Satcube Ku User manual

Satcube Ku Quick Start Guide

Satcube Ku Terminal CE-certified User Guide v1.6-2019
SATCUBE PROPRIETARY
Document number: Satcube Ku Terminal CE-certified User Guide v1.6-2019
Release date: 22 May 2019
Disclaimer
The information provided in this manual is for information purposes only. This document is subject to
change without notice and may contain errors or inaccuracies. Make sure to acquire the most
current version from the distributor before using the equipment.
This document is a user manual for the Satcube Ku terminal. It is important to observe all safety
requirements listed in this document and to operate the Satcube Ku according to the guidelines
provided in this manual.
Any responsibility or liability for loss or damage in connection with the use of this product and the
accompanying documentation is disclaimed by Satcube.
Satcube is not responsible for the content in any translation or reproduction of this manual from any
other source.

Satcube Ku Terminal CE-certified User Guide v1.6-2019
SATCUBE PROPRIETARY
Safety statements on batteries
To avoid unnecessary hazards, observe the following directions.
•Keep the battery packs away from fire.
•Do not disassemble, break or otherwise tamper with the battery packs.
•Do not drop the battery packs.
•Do not expose the battery packs to temperatures above 50 °C.
•Only use Lithium Ion battery packs that are supplied by Satcube.
In case of battery fault, contact Satcube support at www.satcube.com/customer-service/.

Satcube Ku Terminal CE-certified User Guide v1.6-2019
SATCUBE PROPRIETARY
Table of Contents
1) Introduction
2) Contents and equipment list
3) System safety
a) Security notice
b) Environmental limitations
c) Electricity precautions
d) Operational precautions
e) Radiation hazard
4) Deploy and power on
a) Deploy terminal
b) Deploy front support
c) Deploy antenna
d) Power on
5) Accessing the Graphical User Interface (GUI)
6) Terminal settings and configuration
a) Profile selection
b) Terminal geolocation
c) Accessing the modem’s GUI to configure downlink frequencies
7) Terminal alignment and transmission start
a) Pointing terminal
b) Moving terminal
c) Maximizing signal strength
d) Prepare for transmission
e) Start transmission
i) Via the terminal controls
ii) Via the GUI
8) Internet access
a) Enabling Wi-Fi and changing the password via the GUI
b) Connecting to internet
9) End transmission and power off
a) End transmission
b) Power off

Satcube Ku Terminal CE-certified User Guide v1.6-2019
SATCUBE PROPRIETARY
c) Stow the terminal
10) Cleaning and maintenance
a) General guidelines
b) Cleaning the fans
c) Cleaning the protective vents
d) Cleaning the moving mechanical parts
e) Cleaning the interfaces and connections
f) Storage instructions
Appendix
A. Manual for the terminal’s GUI
B. Troubleshooting
C. Technical specifications
D. Declaration of conformity
E. Integrated modem
F. OpenAMIP

Satcube Ku Terminal CE-certified User Guide v1.6-2019
SATCUBE PROPRIETARY
1. Introduction
The Satcube Ku provides the user with an internet connectivity anywhere on earth, by connecting to
nearby geostationary satellites. It includes 3 hours transmit time standard plus optional hot-
swappable batteries, iDirect or UHP Networks modem, Wi-Fi, flat antenna, amplifier (high efficiency
GaN SSPA), upconverter, downconverter, heat pipe cooling system, positioning system and all
necessary user interfaces (graphical and connections) in one compact package. This quick start guide
is intended to help the operator with setting up and operating the terminal. Troubleshooting and
safety instructions are provided in order to aid the operator in safely handling and maintaining the
terminal.
2. Contents and equipment list
Designation
Units
Dimensions
(mm)
Weight
Protective Case
1
550 x 400 x 20
8 kg
Terminal
1
470 x 320 x 55
Power cable
1
Batteries
3*
AC to DC
converter
1
Table 1 Equipment list. *Additional hot swappable batteries available for purchase.

Satcube Ku Terminal CE-certified User Guide v1.6-2019
SATCUBE PROPRIETARY
3. System safety
The following general safety precautions must be observed during all phases of operation to avoid
injuries or material damage.
a) Security notice
•Do not substitute parts or modify equipment
Because of the danger of introducing additional hazards, do not perform any unauthorized
modification of this product. If any unauthorized substitution of parts has been conducted the
warranty will be declared void.
b) Environmental limitations
•Wind strength
The Satcube Ku terminal should not be operated at wind speeds greater than 40mph. The
highest risk for the terminal to flip over is when the wind comes straight from behind the
transmission direction and the antenna is at an upright position.
•Temperature limitations
The Satcube Ku terminal has an operating temperature range of -20° to 50°.
To avoid risk of high temperatures, please avoid placing the terminal in
direct sunlight exposure.
•Presence of reactive substances
Do not operate the equipment in the presence of flammable gases, liquids,
fumes or equivalent.
•Water and dust
The Satcube Ku terminal is designed to endure rough conditions and is
IP65 rated (Ingress protection). See [Figure 1] below for a full explanation of different IP
ratings and its implications to condition limitations.

Satcube Ku Terminal CE-certified User Guide v1.6-2019
SATCUBE PROPRIETARY
c) Electricity precautions
•Keep away from live circuits
To avoid injuries, always disconnect power and discharge circuits before
touching them. User must not remove equipment covers or tamper
with electric circuits in any way.
•Keep cables away from water
Ensure that the power cable and other used cables are not placed in submerged conditions
or in areas where water could collect.
Figure 1 Ingress Protection, IP, rating explanation chart. The Satcube Ku Terminal is rated IP65.

Satcube Ku Terminal CE-certified User Guide v1.6-2019
SATCUBE PROPRIETARY
•Make sure AC power supply is grounded
If the equipment is connected to an AC power supply, the power supply must be properly
grounded in order to ensure safe operation.
•Only connect the equipment to protected network
The mains supply network to which the terminal is connected must be protected by
measures such as differentials and circuit breakers.
d) Operational precautions
•Lifting and carrying
The terminal user should always handle the terminal with precaution and not lift with rapid
motions to protect against personal injuries or equipment damage.
•Cable routing and trip hazard
Ensure that all laid out cables do not create any trip hazards to personnel. Never place cables
in areas where people are expected to move.

Satcube Ku Terminal CE-certified User Guide v1.6-2019
SATCUBE PROPRIETARY
Elevation angle
(degrees)
Safety distance
(meters)
0
81*
1
63
5
13
10
6
15
4
20
3
30
2
45
1
Table 2 Minimum safety distance for different angles
if the Satcube Ku terminal is positioned 45 cm above
the ground and is operated by someone who is 185
cm tall. *Calculated from the radiated effect of the
antenna –this is the minimum safety distance if the
terminal is directed directly at the user.
e) Radiation hazard
•Antenna safety instructions
Use only manufacturer supplied antenna. Radiation exposure is
calculated with respect to the supplied manufacturer antenna.
•Keep a safety distance from the signal aperture
At all times, make sure that an area within a safety distance of the terminal is cleared before
starting transmission to avoid radiation damages. The required safety distance depends on
the antenna elevational angle, the height of personnel, possible bystanders or other objects
such as buildings and trees. If the terminal is raised from the ground or elevational angle is
increased the required safety distance decreases. The general formula to calculate the safety
distance is: L = 𝐻 − ℎ
tan(𝛉), see [Figure 2] below for explanation of the used variables. [Table 2]
shows safety distances for the situation in the [Figure 2] below.
f) Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) precautions
TODO: Include type of cable to be connected based on the result of EMC test
Figure 2 The user must always keep outside a safety distance given by
L = 𝐻 − ℎ
𝑡𝑎𝑛(𝜽) during transmission to avoid injury. H=height of object, h=terminal
height above ground, θ=elevation angle, L=safety distance. See Table 2 for
precalculated safety distances for a common mode of operation.

Satcube Ku Terminal CE-certified User Guide v1.6-2019
SATCUBE PROPRIETARY
4. Deploy and power on
a) Deploy terminal
•Unpack and position on a level surface. On rough
terrain, the optional tripod can be used.
•Ensure terminal has clear line of sight towards
satellite. A satellite finder app can be used to find
approximate locations of satellites.
b) Deploy front support
•The front support is stored underneath the
terminal. Unfold it by holding the thin metal bar
and pulling it away from the terminal until it reaches
its limit [Figure 3].
c) Deploy antenna
•Release the latch on the front of the terminal [Figure 4].
To unfold the antenna, simply hold the edge and lift it
up 30cm / 1 foot.
•The antenna is deployed and secured with the
adjustment wheels on each side of the front support.
•Viewed from the rear of the terminal, the adjustment
wheel lock is on the left-hand side of the terminal. The
lock is released by turning the left wheel
counterclockwise and engaged by turning it clockwise
[Figure 5a].
•The adjustment wheel on the right-hand side raises and
lowers the antenna. Pulling the lever behind the wheel secures it in position [Figure 5b].
•Make sure that both the locking mechanisms are released before proceeding.
Figure 4 Latch on the front of the terminal.
Pull to release before unfolding.
Figure 3 View from underneath the terminal
showing how front support unfolds.
Figure 5a Wheel located on left-
hand side of terminal. To
LOCK/UNLOCK, turn as shown.
Figure 5b Lock on right-hand side of the terminal. To SECURE in
position, pull the lever as shown.

Satcube Ku Terminal CE-certified User Guide v1.6-2019
SATCUBE PROPRIETARY
d) Power on
•To use mains power or to charge battery, connect
DC adaptor [Figure 6].
•To use battery power, insert up to three batteries
[Figure 7].
•A battery in the right-hand slot will be charged
when the terminal is connected to mains power.
•To turn on power, press and hold the red C-button
[Figure 8].
•Icons in the bottom left corner of the display show
if batteries are installed and their current power level. When
connected to mains power, the right most battery will show a
charging symbol if a battery is connected in this slot [Figure 9].
Figure 8 Press and hold the red C-button to
power ON.
Figure 9 Battery symbols.
Figure 7 Battery ports are indicated with orange
arrows where the right most spot charges the
battery if the terminal is connected to a power
source with the power cable.
Figure 6 Connection ports are located on the front of the terminal.
The DC power cable socket is located to the right. Ethernet and USB
ports are located to the left.

Satcube Ku Terminal CE-certified User Guide v1.6-2019
SATCUBE PROPRIETARY
5. Accessing the Graphical User Interface (GUI)
The GUI provides access to key functions, including starting/ending transmissions, enabling/disabling
WIFI and terminal configuration.
•To access the GUI, connect your computer to one of the Ethernet ports on the front left-
hand side of terminal [Figure 6]. (NOTE: It is also possible to access the GUI with your
computer/phone wirelessly, but this requires access to the terminal’s WIFI network).
•Set the IP of the connected computer to 192.168.222.217 with a netmask of
255.255.255.248.
•Open a browser and type in 192.168.222.219 as the URL. This will display the GUI
STATUS page.

Satcube Ku Terminal CE-certified User Guide v1.6-2019
SATCUBE PROPRIETARY
6. Terminal settings and configuration
To function properly, the Satcube Ku terminal needs to know its own position and information about
the satellite to which it will connect. All satellite details are stored in profiles which the user can
switch between using the GUI or terminal display.
a) Profile selection
This can be done in one of two ways:
i. Terminal display
•Use the up/down buttons to navigate to the
PROFILE selection screen [Figure 10].
•Use the right/left buttons to select desired
profile.
•If a profile is missing, it can be uploaded via the
USB port [Figure 6].
ii. Graphical User Interface (GUI)
Go to SETTINGS. Under SATELLITE, choose the
desired profile from the dropdown PRESET menu.
A new profile can be created if required [Figure A4].
b) Terminal geolocation
•The terminal will use its built-in GPS to automatically acquire its coordinates.
•If the coordinates are not updated automatically, open the GUI, go to SETTINGS, then scroll
down to POSITION. Tick the MANUAL SETTING checkbox and enter the terminal’s latitude and
longitude in the selected format (decimal or deg/min/sec) [Figure A5].
•Press SAVE to apply the settings.
c) Accessing the modem’s GUI to configure downlink frequencies
•Connect your computer to either of the two Ethernet ports [Figure 6].
•Set the IP of the connected computer to 192.168.222.217 with a netmask of 255.255.255.248.
•Open a browser and navigate to the modem’s GUI homepage by entering its IP address as the
URL.
•The modem by default has IP address 192.168.222.222. It should always have this IP to be
able to communicate with the terminal embedded system.
Figure 10 PROFILE selection screen on the terminal
display.

Satcube Ku Terminal CE-certified User Guide v1.6-2019
SATCUBE PROPRIETARY
7. Terminal Alignment and transmission start
The Satcube Ku display has an intuitive
guide to ensure the terminal is aligned
correctly and maximum signal strength
(C/N) is obtained.
a) Pointing Terminal
•Correct pointing depends on three
elements; Azimuth, Elevation and
Polarization. The required values are
provided by the satellite profile.
•Use the arrow buttons to go to the
POINTING screen to view these [Figure 11].
b) Moving Terminal
•AZIMUTH: manually rotate the terminal.
NOTE: On rough surfaces, lift the terminal slightly before rotating [Figure 12].
•ELEVATION: use the adjustment wheel on the right-hand side of the terminal [Figure 12].
NOTE: Large adjustments can be made by manually raising the antenna (as with initial
deployment - see section 4c). To fine tune the elevation angle, either lightly tighten the lock
on the left side or pull the lever on the right side, as described in section 4c), then use the
right adjustment wheel.
•POLARISATION: rotate the antenna by hand. Lock in position using the nut [Figure 12].
c) Maximizing signal strength
Elevation and Polarization sensors are not susceptible to interference, but local magnetic fields
can affect the Azimuth compass. Therefore, users should first set Elevation and Polarization to
within 0.2° of the correct value and then sweep the Azimuth to find maximum signal strength. If
the terminal support surface is not level, fine tune the Elevation and check the Polarization again
after Azimuth adjustment. Step by step instructions:
Figure 12 Terminal positioning angles. From left to right: Azimuth, Elevation and Polarization.
Figure 11 POINTING screen with current terminal
positioning angles shown in white. The red and green
numbers below show the current offset from the
optimal positioning for each angle.

Satcube Ku Terminal CE-certified User Guide v1.6-2019
SATCUBE PROPRIETARY
•Position the terminal to within 0.2° of the
correct value for Elevation and Polarization
and within 2° for Azimuth. Lock the
adjustment wheel in position. If correctly
positioned, the C/N-value should read
above 3.0 dB and the white dotted line in
the center of the display should have a small bump in the middle [Figure 13].
•To optimize signal strength, rotate the terminal slowly from side to side by about five
centimeters/two inches (as described in section 6b) above. Watch how the C/N value and the
height of the white bars change during the sweep (higher C/N and higher white bars equal
stronger signal). Keep rotating the terminal back and forth until you get a feeling for how
small changes in the Azimuth affect the signal strength. Lastly, carefully turn the terminal back
to the position that provided the highest C/N value. The signal strength is maximized, and the
terminal is ready for transmission.
•Troubleshooting:
If the C/N-value is zero for every position during the sweep above, do one of the following:
i. Focus on maximizing the RQ value shown on the right during the sweep instead of
the C/N value, since this also indicates signal strength [Figure 13].
NOTE: the RQ value, stands for Receive Quality, comes
from the terminal´s built in receiver. It is related in the
same way as C/N which means this value can also be
maximized when there is no C/N.
ii. Access the modem’s GUI as described in section 5c. In the
modem’s GUI, find the location which displays either a
C/N or an SNR value. Rotate the terminal as described
above to maximize the displayed C/N or SNR value.
Further instructions for using the modem’s GUI are
provided in the appendix.
d) Prepare for transmission
Before starting the transmission, make sure the area in front of the terminal is clear to avoid
radiation damage [Figure 14].
e) Start transmission
i. via the terminal controls
Hold down the white gear button [Figure 8].
NOTE: The radiation hazard symbol on the terminal display indicates when the terminal
transmission is turned ON.
ii. via the GUI
Go to SETTINGS. On this page
you will find a toggle button to turn the transmission ON/OFF [Figure A3].
Figure 14 Hazard symbol,
instructing of a safety distance
of 15 ft in front of the antenna.
Figure 13 Part of the POINT screen. The bump in the
middle of the white dotted line indicates that a signal
has been detected. The height of each bar shows the
signal strength.

Satcube Ku Terminal CE-certified User Guide v1.6-2019
SATCUBE PROPRIETARY
8. Internet access
Internet can be accessed either through the built-in WIFI hotspot or by connecting a device to an
ethernet port. Ethernet is always active. WIFI is enabled/disabled via the GUI. By default, the
WIFI password is “satcube123”; as this information is publicly available, it should be changed via
the GUI to prevent unauthorized access.
a) Enabling WIFI and changing the password via the GUI
Go to SETTINGS. On this page, you will find a checkbox to turn the WIFI ON/OFF. Further down
the page there is a field where the WIFI password can be changed [Figure A5].
b) Connecting to Internet
•A WIFI icon in the terminal display means internet can be accessed through the built-in
hotspot. A red cross through the WIFI icon means it is disabled. It
can be re-enabled via the GUI [Figure A5].
•The ethernet LAN icon should always be shown and can be
accessed through either one of the two ethernet LAN ports on the left front side of the
terminal [Figure 6].
•If the WIFI icon and Ethernet LAN icon are alternating flashing, the WIFI module has not yet
started.

Satcube Ku Terminal CE-certified User Guide v1.6-2019
SATCUBE PROPRIETARY
9. End transmission and power off
a) End transmission
•To end transmission, press and hold down the white gear wheel button, or use the GUI as
described in section 6e. When the radiation hazard symbol turns white, the terminal is no
longer transmitting.
b) Power off
•If the terminal is running on battery power, it can be turned off by pressing and holding
down the red C-button next to the power symbol [Figure 8]. If the terminal is running on
mains power, it can be turned off by disconnecting the cable.
c) Stow the terminal
•Loosen the lock on the adjustment wheel and fold together the terminal. Stow the terminal
and the batteries in the provided case to avoid damage.

Satcube Ku Terminal CE-certified User Guide v1.6-2019
SATCUBE PROPRIETARY
10. Cleaning and maintenance
a) General guidelines
•In order to make sure the terminal is working as intended and to maximize the lifetime the
following cleaning and maintenance routine should be adhered to. Failure to adhere to the
cleaning and maintenance guidelines in this section can cause permanent damage to the
terminal and reduce the terminal’s lifetime.
•If any damage is found, it should be reported immediately to Satcube support. A faulty
terminal may cause harm to humans and other equipment and should not be used.
•During cleaning and maintenance, the terminal should be inspected for damages or faults. If
any harm has come to the terminal, please check in with Satcube support to assess if proper
and safe handling of the terminal is still possible.
•Every use: Make sure the fans can move freely and no excessive dust is present.
•Failure to check fan mobility might cause the terminal to overheat and cause permanent
failure.
b) Cleaning the fans
•The cleaning is done by unscrewing the four T-10 torx
screws attaching the fan cover to the terminal shown in
[Figure 15]. The fans are then detachable from the
terminal and can be cleaned or changed which is seen in
[Figure 16].
•The hot air exhaust from the fans should also be
inspected to ensure there has been no accumulation of
dust hindering airflow. Exhaust is shown in Figure X.
Cleaning of the fans can be done using cotton buds.
Figure 16 Fan disassembly for maintenance.
Figure 15 Fans behind fan cover.
Figure 17 Air exhaust at the backside
of antenna.

Satcube Ku Terminal CE-certified User Guide v1.6-2019
SATCUBE PROPRIETARY
c) Cleaning the protective vents
•The protective vents should be cleaned to ensure proper functionality. There are three vents
on the terminal. One close to the buttons and next to the Serial Number on the bottom part
of the terminal as depicted in [Figure 18a]. Another two are situated on the backside of the
antenna on each side of the polarization center axis as seen in [Figure 18b].
•If the vents are not properly cleaned there is a possibility that pressure builds up which risks
causing a malfunctioning terminal.
•Note that no sharp object should be used to clean the protective vents as that might damage
the vent or alter their functionality.
d) Cleaning the moving mechanical parts
•The moving mechanical parts include
oThe elevation wheels.
oThe elevation locking lever.
oThe polarization rotation mechanism.
•Inspection of moving mechanical structures is important to make sure no dirt is present
hindering the movement of said parts.
•To clean the overall mechanical parts, use a damp cloth.
e) Cleaning the interfaces and connections
•Interfaces, ethernet, USB, DC power and L-band connectors should be inspected to ensure
that no dirt or excessive dust is found. If any dirt or other potentially harmful substances are
present immediately clean affected interface.
•Battery connections should be inspected to ensure no cleaning is needed.
f) Storage instructions
Before long time storage:
•Batteries should be charged.
•The terminal should be cleaned with a damp cloth to remove harmful substances.
•The terminal should be stored in a dry place in temperatures within specifications.
Figure 18a Protective vents on backside of
antenna.
Figure 18b Protective vents on bottom part
of terminal next to the Serial Number.