Starband 75e Installation and user guide

StarBand®Field Service &

Maintenance Bulletins

September 15, 2013

Introduction

The StarBand®Field Service Bulletin (FSB) is an alert bulletin developed by StarBand®

engineering, to communicate a known defect or change, which may affect installation or

service. It consists of the symptom, cause, and a brief description of the problem, with

the accompanying resolution. Many of the FSBs contain useful troubleshooting

information.

The Maintenance Bulletin (MB) outlines procedures for replacement of specific VSAT

components.

Field Service Bulletins (FSBs)

FSBs which are not relevant for mobile StarBand®users are not included in this

document. However, they are still available on the StarBand.com web site, as follows:

1Go to the training web site, http://training.starband.com.

2Click on Installation, on the right.

3Click on “5. Where can I locate the FSBs and MBs?”.

You will see the page shown above. Scroll down and click to link to the FSB of interest.

Available FSBs In the following table, all available FSBs are listed. The last column indicates whether

or not the FSB is included in this document. An “X” indicates it is. “NA” means that

it is not applicable or included. The FSBs appear immediately after the table.

Table A-1: Available StarBand®Field Service Bulletins (FSBs)

75E Antenna Elevation Correction — SB-0013-1.00

Symptom The elevation reading obtained does not match the actual elevation scale

on the 75 cm Elliptical antenna

Possible Cause Elevation scale on antenna is off by approximately 2 degrees from

the Point Dish tool reading.

RecommendedAction When aligning the antenna, set the initial elevation reading with the

value from Point Dish. When sweeping the azimuth to locate the satellite, increase the

elevation in one-half degree increments, until the satellite is found and you have peaked

the dish for the strongest signal. Example: If the Point Dish elevation reading is 29, it will

be closer to 31 degrees when you have located the satellite and peaked the dish.

Field Service Bulletin (FSB) Subject Reference Number Last Updated Included

AMD Processor & USB conflicts (Model 180) SB-0011-1.00 05/03/01 NA

75E Antenna Elevation Correction SB-0013-1.00 05/22/01 X

75E Antenna Torque Specs SB-0014-1.00 06/5/01 X

Line Amplifier Requirements SB-0015-1.01 02/07/02 NA

LNB Troubleshooting SB-0016-1.00 09/13/01 X

75E DBS Kit "SAT-129/T7" Bracket Adjustment SB-0017-1.00 11/09/01 NA

ODU Troubleshooting SB-0018-1.00 12/21/01 X

Antenna Pointing Procedures SB-0019-2.00 02/24/04 X

IFL Troubleshooting SB-0020-1.01 03/19/02 X

Feed/OMT Assembly Troubleshooting SB-0021-1.00 12/21/01 X

Outbound Interference from Radar Detectors SB-0022-1.00 12/21/01 X

OCONUS (Outside Cont. US) Installation Info SB-0023-1.00 12/21/01 NA

Site Parameters Explained (included elsewhere) SB-0024-1.00 01/30/02 NA

Radiation Hazard/Antenna (included elsewhere) SB-0025-1.00 03/19/02 NA

Antenna Roof/Wall Mount Installation SB-0026-1.00 06/17/02 NA

DBS Kit & EchoStar Dish Pro Compatibility SB-0027-1.00 10/30/02 NA

Outbound Signal Quality Measurement SB-0028-1.00 10/30/02 X

CVACS SB-0029-1.02 03/18/04 X

HBR VSAT REQ & UPGRADES SB-0030-2.01 07/17/03 NA

Model 480 Configuration from CD SB-0031-1.01 01/14/04 NA

75E Antenna Repoint (AMC4 to IA7) SB-0032-1.01 11/09/04 NA

75E Antenna Torque Specs — SB-0014-1.00

Symptom Upon inspection, locking bolts on 75E antenna have been found loose in

some cases.

Possible Cause Locking bolts for skew, elevation, and/or azimuth are not tightened

to proper torque specification.

Recommended Action When installing the StarBand®75E antenna, please insure

that the adjustment locking bolts are tightened to the correct torque specification,

after completing installation.A torque wrench is needed. Use the following torque

specifications when tightening bolts:

—Skew Locking Bolts (4): 8 Ft-lbs.

—Elevation Locking and Pivot Bolts (2 ea.): 12 Ft-lbs.

—Azimuth Clamp Bolts (3): 12 Ft-lbs.

LNB Troubleshooting — SB-0016-1.00

LNBs are used in the VSAT receive path, to provide amplification and frequency

translation from KU-Band (11.7 to 12.2 GHz domestically) to L-Band (950 to 1450

MHz). The outbound signal is transmitted from the LNB output to the InDoor Unit

(IDU) via the VSAT Receive (Rx) IFL.

Symptom StarBand®VSAT Receive Signal Problems, exhibited in reduced or no

receive signal from the LNB. VSAT receive signal levels may be insufficient for the

modem to obtain receive lock, or they may be absent altogether. The antenna should be

peakedand thedesiredtransmit polarizationconfirmed.Weak signalscouldindicate the

antenna is not pointed to the right satellite, but could also be associated with wrong

skew angle settings or line-of-sight problems

RecommendedAction If the LNB is believed to be defective, replace it with an available

spare. If the spare LNB resolves the problem, then the old LNB can be returned. If no

spare LNB is available, verify the LNB is receiving a voltage from the IDU using a

Volt-Ohm Meter (VOM). Connect one end of an RG-6 cable to the LNB and the other

end to the LNB connection on the meter. The received voltage at the LNB should read

between 15V and 24V DC. You can also test the LNB for current in milliamps (mA),

which should read at least 100 mA DC. Due to fluctuations and inaccuracy of the meter,

a slightly lower reading (2-5 mA lower) may be noticed, but would still indicate a

functioning LNB.

If both the voltage and current tests indicate there are no problems with the LNB, use

the following troubleshooting steps to determine if the antenna was properly installed:

Table A-2: Additional Troubleshooting Steps - Voltage and Current is OK

If any of the items in Table A-2 cannot be verified, the suggested corrective measures

should be considered. If the problem persists, do the following:

Table A-3: Additional Troubleshooting Steps - Still a Problem after Table A-2 Steps

Verify that… If not, then…

A clear line of sight to the satellite exists by confirming

no trees, buildings or other structures are in the way Consider alternative locations for the antenna.

The antenna is installed on a mast that is plumb Correct the problem before continuing.

The antenna was pointed using the correct skew,

elevation, and azimuth angles provided by Point Dish for

the particular location. (Keep in mind the elevation angle

may have to be increased by 1 - 2 degrees to compensate

for the elevation scale error on the 75E.)

Using Point Dish, provide the correct angles to the

installer and verify the settings on the antenna.

The polarizer is rotated to the proper orientation, i.e.,

vertical or horizontal transmit. Determine what the correct polarization is based on the

assigned satellite and transponder. Then, confirm the “H”

or “V” on the polarizer is pointed to “0”.

All skew, elevation and azimuth bolts are securely

fastened and the feed support arm is mounted properly to

the antenna.

Tighten all bolts as described in the installation manual.

The feed support arm should be firmly bolted to the

bottom of the antenna.

The Rx and Tx IFL cables are properly connected

and are not accidentally crossed. Take the necessary corrective action.

The Rx and Tx IFL cables are less than 100’ each. Add line amps as necessary.

The IDU is turned on. Turn the IDU on.

Verify that… If not, then…

The LNB has no signs of visual damage. Replace the LNB with a spare.

Weather related conditions, either at the customer’s

site or at the Hub, are not causing the problem. Wait for the weather to clear and re-check the

status.

There are no significant sources of interference,

e.g., from personal radar detectors in nearby cars or

cell towers, that may be causing the problem.

Ask the owner to turn the radar detector off or

consider moving the antenna to another location to

avoid cell tower interference.

For CONUS installations, the LNB supplied with the 75E

is being used. For OCONUS installations in Alaska and

the Caribbean that require 1.2 meter antennas, the LNB

should have a noise figure of 0.6 dB or better, i.e., 0.6 or

less, stamped on the label.

Consult with the RF Engineering group for

guidance on the proper LNB to use.

The rubber O-ring is in place at the flange of the

LNB. Missing or crimped O-rings can allow water

to penetrate the Transmit Reject Filter, OMT and

feed assembly, diminishing the receive signal

strength.

Remove any water present in the Transmit Reject

Filter, OMT and feed and replace a missing or

damaged O-ring before re-attaching the LNB.

If you are still experiencing a problem with a low Signal Strength reading (below 5.0),

perform the following:

For Sites with LNB Model Number NJR2544HWN:

Check the LNB for the following model number: NJR2544HWN. If another LNB

model number is used, proceed to the instructions for sites with LNBs other than

NJR2544HWN, below. Otherwise, continue with the following steps:

Step 1 If using the NJR2544HWN LNB, remove the LNB and external Transmit

Reject Filter (TRF) which the LNB bolts to. This is shown in the previous

figure, on the left. This requires loosening eight screws.

Step 2 Look for the presence of a white circular sticker covering the opening of the

LNB waveguide (end which was fastened to the TRF). If present carefully

removethis sticker andtry toremove anyresidual gluethat may havebeen used

to secure it. Be sure no foreign objects fall into the LNB waveguide cavity.

Step 3 Reattach the LNB to the OMT assembly, taking care to insure the rubber O-ring

stays in place. (See the right side of the previous figure.)

Step 4 Re-checkthe SignalStrength reading.If thereading isacceptable, proceedwith

the rest of the installation. Retain the TRF and keep it in a safe place, in case

the LNB is ever replaced with a model other than the NJR2544HWN.

Caution Perform the above procedure ONLY on LNB ModelNJR2544HWN.

For Sites with LNB Model Numbers Other Than NJR2544HWN:

Step 1 Remove the LNB from the antenna.

Step 2 Look for the presence of a white circular sticker covering the opening of the

LNB waveguide cavity. This is at the end that is fastened to the antenna with

four screws. If present, carefully remove this sticker and try to remove any

residual glue that may have been used to secure it. Be sure no foreign objects

fall into the waveguide cavity.

Step 3 Reattach the LNB to the OMT assembly, taking care to insure the rubber O-ring

stays in place.

Step 4 Re-checkthe SignalStrength reading.If thereading isacceptable, proceedwith

the rest of the installation.

Outdoor Unit (ODU) Troubleshooting — SB-0018-1.00

The ODU, also called the HPC and the transmitter, is used to frequency translate and

power amplify inbound signals from the Indoor Unit (IDU) and output them to the

antenna,for transmissionto thesatellite.The IDUsends theinbound signalto theODU

via the transmit IFL, at an L-Band frequency. The ODU frequency converts this to the

transmit KU-Band frequency and power amplifies the signal, to operate the ODU at a

nominal one-watt saturated output power (maximum power). The ODU is powered

from the IDU, via a DC power supply coupled on the coaxial RF output connector that

is connected to the transmit IFL cable.

Symptom The VSAT has receive lock but it cannot connect with the Hub or has

significantly reduced transmit signal performance. This is indicated by a low co-pol

and/or a high cross-pol measurement.

Possible Cause This can be caused by any of the following: Incorrect site parameters,

ODUfailure, transmitIFL failure(see FSBSB-0020), incorrectantenna pointing(see

FSB SB-0019), or water inside the feed/OMT assembly (see FSB SB-0021).

Recommended Action You will need a multimeter (i.e., a Fluke 77), a Type F/male-male

coaxial adapter, and basic installer hand tools, such as a metric socket set, metric

wrenches, and a Phillips head screw driver. Because the test equipment required to

thoroughly test an ODU is very expensive, such as a KU-Band spectrum analyzer,

failures of the other VSAT system components will be checked first. Follow the

procedures to determine if the ODU or other component is the source of the problem.

Repair ODU problems in accordance with StarBand®Maintenance Bulletin MB-0002.

Caution For radiation hazard concerns stay at least two feet away from the antenna

feed if the IDU is powered on for ODU testing.

Preliminary Testing

Checksatellitemodem LED status -The CON/ON-LINE,SYNand RxLEDs should

be on. If they are not, check the LNB, receive IFL and satellite modem DC voltage

output. It should nominally be 18 V DC, from the RF-In connector. If these LEDs are

not on, see FSB SB-00016 (LNB), FSB SB-0019 (antenna pointing), and FSB SB-0020

(IFL), on how to determine the problem.

Check the satellite modem site parameters - The correct parameters may be obtained

from CVACS, for verification in Mission Control.An incorrect zip code can cause a

satellite delay parameter error, which will not allow the VSAT to link connect to the Hub.

Physical Inspection

Perform a physical inspection of the ODU, transmit IFL, feed/OMT assembly, and

antenna to verify there is no physical damage. Verify the transmit IFL is functional and

withinthe specified maximumlength (seeFSB SB-0020) and check formoisture inthe

feed/OMT (see FSB SB-0021). Replace damaged components according to the

appropriate StarBand®Maintenance Bulletin (MB).

Satellite Modem Output Voltage and Transmit IFL Cable

Remove the transmit IFL cable from the ODU Type F connector. Set the multimeter to

measure DC voltage. If a range must be selected on the multimeter, the maximum

should be at least 24 V DC.

Caution When measuring the DC voltage from the satellite modem, care must be

taken not to short the center conductor to the outer conductor, as this will not provide

an accurate DC voltage measurement. It can potentially damage the satellite modem.

Measure the DC voltage supplied by the satellite modem at the ODU end of the

transmit IFL. This should be between 13 and 24 V DC. If it is outside of the specified

range, remove the transmit IFL cable from the satellite modem RF-Out Type F

connector and test the DC voltage output of the satellite modem. The RF-Out DC

voltage must be between 22 and 24 V DC. If it is out of this range, replace the satellite

modem. If it is within the range, check the transmit IFL cable for opens, shorts, or

kinks, according to FSB SB-0020.

Caution Do not use a DigiSat II meter to measure the RF-Out voltage. The DigiSat

IIis onlyrated to18V DCand willbe damagedby thegreater voltagesthat arepresent

on this connector.

Test for ODU Input Short

With the transmit IFL cable removed from the ODU Type F connector, set the

multimeter to measure resistance in ohms and measure the resistance from the center

conductor of the ODU to the outer shield. This should be an open, with the multimeter

display showing OL (for OverLoad, meaning too high of a resistance to measure). If the

display shows a low resistance value (i.e., less than one ohm), there is a short in the

ODU. It has failed and must be replaced according to StarBand®Maintenance Bulletin

MB-0002.

Caution Since it may be difficult to connect the multimeter red probe to the Type

F/female connector center conductor, install a Type F/male-male connector adapter

on the Type F/female connector, to measure the DC voltage.

Co-pol / Cross-pol Test

To perform a co-pol/cross-pol check, the satellite modem must have the

CON/ON-LINE,SYN and Rx LEDs illuminated and the transmit IFL connecting the

ODU and satellite modem, in its normal configuration.

Call CVACS and select the option to request a co-pol and cross-pol check of the VSAT.

Possible results and what each indicates are as follows:

• If both co-pol and cross-pol measurements are within specifications, terminate the

test and power cycle the satellite modem, while viewing the LEDs. The modem

LEDswill gothrough twoself-test sequences,then theRxandSYN LEDswill come

on. Watch for the Tx LED to flash once or twice. If the Tx LED flashed, but the

VSAT did not link connect with the Hub, then the most likely problem is an incorrect

parameter value. The site parameters (VSAT ID, cluster, and subcluster) should be

re-checked. It is also possible, though less likely, that the ODU has a failure, which

could not be detected in the co-pol/cross-pol tests. If the Tx LED did not flash, then

the satellite modem is most likely the source of the problem and should be replaced.

• Ifthe satellitemodem LEDsstarted flashingwhen thetest wasattempted, butthe test

could not be conducted, there is probably a short in the transmit IFL or in the ODU.

Recheck the IFL and ODU for shorts, with the multimeter (see FSB SB-0020).

• If the co-pol was low and the cross-pol was high (both out-of-spec), the problem

is most likely an antenna pointing problem (see FSB SB-0019).

• If the co-pol was low (out-of-spec) and the cross-pol was in-spec, then the ODU

has most likely failed and should be replaced (see MB-0002).

Antenna Pointing Procedures — SB-0019-2.00

ThisFSB providestheproper methodsforlocating theassignedStarBand®satellite and

peaking the VSAT antenna, to optimize StarBand’s high-speed Internet access service.

Incorrect antenna pointing can result in degraded service and interference affecting the

StarBand®customer, as well as other satellite users. This bulletin applies to StarBand®

75E antennas in the continental US (CONUS).

Recommended Action Follow this procedure to help locate the assigned satellite, set the

polarization, and peak the antenna for optimal link performance:

Step 1 Checking for Line-of-Sight - With the pointing angles determined, choose an

antenna location with clear line-of-sight to the assigned StarBand®satellite.

Step 2 Installing the Mount - When setting up the tripod mount for a 75E antenna, the

mast must be perfectly plumb. A plumb mast is critical for proper antenna

pointing and cross-pol performance. If the mast is not plumb, aligning the

antenna for peak performance is more difficult and could result in cross-pol

problems.

Antenna Pointing Procedures (continued)

Step 3 Antenna Assembly - Set the 75E antenna elevation and skew to the values

obtained from Point Dish. See the figure on the previous page, for an

illustration of how to set the elevation angle. Tighten the skew locking bolts (4)

to a torque of 8 ft-lbs. Check the LNB model number. If it is “NJR2544HWN”,

the transmit reject filter (TRF) should be removed, as this LNB has an internal

TRF. Regardless of the LNB model, remove the four screws from the LNB

waveguide input. Check the LNB for a white sticker on the waveguide end and

remove it, if present. More information on this step can be found in FSB

SB-0016.

Step 4 Set the transmit polarization to “V” or “H” on the feed/OMT assembly, as

assigned. Be aware that the transmit polarization assignment may vary from

site to site on the same satellite, due to multiple cluster implementations per

satellite. Install the feed arm on the reflector and then install the antenna

assembly on the mast.

Antenna Pointing Procedures (continued)

Step 5 Connect the Signal Strength Meter - Connect the receive signal strength meter

to the LNB Type F coaxial output, as shown in the figure on the previous page.

If the meter is self powered, do not connect the RF-In cable from the modem

yet. If the device is not self-powered, you will need the receive IFL cable

connected to the modem’s RF-In port, to power the LNB.

Caution Due to the potential for interference caused by VSAT transmissions, the

75E antenna must be peaked using the satellite providing StarBand® service.

Failure to do so can cause misalignment with the assigned StarBand® satellite and

generate cross-pol interference.

Step 6 Locating the StarBand®Satellite - Use a compass to determine the general

direction to the StarBand®satellite and point the antenna in this direction.

Slowly move the antenna in azimuth, approximately 5 to 10 degrees in one

direction and then the other, until a satellite is located. The above diagram show

a typical setup, when the setup is complete and a call to CVACS is made, to

verify proper alignment.

Important Oncethe generaldirection ofthe StarBand®satellite isfound, theskew

must be set to the assigned value, to ensure maximum adjacent satellite

isolation, for interference avoidance purposes, per FCC regulations.

Step 7 If no satellite is found, increase the elevation approximately one degree and

move the antenna again in azimuth, to locate the satellite. Continue this

procedure in one degree elevation increments, until the satellite is located. Once

the assigned satellite has been located, obtain the peak signal strength meter

reading by making alternating fine adjustments to azimuth and elevation. With

the antenna peaked, tighten theAzimuth Clamp Bolts. Start with the center bolt

and make it snug. Then, tighten the top and bottom bolts. While tightening the

bolts, keep an eye on your signal strength meter, to be sure the signal does not

degrade. If degradation occurs, loosen the bolts, re-peak and repeat the

tightening procedure, until the signal remains peaked. Next, tighten the two

elevation locking bolts and then the two elevation pivot bolts.All elevation and

azimuth bolts must be tightened to a torque of 12 ft-lbs.

Step 8 Checking for Correct Satellite - Once the 75E antenna is peaked using the

receive signal and all bolts have been tightened to the proper torque, it is

necessary to confirm the antenna is peaked on the correct satellite. Connect the

receive IFL cable from the LNB to the RF-In port on the satellite modem.Also

connect the PC to the modem. For installations with Model 360 satellite

modems, the Mission Control software must be installed on the PC and the

Model 360 modem must be configured with the correct parameters. With this

set-up complete, observe the satellite modem Rx LED. If the antenna is peaked

on the correct satellite, this LED will be on, if it is not, the LED will be off.

The Signal Quality parameter is a measurement of the outbound link

performance and provides an indication of how well the antenna is peaked. The

StarBand®Mission Control application can be used to check the current Signal

Quality value. If there is no signal lock, verify that the set-up is correct. If so,

return to the antenna and repeat the Locating the StarBand® Satellite section, to

peak the antenna on the correct satellite.

Step 9 Alignment Check with CVACS - CVACS is used to confirm the antenna is

properly peaked on the assigned StarBand®satellite. Once the antenna is

optimally peaked on the receive signal, and the satellite modem is configured

with the correct parameters, call CVACS at 1-888-424-4121 for an alignment

test. Using CVACS to verify the antenna alignment requires the modem to be on

and the Rx, SYN, and CON/ON-LINE LEDs to be illuminated.

Caution Stay at least two feet away from the antenna feed when the VSAT is

transmitting – such as during the CVACS co-pol/cross-pol test or normal operation.

Antenna Co-pol Alignment Procedure:

The following steps should be followed, when the co-pol value does not meet the

minimum criteria or is marginal. This procedure can also be used with the cross-pol

procedure, described next, to help correct the antenna alignment of an existing

installation, which has been identified by StarBand®as having excessive cross-pol.

Substep 1 Call CVACS while at the antenna, so that adjustments can be made if

needed. Use the CVACS “Antenna Alignment” submenu, to confirm the

antenna co-pol and cross-pol alignment criteria have been met. If both the

co- and cross-pol criteria are met, you can proceed with Step 10.

Substep 2 If not, verify the polarizer has the “H” or “V” (depending on your satellite

assignment) pointed to “0” on the polarizer scale.

Substep 3 While listening to the CVACS co-pol readings from the “Antenna

Alignment” submenu, make small adjustments first to the elevation angle,

until CVACS reports a peak value. Then make small adjustments to the

azimuth angle, until CVACS reports a peak value.

Substep 4 Again use the CVACS “Antenna Alignment” submenu to confirm the

antenna co-pol/cross-pol alignment criteria have been met. If the co-pol

passes but the cross-pol does not, proceed to the Antenna Cross-pol

Reduction Procedure, below. If both criteria are met, proceed with Step 10.

Antenna Cross-pol Reduction Procedure:

If the cross-pol signal is still above the specified minimum, take the following action:

While listening to the CVACS cross-pol readings from the “Antenna Alignment”

submenu, make small adjustments to the skew angle until CVACS reports a minimum

value. At this point the antenna should be properly aligned and all bolts can be

tightened to the specified torque, but be careful not to make unwanted changes to the

antenna position. If the alignment criteria have been met, proceed with Step 10.

Important Almost all cross-pol problems can be avoided or resolved if the mast is

plumb, the polarizer points to “H” or “V” according to your satellite assignment, skew

is set to the indicated angle, and the elevation and azimuth angles have been peaked on

the receive signal. This last item is very important! If the elevation and azimuth angles

are not peaked on the receive signal, the cross-pol signal will not be minimized.

Caution The StarBand® satellite modem must be online and undisturbed for at least

five minutes, before completing the installation as described below.

Step 10 With the antenna peaked and bolts tightened to the specified torque, complete the

commissioning process by calling CVACS to obtain the confirmation number,

using the “Confirmation Number” submenu. CVACS measures the co-pol and

cross-pol values again, to verify the antenna is within the specified limits.

StarBand®maintains a record of the co-pol and cross-pol measured for each

VSAT.CVACS doesnot acceptasite without-of-specificationco-pol orcross-pol

readings. All properly installed sites will exceed these specifications.

IFL Troubleshooting — SB-0020-1.01

The IFL cables carry the signals to and from the StarBand®360 satellite modem and

the outdoor receive and transmit equipment.

Symptom Reduced performance or no receive and/or transmit signal.

Possible Cause Physical damage to the IFL cable and/or connectors or improper

installation, a cable with an open or short circuit, or a kinked cable.An open circuit

isa break inthe cable,while ashort circuit iswhen thecenter conductoris in contact

with the outer conductor (shorted). Both an open and short circuit will disable the

IFL. A kinked cable is one that has been bent in too tight a turn, which can cause

the center conductor to deform or break, resulting in an open circuit. A deformed

center conductor may not break, but can introduce excessive attenuation (signal

loss), which can affect VSAT performance.

Recommended Action You will need a multimeter, such as a Fluke 77, a coaxial

adapter (Type F/male-male), and a receive signal strength meter, such as a Digisat

III Pro or a spectrum analyzer. Use the following procedures to identify failed IFL

components and repair and/or replace them, according to StarBand®Maintenance

Bulletin MB-0005.

Physical Inspection

Check the length of IFL cable used. Installations of the StarBand®Model 360™ modem

canuse upto 140feet (42meters) ofinstaller provideddualRG-6 coaxialcable, withType

F/male connectors (Comscope 5786/5787 RG-6 cable and SPC Technology Snap-N-Seal

Type F/male connector part number 92N5309 or equivalents - see MB-0005). For

installations that require more than 140 feet (Model 360), see FSB SB-0015.

Inspect each connector for damage and/or a loose connection with the coaxial cable and

the termination point on the equipment. Coaxial grounding blocks are no longer required

for StarBand®installations, unless required by local codes. However, the antenna

structure must be grounded in accordance with National Electrical Code (NEC) reqts.

Inspect the exposed sections of the coaxial cable for damage, such as a cut or frayed

shield. Look for kinks, which can be produced when the cable is bent greater than the

specified bend radius. The bend radius for Commscope 5786 and 5787 cable is shown in

Table A-4, below. Kinks can cause attenuation at the VSAT IFL frequency of operation

(950-1,450 MHz), while maintaining DC continuity.

Table A-4: Commscope 5786 and 5787 RG-6 Cable Bend Radius Specifications

Bend radius during Installation (Under pull load) 5.6 inches (142 mm)

Bend radius after installation 2.8 inches (71 mm)

DC Continuity Check – Receive IFL

The IFL cable DC continuity can be checked using a multimeter and a functioning

satellite modem. To verify the satellite modem is functioning properly, check the

voltage at the satellite modem RF-In connector. Set the multimeter to measure DC

voltage (V DC). Remove the receive IFL cable from the satellite modem RF-In

connector and install the Type F/male-male coaxial adapter.

Caution When measuring the DC voltage from the satellite modem, care must be

taken not to short the center conductor to the outer conductor, as this will not provide

an accurate DC voltage measurement and can potentially damage the satellite

modem.

Place the multimeter's red probe on the center conductor and the black probe on the

outer shell of the coaxial adapter. The DC voltage reading should nominally be 18 V

DC. After checking this voltage, remove the coaxial adapter and re-install the receive

IFL cable on the satellite modem RF-In connector.

Remove the receive IFL cable from the LNB. Place the multimeter's black probe on

the IFL connector outer surface and the red probe on the connector center conductor,

as shown in the Figure called “IFL With No Open or Short Circuits”. The multimeter

should read between 13 and 18 V DC. If there is no voltage present there is typically

anopen orshort somewhereinthe IFL.See theprevious twofigures,labeled “IFLWith

an Open Circuit” and “IFL With a Short Circuit”. If there is a short in the IFL, the

satellite modem will not function normally. You will be able to see this, if you check

the LEDs.

DC Continuity Check – Receive Line Amplifier

If a line amplifier was installed, check the voltage at the input and output of the line

amplifier to determine if it has failed. A DC resistance test can be performed, to

determine if the IFL has an open or a short. In either case, the IFL must be replaced.

DC Continuity Check – Transmit IFL

Remove the transmit IFL cable from the RF-Out connector and install the Type

F/male-male coaxial adapter. Place the multimeter's red probe on the center conductor

and the black probe on the outer shell of the coaxial adapter. The DC voltage reading

should nominally be between 22 and 24 V DC.After checking this voltage, remove the

coaxial adapter and re-install the transmit IFL cable on the satellite modem RF-Out

connector.

Caution Do not use a DigiSat II to measure the DC voltage of the transmit IFL, as

it is only rated to 18 V DC and will be damaged with higher voltages.

Remove the transmit IFL cable from the ODU. Check the DC voltage of the transmit

IFLat theODU endusingthe multimeter, asdescribed previouslywith thereceiveIFL,

except the voltage should be between 13 to 24 V DC. If there is no voltage present,

there is typically an open circuit, somewhere in the IFL. If there is a short in the IFL,

the satellite modem will not function properly.

DC Continuity Check – Transmit Line Amplifier

If a line amplifier was installed, check the voltage at the input and output of the line

amplifier to determine if it has failed. A DC resistance test can be performed, to

determine if the IFL has an open or a short. In either case, the IFL must be replaced.

DC Resistance Check

If zero V DC was measured at the end of the transmit and/or receive IFL cable, a DC

resistance test can be performed to determine if there is an open or a short circuit in the

IFL. Set the multimeter to measure resistance in ohms. Many multimeters can also be

set to provide an audible tone, if the probes are shorted. It is suggested that you use this

setting, if it is available.

At one end of the IFL cable, install a jumper from the center conductor to the outer

conductor shield, as shown in the figures above.At the other end of the IFL, measure

the DC resistance. If there is an open circuit, the multimeter will read OL, for

overload, meaning the resistance is too high to measure. If there is a short, the

multimeter will measure a nominal resistance value from the short. An audible tone

will be heard, if the multimeter is set to provide a tone, when a short is measured.

Other StarBand Antenna manuals

StarBand

StarBand StarBand Satellite System User manual

Popular Antenna manuals by other brands

BAS

BAS WiFiAgent Quick user guide

ImmersionRC

ImmersionRC 5.8GHz SpiroNET 13dBi instruction manual

CCOM

CCOM iNetVu 755 troubleshooting guide

JOVE

JOVE RJ1.1 Assembly manual

MFJ

MFJ MFJ-1786 instruction manual

ETS-Lindgren

ETS-Lindgren 3182 user manual

Sennheiser

Sennheiser GZA 1001 manual

MFJ Enterprises

MFJ Enterprises MFJ-1796 Instruction & assembly manual

JCM Technologies

JCM Technologies ACTIVA manual

Winegard

Winegard Carryout PM-2000 operating instructions

Eyring

Eyring 302A Operation manual

Sony

Sony WD-850 operating instructions

DH Wireless Solutions

DH Wireless Solutions MAST Assembly guide

CUSHCRAFT

CUSHCRAFT Ringo Ranger ARX-220 installation instructions

Diamond Antenna

Diamond Antenna X500HNA Operation instructions

ZCG

ZCG CT700 quick start guide

MFJ

MFJ MFJ-1456 instruction manual

CUSHCRAFT

CUSHCRAFT A50-6S Assembly & installation

StarBand 75E Installation and user guide

Popular Antenna manuals by other brands