Sea Tel DAC-2202 User manual

Sea Tel, Inc.
4030 Nelson Avenue
Concord, CA 94520
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Web:
http://www.cobham.com/seatel
Sea Tel Europe
Unit 1, Orion Industrial Centre
Wide Lane, Swaythling
Southampton, UK S0 18 2HJ
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Web:
http://www.cobham.com/seatel
Sea Tel Inc is also doing business as Cobham Antenna Systems
June 5, 2012 Document. No. 131040 Revision E
OPERATOR MANUAL
FOR SEA TEL DAC-2202 ANTENNA CONTROL UNIT

ii
These commodities, technology or software were exported from the United States in
accordance with the Export Administration Regulations. Diversion contrary to U.S. law is
prohibited.
Sea Tel Marine Stabilized Antenna systems are manufactured in the United States of
America.
Sea Tel is an ISO 9001:2000 registered company. Certificate Number 19.2867 was issued
August 12, 2005. Sea Tel was originally registered on November 09, 1998.
R&TTE
CE
The Sea Tel DAC-2202, or DAC-2302, Antenna Control Unit used with the Sea Tel Antenna
complies with the requirements for Radio and Telecommunication Terminal Equipment. A
copy of the R&TTE Declaration of Conformity for this equipment is contained in the Antenna
Manual for your system.
The Sea Tel DAC-2202, or DAC-2302, Antenna Control Unit contains FCC compliant supervisory software to
continuously monitor the pedestal pointing accuracy and use it to control the “Transmit Mute” function of the
satellite modem to satisfy the provisions of FCC 47 C.F.R. § 25.222(a)(l)(iii). A copy of the FCC Declaration of
Conformity for this equipment is contained in the Antenna Manual for your system.
Copyright Notice
All Rights Reserved. The information contained in this document is proprietary to Sea Tel, Inc.. This document
may not be reproduced or distributed in any form without prior consent of Sea Tel, Inc. The information in
this document is subject to change without notice. Copyright © 2010 Sea Tel, Inc is doing business as
Cobham SATCOM.
This document has been registered with the U.S. Copyright Office.
Revision History
REV ECO# Date Description By
X N/A September 8, 2009 PRELIMINARY Release. MDN
A N/A September 21, 2009 Production Release MDN
B 6990 December 7, 2009 Update text to include GSR2 software functions MDN
C N/A June 30, 2010 Update text to include GSR3 software functions MDN
D N/A April 21, 2011
Updated text to include GSR4 software functions and added Setup –
CommIF and HTML Pages chapter
MDN
E N/A June 5, 2012

Table of Contents DAC-2202 Operation Manual
iii
1. QUICK START OPERATION – INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................................1-1
1.1. QUICK START OPERATION ...........................................................................................................................................................................1-1
1.2. FRONT PANEL LAYOUT..................................................................................................................................................................................1-1
1.3. BASIC FUNCTION OF FRONT PANEL KEYS................................................................................................................................................. 1-2
1.4. BASIC DESCRIPTION OF FRONT PANEL STATUS LEDS........................................................................................................................... 1-2
2. OPERATION.....................................................................................................................................................................................................2-1
2.1. DISPLAY &ENTRY OPERATION MENUS..................................................................................................................................................... 2-1
2.2. OPERATION FLOWCHART ............................................................................................................................................................................. 2-1
2.2.1. Ship Information Menus........................................................................................................................................................2-3
2.2.2. Satellite Information Menus................................................................................................................................................2-4
2.2.3. Antenna Information Menus...............................................................................................................................................2-7
2.2.4. Status information menus.....................................................................................................................................................2-9
2.2.5. SETUP Parameter display and entry menus.............................................................................................................2-10
2.3. TRACKING OPERATION ...............................................................................................................................................................................2-10
2.3.1. DishScan Operation...............................................................................................................................................................2-10
2.1. SEARCHING OPERATION .............................................................................................................................................................................2-11
2.1.1. Default Standard (Box) Search Pattern.......................................................................................................................2-11
2.1.2. Inclined Orbit Search Pattern..........................................................................................................................................2-12
2.1.3. No Gyro Search Pattern ......................................................................................................................................................2-13
2.2. AUTO-POLARIZATION OPERATION...........................................................................................................................................................2-14
2.3. RADOME ASSEMBLY OPERATION ..............................................................................................................................................................2-14

DAC-2202 Operation Manual Table of Contents
iv
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Quick Start Operation – Introduction DAC-2202 Operation Manual
1-1
1. Quick Start Operation – Introduction
When power is turned ON, the ACU Display will initially show “SEA TEL INC - MASTER” and the ACU software version (ie
DAC-2202 VER 6.xx ). 10 seconds later, the display will switch to “SEA TEL INC - REMOTE” and “INITIALIZING” for
approximately two minutes while the Pedestal Control Unit (PCU) completes initialization of the antenna pedestal and then
reports its Model & Software version.
1.1. Quick Start Operation
If your system has been set up correctly and the ship has not moved since the system was used last. Operation of the
system from a cold start involves the following steps.
1. Turn on the AC power switches for the Antenna Control Unit (ACU) and other Below Decks Equipment..
2. Press NEXT until the Ship menu is displayed to check the Latitude, Longitude and Heading values. Latitude
and Longitude should still be correct, but may be updated if necessary. Heading, in some cases, will be 000.0
and you will have to enter the initial value of the ships current heading. Entry of ships heading is not required
when your system is connected to a 1:1 Synchro or NMEA 0183 Heading Gyro Compass output. To correct
the Heading value, press ENTER 3 times to select ship's heading (HDG) entry mode. Use the LEFT arrow to
bring the cursor up under the ones digit, then if desired, increment/decrement it using the UP/DOWN arrow
keys. Use the LEFT/RIGHT arrow keys to select other digits to modify and the UP/DOWN arrow key to
modify them as needed to enter the current ships gyro heading. Press ENTER to save the value. Press NEXT
to return to the Ship display menu.
3. If setup correctly, the ACU should automatically target the last satellite that was used. If it does not, press
NEXT to the Satellite display menu so you can manually target the satellite. If you are targeting the SAME
satellite longitude as was used last; Press ENTER, then the LEFT (or RIGHT) arrow and then ENTER to
target the same satellite. If you are targeting a different satellite you will need to change the tracking
parameters and then target the desired satellite, refer to the operation section for the Satellite menu below.
A. If no signal is found: The Tracking LED will flash for a short period of time (per the SEARCH DELAY parameter)
followed by the Search LED coming ON. The ACU will automatically move the antenna in a spiral SEARCH pattern
until the ACU receives a signal (AGC) value that is greater than the threshold value. Tracking will take over (Tracking
LED ON) and automatically peak the antenna position for highest receive signal level from the satellite which has been
acquired.
B. If satellite signal is found AND network lock is achieved: The received signal level (AGC) will be higher
than the threshold value. Tracking will take over (Tracking LED ON) and automatically peak the antenna position for
highest receive signal level from the satellite and the satellite modem will get modem lock/receive sync. When the
ACU has signal above threshold AND modem has network lock the antenna will continue to track the satellite.
B. If satellite signal is found but network lock is NOT achieved: If you’re system has been setup to use the
network lock/satellite ID output from the satellite modem; When signal above threshold is found but the modem does
NOT get network lock (receive sync), the ACU will re-target in an attempt to find the satellite which has signal AND
network lock. This could be due to the antenna targeting the wrong satellite, polarization failure, modem failure (not
getting receive sync) or network failure (not allowing the modem to get receive sync). The ACU will continue to re-
target.
Upon completion of the above, the system will continue to operate automatically indefinitely until; AC power to
the system is interrupted OR The satellite signal is blocked OR The ship sails into an area of insufficient satellite
signal level.
1.2.Front Panel Layout

DAC-2202 Operation Manual Quick Start Operation – Introduction
1-2
1.3. Basic Function of Front Panel Keys
Keyboard operation is very simple and straightforward. Basic function of each key is:
Press NEXT to cycle through the four main menus; Ship, Satellite, Antenna and Status (refer
to the Operation Flowcharts).
Press TRACK key to toggle the state of Tracking, ON/OFF. If SEARCH is ON, pressing the
TRACK key will turn search OFF.
When the Antenna main menu is displayed, pressing the LEFT arrow moves the antenna left
(CCW or down in azimuth). Pressing the RIGHT arrow to move the antenna right (CW or up
in azimuth).
In any sub-menu, pressing the LEFT or RIGHT arrow enters editing mode and brings up a
cursor in the display. When the cursor is under a character, it is selected and can be changed
(see UP/DOWN arrow below).
(Setup) -Press and release BOTH the LEFT and RIGHT arrow keys to access the save
parameters window. Press & Hold for six seconds to access the setup parameters (refer to
the Setup section of this manual).
When the Antenna main menu is displayed, press UP arrow to move the antenna up in
elevation or the DOWN arrow to move the antenna down in elevation.
Press the UP/DOWN arrow cycle Up and Down through the sub-menus.
When a sub-menu item is being edited, use the UP/DOWN to increment/decrement the
selected character. This steps the selected entry one increment per sequential key-press or
rapidly increments the selected entry when pressed & held.
At any main menu level, press ENTER to access the sub-menu items.
When viewing one of the sub-menus, pressing the ENTER key will step down through the
sub-menu items, like the DOWN arrow does.
When editing, the cursor is visible under a character in a sub-menu (whether it has been
changed or not), press ENTER to execute the present value, and return to display mode of
that sub-menu. This does NOT save the new value to NVRAM.
Press RESET to reset all the processors in the Antenna Control Unit. It does NOT reset the
antenna.
1.4.Basic Description of Front Panel Status LEDs
The basic description of the front panel LED states are:
Tracking -(Green LED)
ON indicates that the ACU has identified and is actively tracking the desired satellite to optimize the signal
level (AGC).
Blinking indicates that the ACU is in search delay or is analyzing a satellite signal.
OFF indicates that Tracking is OFF.
Searching -(Yellow LED)
ON indicates that the ACU is actively searching for your satellite signal.
OFF indicates that SEARCH is OFF.
Target -(Yellow LED)
ON indicates that the antenna is TARGETING (driving) to the specified Azimuth and/or Elevation position(s).
Power -(Green LED)
ON indicates that the Antenna Control Unit is energized.
Initializing -(Green LED)
ON indicates that the Antenna is initializing. Initialization of the antenna will take approximately two
minutes.

Quick Start Operation – Introduction DAC-2202 Operation Manual
1-3
Error -(Red LED)
ON indicates that one, or more, discrete system errors have occurred. Refer to Status – Error Code
information menu to determine which error(s) have occurred.
OFF indicates that no errors have occurred.

DAC-2202 Operation Manual Quick Start Operation – Introduction
1-4
This Page Intentionally Left Blank

Operation DAC-2202 Operation Manual
2-1
2. Operation
2.1. Display & Entry Operation Menus
The operation menus are arranged in four groups. Use the NEXT key to cycle through the groups, use the ENTER key
to access the sub-menu of a selected group and then use the UP/DOWN arrow keys to move up and down the sub-
menu items.
2.2. Operation Flowchart
The next page is to overall operation flowchart for the DAC-2202

Antenna Menu
Satellite Menu
Ship Menu
Status
Menu
Power-Up Menu
The possible values are:
70/140 MHz SCPC VER 4.XX
DVB/SCPC V3 SCPC VER 5.XX
DVB VER 4.XX NBIF VER 4.XX
DVB VER 5.XX No RCVR Found
This is the model configuration
and software version of the PCU.
OR
Bring up the cursor. Then press the UP arrow key, or the TRACK key, to
toggle the Tracking ON/OFF. Press the DOWN arrow key to toggle
through the list of possible BAND selections (the selections displayed
are dependent on the parameter value entered for TRACK DISP).
To
Execute
To
EXIT
CONTROL
TRACKING OFF KuLo
In DVB Mode “FREQ 1100 AGC 1234” will be displayed. In SCPC Mode
“MHz 1111 AGC 1234” will be displayed. See FEC setting below.
If SCPC is selected, the receiver will be in SCPC Mode. All other FEC rate
settings are DVB Mode. The mode selected effects the displays above.
OR
Use the LEFT or RIGHT arrow keys to move the antenna Left/Down/
CCW or Right/Up/CW in Azimuth.
Use the UP or DOWN arrow keys to move the antenna Up or Down
in Elevation.
Distributed By: _________________________________________________
Authorized Sea Tel Dealer
Phone: ______________________________
OR
Use the UP arrow key to turn the search pattern ON. Use the DOWN
arrow key to turn search OFF. To Execute
To
EXIT
CONTROL
SEARCH 2 OFF
OR
LLLL - Comms Error Count - display (only).
RRRR - Error Code - indicates the SUM of the discrete error(s) that
have occurred. Pressing LEFT then press UP arrow key clears error
count, status code and extinguishes the Error LED.
To
Execute
To
EXIT
STATUS
ERROR LLLL RRRR
OR
Remote Auxiliary read diagnostic display. Typically used to display
temperature of EIRP readings. To Execute
To
EXIT
STATUS
REMOTE AUX 1234
OR
The Latitude of the ship should be updated by the GPS antenna on the
antenna pedestal. If the Latitude is not being automatically updated,
manually set the correct position value and Hemisphere. To
Execute
To
EXIT
LAT 38.0 N
OR
The Longitude of the ship should be updated by the GPS antenna on
the antenna pedestal. If the Longitude is not being automatically
updated, manually set the correct position value and Hemisphere. To
Execute
To
EXIT
LON 122.0 W
OR
Set to the Heading value of the Gyro Compass (NMEA 0183, SBS or
Synchro). To Execute
To
EXIT
HDG 000.0 000.0
OR
Set to the desired Azimuth value that you want to target the antenna
to. To Execute
To
EXIT
AZ 123.4
# AGC 1234
OR
Set to the desired Elevation value that you want to target the antenna
to. To Execute
To
EXIT
EL 056.7
# AGC 1234
OR
Set to the desired Relative position that you want to target the antenna
to. To Execute
To
EXIT
REL 000.0 AGC 1234
OR
AutoPol mode will automatically keep the polarization of the feed
optimized. Refer to the Optimizing Polarization information in the
Antenna manual. To
Execute
To
EXIT
POL 0000 AGC 1234
OR
SEA TEL INC – MASTER
DAC-2202 VER 6.07
SEA TEL INC – RCVR
DVB VER 5.04
SEA TEL INC – IO MOD
COMMIF VER 1.12
SEA TEL INC – REMOTE
4009 VER 2.00
OR
OR
LAT 38 N LON 122 W
HDG 000.0 000.0
SAT 101 W THRS 1234
FREQ 1100 NID 1234
AZ 123.4 EL 056.7
REL 234.5 AGC 1234
Set to the desired Satellite Longitude value and Hemisphere. To
Execute
To
EXIT
SAT 101.0 W
OR
Auto Threshold will automatically set this value. If you turn Auto
Threshold OFF, refer to the ACU manual Tracking and Searching
information for manually setting the Threshold value. To
Execute
To
EXIT
THRS 1234
OR
Set to the desired MHz frequency that you want to use for
Tracking. To Execute
To
EXIT
FREQ 1100 AGC 1234
OR
Set to the desired Baud Rate (symbol rate), OR the KHz frequency,
that you want to use for Tracking. To Execute
To
EXIT
Baud 20000 AGC 1234
OR
Set to the desired Tone ON/OFF state. To
Execute
To
EXIT
Tone OFF AGC 1234
OR
Set to the desired Volt selection. Available selections are; HORZ
(18VDC), LHCP (18VDC), VERT (13VDC) or RHCP (13VDC). To Execute
To
EXIT
Volt HORZ AGC 1234
OR
Set to the desired desired FEC selection. Refer to the ACU manual for a
list of current selections. To Execute
To
EXIT
FEC AUTO AGC 1234
OR
Set to the known Polarization skew (in whole degrees) for the satellite
currently being, or intended to be, tracked. Values less than 0000 will
be displayed as a negative value. To
Execute
To
EXIT
Skew 0000 AGC 1234
OR
Set to the desired NID value (refer to the ACU manual). To
Execute
To
EXIT
NID 0000 AGC 1234
OR

Operation DAC-2202 Operation Manual
2-3
2.2.1. Ship Information Menus.
Display Meaning
LAT 38 N LON 122 W
HDG 000.0 000.0
Press the NEXT key until the Ship menu is displayed. This is the display of the
current Ship information.
LAT 38.0 N
Press ENTER to access the Latitude sub-menu.
Latitude is used to calculate Azimuth, Elevation and Polarization for the desired
satellite position. Latitude is updated automatically by the GPS mounted on the
pedestal.
To manually update Latitude, press the LEFT/RIGHT arrow to enter edit mode. This
will display a cursor under character to be modified. Press the UP/DOWN arrow to
increment/decrement this character. Press the LEFT or RIGHT arrow again to select
another digit, or the North/South character, to edit. Press ENTER when you are
finished editing the Latitude position.
LON 122.0 W
Press DOWN or ENTER to access the Longitude entry mode.
Longitude is used to calculate Azimuth, Elevation and Polarization for the desired
satellite position. Longitude is updated automatically by the GPS mounted on the
pedestal.
To manually update Longitude, press the LEFT/RIGHT arrow to enter edit mode.
This will display a cursor under character to be modified. Press the UP/DOWN arrow
to increment/decrement this character. Press the LEFT or RIGHT arrow again to
select another digit, or the East/West character, to edit. Press ENTER when you are
finished editing the Longitude position.
HDG 000.0 000.0
The displayed heading is comprised of two values. The left is the integrated
response from the antenna pedestal and right is the local input from the
gyrocompass.
Press DOWN or ENTER to access the Heading entry mode. Heading is used to
provide “True” Azimuth antenna position. This must be True north input, NOT
Magnetic north.
If the heading input source is NMEA0183 data, or 1:1 Synchro, no initial heading
entry is required. For all other acceptable Gyro Compass input types the HDG
MUST be initially set whenever the ACU power is turned ON.
To manually update, press the LEFT or RIGHT arrow key to bring the cursor up
under the character to the left, or right, of the decimal point respectively. Continue
to move the cursor until the desired character to be edited is underscored (selected).
Use the UP or DOWN arrow keys to increment or decrement the selected character.
Press ENTER to set the new heading value and return to heading display OR Press
NEXT to abort and return to the main Ship display
During subsequent normal operation, the HDG value should automatically follow the
Ships Gyro Compass correctly (HDG value should agree exactly with the value
observed on the Gyro Compass).

DAC-2202 Operation Manual Operation
2-4
2.2.2. Satellite Information Menus.
Display Meaning
SAT 101 W THRS 1234
FREQ 1100 NID 1234
Press the NEXT key until the main Satellite menu is displayed. This is the display of
the current Satellite tracking information.
NID value displayed is the Network ID which is currently being received from the
satellite that the antenna is pointed to. If your ACU has an L-Band SCPC receiver in it,
“ABCD” will be displayed here. If your ACU has an L-Band NBIF receiver in it, “1234”
will be displayed here. If your ACU has a 70, or 140, MHz SCPC narrow band receiver
in it, 0000 will always be shown.
SAT 101.0 W
Press ENTER to access the Satellite Longitude sub-menu. Satellite longitude is
used to calculate antenna Elevation, Azimuth and Polarity pointing angles from the
ships current location and heading.
To manually update, press the LEFT or RIGHT arrow key to bring the cursor up
under the tenths digit to the left, or the E/W character to the right respectively.
Continue to move the cursor until the desired character to be edited is underscored
(selected). Use the UP or DOWN arrow keys to increment or decrement the selected
character.
Range of acceptable longitude values is 000.0 East to 180.0 East/West to 000.0 West,
however longitude may be entered as 000.0-359.9 East if you prefer (181.0 East is
the same as 179.0 West). Tenths may be entered (and will be used internally) but the
display will round off to nearest whole degree.
When the hemisphere character is selected press the UP or the DOWN key to toggle
East/West hemisphere.
Press ENTER to target the displayed satellite position OR Press NEXT to abort and
return to the main Satellite menu.
THRS 1234
Press DOWN or ENTER to access the Threshold sub-menu. Threshold is a
minimum AGC value for the ACU to determine if satellite signal has been located or
has been lost.
Default setup is Automatic Threshold, which sets the Threshold value to nnnn counts
of AGC above the average off satellite AGC value whenever the ACU Searches,
Targets or Unwraps (refer to your antenna manual for the default setting for AUTO
THRES parameter).
To manually set threshold; Note the Peak “on satellite” AGC value, move AZ or EL and
note the “off satellite” (Noise Floor) AGC value. Calculate the difference between
Peak AGC and Noise Floor AGC. Threshold should be set to 1/3 (to ½) of the
Difference above Noise Floor.

Operation DAC-2202 Operation Manual
2-5
In DVB Mode Press DOWN or ENTER to access the Sat ID Receiver Frequency entry mode.
The individual settings of the Satellite Identification tracking receiver and the current
signal level (AGC) will be displayed in each of the sub-menus below. To enable SCPC
mode you must first set the FEC parameter to “SCPC”.
In DVB Mode: FREQ #### AGC 1234
In SCPC Mode: MHz #### AGC 1234
To manually set, press the LEFT or RIGHT arrow key to bring the cursor up under the
character to the left, or right, of the decimal point respectively. Continue to move
the cursor until the desired character to be edited is underscored (selected). Use the
UP or DOWN arrow keys to increment or decrement the selected character.
If your ACU has an L-Band DVB receiver you will tune FREQ to 950-2150MHz. If
your ACU has an L-Band SCPC or NBIF receiver you will tune the MHZ to 950-
2150MHz (and then tune the KHZ value in the next step). If your ACU has a 70MHz
SCPC receiver you will tune the MHZ to 52-88MHz (and then tune the KHZ value in
the next step). If your ACU has a 140MHz SCPC receiver you will tune the MHZ to
104-176MHz (and then tune the KHZ value in the next step). Contact your dealer
and/or Service Provider for the correct tracking parameters.
If your system is configured to use an external AGC input, you must set
Frequency to 0000. This will cause the ACU to read the input from the “AGC” &
“GND” terminal connections on the Terminal Mounting Strip Assembly.
Press ENTER to tune the receiver to this frequency and return to the frequency
display OR Press NEXT to abort and return to the main Satellite display.
FREQ 1100AGC 1234
In SCPC Mode
MHz 1111AGC 1234
In DVB Mode Press DOWN or ENTER to access the Sat ID Receiver Baud entry mode. This is
used to input the numeric value of Baud Rate (symbol rate) OR of the KHz value of
the desired the Intermediate Frequency (950-2150) you want to use for Tracking.
This setting of the Satellite Identification tracking receiver and the current signal level
(AGC) will be displayed.
In DVB Mode: BAUD 20000 AGC 1234
In SCPC Mode: KHz #### AGC 1234
To manually update, press the LEFT or RIGHT arrow key to bring the cursor up
under the character to the left, or right, of the decimal point respectively. Continue
to move the cursor until the desired character to be edited is underscored (selected).
Use the UP or DOWN arrow keys to increment or decrement the selected character.
DVB: Current receivers can be set to any desired Baud Rate between 3000 and
30000. It should be set to the symbol/baud rate of the digital carrier you chose to
use for tracking. This setting also changes the bandwidth of the receiver. Baud
setting of equal to or less than-5000 sets the receiver to 7.5 MHz bandwidth. A Baud
Rate of 5001 and greater sets the receiver bandwidth to 20MHz.
SCPC: Key in the desired KHz frequency value you wish to use for tracking.
Press ENTER to set the desired Baud/KHz and return to the Baud/KHz display OR
Press NEXT to abort and return to the main Satellite display.
Baud 20000AGC 1234
In SCPC/NBIF Mode
KHz 0999AGC 1234
Tone OFFAGC 1234
Press DOWN or ENTER to access the Tone sub-menu. This setting is used to turn
ON or OFF a continuous 22 KHz Tone output from the tracking receiver.
Press the LEFT or RIGHT arrow key to display a cursor underneath the current state.
Use the UP or DOWN arrow key to change states.
ON is used to select High Band frequencies and OFF is used to select Low Band
frequencies from the matrix switch.
Press ENTER to set the desired tone setting OR Press NEXT to abort and return to
the main Satellite display.

DAC-2202 Operation Manual Operation
2-6
Volt HORZAGC 1234
Press DOWN or ENTER to access the Volt sub-menu. This setting is used to select
the Voltage output from the tracking receiver, based on the desired received
transponder polarity. Available selections are; HORZ (18VDC), LHCP (18VDC), VERT
(13VDC) or RHCP (13VDC).
To change selection, press the LEFT or RIGHT arrow key to display a cursor
underneath the current selection. Use the UP or DOWN arrow key to scroll through
the selections.
Press ENTER to set the desired Voltage setting OR Press NEXT to abort and return
to the main Satellite display.
FEC AUTOAGC 1234
Press DOWN or ENTER to access the FEC sub-menu. Select the Forward Error
Correction rate of the desired tracking signal. 1/2, 2/3, 3/4, 5/6, 6/7, 7/8 , AUTO or
SCPC. AUTO automatically scans through all the standard DVB & DSS FEC rates.
NOTE: When SCPC is selected, the FREQ parameter changes to read MHz and the
BAUD parameter changes to read KHz.
Continue pressing the UP/DOWN arrow key to toggle through the available forced *
(star’ed) FEC rates. If the satellite does not generate an NID but does have a unique
combination of FREQ, BAUD and FEC lock, select the appropriate FEC* choice from
this list. The ACU will then generate its own unique forced NID (FFFE for DSS signals
or FFFD for DVB signals) to represent the desired satellite. You will need to enter this
pseudo NID in the NID setting below.
FEC MUST be set to SCPC if you have any one of the SCPC narrow band receivers
installed in your ACU (L-Band SCPC, 70MHz SCPC or 140MHZ SCPC).
To manually update, press the LEFT or RIGHT arrow key to bring the cursor up
under the current setting. Use the UP or DOWN arrow keys to scroll through the
available FEC selections.
Press ENTER to set the desired selection OR Press NEXT to abort and return to the
main Satellite display.
SKEW 000 AGC 1234
Press DOWN or ENTER to access the SAT SKEW sub-menu. This setting is used
to add or subtract Polarization skew for the satellite currently being or intended to be
tracked.
Each increment equals one degree of polarization rotation. Increment to “+02” for a
satellite with a total positive 2 degree polarization skew (The intentional satellite skew
+/- required skew for X-Pol isolation). Likewise decrement down to “-02” for a satellite
with a total negative 2 degree polarization skew. Use of this parameter requires
mechanical feed calibration for proper operation. Refer to Polang Adjustment
procedure in the maintenance section of your antenna manual for detailed
instructions on how to perform this calibration procedure (POL OFFSET).
Adjustments of this parameter is required while running Cross-Pol isolation tests
during the commissioning of a VSAT system (apparent skew) or is entered as an
absolute satellite skew angle value (intentional) when switching between satellites.
Press the LEFT or RIGHT arrow key to display a cursor underneath the current value.
Use the UP or DOWN arrow key to increment or decrement value.
Press ENTER to set the desired SKEW setting OR Press NEXT to abort and return to
the main Satellite display.

Operation DAC-2202 Operation Manual
2-7
NID 0000 AGC 1234
Press DOWN or ENTER to access the NID sub-menu. This setting, a four digit
HEX value with a valid range of 0000-FFFF, is based on the desired received
transponders’ Network ID (NID). If this parameter is provided in decimal format, it
will have to be converted to hexadecimal for entry.
Set the NID value to 0000 if;
•The signal you intend to track does not contain a valid NID.
•You do not want to use satellite identification function.
•You are using the external AGC input source from the satellite modem
(most commonly used in the 09 Series antennas) which has been
provided to you in your system configuration.
•You are experiencing a hardware/software issue which is preventing the
ACU from decoding the NID and you want to temporarily disable this
function.
To manually update, press the LEFT or RIGHT arrow key to bring the cursor up
under a character. Continue to move the cursor until the desired character to be
edited is underscored (selected). Use the UP or DOWN arrow keys to increment or
decrement the selected character.
Press ENTER to set the desired NID OR Press NEXT to abort and return to the main
Satellite display.
2.2.3. Antenna Information Menus.
Display Meaning
AZ 123.4 EL 056.7
REL 234.5 AGC 1234
Press the NEXT key until the Antenna main menu is displayed. This is the display
of the current Antenna information.
While in the antenna main menu pressing the UP, DOWN, LEFT or RIGHT arrows
moves the antenna in those respective directions. Quick pres & release the desired
arrow key will step the antenna in small individual increments. Press & Hold the
desired arrow key to slew the antenna in rapid steps.
AZ 123.4
# AGC 1234
Press ENTER to access the Azimuth sub-menu. This allows you to target the
antenna to desired Azimuth position. The current IF signal level (AGC) is displayed
to assist you in manually peaking AZ for best signal level. Range of input is 000.0-
359.9.
To target a new azimuth position, press the LEFT or RIGHT arrow key to bring the
cursor up under the character to the left, or right, of the decimal point respectively.
Continue to move the cursor until the desired character is selected. Use the UP or
DOWN arrow keys to increment or decrement the selected character.
Press ENTER to target the antenna to the new Azimuth position OR Press NEXT to
abort and return to the main Antenna display.
The number (2, 4, 6 or 8) you see periodically flashing in the lower left of the
display are normal DishScan tracking signals.
EL 056.7
# AGC 1234
Press DOWN or ENTER to access the Elevation sub-menu. This allows you to
target the antenna to a desired Elevation position. Range of input is 00.0-90.0.
To target a new elevation position, press the LEFT or RIGHT arrow key to bring the
cursor up under the character to the left, or right, of the decimal point respectively.
Continue to move the cursor until the desired character is selected. Use the UP or
DOWN arrow keys to increment or decrement the selected character.
Press ENTER to target the antenna to the new elevation position OR Press NEXT
to abort and return to the main Antenna display.
The number (2, 4, 6 or 8) you see periodically flashing in the lower left of the
display are normal DishScan tracking signals.

DAC-2202 Operation Manual Operation
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REL 234.5 AGC 1234
Press DOWN or ENTER to access the Relative Azimuth sub-menu. This sub-
menu displays the current Relative azimuth position of the antenna.
If this ACU is connected to a LIMITED azimuth antenna (has cable “UNWRAP”), the
value displayed here is the antenna position relative to the bow of the ship, ranging
from 020.0-700.0, with 360.0 indicating when antenna is pointed in-line with the
bow. UNWRAP should occur at REL 023.0 & 697.0.
If this ACU is connected to a UNLIMITED azimuth antenna (no mechanical stops in
azimuth rotation), the value displayed here is the antenna position relative to the
bow of the ship, ranging from 000.0-359.9, with 000.0 indicating when antenna is
pointed in-line with the bow.
The REL position of the antenna is also used to set Radiation Hazard & Blockage
Mapping points (refer to Setup chapter of your antenna manual).
POL 0000AGC 1234
Press DOWN or ENTER to access the Polarization sub-menu. Auto-Polarization
is the DEFAULT method of polarization adjustment. To optimize, or manually adjust,
polarization refer to the Setup and Maintenance sections of this manual
REFLECT A AGC 1234
Press DOWN or ENTER to access the Reflector sub-menu. All single reflector
antenna systems must be set ONLY to Reflector A.

Operation DAC-2202 Operation Manual
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2.2.4. Status information menus.
Display Meaning
SEA TEL,INC - MASTER
DAC-2202 VER 6.05t
Press the NEXT key until the Status menu is displayed. This is the power-up
display of the Master (ACU) and Remote (PCU) Model & Software Version(s)
information.
CONTROL
TRACKING OFF C
Press the ENTER key once to display the Status – Control Tracking sub-menu.
This is the display of the current Tracking and Band Selection information.
To turn the Tracking status On or Off, press the Track key, or press the RIGHT
arrow to bring up a cursor under the current tracking condition and then Press the
UP arrow to toggle status ON/OFF. Press Enter to exit the selection mode.
To toggle the Tracking band selection, Press the RIGHT or LEFT arrow and then
press the DOWN arrow to toggle through the list of possible BAND selections (i.e.
KuLo, KuHi, DLA or DSS). The actual band selections available are dependent on
the parameter value entered for TRACK DISP. Press ENTER to submit and exit the
selection entry mode.
Band selection controls the local logic output state of SW1 output terminal on the
25 pin Terminal Mounting Strip PCB and if configured, remote C/Ku relays on the
antenna pedestal. When KuHi/DSS band is selected the SW1 output will be
shorted to ground (current sink of 0.5 amps max or when KuLo/DLA band is
selected the SW1 output is open (floating).) to control (but not limited to):
•Band selection tone generators
•Coax switches.
If AZ Limits have been set to define a known blockage zone “BLOCKED” will
appear in place of ON/OFF tracking status when the antenna is in the described
blockage zone(s). This Tracking condition controls the local logic output state of
SW2 output terminal on the 25 pin Terminal Mounting Strip PCB.
If the Antenna Pedestal, during normal operation fails to meet FCC stabilization
compliance “MUTE” will be appear in the place of the ON/OFF tracking status
Whenever in the “BLOCKED” or “MUTE” tracking condition, the SW2 output will be
shorted (or open, if SYSTEM TYPE is set to reverse this logic state) to ground,
providing a current sink of 0.5 amps max, to control (but not limited to):
•Below decks dual antenna coax switches
•TX inhibit control to a satellite modem for radiation hazard control
•TX mute for FCC compliance.
To test the blockage output, press the RIGHT arrow key 5 times (to bring up and
move the cursor to the far right). Press the UP arrow to simulate BLOCKED
condition and short (or open, if SYSTEM TYPE is set to reverse this logic state) on
SW2. Press the LEFT arrow key twice and then press the UP arrow key to turn the
BLOCKED condition OFF and open (or short, if SYSTEM TYPE is set to reverse this
logic state) on SW2.
CONTROL
SEARCH 2 OFF
Press DOWN arrow or ENTER to access the Control Status – Search sub
menu. This is a display of the current Search condition.
To initiate an automated SEARCH, press the RIGHT arrow to bring up a cursor
under the current Search status, and then press the UP arrow.
To terminate a SEARCH in process, press the RIGHT arrow to bring up a cursor
under the current Search status, and then press the DOWN arrow or press the
TRACK key
Press Enter to exit the Search Control mode.
:

DAC-2202 Operation Manual Operation
2-10
STATUS
ERROR LLLL RRRR
Press DOWN or ENTER to access the Status – Error menu. This is a display of
errors that have been detected by the system
LLLL -Comms Error Count -The first four numeric digits indicates the
number of times that a Pedestal M&C communication message (between the ACU
and PCU) was not received correctly. Occasional counts are acceptable but more
than 10 per minute indicates a problem that needs attention (refer to
Troubleshooting section).
RRRR -Error Code -The second set of four numeric digits indicates the SUM
of the discrete error(s) that have occurred. It does not indicate how many of a
particular error have occurred.
128 Satellite Out Of Range
16 DishScan Pulse Error
8 Pedestal Error (NOTE: An error code 8 requires an additional PCU Query to
determine fault type, refer to the maintenance section of this manual for further information
4 ACU-PCU Communication Failure
2 Wrong Synchro Converter Type
1 Gyro Read Error
Refer to the Maintenance section of this manual for troubleshooting frequent or
constant errors.
Pressing UP arrow key and then the ENTER key clears error count, status code and
extinguishes the Error LED. Refer to troubleshooting section of manual if error
does not clear.
STATUS
REMOTE AUX 0000
Press DOWN or ENTER to access the Status – Remote Aux menu. Diagnostic
display of Remote auxiliary read. Typically, this display is to indicate Temperature
or EIRP readings from the antenna, if properly configured to do so; otherwise, there
are no operational or diagnostic uses of this sub-menu.
2.2.5.
Access to system setup parameters is only required during installation or repair of your antenna system.
These parameters should only be changed by an authorized service technician.
SETUP Parameter display and entry menus.
CAUTION: Improper setting(s) of these parameters can and will cause your system not to perform
properly.
Refer to the SETUP information in the Installation section of this manual.
2.3. Tracking Operation
Tracking, which is controlled by the ACU, is fine pointing angle adjustments to the antenna pedestal to maximize the
level of the satellite signal being received. You can, as described in the Status Information Menu’s section of this
manual, toggle Tracking ON or OFF by pressing the Track key regardless of what current menu or sub-menu is being
displayed.
2.3.1.
To control tracking this system uses a variation of Conical scanning, called DishScan, which continuously
drives the antenna in a very small diameter circle (defined by DishScan Amplitude) at 60 RPM. This circle is
defined in 4 “quadrants”, UP, DOWN, LEFT, and RIGHT (by the DishScan Phase). The received signal is
evaluated throughout each full circle rotation of the antenna, by referencing timing pulses issued by the PCU
in each of the 4 quadrants (defined by DishScan Phase), to determine where the strongest signal level is and
will issue the appropriate Azimuth and/or Elevation steps to the antenna, as needed, 60 times per minute
towards that quadrant.
DishScan Operation
While viewing the AZIMUTH or ELEVATION sub-menu, the DishScan drive commands issued (2, 4, 6 or 8) will
be visible in the lower left corner of the display. Each 2 you see flash is a command sent to step Elevation
down, each 4 is a command sent to step down in Azimuth (CCW), each 6 is a command sent to step up in
Azimuth (CW), each 8 is a command sent to step Elevation up.
When Tracking is turned OFF these commands indicate drive that is required, but will not be sent to the
antenna to be carried out.

Operation DAC-2202 Operation Manual
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If the antenna is already perfectly pointed, the signal received (AGC) throughout each of the 4 quadrants will
be equal and no tracking decision is made. If the dish is slightly mispointed, a portion of the circle movement
will have higher signal level than the rest of the circle. DishScan will then issue a step in Azimuth, and/or
Elevation, to move the antenna in the direction of the stronger signal. [EXAMPLE: If the dish is mispointed
slightly to the LEFT of the satellite peak; as DishScan drives the antenna through one circle rotation it will
evaluate that the signal is slightly higher to the RIGHT, therefore, a Azimuth UP (RIGHT) step will be issued to
the antenna].
For proper Tracking performance, the EL STEP SIZE, AZ STEP SIZE, STEP INTEGRAL parameters must
all be set to Factory Default value of 0 and DishScan must be turned on. You must also correctly set the
internal tracking receiver settings. Refer to the “Satellite” menu operation in the above section for adjustment
instructions.
2.1. Searching Operation
The ACU will initiate an automated search pattern after AGC falls below the current Threshold setting (indicates that
satellite signal has been lost). The SEARCH DELAY parameter sets the amount of delay, in seconds, that the ACU will
wait after AGC has fallen below the threshold value before it starts a search.
Search can be initiated manually by pressing the NEXT button several times to the STATUS menu, then press ENTER
button twice to access the SEARCH sub-menu. Press the RIGHT arrow key and then press the UP arrow key (starts a
search from the current antenna position). While in the SEARCH sub-menu, pressing the DOWN arrow key will stop
the current search.
Search is terminated automatically when the AGC level exceeds the threshold value and Tracking begins.
The ACU can be configured to use one of three search patterns. Each of the search patterns are described below.
Each description includes information about the settings involved in configuring the ACU to select that particular
pattern and the values that those settings would be set to, to optimize the pattern for your antenna model and the
frequency band being used.
The dimensions and timing of the search pattern are determined by the SETUP parameters SEARCH INC, SEARCH
LIMIT, SEARCH DELAY and SWEEP INC. Search is also affected by the Threshold and the internal receiver
settings under the Satellite menu. To change any one of these parameters, refer to “Changing the Search Parameters”
procedures below.
All three search patterns are conducted in a two-axis pattern consisting of alternate movements in azimuth and
elevation or along the polarization angle. The size and direction of the movements are increased and reversed every
other time resulting in an increasing spiral pattern as shown.
2.1.1.
The factory default search pattern in the ACU is a standard “box” pattern. You configure the ACU to use this
pattern by using the following settings:
Default Standard (Box) Search Pattern
SEARCH INC - set to the default value for the frequency band that your antenna model is currently
being used for (typically 15 counts).
SEARCH LIMIT – initially set to the default value. After targeting has been optimized, the search
limit can be adjusted if desired.
SEARCH DELAY – default, or any number of seconds from 1-255 that you would prefer that the
ACU wait before starting an automatic search.
SWEEP INC – default value (this parameter is not used in this search pattern).
GYRO TYPE – must NOT be set to zero.
SAT REF mode – may be ON if you are experiencing frequent, or constant, gyro read errors (error
code 0001). Must be ON if you are using NMEA Gyro input.
Target any satellite longitude value which includes even tenths digit values (ie SAT 101.0 W or SAT 101.2 W).
If the desired satellite longitude includes an odd tenths digit, you must round it up, or down, one tenth to
make the tenths digit EVEN. The Antenna Control Unit calculates the Azimuth, Elevation and Polarization
values it will use to target the antenna. Initially the antenna will go to a position that is 8 degrees above the
calculated azimuth, until Azimuth, Elevation and Polarization have had time to complete adjustment. Then
the antenna will drive down to the calculated elevation, which is the “Start” of the search pattern in the
graphic below.
Then the antenna will search up in azimuth one Search Increment, search up one Search Increment in
elevation, search down two Search Increments in azimuth, search down two Search Increments in elevation,

DAC-2202 Operation Manual Operation
2-12
etc until Search Limit is reached. When the end of the search pattern is reached, the ACU will retarget the
antenna to the start point shown in the graphic below.
If the desired signal is found (AND network lock is achieved in the satellite modem) at this position, or
anywhere within the search pattern, the ACU will terminate search and go into Tracking mode. If the desired
signal is not found the ACU will wait SEARCH DELAY seconds and then begin the search pattern again. This
cycle will repeat until the desired satellite signal is found or the operator intervenes.
2.1.2.
Some older satellites, in order to save fuel to keep them exactly positioned over the Equator, are in an
inclined geosynchronous orbit. The satellite remains geosynchronous but is no longer geostationary. From a
fixed observation point on Earth, it would appear to trace out a figure-eight with lobes oriented north-
southward once every twenty-four hours. The north-south excursions of the satellite may be too far off the
center point for a default box search pattern to find that satellite at all times during the 24 hour period.
Inclined Orbit Search Pattern
You can configure the ACU to do a special search pattern for a satellite that is in an inclined orbit by using the
following settings:
SEARCH INC - set to the default value for the frequency band that your antenna model is currently
being used for (typically 15 counts).
SEARCH LIMIT – leave this set to the default value for your antenna model.
SEARCH DELAY – default, or any number of seconds from 1-255 that you would prefer that the
ACU wait before starting an automatic search.
SWEEP INC – set to 192 if your antenna is a Series 04 or Series 06 or Series 09. Set to 193 if your
antenna is a Series 97, Series 00 or Series 07. This parameter sets the sweep increment (shown in
the graphic above) to be +/- 8.0 degrees above/below the satellite arc.
GYRO TYPE – must NOT be set to zero.
SAT REF mode – may be ON if you are experiencing frequent, or constant, gyro read errors (error
code 0001). Must be ON if you are using NMEA Gyro input.
Target the desired satellite longitude value but include an odd tenths digit (ie if you desired to target inclined
satellite 186.0 W you would key in SAT 186.1 W for the ACU to do an inclined search). The Antenna Control
Unit calculates the Azimuth, Elevation and Polarization values it will use to target the antenna.
Initially the antenna will go to a calculated position that is half of SWEEP INCR degrees above, and
perpendicular to, the satellite arc (along the same angle as polarization for the desired satellite). This position
is the “Start” of the search pattern in the graphic above. Then the antenna will drive down along the
polarization angle SWEEP INCR degrees, step one Search Increment to the right (parallel to the satellite arc),
search up along the polarization angle SWEEP INCR degrees, step two Search Increments to the left, search
down, etc expanding out in the search pattern until Search Limit is reached. When the end of the search
pattern is reached, the ACU will retarget the antenna to the calculated Azimuth and Elevation point.