MotoSAT Nomad SD User manual

Satellite TV
Nomad
SD/SD2
USER GUIDE
Software Version 116 or higher
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Rev 2 Dec ‘1
9 1-Nomad SD2 Manual

2
INDEX
DEFINITIONS 3
FEATURES 4
FRONT View 5
REAR View 6
OPERATION
Testing the Dish 7
Finding the Satellite 7
Stowing the Dish 7
SD Memory Cards 8
Firmware Upgrade 8
Log Files 9
Error Message Definition 9
ERROR CODES 1
PROGRAMMING (Configuration) 11
Using the Front Panel
Entering into Configuration Mode
SETTING SERVICE AND MOUNT TYPE 12
SHOW MODE SETTINGS 13
ROOT DIRECTORY EXPLANATION 14
MOUNT DEFINITIONS 16
SENSORS 17
WIRE SCHEMATIC 18
MOUNT CLEARANCE 19
LIMITED WARRANTY 2
NOTES 24
MOTOSAT TECHNICAL SUPPORT 25

3
MOUNT ROTATIONAL
DEFINITIONS
ELEVATION
(Raising of the dish from the stowed position)
SKEW
(Rotating or tilting of the dish from side to side)
AZIMUTH
(Rotation of the mount on the base plate)
STOW
(Travel Position)
COMPONENT AND FUNCTIONAL DEFINITIONS
Mount – Consisting of the dish and the mechanics to move the dish
Nomad SD2 - Positioner, Controller or Control Bo
LNB – The device in front of the dish that receives the satellite signal
Control Cable – The 9 conductor cable that connects the Mount to the Nomad SD2
SD Card – The data storage device which provides software and configuration updates
Azimuth Motor – The motor on the mount that controls azimuth movement
Elevation Motor – The motor on the mount that controls elevation movement
Skew Motor – The motor on the mount that controls skew movement
Scotch Locks – The devices used to splice electrical wires within the mount assembly
BLUE LIGHT – The illumination of the dish face that signifies MotoSAT quality and e cellence
LED – The lights on the front panel of the Nomad SD2 that indicates system status
Software – Code which instructs the mount to move, locate and identify satellites
Configuration – The instruction that tells the mount which satellites to identify. This can be accomplished from either from
either the front panel or with the use of the SD card
Log Files - Diagnostic files stored on the SD card for monitoring the system as it goes through its various routines

4
FEATURES
The Nomad SD and SD2 Controller have many features that make finding satellites
simple and fast. All of the satellite pointing and identification is taken care of by the Nomad SD
and SD2 Antenna and Controller. After your controller has been installed and configured, push
the “POWER” ON button followed by the “FIND” button (to put your antenna into “search” for
satellites mode) and your system will do all the work. To stow the system for travel, press the
“STOW” button to bring your antenna into the stowed (travel) position Your Nomad SD and
SD2 Controller(s) have many features that will assist you in acquiring and identifying satellites.
Here are some of them:
• Fully configurable through the front panel or optional .dat file (see Programming
Using the Front Panel in this manual.)
• Software upgrades can be done using the SD Memory Card provided with your
controller (see Programming Using the SD Card in this manual.)
• Controller and Mount operate on 12 VDC with less than 3 amp draw during
movement..
• Controller automatically shuts itself off when the antenna is stowed.
• New software is automatically detected and loaded into non volatile memory
within 15 seconds after power ON when an SD Memory Card (containing new
upgrade file) is placed into the controller (see Firmware Upgrade for instructions.)
• The Nomad SD/SD2 Controller may be configured to operate any open faced TV
system MotoSAT manufactures.
• Controller may be configured to select satellites serving DirecTV, Dish Network,
SHAW Direct and Bell TV.
• GPS option may be added to assist in satellite quicker acquisition.
The Nomad SD/SD2 contains Operational Features such as:
• Three (3) button operation, POWER, FIND and STOW.
• LED Display to indicate LNB power, FIND, STOW and POWER status.
• Error Coded displayed through blinking “FIND” LED.
• Automatic STOW feature on every system…… it is called “the first overpass”.
Just checking to see if you are reading the manual (smile.)
• Ability to take advantage of improvement software upgrades by going directly to
www.motosat.com and downloading the latest firmware upgrade for use in your
system.
• Return to Last Satellite. This feature eliminates the blind search that is required
when you have moved to a new location. Once the system has located the
satellite(s), when instructed to do so, will return to that location after you have
stowed then re-powered the system. This operation will reduces acquisition time.
• Your open faced MotoSAT antenna is highlighted (noticeable at night) with a soft
glow from a blue LED on the mount.
• No accidental deploying of the system. Power must be turned ON and then you
must select either FIND or STOW. The “FIND” button puts the antenna into
satellite acquisition mode. The “STOW” button retracts the antenna for traveling.
• The antenna stows to a height of 10 ½ inches (below your air conditioner height.)
• A mounting plate that attaches to your roof will disperse the wind loading created
by the antenna during wind gusts.
• All of the electronics that control the antenna are located inside your RV.
• The Nomad Controller runs independent of the satellite receiver. In other words it
does not rely upon interaction of the satellite receiver to find satellites.

5
FRONT VIEW
The Front Panel consists of three buttons; “STOW”, “FIND” and “POWER.” It also has 4
LED indicators; STOW, FIND, LNB and POWER.
BUTTONS
STOW: This button will return the dish to the “STOWED” position for travel. It also
works in conjunction with the FIND button to put the unit into “Test Dish Mode.”
FIND: This button will start the Nomad SD/SD2 searching for satellite(s). It also works
in conjunction with the STOW button to put the unit into “Test Dish mode” and
provides functional options.
POWER: This button turns the power to the Nomad SD/SD2 ON and OFF.
LED’s
STOW: When the Nomad SD/SD2 Controllers are in Test Dish mode or in the process
of stowing the dish, this LED indicator blinks. It is on continuously when a dish is
properly stowed.
FIND: When the Nomad SD/SD2 is searching for a satellite, this LED indicator will
blink. When this indicator is ON continuously, the Nomad SD/SD2 has completed
its search and is locked onto satellite(s).
LNB: When the controller is searching for satellites this LED is ON. The power is
supplied to the LNB by the Nomad SD/SD2 Controller during this time. Once the
controller has locked onto the satellite(s), the LNB receives its power from the
satellite receiver if the satellite receiver is linked to the mount through the Nomad
SD/SD2 (this link is optional.)
Power: This LED indicates to the user that the Nomad SD/SD2 Controller is ON.
SD Card Slot
This card slot permits the use of either a Multimedia Card (MMC) or a Secure Digital
Card (SD). To insert the card, push it into the slot until you feel a detent or hear a click.
To remove the card, push in on the card until you feel or hear a click indicating that the
card has been released then slide the card out of its slot. SD Cards DO NOT have to be
installed the SD Card slot for proper operation of the system. The SD cards used for
loading Controller software upgrades and/or capturing Log data
STOW
FIND
SD Card
Status Indicators
Power

6
REAR VIEW
The Rear Panel consists of a MAIN POWER and CONTROL CABLE connector, TO
RECEIVER and TO MOUNT F-Connectors. The Nomad SD Controller differs from the
Nomad SD2 in that the SD Memory Card Slot is located in the rear of the unit between the
Control Connector (9 pin) and the “To Receiver” F-type connector.
CONNECTIONS
12 VDC: Provides +/- 12 volt DC input power for Controller and
Mount operation.
Control Cable: Sends +/- 12 volt DC power to the Mount motors and
receives positioning information from the dish.
To Receiver: This cable routes the TV signal to the Satellite Receiver (see the label on
the bottom of the Controller.)
To Mount: This cable routes to the Roof Mount to provide LNB power (see the label on
the bottom of the Controller.)
NOTE: For DirecTV 5 LNB Slim Line High Definition receivers that require a
B-Band Converter (BBC), install it before the Controller.
For Dish Network receivers that use a Separator, install it after the
controller.
12 VDC Control Cable To Receiver To Mount

7
OPERATION
POWERING UP the Nomad SD /SD2 Controller
After making the entire antenna, controller and receiver connections for the Nomad
SD/SD2, press the POWER button. The unit will initiate its self test routines which take only
take a few seconds to complete. The FIND, STOW, and LNB LED’s will illuminate
momentarily during this process. Once the initialization test routine has finished, the front panel
LED display will indicate the status of the dish. The “FIND” and “POWER” LED’s will be
illuminated if the dish is locked on the designated satellite(s). If the “STOW” and “POWER”
LED’s are illuminated, the dish is in the stowed (travel) position. If the “LNB” LED is
illuminated, the satellite receiver is connected to the controller and has power applied to it. If the
dish status is unknown, neither the “FIND” nor “STOW” LED’s will be illuminated. In this case
either press “STOW” to stow the dish or perform a Test Dish before proceeding.
TEST DISH or testing the Mount
First time operation of the Nomad SD/SD2 controller requires the user to e ecute a “Test
Dish.” This will “marry” the controller to the mount. To e ecute a Test Dish routine, turn the
POWER ON and depress the STOW and FIND buttons simultaneously. The controller will
perform a full test dish operation and determine the type of mount to which it is connected. The
“STOW” LED will flash during this operation. Once the “Test Dish” operation has completed,
the dish will be in the stowed position and the “STOW” LED will be illuminated continuously. If
the mount type conflicts with the current network configuration, a critical error will be displayed
by the flashing FIND LED. The number of blinks will indicate the type of error encountered.
See ERROR CODES in this manual. Two minutes after the completion of a “Test Dish”
operation if there is no other activity, the Nomad SD/SD2 will shut itself down (turn the POWER
OFF automatically.)
FINDING Satellite
Turn the POWER ON and wait for the controller to power up.
NORMAL (Normal Find Sequence)
Press the FIND button once. The dish will begin searching for the desired
satellite(s) as defined by the network configuration (Satellite TV Provider Satellites.)
OPTION 1 (Eastern Seaboard Search) Dish Network DP-3 or MD1 ONLY
If you are located somewhere on the Eastern Seaboard, press the FIND button and
hold for a minimum of 3 seconds and then release. This will initiate a special search
sequence for the Eastern Seaboard region. It will assist in lowering the initial acquisition
time when used with your HD-DP3 or MD1000 controllers with serial number greater
than 9 2 15.
OPTION 2 (Return to Last Known Satellite Position)
If you have not moved or repositioned your RV and have STOWED your dish for
any reason and you want to bypass the normal find sequence, press the FIND button
once and release. Wait for the FIND LED to blink at least once and then press it again
and hold the FIND button down again for a minimum of 3 seconds and then release.
This will initiate a Return to Last Known Satellite position. Acquisition time will be
somewhere around 3 minutes which is less than the Normal Find Sequence.
The FIND LED will flash when the system is acquiring the desired satellite(s). Once the
controller has locked onto the desired satellite(s), the FIND LED remains lit

8
STOWING the Dish
To stow the dish (place it into the travel position (fully retracted)) press the “STOW”
button once and the controller will begin to return the dish to the travel position. The STOW
LED will flash while stowing. The “STOW” button can be pressed anytime during the search for
and after locking onto a satellite(s). Once the dish is stowed, the controller will shut itself down
automatically.
SD MEMORY CARDS
The system will operate properly with or without a memory card inserted. The card has two
Functions.
1. Upgrading the latest firmware (obtained from www.motosat.com ) when it is placed into
the Root Directory.
2. If you create a folder on the SD Card called “LOGFILES” the system will be able to log
information which will aid in troubleshooting the system if an error should occur. This
file folder is not automatically created it must be created in order to function.
The card is inserted by pushing the card into the slot until it clicks into place. To remove
the card, depress the card once again and the socket will eject it then slide the card out of the
memory slot. The SD Card must be formatted to a FAT32 file format.
STEPS TO PERFORM A FIRMWARE UPGRADE
1. Stow the dish before beginning this upgrade procedure.
2. The Nomad SD/SD2 Controller(s) can be upgraded manually by copying the latest
firmware upgrade from the MotoSAT WEB site www.motosat.com into the Root
Directory. See EXPLANATION of SD Card Root Directory in this manual. Be
sure to copy the file into the card’s “root directory" and not into a subdirectory or
folder.
3. Power OFF the controller then insert the memory into the card slot of the
controller.
4. Power ON the controller. Within 10 seconds the Nomad SD/SD2 Controller will
automatically detect the upgrade and install the upgrade code.
During the upgrade process, the FIND and STOW LED’s will flash alternately indicating that
programming is taking place. DO NOT remove the SD memory card from the Controller
until upgrade process is completed. Completion of the upgrade is indicated by steady FIND
and STOW LED's. If no upgrade is detected or the upgrade attempted has an older version file
name than what is already installed in the controller, an upgrade will not take place.

9
LOG FILES
Log files are a diagnostic tool for monitoring the system as it goes through its various
routines. Data will automatically be copied into the “LOGFILES” folder on the memory card
being used if there is a folder marked “LogFiles” on the SD Card. If there is not a LOGFILES
folder on the SD memory card, the Nomad SD/SD2 will not capture data. If you want to
capture diagnostic data you have to create a “LogFiles” folder. It must be identified as
“LogFiles”. The name is not case sensitive but it must be identified as “LogFiles” in order to
capture diagnostic data. The memory card must not be write-protected (note the slide switch on
the side of the SD Card) for data to be created and stored. If it is write-protected the Nomad
SD/SD2 will ignore the card. The most recent logfiles entry is the one with the highest
incremental number in the file name. To read a log file, insert the memory card into your
computer and open it using Word Pad or any Te t Editor. The controller adds to the logfiles
folder when a successful satellite search is completed, if a system critical error occurs, or after a
successful dish stowing operation.
ERROR MESSAGES
The Nomad SD/SD2 has internal diagnostic capabilities that will indicate when a Critical
Error has been detected. If a critical error occurs, the STOW and FIND LED’s will blink
simultaneously at one second intervals. The number of repetitions will indicate the specific
number error code number. After a two (2) second pause the Nomad SD/SD2 will blink out the
error code number again. The system can not function after e periencing a critical error. The unit
will have to be shut OFF and restarted (see Test Dish.) The Nomad SD/SD2 will also record a
te t message indicating the error into the Log File if a memory card was installed at the time of
the error. If the card was not inserted at the time of the error turn OFF the power and insert a
memory card and turn ON the power to the Nomad SD/SD2 and press the “FIND” button. This
captured information can be sent to the MotoSAT Technical Support Department by email to
[email protected] to be analyzed.

1
Indicated by sequential flashing of the “FIND” LED
ERROR CODES
Code Description Critical Error = ! (Factory action required)
Probable cause
0 NO ERROR
1 MOTOR, MOVING Normal Operation
2 INVALID MODE 1 Check Configuration
3 INVALID MODE 2 Check Configuration
4 MOTOR, TIMEOUT EL
5 MOTOR, TIMEOUT AZ Check sensors or Wiring
6 MOTOR, TIMEOUT SK
7 LIMIT ERROR, EL
8 LIMIT ERROR, AZ Check for obstructions
9 LIMIT ERROR SK trees, buildings etc.
10 TUNER FAILURE !
11 AGC, NO LOCK !
12 MAIN SAT ONLY FOUND Check for obstructions
13 MAIN SAT NOT FOUND trees, buildings etc.
14 UNUSED
15 UNUSED
16 NO SATELLITES FOUND Check for obstructions
17 OVER TEMP (This code does not necessarily mean that the Nomad controller has a
problem. It indicates that the temperature within the working environment has e ceeded a
normal operational level and could damage or affect normal operation of your electronic
equipment. Correct the over temperature problem and if problem continues, replace the Nomad
controller. This error means that you have been warned concerning damage to your other
electronics in the cabinet.
18 DISH HEIGHT ERROR - Improper configuration selection for the mount or the
mount is binding.
19 COAX ERROR – Reversed Coax cables on the back of the controller.
20 UNUSED
21 UNUSED
22 GPS FAILURE - The FIND LED will blink for 5 minutes before beginning starting a
Search Routine using the last stored GPS data
23 NO MAIN AFTER SKEW
24 CRITICAL INTERNAL FAILURE !
25 LNB POWER FAILURE !
26 TUNER AMP ON, FAILURE !
27 TUNER ID, FAILURE !
28 MOTOR, FAILURE - Check sensors
29 COUNTER, FAILURE - Check sensors
30 MOUNT MISS-MATCH – Check Programming configuration

11
SETTING SERVICE AND MOUNT TYPE
Using the Front Panel
(With Version 29 Software or greater)
This process is only needed to be done only once per installation. It is used to marry the
controller to the mount.
CAUTION!! Do not confuse this software with any earlier versions. If you have a
NomadSD.dat file on your Memory Card Remove it from the Root Directory FIRST.
Failure to do so will cause your stored Configuration data to be overwritten by this data
thus preventing any programming that you may do through the front panel.
The Nomad SD/SD2 Controller can be programmed in the steps listed below.
The STOW, FIND and the POWER buttons will allow you to configure your controller.
NOMAD SD2 CONTROLLER
Entering into the Configuration Mode
• Hold down the STOW and FIND buttons then press the POWER ON button. Release
the POWER button but continue to hold the STOW and FIND buttons for an additional
10 seconds or until you see the STOW and FIND LED’s turn OFF, then turn ON again
- then release all buttons. You are now ready to proceed with the configuration process.
If the above does not happen, repeat the process until it does. This will put the controller
into the Configuration mode.
STOW FIND POWER

12
SETTING SERVICE AND MOUNT TYPE
To SET SERVICE TYPE after you are in the programming mode.
(Note: Pressing the FIND BUTTON will toggle through SERVICE TYPE.)
• The FIND LED indicates the Network ID (or SERVICE TYPE) selected. It will blink
the number of the current settings, pause, and the repeat the pattern according to the
following table:
MOUNT TYPES
SERVICE TYPE NON SKEWABLE * SKEWABLE *
1= Dish Network 119/11 11 ,119
2= DirecTV 1 1 99,1 1,1 3,11 ,119
3= BELL TV 91/82 82,91
4= Not used
5= Dish Network EAST 61.5/11 /119 N/A
6= Dish Network WEST 11 /119/148 N/A
7= DirecTV ENHANCED 1 1/119 N/A
8= Dish Network HD 11 /119/129 11 ,119,129
** SHAW Direct 1 7.3,111.1
** LOAD SHAW Direct Software Revision nsd_1000.he OR
HIGHER and the CONFIGUR TION IS UTOM TIC .
*NOTE: A slash (/) between the satellites indicates the system will only see one satellite at a
time. A comma (,) between the satellites indicates the system will see all these satellites at
the same time.
Once eight (8) rapid blinks is reached the process will start back at one (1) if the FIND button is
pressed again.
To SET MOUNT TYPE
(Note: Pressing the STOW button will toggle between Skewable and Non-Skewable
mount configurations.)
• The STOW LED will indicate Skewable or Non-Skewable type mounts
Skewable = ON,
Non-Skewable = OFF.
Please note: In the case of Dish Network EAST, Dish Network WEST and DirecTV
ENHANCED or a Star Choice mount the STOW LED will automatically be set according to the
type of mount used for that particular type of configuration.
SAVING SETTINGS
• To save the current configuration setting, turn off the unit and turn it back on again
normally and that will store your settings. At this time please perform a TEST DISH to
match the Controller to the Mount. After a successful Test Dish…
PRESS THE “FIND” BUTTON TO ACQUIRE YOUR PROGRAMMED SATELLITES.
Slow Blink
Rapid
Blink

13
SHOW MODE SETTINGS
FOR SPECIFIC MOUNT TYPE
Using the SD Memory Card
Note: This configuration process is limited to Microsoft’s Operating system. Sorry, no
Mac’s at this time.
To use your computer to configure your Nomad SD/SD2, format the SD card to FAT32 and:
1. Select “START”, “ALL PROGRAMS”, “ACCESSORIES” and “Note Pad” on your
computer.
2. Enter the Network Configuration number from the selection below and place it on the
first line of the file. Just the Network Configuration number is all that you need.
3. Name this file “NomadSD.dat” and save it onto your SD Card in the root directory.
Configuration
Number Type of Configuration
11 SHOW MODE, SKEWABLE MOUNT
12 SHOW MODE, NON-SKEWABLE MOUNT
Show Mode can only be entered using the SD Card.

14
EXPANATION
SD Card Root Directory
Sample of files located
in the root directory
NomadSD.dat
Sample shows a MotoSAT file folder and a Software file.
Since the software file is not in a “folder” then it is
considered to be in the “Root Directory”.
NOTE:
The .hex file contains the operating program of the Nomad SD/SD2 and once read it will be
stored into the Nomad SD/SD2 memory.
After the Nomad SD2 is first configured, it is not necessary to have the software file in the root
directory. It may be moved into the MotoSAT files folder or a folder of your choice.

15
Sample of SD Card with no files in the Root Directory
There are no files
in the “
R
oot Directory”
.
There is only a MotoSAT file folder.

16
MOUNT DEFINITION
Skew Motor and Sensor
Motors and Sensors
(Azimuth, Elevation)
Mounting Plate
Mount (HD)
LNB Arm (HD)
Elevation
Sensor
Azimuth
Sensor
Skew
Sensor
When replacing a motor, improper handling can result
in this…... Tape the motor gear housing together to
prevent separation. Motors returned in this condition
will be charged a fee.
Proper orientation

17
SENSORS
All Sensors for the television mounts utilize the same sensor. It can be used in the
Azimuth, Elevation or Skew motor assemblies.
NOTE:
1. The depth of the sensor is common for all television motor assemblies.
2. Use care in handling the sensor. Do not pry or put into a bind as breakage can occur.
The sensor is actually a glass bead encapsulated into plastic.
3. When handling motors use care as the case can separate causing the motor gearbo
housing to come apart and prove to be unusable.
4. Scotch Locks are splicing devices which will aid in sensor replacement when used
properly.
5. Take care in locating the proper wire to splice. Do not mistake the motor wire for the
sensor wire. See Wiring Diagram
Depth into the gearbo assembly is
important. The lock nuts are in
place to keep the sensor at the proper
predetermined depth. A good rule of
thumb is 5 ½ threads from the end of
the sensor to the first nut. 5 ½ threads

18

19

2
Effective 23 April 2008
3-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
FOR NEW SYSTEMS PUR HASED AND INSTALLED THROUGH A ERTIFIED DEALER
DETAILS BELOW
MotoSAT designs and manufactures high quality equipment and makes every effort to insure that you are getting
the most reliable product available. In the event your product should fail please follow the guidelines set below.
90-DAY SERVICE AND FREIGHT WARRANTY GUIDELINES
90 DAY SERVICE
• MotoSAT will cover in the first 90 days from date of installation pre-approved dealer piece rates for removal,
reinstallation and alignments of any defective component manufactured by MotoSAT
• Conditions of the warranty:
o Customer agrees to take his vehicle to an approved MotoSAT service center or agrees to pay the travel
time for the approved MotoSAT Service Technician
o The service appointment must be pre-approved by the MotoSAT Warranty/Support Department
o All reasonable charges have been discussed and accepted, in advance, by both parties
o New parts received for installation and found to be non-functional at the time of installation can be sent
back to MotoSAT for a full exchange and compensation for time and shipping when part is verified by
MotoSAT to be non-functional If said part is found to be fully operative and functional, no compensation
for time will be approved and shipping will be charged both directions
o If during repair the Service Technician discovers that failure is due to either damage after installation or
improper installation the Service Technician will contact MotoSAT Technical Support Department for
further instruction
FREIGHT
• MotoSAT agrees to pay ground freight ONLY, in both directions, for replacement parts and components in the first
90 days of Warranty Any other requested method of shipping will be at the sole expense of the customer
1 YEAR FACTORY LABOR, 3 YEARS PARTS AND FREIGHT WARRANTY GUIDELINES
1 YEAR LABOR
• MotoSAT will cover factory labor rates on all new equipment and components manufactured by MotoSAT for 1 year
from the date of installation
• After 1 year from the date of installation all equipment and components manufactured by MotoSAT will be charged
pre-set factory labor rates for repair or replacement
• Refer to the MotoSAT RMA policy at the end of this warranty for part replacement options
3 YEARS PARTS
• MotoSAT will cover all new equipment and components manufactured by MotoSAT to be free from defects in
material and workmanship under conditions of normal use for 3 years from the date of installation
• Refer to the MotoSAT RMA policy at the end of this warranty for part replacement options
FREIGHT
• After 90 days, MotoSAT agrees to pay for ground freight ONLY, in one direction, for replacement parts and
components Any other requested method of shipping will be at the sole expense of the customer