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.
12 3 8 4 5 6 7

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Section III Operating Instructions
3.1 Installation Overview
Because of the mobility of the Sentinel Antenna System, it can be installed
in a variety of locations and applications; Vehicular, Trailer-Mounted, RV,
Rooftop and many others. This section is not intended to answer all
installation questions but to cover the basics that apply to all installs.
3.2 Mounting Surface
When deciding where to mount your Sentinel Antenna, you should
consider the following:
Level – The Sentinel has onboard tilt sensors and can operate on a tilt of
up to 10 degrees. However, the more out of level, the longer the Satellite
acquisition takes. Always try to start from the most level position
available.
Clearance – You must allow enough clearance to permit full motion of the
Azimuth and Elevation movements of the Sentinel. To avoid damage,
verify this PRIOR to the permanent attachment to your mounting surface.
Rigid Mounting Surface – The mounting surface must be rigid enough
not to flex as the mount moves in its Azimuth travel.
Weight – Be sure the mounting surface will support the weight and the
associated wind loads that may occur during use.
3.3 Wiring Overview
After your Sentinel Antenna System has been mechanically installed, the
next step is to complete the wiring of the unit from the Antenna to the
Interface Control Equipment (ICE), Modem, Personal Computer, GPS,
Ground and Power Supply. You should also connect the supplied coax
transmit and receive cables to the LNB and Transmitter at this time.
Wiring for the Sentinel has been designed for
simplicity in the field. Antenna connections are
clearly identified and easily located at the rear
of the base unit. (The picture at right shows the
optional heating kit installed at the center
connection)

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Starting at the Sentinel Antenna base unit:
1. Locate and install the supplied GPS antenna to
connector labeled “GPS” on the antenna base.
Place the GPS antenna in a location that allows
clear view of the sky.
2. Locate and install RG-6 Coax Cables of
sufficient length to the Receive (Rx), Transmit
(Tx) and Communications (COMM.) terminals at
on the antenna base. These connections should
include a generous amount of dielectric grease
in the connector.
3. Following installation of the Receive, Transmit and Communications RG-6
Coax Cables to the Sentinel Antenna base unit, complete the coax cable
connections to the respective ICE ports and Modem as follows:
4. Locate and install a Ground connection
(standard #14 gauge vehicle wire) from the ICE
unit to the vehicle frame or other approved
Ground location.
5. Connect the Receive RG-6 Coax Cable to the
ICE Receive Output terminal.
6. Connect the Communications RG-6 Coax Cable
to the ICE Communications terminal.
7. Connect the Transmit RG-6 Coax Cable to the
Modem Out terminal located on the Modem of
choice.
8. Connect the Receive Input terminal on the ICE to the Modem ‘In’ terminal
on the Modem of choice with RG-6 Coax Cable.
9. Connect a standard CAT-5 Ethernet cable from the ICE unit directly to an
Ethernet Hub or router for PC connections. (Optional)

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10. After installing the radio assembly (see Sections 3.4 and 3.5), locate and
install the provided RG-6 Coax Receive Cable installed on the feed
support of the Sentinel unit to the LNB and the RG-6 Coax Transmitter
Cable to the transmitter.
11.Connect the ICE controller unit to a 12VDC source.
You may now safely power up the Sentinel Antenna Terminal (see Section
3.7).
Note: A Typical System Wiring Diagram is Provided Below
Installation features the use of standard RG-6, F connectors, #14 gauge
vehicle wire and RS-232 and/or CAT-5 Ethernet cables.

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3.4 Feed Assembly – Hughesnet Interface
1. The Hughesnet transmit/receive electronics are supplied by Hughes Network
Systems with the transmitter (BUC) attached to the LNB/OMT with a section
of rigid waveguide as shown in the figure below. When used with the Sentinel
antenna, the rigid waveguide section must be removed and replaced with the
waveguide supplied with the Sentinel unit. To do this, remove the four screws
attaching the waveguide to the BUC and the four screws attaching the
waveguide to the LNB/OMT. Keep the screws, waveguide spacer, and the o-
rings and set aside the rigid waveguide.
2. Locate the short waveguide supplied with the Sentinel antenna. Re-assemble
the BUC and LNB/OMT as shown in the figure below using the screws,
waveguide spacer, and o-rings from the original assembly. (Because of the
flange interfaces, the waveguide can only be assembled in one
direction/orientation.) Tighten all hardware securely.
HUGHESNET TRANSMIT/RECEIVE ELECTRONICS AS SUPPLIED BY HUGHES NETWORK SYSTEMS
LNB/OMT
BUC
RIGID WAVEGUIDE
SPACER
HUGHESNET TRANSMIT/RECEIVE ELECTRONICS ASSEMBLED FOR SENTINEL
SPACER
BUC
LNB/OMT SHORT WAVEGUIDE

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3. Place the assembly from step #2 into the feed cradle with the short
waveguide resting in the rear support bracket. Attach the OMT flange to the
flange of the feed assembly using the o-ring and hardware provided. Tighten
securely. Note that the assembly must be oriented correctly. If your
requirement is vertical receive polarization, orient the LNB’s coax
connector parallel to the feed cradle’s motor arm as shown below. If
your requirement is horizontal receive polarization, orient the LNB’s
coax connector perpendicular to the feed cradle’s motor arm.
4. Secure the assembly in the feed cradle by attaching the top clamp on the rear
support bracket. Tighten the two screws securely.
5. Attach the receive coax cable (labeled Rx) to the LNB’s coax connector and
the transmit coax cable (labeled Tx) to the coax connector on the BUC.
VERTICAL RECEIVE ASSEMBLY -
COAX PARALLEL TO MOTOR ARM
HORIZONTAL RECEIVE ASSEMBLY
–
COAX PERPENDICULAR TO MOTOR ARM
COMPLETED HUGHESNET FEED ASSEMBLY

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3.5 Feed Assembly – Standard Interface
1. The Sentinel standard feed assembly ships from the factory assembled for
vertical polarization receive and horizontal polarization transmit. If your
application requires horizontal receive polarization, remove the five screws
holding the OMT to the feed horn, rotate the OMT until the indicator aligns
with the marking “HORIZ. Rx”, and re-install the screws. Tighten securely.
2. Attach the transmitter to the through port of the OMT with hardware and o-
ring provided with the transmitter. Tighten securely.
3. Attach the LNB to the receive port of the OMT with hardware and o-ring
provided with the LNB. Tighten securely.
4. Attach the receive coax cable (labeled Rx) to the LNB’s coax connector
and the transmit coax cable (labeled Tx) to the coax connector on the
BUC.
FEED ASSEMBLED FOR VERTICAL RECEIVE FEED ASSEMBLED FOR HORIZONTAL RECEIVE

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3.6 Reflector Installation
1. It is easiest to install the reflector with the antenna pedestal raised up from
the stowed position to the deployed position.
To accomplish this, complete the wiring
connections outlined in Section 3.2 and the
feed assembly outlined in Section 3.3 or 3.4
and apply power to the ICE unit. With power
applied, press and release the
ACQUIRE/STOW button on the front panel.
After completing the power-up sequence, the
pedestal will rise to a vertical position. Once
the pedestal is in the vertical position, press
and release the HALT/RESUME button to stop
any further motion while the reflector is being
installed.
2. The reflector supplied with your Sentinel Antenna System is designed with
offset optics and must be installed in the correct orientation (top / bottom).
This is easily accomplished by observing the position and orientation of the
Sentinel logo on the reflector’s front face.
3. Position the reflector on the pedestal’s reflector
support. Align the holes of the reflector with the
mating holes in the reflector support bracket.
Attach the reflector with the 5/16” hardware
provided. Note that there are two longer and
two shorter carriage bolts. The longer bolts are
for the two lower holes in the reflector and the
shorter bolts are for the two upper holes.
Secure each bolt with a flat washer, lock
washer, and hex nut. Tighten securely.
4. With the reflector installed, you may press the STOW button to return the
pedestal to the stowed position or press the RESUME button to continue with
satellite acquisition.
PEDESTAL IN DEPLOYED POSITION
REFLECTOR INSTALLATION

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A description of the reflector mounting hardware for each size antenna is
shown in the following tables.
98cm Reflector Mounting Hardware Kit
Item Part Number Description Qty.
1 8038-020 Carriage Bolt, 5/16-18 x 2.50 2
2 8038-028 Carriage Bolt, 5/16-18 x 3.50 2
3 8201-034 Flat Washer, 5/16” 4
4 8202-028 Lock Washer, 5/16” 4
5 8500-293 Hex Nut, 5/16-18 4
1.2m Reflector Mounting Hardware Kit
Item Part Number Description Qty.
1 8038-024 Carriage Bolt, 5/16-18 x 3.00 2
2 8038-029 Carriage Bolt, 5/16-18 x 3.75 2
3 8201-034 Flat Washer, 5/16” 4
4 8202-028 Lock Washer, 5/16” 4
5 8500-293 Hex Nut, 5/16-18 4

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3.7 Initial Power Up & Programming
Interface Control Equipment (ICE) Front Panel
Your Sentinel will arrive with factory default satellite parameters. In order to
begin to use the Sentinel Antenna, you will need to program your target Satellite
parameters. The following steps outline this process.
1. Press the Acquire/Stow button – This will power up the controller and start
an acquisition sequence using the factory default settings. Once the antenna
rises up into the deployed position, you can press the Halt/Resume button to
stop further motion while satellite parameters are being entered. Alternately,
you can dis-connect the Communications coax from the back of the controller
while satellite parameters are entered to prevent any pedestal motion.
2. Open Web Browser – With the web browser open, go to
http://192.168.75.75 to access the controller’s web GUI. See Section 4.4,
“Navigation to the Front Panel menu” for more details.
3. Click on Access Protected – Select the “Access Protected” tab from the
Front Panel screen and enter the appropriate password. After entering the
password, the GUI will return to the Front Panel screen.
4. Click on Setup – Select the Setup tab from the Front Panel screen. The
browser will navigate you to the Setup or Satellite Configuration screen.
5. Input Modem and Satellite Parameters – Enter the modem and satellite
parameters for the target satellite to be used for acquisition. Note that this
information must be accurate and entered correctly for acquisition to be
successful. See Section 4.4, Setup Screen for more details.
6. Stow Sentinel – Press the Stow button on the controller’s Front Panel or click
the Stow button from the GUI Front Panel screen to return the Sentinel
pedestal to the stowed position. Note that if you chose in Step #1 to dis-

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connect the communications coax from the back of the controller, you may
skip this step to stow and re-connect the coax at this time.
7. Deploy with New Parameters – Power cycle the controller to ensure that all
changes take effect. When power is re-applied, press the ACQUIRE/STOW
button on the front of the controller to initiate an acquisition sequence with
your new satellite parameters.