AvL Technologies ComTech User manual

ComTech Modem
Interface Guide and Reference
Revision R11.9.0
Documentation of the interface between the ComTech modem and the AvL
Technologies AAQ antenna controller, reference information, and troubleshooting
guide.
Appendix E
AvL Technologies
900-159-005

ComTech Modem
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1
Revision History
Date
Revision
Revision By
Approved By
Comments
5/5/14
Rev. 1.0
Initial Release
8/19/15
Rev. 1.1
WL
Updates for 11.4
6/28/16
Rev. 11.6.0
WL
Change to revision sequence
and updates for 11.6
4/17/17
Rev. R11.9.0
WL/SW
JF
Updates for R11.9.0
Contents
1. Introduction................................................................................................................................. 2
2. Setup Guide................................................................................................................................. 3
2.1. Hardware.............................................................................................................................. 3
2.2. Software ............................................................................................................................... 3
2.3. Hardware Connection........................................................................................................... 4
2.3.1. Serial Communication Connection................................................................................ 4
2.3.2. Ethernet Communication Connection ........................................................................... 4
3. Configuration.............................................................................................................................. 5
3.1. Core Configuration............................................................................................................... 5
3.2. Target Configuration............................................................................................................ 6
3.3. Signal Configuration............................................................................................................ 7
3.4. Feed Configuration Items..................................................................................................... 7
4. Operation..................................................................................................................................... 8
4.1. Functional Overview............................................................................................................ 8
4.1.1. Acquisition Process ....................................................................................................... 8

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4.2. Sensor Output....................................................................................................................... 9
4.3. Module Window................................................................................................................. 10
4.3.1. Device Window........................................................................................................... 10
4.3.2. Device Control Window.............................................................................................. 10
5. Issues and Troubleshooting....................................................................................................... 11
Figures
Figure 1 –Version info................................................................................................................... 3
Figure 2 - Serial Connection........................................................................................................... 4
Figure 3 - Core Configuration......................................................................................................... 5
Figure 4 - Target Configuration...................................................................................................... 6
Figure 5 - Signal Configuration...................................................................................................... 7
Figure 6 - Acquire Command......................................................................................................... 8
Figure 7 - Sensor Output................................................................................................................. 9
Figure 8 - Device Window............................................................................................................ 10
1. Introduction
The ComTech L-Band Satellite Modem operates on the AvL Technologies AAQ system with date rates
from 2.4 Kbps to 9.98 Mbps. This modem supports multiple modulation types such as BPSK, and QPSK to
name a few. The Comtech modem provides support with all externally connected Block Up Converters
(BUCs) and can be configured with and without a BUC power supply, it also provides support for Low-
Noise Block Downconverters (LNBs). This modem can be configured for a frequency between 950 to
2000MHz. The ComTech modem can be integrated into the AvL AAQ system to provide accurate beam
pointing, and Internet and communications services.

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2. Setup Guide
2.1. Hardware
ComTech CDM Series Modem
AvL AAQ Antenna System
Hub or Switch
2.2. Software
Path
Main Window → Help Version Info
Level 0
Be certain that the version of Remote Client, ROM, & device module are at or above the version shown
in figure 1
Figure 1 –Version info

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2.3. Hardware Connection
2.3.1. Serial Communication Connection
Connect the AAQ antenna controller and PC or other device running the AAQ Remote GUI Modem to
a Network Switch or AvL CIP Rack Mount Interface.
The serial communication cable from the AAQ antenna modem should be plugged into the Control
port on back of the ComTech modem.
Figure 2 - Serial Connection
2.3.2. Ethernet Communication Connection
An Ethernet connection is not an option for the hardware associated with this module.

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3. Configuration
3.1. Core Configuration
Path
Main Window → View → Configuration, Core tab
Level 4
Figure 3 - Core Configuration
Long name
Level
Type
Value
Range
Description
ComTech Modem
Connection Endpoint
4
Sting
-
The serial port to us. This should come
configured from the factory and should only be
changed by an experienced integrator or AvL
service technician.
ComTech Modem
Connection Settings
4
String
-
The TCP port or Serial settings, if serial the
format is ‘a b c d’ where a = BaudRate, b =
DataBits, c = StopBits, d = Parity. This should
come configured from the factory and should
only be changed by an experienced integrator
or AvL service technician.
ComTech Com Port
4
String
-
Legacy Item DO NOT USE
ComTech Com Port
Settings
4
String
-
Legacy Item DO NOT USE
ComTech Gradient
Sample Time
4
Integer
0 to 60
Sample time in seconds for detecting signal
gradient.
ComTech Noise Sample
Time
4
Integer
0 to
60000
Sample time in MS for detecting signal noise.

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3.2. Target Configuration
Path
Main Window → View → Configuration, Target
Level 1
Figure 4 - Target Configuration
Make sure that Acquisition Sources are set to ComTech. This is done by selecting the drop down list
and selecting ComTech.
Long name
Level
Type
Value
Range
Description
Scan Source
1
Choice
-
The signal source to use when performing a
Scan for this Target satellite
Coarse Source
1
Choice
-
The signal source to use when performing
Coarse Peaking on this Target satellite
Fine Source
1
Choice
-
The signal source to use when performing Fine
Peaking on this Target satellite

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3.3. Signal Configuration
Path
Main Window → View → Configuration, Signal
Level 4
Figure 5 - Signal Configuration
Refer to the user’s manual for an explanation of signal configuration items
Note: When changing Signal parameters, be sure the correct signaling device is selected to the left of
the window.
3.4. Feed Configuration Items
There are no feed configuration items associated with this module

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4. Operation
4.1. Functional Overview
When properly connected and configured the ComTech modem becomes fully integrated into the AAQ
Controller’s satellite acquisition process. During Acquisition, the modem will exchange information
with the AAQ. The modem’s Eb / No will be used to locate and peak on the desired satellite.
4.1.1. Acquisition Process
Figure 6 - Acquire Command
1. Power up the antenna and modem
2. Command the antenna to acquire
3. The AAQ will read the compass then proceed to the first scan point
4. The antenna detects a lock from the modem and stops
The Modem has detected the satellite carrier
The AAQ has stopped its scan
5. The AAQ will coarse peak back to the signal
This is the initial coarse peak that will move through the entire beam
6. Once coarse peaking has been completed, fine peaking will begin
This fine peaks the signal using small, slow movements
7. AAQ will stop movement
The AAQ has enabled transmit on the modem
8. The Modem will log into the network and be ready to send traffic

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4.2. Sensor Output
Path
Main Window → View→ Sensor Output
Level 0
Check the boxes beside any Sensor Outputs you wish to view for monitoring operations.
Figure 7 - Sensor Output
The table below describes the Sensor Outputs relevant to this module
Item
Description
ComTech Detected Noise
Noise reading as reported by the AAQ
ComTech Min Lock Signal
Signal Level required for the modem to declare lock
ComTech Min Valid Signal
Signal Level required from modem for AAQ to be able to peak.
ComTechRx Lock
This flag indicating that the modem is locked on carrier.
ComTech Rx Signal
This is the indicator of signal level in SNR from the modem.
ComTech Signal Average
This is the average signal as read from AAQ
ComTech Signal Gradient
Mathematical approximation of signal change over time in coordination
with “Comtech Gradient Sample Time” config. Item as read from AAQ.

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4.3. Module Window
4.3.1. Device Window
The software provides a Device Window for use in monitoring operation.
Path
Main Window → View→ Device Window
Level 0
Figure 8 - Device Window
Item
Description
Connection Status
Indicates whether the ComTech modem is connected or not
Signal Level
The Rx signal strength that is being reported by the ComTech modem. This is
the signal that the controller will use to peak on.
Lock Status
The locked status of the ComTech modem of whether it is on the signal or
not.
Transmit Status
Indicates whether the ComTech modem transmitter is enable or not
4.3.2. Device Control Window
A Device Control Window is not needed for monitoring operation and is not included in the software.

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5. Issues and Troubleshooting
Issue
Description
Corrective Action
The ComTech modem is
not being for the Target
Acquisition
Device Window is empty or
displays data from another
device
Check that the ComTech is configured as
the Scan, Coarse, and Fine Source for the
current Target
Check software Version Info to make sure
that the correct ComTech Module is
installed.
The Modem is not
communicating with the
AAQ Controller
The Device Window is
empty or displays Not
Connected
Check that the antenna controller and
modem hardware is connected as
described in section 2.3
Check that the modem is powered up and
has finished its boot up sequence.
Check that the Serial connection is
configured properly.
Check the Serial cables and connections.
All Signal Sources Tried
With No Valid Signal
Detected
The modem does not
declare a lock when the
antenna is scanning for the
Target.
Check that the ComTech modem is
communication with the AAQ.
Check that the frequency configured in the
modem is the correct frequency for the
target satellite
Check all RF cables and connections.
Check scan speeds in the Signal tab of the
Configuration Window
Check that the Compass Heading, GPS
Location, and World Elevation are correct.
Invalid Signal for
Peaking
The modem does not
declare a lock at the Fine
Peaking phase of the
acquisition.
Check that the frequency configured in the
modem is the correct frequency for the
target satellite
Check all RF cables and connections.
Check scan speeds and peaking
parameters in the Signal tab of the
Configuration Window