COBHAM Sea Tel Dual Antenna Arbitrator User manual

Sea Tel, Inc.
(trading as Cobham SATCOM)
4030 Nelson Avenue
Concord, CA 94520
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Thrane and Thrane A/S
(trading as Cobham SATCOM)
Lundtoftegaardsvej 93 D, 2800 Kgs.
Lyngby, Denmark
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Web: http://www.cobham.com/satcom Email: [e-mail]
September 1, 2015 Document No. 99-147741
Sea Tel
Dual Antenna Arbitrator (MXP systems)
Installation M
anual

Dual Antenna Arbitrator (MXP)
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
originally issued on March 14, 2011 and renewed / reissued on March 10, 2014.
R&TTE
CE
The Sea Tel Media Xchange Point™ (MXP) Antenna Control Unit, used with this Sea Tel Dual Antenna
Arbitrator and the Sea Tel Antenna complies with the requirements for Radio and Telecommunication
Terminal Equipment. A copy of the R&TTE Declaration of Conformity for this equipment is contained
in the Antenna Manual for your system.
The Sea Tel Media Xchange Point™ (MXP) Antenna Control Unit, used with this Sea Tel Dual Antenna Arbitrator,
contains 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). A copy of the FCC Declaration of Conformity for this equipment is contained in the Antenna
Manual for your system.
Copyright Notice
Copyright © 2015 Sea Tel Inc. 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 written consent of Sea Tel, Inc. The information in this document is subject to
change without notice. Sea Tel Inc. is also doing business as Cobham SATCOM.

Dual Antenna Arbitrator (MXP)
iii
Revision History
REV ECO# Date Description By
A
August 6, 2015
Production Release
MDN

Table of Contents Dual Antenna Arbitrator (MXP)
v
1. INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................................................................................................................1-1
1.1. DUAL ANTENNA CONFIGURATION............................................................................................................................................................. 1-1
1.2. DUAL ANTENNA ARBITRATOR.....................................................................................................................................................................1-1
1.3. AUTOMATIC BEAM SWITCHING (ABS).................................................................................................................................................... 1-1
1.4. OPENAMIP™..................................................................................................................................................................................................1-1
1.5. FCC COMPLIANCE......................................................................................................................................................................................... 1-2
2. FRONT PANEL OPERATION ..................................................................................................................................................................2-1
2.1. FRONT PANEL BUTTONS...............................................................................................................................................................................2-1
2.2. FRONT PANEL LEDS...................................................................................................................................................................................... 2-1
2.3. AUTOMATIC MODE....................................................................................................................................................................................... 2-1
2.4. MANUAL MODE .............................................................................................................................................................................................2-2
3. REMOTE OPERATION ...............................................................................................................................................................................3-1
3.1. AUTOMATIC BEAM SWITCHING (ABS).................................................................................................................................................... 3-1
3.2. OPEN ANTENNA-MODEM INTERFACE PROTOCOL (OPENAMIP™) SPECIFICATION:........................................................................ 3-1
3.2.1. Overview: ........................................................................................................................................................................................3-1
3.2.2. Interface requirements:.........................................................................................................................................................3-2
3.3. DUAL ANTENNA ARBITRATOR COMMAND SUMMARY ........................................................................................................................... 3-2
3.3.1. Command Details......................................................................................................................................................................3-3
3.3.2. General Notes..............................................................................................................................................................................3-5
4. DUAL ANTENNA INSTALLATION.....................................................................................................................................................4-1
4.1. UNPACKING AND INSPECTION .................................................................................................................................................................... 4-1
4.2. INSTALL THE DUAL ANTENNA ARBITRATOR............................................................................................................................................. 4-1
4.3. SHIPBOARD CABLE INSTALLATION ............................................................................................................................................................. 4-1
4.4. CONNECTING THE BELOW DECKS EQUIPMENT........................................................................................................................................ 4-1
4.5. DUAL ANTENNA ARBITRATOR CONNECTIONS......................................................................................................................................... 4-4
4.6. MXP CONNECTIONS..................................................................................................................................................................................... 4-4
4.7. SET-UP .............................................................................................................................................................................................................4-5
4.7.1. IP Address Setting.....................................................................................................................................................................4-5
4.7.2. MXP Tracking Settings............................................................................................................................................................4-5
4.7.3. MXP Targeting.............................................................................................................................................................................4-5
4.7.4. MXP Blockage Zones...............................................................................................................................................................4-5
4.7.5. Balancing TX Output ................................................................................................................................................................4-5
4.8. TESTING ARBITRATOR SWITCHING............................................................................................................................................................ 4-5
5. SETUP..................................................................................................................................................................................................................5-1
5.1. DEFAULT PARAMETER SETTINGS:............................................................................................................................................................... 5-1
5.2. BALANCING TX OUTPUT.............................................................................................................................................................................. 5-1
6. FUNCTIONAL TESTING ..........................................................................................................................................................................6-1
6.1. TEST DUAL ANTENNA ARBITRATOR -MANUAL MODE........................................................................................................................ 6-1
7. TROUBLESHOOTING & MAINTENANCE......................................................................................................................................7-1
7.1. ISOLATING IF &RF PROBLEMS: .................................................................................................................................................................. 7-1
7.2. GPS PROBLEMS:..............................................................................................................................................................................................7-1
7.3. NETWORK LOCK PROBLEMS:......................................................................................................................................................................... 7-1
7.4. TX MUTE PROBLEMS:....................................................................................................................................................................................7-2
8. SLIDE RAIL KIT (OPTIONAL) INSTALLATION.........................................................................................................................8-1
8.1. ASSEMBLING THE OUTER RAILS.................................................................................................................................................................. 8-1
8.2. MOUNTING THE OUTER RAILS IN THE RACK............................................................................................................................................ 8-1
8.3. MOUNTING THE INNER RAILS ..................................................................................................................................................................... 8-1
8.4. MOUNTING THE ARBITRATOR INTO YOUR RACK .................................................................................................................................... 8-1
9. SPECIFICATIONS........................................................................................................................................................................................9-1
9.1. GENERAL ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................9-1
9.2. FRONT PANEL.................................................................................................................................................................................................. 9-1

Dual Antenna Arbitrator (MXP) Table of Contents
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9.3. REAR PANEL.....................................................................................................................................................................................................9-1
9.3.1. AC POWER ....................................................................................................................................................................................9-1
9.3.2. Switch Plate -Standard Low Power...............................................................................................................................9-1
9.3.3. Switch Plate -10 MHz Option ..........................................................................................................................................9-2
9.3.4. Switch Plate -High Power Option ..................................................................................................................................9-3
9.4. COMPLIANCE...................................................................................................................................................................................................9-4
9.5. ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS...................................................................................................................................................................9-4
10. DRAWINGS...................................................................................................................................................................................................10-1
10.1. DUAL ANTENNA ARBITRATOR DRAWINGS.............................................................................................................................................10-1

Introduction Dual Antenna Arbitrator (MXP)
1-1
1. Introduction
The Dual Antenna Arbitrator is to be used with two complete Sea Tel Transmit/Receive (TX/RX) satellite communication
systems. The primary purpose of the Dual Antenna Arbitrator is to switch services from one antenna, which has become
blocked by the ships structure or has otherwise lost service, to the other antenna. Switching services to the satellite modem
under these conditions greatly improves on-air time by reducing the out of service time.
Additionally, this device allows for remote monitor, control and diagnostics directly or with Out of Band Management
(OBM) device(s).
1.1. Dual Antenna Configuration
Sometimes, due to very large blockage conditions, you may need to install a dual antenna configuration to provide
virtually uninterrupted services. Two full antenna systems are installed and the two ACU control outputs are
connected to a dual antenna arbitrator switch panel which then is connected to the satellite modem, and other
below decks equipment if provided. Refer to the appropriate installation chapter for the model of the Sea Tel
antenna systems that you will be installing this arbitrator panel with.
You will program the blockage zone(s) and optimize all other settings for best “on-satellite” performance for each
of the two Sea Tel antennas.
The following signals pass through the arbitrator to/from the ACU’s and the Satellite Modem:
•TX IF signal to the active (selected) antenna from the Satellite Modem. 10 MHz reference is also passed
when provided by the modem.
•RX IF from the active (selected) antenna to the Satellite Modem
•Blockage control output from each ACU – this output provides signal to the arbitrator when the antenna
it is connected to is not available for services.
•GPS position -output from the active (selected) antenna (this setting can be changed in the arbitrator).
•Network Lock signal from the Satellite Modem is routed to both ACU’s to enable both antennas to track
the same satellite.
When one antenna is blocked, its blockage output will command the arbitrator panel to switch services for 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 either antenna to be repeatedly blocked –
unblocked – blocked.
1.2. Dual Antenna Arbitrator
The Dual Antenna Arbitrator panel automatically switches the signal from one of the two antennas. It can pass
LNB voltages (and handle 250-400 ma of current) and all of the typical RX IF and M&C signals on the RX
connections.
DC Voltage to power the BUC(s) should NOT be passed through this arbitrator panel, nor the dual channel coax
rotary joint of the antenna pedestal. BUC power should be supplied on the Antenna Pedestal.
TX IF and Reference signals can be passed through the dual antenna arbitrator.
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 satellite 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.
1.3. Automatic Beam Switching (ABS)
ABS is a method of communicating remotely via an overhead channel, or locally from the modem, to reconfigure
the ACU(s) to use a different beam on the same satellite or to use a different satellite. The ACU’s include
commands which allow remotely setting all of the necessary parameters and to command the targeting of the
desired satellite.
1.4. OpenAMIP™
OpenAMIPTM is a standardized language incorporated into the current iDirect modems which communicates
automatic beam switching settings from the option file to the Sea Tel ACU(s). This allows the network to
accomplish to provide automatic beam switching remotely by switching option files in the remote modem.

Dual Antenna Arbitrator (MXP) Introduction
1-2
1.5. FCC Compliance
FCC regulation 47 C.F.R. § 25.221 (C-Band) and 47 C.F.R. § 25.222 (Ku-Band) define the provisions for blanket
licensing of ESV antennas operating in the C, and Ku, Band respectively. Please refer to the FCC Declaration in
your antenna manual for specifics.
The Sea Tel antennas referenced in this document, will maintain a stabilization pointing accuracy of better than
0.2 degrees under specified ship motion conditions.
These antenna systems, with current software, contain FCC compliant supervisory software to continuously
monitor the pedestal pointing error. This supervisory software will trip an error flag, which will automatically cease
transmission within 100 milliseconds, if the pointing error should exceed 0.5 degrees. Transmission will not
resume until the pointing error drops below 0.2 degrees.
To be compliant with these FCC requirements, the “Transmit Mute” output of the Sea Tel below
decks controller must be connected, through the Dual Antenna Arbitrator, to the “Mute Input” of the
satellite modem via serial or Ethernet connection.

Front Panel Operation Dual Antenna Arbitrator (MXP)
2-1
2. Front Panel Operation
2.1. Front Panel Buttons
ANT A -In Manual Mode this button selects Antenna “A” to be the “Active” antenna. The TX & RX IF signals
from Antenna ”A” are routed to the Satellite Modem via the Arbitrator coax switches. Antenna “B” is the
“Standby” antenna.
ANT B-In Manual Mode this button selects Antenna “B” to be the “Active” antenna. The TX & RX IF signals
from Antenna ”B” are routed to the Satellite Modem via the Arbitrator coax switches. Antenna “A” is the
“Standby” antenna.
Manual -Selects Manual Mode.
Auto -Selects Automatic Mode.
RESET -Resets the processors in the Dual Antenna Arbitrator
Power -Turns the Dual Antenna Arbitrator ON/OFF. When OFF, the de-energized state of the coax switches is
Antenna “A”. When energized, the default power-up state in Auto – ANT A.
2.2. Front Panel LEDs
ANT A -When illuminated, this LED indicates that Antenna “A” is the “Active” antenna.
ANT B-When illuminated, this LED indicates that Antenna “B” is the “Active” antenna.
Manual -When illuminated, this LED indicates that the Dual Antenna Arbitrator is in Manual Mode.
Auto -When illuminated, this LED indicates that the Dual Antenna Arbitrator is in Automatic Mode.
Power -When illuminated, this LED indicates that Power is ON.
2.3. Automatic Mode
The normal mode of operation is Automatic. In automatic mode operator intervention is not required because
the Dual Antenna Arbitrator will switch the antennas using the inputs from the two ACU’s. Press Auto to select
this mode.
The latching logic is:
Antenna “A”
Antenna “B”
Action
Available
Not Available
Switch to ANT A
Available
Available
Do Not change state
Not Available
Available
Switch to ANT B
Not Available
Not Available
Do Not change state
Available -The antenna is tracking the desired satellite and the satellite modem has network lock. Satellite
services are available from this antenna.

Dual Antenna Arbitrator (MXP) Front Panel Operation
2-2
Not Available -The ACU will output ”Blocked” and “Mute” signals to the Dual Antenna Arbitrator, indicating
that that Satellite services are NOT available from this antenna if:
•The antenna is searching, targeting or is mispointed by more than 0.5 degrees.
•The antenna is within any one of the blockage zones saved in its ACU.
•Loss of Modem Lock will cause Search, leading to the same ACU output.
•Modem failure
•Failure in the RF Receive path to the modem.
•If Tracking is turned OFF and the AGC level of the ACU is below Threshold.
•This Antenna, or its ACU, is de-energized.
2.4. Manual Mode
Manual mode allows you to manually select which antenna is providing services to the modem. Manual mode will
allow you to select an antenna, that would not be available in automatic mode, to provide services to the modem.
While in manual mode of operation, operator action is REQUIRED to switch the antennas whenever necessary.
Press the Manual button to select Manual Mode of operation.
Then;
Press ANT A to select Antenna “A” to be the “Active” antenna.
Press ANT Bto select Antenna “B” to be the “Active” antenna.
Press Auto to return to Automatic Mode of operation .