Gyro Stabilized In-Motion Satellite System
Model VQ4000
Operating Instructions
11200 Hampshire Avenue South, Bloomington, MN 55438-2453
Phone: (800) 982-9920 Fax: (952) 922-8424
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
(800) 982-9920 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.
SET SATELLITE SERVICE
Page 8
SATELLITE LIBRARY
DTV 101 DIRECTV at 101
DTV 101/ 110 hd DIRECTV HDTV at 101 and 110
DTV 101/ 119 DIRECTV HDTV at 101 and 119
Sat 110 Dish Network at 110
Sat 119 Dish Network at 119
DISH 61 Dish Network at 61
DISH 129 Dish Network at 129
DISH 148 Dish Network at 148
DISH 110/119 Dish Network at 110 and 119
DISH 1000 Dish Network HDTV at 110, 119, and 129
DISH 1000a Dish Network HDTV at 61, 110, and 119
EXPVU 82 Bell ExpressVu at 82
EXPVU 91 Bell ExpressVu at 91
BEV 82/91 Bell ExpressVu at 82 and 91
Page 9
REGION OPTIONS:
1 NORTH WEST
2 NORTH CENTRAL
3 NORTH EAST
4 CENTRAL WEST
5 MIDDLE CENTRAL
6 CENTRAL EAST
7 SOUTH WEST
8 SOUTH CENTRAL
9 SOUTH EAST
ALL REGIONS
0 RECALIBRATE
Note: To reduce satellite acquisition time, you can set your current region.
SET REGION (OPTIONAL)
Page 10
SECTION 5
AUTOMATIC SATELLITE SWITCHING
DIRECTV
DIRECTV 101 SATELLITE ONLY
To receive programming from the DIRECTV 101 satellite only, choose the DTV 101 option (see
procedure on page 8), and make sure your receiver is set for round dish-1 satellite (do this
through the receiver’s satellite set-up menu screens).
101/119 AUTOMATIC SATELLITE SWITCHING
To automatically switch between the 101 and 119 satellites for DIRECTV, choose the DTV
101/119 option (see procedure on page 8), and make sure your receiver is set for
oval dish-2 satellites (do this through the receiver’s satellite set-up menu screens).
Page 11
This page intentionally left blank.
Page 12
BELL EXPRESSVU HD (May not be available in all areas due to service provider limitations.)
The VuQube will automatically switch between the 82 and 91 satellites for Bell ExpressVu by
using the receiver’s remote control, after the receiver has been properly configured. Follow the
instructions on pages 13-15.
SECTION 6
AUTOMATIC SATELLITE SWITCHING
Dish Network - ExpressVu
DISH 500 FOR DISH NETWORK
The VuQube will automatically switch between the 110 and 119 satellites for Dish Network by
using the receiver’s remote control, after the receiver has been properly configured. Follow the
instructions on pages 13-15.
DISH 1000/1000a FOR DISH NETWORK HDTV
Dish Network HD programming is broadcast from 4 satellites (61,110,119,129). The 61 and 129
satellites broadcast identical programming. The 61 is generally stronger in the eastern U.S. and
the 129 in the western U.S. The map below shows the approximate coverage for each satellite.
Your VuQube antenna can be easily configured to work with two different satellite trios (DISH
1000a: 61,110,119 or DISH 1000: 110,119,129). By choosing the appropriate trio that includes
either the 61 or the 129 satellite based on where you are, you can receive all of your desired
programming. Follow the instructions on pages 13-15.
Note: This map is an
approximation only. Which trio
works best in a given location
may differ from what is indicated
on the map.
SATELLITES 61 AND 129 COVERAGE MAP
Page 13
IMPORTANT! The antenna must be on the ground, dock or motionless platform with no movement in order
to configure the DISH HD receiver.
For automatic satellite switching, King Controls recommends using a Dish Network model
311 receiver for Dish 500, and a Dish Network model VIP211 or a VIP211k HDTV receiver for
Dish 1000/1000a. Do not use dual tuner receivers or recorders.
If you do not have a clear view of the satellites, the switch will not load.
Note: The SW21 and SW64 switches are a receiver software configuration that is loaded into the receiver after
running a check switch test with the dish locked on and configured for the appropriate service.
This one time procedure will not need to be repeated after successful installation, unless a) check switch
test is run again while connected to a home dish system, b) check switch is run when a receiver is not
connected, or c) you travel outside the coverage area of the pre-set satellite trio (Dish 1000/1000a only).
SATELLITE RECEIVER CONFIGURATION
Page 14
5. On the receiver remote, press menu, 6, 1, 1.
6. Highlight Check Switch and press Select.
7. Make sure Superdish and Alternate boxes
are NOT
selected.
8. Highlight Test and press Select.
The unit will perform a check switch test, and the dish will periodically move back and
forth. (This process will take several minutes.)
Screen graphics may vary.
4. Press
Wait for dish to lock onto satellites,
and controller to display:
Page 15
9. When test is complete, a screen similar to one of the following should appear:
If indicated results are not obtained, go back to Step 5 and run test again. Contact King
Controls if the check switch fails to load after 4 attempts.
10. Save the settings, exit to the main menu screen and wait for your programming to
download.
11. DISH 1000/1000a ONLY: Verify your saved settings show your desired satellite trio
(110, 119, 129 or 110, 119, 61).
You can now use the automatic satellite switching feature of your VuQube.
MUST SHOW
“SW21”
NO “X”s
MUST SHOW
“SW64”
NO “X”s
DISH 500
DISH 1000aDISH 1000
BELL EXPRESSVU
Dish Network HDTV: Dish Network 1000 and 1000a: Changing the Satellite Trio
IMPORTANT! Perform the procedure below only if you are unable to receive all of your HD programming
in a particular area of the country.
If you are unable to receive all of your HD programming, you may have traveled outside the coverage area of
your chosen trio. Reconfigure your receiver starting on page 13, using the other satellite trio.
Kinked or sharply bent coax cable.
Verify coax cables are properly terminated with SNAP-N-SEAL
®
connectors only.
Verify receiver is operating properly.
Verify LNB type is set correctly.
Page 16
SECTION 7
TROUBLESHOOTING
Controller does not power up.
Controller remains in one of the
following conditions:
POWER TRIP
ANT COM ERROR?
TUNER COM ERROR?
Unplug controller from power supply for 10 seconds, then plug back in.
Check coax cable connection between controller and antenna unit.
Verify voltage on coax at antenna unit is 24 volts.
Inspect all coax cables for kinks and verify connections are snug but not
overly tight.
Check: controller is connected to power supply.
power supply is plugged into 110 VAC outlet.
SYMPTOM POSSIBLE SOLUTION
Controller displays AZ FAULT.
Dish cannot rotate
Display reads EL FAULT. Disconnect power supply for 15 seconds, then reconnect.
Restart system. If problem persists, perform
OPTION 21 RE-INITIALIZE and 0-RECALIBRATE (pages 18-19).
Unplug controller from power supply for 10 seconds, then plug back in.
Perform OPTION 21 RE-INITIALIZE and 0-RECALIBRATE (pages 18-19).
Only getting signal on 1/2 of
transponders.
Page 17
SYMPTOM POSSIBLE SOLUTION
Unit never locks on or locks on
and drifts off of satellite.
Atmospheric moisture. Unit will lock on as weather improves.
Check for obstruction in sky in direction of satellite. Select another satellite
and verify unit locks on.
Verify coax cables are properly terminated with SNAP-N-SEAL
®
connectors only.
Perform OPTION 21 RE-INITIALIZE and 0-RECALIBRATE (pages 18-19).
Inspect all coax cables for kinks and verify connections are snug but not
overly tight.
Perform Temperature Calibration (CALL KING CONTROLS FIRST).
Check for line of sight obstruction.
Check for low signal strength.
Current location might be out of service area.
Select alternate trio of satellites (SW64) and try again.
Atmospheric moisture. Wait for weather to improve.
Can’t get SW21 or SW 64
switch to load properly.
Page 18
OPTION 21 RE-INITIALIZE and 0 RECALIBRATE
Page 19
Page 20
SECTION 8
SECURITY BRACKET
The VuQube can be secured to an object using a padlock and cable (Fig. 6).
Fig. 6
Page 21
The VuQube Satellite System has been designed to be maintenance and trouble free.
For optimum signal strength, keep the enclosure clean from dirt, bugs, and other debris.
Periodic washing of the enclosure with mild soap and water is recommended.
If you plan on not using your VuQube for long periods of time, it is recommended that the system
be put through a search procedure on a quarterly basis to keep all moving parts in good working
order.
If you have any comments or questions, please contact the King Controls Service Department at
(800) 982-9920, or email King Controls at info@vuqube.com
Rain Fade
Rain or dew on the enclosure can cause signal interference and make the digital picture freeze,
pixel or go out altogether. This loss of signal is commonly referred to as “rain fade” and is
caused by the combination of water in the atmosphere and water on the enclosure surface.
To minimize this issue and eliminate the effects of water on the enclosure, apply King Controls
Dome Magic
®
rain fade solution to the enclosure. This will prevent water from sticking to the
enclosure surface and blocking the signal. For additional details on Dome Magic
®
rain fade
solution please contact your authorized VuQube dealer or call King Controls at (800) 982-9920.
Single Application Packet #1830-SP Spray Can #1830
SECTION 9
MAINTENANCE
Page 22
SECTION 10
LIMITED WARRANTY
Every VuQube Satellite System is thoroughly inspected and tested before leaving the factory.
It is covered by a one year parts limited warranty from the date of original purchase. This
warranty does not cover installation and external wiring or refurbished units.
Should any trouble develop during the warranty period, contact King Controls. Only King
Controls may perform warranty evaluations and repairs.
If it is determined that the unit needs to be returned, return COMPLETE product, freight
prepaid, to: King Controls, 11200 Hampshire Ave. S. Bloomington, MN 55438-2453.
If inspection shows the trouble is caused by defective workmanship or material, King Controls
will repair the unit without charge.
This warranty does not apply where:
• The product has been abused, misused, improperly installed or improperly maintained.
• Repairs have been made or attempted by others.
• Repairs are required because of normal wear and tear.
• Alterations have been made to the product.
In no event shall King Controls be liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential
damages from the sale or use of the product. This disclaimer applies both during and
after the term of the warranty.
King Controls disclaims liability for any implied warranties, including implied
warranties of “merchantability” and “fitness for a specific purpose,” after the one year
term of this warranty.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which vary from
state to state. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential
damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. Some states do not allow
limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitation may not apply to you.
Notes:
Page 23
Page 24
Notes:
11200 Hampshire Avenue South, Bloomington, MN 55438-2453
Phone: (800) 982-9920 Fax: (952) 922-8424
www.kingcontrols.com
®
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