Audiovox DBS-4800 User manual

M-01355, Rev. B
CruiseTV STS / RV Version
In-Motion Satellite Television System
User’s Guide
Includes:
–100 Series Antennas
–200 Series Antennas
DO NOT OPERATE THIS SYSTEM
WITHOUT FIRST READING
SECTIONS 3 & 7 OF THIS MANUAL.
IMPORTANT!

M-01355, Rev. B
NOTICE!!
Important Warranty Information
Keep this User Guide with the Antenna
System at all times.
For Customer Service, contact an Authorized Service Center
nearest you, or call Datron at 1-(800)-287-5052.

M-01355, Rev. B
Page 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................2
1.1 What to Expect While Operating the STS.........................................................2
1.2 Features of your STS ........................................................................................2
2. SYSTEM OVERVIEW ...................................................................................................3
2.1 Antenna/Radome Assembly..............................................................................3
2.2 Antenna Control Unit (ACU) ..............................................................................3
2.3 Satellite Receiver...............................................................................................3
3. SYSTEM OPERATION..................................................................................................5
3.1 General..............................................................................................................5
3.2 Powering On the System...................................................................................6
3.3 First Time Start-Up ............................................................................................6
3.4 Automatic Satellite Signal Acquisition and Tracking..........................................6
3.5 Power Conservation Mode ................................................................................7
3.5 Instant On Mode................................................................................................7
3.7 Operating Tips...................................................................................................7
4. REGULAR SERVICE AND PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE..........................................9
5. SPECIFICATIONS.........................................................................................................9
5.1 Mechanical ........................................................................................................9
5.2 Electrical............................................................................................................9
6. TROUBLESHOOTING................................................................................................10
7. COMPASS CALIBRATION .......................................................................................... 11
7.1 Calibrating the Compass without a Computer...............................................11
8. PRECAUTIONS ..........................................................................................................12
9. GLOSSARY................................................................................................................13
10. WARRANTY................................................................................................................14

M-01355, Rev. B
Page 2
1. Introduction
Thank you for purchasing CruiseTV STS. You now own the most advanced automatic satellite
system available, providing access of more than 200 channels of digital television and CD quality
audio programming while your vehicle is in motion. The STS is specially designed for Direct
Broadcast Satellite (DBS) television viewing while traveling on highways and thoroughfares in the
lower 48 states when your antenna has a clear view to the southern sky.
1.1 What to Expect While Operating the STS
The STS works best on open stretches of road, but may surprise you with its in-town capabilities. As
you drive your STS you will learn its characteristics and how it works best for you. If you encounter
any conditions that you don’t expect, just contact us at 1-800-287-5052 and we will discuss them
with you.
1.2 Features of your STS
♦Automatic signal acquisition from anywhere in the Continental United States on roads with an
unobstructed view to the DBS satellite in the southern sky.
♦Automatic satellite tracking and TV viewing while your vehicle is in motion
♦Low profile –only 9.5” tall
♦Continuous slip ring operation
♦Compatibility with all DirecTV type receivers
♦Power conservation mode when vehicle is parked
♦On-board compass locates satellite quickly
♦Instant ON mode
This User’s Guide describes the operation and use of the STS satellite system. Operation of your
satellite receiver is covered in your receiver’s operating instructions.
Please take the time to read this booklet completely. Your new CruiseTV STS system by Datron
represents the very latest in satellite tracking technology. Therefore it is very important that you
understand the proper operation of both your receiver and your satellite antenna system.

M-01355, Rev. B
Page 3
2. System Overview
Your Datron STS is specifically designed for use with the new high-power DBS television satellites.
These satellites have revolutionized television in the United States and have made DBS television
receiving systems the fastest selling consumer electronics product in history.
The STS has been designed for simplicity of operation with the latest solid-state satellite tracking
technology and advanced computer software, providing you with true value and years of
entertainment enjoyment. There are three main components to the satellite system as discussed
below.
2.1 Antenna/Radome Assembly
The STS uses a specially designed 4 dish x 8” phased array and an LNBF to receive the DBS
satellite’s signals. The antenna and its drive motors are covered by a low-profile protective cover
called a radome. The dish is automatically and continuously pointed at the satellite by the antenna
control electronics while the vehicle rolls down the road. The radome is specially designed and
molded from a material that is strong and lightweight and must not be painted with metallic based
paints. The metallic content of many paints will severely impair system performance.
2.2 Antenna Control Unit (ACU)
The ACU is located under the radome. The ACU contains the motion sensing electronics that keeps
the antenna accurately pointed at the satellite as the vehicle turns, sways and rolls over bumps. Your
only interface with the ACU is “ON” or “OFF” through the remote switch in your vehicle.
2.3 Satellite Receiver
The final component part of the system, other than your television monitor, is the satellite receiver.
Please note that Datron does not manufacture receivers. All DirecTV type receivers are compatible
with the CruiseTV STS.

M-01355, Rev. B
Page 4
Figure 1. Diagram of STS System Connections
çCoax Cable
Stereo Audio Connection
110 VAC
Video Connection
ANTENNA
ç Antenna Power Cable
TV
110 VAC OR 12 VDC
+12 VDC
GND
Optional
Satellite
Receiver
Power Switch

M-01355, Rev. B
Page 5
3. System Operation
This section describes the operation of the STS satellite system. It does not focus on the operation of
the receiver, except where it pertains directly to the operation of the STS satellite system. For
questions about your satellite receiver, refer to the receiver’s operating instructions.
3.1 General
The satellite system must have an unobstructed view of the southern sky. Mountains, buildings,
overpasses, trees and other objects can block the satellite’s signal from reaching the antenna and will
result in signal dropouts. If the signal is blocked, the antenna will continue to track the satellite at its
last known position. Re-acquisition should occur within seconds in most cases. If blockage is
sustained for long periods of time (e.g., going through a tunnel) re-acquisition may take several
minutes. For situations where there is blockage or loss of satellite signal for five (5) minutes or more,
the system power should be shut down, the blockage cleared, and the system restarted. This will re-
boot the system, and restart the initialization process. Satellite acquisition should occur within one
(1) minute. Sharp turns of the vehicle at accelerated speeds or sharp bumps and dips may also cause
the antenna to briefly lose the satellite signal. This is normal operation.

M-01355, Rev. B
Page 6
3.2 Powering On the System
To apply power to the system, toggle the power switch to the ON position. It is recommended that
your vehicle remains stationary when first acquiring the signal. Dropouts for the first few minutes
may occur if the vehicle is in motion while the system is initialized. To turn off power, return the
power switch to the OFF position.
3.3 First Time Start Up
The first time the STS is turned on after installation it may take several minutes for the unit to acquire
the satellite. This initialization feature determines where you are geographically with respect to the
satellite. Once the system is initialized, the STS will remember where you are and continually update
your position as you move. Future start-ups will use this information to minimize acquisition time.
If the vehicle is moved great distances (several hundred miles), with the STS turned off, a new
location finder mode will be automatically entered and the initialization may take a little longer than
normal. This new location will then be stored for all future start-ups.
3.4 Automatic Satellite Signal Acquisition and Tracking
Satellite signal acquisition and tracking is fully automatic. No action on your part is necessary. It is
recommended that the initial signal acquisition of the satellite be done when the vehicle is not moving.
Initial acquisition will occur in less than three (3) minutes. Subsequent re-acquisitions will occur in
less than one (1) minute.
The rest of this section describes what to expect during the acquisition and tracking process.
Immediately after the system is turned on the message “Searching For Satellite” will appear on the
video monitor. When the vehicle is stationary, satellite lock will occur in less than 1 minute. If the
vehicle is moving during acquisition, satellite lock may not occur for several minutes.
When a signal has been located, your receiver will begin displaying the programming for the selected
channel and the STS will automatically begin tracking the satellite.
During the tracking process, you may experience a momentary loss of picture. This behavior is
normal. Your picture will return within a few seconds.

M-01355, Rev. B
Page 7
3.5 Power Conservation Mode
If the vehicle has remained stationary for approximately ten (10) minutes with the unit on, it will
automatically enter a reduced power mode and the antenna will stop moving. Once the vehicle is
placed in motion the unit will automatically revert back to its tracking mode. A momentary loss of
picture may occur during transition from Sleep to Track mode.
3.6 Instant On Mode
You may also turn power off and continue to watch television if the vehicle is stationary. The
antenna will remain pointing at the satellite when power is reapplied. After power on, picture and
sound may take 10 seconds to stabilize before vehicle can be moved without losing track.
3.7 Operating Tips
♦To minimize signal dropouts in the first few minutes of use it is best to allow the STS to warm up
for one (1) minute before placing the vehicle in motion.
♦The antenna may be started while the vehicle is in motion. However, the vehicle should be moving
in a straight path for best results. Allow approximately three (3) minutes to locate the signal while
the vehicle is in motion. You may acquire the signal while traveling up or down a grade as long as
the vehicle is moving in a straight path.
♦When stopping in an area where the antenna will be blocked from the satellite (i.e., gas stations,
parking structures, heavy foliage, etc.) it is recommended the antenna be turned off and restarted
when the antenna’s line of sight to the satellite is clear.
♦When the vehicle is stationary for long periods of time, turn antenna system off after acquiring
signal. Turning system off will reduce power drain and extend operating life of antenna and
vehicle battery.
♦If the antenna loses track for five (5) minutes or more switch the power off and on again to reboot
the system.
♦Sharp turns or curves at high acceleration may result in brief signal loss. This is normal operation.
Signal should reappear in a few seconds.
♦Do not attempt to remove the radome (cover). Water and/or dirt may cause contamination and or
serious damage to the unit and void your warranty.
♦Clean the outside radome surface of bugs, debris and other contamination with water and a mild
detergent periodically.

M-01355, Rev. B
Page 8
♦In heavy dew conditions operation can be optimized by wiping the excess moisture from the
radome or just spraying the unit off with a water hose. The vehicle may be driven to blow the
moisture from the radome. It is recommended that the antenna radome be treated with water
repellent to minimize moisture buildup. Below is a list of products and availability.
Name Stock No. Availability
SCOTCHGARDHeavy Duty Water
Repellent for Outdoor Fabrics 5014S
KIWICamp DryPerformance Fabric
Protector 216000
THOMPSONSWater SealSports Seal
Outdoor for Fabric and Leather 10507
TECTRONDWRWet Guard941220
Major Grocery Chains
Hardware Stores
Home Improvement Centers
Military Exchanges,
Commissary’s
Major Sporting Goods Stores
Fishing/Outdoor Stores
Hiking/Backpacking Stores
Ski Shops
Department Stores that carry
camping or fishing equipment