AvL Technologies iDirect User manual

iDirect Modem
Interface and Reference Guide
Revision R11.9.0
Documentation of the interface between the iDirect modem and the AvL
Technologies AAQ antenna controller, reference information, and troubleshooting
guide.
Appendix D
AvL Technologies
900-159-004

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Revision History
Date
Revision
Revision
By
Approved
By
Revision Description
4/29/2015
1.0
M.P.
Initial Release for R.11.2
8/18/2015
1.1
WL
Update for 11.4 with Config
Parameters
1/14/2016
11.5.0
WL
Update for 11.5 and change in revision
sequence
6/30/16
11.6.0
WL
Update for 11.6
11/14/16
R11.8.0
AS
Updated for 11.8
3/24/17
R11.9.0
WL/DM
JF
Updated for 11.9, new template
Contents
Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................................ 21.
Setup Guide......................................................................................................................................................................... 32.
2.1. Hardware....................................................................................................................................................................... 3
2.2. Software ........................................................................................................................................................................ 3
2.3. Hardware Connection ................................................................................................................................................... 3
2.3.1. Serial Communication Connection .......................................................................................................................... 4
2.3.2. Ethernet Communication Connection ..................................................................................................................... 4
Configuration ...................................................................................................................................................................... 53.
3.1. Core Configuration Items .............................................................................................................................................. 5
3.1.1. Ethernet Setup......................................................................................................................................................... 6
3.1.2. Serial Setup .............................................................................................................................................................. 7
3.1.3. iDirect Specific Configuration .................................................................................................................................. 7
3.2. Target Configuration Items ........................................................................................................................................... 8
3.3. Signal Configuration Items .......................................................................................................................................... 10
3.4. Feed Configuration Items............................................................................................................................................ 12
Functional Overview ......................................................................................................................................................... 124.
4.1. Acquisition Process...................................................................................................................................................... 12

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4.2. Sensor Outputs............................................................................................................................................................ 13
4.3. Module Window.......................................................................................................................................................... 14
4.3.1. Device Window...................................................................................................................................................... 14
4.3.2. Device Control Window ......................................................................................................................................... 14
Issues and Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................................. 155.
Figures
Figure 1 –Version Info ............................................................................................................................................................ 3
Figure 2 –Serial Setup ............................................................................................................................................................ 4
Figure 3 –Ethernet Setup ....................................................................................................................................................... 4
Figure 4 - AAQ Network Interface Option Window ................................................................................................................ 5
Figure 5 - Core Configuration Window, System Configuration............................................................................................... 6
Figure 6 - Core Configuration Window, Module Configuration.............................................................................................. 7
Figure 7 - Target Configuration............................................................................................................................................... 9
Figure 8 - Signal Configuration Window ............................................................................................................................... 10
Figure 9 - Acquire Command ................................................................................................................................................ 12
Figure 10 –Sensor Output .................................................................................................................................................... 13
Figure 11 –Device Window .................................................................................................................................................. 14
Introduction1.
This document describes the concepts required to use the iDirect module as part of the AAQ Controller. This module
directly supports iDirect modems Evolution X3, X5, X7, and the Evolution 8000 Series. It is recommended that older
iDirect modems should be upgraded to software version iDX 3.5.
iDirect Evolution modems are an IP-based satellite communications system engineered to deliver the highest quality
broadband connectivity. The Platform is built on DVB-S2/ ACM with Adaptive TDMA and multiple technologies to
allocate bandwidth efficiently over distributed networks, while automatically adjusting to dynamic traffic demands and
changing network conditions.

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Setup Guide2.
2.1. Hardware
iDirect Modem
oEvolution X3
oEvolution X5
oEvolution X7
oEvolution 8000 Series
AvL AAQ Antenna System
2.2. Software
Ensure that the Remote Client, ROM, and device module are at or above the versions shown in Figure 1:
Figure 1 –Version Info
Note: It is recommended that older iDirect modems should be upgraded to software version iDX 3.5.
2.3. Hardware Connection
Connect the AAQ antenna controller to the iDirect modem through the desired means. The AAQ controller supports
serial (RS232) and Ethernet communications to the iDirect modem and can be configured to use either depending on
the necessary networking scheme.

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2.3.1. Serial Communication Connection
To communicate with the iDirect modem through a serial connection, connect the serial cable from the AAQ antenna
system to the Console port on the modem. Connect power to all devices. Confirm that the serial port settings are
correct per section 3 of this document.
Figure 2 –Serial Setup
2.3.2. Ethernet Communication Connection
When setting the system to communicate by Ethernet, connect both the controller and the iDirect modem to the AvL
CIP or other network switch so the controller can query the modem over the network. Ensure power is connected to
each device. Confirm that the Ethernet settings are correct per section 3 of this document.
Figure 3 –Ethernet Setup

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When setting the system to communicate by Ethernet, it is important to make sure the controller has a network path
to the iDirect modem so the controller can query the modem over the network. The example shown below
represents a typical installation.
Path
Main Window File SettingsAAQ Network Interface Options
Level 1
Figure 4 - AAQ Network Interface Option Window
Configuration3.
3.1. Core Configuration Items
Modify the following configuration items to enable interaction of the controller with the modem. These configuration
items can be accessed using the AAQRemote GUI. The configuration varies depending upon the physical connection
method (Ethernet or serial).
Path
Main Window View Configuration Core
Level 4

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Figure 5 - Core Configuration Window, System Configuration
3.1.1. Ethernet Setup
If configuring to communicate over Ethernet set the iDirect module to use the IP address and Port Number of the
iDirect modem.
Long Name
Level
Type
Value Range
Documentation
iDirect Com Port
4
String
iDirect IPv4
Address
The factory set IPv4 address of the iDirect
modem
iDirect Com Port
Settings
4
String
23
The standard Telnet Com Port

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3.1.2. Serial Setup
If configuring to communicate over Serial, set the iDirect module to use the RS 232 com port and Port Number of the
iDirect modem.
Long Name
Level
Type
Value Range
Documentation
iDirect Com Port
4
String
/dev/ttyO0 or
/dev/ttyO3
The computer device filename for the
communications port used
iDirect Com Port
Settings
4
String
BaudRate,
DataBits,
Parity &
StopBits
The communications parameters for the comm
port in the form of BaudRate, DataBits, StopBits,
Parity (i.e. 9600 8 1 0) where parity values are 0
for none and 1 for even.
3.1.3. iDirect Specific Configuration
Path
Main Window View Configuration Core
Level 4
Figure 6 - Core Configuration Window, Module Configuration

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Long Name
Level
Type
Value
Range
Documentation
iDirect Console
Password
1
String
-
This is the Console Password used to log into the modem
iDirect Console
Username
1
String
-
This is the Console Username used to log into the modem
iDirect Manual
Offline
4
String
-
This is a flag to manually command the modem to go
offline. Telnet must be active.
0 = disabled
1 = enabled
iDirect Manual
Online
4
String
-
This is a flag to manually command the modem to go
online. Telnet must be active.
0 = disabled
1 = enabled
iDirect SNR Lock
Threshold
1
String
-
The SNR value that is necessary to declare lock
iDirect Socket
Delay
1
String
-
The amount of delay to add to the socket read in
microseconds
iDirect Telnet
Command
1
String
-
The Telnet Command the iDirect requires to begin a Telnet
session
iDirect Telnet
Password
1
String
-
This is the Telnet Password used when accessing Telnet
within the modem
iDirect Telnet
Username
1
String
-
This is the Telnet Username used when accessing Telnet
within the modem
iDirect Use
Automated TX
Offline Logic
1
Value
0-1
The setting to use the automated transmit offline logic to
protect against adjacent satellite interference.
0 = Do not use transmit logic
1 = Use transmit logic. Perform offline commands
3.2. Target Configuration Items
The two iDirect target configuration items can be accessed using the AAQRemote GUI.
Path
Main Window View Configuration Target
Level 1

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Figure 7 - Target Configuration
Long Name
Level
Type
Value Range
Documentation
iDirect Beam ID
1
Value
0 - 9999
The Beam ID the controller will set the iDirect
modem to use during acquisition if ‘iDirect Use
Beam Selection’is set to ‘True’
iDirect Use Beam
Selection
1
Choice
True - False
Set this switch to True to have the controller
control the Beam ID the iDirect modem will use
for acquisition
Scan Source
1
Choice
All available
signal sources
The Signal Source used to Scan for the Target
satellite. Set this to iDirect.
Coarse Source
1
Choice
All available
signal sources
The Signal Source used to Coarse Peak on the
Target satellite. Set this to iDirect.
Fine Source
1
Choice
All available
signal sources
The Signal Source used to Fine Peak on the Target
satellite. Set this to iDirect.

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3.3. Signal Configuration Items
The controller polls the modem for signal information that is used to correctly point the antenna. In this case the
modem’s SNR value is used to peak the signal at its maximum. The following are recommended settings to ensure the
movement of the physical antenna is not faster than the polling speed of the signal data.
Path
Main Window → View Configuration Signal
Level 4
Figure 8 - Signal Configuration Window
Long Name
Level
Type
Value Range
Recommended
Value
Documentation
Coarse Peaking
Cycles
4
Integer
0 to 100
1
Number of cycles for coarse
peaking (0=1 Az only, 1=1 Az
and 1 El only)
Coarse Peaking
Mode
4
Choice
None,
CrossPattern,
StepPatten,
CrossPattern
Selection of the peaking
method to use for coarse

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PlateauPeaking
peaking routines
Cross Pattern
Coarse Azimuth
Velocity
4
Float
.02 to 1
0.25
Azimuth velocity in
degrees/sec for coarse peaking
Cross Pattern
Coarse Elevation
Velocity
4
Float
.02 to 1
0.25
Elevation velocity in
degrees/sec for coarse peaking
Cross Pattern
Coarse Peaking
Height
4
Float
.25 to 5
1
Height in degrees to scan
during a coarse cross pattern
peaking function
Cross Pattern
Coarse Peaking
Width
4
Float
.25 to 5
2
Width in degrees to scan
during a coarse cross pattern
peaking function
Cross Pattern
Coarse Signal
Tolerance
1
Float
0 to 1000
10
Signal degradation amount
before a scan stops
Fine Peaking
Mode
4
Choice
None,
CrossPattern,
StepPatten,
PlateauPeaking
StepPattern
Selection of the peaking
method to use for fine peaking
routines
Polarization
Peaking Enabled
4
Choice
Yes, No
No
If set to yes then pol will be
peaked after fine peaking
Scan Azimuth
Velocity
4
Float
0.1 to 60
0.5
Azimuth scanning maximum
velocity used in scanning
movements
Scan Elevation
Velocity
4
Float
0.1 to 60
2
Elevation scanning maximum
velocity used in scanning
movements
Step Pattern
Fine Azimuth
Velocity
4
Float
0.02 to 5
0.15
Azimuth velocity in
degrees/sec for fine peaking
Step Pattern
Fine Elevation
Velocity
4
Float
0.02 to 5
0.15
Elevation velocity in
degrees/sec for fine peaking
Step Pattern
Fine Peaking
Azimuth Step
4
Float
0.01 to 5
1
Width in degrees to scan
during a fine step pattern
peaking function
Step Pattern
Fine Peaking
Elevation Step
4
Float
0.01 to 5
1
Height in degrees to scan
during a fine step pattern
peaking function

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3.4. Feed Configuration Items
There are not Feed configuration items associated with this module.
Functional Overview4.
When properly configured, the iDirect modem is fully integrated into the AvL AAQ’s acquisition process, and can be used
as a signal source to acquire and track on satellite signals. Once the target satellite has been found, the modem will log
into the network and be ready to send traffic.
4.1. Acquisition Process
Figure 9 - Acquire Command
1. Power up the antenna
2. Command the antenna to acquire
The AAQ will initialize sensors, read the compass, then proceed to the first scan point
3. The antenna detects a lock from the modem and stops
The Modem has detected the satellite carrier
The AAQ has stopped its scan
4. The AAQ will coarse peak back to the signal
This is the initial coarse peak that will move through the entire beam
5. Once coarse peaking has been completed, fine peaking will begin
This fine peaks the signal using small, slow movements
6. AAQ will stop movement
The AAQ has enabled transmit on the modem
The Modem will log into the network and be ready to send traffic

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4.2. Sensor Outputs
Path
Main Window → View→ Sensor Output
Level 0
Check the boxes beside any Sensor Outputs you wish to view for monitoring operations.
Figure 10 –Sensor Output
The table below describes the Sensor Outputs relevant to this module
Item
Description
iDirect Beam Name
If entered, this is the customers name for each beam in a network.
iDirect Detected Noise
A measure of unwanted signal power used for calculating the SNR
(Signal Noise Ratio)
iDirect Min Lock Signal
Not used in iDirect R11.9 –Display zero
iDirect Min Valid Signal
Not used in iDirect R11.9 - Display zero
iDirect Rx Lock
Flag that indicates whether iDirect unit has declared carrier lock.
iDirect Rx Signal
Receive signal strength as read from modem.
iDirect Signal Average
Readout of average signal as read from AAQ
iDirect Signal Gradient
Mathematical approximation of signal change over time in coordination
with “iDirect Gradient Sample Time” config. Item as read from AAQ.

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4.3. Module Window
4.3.1. Device Window
From the AAQRemote GUI, open the Device Window. The module returns data from its communications in this
window.
Path
Main Window → View→ Device Window
Level 0
Figure 11 –Device Window
Item
Description
Rx SNR
Reads back the modems singal to noise ratio (signal figure of merit)
Modem Locked
The locked status of the iDirect modem.
AAQ Locked
The locked status of the controller.
Console Logged in
A true or false indicator that shows if the controller has successfully
logged into the console interface.
Telnet Logged in
A true or false indicator that shows if the controller has successfully
logged into the telnet interface
Error Msg
Displays the current error message:
None = No issues
Port size=X Set size=Y = User has not provided network/com settings
Bad Write to Modem = Controller was not successful sending data
Comm. Timeout = Controller did not receive data from the modem
Debug
Displays debug information such as a sample of the string sent to the
modem.
Modem Locked
The locked status of the iDirect modem.
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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Issues and Troubleshooting5.
Issue
Description
Corrective Action
AAQ will not communicate to
Modem
Device Window does not say
“iDirect” at the top
Check that the module has been
installed. This can be done through
the AAQRemote GUI’s Help→Version
Info.
Check that the iDirect is configured as
the Scan, Coarse, and Fine Source for
the selected Target
AAQ will not communicate to
Modem
System in an alarm state
“iDirect- Not Ready”
Device Window shows “Not
Connected” or “Establishing
Comms”
Check the configuration items and
make sure the iDirect modem module
is configured to communicate through
Serial or Ethernet.
Check Serial or Ethernet cables and
connections.
AAQ will not log into the
Modem
The Device Window item
“Console Logged in” is false.
Check that the Console username and
password in the Core Configuration
are correct for the modem.
AAQ will not log into the
Modem
The Device Window item
“Telnet Logged in” is false.
Check that the Telnet username
and/or password in the Core
Configuration are correct.
The appropriate Telnet command
should also be identified. The default
value “telnet 0” could be modified by
the iDirect options file. In some cases
this changes the location of the telnet
to a specific IP address (ex. “telnet
10.1.1.1”).
AAQ will not acquire or loses
Signal Lock during Peaking
“All signal sources tried with no
valid signal detected” or “Invalid
Signal For Peaking” error
message reached after an
attempted acquire.
Check that the AAQ is communicating
with the modem.
Check that the correct target profile is
selected and that it is configured
properly.
Check that the Scan and Peaking
parameters are configured correctly
in the Signal tab of the Configuration
Window
Check all RF cables and connections.