Sea Tel DAC-03 User manual

Sea Tel, Inc.
4030 Nelson Avenue
Concord, CA 94520
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Web: www.cobham.com\seatel
Sea Tel Europe
Unit 1, Orion Industrial Centre
Wide Lane, Swaythling
Southampton, UK S0 18 2HJ
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Web: www.cobham.com\seatel
Sea Tel Inc doing business as Cobham SATCOM
October 29, 2008 Document. No. 123866 Revision C2
INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUAL
FOR SEA TEL MODEL
DAC-03 TRACKING ANTENNA CONTROLLER
(with 70 or 140 MHz SCPC Narrow Band Receiver)
FOR UNLIMITED ANTENNA SYSTEMS

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.
The DAC-03 Antenna Control Unit (exclusively for use with Sea Tel Marine Stabilized
Antenna Pedestals) complies with the requirements of European Norms and European
Standards EN 60945 (1997) and prETS 300 339 (1998-03). Sea Tel European Union
Declaration of Conformity for this equipment is contained in this manual.
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 the consent of Sea Tel, Inc.
The information in this document is subject to change without notice.
Copyright © 2006 Sea Tel, Inc.

DAC-03 Tracking Antenna Controller Introduction
iii
Revision History
REV ECO# Date Description By
A N/A December 17, 2004 Initial Production Release MDN
B N/A September 29, 2005 Updated text & drawings. Added FCC TX Mute compliance
installation and testing information
MDN
C N/A April 17 2006 MDN
C1 N/A October 29, 2008 Update logo and font MDN

Table of Contents
v
1. INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................................................................1-1
1.1. CHARACTERISTICS.....................................................................................................................................................................1-1
1.2. DAC-03 FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION ..................................................................................................................................1-1
1.3. KEYBOARD ENTRY ......................................................................................................................................................................1-1
1.4. STATUS LEDS ............................................................................................................................................................................1-1
1.5. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF SYSTEM.......................................................................................................................................1-2
1.6. GENERAL SCOPE OF THIS MANUAL.........................................................................................................................................1-2
1.7. QUICK OVERVIEW OF CONTENTS...........................................................................................................................................1-2
2. OPERATION.................................................................................................................................................................................2-1
2.1. QUICK START OPERATION.......................................................................................................................................................2-1
2.2. FRONT PANEL LAYOUT .............................................................................................................................................................2-2
2.3. BASIC KEYBOARD ENTRY..........................................................................................................................................................2-2
2.4. BASIC DESCRIPTION OF FRONT PANEL KEYS AND THEIR FUNCTIONS.............................................................................2-2
2.5. DISPLAY &ENTRY OPERATION MENU ..................................................................................................................................2-4
2.5.1. SHIP information menus....................................................................................................................................2-4
2.5.2. SAT information menus.......................................................................................................................................2-5
2.5.3. ANTENNA information menus. .......................................................................................................................2-6
2.5.4. MODE Control & Status menus.......................................................................................................................2-9
2.5.5. SETUP Parameter display and entry menus.......................................................................................... 2-10
2.6. TRACKING OPERATION..........................................................................................................................................................2-10
2.6.1. DishScan Operation............................................................................................................................................ 2-10
2.6.2. Internal Tracking Receiver settings........................................................................................................... 2-11
2.6.3. C/X and Ku Band Selections........................................................................................................................... 2-11
2.7. SEARCHING OPERATION........................................................................................................................................................2-11
2.7.1. Default Standard (Box) Search Pattern ................................................................................................... 2-11
2.7.2. Inclined Orbit Search Pattern....................................................................................................................... 2-12
2.7.3. No Gyro Search Pattern................................................................................................................................... 2-13
2.8. AUTO-POLARIZATION OPERATION.....................................................................................................................................2-14
2.9. RADOME ASSEMBLY OPERATION ........................................................................................................................................2-14
3. BASIC SYSTEM INFORMATION....................................................................................................................................3-1
3.1. SATELLITE BASICS .....................................................................................................................................................................3-1
3.1.1. C-Band Receive Frequency (3.7-4.2GHz) ...................................................................................................3-1
3.1.2. Ku-Band Receive Frequency (10.95-12.75GHz)......................................................................................3-1
3.1.3. Blockage......................................................................................................................................................................3-1
3.1.4. Rain Fade.....................................................................................................................................................................3-1
3.1.5. Signal level..................................................................................................................................................................3-2
3.1.6. Satellite Footprint Charts...................................................................................................................................3-2
3.1.7. Linear Satellite polarization...............................................................................................................................3-2
3.2. ANTENNA BASICS......................................................................................................................................................................3-3
3.2.1. Azimuth........................................................................................................................................................................3-3
3.2.2. Elevation......................................................................................................................................................................3-3
3.2.3. Antenna polarization............................................................................................................................................3-3
3.2.4. Stabilization...............................................................................................................................................................3-4
3.2.5. Narrow Band Tracking Receivers....................................................................................................................3-4

Table of Contents
vi
3.2.6. Tracking....................................................................................................................................................................... 3-4
3.3. COMPONENTS OF THE SYSTEM CONFIGURATION ............................................................................................................. 3-4
3.3.1. Antenna ADE Assembly...................................................................................................................................... 3-4
3.3.2. Antenna Control Unit........................................................................................................................................... 3-4
3.3.3. Below Decks AC Power Supply........................................................................................................................ 3-5
3.3.4. Other Below Decks Equipment ....................................................................................................................... 3-5
4. INSTALLATION.........................................................................................................................................................................4-1
4.1. GENERAL CAUTIONS &WARNINGS ...................................................................................................................................... 4-1
4.2. SITE SURVEY............................................................................................................................................................................... 4-1
4.3. PREPARING FOR THE INSTALLATION..................................................................................................................................... 4-1
4.3.1. Unpack Shipping Crates and Inspect / Inventory ................................................................................ 4-1
4.3.2. Preparing BDE Location...................................................................................................................................... 4-1
4.3.3. Read the Installation Information................................................................................................................ 4-1
4.3.4. Plan The Install........................................................................................................................................................ 4-1
4.3.5. The Installing Cables............................................................................................................................................ 4-1
4.4. INSTALL THE ACU..................................................................................................................................................................... 4-2
4.5. INSTALL THE TERMINAL MOUNTING STRIP (TMS) .......................................................................................................... 4-2
4.6. INSTALL THE BASE MULTIPLEXER PANEL ............................................................................................................................. 4-2
4.7. TERMINAL MOUNTING STRIP (TMS) CONNECTIONS...................................................................................................... 4-2
4.8. PEDESTAL CONTROL CONNECTION ....................................................................................................................................... 4-4
4.9. AC POWER TO THE ACU........................................................................................................................................................ 4-4
4.10. AGC TRACKING CONNECTION............................................................................................................................................... 4-4
4.11. MONITOR AND CONTROL CONNECTIONS........................................................................................................................... 4-4
4.12. INSTALL OTHER BDE EQUIPMENT......................................................................................................................................... 4-4
4.13. FINAL CHECKS............................................................................................................................................................................ 4-4
4.13.1. Visual/Electrical inspection............................................................................................................................... 4-4
4.13.2. Electrical - Double check wiring connections......................................................................................... 4-4
4.14. POWER-UP.................................................................................................................................................................................. 4-4
4.15. SETUP........................................................................................................................................................................................... 4-5
5. SETUP ..............................................................................................................................................................................................5-1
5.1. OPERATOR SETTINGS................................................................................................................................................................ 5-1
5.2. TRACKING AND BAND SELECTION SETTINGS ..................................................................................................................... 5-1
5.3. DEFAULT SETUP PARAMETERS ............................................................................................................................................... 5-1
5.3.1. EL TRIM....................................................................................................................................................................... 5-1
5.3.2. AZ TRIM...................................................................................................................................................................... 5-1
5.3.3. AUTO THRES............................................................................................................................................................. 5-2
5.3.4. EL STEP SIZE............................................................................................................................................................ 5-2
5.3.5. AZ STEP SIZE........................................................................................................................................................... 5-2
5.3.6. STEP INTEGRAL ...................................................................................................................................................... 5-2
5.3.7. SEARCH INC ............................................................................................................................................................. 5-2
5.3.8. SEARCH LIMIT ........................................................................................................................................................ 5-2
5.3.9. SEARCH DELAY........................................................................................................................................................ 5-3
5.3.10. SWEEP INC................................................................................................................................................................ 5-3
5.3.11. SYSTEM TYPE ........................................................................................................................................................... 5-3

Table of Contents
vii
5.3.12. GYRO TYPE .................................................................................................................................................................5-3
5.3.13. POLANG TYPE...........................................................................................................................................................5-4
5.3.14. POL OFFSET...............................................................................................................................................................5-4
5.3.15. POL SCALE..................................................................................................................................................................5-4
5.3.16. Radiation Hazard and Blockage Mapping (AZ LIMIT parameters)..............................................5-4
5.3.17. TX Polarity..................................................................................................................................................................5-7
5.3.18. TRACK DISP (your software may not have this setting)....................................................................5-7
5.3.19. SAVE NEW PARAMETERS...................................................................................................................................5-8
5.3.20. REMOTE COMMAND............................................................................................................................................5-8
5.3.21. REMOTE MONITOR...............................................................................................................................................5-8
5.3.22. DISHSCAN..................................................................................................................................................................5-8
5.3.23. SAT REF........................................................................................................................................................................5-8
5.3.24. REMOTE TILT ...........................................................................................................................................................5-8
5.3.25. REMOTE PARAMETERS.......................................................................................................................................5-8
6. FUNCTIONAL TESTING ......................................................................................................................................................6-1
6.1. ACU /ANTENNA SYSTEM CHECK..........................................................................................................................................6-1
6.2. LATITUDE/LONGITUDE AUTO-UPDATE CHECK...................................................................................................................6-1
6.3. SHIP HEADING –GYRO COMPASS FOLLOWING CHECK....................................................................................................6-1
6.4. CHECK TRACKING RECEIVER SETTINGS................................................................................................................................6-1
6.5. AZIMUTH &ELEVATION DRIVE..............................................................................................................................................6-2
6.6. FOUR QUADRANT TRACKING TEST .......................................................................................................................................6-2
6.7. BLOCKAGE SIMULATION TEST................................................................................................................................................6-2
6.8. CHECK ACU PARAMETERS (YOUR SOFTWARE MAY NOT HAVE ALL OF THESE SETTINGS).........................................6-4
7. MAINTENANCE & TROUBLESHOOTING .................................................................................................................7-1
7.1. GENERAL CAUTIONS &WARNINGS.......................................................................................................................................7-1
7.2. TROUBLESHOOTING THE ACU ...............................................................................................................................................7-1
7.2.1. Display is blank ........................................................................................................................................................7-1
7.2.2. Power-up displays “REMOTE NOT RESPONDING”................................................................................7-1
7.2.3. NMEA GPS Checkout............................................................................................................................................7-2
7.2.4. Auxiliary Serial Port Adapter (J11) Checkout...........................................................................................7-2
7.2.5. Check Parameters Settings ...............................................................................................................................7-2
7.3. TROUBLESHOOTING SHIPS GYRO COMPASS PROBLEMS ...................................................................................................7-2
7.3.1. STEP-BY-STEP...........................................................................................................................................................7-2
7.3.2. 1:1 SYNCHRO ............................................................................................................................................................7-2
7.3.3. 360:1 Synchro ..........................................................................................................................................................7-3
7.4. DISPLAY OFFSETS /OPTIMIZING TARGETING ....................................................................................................................7-4
7.5. PEDESTAL CONTROL UNIT CONFIGURATION......................................................................................................................7-4
7.6. PROGRAMMING INSTRUCTIONS ANTENNA CONTROL UNIT ...........................................................................................7-4
8. DAC-03 W/SCPC RECEIVER TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS.....................................................................8-1
8.1. GENERAL ......................................................................................................................................................................................8-1
8.2. FRONT PANEL..............................................................................................................................................................................8-1
8.3. REAR PANEL.................................................................................................................................................................................8-1
8.4. RS-232 MONITOR AND CONTROL INTERFACE ..................................................................................................................8-1
8.5. NMEA INTERFACE ....................................................................................................................................................................8-2

Table of Contents
viii
8.6. RF TRACKING INPUT ................................................................................................................................................................ 8-2
8.6.1. Narrow Band SCPC receiver: ............................................................................................................................ 8-2
8.7. TERMINAL MOUNTING STRIP................................................................................................................................................. 8-2
8.7.1. Synchro Interface:................................................................................................................................................. 8-2
8.7.2. SBS Interface............................................................................................................................................................ 8-2
8.7.3. Control Interface ................................................................................................................................................... 8-2
8.7.4. NMEA Interface...................................................................................................................................................... 8-3
8.8. ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS............................................................................................................................................. 8-3
8.9. CABLES......................................................................................................................................................................................... 8-4
8.9.1. DAC AC Power Cable............................................................................................................................................ 8-4
8.9.2. Antenna Control Cable........................................................................................................................................ 8-4
8.9.3. SBS/Synchro Gyro Compass Interface Cable (Customer Furnished)......................................... 8-4
9. DRAWINGS ..................................................................................................................................................................................9-1
9.1. DAC-03 W/SCPC ANTENNA CONTROL UNIT -PART NUMBER QUICK REFERENCE................................................ 9-1
9.2. DAC-03 TRACKING ANTENNA CONTROLLER DRAWINGS............................................................................................... 9-1

DAC-03 Tracking Antenna Controller Introduction
1-1
1. Introduction
This manual describes the Sea Tel Model DAC-03 shipboard Tracking Antenna Control Unit (ACU). System
information, installation, setup, operating instructions, functional testing and maintenance for the ACU are also
contained herein.
This ACU allows you to control the antenna that it is connected to. It also allows you to connect your Gyro
Compass to provide heading input to the system for accurate targeting of satellites.
1.1. Characteristics
The Antenna Control Unit (ACU) communicates via an RS422 serial data link with the Pedestal Control Unit
(PCU) located on the antenna. For unlimited azimuth pedestals, the RS422 link is coupled to the PCU via RF
Multiplexers and is conducted across one of the ADE/BDE coaxial cables. The Pedestal Control Unit
stabilizes the antenna against the ship's roll, pitch, and turning motions. The ACU is the operator interface
to the PCU and provides the user with a choice of positioning commands to point the antenna, search
commands to find the satellite signal and tracking functions to maintain optimum pointing.
1.2. DAC-03 Functional Description
The DAC-03 is housed in a standard 19-inch rack mount enclosure. The front panel contains a row of
function keys used to select the desired information to be displayed and an array of numeric data entry keys
for changing parameters or commanding the antenna functions. Data is displayed on a bright 40 character
Vacuum Fluorescent display making it easy to read in all ambient light conditions. The DAC-03 can be
mounted on chassis slides allowing easy access to all internal electronics. All external connections are
brought out through three D-Subminiature connectors mounted on the rear panel. Flexible ribbon cable
extends these connections to a terminal-mounting strip mounted on the rear of the rack enclosure
separating the ship wiring from the Antenna Control Unit.
The DAC-03 uses a shipboard gyrocompass as the long-term azimuth reference. It accepts gyro compass
input from Step-By-Step OR 1:1, 36:1, 90:1 or 360:1 Synchro OR NMEA serial interface.
The DAC-03 automatically calculates the Elevation, Azimuth and Polarization pointing angles based on the
ships Latitude, Longitude and the desired Satellite Longitude position. A programmable pattern search will
automatically scan the area for a desired satellite if no signal is found. These two features make locating a
new satellite very easy.
A serial communications Monitor and Control (M&C) interface allows external control of the DAC-03 from a
PC, ASCII terminal, or telephone modem. This interface can also be used to update the ships Latitude and
Longitude information from a GPS or update heading from a gyro using the NMEA interface standard.
The DAC-03 requires satellite signal input to its internal Satellite ID Tracking Receiver to keep the antenna
peaked on satellite. This internal receiver is a DVB compliant DSS compatible Satellite Identification
receiver. Its input allows full coverage wide L-Band (950 to 2150 MHz) for tracking video transponders in all
TVRO satellites and may be set to Single Channel Per Carrier (SCPC), or Narrow Band IF (NBIF) mode to
allow tracking an L-BAND satellite beacon or narrow band data carrier.
1.3. Keyboard Entry
The keyboard entry and operation is very simple and straightforward. Pressing any of the 4 function keys
located below the VF display, enables the display of all the information associated with that function.
Please refer to the Operation section of this manual for more information.
1.4. Status LEDS
There are 4 status indicator LEDs on the front panel. They give the operator a continuous display of the
major operating states of the Antenna Control Unit. Please refer to the Operation section of this manual for
the function of each LED.

Introduction DAC-03 Tracking Antenna Controller
1-2
1.5. General Description of system
The ACU has been designed and manufactured so as to be inherently reliable, easy to maintain, and simple
to operate. Except for start-ups, or when changing to operate with different transponders or satellites, the
equipment essentially permits unattended operation.
This Antenna Control Unit will be connected to an Antenna and other equipment to form a system. The
system consists of two major groups of equipment; an above-decks group and a below-decks group. Each
group is comprised of, but not limited to, the items listed below. All equipment comprising the Above Decks
is incorporated inside the radome assembly and is integrated into a single operational entity. For inputs, this
system requires only an unobstructed line-of-sight view to the satellite, Gyro Compass input and AC
electrical power.
The following text provides a basic functional overview of the system components and component
interconnection as referred to in the System Block Diagram(s) for your model antenna.
Television Receive Only (TVRO) Systems are comprised of two major sections: The Above-Decks
Equipment (ADE) is comprised of the Sea Tel antenna & radome assembly which is mounted outside, on an
upper deck location chosen for best satellite reception. The Below-Decks Equipment (BDE) includes the
Antenna Control Unit and will have satellite receiver(s), TV set(s) and all other ancillary equipment that is
mounted in various locations throughout the interior of the ship.
Transmit/Receive (TXRX) Systems are also comprised of two major sections: The Above-Decks
Equipment (ADE) is comprised of the Sea Tel antenna & radome assembly which is mounted outside, on an
upper deck location chosen for best satellite reception. The Antenna inside the radome has Transmit &
Receive RF equipment mounted on it. The Below-Decks Equipment (BDE) includes the Antenna Control
Unit and will have satellite modem, Multiplexer and all other ancillary communications equipment that is
mounted in various locations throughout the interior of the ship.
For more information refer to the Basic System Information section of this manual, to your Antenna manual
and to the other manuals for equipment which was included in your system.
1.6. General scope of this manual
This manual describes this Sea Tel Antenna Control Unit, its’ operation and installation. Refer to the
manual(s) provided with your Antenna Pedestal and any other Below Decks Equipment for installation and
operating instructions for those equipments.
1.7. Quick Overview of contents
The information in this manual is organized into chapters. Operation, basic system information, installation,
setup, functional testing, maintenance, specifications and drawings relating to this ACU are all contained in
this manual

DAC-03 Tracking Antenna Controller Operation
2-1
2. Operation
Operation of your system is accomplished from the Antenna Control Unit (ACU). There is no Operation of the
Radome or Antenna Pedestal, other than from the ACU.
When power is turned ON, the ACU Display will initially show “SEA TEL INC - MASTER” and the ACU software
version (ie DAC-03 VER 4.13 ). 10 seconds later, the display will switch to “SEA TEL INC - REMOTE” and
“INITIALIZING”, until the Pedestal Control Unit (PCU) completes initialization of the antenna pedestal. When
initialization is completed the PCU will report its Model & Software version (ie 9797A VER 1.51 ). Initialization
takes approximately two minutes.
2.1. Quick Start Operation
If your system has been set up correctly, is using factory default parameters and the ship has not moved
since the system was used last … Quick start operation of the system from a cold start involves the following
steps.
1. Turn on the AC power switches for the Antenna Pedestal, Antenna Control Unit (ACU) and other
Below Decks Equipment.
2. Press SHIP to check the Latitude, Longitude and Heading values. Latitude and Longitude should still
be correct, but may be updated if necessary. Heading in most cases will be 000.0 and you will have
to enter the initial value of the ships current heading. Press SHIP 3 more times to select ship's
heading (HDG) entry mode. Use the NUMBER keys to enter the current ships heading and press
ENTER. Entry of ships heading is not required when your system is connected to a 1:1 Synchro or
NMEA 0183 Heading Gyro Compass output.
3. You may wish to press SAT to view (or change) the Satellite longitude and the tracking receiver
tuning information OR press ANTENNA to monitor the antenna position information during
normal operation.
When Initialization is completed the ACU, target the desired satellite (SAT), the Search LED will flash while
the antenna is moving to the targeted AZ & EL position, then;
A. If no signal is found: The Tracking LED will flash for a short period of time (SEARCH DELAY) followed
by the Search LED coming ON. The ACU will automatically set the tracking threshold and move the antenna
in a spiral SEARCH pattern. The search movement will stop when 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 a satellite signal is found: The ACU will be receiving 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.
Upon completion of the above, the system will continue to operate automatically indefinitely or 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.

Operation DAC-03 Tracking Antenna Controller
2-2
2.2. Front Panel Layout
2.3. Basic Keyboard Entry
Keyboard operation is very simple and straightforward. Pressing any of the 4 main menu function keys
located below the display, enables the display of all the information associated with that function. Pressing
the same function key again, or pressing the ENTER key, enables the first display/entry sub-menu.
Subsequent depressions the same function key, or the ENTER key, cycle through the other display/entry
sub-menus. A selected display can be overwritten by pressing the desired NUMBER keys or it can be
incremented and decremented with the UP/DOWN arrow keys. Pressing the DECIMAL POINT allows
fractional entries to be made. Pressing C clears the display to correct errors. When satisfied with the entry,
press ENTER again to set your input and proceed to the next function.
2.4. Basic description of front panel keys and their functions
The basic functions of the front panel keys, display and LEDs are:
DISPLAY - 20 character x 2-line display of all menu display, entry, control and status windows.
AUX1 - Toggles Tracking ON/OFF, regardless of which displayed menu location you are currently in.
AUX2 - No current operator function.
Main Menu Display & Entry Keys:
SHIP - Accesses the SHIP menus to display, enter or edit current Ships’ Latitude, Longitude and
gyro compass Heading information.
SAT - Accesses the SAT menus to display, enter or edit current Satellite Longitude, Threshold,
SCPC Narrow Band Receiver settings and current signal level being received (AGC).
ANTENNA - Accesses the ANTENNA menus to display, enter or edit current Azimuth, Elevation &
Relative antenna position and Polarization setting. Current signal level being received (AGC) and
Conscan tracking signals are also displayed in some of the sub-menu screens.
MODE - Accesses control of Tracking band & ON/OFF selection, Searching ON/OFF selection, Error
status and Remote Auxiliary value.
NUMERIC KEY PAD - Used to key in numeric values in all entry menus.
NUMBERS - Key in numeric value of desired entry. May be used in conjunction with the Decimal
Point.
DECIMAL POINT - Used with the Numbers to enter whole and tenths of degrees or MHz & KHz
to enter tuning frequency.
CKey - Clear an incorrect numeric entry.

DAC-03 Tracking Antenna Controller Operation
2-3
Special Keys -
UP Arrow - Steps the selected entry UP one increment per sequential key-press or rapidly
increments the selected entry when pressed & held. Affects all Numeric entries and is used to
toggle Tracking ON/OFF, turn Searching ON or to clear the Error display.
DOWN Arrow - Steps the selected entry DOWN one increment per sequential key-press or rapidly
increments the selected entry when pressed & held. Affects all Numeric entries and is used to
toggle Tracking Band selection, turn Searching OFF or to clear the Error display.
N/S/E/W - Toggles North/South Latitude entry, East/West Longitude entry, Tracking Receiver
Input selection and Polarization mode (depends on POL TYPE parameter setting). It is used to make
numeric entries to cause them to become negative values. When in MODE menus the N/S/E/W key
steps the display back UP to the previous sub-menu.
ENTER - Enters the value that has been keyed in.
Status LEDs
TRACKING - (Green LED)
ON indicates that the ACU is Tracking a satellite signal whose AGC value is greater than the
Threshold value. The ACU is actively issuing small azimuth & elevation position
adjustments to the antenna to optimize the signal level (AGC). If the system was
Searching, SEARCH will go OFF when TRACKING turns ON.
Blinking indicates that the satellite signal AGC value is less than the Threshold value and
the ACU is counting down “SEARCH DELAY” (seconds). If the AGC does not rise above the
Threshold before the count-down is completed, the ACU will automatically start a SEARCH
to acquire a signal that is greater than Threshold. When SEARCH is ON, TRACKING will be
OFF.
OFF indicates that Tracking is OFF. This may be due to the operator turning Tracking OFF
intentionally or that Tracking was pre-empted by SEARCH.
SEARCHING - (Green LED)
ON indicates that the ACU is Searching for a satellite signal whose AGC value is greater
than the Threshold value. When a satellite signal is found SEARCH will go OFF and
TRACKING will come ON. If an adequate satellite signal is not found during the Search,
SEARCH will blink as the antenna re-targets to the desired satellite. If an adequate satellite
signal is still not found, then TRACKING will begin flashing (count-down) until the next
SEARCH is automatically started.
Blinking indicates that the antenna is TARGETING to the calculated Azimuth & Elevation
positions of the desired satellite (SAT). When the antenna arrives at the calculated position
SEARCH will go OFF. If an adequate satellite signal is found at the targeted position
Tracking will commence. If an adequate satellite signal is not found at the targeted
position, TRACKING will begin blinking (see above) until the next SEARCH is automatically
started.
OFF indicates that SEARCH is OFF. This may be due to the operator turning Search OFF
intentionally or that Tracking has pre-empted SEARCH.
UNWRAP - (Red LED) Your system does not require UNWRAP, therefore, this LED should never be
ON.
ERROR - (Red LED)
ON indicates that one, or more, discrete system errors have occurred. Refer to MODE
information menus below to determine which error(s) have occurred.
OFF indicates that no errors have occurred.
RESET - Resets the processors inside the ACU. This does NOT reset the antenna pedestal.

Operation DAC-03 Tracking Antenna Controller
2-4
2.5. Display & Entry Operation Menu
The operation menus are arranged in four groups. Use the SHIP, SAT, ANTENNA and MODE keys to select
their respective operation menu. Use the ENTER key to access the sub-menu of a selected group and then
use the NSEW and ENTER keys to move up and down the sub-menu items.
In the following sections, the individual Operation menus contain explanatory text for each menu step.
2.5.1. SHIP information menus.
Main Menu Sub Menu Display Meaning
LAT 38 N LON 122 W
HDG 000.0
Display of the current SHIP information.
LAT 38 N
Latitude entry mode. Used to calculate
Azimuth, Elevation and Polarization for the
desired satellite position.
Latitude is updated automatically by the GPS
mounted on the antenna pedestal.
To manually update, key in numeric latitude in
decimal form. Tenths may be entered (and will be
used internally) but the display will round off to
nearest whole degree.
Press N/S/E/W to toggle North/South
hemisphere. Press ENTER to set the new latitude.
LON 122 W
Longitude entry mode. Used to calculate
Azimuth, Elevation and Polarization for the
desired satellite position.
Longitude is updated automatically by the GPS
mounted on the antenna pedestal.
To manually update, key in numeric longitude in
decimal form. Tenths may be entered (and will be
used internally) but the display will round off to
nearest whole degree.
Press N/S/E/W to toggle East/West hemisphere.
Press ENTER to set the new longitude.

DAC-03 Tracking Antenna Controller Operation
2-5
HDG 000.0 000.0
Heading entry mode. Used to provide “True”
Azimuth antenna position.
If the GYRO TYPE parameter is NMEA0183 data or
1:1 Synchro, you will not be able to set HDG to
any other value than it receives from the Ships
Gyro Compass. For all other acceptable Gyro
Compass input types the HDG MUST be initially
set whenever the ACU power is turned ON. Key in
the heading value of the Ships Gyro Compass and
press ENTER.
HDG display may be a single value, or left and
right values depending on the GYRO TYPE
parameter. When Left and right values are
displayed, left is the response from the pedestal
and right in the local input from the gyrocompass.
During subsequent normal operation, the HDG
value should automatically follow the Ships Gyro
Compass correctly (HDG value should agree with
the value observed on the Gyro Compass).
2.5.2. SAT information menus.
Main Menu Sub Menu Display Meaning
SAT 101 W THRS 1234
INA 1100 AGC 1234
Display of the current SAT information.
SAT 101 W
Satellite Longitude entry menu. Used to
calculate antenna Elevation, Azimuth and
Polarity pointing angles.
Key in the numeric longitude of the satellite
you want to target (even if it is the same
value as is presently displayed), press
N/S/E/W to toggle the E/W hemisphere as
necessary and press ENTER.
The ACU will then calculate the Elevation,
Azimuth and Polarization that the antenna will
be driven to, based on the current SHIP
information (LAT, LON & HDG) and issue
those (AZ, EL & POL) targeting values to the
antenna. Auto-Threshold will re-set as the
antenna targets.
THRS 1234
Threshold entry mode. Default setup is
Automatic Threshold, which sets the
Threshold value to 128 counts of AGC above
the average AGC value whenever the ACU
Searches or Targets.
To manually set threshold, key in the desired
numeric value and press ENTER.

Operation DAC-03 Tracking Antenna Controller
2-6
IF 70.450 AGC 1234
RCVR entry mode. Tracking Receiver Input
Selection & Tuning.
Press N/S/E/W to toggle Input Selection
(EXT, INA, INB or IF).
IF should be selected for TXRX systems using
one of the SCPC Receivers (BNC connector on
the rear panel). Key in the numeric value of
whole MHz and press ENTER, then press
Decimal Point followed by the numeric
value of KHz and press ENTER to set the
frequency you want to use for Tracking.
[EXAMPLE: To tune to 70.450 MHz; key in
70, ENTER, then Decimal Point, 450, ENTER].
Receiver should be tuned to the same
frequency as the RXIF value of your Satellite
Modem or to a Beacon frequency. [Do NOT
tune to your TXIF frequency].
Current signal level (AGC) of the selection &
frequency will be displayed.
2.5.3. ANTENNA information menus.
Main Menu Sub Menu Display Meaning
AZ 123.4 EL 056.7
REL 234.5 AGC 1234
Display of the current ANTENNA information.
REL is a diagnostic display of the antenna
position relative to the bow of the ship, ranging
from 0-359.9, with 000.0 indicating when
antenna is pointed in-line with the bow.
The REL position of the antenna is used to set
Radiation Hazard & Blockage Mapping points
(refer to AZ LIMIT settings).

DAC-03 Tracking Antenna Controller Operation
2-7
AZ 123.4
# AGC 1234
Azimuth position/entry mode. True
Azimuth position of the antenna. Display is the
sum of ships heading (HDG) and antenna
relative (REL) position reduced to 0-359.9
degrees. To manually drive the antenna in
azimuth (assure Tracking is OFF):
Sequentially press the UP or DOWN arrow key
to step the antenna up or down in small
individual increments. OR,
Press & Hold the UP or DOWN arrow key to
slew the antenna up or down in rapid
increments. OR,
Key in the desired numeric value of Azimuth
you want to target the antenna to and press
ENTER. To target a Relative position, key in the
desired numeric value, press NSEW and then
press ENTER.
DishScan tracking signals ( #) will appear in the
lower left of the display. Periodic 2, 4, 6 or 8 are
normal DishScan tracking signals.
Current IF signal level (AGC) is displayed to
assist you in manually peaking AZ for best signal
level.
EL 056.7
# AGC 1234
Elevation position/entry mode. Current
Elevation angle of the antenna (0-90.0). To
manually drive the antenna in elevation (assure
Tracking is OFF):
Sequentially press the UP or DOWN arrow key
to step the antenna up or down in small
individual increments. OR,
Press & Hold the UP or DOWN arrow key to
slew the antenna up or down in rapid
increments. OR,
Key in the desired numeric value of elevation
you want to target the antenna to and press
ENTER.
DishScan tracking signals ( #)will appear in the
lower left of the display. Periodic 2, 4, 6 or 8 are
normal DishScan tracking signals.
Current IF signal level (AGC) is displayed to
assist you in manually peaking EL for best signal
level.

Operation DAC-03 Tracking Antenna Controller
2-8
POL 0000 AGC 1234
Polarization entry menu. Allows polarization
adjustment if Auto-Polarization (DEFAULT) is
not being used.
POL Display may be a numeric value
representing the current polarization angle
(polang) position or ALPHA display of HORZ,
LHCP, VERT, RHCP polarization mode.
In manual polarization mode the N/S/E/W key
(selects HORZ, LHCP, VERT or RHCP) OR the
UP/DOWN arrow keys (adjust polarization
angle clockwise or counter- clockwise for fine-
tuning) depending upon the POL TYPE
parameter setting.
Current IF signal level (AGC) is displayed to
assist you in manually peaking POL for best
signal level.

DAC-03 Tracking Antenna Controller Operation
2-9
2.5.4. MODE Control & Status menus.
Main Menu Sub Menu Display Meaning
CONTROL
TRACKING KuHI OFF
Control – Tracking menu.
Use the AUX1 or UP arrow key to turn Tracking
ON/OFF.
Use the DOWN arrow key (two times within 3
seconds) to toggle the BAND selection (Ku or
C/X). Then use the DOWN arrow key once to
toggle between KuHi/KuLow OR C/X. Band
selection controls the local logic output state of
SW1 output terminal on the 25 pin Terminal
Mounting Strip PCB and remote C/Ku relays on
the antenna pedestal. When KuHi or X band is
selected the SW1 output will be shorted to
ground (current sink of 0.5 amps max) to control
below decks band selection tone generators or
coax switches. When KuLo or C is selected the
SW1 output is open (floating).
If AZ Limits have been set to represent relative
position(s) of the antenna that are blocked from
receiving satellite signal (Blockage Zone) or
where transmit must be disabled to protect
people who may congregate in the location of
the ship (RF Radiation Hazard – TX/RX systems
ONLY), “BLOCKED” will appear at the end of the
second line when the antenna is within in the
described blockage/hazard zone(s) [OR is
searching or targeting]. This function controls
the logic output state of SW2 output terminal on
the 25 pin Terminal Mounting Strip PCB. When
BLOCKED the SW2 output will be shorted to
ground (current sink of 0.5 amps max) to control
below decks dual antenna coax switches or TX
inhibit control to a satellite modem for radiation
hazard control or TX mute for FCC compliance.
To test the blockage output press the 5key,
BLOCKED will appear on the second line of the
display and the SW2 output terminal will be
shorted to ground. Press the UP arrow key to
turn the BLOCKED condition OFF and open SW2
contact to ground.
CONTROL
SEARCH 2 OFF
Control – Searching menu.
Use the UP arrow key to cause a manual SEARCH
to begin (SEARCH 2 ON).
Use the DOWN arrow key to stop a search
(SEARCH 2 OFF).

Operation DAC-03 Tracking Antenna Controller
2-10
STATUS
ERROR LLLL RRRR
Status – Error menu.
LLLL - Comms Error Count - indicates the
number of times that a Pedestal M&C
communication message (between the ACU and
PCU) was not received correctly. Occasional
counts are normal but more than 10 per minute
indicates a problem that needs attention (refer
to Troubleshooting section).
RRRR - Error Code - indicates the SUM of
the discrete error(s) that have occurred. It does
not indicate how many of a particular error have
occurred. Refer to the “To View Errors”
paragraph below for a complete list of the
discrete errors which could occur.
Pressing UP arrow key clears error count, status
code and extinguishes the Error LED.
STATUS
REMOTE AUX 0000
Status – Remote Aux menu. Diagnostic
display of Remote auxiliary read, typically used
to indicate Temperature or EIRP readings from
the antenna.
Continuing to press MODE will not advance the
display until the correct password is entered to
allowing entry into the SETUP Parameter menus.
To access the SETUP Parameters, key in the
password “7979” and press the ENTER key
2.5.5. SETUP Parameter display and entry menus.
Access to the password protected 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.
CAUTION: Improper setting of these parameters will cause your system to not to perform
properly.
Refer to the SETUP information in the Installation section of this manual.
2.6. Tracking Operation
You can toggle Tracking ON/OFF by simply pressing the AUX1 key.
Tracking optimizes the pointing of the antenna, in very fine step increments, to maximize the level of the
satellite signal being received. DishScan is the default mode of tracking.
2.6.1. DishScan Operation
This system uses a variation of Conical scanning, called DishScan, which continuously drives the
antenna in a very small diameter circle at 60 RPM. The received signal is evaluated throughout
each full circle rotation of the antenna 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.
When you are in the AZIMUTH or ELEVATION entry menu, the DishScan commands (2, 4, 6 or 8)
will be visible in the lower left corner of the display. A 2 = DOWN, 4 = LEFT, 6 = RIGHT and 8 = UP.
When Tracking is turned OFF these commands indicate movement direction that is needed, but the
commands will not be issued to the antenna to actually re-position it. Tracking must be turned
ON to keep the antenna peaked on the satellite.