California Digital Group 1292B User manual

Copyright c 1993 California Digital GroupCopyright c 1993 California Digital Group
OperatingManual-Model1292B
PortableSatelliteAntenna
CaliforniaDigitalGroup
CaliforniaDigitalGroup
530NewLosAngelesAve.-Suite114-96
Moorpark,CA 93021
(805)-523-2310

Operating Manual -
Portable 1.2 Meter Satellite Antenna
Model 1292B
California Digital Audio Systems, Inc.
P. O. Box 120
Moorpark, CA 93020-0120
(805)-523-2310
Revision B - April 4, 1994
1

Table of Contents:
Section No. Subject Page
1.0 Introduction 3
2.0 Description of Components 4
3.0 Setup and Usage 12
4.0 Repackaging 23
5.0 Specifications and Configuration 27
Table of Figures and Illustrations:
Figure No. Illustration Page
1 Model 1292B Transit Case 5
2 Reflector Dish 6
3 Trunion Assembly 8
4 Elevation Adjustment Assembly 9
5 Radio Arm 10
6 Side Arms 11
7 Transit Case Mobility 13
8 Transit Case Prepositioning 14
9 Placing the Trunion 16
10 Installing the Antenna 17
11 Installing the Elevation Adjustment Assembly 18
12 Azimuth Bearing 21
13 Alignment of Compass and Dish 22
14 Repackaging the Transit Case 24
15 Positioning the Transit Case for Loading 25
16 Loading the Transit Case into a Vehicle 26
2

1.0 Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a portable satellite antenna from California Digital. It was
designed to be a rugged, transportable unit for remote field service. It has been designed to
handleroughenvironments,whileprovidingfast,easysetupanddisassembly.
The unit is designed to be shipped as air freight/cargo or by common ground carrier. The
casefeaturesheavydutywheeledcasterswhichallowforeasyhandlingandmaneuverabilityfrom
thefreightdocktolocalgroundtransportationservice. Theunithasbeendesignedtofitintomost
common mini-vans and pickup trucks. The complete antenna case with equipment weights
approximately 192 pounds and is readily handled by two persons using the fold away case
handles.
The antenna is designed to be assembled in less than ten minutes without tools.
Hardware interconnections include large diameter nuts, wing nuts, and thumb screws, none of
which require excessive tightening. Most of the hardware items are common elements which
are readily available from local suppliers and hardware stores. This was done to allow quick
and easy replacement of small pieces which may be lost or damaged, without the need to
contact California Digital for spares or replacements. This should save both time and money.
3

2.0 Portable Satellite Antenna Components -
The portable antenna unit was designed to be relatively simple with as few parts as
possible to minimize complexity and facilitate the ease of setup. The antenna unit contains the
followingitems,whicharedescribedinthefollowingparagraphs.
1) Transit case. The transit case is a two piece case which serves as a shipping container, a
storagecontainer,andasafunctionalbasefortheantennaitself. Thecaseconsistsoftwohalves,
each of which have foam cushion inserts which protect the antenna components during transit.
Thetransitcaserollsuponitswheeledcastersinanuprightposition.
For usage, the case is laid upon its side. In this position, the case has upper and lower halves.
Thetopofthecasehassixfoldinghandlesandisremovedbydecouplingthesixhalf-turnbutterfly
latches. Theupperhalfliftsstraightoff. Ithasnohingesorotherconnections. Thefoamcut-outs
andretainersintheupperhalfdorequire,however,thatitbereplacedinthesameorientation. The
lowerhalfof the case servesnotonly to store andprotectthe antenna elements, butitalso serves
astheantennabase,orplatform. Figure1showsthetransitcaseplaceduponitsside.
It is suggested that a label be made and applied to the outside of the case indicating your name,
address,phone number, and other pertinent information which may preclude the case from being
lostormisdirectedduringshipments.
2) Lower reflector dish segment with support arm. The 1.2 meter dish is separated into two
segments. The larger segment of the reflector dish is stored in the bottom of the case along with
themainsupportarm. TheupperandlowerdishsegmentsareshowninFigure2.
3) Upper reflector dish segment. The upper segment connects to the lower segment with
four latches located on the dish perimeter and backside ribs.
4

Figure1. Model1292B-TransitCase
Proprietary-CaliforniaDigital
Proprietary-CaliforniaDigital
EndView-Caseplacedonside,priortoopening
Weightwithallantennaelementsstored=approximately192lbs
Half-Turnfliplatches(6)
Handles(6)
UpperHalfofcase
LowerHalfofcase
RemoveableWheeledCasters(4)
TopSideView-Caseplacedonside,priortoopening
TransitCasePartNumberLabel
15.25"
53.25"
5

Figure2. ReflectorDish
Warningdecals
LogoDecal
Proprietary-CaliforniaDigital
Proprietary-CaliforniaDigital
Radioarmalignmentdowelstud
Attachmentpointsforradio
SeparationLine
A A
CAUTION
MICROWAVE
INUSE
CAUTION
MICROWAVE
INUSE
CaliforniaDigital
SendYourAudioAcrosstheStreetorAroundtheWorld
(805)-523-2310
sidearms. (Wingnuts)
1.2Meterdish
Fourlatches.
View A-A:
Darkline
whichindicatesdish
Line-Of-Sight
Twoonperimeter,
twoonbacksideribs
andreceivingbolt
6

4) Thetrunion assembly is stored in a corner of the lower half of the case and provides two axis
(azimuthandelevation)freedomforthedish. Thetrunionmountsdirectlyontothetrunionsupport
tube which is an integral part of the case. The pivotal bolt on the back side of the reflector dish
rests in the vertical slot in the trunion forks. The trunion assembly is shown in Figure 3. The
trunionactuallyconsistsofupperandlowerhalves,drawntogetherbyasingle,largebolt.Thisbolt
is tightened prior to shipment and it is not intended that it be utilized for antenna operations.
Shoulditbecomelooseitcanberetightenedwitha15/16"wrench.
5) The elevation adjustment mechanism provides both coarse and fine elevation adjustment.
Coarse adjustment comes from the telescopic action of the inner and outer cylinders, locked in
placewiththelargeblackknob. Fineadjustmentispossiblebyturningtheentireassemblywhenit
is installed between the antenna support arm and the elevation support bracket (on the trunion
assembly). TheelevationadjustmentassemblyisshowninFigure4.
6) Theradioarm providestheprimarycentralsupportandproperalignment(lesspolarization)of
theradiowithrespecttothe reflector. A slot intheendoftheradioarmengagesaboltin the lower
end of the dish support arm while a hole in the radio arm engages the dish with an alignment pin.
Theradioarmishelduprightbythesidearms. TheradioarmisdepictedinFigure5.
7) Tworadio side arms, shown in Figure 6, provide the side connections between the dish and
theradioarm. Thetwoarmsareslottedateachendandareinterchangeablefromlefttoright.
8) Inclinometer. A magnetic Polycast Protractor is included with the antenna. This large dial
readout device will assist with elevation adjustments. After determining the required look
angle, use this device to set the elevation angle of the antenna. This protractor has a
magnetic base and can be attached to the angled box-beam segment of the antenna support
arm (on the back side of the lower dish segment). It should be noted that this protractor, when
magnetically attached to the lower segment of the dish support arm will read the complement
of the antenna look angle (90 minus look angle). For instance, if you desire a 37 degree look
angle (37 degrees from local horizontal) then you would tilt the reflector dish in elevation until
the protractor reads 90 - 37 = 53 degrees. Figure 11 will show where the magnetic
inclinometer attaches to the dish support arm.
9) Compass (and inclinometer). A Silva Ranger compass, model 15CL, is also included in
the antenna package. This compass will help to point the antenna in the proper azimuth
direction. This device can also be used as an inclinometer instead of, or in addition to, the
Polycast Protractor. It can be adjusted to indicate the actual look angle (as opposed to the
complement). It has a smaller dial than the Polycast Protractor, however. Refer to the Silva
instruction manual for operational details and features, including the procedure for inserting
magnetic declination.
7

Figure3. TrunionAssemblyfor1292B
Proprietary-CaliforniaDigital
Proprietary-CaliforniaDigital
Thumbscrews(6)
TrunionAssembly
Elevationadjustnut
Verticalslotfor
dishsupportbolt
(Lefthandedthread)
Dishpivot
boltslipsin
here
Elevationadjustment
Assemblythreadsin
intobrackethere
8

9
Figure4. ElevationAdjustmentAssembly
Proprietary-CaliforniaDigital
Proprietary-CaliforniaDigital
BlackCylinder Chrome
Lefthandedboltwhichthreadsintothe
bracketonthebackofthetrunionassembly
Coarseadjustlockingknob
Coarseadjustment
motion
Eyeboltwhichconnectstothebackof
thedishsupportarm
To
Trunion ToAntenna
Support
Bracket
Removeablehitchpinandwasherwhichareremovedpriortothreading
thisboltintothetrunionbracket. Replacethepinandwasherafterthe
bolthasbeenthreadedsufficientlyintothebracket. Thispinactsasa
safetyprecautionsothattheelevationadjustmentmechanismcannotbe
inadvertantlydisengagedfromthetrunionbracketduringfineadjustment
adjustmentprocedures.

Figure5. RadioArm
Proprietary-CaliforniaDigital
Proprietary-CaliforniaDigital
Holewhichisused
Slotwhichengagesthe
boltinthelowerendofthe
antennasupportarm
Holewhichaccepts
dowelpinonthe
bottomofthedish
Theradiosidearmsconnectatthis
pointunderthewingsnutsoneachside
Radio
To
Dish
Captivehexboltswhichaccept
radiomountingbracket
Wingnutsand
tosecureradio
toradioarm
flatwashers
forstoringtheradioarm
inthetransitcase
duringshipping
NotUsed
10

Figure6. SideArms
Proprietary-CaliforniaDigital
Proprietary-CaliforniaDigital
RadioSideArms,
Slotsateachend. Oneendattachestoadowelstudontheside
1/2"diameterx37"long
ofthedishandissecuredbyawingnut. Theotherendattaches
tothewingnuttedboltontheradiosupportarm.
ToDish
ToRadioArm
11
10) Rain tarp. A tarp is included in the case to be used as protection against light rain, drizzle,
snow, or dampness. The tarp is large enough to be tucked in underneath the edges of the case,
while operational. It is advisable to keep the foam inserts of the case from becoming wet or
extremely damp. During transportation the rain tarp is placed between the upper and lower dish
segmentstoseparatethetwosectionswhileintransit.
11) Radio feed horn and support bracket. A fifty-one degree radio feed horn is supplied with
theparabolicdishantenna. Thisfeedhorncomeswitharadioadapterring,anO-ring,amounting
bracket, and related hardware (Allen head screws). This horn is designed to operate efficiently
with the antenna dish and should mount easily to existing radios. The mounting bracket will
secure the radio/horn combination in two places; around the throat of the horn and around the
back collar of the radio. This bracket will fit directly onto the radio support arm as the holes in the
bracketwillalignwiththecaptivehexboltsintheradioarm.
It is suggested that the horn (with adapter) and bracket be installed to your radio. The bracket
secures the horn with a hoop around the throat of the horn. Do not over tighten these two
bolts. The back end of the radio has a collar-type connection which permits the radio to be
easily rotated while in the bracket to facilitate polarization adjustments. An allen head set
screw secures the radio in the preferred orientation.

3.0 Directions for Set up and Use:
The antenna unit is relatively easy to set up and use.
1. Roll the case to the desired location. The free rolling swivel casters make it easy to
move the case. The casters are robust enough to handle routine curbs, cracks, and bumps. It
should be noted, however, that since the transit case is tall and slender, it could tip if it encounters
an incline or surface discontinuity transverse to the longest case axis. It is recommended that the
primarydirectionofmotionislengthwiseasshowninFigure7.
2. Selectalocationwhichisrelativelylevelandoffersan unobstructed line-of-sight to the
satellitewithwhichyouwillbetransponding. Aleveloperationalsiteishelpful,butnotessential. If
you will need to switch from one satellite to another, or are uncertain as to correct look angles, a
levelpositionwillmakesatelliteacquisitioneasier.
3. Preposition the case so that the trunion post is in the corner opposite to the direction
youintendto look. Figure 8 indicateshowto preposition the case. Thisprepositioningstep is not
absolutely essential, but it creates a situation where the antenna dish and radio will be positioned
overthe case itself. This will maximize stability, reduce vulnerability towind, provide a cushioned
impact zone under the area where the radio is being handled, and this orientation produces the
smallest"footprint"orutilizationofspace.
4. Lay the case on its side, maintaining the prepositioning consideration established in
thepreviousstep. To establish top from bottom: the handles are intheupperhalfofthecase,the
latches "point up", and the transit case part number label should read properly. The case label is
attachedtothecasebottom.
5. Remove the upper half of the case. To do so, turn each of the six butterfly latch
handles one-half turn counter clockwise. The latch hooks spring back and down abruptly.
The latches may be made to lay flat against case while in their open position by folding the
butterfly handles back to their receded position. Remove the upper case using the handles,
lifting straight up. Note that the trunion post projects into the upper half, and removing the
upper half of the case in a rolling fashion may damage or tear the foam in the upper half of the
case. Set the upper case half aside. As a convenience for replacement, retain the correct
orientation.
12

Figure7. Model1292B-TransitCaseMobility
Proprietary-CaliforniaDigital
Proprietary-CaliforniaDigital
EndView,
Upright SideView, Upright
39"
44" ApproximateCenter
ofGravity
Primary,andmoststable
directionofmovement
13

Figure8. 1292B-TransitCasePrepositioning
Proprietary-CaliforniaDigital
Proprietary-CaliforniaDigital
TopView-
Caseonitsside
Trunionmountingpost,
insidethecase
Approximateintended
lookdirection(azimuth)
Cornerwithtransitcase
partnumberlabel
14

6. Final orientation of case. Verify that the trunion mounting post is in the far corner,
oppositefromlookdirectionasshowninFigure8. Adjustcaseorientationasrequired.
7. Remove the trunion assembly from its corner pocket in the lower half of the case.
Placethetrunionassemblyoverthetrunionpostwhichprotrudesfromthelowercase. SeeFigure
9. Ensurethatthetrunionseatsfullyand swivels easily inazimuth. Lightlytightenthesixthumb
screws. Ensure that the trunion does not wobble yet turns freely on the post. The thumbscrews
willbetightenedslightlymorewhenproperazimuthhasbeenestablished.
8. Adopt a firm stance and grasp the lower dish segment/support arm. Pull the lower
dish/supportarmfromthecase,pullingstraightupandexercisingcautionnottotearthecasefoam
or damage peripheral dish hardware (latches and dowel studs). Notice that there is a large 5/8"
bolt running through the dish support arm near the merger of the two box-beam segments which
make up the support arm. Guide the lower dish assembly so that this bolt slips in to the slotted
trunion forks. The antenna support arm fits snugly in between the trunion forks. Guide the 5/8"
bolt into the receiving slot in each of the two trunion forks. Spread the 5/8" flat washers such that
theyareoneithersideofthetrunionforks. RefertoFigure10fordetail. Handtightenthe5/8"wing
nut.
9. Install the elevation adjust mechanism. Remove the elevation adjust mechanism
from the case and pull away the hitch pin and associated flat washer from the lower bolt.
(Refer to Figure 4.) Thread this bolt into the nut which is welded to the receiving bracket on
the back end of the trunion assembly as shown in Figure 11. Note that this nut/bolt
combination is left handed and must be engaged by turning counter clockwise. Thread this
bolt into the nut by 1/2" or more.
Warning: Never allow the lower end of the elevation adjust mechanism to
inadvertently become unthreaded during elevation adjustment. Unthreading
of the elevation adjustment mechanism would result in the dish suddenly
droppinginelevation,whichcoulddamagetheradio/LNB.
Remove the 1/2" wing nut and flat washer from the upper elevation receiving bracket on
the upper box-beam segment of the antenna support arm. (Figure 11) Tilt the dish back so
that the eyelet on the elevation adjust arm slips over the 1/2" bolt. Replace the wing nut and
washer, finger tight.
15

Figure9. PlacingtheTrunion
Proprietary-CaliforniaDigital
Proprietary-CaliforniaDigital
Half-Turnfliplatches,LowerHalfofcase,
Trunionpost
Thumbscrews
Trunion
unlatchedupperhalfremoved
16

Figure10. InstallingtheAntennaontotheTrunion
Proprietary-CaliforniaDigital
Proprietary-CaliforniaDigital
Trunionassemblymounted
onpost
Trunionforks
5/8"diameterboltwith
flatwashers,lockwasher,
Lower
Antenna
Segment
AntennaSupport,
Upperbox-beam
segment
AntennaSupport,
Lowerbox-beam
segment
andnut
17

Figure11. InstallingElevationAdjustmentAssembly
Proprietary-CaliforniaDigital
Proprietary-CaliforniaDigital
Inclinometer
attachedto
lowerbox-
beamsegment
ofantenna
support
WingNut
Bracket
Washerandhitch
pinforelevation
adjustassembly
Antenna
LookDirection
Elevation
Assembly
Adjustment
18

10. Perform coarse elevation adjustment by loosening the large knob on the elevation
adjustment assembly and sliding the inner and outer cylinders with respect to one another to
lengthen or shorten the elevation arm. Lock the assembly by tightening the knob. Attach the
magnetic inclinometer to the lower box-beam segment of the antenna support arm as shown in
Figure11. Fineadjustments toelevation will be made byrotatingtheentire elevation adjustment
assembly clockwise or counter clockwise as required to fine tune the reflector dish in elevation in
step17aftertheradiohasbeeninstalled.
11. Install the upper dish segment. Place the upper dish segment on top of the lower,
engaging the latch pins and alignment bolts/pins to ensure a smooth-appearing parabolic fit.
When the two segments are aligned, and form a smooth parabolic surface, engage the latches
and/orpins.
12. Dismount the radio arm from its transit position, on the back of the antenna support
arm. The radio arm is held in its transit location with a single wing nut and washer. Replace the
washer and wing nut for later use. Install the radio arm by inserting the open slotted lower end of
thearm(Figure5)overtheboltintheendoftheantennasupportarm. Slidetheradioarmoverthis
receivingbolt at a shallow angle. The radio arm simply slides over this bolt. Note how the hole in
the radio arm will then align with the lower dish dowel stud at the base of the antenna as the radio
armisraisedintoplace.
13. Remove the side arms from their transit storage location on the back of the antenna.
Thesetwoarmsaresimply held inplacebyfrictionandhavenotransitretention hardware. Install
the radio side arms by slightly loosening the wing nuts on each side of the lower dish segment.
Similarly,theradioarmhastwowingnutswhichwillaccepttheotherendoftheradioarms. Liftup
theendof theradioarm,whichwillcausethelowerdowelstudinthedishtoengagethealignment
holeinthe radioarm. Completethesidearminstallationbydroppingeacharmoveritsrespective
wingnutstuds. Fingertightenthewingnuts.
14. Install the radio (with horn and bracket) by removing the two wing nuts and flat
washers on the radio arm. Lower the radio and bracket over the two captive hex bolts. Secure
with washers and wing nuts. Check the polarization of the radio. Connect the radio to its
power supply and receiving/transmitting electronics.
19