VuQube VQ4000 Operating Instructions Manual

Gyro Stabilized In-Motion Satellite System

Model VQ4000

Operating Instructions

11200 Hampshire Avenue South, Bloomington, MN 55438-2453

Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]

www.kingcontrols.com

20461 REV C

Satellite Solutions for Mobile Markets

®

®

Page 1

IMPORTANT!

The satellite TV market is expanding and changing. The information in this manual was accurate at the
time of printing. If your VuQube does not operate as outlined in this manual please call King Controls at
[phone] or visit our website at www.kingcontrols.com.

Please read this entire manual before using the VuQube.

DISH NETWORK - EXPRESSVU: If you plan to use the VuQube with multiple satellite programming and
would like to use the auto-switching feature, your receiver must be configured.

To configure the DISH receiver for automatic satellite switching, the antenna must be on the ground, dock
or motionless platform with no movement (see pages 12-15).

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section Contents Page

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

2. DEFINITION OF TERMS...............................................................................................3

3. VUQUBE SETUP........................................................................................................4-5

4. OPERATION...............................................................................................................6-9

5. AUTOMATIC SATELLITE SWITCHING (DIRECTV®)..................................................10

6. AUTOMATIC SATELLITE SWITCHING (DISH NETWORK

TM - EXPRESSVU)......12-15

7. TROUBLESHOOTING............................................................................................16-19

8. SECURITY BRACKET.................................................................................................20

9. MAINTENANCE...........................................................................................................21

10. LIMITED WARRANTY .................................................................................................22

ELECTRICAL HAZARD WARNING!

The coaxial cable that connects the antenna unit to the controller carries a 24 volt electrical
current. Exercise extreme caution when handling this cable. Do not cut, break, or splice
this line. Do not insert or connect any devices such as splitters or any other device for any
reason. This line is not compatible with any other equipment. Damage will occur to any
device other than the antenna unit if connected to the antenna port on the controller.

DIRECTV®is a registered trademark of DIRECTV, Inc.
Dish NetworkTMis an official trademark of Echostar Communications Corporation.

Bell ExpressVu is an official trademark of Bell Canada.
DVB

®

is a trademark of the DVB Digital Video Broadcast Project (1991-1996)

Page 2

The VuQube In-Motion Satellite System includes 3 main components (Fig. 1).

Antenna Unit Placed in direct line of sight to the southern sky. The dish is

covered by an enclosure for easy transport and protection from
the elements.

Controller Decodes the satellite signal so the VuQube locks onto and tracks

the correct satellite(s). Also used to activate and monitor the
system, and to access programming and diagnostic information.

Power Supply Supplies proper operating voltage to the VuQube.

SECTION 1

INTRODUCTION

IMPORTANT! The VuQube is intended for at dock or calm water conditions.

Note: ATV, satellite receiver and program subscription are also required for satellite TV viewing (sold separately).

You must have an HD Receiver, HDTV Monitor (TV), the proper HD cables (component video or HDMI)
and the appropriate programming subscription in order to view HD programming (sold separately).

Fig. 1

Page 3

AZIMUTH: Angle in degrees measured clockwise from Magnetic North (0°) (Fig. 2).

SIGNAL STRENGTH: Intensity of electronic signal received from the satellite transmission.

SECTION 2

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Fig. 2

ELEVATION: Angle in degrees measured from a level plane (Fig. 3).

IMPORTANT! There must be a clear “line of sight” to the satellite. Antennas, masts, obstructions

on the vessel, etc. can all block the satellite signal from reaching the dish.

Fig. 3

1. Unpack and identify all components (Fig. 4).

Fig. 4

2. Place the antenna unit in an area with a clear view to the southern sky (Fig. 5).
The antenna unit should be as far as possible from objects like masts, antennas, etc. that

can block the satellite signal.
The coax from the antenna unit needs to enter the cabin to connect to the internal

components. There must be no sharp bends in the coax.

Fig. 5

Page 4

SECTION 3

VUQUBE SETUP

Page 5

Fig. 6

3. Make connections as shown (Fig 6). ALWAYS CONNECT THE POWER SUPPLY LAST.

IMPORTANT! Coax connections should be snug. HAND TIGHTEN ONL

Y.

CONNECT POWER SUPPL

Y LAST. When connecting the power supply cable to the
controller, push in the power supply cable end until it is flush against the back of the
controller.

Note: When the power supply is connected, the controller should turn on for 3 seconds and then turn off. If the

controller stays on, Press the ENTER and “-” buttons simultaneously to turn unit off.

VQ4000 Wiring Diagram

ELECTRICAL HAZARD WARNING!

The coax cable that connects the antenna unit to the controller carries a 24 volt electrical
current. Exercise extreme caution when handling this cable. Do not cut, break, or splice
this line. Do not insert or connect any devices such as splitters or any other device for any
reason. This line is not compatible with any other equipment. Damage will occur to any
device other than the antenna unit if connected to the antenna port on the controller.

IMPORTANT! There must be a clear “line of sight” to the satellite (See Fig. 2, Page 3). Masts, antennas,

obstructions on the vessel, etc. can all block the satellite signal from reaching the dish.

Note: This example is for the DTV 101 satellite in Region 2-North Central. The information on your controller will

vary depending on the satellite and region you have chosen.

SECTION 4

OPERATION

Page 6

Note: The VuQube must remain powered on to maintain a signal.

To turn the VuQube off, simultaneously press ENTER and ”-”.

Page 7

AUTOMATIC SATELLITE SWITCHING

1. Simply choose your desired channel using the receiver’s remote control. The VuQube will
automatically switch to the appropriate satellite.

Dish Network HD: If you are unable to receive all of your HD programming, you will need
to switch satellite trios. See page 15, Dish Network HDTV: Dish Network 1000 and

1000a: Changing the Satellite Trio for details.

DIRECTV: Before using the automatic switching feature, you must configure the VuQube and your receiver for

your desired option. For switching options see page 10

Dish Network - ExpressVu: Before using the automatic switching feature, you must configure the VuQube and

your receiver for your desired option. For switching options see page 12.

Note: For better performance when using the automatic satellite switching feature, change channels by selecting

your program from the channel guide rather than channel surfing.
It is common for the picture to pixel or display an error message when the antenna is switching between

satellites, or the signal has been temporarily blocked. PLEASE BE PATIENT. THE PICTURE WILL
RETURN.

If an error message appears for an extended period, selecting CANCEL may help clear the message
more quickly.