DirecTV Advanced Installation Meter User manual

Advanced Installation Meter
User’s Manual
© 2010 Rev B

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Contents
Warranty iv
Return Policy v
Getting Started 1
Introduction 1
Using This Manual 2
Overview 2
Conventions 4
Getting To Know Your Meter 5
Features 5
Accessories 7
Display 8
Buttons 8
Navigation 9
HOME Screen 10
Powering Your Meter 10
Power-On 10
Standby Mode 11
Restart 11
Power-Off 11
Power Management 12
Battery Charging 13
Battery Replacement 14

AIM User’s Manual
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Getting Technical Support 17
Safety Instructions 18
Technical Specifications 19
Spare Parts List 20
Setting Up the Meter 21
Entering Registration Information 22
Changing Volume Setting 24
Changing the Display Contrast or Brightness 25
Changing Time and Date Settings 26
Changing Automatic Timer Settings 28
Setting Up a Job 30
Starting a Job 31
Modifying the Setup for a Job 33
Notes 33
ODU Type 34
Switch Type 35
Zip Code 36

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Installing an ODU 37
Aligning the ODU 37
Task A. Installation Setup 39
Task B. Coarse Azimuth Adjustment 40
Task C. Coarse Elevation Adjustment 40
Task D. Tilt Adjustment (95°, 3-LNB,
Slimline-5, and Slimline-5S (SWiM) ODUs Only) 41
Task E. Fine Elevation Adjustment
(Slimline ODUs Only) 41
Task F. Fine Azimuth Adjustment
(Slimline ODUs Only) 43
Performing EIV Following ODU Installation 45
Performing EIV 47
Performing Other Network Tests 50
Performing an In-Line Test 51
Performing a Satellite Tune Test 53
Performing a SWiM LF Power Test 57
Performing a Cable Resistance Test 59
Performing a Transponder Survey 61

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Managing Records 65
Understanding Records 66
Account Records 66
Setup Records 67
User Records 67
Test Records 67
Data Records 68
Viewing Records 69
Deleting Records 73
Transferring Records 75
Updating the Meter 77
Glossary 79
Index 81

AIM User’s Manual
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Warranty
Trilithic, Inc. warrants that each part of this product will be free from defects in
materials and workmanship, under normal use, operating conditions and service, for
a period of fifteen (15) months from date of shipment. The obligation of Trilithic, Inc.
under this warranty shall be limited, at the sole option of Trilithic, Inc., to replacing
the product or repairing any defective part.
This warranty and the rights created hereunder are neither transferable nor
assignable without the prior written consent of Trilithic, Inc.
Replaceable items such as batteries, soft cases, and input connectors, etc. are not
included nor covered by this warranty.
The remedy set forth herein shall be the only remedy available to the Buyer under
this warranty, and, in no event, shall Trilithic, Inc. be liable for incidental or
consequential damages for any alleged breach of this warranty. This Warranty shall
not apply to any part of the product that, without fault of Trilithic, Inc., has been
subsequently altered or modified, nor shall it apply to any failure caused by a part
not supplied by Trilithic, Inc. and subsequently attached to or incorporated into the
product. This warranty shall not apply to any damage caused by accident, fire, or
other casualty, negligence, misuse, or to any cause whatsoever other than as a result
of a defect directly attributable to Trilithic, Inc.
Except for the warranty and exclusions set forth above, and the warranties, if any,
available to the buyer from those who supply Trilithic, Inc., there are no warranties,
express or implied (including, without limitation, any implied warranty or warranty
of merchantability of fitness for a particular purpose), with respect to the condition
of the product.

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Return Policy
Before returning a product for service, please call Trilithic Customer Service at
888-895-7630 for an RMA number. During this call, a Product Service Representative
will schedule your unit for service, note the nature of the problem, and provide
instructions for the return of your product.
All AIM service will be provided by Trilithic at:
Trilithic, Inc.
9710 Park Davis Drive
Indianapolis, In. 46235 USA
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
email: [e-mail]

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1 Getting Started
Introduction
Congratulations on your new Advanced Installation Meter (AIM)! The AIM was
developed in collaboration with DIRECTV to provide customized features for
installing and troubleshooting DIRECTV satellite receiver systems.
The AIM is a rugged meter suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. When fully
charged, the AIM can be used to install satellite receiver systems in approximately
six single-family homes on a single charge. Both an AC power adapter and a
convenient vehicle power adapter are provided for charging the meter. The carrying
case protects the meter and its accessories during transport and storage.
The AIM’s large display and keypad make it easy to navigate to the features you
need. On-screen directions guide you through ODU installation, Extended
Installation Verification (EIV), and other test processes.
The AIM lets you track information for each account, including account settings and
test results. You can transfer this information from the meter to a PC using a USB
flash drive. Using its USB connection, the AIM can be easily updated in the field as
new features become available.

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Using This Manual
Overview
Read this manual completely before using your AIM. Also, retain this manual for
future reference.
For information to help you get started using your AIM, see the sections below:
Getting to Know Your Meter, starting on page5.
This section provides an overview of the AIM, including information about the
meter and its accessories, its display and buttons, and how to navigate through
the screens on the meter.
Powering Your Meter, starting on page10.
This section provides instructions for how to turn on and turn off the meter, an
overview of the meter’s power-saving features, and instructions for how to
charge the battery and replace the battery.
Getting Technical Support, starting on page17.
This section describes how to access technical support.
Safety Instructions, starting on page18.
This section provides important safety instructions for using the AIM.
Technical Specifications, starting on page19.
This section provides information about the dimensions, capabilities and
operating range of the AIM.
Spare Parts List, starting on page20.
This section provides a list of replacement parts that can be ordered for the AIM.

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Instructions for using the AIM’s features are provided in the following chapters:
Chapter 2: Setting Up the Meter, starting on page21.
Before you use your AIM, you need to enter registration information and
confirm the meter’s settings. This chapter provides instructions for entering
registration information, as well as setting the meter’s volume, display contrast
and brightness, time limits for power-saving features, and date and time.
Chapter 3: Setting Up a Job, starting on page30.
Before you perform tasks for an installation using the AIM, you can set up the
information for the job. This chapter provides instructions for entering the
account number, selecting the ODU type, selecting the switch type, and entering
the zip code.
Chapter 4: Installing an ODU, starting on page37.
The AIM guides you through the steps for aligning and performing follow-up
Extended Installation Verification (EIV) for each ODU. This chapter provides
instructions for how to complete these processes using the AIM.
Chapter 5: Performing EIV, starting on page47.
You can perform Extended Installation Verification (EIV) at selected points in the
distribution network to quickly confirm that the installation is satisfactory for all
supported orbital slots. EIV is an easy way to pinpoint any potential problems
with the installation. This chapter provides instructions for performing EIV at the
ODU and other locations in the distribution network.

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Chapter 6: Performing Other Network Tests, starting on page50.
If there is a problem with a DIRECTV installation, you can run network tests to
help you troubleshoot the problem. This chapter provides instructions for
performing tests including the In-line test, Satellite Tune test, SWiM LF Power
test, Cable Resistance test, and Transponder Survey.
Chapter 7: Managing Records, starting on page65.
The AIM stores information for each account, including setup information and
test results. This chapter provides instructions for how to view records, delete
records, and transfer records to or from the AIM using a USB flash drive.
Chapter 8: Updating the Meter, starting on page77.
You can update the AIM as new features become available. This chapter provides
instructions for updating the meter’s firmware.
Conventions
The following conventions are used in this manual to help guide you through the
features of the AIM:
Each screen is referenced by the name that appears in the title bar.
Words that appear on the screen (titles, on-screen options and softkey labels)
are shown in bold.
The instructions describe how to navigate through the AIM’s features using the
meter’s softkey buttons. However, you also can use other meter buttons for
navigation (including the arrow buttons, alphanumeric buttons, and OK button).
For more information, see page9.
To make instructions easy to read, buttons are referenced only by their label.
For example:
Press NEXT to continue.

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Getting To Know Your Meter
Features
Your AIM has the following features:
Connectors
1IRD F connector
2ODU F connector
3Type A USB connector (Standard)
4Type B USB connector (Mini)
5Power input
Buttons
6Softkeys
7Navigation keypad
8Alphanumeric keypad
9Operation buttons
10 Power
Other
11 LCD display
Figure 1 Front View
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10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1

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12 Speaker
13 Meter serial number
Figure 2 Back View
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13

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Accessories
Your AIM comes with the following accessories. If any of the following items are
missing, contact your supplier.
1Carrying case (with shoulder strap and detachable storage pocket)
2100 – 240 VAC power adapter
312 VDC vehicle power adapter
425 Ω Cable Test Load
5512 MB USB flash drive (containing AIM User’s Manual)
Figure 3 Meter Accessories
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1
3
54

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Display
The AIM has a large LCD display with a backlight for easy readability. Each screen
that appears on the display has the following:
1 Title bar: Indicates the screen that is displayed.
2 Battery icon: Indicates the power level of the battery.
3 Main area: Shows information about the task being performed.
4 Message bar: Provides: (a) instructions to guide you through the task being
performed; or, (b) status messages.
5 Softkey labels: Indicate options that vary based on the screen shown. To select
an option, press the button below that option.
Buttons
The following buttons let you interact with the meter:
4 softkeys: Select options that correspond to the on-screen labels above the
buttons.
4 arrows: Let you navigate up and down to select an option in a list, as well as
right or left when entering information.
OK: Selects the option highlighted on the screen.
10 alphanumeric buttons: Let you enter information or select an option in a
list.
Back: Lets you go back to the previous screen.
Fn: Lets you quickly change the display contrast, display brightness, and volume.
CONFIG: Lets you view, delete and transfer records, change meter settings, and
upgrade the meter’s firmware. (For more, see page21, page65, and page77.)
HOME: Displays the HOME screen. (For more, see page10.)
HELP: Displays instructions to help you complete the task being performed.
MUTE: Turns on and off the sound on the meter.
Figure 4 Meter Display
2
1
3
5
4

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Navigation
Keep in mind the following guidelines when using the meter buttons to navigate
through the AIM’s features:
To select a softkey option, press the button below that option.
To highlight an option in a list, do one of the following:
– Use the arrow buttons to highlight the option.
– Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the number for the option.
To select a highlighted option in a list, do one of the following:
– Press the NEXT or SELECT softkey (based on the screen)
– Press the OK button.
To return to the HOME screen, do one of the following:
– Press the DONE softkey (if available)
– Press the HOME button.
To return to the previous screen, do one of the following:
– Press the BACK softkey (if available)
– Press the BACK button.

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HOME Screen
The HOME screen lets you access the AIM’s main features. You can press the HOME
button at any time to access the HOME screen.
The HOME screen provides four softkeys that correspond to each of the main
features of the AIM:
SETUP: Lets you set up the information for a job. See “Setting Up a Job” on
page30.
INSTALL: Guides you through the steps for aligning and performing follow-up
Extended Installation Verification (EIV) for each ODU. See “Installing an ODU” on
page37.
EIV: Guides you through the steps for performing Extended Installation
Verification (EIV) at the ODU or another location to help you troubleshoot a
problem. See “Performing EIV” on page47.
TEST: Lets you run network tests to help you troubleshoot a problem with an
installation. See “Performing Other Network Tests” on page50.
Powering Your Meter
Power-On
To turn on the AIM, press and hold the POWER button until the backlight turns on.
The meter turns on, briefly displays a splash screen, and then displays the HOME
screen.
To start a job, press SETUP and follow the instructions in “Starting a Job” on
page31.

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Standby Mode
You can place your AIM in a power-saving state called Standby mode. Standby
mode lets you turn off the AIM display and other features to extend the charge of
the battery. You can quickly exit Standby mode and resume working on the screen
where you left off.
To enter Standby mode:
1Press and hold the POWER button until the SHUT DOWN AIM screen appears.
2Use cor dto highlight Standby and press OK.
The meter enters Standby mode.
To exit Standby mode:
Press the POWER button.
Restart
To restart the AIM:
1Press and hold the POWER button until the SHUT DOWN AIM screen appears.
2Use cor dto highlight Restart and press OK.
The meter turns off, and then automatically turns back on.
Power-Off
To turn off the AIM:
1Press and hold the POWER button until the SHUT DOWN AIM screen appears.
2Use cor dto highlight Shutdown and press OK.
The meter turns off.
Tip: You have 3 seconds to make a selection on
the SHUT DOWN AIM screen before the meter
automatically turns off.

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Power Management
Your AIM is powered by an 8-cell 9.6 V 3.8 AH NiMH battery pack. The battery
supplies power to the meter, as well as to the LNB and SWiM during installation of
an ODU. When fully charged, the AIM’s battery provides sufficient power to install
satellite receiver systems in approximately six single-family homes on a single
charge.
The AIM has the following power-saving features that help to extend the battery
charge:
If no buttons have been pressed on the AIM for 2 minutes, the backlight on the
display turns off. The backlight automatically turns back on when you press any
button on the meter.
If no buttons on the AIM have been pressed for 10 minutes, the meter enters a
power-saving mode called Standby. The AIM automatically exits Standby mode
when you press and hold the POWER button until the backlight turns on.
If no buttons on the AIM have been pressed for 30 minutes, the meter
automatically turns off. To turn the meter on, press and hold the POWER button
until the backlight turns on.
You can customize the time periods for each of the power-saving features on the
AIM (see “Setting Up the Meter” on page21). However, extending the time period
longer than the default setting shortens the time that the battery charge lasts.
Note: If you are using your AIM for the first
time, you should fully charge the battery before
use. See “Battery Charging” on page13.

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Battery Charging
You can charge the AIM’s battery from a power outlet using the AC power adapter
provided with the meter. You also can charge the AIM in your vehicle while the
vehicle is running using the vehicle power adapter. The AIM can be charged while it
is powered off or while it is powered on, which allows you to use the AIM while it is
charging.
The battery icon in the top right of the AIM display indicates the power level of the
battery. The AIM should be charged before the battery icon shows only one
remaining bar of power. If the remaining bar flashes, the AIM should be charged
immediately.
Caution: When charging the meter battery, make sure that the ambient temperature
is between 40°F (5°C) and 100°F (37°C) to prevent damage to the battery.
You should fully charge the AIM’s battery before you use it for the first time. To
charge the battery:
1Plug the AC power adapter into a power outlet, or plug the vehicle power
adapter into a 12 VDC socket, such as a cigarette lighter socket.
2Plug the other end of the power adapter into the AIM’s power input connector.
The charging process begins. A plug icon appears at the top of the display and
the bars in the battery icon sequentially flash to show that the meter is charging.
(If the meter is off, a battery icon appears on the display.)
Caution: Use only the AC power adapter or vehicle power adapter provided with
the meter to charge the meter battery.
3When the charging process is complete, the display shows a filled battery icon.
Unplug the power adapter from the AIM’s charging connector. Then unplug the
other end from the power outlet or 12 VDC socket.
Note: It normally takes approximately 4 hours
to fully charge the AIM if its battery is depleted.