Satcom GENERAL DYNAMICS SENTINEL User manual

4096-745 Rev. F
September 21, 2009
OWNER’S MANUAL
SENTINEL Auto Acquire Antenna
Mobile Satellite Internet System
GENERAL DYNAMICS
SATCOM Technologies
1500 Prodelin Drive
Newton NC 28658USA
Phone [phone]
www.gdsatcom.com

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SENTINEL Auto Acquire Antenna
F Revised Section 3.1 and general edit. 09/21/09
E Edits added from April 7 input and follow-on discussions 04/30/09 R.F.
D Edits and added wiring instructions and diagram 02/27/09 R.F.
C Edits 02/24/09 R.F.
B Added GUI screens description. 06/23/08 R.F.
A Change front and rear panels, switch def, add blink
codes. 10/24/07 R.E.S.
- Released for review. 04/05/07 R.F.
REV. DESCRIPTION DATE APPROVED

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION TITLE
I INTRODUCTION
1.1 INTRODUCTION
1.2 PRECAUTIONS AND REMINDERS
1.3 GENERAL INFORMATION
1.4 TERMS & GLOSSARY
II SYSTEM OVERVIEW
2.1 SATELLITE INTERNET OVERVIEW
2.2 COMPONENTS LIST
2.3 COMPUTER REQUIREMENTS
2.4 ISP INFORMATION
2.5 FRONT & REAR PANELS
III INSTALLATION
3.1 INSTALLATION OVERVIEW
3.2 MOUNTING SURFACE
3.3 WIRING OVERVIEW
3.4 FEED ASSEMBLY - HUGHESNET
3.5 FEED ASSEMBLY - STANDARD
3.6 REFLECTOR INSTALLATION
3.7 INITIAL POWER UP & PROGRAMMING
IV OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
4.1 ANTENNA OPERATION - FRONT PANEL
4.2 FAULTS & WARNINGS
4.3 BLINK CODES
4.4 ANTENNA OPERATION –USING GUI
V SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
5.1 REGISTRATION / WARRANTY / SERVICE
5.2 SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
5.3 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

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Section I Introduction
1.1 Introduction
The General Dynamics Sentinel Auto Acquire Mobile Satellite Internet
System has been built to the highest standards to provide years of reliable
service. It has been designed with simplicity in mind: simple to set up,
simple to use and simple to maintain. It is also designed to allow easy
field repair or replacement of parts if needed.
Careful attention during the assembly and programming of the
Sentinel will assure maximum performance. Please read the manual
completely before beginning assembly.
If you have any questions about the Sentinel System, please contact our
customer service department at 828-464-4141 (8:00am – 5:00pm EST
Monday through Friday) or visit our website at www.gdsatcom.com.
1.2 Precautions and Reminders
•This device emits radio frequency energy. Do not place your head
or other body parts between transmitting feed horn and reflector
when system is operational.
•Before performing any maintenance or upgrades, unplug the unit
from power source.
•Do not try to manually move antenna or hinder antenna movement
as this could result in bodily injury or damage to the unit.
•Be aware of pinch points while the antenna is being positioned,
deployed or stowed.
•Do not move the vehicle while the antenna is deployed.
•Do not attempt to deploy the unit while the vehicle is in motion.
•Do not attach or hang items from the antenna unit.
1.3 General Information
The General Dynamics Sentinel Auto Acquire Mobile Satellite Internet
System will allow you to access the World Wide Web from virtually
anywhere your vehicle can take you. You just need a clear view of the
southern sky.
The Sentinel can be deployed from the stowed position and acquire a pre-
selected satellite by the simple press of a button on the model 7000
Controller. Pressing the same button again stows the system and
prepares it for the next acquisition. The controller allows the user’s PC to
be off while the antenna control system remains fully operational (i.e. the

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system architecture is PC independent). The web-based Graphical User
Interface (GUI) is designed to provide advanced features, remote
availability of diagnostic information and the downloading of updates.
Complete system status is also available without a computer, with a status
light that flashes Red or Yellow error codes.
The Sentinel’s advanced features allow users to open a web page and
enter a password to gain full control of the unit. It also provides for a user
level password to be set, to provide limited control for local users, if
needed.
Once the Sentinel is setup, it becomes a One-Button solution for
connection to the Internet. It is that simple.
1.4 Terms & Glossary
The following terms and acronyms may be used in the document.
BUC Block Up Converter (transmitter)
LNB Low Noise Block Converter
OMT Orthomode Transducer
ICE Interface Control Electronics
ACE Antenna Control Electronics
ISP Internet Service Provider
GUI Graphical User Interface
GPS Global Positioning System

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Section II System Overview
2.1 Satellite Internet Overview
Satellite Internet is simply using a satellite link for your broadband connection to
the Internet instead of a wire (Cable or DSL) or wireless (Cellular) connection.
To use Satellite Internet you have to aim your antenna at the satellite determined
by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). The antenna is fitted with a BUC to
transmit and an LNB to receive. The BUC and LNB transmit and receive
information to and from the modem. The BUC, LNB, and Modem are provided
by your ISP. The Modem is connected to your computer. If you wish to connect
to more than one computer simply insert an optional Ethernet Hub.
The Sentinel takes care of the first and most important part of this; aiming and
peaking the antenna. This is critical because without proper antenna alignment,
you can never fully utilize the bandwidth from your ISP. The mobility of this
system will allow you to access the World Wide Web from virtually anywhere
your vehicle can take you. You just need a clear view of the southern sky. The
antenna can be deployed from the stowed position and acquire the pre-selected
satellite by pushing one button on the Model 7000 controller.
Interface
Control
Equipment
Tx
Rx
Modem
Router
End
User
INTERNET
Network
Operations
Center

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2.2 Components List
Sentinel System Includes:
•Sentinel Reflector and Pedestal Mount
•Sentinel Model 7000 Interface Control Equipment (ICE)
•GPS Antenna
•120VAC Power Supply
Additional Equipment Required: (customer supplied)
•Modem
oHughes Network Systems Model: DW7000, DW7700 or
DW7740
oIDirect Network Model: IDirect 3000, 5000, 7000, or
NetModem II
•Router or Ethernet Hub
•CAT-5 Ethernet Cable of appropriate lengths to connect your PC or
Mac, modem, and ICE to the Ethernet hub or router. (customer
supplied)
•RG-6 Coax Cable – 100’ Max. (3 required; Receive, Transmit,
Communications)
2.3 Computer Requirements
Note: In order to properly connect to the Internet, a computer
(laptop or desktop) with Internet Explorer installed is required.
PC Mac
Operating System:
Windows 98SE, Windows
ME, Windows 2000,
Windows XP
9.0-10.2 or higher
Processor: Pentium II 333MHz or
faster 300 MHz or faster
Memory (RAM):
64MB RAM (Windows
98SE and Windows ME)
128MB RAM (Windows
2000 and Windows XP)
128MB
Free Hard Drive Space: 100MB 150MB
Networking Capability: 10/100 Ethernet 10/100 Ethernet

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2.4 ISP Information
After your Sentinel Auto Acquire Mobile Satellite Internet System has been
installed, programmed, and brought online, the following information will be
available from your ISP. It is recommended that you record and keep the
information available. This information is exclusive to your specific unit and
therefore should be kept confidential.
PLEASE RECORD AND KEEP THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION
Your Site Account Number
(SAN Number):
Your PIN Number:
Registered to:
Name:
Address:
City:
State, Zip:
Country:
Telephone:
E-Mail:
Modem Type and Model:
Service Package:
Satellite Name:
Service and Support Group:
Name:
Contact:
Address:
City:
State, Zip:
Telephone:
E-Mail:
Website:
Installer:
Installer Certification #:
Date Installed:
Date Registered:
Registration Number:
Hardware (ICU) Serial
Number:
Sentinel Serial Number:

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2.5 Front and Rear Panels
Model 7000 Controller Front Panel
Front Panel Interface: There are only two buttons on the front panel. The left
one is the ACQUIRE/STOW button, and the right one is the HALT/RESUME
button. There is also a two color STATUS LED.
Each switch is a momentary push-button style with a single color Green LED.
Before start-up, all lights will be OFF. The antenna is stowed and the system is
in sleep mode. At power up (pressing the ACQUIRE button), the LED switches
on and the status light will illuminate yellow for a few seconds. The controller
checks if the antenna is stowed. If the antenna is not stowed, the controller will
initiate the Stow sequence before proceeding with the Acquire sequence. If the
antenna is stowed, the controller will initiate the Acquire sequence.
The two-color (Red/Yellow) STATUS LED will remain OFF unless a warning or
fault occurs. This LED will initiate a blink code to indicate the “warning” number
in yellow or a “fault” number in red.
The Controller’s enclosure is made from 22 Gauge steel with paint grip zinc
plating. This enclosure has a baked on paint/powder coat finish for durability.
The steel enclosure provides mobile environment ruggedness and EMI shielding.
Size: Height - Sized to fit inside 1 Rack Height Unit (1.75"). Depth is 7.25
inches. Width is 7.0" inches.

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Model 7000 Controller Rear Panel
The rear panel contains six connectors and a grounding post.
The function of these connectors is as follows:
1) 12 Volt DC power connection
Option 1: A field wire-able 12 volt battery power connector is also supplied
with the ICE unit. This connector only requires stripping two #14 AWG wires,
inserting these into the connector and tightening the screws. The supply end
positive wire should go to a 15 Amp fuse in a distribution block.
Option 2: A 120VAC to 12VDC power supply is furnished with the system.
2) Sub-D female 9 pin connector for an RS-232 port supports a serial interface
to the I-Modem ™ and also allows HyperTerminal connection for troubleshooting.
3) RJ-45 female connector for a 10/100 full duplex Ethernet port. This Ethernet
port permits remote control commands and remote updating of the system.
4) Type F female connector for the COM Link (communications).
5) Type F female connector for the RX Output (receive coax to LNB).
6) Type F female connector for the RF Input (coax from modem).
7) 8-32 Ground Stud. For best lightning protection this case ground should be
attached to the nearest vehicle chassis point using tinned copper braid, heavy
gauge wire, or metal bracket (i.e.: pipe hanger strap). The ground wire may be
locally connected near the ICE unit.
8) 10 Amp 5x20mm Fast-Acting fuse limits the current from the 12 Volt power
source.
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