COBHAM EXPLORER 8100 Guide

EXPLORER 8100
User & installation manual

EXPLORER 8100
User & installation manual
Document number: 98-145510-A
Release date: 13 July 2015

98-145510-A ii
Disclaimer
Any responsibility or liability for loss or damage in connection with the use of this product and the
accompanying documentation is disclaimed by Thrane & Thrane A/S. The information in this manual is
provided for information purposes only, is subject to change without notice and may contain errors or
inaccuracies. Manuals issued by Thrane & Thrane A/S are periodically revised and updated. Anyone
relying on this information should acquire the most current version e.g. from
www.cobham.com/communications-and-connectivity/satcom, Service and support, or from the
distributor.Thrane & Thrane A/S is not responsible for the content or accuracy of any translations or
reproductions, in whole or in part, of this manual from any other source. In the event of any
discrepancies, the English version shall be the governing text.
Thrane & Thrane A/S is trading as Cobham SATCOM.
Copyright
© 2015 Thrane & Thrane A/S. All rights reserved.
Trademark acknowledgements
•Inmarsat is a registered trademark of the International Maritime Satellite Organisation (IMSO) and is
licensed by IMSO to Inmarsat Limited and Inmarsat Ventures plc.
• Other product and company names mentioned in this manual may be trademarks or trade names of
their respective owners.

98-145510-A iii
Safety summary
The following general safety precautions must be observed during all phases of operation,
service and repair of this equipment. Failure to comply with these precautions or with specific
warnings elsewhere in this manual violates safety standards of design, manufacture and
intended use of the equipment. Thrane & Thrane A/S assumes no liability for the customer's
failure to comply with these requirements.
Install and use the antenna with care
Thrane & Thrane A/S assumes no liability for any damage caused by the antenna falling off the
vehicle or stressing the mounting base. It is the responsibility of the customer to ensure a safe
and correct installation of the antenna. The instructions in this manual are only guidelines.
Service
User access to the interior of the system units is not allowed. Only a technician authorized by
Cobham SATCOM may perform service - failure to comply with this rule will void the warranty.
Power supply
The voltage range for the EXPLORER 8100 is 100 – 240 VAC (nominal), 4 A, 50/60 Hz.
Do not operate in an explosive atmosphere
Do not operate the equipment in the presence of flammable gases or fumes. Operation of any
electrical equipment in such an environment constitutes a definite safety hazard.
Keep away from live circuits
Operating personnel must not remove equipment covers. Component replacement and internal
adjustment must be made by qualified maintenance personnel. Do not replace components
with the power cable connected. Under certain conditions, dangerous voltages may exist even
with the power cable removed. To avoid injuries, always disconnect power and discharge
circuits before touching them.
WARNING! Potentially hot surface when the system is
operated in hot environments without the possibility for ventilation.
Contact may cause burn. Allow to cool before servicing.
WARNING! Before disassembling or performing any maintenance or
upgrades, unplug the unit from power source.
WARNING! Be aware of pinch points while the antenna is being
positioned, deployed or stowed.

98-145510-A iv
Microwave radiation hazards
During transmission the antenna radiates Microwave Power.This radiation may be hazardous to
humans close to the antenna. During transmission, make sure that nobody gets closer than the
recommended minimum safety distance.
The minimum safe distance applies in a 1200 mm diameter cylinder between the reflector and
satellite, parallel with the feed arm (see Figure 1 below). No hazard exists at the back of the
reflector.
Minimum safe distance, Ku-Band:
• General public (uncontrolled environment, based on a radiation level of 10 W/m2): 30 m
• Trained professional operators, short term (controlled, radiation level: 100 W/m2): 1 m
Minimum safe distance, Ka-Band:
• General public (uncontrolled environment, based on a radiation level of 10 W/m2): 36 m
• Trained professional operators, short term (controlled, radiation level: 100 W/m2): 1 m
WARNING! This device emits radio frequency energy. Do not place your
head or other body parts between transmitting feed horn and reflector
when the system is operational.
Also do not place any objects between feed horn and reflector, as the
object may reflect the signal in a different direction than the focal line.

98-145510-A v
Mechanical “stay-clear” area
Figure 1: Radiation area
Radiationsafedistance: Lengthaccordingtothetextabovethisfigure
1200mm
WARNING! Stay clear of the antenna when it is powered! The antenna
dish can move quickly across a large area, and can cause injury to persons
close to the antenna. Respect the “Stay-clear area” shown below. Measures
are in millimeter [inches in brackets]. Add a little extra security margin.

98-145510-A vi
Failure to comply with the rules above will void the warranty!
Figure 2: Stay-clear area for the antenna
Antenna clearance space
Antenna clearance space
R1195
[47.0]
Ø2390
[94.1]
[9.7]
246
830
[32.7]
Ø2390
[94.1]
232
1427
997997
[39.3] [39.3]
[56.2]
[9.1]

98-145510-A vii
Table of contents
Safety summary..............................................................................................................................iii
Chapter 1 About this manual
1.1 Manual overview ...................................................................................................................1-1
1.2 Precautions ................................................................................................................................1-2
Chapter 2 Introduction
2.1 EXPLORER 8100 system ..................................................................................................2-1
2.2 Description of the system components .............................................................2-3
2.3 Part numbers ......................................................................................................................... 2-10
Chapter 3 Installation
3.1 What’s in the box .................................................................................................................3-1
3.2 To install the EXPLORER 8100 ...................................................................................3-2
Chapter 4 Interfaces
4.1 Interfaces of the EXPLORER 8100 ACU ..............................................................4-1
4.2 Interfaces of the EXPLORER 8100 antenna .....................................................4-9
4.3 Interfaces of the VSAT modem ............................................................................. 4-10
Chapter 5 Initial setup and basic functions
5.1 To drive with the antenna installed ......................................................................5-1
5.2 Prerequisites .............................................................................................................................5-1
5.3 Initial setup ..............................................................................................................................5-2
5.4 Start up and basic functions .......................................................................................5-3
Chapter 6 Setup and operation
6.1 The web interface ................................................................................................................6-1
6.2 Keypad and display menus ........................................................................................ 6-21
Chapter 7 Service and maintenance
7.1 General support .....................................................................................................................7-1
7.2 Software update ....................................................................................................................7-4
7.3 Status signalling with LEDs and status messages .......................................7-7
7.4 To stow and deploy the antenna manually .....................................................7-9
7.5 To return units for repair ............................................................................................ 7-14

Table of contents
98-145510-A viii
Appendix A Technical specifications
A.1 General specifications ......................................................................................................A-1
A.2 Antenna specifications ....................................................................................................A-1
A.3 Antenna dimensions ..........................................................................................................A-4
A.4 ACU specifications ..............................................................................................................A-7
A.5 ACU dimensions ....................................................................................................................A-8
Appendix B VSAT modem cables
B.1 Modem Cable COMTECH Serial & RSSI TT7016A .......................................B-2
B.2 iDirect & SkyEdge II VSAT modem serial cable ...........................................B-3
Appendix C VSAT modem settings
C.1 OpenAMIP setup for iDirect iNFINITI & Evolution ..................................C-2
C.2 Serial setup for iDirect iNFINITI & Evolution ............................................C-12
C.3 COMTECH 570L ...................................................................................................................C-16
C.4 STM SatLink 2900 VSAT modem ...........................................................................C-19
C.5 Gilat SkyEdge II VSAT modem ...............................................................................C-22
Appendix D System messages
D.1 Event messages – overview ..........................................................................................D-1
D.2 Lists of events .........................................................................................................................D-2
Appendix E DVB-S satellites for Ku-Band
Appendix F Approvals
F.1 Eutelsat ........................................................................................................................................ F-1
F.2 CE ...................................................................................................................................................... F-1
F.3 FCC ................................................................................................................................................... F-1
F.4 IC ...................................................................................................................................................... F-2
Glossary ..............................................................................................................................................................Glossary-1
Index ....................................................................................................................................................................Index-1

98-145510-A 1-1
Chapter 1
About this manual 1
1.1 Manual overview
This manual has the following chapters:
•Introduction
•Installation
•Interfaces
•Setup and operation
•Service and maintenance
This manual has the following appendices:
•Technical specifications
•VSAT modem cables
•VSAT modem settings
•System messages
•Approvals
1.1.1 Intended readers
This is an installation and user manual for the EXPLORER 8100 system, intended for
installers and users of the system. It is important that you observe all safety requirements
listed in the beginning of this manual, and install and use the system according to the
guidelines in this manual.
Service that requires access to the interior of the system units may only be performed by a
technician authorized by Cobham SATCOM.
1.1.2 Software version
This manual is intended for EXPLORER 8100 with software version 1.51 (Antenna and
ACU). The modem software version is shown in its own web interface.
1.1.3 Typography
In this manual, typography is used as indicated below:
Bold is used for the following purposes:
• To emphasize words.
Example: “Do not touch the antenna”.
• To indicate what the user should select in the user interface.
Example: “Select SETTINGS > LAN”.
Italic is used to emphasize the paragraph title in cross-references.

Precautions
98-145510-A Chapter 1: About this manual 1-2
1.2 Precautions
Text marked with “Warning”, “Caution”, “Note” or “Important” show the following type of
data:
•Warning: A Warning is an operation or maintenance procedure that, if not obeyed, can
cause injury or death.
•Caution: A Caution is an operation or maintenance procedure that, if not obeyed, can
cause damage to the equipment.
•Note: A Note gives information to help the reader.
•Important: A text marked Important gives information that is important to the user,
e.g. to make the system work properly. This text does not concern damage on
equipment or personal safety.
All personnel who operate equipment or do maintenance as specified in this manual must
know and follow the safety precautions. The warnings and cautions that follow apply to all
parts of this manual.
See also the Safety summary on page iii.
WARNING! Before using any material, refer to the manufacturers’
material safety data sheets for safety information. Some materials can be
dangerous.
CAUTION! Do not use materials that are not equivalent to materials
specified by Cobham SATCOM. Materials that are not equivalent can cause
damage to the equipment.

98-145510-A 2-1
Chapter 2
Introduction 2
This chapter has the following sections:
• EXPLORER 8100 system
• System components
2.1 EXPLORER 8100 system
2.1.1 Overview
The EXPLORER 8100 is a 1.0 m drive-away antenna system for vehicle roof mounting. It
comes in two versions: one designed for operation in the Ku-band and one for operation in
the Ka-band.
The auto-deploy system allows personnel with minimal satellite experience to easily
configure and operate this terminal enabling the user to access any broadband application
over satellite.
The EXPLORER 8100 terminals are easy to install, set up, and commission by a non-
specialist technician. The system has the following system units:
1. One land based 2-axis semi-stabilized antenna for either Ku or Ka VSAT satellites.
2. One 1-Rack-Unit Antenna Control Unit (ACU) containing keypad and display and
LAN/WLAN ports for system access and internal communication.
Figure 2-1: Major system components
Reflector
RF assembly
Antenna
positioner
ACU with keypad
and display
Modem with LAN
ports (Example)

EXPLORER 8100 system
98-145510-A Chapter 2: Introduction 2-2
VSAT modem: Apart from the two units that make up the EXPLORER 8100, you need a
VSAT modem to provide the IP services on the RF link.
The following VSAT modems are supported for Ku-Band:
• iDirect OpenAMIP (iNFINITY/Evolution)
• iDirect Serial (iNFINITY/Evolution)
• Comtech CDM-570/625
•GilatSkyEdgeII
•STMSatLink2900
Additional VSAT modems may also be supported using the “Generic VSAT Modem” setup in
the EXPLORER 8100.
For Ka-Band:
•SurfbeamIIPro
The antenna provides a stable RF link and the modem provides services on the RF link.
2.1.2 Satellite service
The EXPLORER 8100 operates in the Ku-band (10.7 to 14.5 GHz) or the Ka-band (19.2 to
30 GHz). Service capabilities are determined by the connected VSAT modem.
2.1.3 Service activation
The service is activated by your service provider. For details, contact your service provider.

Description of the system components
98-145510-A Chapter 2: Introduction 2-3
2.2 Description of the system components
2.2.1 Antenna pedestal/positioner
Antenna pointing is achieved with a 2-axis semi-stabilized pedestal. The Azimuth drive
comprises a dual gear and belt drives, the Elevation drive a dual gear. Both drives have a
manual stow function. An emergency stop button is placed on the side of the antenna.
Figure 2-2: Antenna system components, part 1
Emergency stop
Control box
Elevation drive
Azimuth drive
Connectors
Manual stow access

Description of the system components
98-145510-A Chapter 2: Introduction 2-4
Deployment of the antenna unfolds the Reflector- and Feed support structure. The Feed
position is controlled by 2 gas-springs, which are compressed when the antenna is in
stowed position. Internal cable-wraps are included in both drives, whereas the Feed and
GNSS connecting cables are exposed on the Feed Support Structure.
Figure 2-3: Antenna system components, part 2
Reflector
GNSS module
Feed system
Base frame
Stow brackets with
rubber bumpers
Mounting brackets

Description of the system components
98-145510-A Chapter 2: Introduction 2-5
2.2.2 Reflector and RF assembly
Ku-Band RF assembly
The Ku version features a distributed RF system with a Block Up Converter (BUC) placed in
the middle of the Feed support structure, connected to the Feed (Ortho Mode Transducer
(OMT)/Low Noise Blockdown converter (LNB)) via a Flexible Wave Guide (FWG). A motor
driven Polarizer is present.
Figure 2-4: RF assembly
RF assembly
(Ku-Band in
this example)
Figure 2-5: Components of the Ku-Band RF assembly
Ku-Horn with Polarization drive
LNB
BUC
OMT
FWG

Description of the system components
98-145510-A Chapter 2: Introduction 2-6
Ka-Band RF assembly
In the Ka Eutelsat/Viasat version, the components in the RF assembly are integrated in a
monolithic Transmit and Receive Integrated Assembly (eTRIA) unit, placed at the end of
the Feed arm.
2.2.3 Antenna Control Unit (ACU)
ACU
The ACU manages all communication between the antenna and the connected modem.
The ACU has status LEDs, a display and a keypad. It also provides a flexible configurable
LAN interface (DHCP client/server, static IP address etc.) and a built-in web interface for
configuration of the system.
For details of the interfaces of the ACU, see Interfaces of the EXPLORER 8100 ACU on
page 4-1.
Figure 2-6: Components of the Ka-Band RF assembly
eTRIA
Figure 2-7: ACU front panel
Figure 2-8: ACU connector panel

Description of the system components
98-145510-A Chapter 2: Introduction 2-7
2.2.4 Keypad and display
Using the keypad and display on the ACU you can deploy, stow and stop the antenna,
including monitoring the system (warnings, errors and information). See Keypad and
display menus on page 6-17 for a full list of menus and details on how to use the display
and keypad.
The menus show how the system has been configured. You can also see events (warnings,
errors and information). Signal strength indication is rendered on the display as 7 blocks on
the main display.
The display has a two line menu system. The display also supports two status lines (Upper
and Lower) for compact satellite and antenna information. For a description of the LED light
indicators see LEDs on the keypad of the EXPLORER 8100 on page 7-8.
Figure 2-9: Keypad and display (detailed, example)

Description of the system components
98-145510-A Chapter 2: Introduction 2-8
2.2.5 Web interface
The EXPLORER 8100 has a built-in web interface, which has two levels:
•Mobile web interface, used for basic operations and status. Accessed from a
smartphone or tablet.
•Computer web interface, used for configuration, line-up, troubleshooting, extended
status information etc. Accessed from a computer.
Mobile web interface
When you access the web interface from a smartphone or tablet you get access to the
mobile web interface, which offers the following basic operations and status:
• Deploy, Stow and Stop the antenna
• Activate satellite profile
• See status and events
• Access the full web interface
To access the mobile web interface, connect your smartphone or tablet to the WLAN
access point of the ACU. For information on WLAN setup see WLAN settings on page 6-11.
Then, in the browser of your smartphone or tablet, type in the IP address for the web
interface. By default the IP address is http://192.168.0.1.
Figure 2-10: Mobile web interface, for basic operation