AvL Technologies SkyEdgeII User manual

SkyEdgeII Modem
Interface Guide and Reference
Revision R11.9.0
Documentation of the interface between the SkyEdgeII modem and the AvL
Technologies AAQ antenna controller, reference information, and troubleshooting
guide.
Appendix R
AvL Technologies
900-159-017

SkyEdgeII Modem
1
Revision History
Date
Revision
Revision
By
Approved
By
Revision Description
12/15/15
1.0
WL
XX
Initial Release for R.11.5
6/30/16
11.6.0
WL
Change to rev sequence and updates
for 11.6
11/15/16
R11.8.0
IH / WL
Updates for 11.8
4/19/17
R11.9.0
WL
JF
Updates for 11.9 and new template
Contents
1. Introduction......................................................................................................................................................... 2
2. Setup Guide......................................................................................................................................................... 3
2.1. Hardware...................................................................................................................................................... 3
2.2. Software ....................................................................................................................................................... 3
2.3. Hardware Connection................................................................................................................................... 4
Serial Communication Connection........................................................................................................ 42.3.1.
Ethernet Hardware Setup....................................................................................................................... 42.3.2.
3. Configuration...................................................................................................................................................... 5
3.1. Core Configuration....................................................................................................................................... 5
3.2. Target Configuration.................................................................................................................................... 7
3.3. Signal Configuration.................................................................................................................................... 7
3.4. Feed Configuration....................................................................................................................................... 7
4. Operation............................................................................................................................................................. 8
4.1. Functional Overview.................................................................................................................................... 8
4.2. Sensor Output............................................................................................................................................... 8

SkyEdgeII Modem
2
4.3. Module Window........................................................................................................................................... 9
Device Window..................................................................................................................................... 94.3.1.
5. Issues and Troubleshooting............................................................................................................................... 10
Figures
Figure 1 –Version Info........................................................................................................................................... 3
Figure 2 –Serial Setup............................................................................................................................................ 4
Figure 3 –Ethernet Setup ....................................................................................................................................... 4
Figure 4 - Advanced Network Settings................................................................................................................... 5
Figure 5 –Configuration Core Keyword Skyedge ................................................................................................. 6
Figure 6 –Configuration Target ............................................................................................................................. 7
Figure 7 –Sensor Output........................................................................................................................................ 8
Figure 8 –Device Window..................................................................................................................................... 9
1. Introduction
The SkyEdgeII Modem is a compact design, two-way router and modem with DVB standards, extensive IP capabilities,
embedded TCP, HTTP, and VPN acceleration. This document describes the concepts required to use the SkyEdgeII
module as part of the AAQ Controller. In addition, this document covers common issues and troubleshooting that
occurs when using the SkyEdgeII modem.

SkyEdgeII Modem
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2. Setup Guide
2.1. Hardware
The following hardware is required for the operation of this module:
SkyEdge II Modem
AvL AAQ Antenna System
2.2. Software
Path
Main Window → Help Version Info.
Level 0
Be sure that the Remote Client, ROM, and device module are at or above the versions shown below:
Figure 1 –Version Info.

SkyEdgeII Modem
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2.3. Hardware Connection
Connect the AAQ antenna controller to the SkyEdge II modem through the desired means. The AAQ controller
supports serial (RS232) and Ethernet communications to the modem and can be configured to use either depending on
the necessary networking scheme.
Serial Communication Connection2.3.1.
The interfacing occurs via RS232 serial port connected to the antenna at 9600-N-8-1 baud without any authentication
or encryption in the link. Refer to section 3.1 for settings. To enable interfacing, it is not required to log in to the
SkyEdgeII modem.
Figure 2 –Serial Setup
Ethernet Hardware Setup2.3.2.
When setting the system to communicate by Ethernet it an Ethernet to Serial server must be used. The AAQ
Controller will be connected to the port labeled AAQ on the AvL CIP (Controller Interface Panel). The Ethernet
connection from the Ethernet to Serial server will be connected to one of the LAN ports on the CIP. The Serial
connection from the Ethernet to Serial server will connect to the Serial port on the back of the modem. To enable
interfacing, it is not required to log in to the SkyEdgeII modem.
Figure 3 –Ethernet Setup
Note: Be sure to connect power to each device.

SkyEdgeII Modem
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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 Ethernet to Serial server so the controller can query the modem over the network. This is done by configuring
the Customer Network 1 or Customer Network 2 settings.
Note: If the modem is connected to the controller through a CIP that has been configured as a router, the Gateway
must be set to 192.168.129.1
Path
Main Window File SettingsAAQ Network Interface Options
Level 1
Figure 4 - Advanced Network Settings
3. Configuration
3.1. Core Configuration
Path
Main Window → View Configuration Core
Level 4
Modify the following configuration items to enable interaction of the controller to the modem. The configuration
varies depending upon the physical connection method, Ethernet or serial. If configuring to communicate over a
network set the SkyEdge II module to use the IP address and Port Number that the modem is set to.

SkyEdgeII Modem
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Figure 5 –Configuration Core Keyword Skyedge
Long name
Level
Category
Type
Value
Range
Documentation
SkyEdgeII Com
Port
4
String
System
-
The communications port used for serial
connection or IP address of the Serial to
Ethernet server for Ethernet connection.
SkyEdgeII Com
Port Settings
4
String
System
-
The computer settings for the com port, in the
form of Baud, Data, Stop & Parity Bits (ie: 9600 8
1 0) for serial connection, or the port number of
the Serial to Ethernet server for Ethernet
connection.
SkyEdgeII Noise
Sample Time
4
Integer
System
0 to
60000
Sample time in MS for detecting signal noise
SkyEdgeII
Gradient Sample
Time
4
Integer
System
0 to
60
Sample time in seconds for detecting signal
gradient
SkyEdgeII Lat
Long Send Time
4
String
Modules
-
Amount of time in seconds between sending
lat/long messages to the modem
SkyEdgeII Manual
Latitude
1
String
Modules
-
The Latitude sent to the modem when SkyEdgeII
GPS Override is 1
SkyEdgeII Manual
Longitude
1
String
Modules
-
The Longitude sent to the modem when
SkyEdgeII GPS Override is 1
SkyEdgeII
Remove Negative
SNR
4
String
Modules
-
0 = Include negative numbers from modem
1 = Remove negative numbers from modem
SkyEdgeII
Override GPS
4
String
Modules
-
0 = Use controller supplied GPS Coordinates
1 = Use manual GPS Coordinates
SkyEdgeII Poll
Rate
4
String
Modules
-
The rate at which the controller requests data
from the modem (1-10 samples per second)

SkyEdgeII Modem
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3.2. Target Configuration
Path
Main Window → View Configuration Target
Level 1
Figure 6 –Configuration Target
Long Name
Level
Type
Value Range
Description
Scan Source
1
Choice
Installed Signal
Sources
The signal source used for the initial target
scan
Coarse
Source
1
Choice
Installed Signal
Sources
The signal source used for the Coarse Scan
process
Fine Source
1
Choice
Installed Signal
Sources
The signal source used for the Fine Scan
process
3.3. Signal Configuration
No Signal configuration items exist for this module.
3.4. Feed Configuration
No Feed configuration items exist for this module.

SkyEdgeII Modem
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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 act as a signal source and exchange information with
the AAQ. The modem will be used as a Scan Source to locate the desired target and as a Signal Source to Coarse and
Fine Peak on the target following the initial scan
4.2. Sensor Output
Figure 7 –Sensor Output
Item
Description
SkyEdgeII Detected Noise
Noise level as reported by the AAQ
SkyEdgeII Min Lock Signal
Signal Level required for the modem to declare lock. *For future use
SkyEdgeII Min Valid Signal
Signal Level required from modem for AAQ to be able to peak. *For
future use
SkyEdgeII Rx Lock
Flag indicating that the modem is locked on carrier.
SkyEdgeII Rx Signal
This is the Downlink SNR reported by the modem.
SkyEdgeII Signal Average
This is the average signal as read from AAQ
SkyEdgeII Signal Gradient
Mathematical approximation of signal change over time in coordination
with “SkyEdgeII Gradient Sample Time” Config. Item as read from AAQ.

SkyEdgeII Modem
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4.3. Module Window
Device Window4.3.1.
The Device Window can be accessed through the AAQRemote GUI through View -> Device Window. This window
presents all necessary information from the modem with respect to the Transmit/Receive streams.
Path
Main Window → View→ Device Window
Level 1
Figure 8 –Device Window
Item
Description
Modem Locked
Flag indicating that the modem has locked on the carrier
Downlink SNR
This displays the Signal To Noise ratio (signal strength) of the locked carrier
Downlink Center
Frequency
This displays the center frequency of the locked carrier
Tx Enabled
Flag indicating whether the transmit chain has been enabled by the
modem.
Lat/Long Sent
Local indication of the position of the terminal, to be sent to the hub
equipment.
Logic Table
Troubleshooting codes for debugging *For future use
Error Message
Listing of any error messages specific to the modem
Message Out
Troubleshooting codes for debugging

SkyEdgeII Modem
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5. Issues and Troubleshooting
Issue
Description
Corrective Action
Modem device window
is not available
Device window does
not display
“SkyEdgeII” as Device
In Use.
Verify proper installation of the modem/router
module.
Verify SkyEdgeII is selected as signal source.
Device Window is blank
AAQ is not
communicating with
modem
Check that the correct version of module has been
installed.
Check that the SkyEdgeII modem is configured as the
current signal source.
Check all Serial or Ethernet settings.
Check all Serial or Ethernet cables and connections.
Does not find Target
satellite
Error popup during
acquire process
“Acquire Failed
Waiting For Device
Signal
Check that the AAQ is communicating with the
Modem.
Check all RF cables and connections.
Check that the Target satellite is correct.
Check that the terminal heading, latitude, and
longitude are correct.
Does not Peak on
Target satellite
“Error popup during
acquire process
“Invalid Signal For
Peaking”
Check that the AAQ is communicating with the
Modem.
Check all RF cables and connections.
Check that the terminal is pointed at the Target
satellite.
Check Peaking and Scanning configuration in the
Signal tab of the Configuration Window (see the AAQ
Users Manual for more information)