Audiovox Skybox Instruction Manual

Skybox Installation & User Manual 1
Audiovox®Skybox
Installation & User Manual
Disclaimers
This manual is in draft form and is intended
for the purpose of review or to validate the
method of installation.The beta tester re-
ceiving the Audiovox®Skybox beta antenna
agrees to utilize the Draft Manual for the
AUDIOVOX®SHALL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR, AND SHALL BE INDEMNIFIED AND HELD HARMLESS
FOR ANY UNAUTHORIZED USE OF THE DRAFT MANUAL.
© 2005, Audiovox®, Inc. All rights reserved.
DISH Network®is a registered trademark of Echostar Satellite Corporation.
purpose of validating its content only, and
agrees to validate and provide feedback to
Audiovox®, Inc., in appropriate commercial
settings. This manual is subject to revision
without notice.
Beta Test Unit Only
Ver 072705 128-7484

Skybox Installation & User Manual
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Contents
Skybox Installation & User Manual................................................................................................1
Disclaimers...................................................................................................................................... 1
1 Welcome........................................................................................................................................4
1.1 Installation & User Guide ......................................................................................................... 4
1.2 Icons.......................................................................................................................................... 5
2 Safety Instructions .......................................................................................................................6
3 Introduction to Mobile Satellite TV ............................................................................................8
3.1 Signal Reception....................................................................................................................... 8
3.2 Azimuth and Elevation ............................................................................................................. 8
3.3 Satellite Coverage.................................................................................................................... 8
3.4 Line of Sight (LOS) Interruption .............................................................................................. 9
4 Satellite TV System Overview .................................................................................................. 10
Packing Kit Contents - Bill of Materials ............................................................................................ 10
4.1 System Components ..............................................................................................................12
4.1.1 Antenna................................................................................................................................12
4.1.2 Indoor Unit (IDU)..................................................................................................................12
4.1.3 Receiver ...............................................................................................................................12
4.1.4 Remote Control....................................................................................................................12
5 Installing the Antenna............................................................................................................. 13
5.1 Shipping Restraint .................................................................................................................13
5.2 Clamp Design..........................................................................................................................14
5.3 Mounting Procedure............................................................................................................... 14
6 Installing the Antenna Cable................................................................................................... 18
6.1 Routing the Cable ...................................................................................................................18
6.2 Technique 1 ............................................................................................................................18
6.2.1 General Procedures for Routing Cables Through the Hatch.............................................18
6.2.2 Routing the Cables through Two Panels............................................................................19
6.3 Technique 2 ............................................................................................................................20
7 Receiver Setup ........................................................................................................................ 21
7.1 Wiring Congurations.............................................................................................................. 21
7.1.1 DISH Network® Wiring Conguration ................................................................................. 21

Skybox Installation & User Manual 3
3
7.2 Setting Up the Remote Control ..............................................................................................23
7.3 Audio/Video Cable Connections ............................................................................................23
7.3.1 RCA A/V Connection............................................................................................................23
7.3.2 S-Video Connection .............................................................................................................23
7.3.3 RF Coaxial Connection ........................................................................................................ 24
7.4 Power Cable Connection ....................................................................................................... 24
7.4.1 Procedure for Connecting Skybox to Switched/Accessory Power .................................... 24
8 Functions of the Skybox........................................................................................................... 26
8.1 Global Positioning System ....................................................................................................26
8.2 Indoor Unit Select and Standby Buttons..............................................................................26
8.3 IDU Light Indicators...............................................................................................................26
8.4 IDU Dip Switches ...................................................................................................................26
9 DISH Network®Receiver Setup and Activation...................................................................... 27
Contents
Most television, audio and video programming is protected by U.S. and
foreign copyright and other laws. Recording, rebroadcasting and paid or
other public display may violate such laws and result in criminal and/or
civil penalty.
Consumer is responsible for subscribing to a satellite broadcast service and
for all subscription costs. Unauthorized decoding of broadcast signals may
violate state and federal law and result in both civil and/or criminal penal-
ties.
Audiovox®has tried to make this manual user friendly and helpful. It is
important that only qualied technicians install and/or service the product.
This manual is subject to change without notice.
9.1 Powering Up ............................................................................................................................ 27
Appendix A Installing TNC Connector to RG58 Cable............................................................31
Appendix B Troubleshooting................................................................................................... ..32
Limited Consumer Warranty.........................................................................................................35

Skybox Installation & User Manual
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Skybox
1.1 Installation & User Guide
Skybox is the innovative antenna system that
provides live satellite TV to a vehicle, while
in motion. This manual will provide basic
instructions on how to install the Skybox
antenna and components in most vehicles and
operate it safely.
1 Welcome
DO NOT VIEW�
from�
Drivers Seat
WARNING:
DO NOT INSTALL AN
ACTIVE MONITOR IN
RANGE OF THE VEHICLE’S DRIVER
TO AVOID DISTRACTION WHILE IN
MOTION. This product is intended for
entertainment, program selection, and viewing
for rear seat passengers in vehicles operated in
the United States.
Consult local law concerning installation of
televisions in motor vehicles. Some states
may prohibit TVs in motor vehicles, others
restrict placement of monitors.
Record your Serial & Part Numbers here:
Antenna
Indoor Unit
Receiver
Smart Card
Serial #
Serial #
Part #
Part #
Receiver #
Model #
Smart Card#
NOTE
Be sure to record serial and part
numbers of the receiver, antenna
and indoor unit, in the boxes provided on this
page before installation. These serial numbers
will be needed to activate the receiver after
installation.

Skybox Installation & User Manual 5
5
1.2 Icons
User-friendly icons provide a visual reminder
to mark the important information necessary
to successfully operate and install the Sky-
box antenna system.
They include:
WARNING
Alerts installers and customers of
important information regarding
personal safety to avoid bodily
injury.
CAUTION
Alerts installers and customers to
possible electrocution hazards.
TOOLS & REPAIR
Marks the areas requiring special
tools and installation procedures.
KEY HINTS
Helpful tips are indicated with a
key. They offer key suggestions
on efcient installation procedures
to get the maximum performance
from your system.
1 Welcome

Skybox Installation & User Manual
6
Installation and
User Safety
Instructions
Read this manual thoroughly and carefully
before attempting to install or operate any
Skybox antenna system.
2 Safety Instructions
Observe Warnings - Be
sure to follow all warnings
and cautionary instructions
in this manual.
Follow Instructions
Observing these instructions is
critical to ensure proper installation.
Follow each detail to ensure accurate and
safe installation. NOTES, indicated by the
box above, will be provided throughout
the document to assist in user-friendly
installation and operation of Skybox
antenna systems.
CAUTION
Verify that the roof rack is in
good condition and can support
the 55 pound antenna prior to
installation. Seek professional assistance to
tighten or adjust the mounting brackets,
as required for safety and safe operation of
vehicle.
WARNING
No user accessible parts. Repairs
to the antenna should be per-
formed only by Audiovox®authorized tech-
nicians.
NOTE
Be sure to save the container
and packing materials for the
antenna. If the system needs to be returned
for maintenance, under warranty, you will be
responsible for proper packaging.
WARNING
IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT
YOU REMOVE THE SHIP-
PING RESTRAINT BOLT
LOCATED ON THE BOTTOM OF THE
ANTENNA BEFORE BEGINNING IN-
STALLATION.
VERY IMPORTANT!
Before operating the Skybox
system, the end consumer should-
ll out the Audiovox® Customer
Setup Form attached to this manual and fax
to [phone]. This will save time when
you go to activate the system.

Skybox Installation & User Manual 7
WARNING
Do not open or remove the
CAUTION
The Skybox antenna system
is specically designed for use
as it comes shipped – with the housings and
unit covers intact. Any attempt to modify or
to retrot this product or its components will
void the warranty and may be hazardous.
CAUTION
Consumers should not attempt
repairs to any components in
the system! Only qualied and authorized
service personnel should repair damaged
or non-operational equipment. Evidence of
unauthorized repairs or tampering will void
the warranty.
cover of the receiver, antenna or indoor unit
(IDU) to avoid exposure to dangerous volt-
age.
WARNING
To avoid re or electrical shock by
the receiver or other components,
do not expose them to rain or
moisture. The IDU and receiver’s ventilation
openings must not be tampered with, covered
or obstructed.

Skybox Installation & User Manual
8
Receiving Mobile
Satellite TV
3.1 Signal Reception
The Skybox antenna can be used to receive
satellite television via the direct broadcast
service (DBS) satellites, located 22,000 miles
in space. This system requires a clear view
of these satellites to maximize the signal
reception. Other factors, such as satellite
coverage area, elevation angle, and weather
also contribute to the signal quality (Figure
3-1).
3 Introduction to Mobile Satellite TV
3.2 Azimuth and Elevation
The DBS satellites are located in the southern
sky. The Skybox is a sophisticated mobile
antenna with a satellite recognition and
tracking system. The antenna automatically
determines and maintains the proper azimuth
and elevation angle without user interven-
tion. This enables the system to receive
satellite TV while stationary or in motion.
3.3 Satellite Coverage
You must be located within the satellite’s
coverage area for proper reception. As you
begin to travel outside of this coverage area,
the signal becomes weaker. In general, sig-
nals are received in the lower 48 contiguous
states.
3-1 Satellite Elevation Look Angle

Skybox Installation & User Manual 9
3 Introduction to Mobile Satellite TV
3.4 Line of Sight (LOS) Interruption
The Skybox needs a clear line of sight
(LOS), or view to the satellite for uninter-
rupted reception. Objects such as buildings,
mountains, bridges, tunnels, overhead road
signs and trees that block this view will
cause a loss of signal (Figure 3-2). The sig-
nal will, however, be quickly restored once
the antenna has a clear LOS again.
3-2 Obstacles Blocking Signal
Heavy rain, snow or ice may also interfere
with the signal reception. Stray signals from
radio or television broadcast towers may also
affect the satellite signal.

Skybox Installation & User Manual
10
Allen Wrench 1
Bracket Link - 18mm 4
Bracket Link - 31mm 4
4 Satellite TV System Overview
Packing Kit Contents - Bill of Materials
Box No. 1
Description Quantity
Skybox 1ox11 No. 2
Bracket Bottom 4
Bracket Spacer - 10mm 4
Bracket Spacer - 18mm 4
Hexagon socket
countersink head screw 12
M6x25
Hexagon socket
countersink head screw 12
M6x30
Hexagon socket
countersink head screw 4
M6x40

Skybox Installation & User Manual 11
4 Satellite TV System Overview
Box No. 2
Description Quantity
Indoor Unit 1
User manual 1
Installation manual
Connector, coaxial,
TNC plug crimp 1
RF Cable , ODU to IDU 1
IDU End ODU End
DC power supply cable 1
Remote extender TX 1
adaptor with batteries
Box No. 3 (Option DISH)
Description Quantity
UP
POWER
DOWN
Satellite receiver Dish 311 1
RF Cable, IDU to RCV 1
RCA A/V Cables 1
DISH Remote Control 1
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61.5°Echostar
82°NIMIQ-2
91°NIMIQ-1
101°DirectTV
110°DirecTV\Echostar 119°DirecTV\Echostar 148°Echostar

Skybox Installation & User Manual
12
4 Satellite TV System Overview
4.1 System Components
The Skybox satellite TV delivery system
requires the following components:
4.1.1 Antenna
The Skybox antenna houses the antenna
panels and electronics within a weather-
tight radome (plastic housing). It is mounted
to the vehicle’s roof rack and connected with
a single coaxial cable to the IDU inside the
vehicle.
4.1.2 Indoor Unit (IDU)
The IDU supplies power and commands to
the Skybox antenna. This device allows you
to manually select the satellite from which
you wish to receive a signal. It is co-located
with the satellite receiver inside the vehicle.
4.1.3 Receiver
The receiver is mounted inside the vehicle
near the IDU and decodes satellite signals
from the antenna, then sends them to the
vehicle’s video system.
4.1.4 Remote Control
The remote control uses a low power RF
transmitter to control the receiver from
within the vehicle, without pointing directly
at the receiver.
P
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MENU
VCR
AUX
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RECORD
SYS INFO
SELECT
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SELECT STANDBY
ON/OFF
61.5°Echostar 82°NIMIQ-2 91°NIMIQ-1 101°DirectTV 110°DirecTV\Echostar 119°DirecTV\Echostar 148°Echostar
NOTE:
Actual remote
may differ.

Skybox Installation & User Manual 13
5.1 Shipping Restraint Bolt
1. Place the antenna on a at surface, such
as a table top and remove the shipping
restraint bolt located under the antenna
(Figure 5-1).
Figure 5-1 Remove shipping restraint bolt with the
provided Allen wrench.
Mounting the
Antenna to the
Vehicle’s Roof
Rack
This section offers a general explanation of
how to properly install the Skybox antenna to
the vehicle’s roof rack.
NOTE
The Skybox antenna mount-
ing hardware provided in your
hardware kit will t almost any design of roof
rack. There are however, some vehicles with
larger crossbars that may not be compatible with
the provided mount. If this is the case, please
call [phone] to order an upgrade kit.
CAUTION
The Skybox, when properly
installed, increases the vehicle
height by 4-9 inches over the existing roof
rack or cab. Make sure you are aware of the
new height of the vehicle with the antenna
and mount above the roof rack. Use caution
when driving under overpasses, parking garages
and other low clearance areas.
CAUTION
Do not ip the antenna upside
down while removing the shipping
5 Installing the Antenna
WARNING
IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT
YOU REMOVE THE SHIP-
PING RESTRAINT BOLT
LOCATED ON THE BOTTOM OF THE
ANTENNA BEFORE BEGINNING
INSTALLATION.
restraint bolt. Doing so may result in serious
damage to the antenna.
Bottom of antenna
strain or injury.
WARNING
Always use two people to move
or lift the 55 lb. antenna to avoid
VERY IMPORTANT!
Before operating the Skybox
system, the end consumer should-
ll out the Audiovox® Customer
Setup Form attached to this manual and fax
to [phone]. This will save time when
you go to activate the system.

Skybox Installation & User Manual
14
5.3 Mounting Procedure
To mount the antenna:
1. Position the roof rack crossbars 37-1/2
inches apart, measured center-to-center
(Figure 5-4). The distance between the
antenna and the vehicle’s roof will determine
which size bracket spacer to use . Using
two people, place the antenna onto the roof
rack to measure the distance between the
antenna and the roof.
2. Make sure that there is at least 1 inch
space between the base of the antenna and
the vehicle roof (Figure 5-5).
Installing the Antenna 5
5.2 Clamp Design
The Skybox antenna is designed to clamp
onto a vehicle’s permanent roof rack with
an adjustable, padded clamping system
designed to secure the unit onto the xed
crossbars (Figure 5-2). Installers should
conrm good condition of the roof rack
and cross bars before installing the an-
tenna.
There are two different size bracket spacers
provided in the kit: the 1 inch spacer comes
installed between the bracket and antenna
for ready-to-mount capability. An alternate
1/2 inch spacer is also provided in the kit
for lower placement of the antenna onto the
crossbars in appropriate conditions (Figure
5-3).
Figure 5-3 Bracket spacer between bracket and antenna.
Figure 5-2 Brackets can accommodate uneven crossbar girth.
Make sure you tighten the head screw to secure bracket to
the crossbar to compensate for asymmetry.
1" 1/2"
CAUTION
Be sure to use only the hardware
provided in the hardware kit. Sub-
stituting any hardware or juryrigging may
result in an improper and unsafe installation.
Install all hardware according to this manual.
Figure 5-4 Crossbar positioning on roof rack.
head screw

Skybox Installation & User Manual 15
Figure 5-5 A 1-inch gap allows mounting space for antenna between the
crossbars and roof rack.
3. Perform a thorough inspection to make sure
the roof rack is not damaged and can support
the 55 lb. weight of the antenna.
4. Check to see if sun/moon roof or other
vent system will work properly without
interfering with the antenna or mounting
brackets.
5. If the distance between the base of the an-
tenna and the vehicle’s roof is greater than
1 inch (Figure 5-5), use the supplied Allen
wrench to remove the 2 head screws that
secure each mounting bracket. Replace the
1 inch spacer with a 1/2 inch spacer. If the
antenna-to-roof distance is already 1 inch,
continue to the next step.
CAUTION
Failing to leave at least a 1 inch
space between the Skybox anten-
na and the vehicle’s roof may result in dam-
age to the roof and to the antenna due to the
bouncing or movement of the antenna while
the vehicle is in motion.
5 Installing the Antenna
6. Orient the antenna so that the antenna’s
cable connection is located toward the rear
of the vehicle (Figure 5-6). If the distance
between the antenna’s base and the vehicle’s
roof is less than 1 inch, even with the largest
spacer used, attach a large section of rubber
or foam to the bottom of the antenna to
protect the vehicle’s roof.
Figure 5-6 Position TNC connector toward rear of vehicle.
NOTE
Use a towel or moving cloth to
protect the roof of the vehicle
while installing the antenna.

Skybox Installation & User Manual
16
5 Installing the Antenna
Figure 5-7 Centering the antenna on roof.
Figure 5-9 Top bracket mount with link.
7. Measure the distance between the antenna’s
mounting bracket to the roof’s edge to
make sure the antenna is centered on the
roof. Complete this for the front and rear
crossbars (Figure 5-7).
NOTE
Ensure that the mounting brack-
ets are secured to adequate xed
cross bars so that as much of the crossbar’s
surface is covered by the top and bottom
clamps as possible. Failure to do so may
cause antenna to become unstable.
9. Choose proper head screw size, depending
on the distance between the top and bottom
bracket at the head screw end (Figure 5-8).
Figure 5-8 Shipped with 3 different screw sizes.
8. Select the proper bracket link size (approxi-
mately 1/2 inch, or 1-inch). Determine the
link size based on the width of the cross-
bar (Figure 5-9). There are four combinations
of bracket links and head screws that can
be used. Choose the combination that will
provided the best and most stable t for
your vehicle’s crossbar style.

Skybox Installation & User Manual 17
5 Installing the Antenna
NOTE
Once all four mounting brackets
are tightened and the antenna has
CAUTION
Make sure you are aware of the
new maximum height of the
Figure 5-10 Inserting bottom bracket.
Figure 5-11 Secure clamp with headscrew.
10. Insert the bottom bracket into the bracket
link (Figure 5-10).
11. Secure the bottom bracket with the appro-
priate head screw. Make sure that the cor-
rect head screw-bracket link combination
has been applied and as much of the rubber
on the mounting clamps are covering the
crossbars as possible.
12. Fully tighten the end head screw with the
supplied Allen wrench (Figure 5-11). Do
not overtighten.
vehicle (unloaded) with the antenna mounted
onto the roof rack. Use caution when driving
under overpasses, tree limbs, into garages
and into low clearance areas.
been mounted to the roof rack, complete a
thorough inspection of all four brackets to
ensure antenna is secure and stable.

Skybox Installation & User Manual
18
6 Installing the Antenna Cable
Installing the
Antenna Cable
This section will explain the proper method
for connecting the cable to the antenna, as
well as routing the coaxial cable from the
antenna to the Audiovox® indoor unit (IDU)
location.
6.1 Routing the Cable
The RF cable is routed from the antenna to
the IDU inside the vehicle. Decide where
to locate the IDU and satellite receiver, and
make sure that both units are placed in a dry
and protected area. Typically, they are placed
under a seat for protection. The IDU and
satellite receiver should be placed away from
any heat source and in an area with proper
ventilation. Ensure that there is at least 2” of
space around both units for ventilation and
connection of cables.
Two basic techniques for bringing the
antenna cable into the vehicle are through an
existing point of entry (POE) or by drilling
the POE.
6.2 Technique 1
The rst option is to route the cable into the
vehicle through an existing POE, such as
behind the rear hatch, between two body
panels or through a grommet.
NOTE
Only a trained automotive
technician should perform
this installation. Audiovox®is not respon-
sible for damage caused to vehicles by the
improper drilling or installation of antenna
cable through the roof or body of the vehicle.
NOTE
Due to the extensive variety
of vehicles on the market, it is
6.2.1 Routing Cables Through the
Rear Hatch
1. Connect one end of the TNC connector to
the back of the antenna at the rear of the
vehicle (Figure 6-1). Do not overtighten
this connection . The connection at the
antenna should be weatherized or protected
from outside elements through the use of
weather tape or other appropriate means.
impossible to cover all of the possible and
appropriate wiring specications for every
vehicle. Should you decide to run the cable
between body panels, take every precaution
to avoid areas prone to water inltration, and
to prevent damage to the vehicle’s body. If
the space between the vehicle’s panels is too
small, look for an alternate routing option.
Figure 6-1 Connector input from IDU.

Skybox Installation & User Manual 19
Figure 6-4 Routing cable between two panels.
6 Installing the Antenna Cable
Figure 6-2 Open hatch routing method.
3. Close the hatch gently and carefully
inspect the cable to make certain that it is
not bent, pinched or damaged. There may
be extra coaxial cable left once it has been
routed inside of the vehicle to the desired
location. You may coil and tie the excess
cable and place it near the IDU and receiver.
You may also cut the cable to the length
needed and install a new TNC connector.
Refer to Appendix A for proper installation
of TNC connectors.
4. Once the cable has been routed from the
antenna to the IDU, the cable must be
properly secured to the roof rack crossbars
with the supplied tie-wraps. In appropriate
situations, you may use self-adhesive cable
straps to secure the cable to the vehicle
(Figure 6-3).
2. Run the cable along the roof rack of the
vehicle, back to the hatch. With the hatch
open, route the cable behind the hatch to
inside the vehicle (Figure 6-2 ).
NOTE:
Only a trained automotive installer
should run cable or remove the
vehicle’s headliner. Improperly removing this
material may result in tearing, water inltra-
tion and other damage to your vehicle and
its contents. Audiovox® is not responsible
for damage caused to vehicles due to improp-
er drilling or removal of interior headliners.
Figure 6-3 Tie wrap cable to roof rack.
6.2.2 Routing Cables Through Two
Panels
Another technique for bringing the antenna
cable into an existing POE is to route the
cable between two body panels of the vehicle
(Figure 6-4). The RG58 antenna cable may
be small enough for certain vehicles. Take
every precaution to protect the vehicle from
body damage and water inltration. If the
space between two body panels is too small,
look for an alternate routing option.
NOTE:
Prior to the cable entering the
vehicle, create a drip loop to pre-
vent water entering the vehicle and causing
damage.

Skybox Installation & User Manual
20
6 Installing the Antenna Cable
6.3 Technique 2
The second option for routing the cable
from the antenna to the IDU, which may be
used by trained installers, is to drill a small
point of entry (POE) into the vehicle’s roof
or body. Only a highly trained and qualied
technician should perform this task. Take
special care when drilling holes into the
vehicle. Appropriate watertight seals should
be used.
the improper drilling or installation of the
antenna cable through the roof or body of the
vehicle or for water damage or other damage
resulting from the drilling of a POE. Only a
trained automotive technician should per-
form this installation.
NOTE
Audiovox® is not responsible
for damage caused to vehicles
NOTE
Do not fold or kink the cable.
Any bends should be gradual and
kept to a 4-1/2 inch bend radius to avoid
damaging the cable and degrading received
satellite signals.