COBHAM Sea Tel 4010W-17 User manual

Sea Tel, Inc.
4030 Nelson Avenue
Concord, CA 94520
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Web: : www.cobham.com\seatel
Sea Tel Europe
Unit 1, Orion Industrial Centre
Wide Lane, Swaythling
Southampton, UK S0 18 2HJ
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Web: www.cobham.com\seatel
Sea Tel Inc doing business as Cobham SATCOM
April 21, 2011 Document. No. 132131 Revision B
INSTALLATION MANUAL
FOR SEA TEL 4010W-17 BROADBAND-AT-SEA
TRANSMIT / RECEIVE SYSTEM WITH SELECTABLE CO-POL OR
CROSS-POL RECEIVE

ii
These commodities, technology or software were exported from the United
States in accordance with the Export Administration Regulations. Diversion
contrary to U.S. law is prohibited.
Sea Tel Marine Stabilized Antenna systems are manufactured in the United
States of America.
Sea Tel is an ISO 9001:2008 registered company.
Certificate Number 13690 issued March 14, 2011.
R&TTE
CE
The Series 10 Family of Marine Stabilized Antenna Pedestals with DAC-2202 or DAC-2302
Antenna Control Unit complies with the requirements of directive 1999/5/EC of the European
Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 1999 on Radio equipment and Telecommunication
Terminal Equipment. A copy of the R&TTE Declaration of Conformity for this equipment is
contained in this manual.
The Sea Tel Series 09 & 10 antennas will meet the off-axis EIRP spectral density envelope set forth in FCC 47
C.F.R. § 25.222(a)(1) when the input power density limitations, listed in our FCC Declaration, are met..
These antenna systems also contain FCC compliant supervisory software to continuously monitor the pedestal
pointing accuracy and use it to control the “Transmit Mute” function of the satellite modem to satisfy the
provisions of FCC 47 C.F.R. § 25.222(a)(l)(iii).
Copyright Notice
All Rights Reserved. The information contained in this document is proprietary to Sea Tel, Inc.. This document
may not be reproduced or distributed in any form without prior consent of Sea Tel, Inc. The information in
this document is subject to change without notice. Copyright © 2010 Sea Tel, Inc is doing business as
Cobham SATCOM.
This document has been registered with the U.S. Copyright Office.
Revision History
REV ECO# Date Description By
A N/A August 30, 2010 Production Release MDN
B N/A April 21, 2011 Removed Diagnostic Software AND Setup - CommIF Chapter ,added
Functional Testing AND Stowing the Antenna chapters, update PCU
configuration and drawings.
MDN

Table of Contents 4010W-17 Installation Manual
v
1. 10 SERIES SYSTEM CONFIGURATION(S)...................................................................................................................................1-1
1.1. BASIC SYSTEM INFORMATION ....................................................................................................................................................................1-1
1.2. SYSTEM CABLES .............................................................................................................................................................................................1-1
1.3. OTHER INPUTS TO THE SYSTEM..................................................................................................................................................................1-1
1.4. 40BSIMPLIFIED BLOCK DIAGRAM OF A 10 SERIES SYSTEM .................................................................................................................. 1-1
1.5. DUAL ANTENNA CONFIGURATION.............................................................................................................................................................1-2
1.6. DUAL ANTENNA ARBITRATOR.....................................................................................................................................................................1-3
1.7. OPEN ANTENNA-MODEM INTERFACE PROTOCOL (OPENAMIP™) SPECIFICATION:........................................................................ 1-3
1.7.1. Overview: ........................................................................................................................................................................................1-3
1.7.2. Interface requirements:.........................................................................................................................................................1-4
1.7.3. Utilized OpenAMIP Commands:........................................................................................................................................1-4
2. SITE SURVEY..................................................................................................................................................................................................2-1
2.1. SITE SELECTION ABOARD SHIP ...................................................................................................................................................................2-1
2.2. ANTENNA SHADOWING (BLOCKAGE)AND RF INTERFERENCE.............................................................................................................. 2-1
2.3. MOUNTING FOUNDATION........................................................................................................................................................................... 2-2
2.3.1. Mounting on Deck or Deckhouse......................................................................................................................................2-2
2.3.2. ADE Mounting Considerations...........................................................................................................................................2-2
2.3.3. Sizing of the support pedestal............................................................................................................................................2-2
2.4. MOUNTING HEIGHT......................................................................................................................................................................................2-3
2.5. MAST CONFIGURATIONS .............................................................................................................................................................................2-3
2.5.1. Vertical Masts ..............................................................................................................................................................................2-4
2.5.2. Raked Masts..................................................................................................................................................................................2-4
2.5.3. Girder Masts .................................................................................................................................................................................2-4
2.5.4. Truss Mast .....................................................................................................................................................................................2-5
2.6. SAFE ACCESS TO THE ADE..........................................................................................................................................................................2-5
2.7. BELOW DECKS EQUIPMENT LOCATION ..................................................................................................................................................... 2-5
2.8. CABLES.............................................................................................................................................................................................................2-5
2.8.1. ADE/BDE Coaxial Cables........................................................................................................................................................2-6
2.8.2. Antenna Power Cable ..............................................................................................................................................................2-6
2.8.3. Air Conditioner Power Cable ...............................................................................................................................................2-6
2.8.4. ACU Power Cable/outlet ........................................................................................................................................................2-6
2.8.5. Gyro Compass Cable................................................................................................................................................................2-6
2.9. GROUNDING.................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2-6
3. INSTALLATION.............................................................................................................................................................................................3-1
3.1. UNPACKING AND INSPECTION .................................................................................................................................................................... 3-1
3.2. ASSEMBLY NOTES AND WARNINGS ........................................................................................................................................................... 3-1
3.3. INSTALLING THE ADE...................................................................................................................................................................................3-2
3.3.1. Prepare the 50”, 60”, 66” or 76” Radome Assembly ................................................................................................3-2
3.3.2. Installing the 50, 60 or 66” Radome Assembly..........................................................................................................3-3
3.4. REMOVING THE SHIPPING/STOW RESTRAINTS PRIOR TO POWER-UP.............................................................................................. 3-6
3.4.1. Removing the AZ Shipping/Stow Restraint..................................................................................................................3-6
3.4.2. Removing the EL Shipping/Stow Restraint ...................................................................................................................3-7
3.4.3. Removing the CL Shipping/Stow Restraint...................................................................................................................3-8
3.5. CABLE INSTALLATION ...................................................................................................................................................................................3-9
3.5.1. Shipboard Cable Installation...............................................................................................................................................3-9
3.6. INSTALLING THE BELOW DECKS EQUIPMENT........................................................................................................................................... 3-9
3.6.1. General Cautions & Warnings .............................................................................................................................................3-9
3.6.2. Preparing BDE Location .........................................................................................................................................................3-9

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3.6.3. System Configuration.......................................................................................................................................................... 3-10
3.6.4. Installing the Below Deck Equipment......................................................................................................................... 3-10
3.7. CONNECTING THE BELOW DECKS EQUIPMENT .....................................................................................................................................3-10
3.7.1. Connecting the ADE AC Power Cable......................................................................................................................... 3-10
3.7.2. Connecting the BDE AC Power Cables....................................................................................................................... 3-10
3.7.3. Connecting the ADE IF Coaxes...................................................................................................................................... 3-11
3.7.4. Connect the Modem TXIF Coax.................................................................................................................................... 3-11
3.7.5. Antenna Control Unit Connections.............................................................................................................................. 3-11
3.7.6. Radio Control Serial Cable................................................................................................................................................. 3-11
3.7.7. Terminal Mounting Strip (TMS) Connections ......................................................................................................... 3-11
3.7.8. Other BDE connections ...................................................................................................................................................... 3-14
3.8. FINAL CHECKS..............................................................................................................................................................................................3-14
3.8.1. Visual/Electrical inspection............................................................................................................................................... 3-14
3.8.2. Electrical - Double check wiring connections......................................................................................................... 3-14
3.9. POWER-UP...................................................................................................................................................................................................3-14
3.10. ANTENNA MAINTENANCE .........................................................................................................................................................................3-15
3.10.1. Balancing the Antenna........................................................................................................................................................ 3-15
3.10.2. Fine Balance and Monitoring Motor Drive Torque .............................................................................................. 3-15
4. BASIC SETUP OF THE ACU ..................................................................................................................................................................4-1
4.1. OPERATOR SETTINGS.....................................................................................................................................................................................4-1
4.2. SETUP PARAMETER DISPLAY AND ENTRY MENUS...................................................................................................................................4-1
4.3. DEFAULT SETUP PARAMETERS FOR YOUR ANTENNA...............................................................................................................................4-1
4.4. SAVE NEW PARAMETERS......................................................................................................................................................................4-2
5. SETUP – SHIPS GYRO COMPASS......................................................................................................................................................5-1
5.1. GYRO TYPE...................................................................................................................................................................................................5-1
5.2. UPDATING THE GYRO TYPE PARAMETER ................................................................................................................................................5-1
5.3. IF THERE IS NO SHIPS GYRO COMPASS....................................................................................................................................................5-1
6. SETUP – TRACKING RECEIVER - VSAT........................................................................................................................................6-1
6.1. DETERMINING THE IF TRACKING FREQUENCY (MHZ)...........................................................................................................................6-1
6.2. KHZ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................6-1
6.3. FEC...................................................................................................................................................................................................................6-1
6.3.1. L-Band SCPC Receiver.............................................................................................................................................................6-1
6.4. TONE.................................................................................................................................................................................................................6-1
6.4.1. VSAT Application.......................................................................................................................................................................6-1
6.5. VOLT .................................................................................................................................................................................................................6-2
6.5.1. VSAT Application.......................................................................................................................................................................6-2
6.6. SAT SKEW.....................................................................................................................................................................................................6-2
6.7. NID ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................6-2
7. SETUP – BAND SELECTION.................................................................................................................................................................. 7-1
8. SETUP – TARGETING................................................................................................................................................................................8-1
8.1. AUTO TRIM .................................................................................................................................................................................................8-1
8.2. MANUALLY OPTIMIZING TARGETING ........................................................................................................................................................8-1
8.3. EL TRIM..........................................................................................................................................................................................................8-2
8.4. AZ TRIM ........................................................................................................................................................................................................8-2
9. SETUP – HOME FLAG OFFSET.............................................................................................................................................................9-1
9.1. ELECTRONIC CALIBRATION OF RELATIVE ANTENNA POSITION (HOME FLAG OFFSET)....................................................................9-1
9.1.1. You Found a Large AZ TRIM value:..................................................................................................................................9-1
9.1.2. You Observe “Home” Pointing is LEFT of the Bow-line:.........................................................................................9-2

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vii
9.1.3. You Observe “Home” Pointing is RIGHT of the Bow-line: .....................................................................................9-2
9.1.4. To Enter the HFO value in the DAC_2202:...................................................................................................................9-3
9.2. MECHANICAL CALIBRATION OF RELATIVE ANTENNA POSITION (HOME FLAG OFFSET)................................................................. 9-4
10. SETUP – SEARCHING.............................................................................................................................................................................10-1
10.1. SEARCHING OPERATION .............................................................................................................................................................................10-1
10.1.1. Default Standard (Box) Search Pattern.......................................................................................................................10-1
10.1.2. Inclined Orbit Search Pattern..........................................................................................................................................10-2
10.1.3. No Gyro Search Pattern ......................................................................................................................................................10-3
10.2. CHANGING THE SEARCH PARAMETERS ....................................................................................................................................................10-4
10.2.1. AUTO THRES .............................................................................................................................................................................10-4
10.2.2. EL STEP SIZE ............................................................................................................................................................................10-4
10.2.3. AZ STEP SIZE ...........................................................................................................................................................................10-4
10.2.4. STEP INTEGRAL.......................................................................................................................................................................10-4
10.2.5. SEARCH INC..............................................................................................................................................................................10-5
10.2.6. SEARCH LIMIT.........................................................................................................................................................................10-5
10.2.7. SEARCH DELAY ........................................................................................................................................................................10-5
10.2.8. SWEEP INC ................................................................................................................................................................................10-5
10.3. SAVE NEW PARAMETERS ...................................................................................................................................................................10-5
11. SETUP – BLOCKAGE & RF RADIATION HAZARD ZONES ..............................................................................................11-1
11.1. RADIATION HAZARD AND BLOCKAGE MAPPING (AZ LIMIT PARAMETERS)...................................................................................11-1
11.2. SAVE NEW PARAMETERS ...................................................................................................................................................................11-4
12. SETUP – MODEM CONNECTIONS, SETUP AND TEST .....................................................................................................12-1
12.1. IDIRECT MODEMS .......................................................................................................................................................................................12-1
12.2. COMTECH MODEMS....................................................................................................................................................................................12-1
12.3. HUGHES MODEMS.......................................................................................................................................................................................12-1
12.4. CONNECTIONS (ACU TO SATELLITE MODEM)......................................................................................................................................12-2
12.4.1. iDirect Modems .......................................................................................................................................................................12-2
12.4.2. Comtech Modems..................................................................................................................................................................12-2
12.4.3. Hughes Modems .....................................................................................................................................................................12-2
12.5. SYSTEM TYPE PARAMETER.....................................................................................................................................................................12-2
12.6. BLOCKAGE SIMULATION TEST...................................................................................................................................................................12-3
12.7. TESTING THE SATELLITE MODEM LOCK (NETWORK ID) INPUT IN THE ACU .................................................................................12-4
12.8. SAVE NEW PARAMETERS ...................................................................................................................................................................12-5
13. SETUP – OPTIMIZING POLARITY & CROSS-POL ISOLATION...................................................................................13-1
13.1. SAT SKEW SETTING .....................................................................................................................................................................................13-1
13.2. POLARITY ANGLE (POLANG) PARAMETERS...........................................................................................................................................13-1
13.3. OPTIMIZING AUTO-POLARIZATION ON RECEIVE SIGNAL....................................................................................................................13-1
13.4. OPTIMIZING AUTO-POLARIZATION CROSS-POL ISOLATION..............................................................................................................13-2
14. SETUP – OTHER PARAMETERS .......................................................................................................................................................14-1
14.1. SETUP PARAMETER DISPLAY AND ENTRY MENUS.................................................................................................................................14-1
14.2. 5V OFFSET (MAY NOT BE IN YOUR SOFTWARE) .................................................................................................................................14-1
14.3. 5V SCALE (MAY NOT BE IN YOUR SOFTWARE) ....................................................................................................................................14-1
14.4. REMOTE COMMAND ............................................................................................................................................................................14-1
14.5. REMOTE MONITOR ...............................................................................................................................................................................14-1
14.6. TO DISABLE/ENABLE DISHSCAN ..............................................................................................................................................................14-1
14.7. SATELLITE REFERENCE MODE....................................................................................................................................................................14-2
14.8. REMOTE PARAMETERS........................................................................................................................................................................14-2
15. FUNCTIONAL TESTING .......................................................................................................................................................................15-1

4010W-17 Installation Manual Table of Contents
viii
15.1. ACU /ANTENNA SYSTEM CHECK ...........................................................................................................................................................15-1
15.2. LATITUDE/LONGITUDE AUTO-UPDATE CHECK .....................................................................................................................................15-1
15.3. HEADING FOLLOWING................................................................................................................................................................................15-1
15.4. BLOCKAGE SIMULATION TEST..................................................................................................................................................................15-1
15.5. FOUR QUADRANT TEST TRACKING..........................................................................................................................................................15-2
15.6. BLOCKAGE SIMULATION TEST..................................................................................................................................................................15-3
16. INSTALLATION TROUBLESHOOTING........................................................................................................................................ 16-1
17. STOWING THE ANTENNA FOR UNDERWAY WITH POWER OFF............................................................................ 17-1
17.1. INSTALLING THE STOW RESTRAINTS.......................................................................................................................................................17-1
17.1.1. Installing the AZ Shipping/Stow Restraint ............................................................................................................... 17-1
17.1.2. Installing the EL Shipping/Stow Restraint................................................................................................................. 17-2
17.1.3. Installing the CL Shipping/Stow Restraint ................................................................................................................ 17-3
17.2. REMOVING THE SHIPPING/STOW RESTRAINTS PRIOR TO POWER-UP............................................................................................17-4
17.2.1. Removing the AZ Shipping/Stow Restraint .............................................................................................................. 17-4
17.2.2. Removing the EL Shipping/Stow Restraint................................................................................................................ 17-5
17.2.3. Removing the CL Shipping/Stow Restraint ............................................................................................................... 17-6
18. DAC-2202 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS.............................................................................................................................. 18-1
18.1. DAC-2202 ANTENNA CONTROL UNIT.................................................................................................................................................18-1
18.1.1. General.........................................................................................................................................................................................18-1
18.1.2. Front Panel ................................................................................................................................................................................18-1
18.1.3. Rear Panel ..................................................................................................................................................................................18-1
18.1.4. J4A “Antenna” Pedestal M&C Interface..................................................................................................................... 18-1
18.1.5. J4B “Antenna” Pedestal M&C Interface ..................................................................................................................... 18-2
18.1.6. J3 “M&C” Aux Serial Interface.........................................................................................................................................18-2
18.1.7. J2 “NMEA A” Interface ........................................................................................................................................................18-2
18.1.8. J2 “NMEA B” Interface......................................................................................................................................................... 18-2
18.1.9. Ethernet ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 18-2
18.1.10. DVB Compliant Tracking Receiver................................................................................................................................. 18-3
18.1.11. L-Band SCPC Narrow Band Tracking Receiver ........................................................................................................ 18-3
18.1.12. Narrow Band SCPC receiver (DAC-2302 ONLY):.................................................................................................... 18-3
18.2. TERMINAL MOUNTING STRIP...................................................................................................................................................................18-3
18.2.1. Synchro Interface:................................................................................................................................................................. 18-3
18.2.2. SBS Interface............................................................................................................................................................................18-4
18.2.3. Control Interface ...................................................................................................................................................................18-4
18.2.4. NMEA Interface......................................................................................................................................................................18-4
18.3. ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS................................................................................................................................................................18-5
18.4. DAC-2202 AC POWER CONSUMPTION...............................................................................................................................................18-5
18.5. CABLES ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................18-5
18.5.1. IF Signal Cables ......................................................................................................................................................................18-5
18.5.2. SBS/Synchro Gyro Compass Interface Cable (Customer Furnished)......................................................... 18-5
19. 4010C-17 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS............................................................................................................................... 19-1
19.1. ANTENNA REFLECTOR/FEED 4010 .........................................................................................................................................................19-1
19.2. SMW QUAD BAND LNB...........................................................................................................................................................................19-1
19.3. TX RADIO PACKAGE (-17 SYSTEMS).....................................................................................................................................................19-2
19.4. BUC POWER SUPPLY..................................................................................................................................................................................19-2
19.5. MK 2PEDESTAL CONTROL UNIT (PCU)...............................................................................................................................................19-2
19.6. 400 MHZ BASE &PEDESTAL UNLIMITED AZIMUTH MODEMS (3 CHANNEL)..............................................................................19-3
19.7. MK 2MOTOR DRIVER ENCLOSURE (MDE)..........................................................................................................................................19-3

Table of Contents 4010W-17 Installation Manual
ix
19.8. STABILIZED ANTENNA PEDESTAL ASSEMBLY .........................................................................................................................................19-4
19.9. RADOME ASSEMBLY,50”...........................................................................................................................................................................19-5
19.10. RADOME ASSEMBLY,60”...........................................................................................................................................................................19-5
19.11. XX10 ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIFICATIONS .............................................................................................................................................19-6
19.11.1. Climatic Conditions ...............................................................................................................................................................19-6
19.11.2. Chemically Active Substances .........................................................................................................................................19-6
19.11.3. Mechanical Conditions ........................................................................................................................................................19-6
19.11.4. Transit Conditions ..................................................................................................................................................................19-6
19.12. BELOW DECKS EQUIPMENT .......................................................................................................................................................................19-6
19.12.1. Antenna Control Unit (ACU)..............................................................................................................................................19-6
19.12.2. Terminal Mounting Strip (TMS).......................................................................................................................................19-6
19.12.3. Satellite Modem ......................................................................................................................................................................19-6
19.12.4. Router ...........................................................................................................................................................................................19-6
19.13. CABLES...........................................................................................................................................................................................................19-7
19.13.1. Antenna Control Cable (Provided from ACU to the Base MUX) ....................................................................19-7
19.13.2. Antenna L-Band IF Coax Cables (Customer Furnished).....................................................................................19-7
19.13.3. Multi-conductor Cables (Customer Furnished)......................................................................................................19-7
20. DRAWINGS ...................................................................................................................................................................................................20-1
20.1. DAC-2202 ANTENNA CONTROL UNIT DRAWINGS............................................................................................................................20-1
20.2. 4010W-17 KU-BAND MODEL SPECIFIC DRAWINGS.........................................................................................................................20-1
20.3. SERIES 10 GENERAL DRAWINGS ..............................................................................................................................................................20-1

10 Series System Configuration(s) 4010W-17 Installation Manual
1-1
1. 10 Series System Configuration(s)
The 10 Series Stabilized Antenna system is to be used for Transmit/Receive (TX/RX) satellite communications, it is comprised of
two major groups of equipment. These are the Above Decks Equipment (ADE) and the Below Decks Equipment (BDE). There
will also be interconnecting cables between the ADE & BDE and cables to provide other inputs to the system.
1.1. Basic System Information
The 10 Series Antennas will be available in 2 dish sizes (Diameter – active area):
•1.0 M (40 inch)
•1.2 M (50.0 inch)
Each dish size will be available in multiple configurations:
•Variety of BUC manufacturers and power output capabilities
•Variety of BUC/HPA power output capabilities
•Cross-Pol Feed assembly
•Optional Co-Pol diplexer and LNB (waveguide systems ONLY)
•Choice of Single fixed frequency, dual-band, tri-band or Quad-Band LNB(s)
The 10 Series Antennas are available in multiple tuned radome sizes:
•131.3 cm (50 inches) Diameter
•155 cm (60 inch) Diameter
•1.76 M (66 inch) Diameter
•201.59cm (76 inch) Diameter
•205.23cm (81 inch) Diameter [Air Conditioning available for this radome ONLY]
1.2. System Cables
AC Power & Coaxial cables will be discussed in a separate chapter.
1.3. Other Inputs to the System
Multi-conductor cables from Ships Gyro Compass, GPS, phone, fax and Computer equipment may also be connected
in the system.
1.4. 40BSimplified block diagram of a 10 Series system
Your 10 Series TXRX system consists of two major groups of equipment; an above-decks group and a below-decks
group. Each group is comprised of, but is not limited to, the items listed below. All equipment comprising the Above
Decks is incorporated inside the radome assembly and is integrated into a single operational entity. For inputs, this
system requires only an unobstructed line-of-sight view to the satellite, Gyro Compass input and AC electrical power.
A. Above-Decks Equipment (all shown as the ADE) Group
•Stabilized antenna pedestal
•Antenna Reflector
•Feed Assembly with Cross-Pol LNB
•Co-Pol LNB (xx10(M)- 33 Only)
•16W Ku-Band Solid State Block Up-Converter (BUC)
•Radome Assembly
B. Below-Decks Equipment Group
•Antenna Control Unit
•Terminal Mounting Strip Assembly.
•Base Modem Panel

4010W-17 Installation Manual 10 Series System Configuration(s)
1-2
•Customer Furnished Equipment -Satellite Modem and other below decks equipment required for the
desired communications purposes (including LAN and VOIP equipment).
•Appropriate Coax, Ethernet, and telephone cables
1.5. Dual Antenna Configuration
Sometimes, due to very large blockage conditions, you may need to install a dual antenna configuration to provide
uninterrupted services. Two full antenna systems are installed and the ACU control outputs are connected to an
arbitrator switch panel which then is connected to the below decks equipment. NOTE: The RXIF from EACH antenna
MUST be connected to the RF IN (J6) on the rear panel of its respective ACU then RFOUT (J7) is connected to the RXIF
input of the Dual Antenna Arbitrator. This connection scheme is required for ACU “A” to be able to control Antenna
“A” (and ONLY Antenna “A”) AND ACU “B” to be able to control Antenna “B” (and ONLY Antenna “B”).
You will program the blockage zone(s) for each of the two antennas (refer to Setup – Blockage Zones lesson). The
blockage output from the ACU is fed to the Terminal Mounting Strip so that the output of each ACU can be connected
to the arbitrator panel to control it. The blockage output is available on SW2 terminal of the Terminal Mounting Strip
to provide a transistor “short” to ground when the antenna is within a blockage zone programmed into the ACU. When
not blocked the SW2 terminal will be an “open”.
When one antenna is blocked, its blockage output will command the arbitrator panel to switch services to the modem
from that antenna to the other antenna. The arbitrator panel provides a logic latch to prevent excess switching when
the ship heading is yawing, therefore, causing if the antenna to be repeatedly blocked – unblocked – blocked.

10 Series System Configuration(s) 4010W-17 Installation Manual
1-3
1.6. Dual Antenna Arbitrator
The Dual Antenna Arbitrator panel can pass LNB voltages (and handle 250-400 ma of current) and the RXIF signals on
the RX connections. TXIF, Reference and BUC supply voltage can be passed through this arbitrator panel to the
antenna, but it is not recommended that BUC power be supplied through the dual channel rotary joint of the antenna
(a BUC power supply is provided on all Series 09 Antenna Pedestals).
The blockage (SW2) output, GPS output and Modem lock input from the two terminal mounting strips (antenna “A”
and antenna “B”) are wired through the arbitrator panel to the satellite modem. When antenna “A” is blocked, the
arbitrator PCB will toggle the coax switches so that antenna “B” provides signal to the BDE distribution (multi-switch or
modem). When antenna “A” is no longer blocked the arbitrator will do nothing (because it is a latch circuit). When
antenna “B” is blocked the panel will switch so that antenna “A” is again providing signal the BDE distribution.
To provide a seamless switching transition, refer to the arbitrator installation instructions to balance the TX & RX signal
levels between the two antennas.
1.7. Open Antenna-Modem Interface Protocol (OpenAMIP™) Specification:
1.7.1.
OpenAMIP, an ASCII message based protocol invented and Trademarked by iDirect is a specification for the
interchange of information between an antenna controller and a satellite modem. This protocol allows the
satellite modem to command the ACU (via TCP port 2002) to seek a particular satellite as well as allowing
exchange of information necessary to permit the modem to initiate and maintain communication via the
antenna and the satellite. In general, OpenAMIP is not intended for any purpose except to permit a modem
and the ACU to perform synchronized automatic beam switching. It is
Overview:
NOT a status logging system or a
diagnostic system. In addition, OpenAMIP is intend for a typical installation whereby a specific satellite
modem and Antenna system are properly configured to work together. The protocol does not make specific
provisions for auto-discovery or parameter negotiation. It is still the responsibility of the installer to assure

4010W-17 Installation Manual 10 Series System Configuration(s)
1-4
the parameters of both the satellite modem (proper option files) and the ACU/PCU (setup parameters) are
actually compatible for the intended satellite(s).
1.7.2.
1.7.2.1. Hardware
Interface requirements:
Sea Tel Antenna Control Units Model DAC2202 or DAC2302.
Any Satellite modem manufacturer that is compatible with OpenAMIP
CAT5 Patch cable
1.7.2.2. Software
Sea Tel model DAC2202:
ACU software version 6.06 or greater
CommIF module software version 1.10f or greater
Sea Tel model DAC2302:
ACU software version 7.06 or greater
CommIF module software version 1.10f or greater
1.7.3.
1.7.3.1. Antenna Commands:
Utilized OpenAMIP Commands:
Command Description Example
S f1 f2 f3 Satellite Longitude, 3 parameters:
Degrees E/W (-value equals West), Latitude Variance (Inclined
Orbit), Sat Skew Offset
“S -20.1 1.0 3.5”
P c1 c2 Polarization, 2 parameters:
H,V,L,, or R
“P L R”
H f1 f2 Tracking Frequency: 2 Parameters:
Center Frequency and Bandwidth in MHz
“H 1100.500 0.256”
B f1 f2 Down Conversion Offset: 2 parameters:
LNB (Receive) Local Oscillator and BUC (TX) L.O.
“B 10750”
F Find,
Target satellite using existing S, P,R, and H Parameters
A i Set keep alive in seconds (0 = off) “A 5”
L b1 b2 Modem Lock and free to transmit. 2 parameters:
b1 indicates Rx lock and b2 (not utilized) enables/disables Tx
Mute to BUC
“L 1 1”
W i GPS Update:
Sets GPS Update period in seconds (0 = Off)
“W 300”
I s1 s2 Set modem vendor (s1) and device (s2) 2 parameters: “I iDirect 5100”
1.7.3.2. Modem Commands:
Command Description Example
a i Set keep alive in seconds (0 = off) “a 5”
i s1 s2 Set Antenna Vendor (s1) and device (s2) 2 parameters: “i Sea Tel DAC-2202”
s b1 b2 Antenna Status: 2 parameters:
b1 is functional status and b2 is Tx allowed
“s 1 1”
w b1 f1 f2 t1 Set GPS Position: 4 parameters:
b1 is validity flag, f1 is latitude, f2 is longitude, and t1 is
timestamp
“w 1 38.222 122.123
0”

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2. Site Survey
The objective of the Site survey is to find the best place to mount the antenna & the below decks equipment, the length and
routing of the cables and any other items or materials that are required to install the system and identify any other issues that
must be resolved before or during the installation. For Naval Engineering level information on this subject, please refer
to Antenna Installation Guideline – Site Arrangement, document number 130040_A available on the Sea Tel
Dealer Support Site.
2.1. Site Selection Aboard Ship
The radome assembly should be installed at a location aboard ship where:
•The antenna has a clear line-of-sight to view as much of the sky (horizon to zenith at all bearings) as is
practical.
•X-Band (3cm) Navigational Radars:
•The ADE should be mounted more than 0.6 meters/2 feet from 2kW (24 km) radars
•The ADE should be mounted more than 2 meters/8 feet from 10kW (72 km) radars
•The ADE should be mounted more than 4 meters/12 feet from 160kW (250km) radars
•S-Band (10cm) Navigational Radars:
•If the ADE is/has C-Band it should be mounted more than 4 meters/12 feet from the S-band Radar.
•The ADE should not be mounted on the same plane as the ship's Radar, so that it is not directly in the Radar
beam path.
•The ADE should be mounted more than 2.5 meters/8 feet from any high power MF/HF antennas (<400W).
•The ADE should be mounted more than 4 meters/12 feet from any high power MF/HF antennas (1000W).
•The ADE should also be mounted more than 4 meters/12 feet from any short range (VHF/UHF) antennae.
•The ADE should be mounted more than 2.5 meters/8 feet away from any L-band satellite antenna.
•The ADE should be mounted more than 3 meters/10 feet away from any magnetic compass installations.
•The ADE should be mounted more than 2.5 meters/8 feet away from any GPS receiver antennae.
•Another consideration for any satellite antenna mounting is multi-path signals (reflection of the satellite
signal off of nearby surfaces arriving out of phase with the direct signal from the satellite) to the antenna.
This is particularly a problem for the onboard GPS, and/or the GPS based Satellite Compass.
•The Above Decks Equipment (ADE) and the Below Decks Equipment (BDE) should be positioned as close to
one another as possible. This is necessary to reduce the losses associated with long cable runs.
•This mounting platform must also be robust enough to withstand the forces exerted by full rated wind load
on the radome.
•The mounting location is robust enough that it will not flex or sway in ships motion and be sufficiently well
re-enforced to prevent flex and vibration forces from being exerted on the antenna and radome.
•If the radome is to be mounted on a raised pedestal, it MUST have adequate size, wall thickness and gussets
to prevent flexing or swaying in ships motion. In simple terms it must be robust.
If these conditions cannot be entirely satisfied, the site selection will inevitably be a “best” compromise between the
various considerations.
2.2. Antenna Shadowing (Blockage) and RF Interference
At the transmission frequencies of C and Ku band satellite antenna systems, any substantial structures in the way of
the beam path will cause significant degradation of the signal. Care should be taken to locate the ADE so that the ADE
has direct line-of-sight with the satellite without any structures in the beam path through the full 360 degree ships
turn. Wire rope stays, lifelines, small diameter handrails and other accessories may pass through the beam path in
limited numbers; however, even these relatively insignificant shadows can produce measurable signal loss at these
frequencies.

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2.3. Mounting Foundation
2.3.1.
While mounting the ADE on a mast is a common solution to elevate the ADE far enough above the various
obstructions which create signal blockages, sometimes the best mounting position is on a deck or deckhouse
top. These installations are inherently stiffer than a mast installation, if for no other reason than the design of
the deck/deckhouse structure is prescribed by the ship’s classification society. In the deck/deckhouse design
rules, the minimum plating and stiffener guidelines are chosen to preclude high local vibration amplitudes.
Mounting on Deck or Deckhouse
Most installations onto a deck or deckhouse structure will require a mounting pedestal to raise the ADE above
the deck for radome hatch access and to allow the full range of elevation (see ADE mounting considerations
above). Some care must be taken to ensure the mounting pedestal is properly aligned with the stiffeners
under the deck plating.
2.3.2.
Mounting the radome directly on the deck, or platform
prevents access to the hatch in the base of the radome
unless an opening is designed into the mounting surface to
allow such entry. If there is no access to the hatch the only
way to service the antenna is to remove the radome top.
Two people are required to take the top off of the radome
without cracking or losing control of it, but even with two
people a gust of wind may cause them to lose control and
the radome top may be catastrophically damaged (see
repair information in the radome specifications).
ADE Mounting Considerations
If access to the hatch cannot be provided in the mounting
surface, provide a short ADE support pedestal to mount the
ADE on which is tall enough to allow access into the radome
via the hatch.
Ladder rungs must be provided on all mounting stanchions
greater than 3-4 feet tall to allow footing for personnel
safety when entering the hatch of the radome.
The recommended cable passage in the 50, 60 and 66 inch
radomes is through the bottom center of the radome base,
down through the ADE support pedestal, through the deck
and into the interior of the ship.
2.3.3.
The following should be taken into account when choosing the height of a mounting support stand:
Sizing of the support pedestal
1. The height of the pedestal should be kept as short as possible, taking into account recommendations
given in other Sea Tel Guidelines.
2. The minimum height of the pedestal above a flat deck or platform to allow access into the radome
for maintenance should be 0.6 meters (24 inches).
3. The connection of the ADE mounting plate to the stanchion and the connection of the pedestal to
the ship should be properly braced with triangular gussets (see graphic above). Care should be taken
to align the pedestal gussets to the ship’s stiffeners as much as possible. Doublers or other
reinforcing plates should be considered to distribute the forces when under-deck stiffeners are
inadequate.
4. The diameter of the pedestal stanchion shall not be smaller than 100 millimeters (4 inches). Where
the ADE base diameter exceeds 1.5 meters (60 inches), additional stanchions (quantity greater than
3) should be placed rather than a single large stanchion.
5. Shear and bending should be taken into account in sizing the ADE mounting plate and associated
gussets.
6. Shear and bending must be taken into account when sizing the pedestal to ship connection.
7. All welding should be full penetration welds –V-groove welds with additional fillet welds – with
throats equivalent to the thickness of the thinnest base material.

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8. For an ADE mounted greater than 0.6 meters (24 inches) above the ship’s structure, at least one (1)
foot rung should be added. Additional rungs should be added for every 0.3 meter (12 inches) of
pedestal height above the ship’s structure.
9. For an ADE mounted greater than 3 meters (9 feet) above the ship’s structure, a fully enclosing cage
should be included in way of the access ladder, starting 2.3 meters (7 feet) above the ship’s
structure.
2.4. Mounting Height
The higher up you mount the antenna above the pivot point of the ship the higher the tangential acceleration (g-
force) exerted on the antenna will be (see chart below).
When the g-force exerted on the antenna is light, antenna stabilization and overall performance will not be affected.
If the g-force exerted on the antenna is high enough (> 1 G), antenna stabilization and overall performance will be
affected.
If the g-force exerted on the antenna is excessive (1-2 Gs), the antenna will not maintain stabilization and may even
be physically damaged by the g-force.
2.5. Mast Configurations
Sea Tel recommends the ADE be mounted on the ship in a location which has both a clear line-of-sight to the target
satellites in all potential azimuth/elevation ranges and sufficient support against vibration excitement. If possible,
mounting the ADE pedestal directly to ship deckhouse structures or other box stiffened structures is preferred.
However, in many cases, this imposes limits on the clear line-of-sight the antenna system has.
Often the solution for providing the full azimuth/elevation range the antenna needs is to mount the ADE on the ship’s
mast. Unfortunately, masts do not consider equipment masses in design and often have harmonic frequencies of their
own.
There are many designs of masts used on ships – masts are nearly as unique in design as the ship is – but the designs
often fall into just a few categories. These categories can be addressed in terms of typical responses and problems
with regards to vibration and mounting of ADE. The most common categories of masts are:

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2.5.1.
Vertical masts are a very ancient and common mast design. In essence, it is the mast derived from the sailing
mast, adapted for mounting the ever-increasing array of antennae ships need to communicate with the
world. This drawing of a Vertical mast shows
preferred mounting of the ADE center-line above
the plane of the radar, or as an alternate with the
ADE mounted below the plane of the radar signal,
as reasonably good installations of a satellite
antenna ADE.
Vertical Masts
Vertical masts are most commonly still found on
cargo ships – they are simple, inelegant and
functional. They are also fairly stiff against
torsional reaction and lateral vibrations, as long as
the ADE is mounted on a stiff pedestal near the
vertical centerline of the mast. If centerline
mounting is impractical or otherwise prohibited,
the mast platform the ADE is mounted on should be checked for torsional vibration about the centerline of
the mast and the orthogonal centerline of the platform.
If the estimated natural frequency of the mast or platform is less than 35 Hertz, the mast or platform should
be stiffened by the addition of deeper gussets under the platform or behind the mast.
2.5.2.
Raked masts are found on vessels where the style
or appearance of the entire vessel is important.
Again, the inclined mast is a direct descendant from
the masts of sailing ships – as ship owners wanted
their vessels to look more unique and less
utilitarian, they ‘raked’ the masts aft to make the
vessel appear capable of speed. This drawing
shows a raked mast, again with the preferred ADE
mounting above the radar and alternate with the
ADE below the radar.
Raked Masts
Raked masts pose special problems in both
evaluating the mast for stiffness and mounting of
antennae. As can be seen in the drawing all
antennae must be mounted on platforms or other
horizontal structures in order to maintain the
vertical orientation of the antenna centerline. This
implies a secondary member which has a different
natural frequency than the raked mast natural frequency. In order to reduce the mass of these platforms,
they tend to be less stiff than the main box structure of the raked mast. Thus, they will have lower natural
frequencies than the raked mast itself. Unfortunately, the vibratory forces will act through the stiff structure
of the raked mast and excite these lighter platforms, to the detriment of the antenna.
2.5.3.
Girder masts are large platforms atop a pair of
columns. Just like girder constructions in buildings,
they are relatively stiff athwart ship – in their
primary axis – but less stiff longitudinally and
torsionally. An example of a girder mast is shown in
this drawing, with the preferred ADE mounting
outboard and above the radar directly on one of the
columns and alternate with the ADE centered on
the girder above the plane of the radar.
Girder Masts
The greatest weakness of girder masts is in torsion –
where the girder beam twists about its vertical
centerline axis. As with all mast designs discussed so far, mounting the antenna in line with the vertical

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support structure will reduce the vibration tendencies. Mounting the antenna directly above the girder
columns provides ample support to the antenna pedestal and locates the antenna weight where it will
influence the natural frequency of the mast the least.
2.5.4.
Truss masts are a variant on the girder mast
concept. Rather than a pair of columns supporting a
girder beam, the construction is a framework of
tubular members supporting a platform on which
the antennae and other equipment is mounted. A
typical truss mast is shown in this photograph.
Truss Mast
Like a girder mast, truss masts are especially stiff in
the athwart ship direction. Unlike a girder mast, the
truss can be made to be nearly as stiff in the
longitudinal direction. Truss masts are particularly
difficult to estimate the natural frequency – since a
correct modeling includes both the truss structure
of the supports and the plate/diaphragm structure
of the platform. In general, though, the following
guidelines apply when determining the adequate
support for mounting an antenna on a truss mast:
1. Antenna ADE pedestal gussets should align
with platform stiffeners which are at least
200 millimeters in depth and 10 millimeters in thickness.
2. When possible, the antenna ADE pedestal column should align with a vertical truss support.
3. For every 100 Kilograms of ADE weight over 250 Kilograms, the depth of the platform stiffeners
should be increased by 50 millimeters and thickness by 2 millimeters.
Sea Tel does not have a recommended arrangement for a truss mast – the variability of truss mast designs
means that each installation needs to be evaluated separately.
2.6. Safe Access to the ADE
Safe access to the ADE should be provided. Provisions of the ship’s Safety Management System with regard to men
aloft should be reviewed and agreed with all personnel prior to the installation. Installations greater than 3 meters
above the deck (or where the access starts at a deck less than 1 meter in width) without cages around the access
ladder shall be provided with means to latch a safety harness to a fixed horizontal bar or ring.
The access hatch for the ADE shall be oriented aft, or inboard, when practicable. In any case, the orientation of the
ADE access hatch shall comply with the SMS guidelines onboard the ship. Nets and other safety rigging under the ADE
during servicing should be rigged to catch falling tools, components or fasteners.
2.7. Below Decks Equipment Location
The Antenna Control Unit, Terminal Mounting Strip and Base Modem Panel are all standard 19” rack mount, therefore,
preferred installation of these items would be in such a rack. The ACU mounts from the front of the rack. The
Terminal Mounting Strip and Base Modem Panel mount on the rear of the rack.
The Satellite Modem, router, VIOP adapter(s), telephone equipment, fax machine, computers and any other associated
equipment should also be properly mounted for shipboard use.
Plans to allow access to the rear of the should be considered.
2.8. Cables
During the site survey, walk the path that the cables will be installed along. Pay particular attention to how cables will
be installed all along the path, what obstacles will have to have be routed around, difficulties that will be encountered
and the overall length of the cables. The ADE should be installed using good electrical practice. Sea Tel recommends
referring to IEC 60092-352 for specific guidance in choosing cables and installing cables onboard a ship. Within these
guidelines, Sea Tel will provide some very general information regarding the electrical installation.
In general, all cables shall be protected from chaffing and secured to a cableway. Cable runs on open deck or down a
mast shall be in metal conduit suitable for marine use. Cables passing through bulkheads or decks shall be routed
through approved weather tight glands.

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2.8.1.
The first concern about the coaxial cables installed between the ADE & BDE is length. This length is used to
determine the loss of the various possible coax, Heliax or fiber-optic cables that might be used. You should
always provide the lowest loss cables to provide the strongest signal level into the satellite modem.
ADE/BDE Coaxial Cables
Signal cable shall be continuous from the connection within the ADE radome, through the structure of the
ship to the BDE. Splices, adapters or dummy connections will degrade the signal level and are discouraged.
Be careful of sharp bends that kink and damage the cable. Use a proper tubing bender for Heliax bends.
Penetrations in watertight bulkheads are very expensive, single cable, welded penetrations that must be
pressure tested.
Always use good quality connectors that are designed to fit properly on the cables you are using. Poor
quality connectors have higher loss, can allow noise into the cable , are easily damaged or fail prematurely.
In as much as is possible, don’t lay the coaxes on power cables. Try to have some separation from Inmarsat &
GPS cables that are also passing L-band frequencies or Radar cables that may inject pulse repetition noise –as
error bits - into your cables.
2.8.2.
Be cautious of length of the run, for voltage loss issues, and assure that the gauge of the wires is adequate for
the current that is expected to be drawn (plus margin) . Antenna power is not required to be from a UPS
(same one that supplies power to the below decks equipment), but it is recommended.
Antenna Power Cable
2.8.3.
If your system includes a marine air conditioner (available with the 81 inch radome ONLY), run an AC power
cable to it from a breaker, preferably from a different phase of the electrical system than supplies power to
the ADE & BDE. Be EXTREMELY cautious of length of the run for voltage loss and gauge of the wires for the
current that is expected to be drawn.
Air Conditioner Power Cable
2.8.4.
The AC power for the ACU and other below decks equipment is not required to be from a UPS (same one that
supplies power to the ADE), but it is recommended.
ACU Power Cable/outlet
2.8.5.
Use good quality shielded cable (twisted pairs, individually foil wrapped, outer foil with braid overall is best)
You only need 2-wire for NMEA signal, 4-wire for Step-By-Step and 5-wire for Synchro … always use shielded
cable. Be cautious of length and gauge of the run for voltage loss issues.
Gyro Compass Cable
2.9. Grounding
All metal parts of the ADE shall be grounded to bare metal at the mounting pedestal. Grounding straps from the base
of the ADE to a dedicated lug on the mounting pedestal are preferred, but grounding may also be accomplished by
exposing bare metal under all mounting bolts prior to final tightening. Preservation of the bare metal should be done
to prevent loss of ground.
Grounding should be ensured throughout the entire mounting to the hull. While it is presumed the deckhouse is
permanently bonded and grounded to the hull, in cases where the deckhouse and hull are of different materials a
check of an independent ground bonding strap should be made. Masts should be confirmed to be grounded to the
deckhouse or hull.