MotoSAT H3 Operating manual

H3
Mobile Satellite Antenna Controller
User and Installation Manual
Firmware Version 1.0.9
16 February 2011
H3 is available in a “Stand alone”
or a 1RU Rack Mount

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The DataStorm H3 Satellite Antenna Controller
Features
Stand Alone Satellite Antenna Controller
Front Panel Search, Stow, and Power Commands
No Software Required on PC
DVB-S2 Satellite dentification (N D)
HTML Graphical User nterface
SD Card Firmware Upgrades
SD Card Configuration mports
Web Direct Sat Table mports
LED Status ndicators
Simplified Multiple Sat Select Screen
Telnet Commands for Diagnostics
mport and Export Configuration Files
mport and Export Satellite Tables
Simple Electrical Connections
HTML and Telnet Security
The DataStorm H3 Satellite Antenna Controller
The DataStorm H3 Satellite Antenna Controller is one of the most advanced Satellite Antenna
Controllers available. Simple User operation combined with many advanced configurable
features will allow the flexibility needed for almost any application anywhere.
Operate from the Front Panel or through a PC using an nternet Browser such as
nternet Explorer, Firefox, Sapphire, Chrome or many other Browsers.
No external software is required.
A true stand alone Satellite Antenna Controller now with SD Card nterface.
NOTE: The DataStorm H3 Satellite Antenna Controller can be used with
either the
• Automatic pole mount ( ESA) which stows in a “bird bath” position
or the
• obile automatic mount ( ESSENGER) which stows in a “face
down” horizontal position.
The H3 Antenna Controller is available in either a “Stand alone” or “Rack
ount” configuration.
This manual is written to use the “face down horizontal” mount as an
example and was written to reference the Stand Alone style.
H3

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Table of Contents
Getting Started
Connection and Configuration
Using the SD Card for Setup
Quick Setup
H3 Normal Operation 8
Front Panel Operation 8
HTML Operation 10
Find a Satellite 11
Stow Dish 14
Standard Functions 1
System Status (Main Page) 1
Modem Status 17
About 18
Configuration Functions 19
Network Settings 19
Search Settings 22
RF Settings 3
Mount Settings 47
Advanced Functions 60
Manual Motor Control 60
Calibrate Dish 61
Import/Export Files 63
Upgrade Firmware 6
SD Card Functions 68
SD Autoload 68
SD H3 Files 68
SD LoadOnce 68
Manuals 68

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H3 (System) Wiring 69
H3 Rear Panel 69
H3 Bottom View 70
Wiring Diagram 71
Serial Cable (Optional) 72
Power Supply 72
Specifications 73
Mechanical 73
Electrical 74
Diagnostics 7
Controller Start Up Test 7
Telnet Diagnostics 76
Telnet Screens 77
Message Codes 82
DataStorm H3 Messages Codes 82

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Getting Started!
f this is a new system install or just upgrading to the new H3 Controller it is
important to follow the guidelines below to insure the system functions properly.
Connection and Configuration!
Nearly all technical support calls on new installations are due to bad or improper
wiring, or incorrect configurations. Please be sure to review these two items
before contacting technical support for assistance.
The H3 must be configured properly before it can be used in normal operation.
Before proceeding insure that all wiring to the H3 Controller is correct. This
would include any connections to the DataStorm Mount. See H3 System
Wiring.
Using the SD Card for Setup
The H3 Satellite Antenna Controller includes a Front Panel SD Card Slot. This
feature will allow the user to upgrade firmware, import configuration files, and
import Sat Tables without being connected to a PC or Network. See SD Card
Functions for setup and use.
Note: A PC with a USB Adaptor or SD slot will be needed to modify the SD Card
Config files.
Quick Setup
Once the System is installed and wired the next step is to prepare the H3 ontroller for
the users specific requirements.
Below is a quick list to follow to insure proper operation. Please follow the steps below
in the order as shown.
• Step 1 Set up a Network Connection between the H3 and the PC
Using the SD ard, LoadOnce Folder, place a modified configuration file in the
LoadOnce folder.
Name the file “IP onfig.txt” and place the IP information needed to work in the
existing Network (Router)

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LocalAddr = 192.168.1.250 /new controller IP address
SubnetMask = 255.255.255.0 /if different
ModemIp = 192.168.0.1 /modem IP address
GateAddr = 192.168.1.1 /router IP address
Place the SD ard into H3 SD ard Slot, turn ON power. When controller
restarts IP Info is changed.
See Network Settings page 19.
• Step 2 Upgrade Firmware (If necessary)
Using the SD ard, LoadOnce Folder, place a new H3firmware.hex file in the
LoadOnce folder.
Place into H3 SD ard Slot, turn ON power. Wait for status indicators to scroll
from left to right. When controller restarts the new firmware is updated.
See Upgrade Firmware page 63.
• Step 3 Calibrate Dish
See Calibrate ish page 59.
• Step 4 Modify Configuration Functions
Open the HTML Browser and choose the onfiguration Functions pages;
Search Settings (all) - Satellite System, Satellite Longitude, and RX Polarity
Search Settings (HNS) - TX Polarity, Modem IF Frequency, Symbol Rate
LNB Settings – As necessary
See Configuration Functions page 19.
Note: See Import/Export Files to save configuration page 61.
• Step Ready for Normal Operation (Find Satellite)
Open the HTML Browser and click on the Search command.
See Find a Satellite page 11.
• Step 6 Import a current Sat Table
Once the Dish Mount is locked to the correct satellite and the Modem has come
into the network you should update the Sat Table.

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Import Web Sat Table allows the user to directly import the latest Satellite Table
File from the MotoSAT Web Site. In Network Settings (Web Sat Table URL) is a
default web address of http://www.motosat.com/sattables/world.csv. This address
can be changed if future sites are available. For this import to work the user must
be connected to an active modem (Network) and locked onto the Satellite.
See Import/Export Files page 61.
• Step 7 Save Configurations and Sat Tables
Once the H3 ontroller and Dish Mount have been set up properly the Current
Sat Table and Config Files should be exported.
See Import/Export Files page 61.
After exporting these files to the P , remove the SD ard from the H3 ard Slot
and connect the SD ard to your P . Save the onfig file and Sat Table to the
H3 Files Folder on the SD ard for backup. Place SD ard back into H3
ontroller.
The H3 Files Folder is used to store different Firmware versions, and different
Dish Mount configuration files samples. This is just a working folder on the SD
ard. The H3 ontroller can not read or write any files to this folder.

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H3 Normal Operation
I PORTANT! Before the H3 is ready for normal use the system must be wired
and configured correctly. Go to Setup and Configuration for setup.
The H3 Controller can be operated through either Front Panel Controls or via
the HTML nterface built into the Controller.
Front Panel Operation
Model H3
The Front Panel has three Buttons.
The Power Button is used to turn the H3 Controller ON and OFF. When
powered ON, the Green LED to the Left of the Power Button will illuminate.
On power up the controller will take about 15 seconds to initialize. The Power,
LNB, and LAN LED’s should be illuminated when controller is ready for use.
Under normal conditions the Stow LED should also be illuminated when first
powered on. (After a Calibrate Dish or normal Dish Stow)
The Search Button will cause the Antenna to rise from the stowed position and
search for the Default Satellite. (The Satellite Longitude entered on the Search
Configuration Page.)
When the Search Button is pressed the BUSY and READY lights will start to
flash.
The GPS light should be illuminated (GPS Locked) before the Antenna will start a
Search (move).
f the GPS Light is blinking the Antenna will not move until the GPS Light goes
solid. A blinking GPS means that a valid GPS location has not been
determined. Typically GPS should acquire lock in less than 120 seconds.
NOTE: f GPS is set to Manual then the Dish will begin Search
immediately.

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The Stow Button when pressed will move the Antenna to the its respective stow
postition. When the Antenna is moving to the Stowed position the Busy and
Stow Light will flash. When the Antenna is stowed the Stow Light will be on
Solid.
The Front Panel has seven (7) lights.
Power Light (Green) is illuminated when the H3 is powered ON.
LNB Light (Blue) will illuminate when a Modem is connected to the H3 and
power is applied to the Modem. f the H3 is configured to Generic Mode then the
H3 will supply LNB power.
LAN Light (Blue) is illuminated when a network connection is detected.
GPS Light (Blue) will illuminate when GPS has received a valid Latitude and
Longitude location. When GPS is not locked LED will Blink.
f there is no GPS (Sensor Board) installed on the Antenna Mount then the GPS
light will be off.
READY Light (Blue) will illuminate when the Target Satellite is locked and
peaked.
The Ready Light will flash when the Antenna is searching for a Satellite.
BUSY Light (Red) illuminates under many conditions.
On Power Up the Busy light will flash for approximately 15 seconds while the H3
Controller is initializing the system configuration.
During Search and Stow the Busy light will flash.
STOW Light (Red) is on Solid when the Antenna is Stowed in its respective
stowed position. When the Antenna is moving to the stow position the Stow Light
will flash.

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HT L (Web Browser) Operation
I PORTANT! The LAN Light must be ON before the web browser can open.
To use the HTML nterface you must access the H3 by using a standard Web
Browser such as nternet Explorer, Netscape, or Mozilla. Open the Browser as
you normally would then type into the address bar the P Address of the H3
Controller. The default P address of the H3 is set to 192.168.1.250. This
address can be changed in the Network Settings Screen.
The System Status screen should open if the browser and H3 P address are
configured correctly. See Setup and Configuration if the page below does not
open.
System Status Screen Antenna Stowed
H3

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Find a Satellite (Search)
Before the System will begin a search the LNB and LAN status indicators must
be illuminated.
The GPS indicator will illuminate when valid GPS is acquired.
Clicking on the Search button will cause the Antenna to begin a search
for the Default Satellite. (Also referred to as the Target Satellite.)
A Drop Down Box below the Search Button allows the user to select any Satellite
Configured in the Sat Table. Highlight the desired Satellite and click the Search
button.
Satellite Selector Screen Antenna Stowed

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Satellite Selector Screen Drop Down Table
The Sensors and Satellite Status located on the lower part of the screen will
display the Antenna Mount position and the current Satellite information while the
Search is in progress.
System Status Screen Searching Sky
Under normal search conditions the H3 Controller will search for a Reference
Satellite(s) that is near the true southern part of the sky based upon the current
GPS Longitude.
The arrow above is showing the current default
satellite in the Drop Down box.
The Default Satellite is created in Search
Settings. (Satellite Longitude)
By clicking on the Down Arrow in the Drop
Down box, a list of all available satellites will
Appear in the Sat Table window.
The size and order of these satellites can be
configured Search Settings. See Search
settings.
After highlighting the desired satellite in the Sat
Table window, clicking the Search button will
begin the search for the selected satellite.

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The H3 may find and peak several satellites before identifying a valid satellite.
Once a Reference Satellite is identified the H3 will calculate and move directly to
the Selected Target Satellite.
The H3 will peak the satellite for maximum Signal Quality at that location. After
the peak is completed the H3 will reconfirm the Target Satellite dentification.
NOTE: There are conditions where the Antenna can peak into an adjacent
Satellite because of stronger signal levels. f this happens the H3 Controller will
D that Satellite and then re-peak to the Target Satellite as described above.
NOTE: There are two types of Searches available in Search Settings. The
default search is referred to as a Longitude Search. The alternative Search is
referred to as Target Search. We recommend the default setting. See Setup
and Configuration for details.
Search Operation completed the system is ready for use.
System Status Screen Search Complete

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Stow the Dish (Stow)
Stowing the Dish puts the antenna back into its respective stowed position where
the Antenna is in a Face Down or Face Up position
Clicking on the Stow button will cause the Antenna to begin the Stow routine.
The System will begin to stow and the H3 Front Panel will show Stow and Busy
Lights flashing. The HTML Status Screen will show Stowing Dish.
The typical stow routine will cause the antenna to first move elevation to a full
back position, then rotate Skew to a correct stow position, then rotate Azimuth
fully counterclockwise, and then finish stowing to its respective stowed position.
When using the Generic mode type in Search Settings, Satellite System the
antenna elevation is moved up above the Satellite Belt first to prevent any
undesired transmissions from hitting any other satellites during stow.
When using specific modems such as iDirect and Hughes (HNS) the H3
Controller has the ability to disable the Transmit function of the Modem.
When these modems are selected in Search Settings, Satellite System the
Antenna will not need to move elevation up before stowing the antenna.
The HTML Screen will show Stow Dish Operation Completed.
System Status Screen Stow Operation Complete

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Standard Functions
System Status Page
The System Status Page is the first screen (main index page) the H3 controller
will open when using HTML. From this page all other functions can be accessed.
System Status Page
•
System Status Page
• Modem Status Page
• About Page
H3

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The main frame of the System Status page (white) includes the Search, Stow
and Stop Commands along with status indicators. n the lower area of the Status
page mount and satellite position information is displayed.
Sensors
Dish Elevation displays the current position of the Antenna in respect to it
respective stowed position. Stow is approximately 0 degrees. Elevation
Origin under Mount Settings will affect this value.
Dish Azimuth displays the current position of the Antenna in the
horizontal travel plane (0 to 375 degrees of rotational travel) relative to the
stowed position.
Dish RX Skew displays the current position of the Antenna Skew.
Depending on Mount Type the Antenna or Feed Horn Assembly will rotate
(roll) in a CW/CCW direction up to +/- 103 degrees. Skew stow position is
different for different mount types.
GPS Longitude and Latitude is read from the GPS module located on
the Antenna Mount or when Manual Location is “Enabled” in Search
Settings.
otor Current displays the power consumption of the motors on the
Antenna Mount when the Antenna is moving.
Satellite
Target Elevation displays the calculated amount of Elevation travel the
antenna mount will have to raise from the Stowed position to locate the
selected satellite.
Target RX Skew displays the calculated Skew Angle for the selected
satellite.
Satellite Longitude displays the true Longitude location of the Target
Satellite above the Equator.
Sat Elevation displays the true elevation look angle of the Target Satellite
from the Earth horizon (level).
Sat True Azimuth displays the actual compass direction of the Target
Satellite in reference to True North.
Sat Polarization displays the true Skew Angle for the Target Satellite.

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Modem Status Page
The Modem Status Page currently is available only for the Hughes (HNS)
Modems. This link offers a direct connection to the HNS Status page as shown
below.
Modem Status Page
H3

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About Page
The About Page offers general information about MotoSAT and the H3
Controller.
As shown below you will find MotoSAT information such as Phone Numbers, Fax
Numbers, Email Accounts, and our Web Address.
You will also find H3 Controller information like Firmware Version, Modem Type,
Router/Gateway P Address and Modem or internal ESN (serial) numbers.
Occasionally check the MotoSAT Website for newer Firmware Versions.
About Page
H3

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Configuration Functions
The H3 Controller is compatible with two MotoSAT Antenna Mounts. These are
the MESA and MESSENGER. Along with the type of mount, adjustments for
Satellite Location, LNB Frequencies, Polarity and many other options need to be
set for the H3 to function properly based on user application. The following pages
below describe how this is done.
Network Settings Page
The Network Settings Page allows the user to configure the LAN (Local Area
Network) so the H3 Controller, Satellite Modem, and the Router/Switch can all
communicate with each other.
Network Settings Page Page 1 of 1
•
Network Settings Page
• Search Settings Page
• RF Settings Page
• Mount Settings Page
•

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Config Name (Default)
Local Address (192.168.1.2 0) Setting required
The Local Address is the internal Ethernet Address of the H3 ontroller.
This address is set at 192.168.1.250 from the factory but can be changed
based on the customer network requirements.
Subnet Mask (2 .2 .2 .0) Setting required
Default to 255.255.255.0, see your IT manager if changes to this value are
necessary.
Modem Gateway (192.168.1.1) Setting required
This value is set to the modem address. See Modem manual for more
information.
Router Gateway (192.168.1.1) Setting required
This value is set to the Router address. If a LAN switch is used then
setting this to the modem address is typical. See Router or Modem
manuals for more information.
DNS Address (192.168.1.1) Setting required
This value is set to the modem address. See manuals or white papers for
more information.
Modem Username (admin)
If required. urrently the iDirect Modem is the only Modem that requires
a Modem Username to access their Telnet to read SNR (Signal Quality)
and feed it GPS for mobile use. The default Username is admin but the
ISP or VAR can change this. A -25 message will appear on the main
status page if this name is not correct.
Modem Password (*********) (P@ w0rd!)
If required. urrently the iDirect Modem is the only Modem that requires
a Modem Username and Password to access their Telnet to read SNR
(Signal Quality) and feed it GPS for mobile use. The default Password is
set internally but will display ******** on this screen. ontact the ISP or
VAR if this requires changing. A -25 message will appear on the main
status page if this password is not correct.