Adjustment 40
Task D. Tilt Adjustment (95°, 3-LNB,

Slimline-5, and Slimline-5S (SWiM) ODUs Only) 41
Task E. Fine Elevation Adjustment

(Slimline ODUs Only) 41
Task F. Fine Azimuth Adjustment

(Slimline ODUs Only) 43

Performing EIV Following ODU Installation 45

Performing EIV 47

Performing Other Network Tests 50

Performing an In-Line Test 51
Performing a Satellite Tune Test 53
Performing a SWiM LF Power Test 57
Performing a Cable Resistance Test 59
Performing a Transponder Survey 61

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Managing Records 65

Understanding Records 66

Account Records 66
Setup Records 67
User Records 67
Test Records 67

Data Records 68
Viewing Records 69
Deleting Records 73
Transferring Records 75

Updating the Meter 77

Glossary 79

Index 81

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Warranty

Trilithic, Inc. warrants that each part of this product will be free from defects in
materials and workmanship, under normal use, operating conditions and service, for
a period of fifteen (15) months from date of shipment. The obligation of Trilithic, Inc.
under this warranty shall be limited, at the sole option of Trilithic, Inc., to replacing
the product or repairing any defective part.

This warranty and the rights created hereunder are neither transferable nor
assignable without the prior written consent of Trilithic, Inc.

Replaceable items such as batteries, soft cases, and input connectors, etc. are not
included nor covered by this warranty.

The remedy set forth herein shall be the only remedy available to the Buyer under
this warranty, and, in no event, shall Trilithic, Inc. be liable for incidental or
consequential damages for any alleged breach of this warranty. This Warranty shall
not apply to any part of the product that, without fault of Trilithic, Inc., has been
subsequently altered or modified, nor shall it apply to any failure caused by a part
not supplied by Trilithic, Inc. and subsequently attached to or incorporated into the
product. This warranty shall not apply to any damage caused by accident, fire, or
other casualty, negligence, misuse, or to any cause whatsoever other than as a result
of a defect directly attributable to Trilithic, Inc.

Except for the warranty and exclusions set forth above, and the warranties, if any,
available to the buyer from those who supply Trilithic, Inc., there are no warranties,
express or implied (including, without limitation, any implied warranty or warranty
of merchantability of fitness for a particular purpose), with respect to the condition
of the product.

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Return Policy

Before returning a product for service, please call Trilithic Customer Service at
888-895-7630 for an RMA number. During this call, a Product Service Representative
will schedule your unit for service, note the nature of the problem, and provide
instructions for the return of your product.

All AIM service will be provided by Trilithic at:

Trilithic, Inc.
9710 Park Davis Drive
Indianapolis, In. 46235 USA
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
email: [e-mail]

1

1 Getting Started

Introduction

Congratulations on your new Advanced Installation Meter (AIM)! The AIM was
developed in collaboration with DIRECTV to provide customized features for
installing and troubleshooting DIRECTV satellite receiver systems.

The AIM is a rugged meter suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. When fully
charged, the AIM can be used to install satellite receiver systems in approximately
six single-family homes on a single charge. Both an AC power adapter and a
convenient vehicle power adapter are provided for charging the meter. The carrying
case protects the meter and its accessories during transport and storage.

The AIM’s large display and keypad make it easy to navigate to the features you
need. On-screen directions guide you through ODU installation, Extended
Installation Verification (EIV), and other test processes.

The AIM lets you track information for each account, including account settings and
test results. You can transfer this information from the meter to a PC using a USB
flash drive. Using its USB connection, the AIM can be easily updated in the field as
new features become available.

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Using This Manual

Overview

Read this manual completely before using your AIM. Also, retain this manual for
future reference.

For information to help you get started using your AIM, see the sections below:

 Getting to Know Your Meter, starting on page5.

This section provides an overview of the AIM, including information about the
meter and its accessories, its display and buttons, and how to navigate through
the screens on the meter.

 Powering Your Meter, starting on page10.

This section provides instructions for how to turn on and turn off the meter, an
overview of the meter’s power-saving features, and instructions for how to
charge the battery and replace the battery.

 Getting Technical Support, starting on page17.

This section describes how to access technical support.

 Safety Instructions, starting on page18.

This section provides important safety instructions for using the AIM.

 Technical Specifications, starting on page19.

This section provides information about the dimensions, capabilities and
operating range of the AIM.

 Spare Parts List, starting on page20.

This section provides a list of replacement parts that can be ordered for the AIM.

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Instructions for using the AIM’s features are provided in the following chapters:

 Chapter 2: Setting Up the Meter, starting on page21.

Before you use your AIM, you need to enter registration information and
confirm the meter’s settings. This chapter provides instructions for entering
registration information, as well as setting the meter’s volume, display contrast
and brightness, time limits for power-saving features, and date and time.

 Chapter 3: Setting Up a Job, starting on page30.

Before you perform tasks for an installation using the AIM, you can set up the
information for the job. This chapter provides instructions for entering the
account number, selecting the ODU type, selecting the switch type, and entering
the zip code.

 Chapter 4: Installing an ODU, starting on page37.

The AIM guides you through the steps for aligning and performing follow-up
Extended Installation Verification (EIV) for each ODU. This chapter provides
instructions for how to complete these processes using the AIM.

 Chapter 5: Performing EIV, starting on page47.

You can perform Extended Installation Verification (EIV) at selected points in the
distribution network to quickly confirm that the installation is satisfactory for all
supported orbital slots. EIV is an easy way to pinpoint any potential problems
with the installation. This chapter provides instructions for performing EIV at the
ODU and other locations in the distribution network.

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 Chapter 6: Performing Other Network Tests, starting on page50.

If there is a problem with a DIRECTV installation, you can run network tests to
help you troubleshoot the problem. This chapter provides instructions for
performing tests including the In-line test, Satellite Tune test, SWiM LF Power
test, Cable Resistance test, and Transponder Survey.

 Chapter 7: Managing Records, starting on page65.

The AIM stores information for each account, including setup information and
test results. This chapter provides instructions for how to view records, delete
records, and transfer records to or from the AIM using a USB flash drive.

 Chapter 8: Updating the Meter, starting on page77.

You can update the AIM as new features become available. This chapter provides
instructions for updating the meter’s firmware.

Conventions

The following conventions are used in this manual to help guide you through the
features of the AIM:

 Each screen is referenced by the name that appears in the title bar.

 Words that appear on the screen (titles, on-screen options and softkey labels)

are shown in bold.

 The instructions describe how to navigate through the AIM’s features using the

meter’s softkey buttons. However, you also can use other meter buttons for
navigation (including the arrow buttons, alphanumeric buttons, and OK button).
For more information, see page9.

 To make instructions easy to read, buttons are referenced only by their label.

For example:

Press NEXT to continue.

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Getting To Know Your Meter

Features

Your AIM has the following features:

Connectors

1 IRD F connector

2 ODU F connector

3 Type A USB connector (Standard )

4 Type B USB connector (Mini)

5 Power input

Buttons

6 Softkeys

7 Navigation keypad

8 Alphanumeric keypad

9 Operation buttons

10 Power

Other

11 LCD display

Figure 1 Front View

11

10

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

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12 Speaker

13 Meter serial number

Figure 2 Back View

12

13

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Accessories

Your AIM comes with the following accessories. If any of the following items are
missing, contact your supplier.

1 Carrying case (with shoulder strap and detachable storage pocket)

2 100 – 240 VAC power adapter

3 12 VDC vehicle power adapter

4 25 Ω Cable Test Load

5 512 MB USB flash drive (containing AIM User’s Manual)

Figure 3 Meter Accessories

2

1

3

54

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Display

The AIM has a large LCD display with a backlight for easy readability. Each screen
that appears on the display has the following:

1 Title bar: Indicates the screen that is displayed.

2 Battery icon: Indicates the power level of the battery.

3 Main area: Shows information about the task being performed.

4 Message bar: Provides: (a) instructions to guide you through the task being

performed; or, (b) status messages.

5 Softkey labels: Indicate options that vary based on the screen shown. To select

an option, press the button below that option.

Buttons

The following buttons let you interact with the meter:

 4 softkeys: Select options that correspond to the on-screen labels above the

buttons.

 4 arrows: Let you navigate up and down to select an option in a list, as well as

right or left when entering information.

 OK: Selects the option highlighted on the screen.

 10 alphanumeric buttons: Let you enter information or select an option in a

list.

 Back: Lets you go back to the previous screen.

 Fn: Lets you quickly change the display contrast, display brightness, and volume.

 CONFIG: Lets you view, delete and transfer records, change meter settings, and

upgrade the meter’s firmware. (For more, see page21, page65, and page77.)

 HOME: Displays the HOME screen. (For more, see page10.)

 HELP: Displays instructions to help you complete the task being performed.

 MUTE: Turns on and off the sound on the meter.

Figure 4 Meter Display

2

1

3

5

4

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Navigation

Keep in mind the following guidelines when using the meter buttons to navigate
through the AIM’s features:

 To select a softkey option, press the button below that option.

 To highlight an option in a list, do one of the following:

– Use the arrow buttons to highlight the option.

– Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the number for the option.

 To select a highlighted option in a list, do one of the following:

– Press the NEXT or SELECT softkey (based on the screen)

– Press the OK button.

 To return to the HOME screen, do one of the following:

– Press the DONE softkey (if available)

– Press the HOME button.

 To return to the previous screen, do one of the following:

– Press the BACK softkey (if available)

– Press the BACK button.

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HOME Screen

The HOME screen lets you access the AIM’s main features. You can press the HOME
button at any time to access the HOME screen.

The HOME screen provides four softkeys that correspond to each of the main
features of the AIM:

 SETUP: Lets you set up the information for a job. See “Setting Up a Job” on

page30.

 INSTALL: Guides you through the steps for aligning and performing follow-up

Extended Installation Verification (EIV) for each ODU. See “Installing an ODU” on

page37.

 EIV: Guides you through the steps for performing Extended Installation

Verification (EIV) at the ODU or another location to help you troubleshoot a
problem. See “Performing EIV” on page47.

 TEST: Lets you run network tests to help you troubleshoot a problem with an

installation. See “Performing Other Network Tests” on page50.

Powering Your Meter

Power-On

To turn on the AIM, press and hold the POWER button until the backlight turns on.
The meter turns on, briefly displays a splash screen, and then displays the HOME
screen.

To start a job, press SETUP and follow the instructions in “Starting a Job” on

page31.

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Standby Mode

You can place your AIM in a power-saving state called Standby mode. Standby
mode lets you turn off the AIM display and other features to extend the charge of
the battery. You can quickly exit Standby mode and resume working on the screen
where you left off.

To enter Standby mode:

1 Press and hold the POWER button until the SHUT DOWN AIM screen appears.

2 Use

c or d to highlight Standby and press OK.

The meter enters Standby mode.

To exit Standby mode:

Press the POWER button.

Restart

To restart the AIM:

1 Press and hold the POWER button until the SHUT DOWN AIM screen appears.

2 Use c or d to highlight Restart and press OK.

The meter turns off, and then automatically turns back on.

Power-Off

To turn off the AIM:

1 Press and hold the POWER button until the SHUT DOWN AIM screen appears.

2 Use c or d to highlight Shutdown and press OK.

The meter turns off.

Tip: You have 3 seconds to make a selection on
the SHUT DOWN AIM screen before the meter
automatically turns off.

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Power Management

Your AIM is powered by an 8-cell 9.6 V 3.8 AH NiMH battery pack. The battery
supplies power to the meter, as well as to the LNB and SWiM during installation of
an ODU. When fully charged, the AIM’s battery provides sufficient power to install
satellite receiver systems in approximately six single-family homes on a single
charge.

The AIM has the following power-saving features that help to extend the battery
charge:

 If no buttons have been pressed on the AIM for 2 minutes, the backlight on the

display turns off. The backlight automatically turns back on when you press any
button on the meter.

 If no buttons on the AIM have been pressed for 10 minutes, the meter enters a

power-saving mode called Standby. The AIM automatically exits Standby mode
when you press and hold the POWER button until the backlight turns on.

 If no buttons on the AIM have been pressed for 30 minutes, the meter

automatically turns off. To turn the meter on, press and hold the POWER button
until the backlight turns on.

You can customize the time periods for each of the power-saving features on the
AIM (see “Setting Up the Meter ” on page21). However, extending the time period
longer than the default setting shortens the time that the battery charge lasts.

Note: If you are using your AIM for the first
time, you should fully charge the battery before
use. See “Battery Charging” on page13.

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Battery Charging

You can charge the AIM’s battery from a power outlet using the AC power adapter
provided with the meter. You also can charge the AIM in your vehicle while the
vehicle is running using the vehicle power adapter. The AIM can be charged while it
is powered off or while it is powered on, which allows you to use the AIM while it is
charging.

The battery icon in the top right of the AIM display indicates the power level of the
battery. The AIM should be charged before the battery icon shows only one
remaining bar of power. If the remaining bar flashes, the AIM should be charged
immediately.

Caution: When charging the meter battery, make sure that the ambient temperature
is between 40°F (5°C) and 100°F (37°C) to prevent damage to the battery.

You should fully charge the AIM’s battery before you use it for the first time. To
charge the battery:

1 Plug the AC power adapter into a power outlet, or plug the vehicle power

adapter into a 12 VDC socket, such as a cigarette lighter socket.

2 Plug the other end of the power adapter into the AIM’s power input connector.

The charging process begins. A plug icon appears at the top of the display and
the bars in the battery icon sequentially flash to show that the meter is charging.
(If the meter is off, a battery icon appears on the display.)

Caution: Use only the AC power adapter or vehicle power adapter provided with
the meter to charge the meter battery.

3 When the charging process is complete, the display shows a filled battery icon.

Unplug the power adapter from the AIM’s charging connector. Then unplug the
other end from the power outlet or 12 VDC socket.

Note: It normally takes approximately 4 hours
to fully charge the AIM if its battery is depleted.

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Battery Replacement

If necessary, you can replace the AIM’s battery. To obtain a new battery, contact
Trilithic. See “Spare Parts List” on page20.

You also can return your AIM to Trilithic Customer Service and request that the
battery be replaced. See “Return Policy” on pagev.

Caution: ESD (electro-static discharge) can damage the meter. When removing and
replacing the battery, observe proper ESD precautions to avoid static discharge. We
recommend performing this procedure at a functional ESD workstation. Avoid
touching the meter’s circuit board during the procedure.

Important: Make sure the AIM is turned off and is not connected to a power source
before you remove and replace the battery.

To remove the battery:

1 Using a Phillips-head screwdriver, remove the 6 screws from the back housing of

the AIM. See Figure 5.

Figure 5 Removing the Back Housing Screws

Screws Screws

Tip: We recommend using a power Phillips
screwdriver that can provide 6 to 9 in-lbs of
torque.

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2 Carefully separate the front housing and the back housing, and place the unit on

a flat work surface.

3 Using the Phillips-head screwdriver, remove the 4 screws on the battery cover

and remove the cover. See Figure 6.

4 Disconnect the battery connector from the circuit board. See Figure 7.

5 Remove the battery from the back housing.

Figure 6 Removing the Battery Cover

Screws

Screws

Battery cover

Figure 7 Removing the Battery

Battery

Battery connector

Snap cover

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To replace the battery:

1 Place the new battery in the compartment in the AIM back housing with the

battery wires routed as shown in Figure 7.

2 Reconnect the battery connector to the circuit board.

3 Replace the battery cover and 4 screws. Use the Phillips-head screwdriver to

tighten the 4 screws. See Figure 6.

4 If the snap cover for the power input and USB connectors was dislodged during

the process, replace it by inserting it in the slot as shown in Figure 7.

5 Place the back housing on top of the front housing. Make sure that the battery

wires are tucked into the opening at the bottom of the back housing and are not
pinched between the housings.

6 Use the Phillips-head screwdriver to reinstall the 6 screws securing the back

housing to the front housing. See Figure 5.

7 To confirm that the battery has been installed correctly, press and hold the

Power button to make sure that the AIM turns on.

8 Follow local guidelines for battery disposal.

Note: We recommend using a torque setting of

6 to 9 in-lbs to tighten the back housing screws
in order to provide a seal that protects the
electronics from environmental conditions.

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Getting Technical Support

When you need instructions for using the AIM, your first resource for help is this
manual. If you cannot find the information you need, you can:

 Go to the DIRECTV Satellite Installer website or other websites provided by

DIRECTV. DIRECTV websites contain product specifications and information, tips,
release information, marketing information, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs),
bulletins and other technical information. You can also check these websites for
product updates.

 Contact Trilithic technical support. Technical support is available Monday

through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm EST at 1-317-895-3600 or
1-800-344-2412 (toll free). You can also e-mail technical support at

[e-mail].

For a quicker support response when calling or sending e-mail, provide the
following information:

– your name and company name

– the technical point of contact (name, phone number, e-mail)

– the AIM serial number, firmware and hardware version numbers

– a detailed description of the problem you are having, including any error or

information messages

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Safety Instructions

When operating and maintaining the AIM meter, basic safety precautions should
always be followed to reduce the risk of electric shock and injury to persons,
including the following:

 Warning! The AIM meter is capable of generating 21 volts. Never connect the

AIM to devices that may be damaged by application of AC or DC voltage.

 Thoroughly read this User's Manual before using the meter.

 Thoroughly read this User's Manual before attempting to replace the battery.

 Do not disassemble the meter, unless you are replacing the battery.

Disassembling the meter could produce an electric shock.

 Do not place the strap of the carrying case over your neck or otherwise attach it

to your person, as this could result in severe injury.

 Do not expose the meter to rain or moisture. Avoid using the meter in severe

weather conditions.

 Use only the battery, AC power adapter, and vehicle power adapter provided by

Trilithic. Using substitute batteries or power adapters voids the warranty and
could produce an electrical shock.

 Never attempt to repair or refurbish the battery. Dispose of the battery properly.

 Refer to this User's Manual for instructions on making connections to the ODU

and IRD F connectors.

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Technical Specifications

Frequency Range 250 MHz to 2150 MHz

Signal Level Range -10 dbm to -69 dbm

RF Input Connector Replaceable F-Type (2)

Input Impedance 75 ohm

Measurements Refer to the instructions in this manual.

LNB Power Supply 13 volts / 18 volts

SWiM Power Supply 21 volts

Communications USB flash drive (Linux format only)

Battery 8-cell 9.6 Volt 3.8 AH Rechargeable NiMH

Operating Temperature -25°F to 125°F (-29°C to 52°C)

Storage Temperature -40°F to 150°F (-40°C to 65°C)

Battery Charging Temperature 40°F to 100°F (5°C to 37°C)

Display 240

× 160 pixel backlit LCD

Weight 2 lbs, 8.6 oz (1150 g)

Dimensions 9.6”

× 4.6” × 2.3”

(244.4 mm

× 118 mm × 58.7 mm)

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Spare Parts List

You can order the following parts for the AIM. Contact Trilithic at 888-895-7630 and
request the corresponding part number below:

 100 – 240 VAC power adapter: 0610177000

 12 VDC vehicle power adapter: 2072097000

 Battery pack: 0090056000

 25 Ω Cable Test Load: 2011379000

 F connector: 0200690000

 Carrying case: 2131417000

21

2 Setting Up the Meter

Before you use your AIM, you should enter registration information, including your
ID, name, phone number, and company (see page22). You also should review the
meter’s settings. You can change the following settings:

 volume (see page24)

 display contrast and brightness (see page25)

 time and date, including format (see page26)

 time limits for automatically turning off the display backlight, entering Standby

mode, and turning off the meter (see page28).

Tip: To quickly adjust the setting for display
contrast, display brightness, or volume, you can
press Fn from any screen. On the UTILITIES
window, use c or d to highlight the setting you
want to change, then use e or f to select the
new level. Press Fn to exit.