Sphere Astrolink User manual

User Manual
Ver 1.2
Astrolink
Fully Automatic Satellite Dish
Designed in Australia
for Australian conditions
www.coastrv.com.au
More information https://www.caravansplus.com.au

More information https://www.caravansplus.com.au

ENGLISH - 3
1. General Information
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1-1. Introduction
1-2. Proper use and operation
1-3. Safety notes
4
5
6
2. Contents
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2-1. Components bundle
2-2. Name of parts
7
8
9. Caravan/Motorhome installation
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9-1. Required space for the Sphere Astrolink9-2. Equipment for installation
9-3. Installation
9-4. Battery connection
9-5. Options
19
21
21
25
26
6. Extra functions
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6-1. Error message
6-2. Factory reset
6-3. Software upgrade
6-4. Advanced settings
15
15
15
16
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5-1. Get ready to use
5-2. Searching the satellite
5-3. Back to HOME position & Turning off
13
14
14
8. Specifications
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8-1. Dimension
8-2. Specifications
18
18
7. Troubleshooting ................................................................................ 17
3. How to assemble dish (reflector)
4. Connection diagram
5. Functional description
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9
12
13
Contents
More information https://www.caravansplus.com.au

ENGLISH - 4
1. General Information
1-1. Introduction
These instructions describe the functions and operation of the Sphere Astrolink
fully automatic satellite system.
Correct and safe operation of the system can only be ensured by following these
instructions.
Your Sphere Astrolinkis an intelligent satellite TV reception antenna system
which can align itself towards a preset satellite automatically when the system is
located within the footprint of the selected satellite. The latest Australian coverage
map is available on www.coastrv.com.auFor general operation, please ensure that the system always has a clear view of the
Northern Sky (N/E when in WA).If the satellite‘s signal beam is interrupted by
obstacles such as buildings or trees, the unit will not function and no satellite TV signal
will be received, move your van slightly and try again. For more information on general
use of this unit consult your local dealer for assistance.
More information https://www.caravansplus.com.au

ENGLISH - 5
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
1-2. Proper use and operation
This product has been designed for fixed installation on vehicles with maximum speeds
of 130 km/h. It is designed to automatically aim an antenna at geostationary television
satellites. The power to the system is supplied by a standard vehicle electrical system
with a rated voltage of 12 Volts.
12V DC is default and recommended for use. If 24V DC has to be used, separate DC to
DC downconverter must be used.
Use of the equipment for any other purpose to the one specified is not permitted.
Please also note the following instructions from Sphere:
It is not possible to add or remove components on this product.
The use of other components other than those originally supplied.
When completing installation you or your contractor must strictly follow all instructions
in the supplied user manual. Failure to follow the user manual may cause damage to
the Sphere Astrolinkor your vehicle.
The product does not require any regular maintenance; all service must be carried out at
approved service centre’s.
All relevant guidelines of the automotive industry must be observed and complied with. The equipment must only be installed on solid vehicle roofs.
Avoid cleaning your vehicle with the mounted satellite system in a drive-through car
wash or a car wash with a high-pressure cleaner.
The Sphere Astrolink comes with a 2 year warranty, for full warranty details please visit
our website www.coastrv.com.auAfter Sales Support Line 02 9645 7600 or [e-mail] you are using VAST all card activation and channel entitlement issue's are handled by
the VAST call centre 1300 993 376. Their hours are 9am till 12pm and 2pm till 4.30pm
QLD time.
More information https://www.caravansplus.com.au

ENGLISH - 6
1-3. Safety notes
Please carefully read and follow the operating instructions in this manual.Upon installation of the Sphere Astrolink, please ensure the installation is done with supplied cables and ensure the controller cable is not modified in anyway, this carries data.The driver of the vehicle must inspect the antenna unit before driving off to ensure that the antenna is properly stored in safe. Check to see if the antenna is fully folded. As the user of this equipment, you are responsible for yourself ensuring compliance with the relevant laws and regulations.The manufacturer does not take liability for direct or indirect consequential damage of the system, motor vehicles or other equipment by reason of unsuitable battery usage or incorrect installation or wrong polarity.More information https://www.caravansplus.com.au

ENGLISH - 7
2. Contents
2-1. Components bundle
Actual components may differ from the above images.
※Reflector
LNB arm
Controller cable (pre-connected)
Junction Box,
M4x30(4), M3x18(4)
Mounting plate
Controller cable
Reflector assembly
LNB arm assembly
Cable holder,
Cable gland
Deflector User manual
Controller bracket,
Rear cable cover
M4×20(16), Washer(4)
M8 locking nut(4)
STB cable (3m)
Controller
Truss head M6×15 (4),
M6 Flat mold washer (4)
Cable clamp (2), Sems1 M4×10 (2)
Sems2 M6x55 (1)
Power input cable
2x Signal cable (7m)
Main unit
More information https://www.caravansplus.com.au

ENGLISH - 8
2-2. Name of parts
Main unit
Controller
Reflector
LNB
LNB arm
LNB cable
LNB connector
Cable clamp
Main body
Base
Auto skew cable
Reflector bracket
to Signal cable
to Controller cable
Deflector
Mounting plate
• Front
• Back
On
LED Indicator
Power S/W
USB port
Controller bracket hole
HOME LED
Lock LED
GPS LED
Satellite
LEDs
Mode button
Manual mode LEDs
Mode LED
HOME button
Arrow buttons
OK button
BlinkingOff
STB cable to STB
Signal cable from Main unit
Dip switch (Mode selector) Controller cable from Main unit
Power port
Note. Make sure that dip switch is set for right mode. (see page 12)
More information https://www.caravansplus.com.au

ENGLISH - 9
3. How to assemble dish (reector)
To avoid cable damage, fix LNB cable and auto skew cable as enlarged image
on following page.
※Step 1 :
Step 2 :
Step 3 :
Press POWER button on the controller to turn on the unit and press OK button on
any satellite
When reflector bracket is lifted up to vertical direction(about 90 degrees), turn
the unit off
Connect the reflector to the reflector bracket
Step 4 :
Step 5 :
Step 6 :
Combine LNB arm with reflector bracket
Connect LNB cables and auto skew cable to the connector on the body, and cover
the connectors on both sides with waterproof cap for protection
Align LNB cables on the body using cable clamps
Step 7 : Power on and check the installation is completed by selecting HOME position
Connect LNB cable to body
and align using cable clamp.
Reflector bracket is connected to
the reflector
LNB arm is connected to
reflector bracket
More information https://www.caravansplus.com.au

ENGLISH - 10To avoid cable damage, installer
has to fix LNB cable using cable
clamp . Please refer to the detail
at the next page.
※①
②
③
④
⑤
⑥
⑦
⑧
1
1
1
4
4
1
2
2
Reflector
LNB arm
Reflector bracket
M6 flat mold washer
Truss head M6x15
SEMS2 M6x55
Cable clamp
SEMS1 M4x10
No QuantityPart name
-Sphere V2 85cm
1
2
6
5
5
4
4
7
8
※
C
a
b
l
e
c
l
a
m
p
,
S
E
M
S
1
M
4
x
1
0
More information https://www.caravansplus.com.au

ENGLISH - 114. Connection diagram
MAIN UNIT
Use controller cable to connect the antenna to the controller. Controller cable is
pre-connected to the main body.
STB cable and signal cable are different lengths. Please check the lengths to use the
correct cable for the job.
Please ensure the supplied cables are used and not modified in anyway.
•
•
•
CONTROLLER
Controller cable
※For second STB & TV
※Refer to page 24 “E. Junction Box installation”
Junction Box ※For 24V power supply
Signal cable
Power input cable
Signal cable (7m)
STB TV
Ignition
12V Battery
Power input cable
Ignition
24V Battery
DC-DC converter
STB cable (3m)
STB
TV
More information https://www.caravansplus.com.au

ENGLISH - 12Incorrect setting causes deterioration of reception performance.
※
HOME position is when the antenna completely folded down and facing backward.
※5. Functional description
5-1. Get ready to use
c. HOME LED and a satellite, either the default satellite “VAST” or the last selected
satellite, will be solid this means the antenna is ready to go.
(If the antenna is not at HOME, HOME LED flashes while moving to HOME position)
d. GPS LED flashes while searching for the current location. When GPS position is
confirmed the LED will become solid.
※ The Sphere Astrolink can still locate the satellite without the GPS locked.
e. Waiting until both HOME & GPS LEDs are solid is recommended as this will allow the
unit to find the selected satellite faster with more precise alignment accuracy.
a.
b.
When the all cable connections are completed, press Power button.
All satellite LEDs will flash and then system is displayed like below image.
See below the controller has correct pre-setting.
Do not change setting unless mismatch with below example.
Controller Back
Auto skew function On(●) / Off(○)
STB Power Detection On(●) / Off(○)
Dish Type : 85cm(●○)
**Make sure that Dish type LED matches to the Dip switch setting
Software version (Binary code)
Model
Antenna 85cm
Auto skew
#1,4 down
1
↓↑234
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ENGLISH - 135-2. Searching the satellite
a.
b.
c.
Select the satellite using the arrow buttons on the controller and press OK.
Lock LED will flash during search and become solid when the satellite is found.
If you have selected the wrong satellite, move to the correct satellite name using
arrows and press OK to confirm new satellite.
5-3. Back to HOME position & Turning o
a.
b.
c.
After use and before travelling, press HOME to return the unit to HOME position.
To fully turn off the unit, long press Power button when the unit is at HOME.
If you will stay in your location for an extended period or wish to save power you can
leave the unit up simply by pressing the Power button and powering the unit off,
the signal will still come through to your satellite TV receiver.
More information https://www.caravansplus.com.au

ENGLISH - 14
CBI type USB is not supported.
※6. Extra functions
6-2. Factory reset
a.
b.
c.
d.
Ensure that the unit is turned off.
Press and hold HOME button then also press the Power button.
(Press home button until yellow LED blinks once.)
Factory reset takes less than 10 seconds.
When HOME LED becomes solid this means the factory reset is finished.
(If the antenna is not at HOME, HOME LED blinks while HOME positioning)
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
Ensure that the unit is turned off and plug the USB into USB port of the controller.
Press and hold OK button then also press the Power button.
HOME / Lock / GPS LEDs solid at the same time while checking the program.
Software upgrade takes about 10 seconds.
When the upgrade is completed, all Satellite LEDs flash once.
HOME / Lock / GPS LEDs are off during the controller reboot.
When HOME LED becomes solid, the antenna is ready to use.
If it fails, the HOME / Lock / GPS LED will flash 5 times and the system will power off.
6-3. Software upgrade
a. Transfer software program to a USB stick. (Do not place inside a folder)
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
Go to website www.coastrv.com.auto download software program. If
controller does not recognise USB drive, plug USB into a PC.
Right click USB, go to “Properties” and check the File system is FAT32.
If not, right click USB, go to “Format” and re-setup a file system to FAT32.
6-1. Error message
Error message LEDs (HOME /Lock /GPS) will be illuminated at the same time if there is
a problem with the main unit and detail is indicated as :
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
VAST
FOXTEL
D3
C1
D1
D2
IS19
-
Mode
AZ
EL
SK
Low power
Tuner error
AZ motor error
EL motor error
SK motor error
AZ motor current error
EL motor current error
-
High power
SK motor current error
EL range error (Over the limit)
LNB error
NO LED indicator Error detail
More information https://www.caravansplus.com.au

ENGLISH - 156-4. Advanced settings
i.
ii.
iii.
Press Menu_Select Installation and press "OK"_Enter Password 1234.
Press yellow button (TP Edit)_Change frequency to 11804.
Green bars should appear down the bottom of the TV screen, once this happens
press the red button. (start search)
c. UEC DSD 4921 RVi.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
Press Menu_Settingsand press "OK".
Select InstallationEnter password 1234
Select Satellite channels search
Change Freq to 11804
Start Scana.Change VAST STB Home Transponder (TP)
In very low signal areas or in bad weather it may be an advantage to change the home TP in your VAST receiver, this will allow the VAST receiver to search for the strongest TP first.
※Due to signal levels all channels may scan in but not be available.
b.SatKing VAST ReceiversMore information https://www.caravansplus.com.au

ENGLISH - 167. Troubleshooting
There are a number of common issues that can affect the signal reception quality or the operation of the Sphere Astrolink. The following sections address these issues and potential solutions.
i.
Connection between the battery and controller.
Connection between the controller and the antenna. Make sure that the cable is plugged
into the correct port on the antenna.
Check if the power input cable has been damaged. Check the battery polarities(+/-), check the yellow cable is not simply connected to + cableii.
iii.
A. No function when you power on the controller
Check again that all the cable connections have been made correctly.
C. Mechanical problems
i.
Try to power OFF/ON again or remove the power jack from the controller and then re-connect.
If the antenna does not move into desired position,
ii.
Try to power OFF/ON again or remove the power jack from the controller and then reconnect. If
problem persists, please contact your local distributor for assistance.
If the antenna makes a noise whilst remaining static,
iii. If the system has been improperly wired, the system may not operate. Contact your local
dealer for assistance.
i.
ii.
B. Failed to lock to the selected satellite
Satellite signals can be blocked or degraded by buildings and trees.
Make sure there are no obstructions in a northerly direction, maybe move van slightly.
Select another satellite, VAST or FOXTEL both come from the same position but use different
parameters so changing the satellite will force the unit to search different parameters.
If this is first use make sure LNB arm is fitted up the correct way and that receiver cable is in the "ANT" port on the rear of the Sphere V2 controller.i.
D. Terrestrial antenna (Also known as local antenna)
We recommend that you retain your local antenna as there will be some locations where
there are trees blocking the satellite signal and there is no clear view of the sky but there is
adequate terrestrial TV signal available.
iii.
More information https://www.caravansplus.com.au

ENGLISH - 178-2. Specications
MODEL
Dish size (Offset dish)
Dimension /
Weight
Work Condition
Polarization
LNB Output
LNB Input Frequency
LNB Output Frequency
Angle Range
Satellite Searching Time
Power Requirement
Power Consumption
Operating Temperature
Tuner
GPS
Gear Drive
Sphere Astrolink 85cm86.0 (W) x 91.0 (L) cm
110.6 (L) x 86.0 (W) x 18.4 (H) cm
15.1 Kg
Stationary
Linear (Horizontal / Vertical)
Dual Output
11.7 ~ 12.75 GHz
1000 - 2050 MHz
(EL) 0° ~ 145° / (AZ) 390° / (SK) -60° ~ +60°
80 seconds (Average)
DC 12V
60W searching (4W standby)
-20°C ~ +60°C
DVBS, DVBS2
24 channels
Heavy Duty Full Metal
Sphere Astrolink 85cm86.0 cm 110.6 cm
114.5 cm
18.4 cm
8. Specications
8-1. Dimension
More information https://www.caravansplus.com.au

ENGLISH - 189. Caravan/Motorhome installation
9-1. Required space for Sphere Astrolink
Please allow that there is enough space around the Sphere Astrolink for antenna
section to complete a full 360° scan of the sky and return to the HOME position
Sphere Astrolink 85cm
86.0 cm
110.6 cm
30.5 cm
102.6 cm
180.0 cm
More information https://www.caravansplus.com.au

ENGLISH - 19
Driving direction
179.0 cm 120.0 cm
45.2 cm
16.0 cm
44.5 cm
80.0 cm
Sphere Astrolink 85cmMore information https://www.caravansplus.com.au

ENGLISH - 20Main Unit
Signal cable × 2
Controller Cable
Power input cable
Deflector, Washer(4), M8 locking nut(4)
Mounting Plate, M4×20 (9)
Junction Box, M4×30(4), M3×18(4)
Cable gland & holder, M4×20 (3)
Controller, Controller bracket, Rear cable cover, M4×20 (4)
Spanner
2mm drill bit, 25mm drill bit
Power drill
Sikeflex
Masking tape
Cleaner
13
1
10
2
14
15
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
512
11
8
6
3
49
7
9-2. Equipment for installation
9-3. Installation
A. Mounting plate installation on a vehicle roof
After positioning the mounting plate, apply masking tape to the outside 5mm from the edge of the
plate.
A-2
Put aside the mounting plate then to apply sikaflex at appropriate intervals to the inside of the
attached tape line.
A-3
Select a suitable location to install the antenna and clean the surface with Cleaner.
A-1
More information https://www.caravansplus.com.au