Acu PDF

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
Sea Tel, Inc. Sea Tel Europe

4030 Nelson Avenue Unit 1, Orion Industrial Centre
Concord, CA 94520 Wide Lane, Swaythling
Tel: (925) 798-7979 Southampton, UK S0 18 2HJ
Fax: (925) 798-7986 Tel: 44 (0)23 80 671155
Email: seatel@seatel.com Fax: 44 (0)23 80 671166
Web: www.seatel.com Email: europe@seatel.com
Look to the Leader. Look to Sea Tel.
Web: www.seatel.com
April 19, 2006 Document. No. 123866
Revision C
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.
ii
DAC-03 Tracking Antenna Controller Introduction
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 MDN
installation and testing information
C N/A April 17, 2006 Updated text to include DishScan & SatRef ON/OFF status MDN
settings. Updated drawings.
iii
Introduction DAC-03 Tracking Antenna Controller
This Page Intentionally Left Blank
iv
Table of Contents
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 ................................................................................................................................ 1-2
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 MENUS ............................................................................................. 2-3
2.5.1. SHIP information menus. ................................................................................................. 2-3
2.5.2. SAT information menus. .................................................................................................. 2-5
2.5.3. ANTENNA information menus. ........................................................................................ 2-6
2.5.4. MODE Control & Status menus. ...................................................................................... 2-8
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
2.8. AUTO-POLARIZATION OPERATION...................................................................................................2-11
2.9. RADOME ASSEMBLY OPERATION ....................................................................................................2-11
2.10. OPERATION SCENARIOS .............................................................................................................2-12
2.10.1. To Toggle Tracking ON/OFF ......................................................................................2-12
2.10.2. To View SHIP Information ..........................................................................................2-12
2.10.3. Entering Ships’ Latitude (LAT)....................................................................................2-12
2.10.4. Entering Ships’ Longitude (LON)................................................................................2-13
2.10.5. Entering Ships’ Heading (HDG)..................................................................................2-13
2.10.6. To View SATELLITE Information................................................................................2-14
2.10.7. Targeting A Satellite (SAT) .........................................................................................2-14
2.10.8. Setting Threshold (manually)......................................................................................2-15
2.10.9. Selecting Tracking Receiver Source ..........................................................................2-15
2.10.10. Tuning The SCPC Tracking Receiver ........................................................................2-16
2.10.11. To View ANTENNA Information .................................................................................2-17
2.10.12. Adjusting Azimuth (step, slew & target)......................................................................2-17
2.10.13. Adjusting Elevation (step, slew & target) ....................................................................2-17
2.10.14. Adjusting Polarization .................................................................................................2-18
2.10.15. Change Tracking Band ...............................................................................................2-19
2.10.16. Start a Search .............................................................................................................2-20
2.10.17. Stop a Search .............................................................................................................2-20
2.10.18. To View ERROR(s).....................................................................................................2-20
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Table of Contents
2.10.19. Clear ERROR(s) .........................................................................................................2-21

3. BASIC SYSTEM INFORMATION.................................................................................................3-1
3.1. SATELLITE BASICS ...........................................................................................................................3-1
3.1.1. Frequencies .....................................................................................................................3-1
3.1.2. Signal level.......................................................................................................................3-1
3.1.3. Satellite Footprints ...........................................................................................................3-2
3.1.4. Satellite Polarization.........................................................................................................3-2
3.2. ANTENNA BASICS ............................................................................................................................3-2
3.2.1. Azimuth ............................................................................................................................3-2
3.2.2. Elevation ..........................................................................................................................3-3
3.2.3. Antenna polarization ........................................................................................................3-3
3.2.4. Stabilization......................................................................................................................3-3
3.2.5. Narrow Band Tracking Receivers ....................................................................................3-4
3.2.6. Tracking ...........................................................................................................................3-4
3.2.7. Unlimited Azimuth ............................................................................................................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. 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 .......................................................................................................4-2
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 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
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Table of Contents
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........................................................................................................................... 5-2
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 ................................................................................................................ 5-3
5.3.9. SEARCH DELAY .............................................................................................................5-3
5.3.10. SWEEP INC ..................................................................................................................... 5-3
5.3.11. SYSTEM TYPE ................................................................................................................ 5-3
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. SAVE NEW PARAMETERS ............................................................................................ 5-7
5.3.19. REMOTE COMMAND...................................................................................................... 5-8
5.3.20. REMOTE MONITOR........................................................................................................ 5-8
5.3.21. DISHSCAN....................................................................................................................... 5-8
5.3.22. SAT REF .......................................................................................................................... 5-8
5.3.23. REMOTE TILT ................................................................................................................. 5-8
5.3.24. 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 CONDITION TEST ............................................................................................................ 6-2
6.8. CHECK ACU PARAMETERS .............................................................................................................. 6-3
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
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Table of Contents
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. ANTENNA PEDESTAL OFFSET / HOME FLAG OFFSET .........................................................................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
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
8.8. 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
viii
DAC-03 Tracking Antenna Controller Introduction
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 DAC-03 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 DAC-03 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.
1-1
Introduction DAC-03 Tracking Antenna Controller
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 sates of the DAC-03 Tracking Antenna Controller. Please refer to the Operation section of
this manual for the function of each LED.
1.5. General Description of system

The DAC-03 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, GPS Latitude & Longitude input, 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 the Sea Tel Model DAC-03 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 DAC-03 are all contained
in this manual
1-2
DAC-03 Tracking Antenna Controller Operation
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
“REMOTE 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.
2-1
Operation DAC-03 Tracking Antenna Controller
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 you 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.
C Key - Clear an incorrect numeric entry.
2-2
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 AND contains the desired Network ID. 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, OR is not
the desired Network ID, 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, or continue, a SEARCH to acquire a signal that is greater than Threshold AND contains the
desired NID. 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.
NOTE: In NBIF mode the tracking LED will go OFF for several seconds once every 2 minutes
while AFC is adjusting the frequency.
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.
2-3
2.5. Display & Entry Operation Menus

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 Display of the current SHIP information.
HDG 000.0
LAT 38 N Latitude entry mode. Used to calculate
Azimuth, Elevation and Polarization for the
desired satellite position.
Latitude updates automatically if GPS NMEA
input is connected to one of the Aux Serial
Ports (J11 or J13) and operating normally.
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 updates automatically if GPS
NMEA input is connected to one of the Aux
Serial Ports (J11 or J13) and operating
normally.
To manualy update, key in numeric longitude
in decimalform. Tenths may be entered (and
will bused internally) but the display will round
to nearest whole degree.
Press N/SE/W to toggle East/West
hemisphers ENTER to set the new longitude.
2-4
Heading entry mode. Used to provide

HDG 000.0 000.0 “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.

SAT 101 W THRS 1234 Display of the current SAT information.
INA 1100 AGC 1234
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.
2-5
RCVR entry mode. Tracking Receiver Input

IF 70.450 AGC 1234 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.

AZ 123.4 EL 056.7 Display of the current ANTENNA information.
REL 234.5 AGC 1234 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).
2-6
AZ 123.4 Azimuth position/entry mode. True

# AGC 1234 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 Elevation position/entry mode. Current
# AGC 1234 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.
assist you in manually peaking EL for best
signal level.
2-7
Polarization entry menu. Allows

POL 0000 AGC 1234 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.
assist you in manually peaking POL for best
signal level.
2-8
2.5.4. MODE Control & Status menus.

CONTROL Control – Tracking menu.
TRACKING KuHI OFF 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 5 key,
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 Control – Searching menu.
SEARCH 2 OFF 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).
2-9
STATUS Status – Error menu.

ERROR LLLL RRRR 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 Status – Remote Aux menu. Diagnostic
REMOTE AUX 0000 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 after installation or repairs 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.
2-10
If the antenna is already perfectly pointed, the signal received (AGC) throughout each full circle will be
equal. If the dish is slightly mispointed, a portion of the circle movement will have higher signal level than
the rest of the circle. DishScan will then issue a step in Azimuth, and/or Elevation, to move the antenna in
the direction of the stronger signal. [EXAMPLE: If the dish is mispointed slightly to the LEFT of the
satellite peak; as DishScan drives the antenna through one circle rotation it will evaluate that the signal is
slightly higher to the RIGHT, therefore, a RIGHT (Azimuth UP) step will be issued to the antenna].
The internal tracking receiver settings must be set correctly and the EL STEP SIZE, AZ STEP SIZE and
STEP INTEGRAL parameters must all be set to 0000 for DishScan to operate properly.
2.6.2. Internal Tracking Receiver settings

The internal receiver settings must be set correctly for either Tracking mode to be able to properly peak
the antenna on the desired satellite. Refer to the “Satellite” menu operation above and to the “SatID
Tracking Receiver Settings” and “Setting SatID Tracking Receiver Frequency, Baud, Tone, Voltage, FEC
and NID” information below.
2.6.3. C/X and Ku Band Selections

Band Selection must be set to the appropriate selection for Tracking to operate properly. For C, X and Ku
band systems the pre-set tracking parameters for DishScan can be changed in the TRACKING window by
pressing the DOWN arrow. The display will indicate which band is selected. The EL STEP SIZE, AZ
STEP SIZE and STEP INTEGRAL parameters will be set accordingly.
This selection also controls an External Tone Generator logic output on the Terminal Mounting Strip AND
remote C/Ku coax relays mounted on Dual C / Dual Ku Antenna systems.
2.7. Searching Operation

A search pattern will automatically be initiated when AGC falls below the current Threshold setting (indicates
that satellite signal has been lost).
The search, it’s pattern dimensions and
timing are determined by the SETUP
searching parameters SEARCH INC,
SEARCH LIMIT and SEARCH DELAY.
Search is also affected by the Threshold and
the internal receiver settings under the
Satellite menu.
Search is conducted in a two-axis pattern
consisting of alternate movements in azimuth
and elevation (forming expanding square).
The size and direction of the movements are
increased and reversed every other time
resulting in an increasing spiral pattern as shown.
Search can be initiated manually by selecting the Status - Searching menu and pressing the UP key. While
in the Searching window, pressing the DOWN key will stop a search. Search is terminated automatically
when the AGC level exceeds the threshold value.
2.8. Auto-Polarization Operation

Another feature of the ACU is auto-polarization. The ACU automatically calculates the required polarization
angle for the feed every 2 seconds based on ship's Latitude, Longitude and the Satellite Longitude. If the
polarization of the feed is not properly peaked, the ACU will send a command to the PCU to drive the 24V DC
motor drive on the feed to peak the polarization.
There is no other operation required when the system is in auto-polarization mode. The system may be put
into manual polarization mode for diagnostic and troubleshooting purposes (refer to your antenna manual).
2-11
2.9. Radome Assembly Operation

When operating the system it is necessary that the radome access hatch, or door, be closed and secured in
place at all times. This prevents rain, salt water and wind from entering the radome. Water and excessive
condensation promote rust & corrosion of the antenna pedestal. Wind gusts will disturb the antenna pointing.
There is no other operation of the radome.
2.10. Operation Scenarios

Below are some of the common tasks an operator would perform. Each scenario includes in a sequence of
keys you should press, some information about what should (or might) happen and what indication(s) you
should see.
2.10.1. To Toggle Tracking ON/OFF

What button(s) do I push?
Press AUX1
System Action/What happens?
When Tracking is ON, the antenna will automatically step toward higher level of received satellite
signal and the AGC will increase accordingly until it is at its peak value. If the antenna was not on
a satellite when you turn Tracking on (AGC value was less than the Threshold value) the Tracking
LED will flash for some (SEARCH DELAY) number of seconds and then initiate a SEARCH to find
a satellite signal that is greater than Threshold. If the antenna was on a satellite signal when you
turn Tracking OFF, the antenna should stay pointed near peak signal but may not stay at peak.
What do I see?
Tracking LED will be ON (or flashing) when Tracking is ON and the AGC should increase until it is
at its peak value. Tracking LED will be extinguished when Tracking is OFF and AGC may not
stay at its peak value.
2.10.2. To View SHIP Information

From any of the other main display/entry menus, Press SHIP and view the overall display.
If already in one of the SHIP sub-menus, continue pressing SHIP until the current SHIP
information overall display is in view.
The SHIP information will be accessed from memory in the ACU and displayed as the key is
pressed.
What do I see?
The SHIP information display containing the current Latitude, Longitude and Heading.
2.10.3. Entering Ships’ Latitude (LAT)

From any of the other main display/entry menus, press SHIP 2 times, use the Number keys to
enter the decimal value of the ships current Latitude (##.#), press N/S/E/W to toggle North or
South hemisphere as needed and then press ENTER.
If already in one of the SHIP sub-menus, continue pressing SHIP until the Latitude entry menu is
reached, use the Number keys to enter the decimal value of the ships current Latitude (##.#),
press N/S/E/W to toggle North or South hemisphere as needed and then press ENTER.
2-12

The LAT information will be accessed from memory in the ACU and displayed as the SHIP key is
pressed. When you enter a new value and hit the ENTER key, the new information will overwrite
the previous value in memory. If GPS input is connected, the next input update will overwrite LAT
value in memory. New values will be displayed as they occur.
What do I see?
The Latitude entry mode sub-menu display containing the current Latitude of the ship. New
information will be displayed as you enter it.
If GPS input is connected, the next input update will overwrite the LAT value in memory and be
displayed.
TIP: This is a good way to assure that the GPS is updating the ACU properly. Press the 0 Key,
then press ENTER. The display will initially show LAT 00 and then automatically return to the
previous value when the next GPS update is received (most GPS units update about once per
second).
2.10.4. Entering Ships’ Longitude (LON)

enter the decimal value of the ships current Longitude (###.#), press N/S/E/W to toggle East or
West hemisphere as needed and then press ENTER.
If already in one of the SHIP sub-menus, continue pressing SHIP until the Longitude entry menu is
reached, use the Number keys to enter the decimal value of the ships current Longitude (###.#),
press N/S/E/W to toggle East or West hemisphere as needed and then press ENTER.
The LON information will be accessed from memory in the ACU and displayed as the SHIP key is
the previous value in memory. If GPS input is connected, the next input update will overwrite LON
value in memory. New values will be displayed as they occur.
What do I see?
The Longitude entry mode sub-menu display containing the current Longitude of the ship. New
If GPS input is connected, the next input update will overwrite the LON value in memory and be
displayed.
TIP: This is a good way to assure that the GPS is updating the ACU properly. Press the 0 Key,
then press ENTER. The display will initially show LON 000 and then automatically return to the
previous value when the next GPS update is received (most GPS units update about once per
second).
2-13
2.10.5. Entering Ships’ Heading (HDG)

If the GYRO TYPE parameter is set to 1:1 SYNCHRO or NMEAH you will not be able to change the HDG
entry because the absolute heading value is being read directly from the Gyro Compass input.
enter the decimal value of the ships current gyro compass heading (###.#) and then press
ENTER.
If already in one of the SHIP sub-menus, continue pressing SHIP until the Heading entry menu is
reached, use the Number keys to enter the decimal value of the ships current gyro compass
heading (###.#) and then press ENTER.
The HDG information will be accessed from memory in the ACU and displayed as the SHIP key is
the previous value in memory. If Ships Gyro input is connected, the next input update will
overwrite HDG value in memory. New values will be displayed as they occur.
What do I see?
The Heading entry mode sub-menu display containing the current Heading of the ship. New
If Gyro Compass input is connected, the next input update will overwrite the HDG value in
memory and be displayed.
2.10.6. To View SATELLITE Information

From any of the other main display/entry menus, Press SAT and view the overall display.
If already in one of the SAT sub-menus, continue pressing SAT until the current SAT information
overall display is in view.
The SAT information will be accessed from memory in the ACU and displayed as the key is
pressed.
What do I see?
The SAT information display containing the current Satellite Longitude, Threshold value, Tracking
Receiver Frequency and the Network ID (NID) which is currently being received from the satellite
that the antenna is pointed to.
2.10.7. Targeting A Satellite (SAT)

From any of the other main display/entry menus, press SAT 2 times, use the Number keys to
enter the decimal value of the desired Satellite Longitude [even if it is currently displayed], press
N/S/E/W to toggle East or West hemisphere as needed and then press ENTER.
If already in one of the SAT sub-menus, continue pressing SAT until the SAT entry menu is
reached, use the Number keys to enter the decimal value of the desired Satellite Longitude [even
if it is currently displayed], press N/S/E/W to toggle East or West hemisphere as needed and then
press ENTER.
2-14

The SAT information will be accessed from memory in the ACU and displayed as the SAT key is
pressed. As you enter a new value, the new information will overwrite the previous value in
memory and be displayed.
When you press the ENTER key the ACU will evaluate whether the desired satellite will be below
the horizon or not from the ships current position. If the desired satellite is below the horizon an
ERROR code 128 will be generated (Satellite out of range). If the desired satellite is not below the
horizon, the ACU will calculate the Elevation, Azimuth and Polarization angles for the desired
satellite based on the SHIP Latitude LAT, Longitude (LON) and Heading (HDG) values in
memory. The Elevation, Azimuth and Polarization targeting commands will then be sent to the
Pedestal Control Unit (PCU) to drive the antenna to the calculated pointing angles.
What do I see?
The Satellite Longitude entry mode sub-menu display containing the current Satellite Longitude.
New information will be displayed as you enter it.
If the Error LED comes ON (ERROR code 128), it will be because the requested satellite is below
the horizon from the ships current position. Check SHIP and SAT information, correct any
incorrect information and re-target the satellite OR target another satellite which will not be below
the horizon from your current location.
When the ENTER key is hit, the Searching LED will begin to flash (pre-empting Tracking) as the
antenna targets/drives to the new position. When the antenna arrives at the targeted position the
Searching LED will extinguish.
If the ACU was previously tracking a satellite, the Tracking LED will come ON (if the AGC value is
greater than the Threshold value) or will begin to flash (if the AGC value is less than the Threshold
value). If the Tracking LED begins flashing, it will flash for SEARCH DELAY number of seconds
and an automatic Search will be initiated (Search LED ON) pre-empting Tracking until a signal is
found (AGC value greater than Threshold value).
If the ACU was NOT previously tracking a satellite, the Tracking LED will remain OFF and the
antenna will remain pointed at the (new) targeted location.
2.10.8. Setting Threshold (manually)

Factory default mode of setting threshold is “Auto-Threshold”. Refer to your antenna manual to find the
factory default value of the AUTO THRES parameter. If you want to manually set your threshold, you
must set the AUTO THRES value to 0000 to turn Auto-Threshold mode OFF.
To properly set Threshold you will need to find out what AGC values you have “off satellite” and “peak
satellite”. You will then set Threshold to a value that is about +3 dB above the “off satellite” noise level OR
to a level that is 1/3 to ½ of the difference between “peak” & “off satellite” AGC, above the noise.
The difference between “off satellite” and “peak satellite” AGC values is called AGC Delta. When you are
in a weak area of the satellite footprint, this value may be small. In this case you may want to set
rd
threshold to a 1/3 to ½ of the AGC delta above the off satellite noise value of AGC.
Press ANTENNA 3 times to select Elevation entry mode. Record your “peak satellite” AGC
value while Tracking the satellite. Press AUX1 to turn Tracking OFF. Step Elevation UP until you
are well off satellite and record the “off satellite” AGC value. Step Elevation back DOWN to return
to “peak satellite” Elevation position and press AUX1 to turn Tracking back ON. Subtract the “off
satellite” AGC value from the “peak satellite” AGC value to determine your AGC Delta.
If your AGC Delta is greater than 150 counts, simply add 100 to the “off satellite” value of
AGC and enter the sum as the Threshold value. Example: Peak (1600) - Noise (1000) =
AGC Delta (600). Set Threshold to 1000 + 100 = 1100.
2-15
If your AGC Delta is less than 150 counts, set Threshold to “off satellite” plus 1/3 to ½ of
your AGC Delta. Example: Peak (1100) - Noise (1000) = AGC Delta (120). Set
Threshold to 1000 + 40 = 1040 OR Set Threshold to 1000 + 60 = 1060.
Press SAT 3 times to select Threshold entry mode, use the Number keys to enter the calculated
Threshold value and press ENTER.
Note: If Auto-Threshold is not turned OFF the Threshold will be automatically re-set the next time
the system Targets or Searches.
The THRES information will be accessed from memory in the ACU and displayed as the SAT key
is pressed. When the ENTER key is hit the new value will overwrite the previous value in memory
and be displayed.
What do I see?
In the first step you will see the Elevation entry mode display containing the current Elevation
position of the antenna, Conscan tracking signals and the current level of AGC. When you press
AUX1 the Tracking LED will go OFF. As you step UP the Elevation position will increase,
Conscan will initially flash 2’s as you go off peak but will become random when you are off satellite
and AGC will decrease from peak value to “off satellite” value. As you step back DOWN the
Elevation position will decrease, Conscan will initially be random but will flash 8’s when you get
back on satellite until you get back to peak and AGC will increase from “off satellite” value to peak
value. When you press AUX1 the Tracking LED will go ON.
In the second step you will see the Threshold entry mode display containing the current Threshold
and the current level of AGC. The Threshold value will change as you key in the new value.
Note: If Auto-Threshold is not turned OFF the Threshold will be automatically re-set the next time
the system Targets or Searches.
2.10.9. Selecting Tracking Receiver Source

Press SAT 4 times to view the RCVR selection & frequency entry mode display, then press
N/S/E/W repeatedly to select EXT, INA, INB or IF.
If already in one of the SAT sub-menus, continue pressing SAT until the RCVR entry menu is
reached, press N/S/E/W repeatedly to select EXT, INA, INB or IF
EXT input electrically comes from an external source wired to the Terminal Mounting Strip “AGC
terminal.
INA input electrically comes from the top F connector input (RF Input A) on the rear panel of the
ACU.
INB input electrically comes from the bottom F connector input (RF Input B) on the rear panel of
the ACU.
IF input electrically comes from the BNC connector input (RF Input) on the rear panel of the ACU.
Once desired selection is displayed, press ENTER.
Refer to the next scenario to change the tuning frequency.
The RCVR information will be accessed from memory in the ACU and displayed as the SAT key
is pressed. As you press the N/S/E/W key the ACU is internally selecting where the AGC signal
input is coming from and the selection is being displayed followed by the actual value of AGC
coming from that source. When the ENTER key is hit the new selection will overwrite the
previous value in memory and be displayed.
2-16
What do I see?
The RCVR Selection & Frequency entry display information will be accessed from memory in the
ACU and displayed. As you sequentially press the N/S/E/W key the RCVR display will show EXT,
INA, INB or IF followed by a 4 digit value of AGC which currently being received from that input
source. When the ENTER key is hit the new selection will overwrite the previous value in memory
and be displayed.
Also refer to the next scenario to change the frequency that the input source is being tuned to.
2.10.10.Tuning The SCPC Tracking Receiver

IF Tuning - The Narrow Band IF or SCPC receiver is tuned to MHz and kHz by two entries. Select the
SAT/RCVR mode by pressing the SAT key. Select the IF input using the NS/EW key. Key in the MHz
portion and press ENTER. Press "." then key in the kHz portion and press ENTER.
Press SAT 4 times to view the RCVR selection & frequency entry mode display, the Selection,
tuning frequency and the corresponding AGC will be displayed. Use the Number keys to enter the
value of MHz you wish to tune the receiver to and hit ENTER. If you wish to fine-tune the MHz
entry you can use the UP/DOWN arrow keys to increment/decrement the value one MHz per key-
press to get the highest value of AGC and hit ENTER. If you wish to additionally fine-tune the
receiver to some kHz value, hit the DECIMAL POINT key, enter the number of kHz and hit
ENTER.
If already in one of the SAT sub-menus, continue pressing SAT until the RCVR entry menu is
reached, the Selection, tuning frequency and the corresponding AGC will be displayed. Use the
Number keys to enter the value of MHz you wish to tune the receiver to and hit ENTER. If you
wish to fine-tune the MHz entry you can use the UP/DOWN arrow keys to increment/decrement
the value one MHz per key-press to get the highest value of AGC and hit ENTER. If you wish to
additionally fine-tune the receiver to some kHz value, hit the DECIMAL POINT key, enter the
number of kHz and hit ENTER.
The receiver source will be tuned to an Intermediate Frequency (IF) corresponding to the value
you entered and the AGC value actually coming from the selected source (at that frequency) will
be displayed. When you hit ENTER the input selection and frequency values in memory will be
overwritten with the new values.
What do I see?
The RCVR selection followed by the frequency (in MHz & kHz) it is tuned to and the AGC value
actually coming from the selected source (at that frequency) will be displayed. New frequency
input and the corresponding AGC will be displayed as changes are made.
2.10.11.To View ANTENNA Information

From any of the other main display/entry menus, Press ANTENNA and view the overall display.
If already in one of the ANTENNA sub-menus, continue pressing ANTENNA until the current
ANTENNA information overall display is in view.
The ANTENNA information will be accessed from memory in the ACU and displayed as the key is
pressed.
What do I see?
The ANTENNA information display containing the current (True) Azimuth, Elevation and Relative
position of the antenna and the current level of AGC.
2-17
2.10.12.Adjusting Azimuth (step, slew & target)

From any of the other main display/entry menus, Press ANTENNA 2 times and view the Azimuth
entry mode display.
Azimuth entry mode display is in view.
The current (True) Azimuth position of the antenna, DishScan signals and the current level of
AGC will be displayed.
What do I see?
The Azimuth entry mode sub-menu display containing the current (True) Azimuth position of the
antenna, DishScan tracking signals and the current level of AGC.
The Azimuth position (upper left of the display) will change as you step, slew or target the
antenna.
DishScan AZ tracking signals (lower left of the display) will be 4 (indicating AZ needs to move
DOWN) or 6 (indicating AZ needs to move UP). When the Azimuth position of the antenna is
optimum the received signal level for the satellite will be peaked (highest AGC) and the number of
DishScan signals will be minimal. As you step (or slew) the Azimuth position of the antenna off
peak in one direction DishScan will signal a need to move to opposite direction. As you step (or
slew) the Azimuth further off peak in that direction the DishScan signal will flash more rapidly.
When you turn Tracking back ON, the Azimuth should move back toward peak, DishScan signals
will become less rapid and AGC will increase back to maximum. [Example: As you step the
antenna UP in AZ, a 4 will flash in the lower left of the display. As you continue to step UP in AZ,
the 4 will flash more rapidly. When you turn Tracking ON, AZ will move back DOWN, the 4 will
flash more slowly and AGC will increase. When the antenna has returned to peak signal position,
DishScan signals will nearly cease (random 2, 4, 6 or 8) and AGC will be at its maximum value.]
AGC value will vary, representing the actual received signal level coming from the dish (to the
Tracking RCVR), pointed at its’ current Azimuth position. The AGC value will be minimum when
the antenna is pointed off satellite and will be maximum when the antenna is pointed at peak
satellite signal.
2.10.13.Adjusting Elevation (step, slew & target)

From any of the other main display/entry menus, Press ANTENNA 3 times and view the
Elevation entry mode display.
Elevation entry mode display is in view.
The current Elevation position of the antenna, DishScan signals and the current level of AGC will
be displayed.
What do I see?
The Elevation entry mode sub-menu display containing the current Elevation position of the
antenna, DishScan tracking signals and the current level of AGC.
The Elevation position (upper right of the display) will change as you step, slew or target the
antenna.
DishScan EL tracking signals (lower left of the display) will be 2 (indicating EL needs to move
DOWN) or 8 (indicating EL needs to move UP). When the Elevation position of the antenna is
2-18
optimum the received signal level for the satellite will be peaked (highest AGC) and the number of
DishScan signals will be minimal. As you step (or slew) the Elevation position of the antenna off
peak in one direction DishScan will signal a need to move to opposite direction. As you step (or
slew) the Elevation further off peak in that direction the DishScan signal will flash more rapidly.
When you turn Tracking back ON, the Elevation should move back toward peak, DishScan
signals will become less rapid and AGC will increase back to maximum. [Example: As you step
the antenna UP in EL, a 2 will flash in the lower left of the display. As you continue to step UP in
EL, the 2 will flash more rapidly. When you turn Tracking ON, EL will move back DOWN, the 2
will flash more slowly and AGC will increase. When the antenna has returned to peak signal
position, DishScan signals will nearly cease (random 2, 4, 6 or 8) and AGC will be at its maximum
value.]
AGC value will vary, representing the actual received signal level coming from the dish (to the
Tracking RCVR), pointed at its’ current Elevation position. The AGC value will be minimum when
the antenna is pointed off satellite and will be maximum when the antenna is pointed at peak
satellite signal.
2.10.14.Adjusting Polarization
If your system is fitted with a CIRCULAR polarization feed, polarization adjustment is NOT required.
Default setting of the system is Auto-Polarization operation (POL TYPE set to 0072). In this mode the
ACU will calculate the polarization angle for the desired satellite (SAT), based on the current Latitude
(LAT) & Longitude (LON) of the ship. The system automatically rotates the LINEAR feed periodically to
maintain optimum received signal from the desired satellite as the ship travels. If a new satellite is
targeted the ACU calculates the new Azimuth, Elevation & Polarization angles and drives the antenna &
feed to those calculated angles. If you adjust the polarization of the feed while in Auto-Polarization mode,
the feed will be driven back to the calculated orientation when the next update is calculated.
If Auto-Polarization is OFF (POL TYPE set to 0009) you will need to manually adjust the polarization
periodically as the ship travels. To adjust polarization, while in manual mode:
From any of the other main display/entry menus, Press ANTENNA 4 times and view the
Polarization entry mode display. Sequentially press the UP, or DOWN, arrow key to step the
polarization of the feed up or down as needed to optimize the AGC level.
Polarization entry mode display is in view. Sequentially press the UP, or DOWN, arrow key to
step the polarization of the feed up or down as needed to optimize the AGC level.
The POL information will be accessed from memory in the ACU and displayed as the key is
pressed.
What do I see?
Polarization and the current value of AGC will be displayed. The polarization display you see may
be an alpha or a numeric value, depending on your POL TYPE parameter setting. You will see
the AGC increase as you adjust polarization the correct direction or will decrease if you go too far
or go the wrong direction. When the AGC is as high as you can make it, the polarization of the
feed will be optimum.
2-19
2.10.15.Change Tracking Band

You can set the system to Track a Ku, C or X band signal, as is appropriate, for the satellite signal that
you want to acquire or track. This will set the appropriate values in the STEP SIZE (AZ & EL) system
parameters for the selected frequency band.
Your system will not Track the satellite very well if the Band selection is not set correctly. When the
tracking band selection is changed you will need to retune the tracking receiver to an appropriate
frequency for the selected band.
On some antennas, band selection of the ACU will also toggle local external tone generators and/or
remote coax C/Ku band relays mounted on the antenna pedestal to route the selected frequency band
signals from the antenna to the matrix switch below decks equipment (and therefore to the Antenna
Control Unit). When KuHI, or C, is selected the SW2 output of the Terminal Mounting Strip will be
shorted (1 amp current sink to ground MAX) this will cause the external tone generators to turn 22 KHz
ON (and the tone generator LED will come ON. When KuLO, or X, is selected the SW2 output of the
Terminal Mounting Strip will be open) this will cause the external tone generators to turn 22 KHz OFF
(and the tone generator LED will go OFF).
From any of the other main display/entry menus, press MODE to access the Tracking menu, then
press the DOWN arrow key four times within 3 seconds to toggle the BAND selection
(KuHi/KuLow or C/X) as appropriate for the band of the signal you are currently receiving. On
Dual Band TVRO antennas, this selection remotely controls coax relays on the antenna pedestal
to route the selected Band of signals from the feed to the below decks equipment. Then press
the DOWN arrow key once to toggle between KuHi and KuLow, OR toggle between C and X.
This also toggles a logic output terminal on the Terminal Mounting Strip.
If already in one of the MODE sub-menus, press ANTENNA, press MODE to access the Tracking
menu, then press the DOWN arrow key four times within 3 seconds to toggle the BAND
selection (KuHi/KuLow or C/X) as appropriate for the band of the signal you are currently
receiving. On Dual Band TVRO antennas, this selection remotely controls coax relays on the
antenna pedestal to route the selected Band of signals from the feed to the below decks
equipment. Then press the DOWN arrow key once to toggle between KuHi and KuLow, OR
toggle between C and X.
The CONTROL – TRACKING information will be accessed from memory in the ACU and
displayed as the MODE key is pressed. The AZ & EL STEP SIZE values will be retrieved from
memory in the Conscan controller and overwrite the previous values in the ACU memory in when
the BAND is changed. Displayed BAND selection will change when the DOWN arrow key is
pressed. On Dual Band TVRO antennas, coax relays and tone generators on the antenna
pedestal will toggle to route the selected Band of signals through the dual channel coax rotary
joint to the below decks equipment.
When KuHI or C band is selected the Tone output of the Terminal Mounting Strip will be shorted
(1 amp current sink to ground MAX) to control locally mounted external tone generators
connected to the terminal mounting strip (Tone ON). When KuLO or X band is selected the Tone
output of the Terminal Mounting Strip will be open (Tone OFF). The Tone output on the Terminal
Mounting Strip on DAC-03 or DAC-97 ACUs is SW2.
What do I see?
The Tracking menu BAND and Tracking ON/OFF state will be seen initially. The displayed BAND
selection will change when the DOWN arrow key is pressed. If the DOWN arrow key is not
pressed four times within 3 seconds the display will revert to the previous BAND selection. If the
DOWN arrow key is pressed four times within 3 seconds the display will remain set at the new
BAND selection. If the DOWN arrow key is pressed once, the Band selection will toggle between
the KuHI and KuLow, OR toggle between C and X.
2-20
2.10.16.Start a Search
If you are not on a satellite signal, simply start a search pattern from the current Azimuth and Elevation.
The antennas’ current position becomes the origin of an expanding square search pattern. Auto-
Threshold will re-set Threshold value as the search is conducted.
You should not start a search if you are ON a satellite signal, as this will cause Auto-Threshold to re-set
Threshold to too high a value. In this case you should re-target the satellite and then start search, or by
manually searching by stepping Azimuth and Elevation.
From any of the other main display/entry menus, Press MODE 2 times, then press the UP arrow
key.
If already in one of the MODE sub-menus, press ANTENNA then press MODE 2 times, then
press the UP arrow key.
The CONTROL – SEARCH information will be accessed from memory in the ACU and displayed
as the MODE key is pressed.
What do I see?
The Search OFF status menu will be seen. When the UP arrow key is pressed a search pattern
will begin and the Search LED will go ON.
2.10.17.Stop a Search
To stop a search pattern that has already begun:
From any of the other main display/entry menus, Press MODE 2 times, then press the DOWN
arrow key.
If already in one of the MODE sub-menus, press ANTENNA the press MODE 3 times, then
press the DOWN arrow key.
The CONTROL – SEARCH information will be accessed from memory in the ACU and displayed
as the MODE key is pressed.
What do I see?
The Search ON status menu will be seen. When the DOWN arrow key is pressed the search
pattern will halt and the Search LED will go OFF.
2-21
2.10.18.To View ERROR(s)

From any of the other main display/entry menus, Press MODE 3 times and note/record the right
hand 4 digit value.
If already in one of the MODE sub-menus, press ANTENNA the press MODE 3 times.
The appropriate information will be accessed from memory in the ACU and displayed as the key is
pressed.
What do I see?
The STATUS-ERROR information display containing the current Pedestal communications count
(Left 4 digits) and the ERROR code (Right 4 digits). This 4 digit error code value is the SUM of
the discrete errors that have occurred. The discrete errors are:
128 Satellite Out Of Range

64 Reserved for future use
32 Reserved for future use
16 DishScan Error
8 Pedestal Error
4 ACU-PCU Communication Failure
2 Wrong Synchro Converter Type
1 Gyro Read Error
Refer to the next scenario to Clear the ERROR(s).
Infrequent errors may not indicate a failure that requires immediate repair, however, these should
be recorded/logged and cleared to ascertain how often they are occurring or if they are becoming
more frequent. Frequent or constant errors indicate a need to troubleshoot and repair the source
of the error(s).
Refer to the Troubleshooting section of this manual to troubleshoot and repair frequent or
constant errors.
2.10.19.Clear ERROR(s)
Press MODE 3 times, note/record the right hand 4 digit value for historical log, the press UP
arrow key to clear the error code and extinguish the Error LED.
The error information in memory will be cleared as the key is pressed.
What do I see?
The STATUS-ERROR information display containing the current Pedestal communications count
(Left 4 digits) and the ERROR code (Right 4 digits). When the UP arrow was pressed the
ERROR code should become 0000 and the ERROR LED should extinguish.
If an ERROR is displayed constantly or returns frequently, refer to the Troubleshooting section of
this manual.
2-22
DAC-03 Tracking Antenna Controller Basic System Information
3. Basic System Information

This section provides you with some additional information about the satellites you will be using, some basics of
your satellite antenna system and other equipment within your system configuration. For more information about
you specific antenna, refer to its manual.
3.1. Satellite Basics

The satellites are in orbit at an altitude of 22,753.2 Statute Miles directly above the equator. Their orbital
velocity matches the Earth’s rotational speed, therefore, each appears to remain at a fixed position in the sky
(as viewed from your location).
3.1.1. Frequencies
Your antenna can be provided with the appropriate feed and LNB(s) to operate using Linear or Circular
polarized satellite signals in a variety of frequency bands. The most common receive frequency bands are
C-Band (3.7-4.2 GHz) and Ku-Band (10.95-12.75 GHz).
At these frequencies the signal from the satellite travels only in a straight line and is affected by weather
changes in the atmosphere. There are several conditions that can cause a temporary loss of satellite
signal, even within an area where the signal level is known to be adequate. The most common of these
normal temporary losses are blockage and rain fade. They will interrupt services only as long as the
cause of the loss persists.
Blockage - Blockage is loss due to an object in the path of the signal from the satellite to the dish. If an
object that is large and dense is positioned in the path of the signal from the satellite, it will prevent
sufficient signal from arriving at the dish. The signal can not bend around, or penetrate through, these
objects and the reception will be degraded or completely interrupted. The dish is actively driven to remain
pointed at the satellite (toward the equator) so, as the boat turns a mast or raised structure of your boat
may become positioned between the satellite and the dish. Blockage may also be caused by a person
standing near the radome, tall mountains, buildings, bridges, cranes or other larger ships near your boat.
Signal will be lost when the boat is housed inside an enclosure that the signal cannot penetrate, like a
paint shed or a berth with a roof. Moving or rotating the boat to position the antenna where it has an
unobstructed view to the desired satellite will restore the antennas’ ability to receive the satellite signal.
Rain Fade - Atmospheric conditions that may cause sufficient loss of signal level include rain, snow,
heavy fog and some solar activities (sun spot and flare activity). The most common of these is referred to
as “rain fade”. Rain drops in the atmosphere reduce the signal from the satellite. The heavier the rain the
higher the amount of signal loss. When the amount of loss is high enough, the antenna will not be able to
stay locked onto the satellite signal. When the amount of rain has decreased sufficiently, the antenna will
re-acquire the satellite signal. In a strong signal area, rain fall of about four inches per hour will cause
complete loss of signal. In weaker signal areas the effects would be more pronounced.
3.1.2. Signal level

The level of the receive signal is dependant upon how powerful the transmission is and how wide the
signal beam coverage area is. Focusing the signal into a narrower beam concentrates its energy over a
smaller geographic area, thereby increasing the signal level throughout that area of coverage. This
makes it possible for you to use a smaller antenna size to receive that satellite signal. The antenna
system must be geographically located in an area where the signal level from the satellite meet, or
exceed, the minimum satellite signal level required for your size of antenna (refer to your Antenna manual)
to provide suitable reception. This limits the number of satellites that can be used and the geographic
areas where the boat can travel where the signal level is expected to be strong enough to continue
providing uninterrupted reception. When travelling outside this minimum signal coverage area, it is normal
for the system to experience an interruption in its ability to provide the desired satellite services until
entering (or re-entering) an area of adequate signal level (refer to the satellite footprint information below).
3-1
Basic System Information DAC-03 Tracking Antenna Controller
3.1.3. Satellite Footprints

The focused beam(s) from the satellites are normally aimed at the major land masses where there are
large population centers. Footprint charts graphically display the signal level expected to be received in
different geographic locations within the area of coverage. The signal will always be strongest in the
center of the coverage area and weaker out toward the outer edges of the pattern. Refer to the satellite
footprint information in Antenna manual, it contains some of the footprint charts that are expected to be
adequate for your antenna model to be used. The coverage areas are intended to be a guide to
reception, however, the actual coverage area and signal level may vary. Also, the signal strength is
affected by weather (ie rain fade).
3.1.4. Satellite Polarization

Satellites may transmit their signals in one of two different polarization modes, linear or circular. Your
Antenna may be fitted with the correct feed assembly to operate with Linear (with linear LNB installed) OR
Circular (with circular LNB installed) satellite transmissions.
Circular reception does NOT require Polarization adjustment to optimize the reception.
Horizontal and vertical linear polarized satellite transmissions, require periodic adjustment of
“polarization”. Polarization adjustment is required to optimize the alignment of the LNB to match the angle
of the signal from the satellite.
When you are on the same longitude as the
satellite, its’ horizontal and vertical signals
will be purely aligned to your horizon. When
the satellite is east or west of your longitude,
the satellite signals will appear to be rotated
clockwise or counter-clockwise from pure
horizontal and vertical. Both horizontal and
vertical signals from a satellite will appear to
be rotated the same amount and are always
perpendicular to each other. The amount of
rotation is dependent on how far east or Figure 3-1 Satellite Signal Polarization
west the satellite is from you and how close
you are to the Equator.
3.2. Antenna Basics

The following information is provided to explain some of the basic functions of the antenna:
3.2.1. Azimuth
The CW / CCW rotation of the antenna is known as Azimuth. Azimuth drive, provided by the azimuth
motor, is required during stabilization, searching, tracking and unwrap operations of the antenna. When
the boat turns, azimuth is driven in the opposite direction to remain pointed at the satellite. The actual
azimuth pointing angle to the satellite is determined by your latitude, longitude, Heading and the longitude
of the satellite. It is important to know that in normal operation on a satellite, or when trying to acquire a
satellite, the antenna should be pointed generally toward the equator.
In the Northern Hemisphere, the azimuth angle to the satellite will be 180 degrees true (relative to true
north) if the satellite is at the same longitude that you are on. If the satellite is east, or west, of your
longitude the azimuth will be less than, or greater than 180 degrees respectively.
When checking for blockage you can visually look over the antenna radome toward the equator to see if
any objects are in between the antenna and the satellite. If you are not able to find any satellites it may
also be useful to remove the radome top to see if the dish is aimed in the correct direction (towards the
equator).
3-2
3.2.2. Elevation
The antenna can be driven in elevation from 0 degrees (horizon) to 90 degrees (zenith). Elevation drive,
provided by the elevation motor, is required during stabilization, searching and tracking operations of the
antenna. The actual elevation pointing angle to the satellite is determined by your latitude & longitude and
the longitude of the satellite. In general, the elevation angle will be low when you are at high latitudes and
will increase as you get closer to the equator.
Refer to figure 3-1 above and note that from any given latitude, the elevation will be highest when the
satellite is at the same longitude that you are on. If the satellite is east, or west, of your longitude the
elevation angle will be lower.
3.2.3. Antenna polarization
If you have a circular polarization

LNB installed, you do not need to
adjust the “polarization” of the
antenna.
If you have a linear polarization LNB

installed, the system should have
been adjusted properly and set-up in
Auto-Polarization mode.
Auto-Polarization makes small

polarization adjustments periodically
as the boat changes geographic
locations by a significant amount of
latitude and longitude. It also adjusts
the polarization of the feed when
changing from one satellite to another.
Once polarization adjustment has

been optimized, it is NOT necessary Figure 3-2 Circular and Linear Polarization
to readjust it as long as the boat
remains in the same geographic area and stays on the same satellite.
3.2.4. Stabilization
The Sea Tel antennas are stabilized in all three axes of motion. Stabilization is the process of de-
coupling the ships’ motion from the antenna. Simply put, this allows the antenna to remain pointed at the
satellite while the boat turns, rolls or pitches under it. To accomplish this, the Pedestal Control Unit (PCU)
on the antenna pedestal assembly senses the motion and applies drive to the appropriate motor(s) in
opposition to the sensed motion. Azimuth (AZ), Elevation (EL) and Cross-Level (left-right tilt) are actively
stabilized automatically by the PCU as part of its normal operation.
3-3
3.2.5. Narrow Band Tracking Receivers

70 MHz or 140 MHz Single Channel Per Carrier (SCPC) Receiver - The Narrow Band SCPC Receiver
located in the Antenna Control Unit (ACU) is used to acquire, identify and track a narrow band carrier or
beacon. When properly setup, the receiver settings are saved to expedite future acquisition of satellite
signal.
When searching for the desired satellite this receiver compares the current receive signal level to the
“Threshold” level. When the received signal level, at the current frequency, exceeds the threshold value
SEARCH will suspend and TRACKING will peak the pointing of the dish to maximize the receive signal.
The system only needs adequate satellite signal level to stop searching and begin tracking the satellite.
This receiver is not able to identify the satellite it is receiving.
3.2.6. Tracking
The ACU actively optimizes the pointing of the dish for maximum signal reception. This process is called
tracking and is accomplished by continuously making small movements of the dish while monitoring the
level of the received signal. Evaluation of this information is used to continuously make minor pointing
corrections to keep the signal level “peaked” as part of normal operation.
3.2.7. Unlimited Azimuth

Your Antenna is an Unlimited Azimuth antenna. It does not have mechanical stops in azimuth, refer to
your Antenna manual.
3.3. Components of the System Configuration

The following text provides a basic functional overview of the system components and component
interconnection as referred to in the System Block Diagram 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.
3.3.1. Antenna ADE Assembly

Refer to your Antenna manual for specific information about your antenna, radome and interconnecting
cables.
3-4
3.3.2. Antenna Control Unit

The Antenna Control Unit allows the operator to control and monitor the antenna pedestal with dedicated
function buttons, LED’s and a 2 line display. The ACU and its Terminal Mounting Strip are normally
mounted in a standard 19” equipment rack. The ACU should be mounted in the front of the equipment
rack where it is easily accessible. The Terminal Mounting Strip and base multiplexer panel are normally
mounted on the rear of the equipment rack. In TVRO systems, it is recommended that the antenna
control panel be mounted near one of the Satellite Receiver locations where you can see the television
screen while you are controlling the antenna.
The Antenna Control Unit is connected to the Antenna Pedestal (ADE), the GPS antenna and the ships
Gyro Compass.
Figure 3-3 DAC-03 Antenna Control Unit
3.3.3. Power Supply

AC Voltage - An appropriate source of AC Voltage will also be required for the ACU, satellite receivers
and television monitors. Refer to the manuals for these devices for voltage and power consumption of
each. Total power consumption will depend on the number of satellite receivers and television monitors
used.
3.3.4. Other Below Decks Equipment

Your system will include other equipment below decks to process the signal(s) from your antenna into the
services your system is configured to provide. Refer to your Antenna manual for more information about
some of the basic equipments associated with your system.
3-5
3-6
DAC-03 Tracking Antenna Controller Installation
4. Installation
Below are basic steps to guide you in installing this equipment, but you may choose to complete installation steps
in a different order. Read this complete section before starting.
The following instructions describe the installation procedures for installing the DAC-03 Antenna Control Unit.
The installation of the Antenna Pedestal (ADE) is outlined in its Installation and Operation manual and may already
have been performed.
4.1. General Cautions & Warnings
CAUTION - Electrical Shock Potentials exist on the Gyro Compass output

lines. Assure that the Gyro Compass output is turned OFF when handling and
connecting wiring to the Terminal Mounting Strip.
CAUTION - Allow only an authorized dealer to install or service the your Sea Tel
System components. Unauthorized installation or service can be dangerous and can
invalidate the warranty.
4.2. Site Survey

Find the best location for the ACU and other Below Decks Equipment. Assure that each piece of equipment
is properly mounted. They should have sufficient cable to pull the equipment out of its mounting location and
disconnect the cables attached to it. There should be plenty of air space between units to allow heat to vent
off of the equipment. If the mounting location is a closed space, assure that the equipment will not be
damaged by trapped heat, install vents and/or fans to evacuate the heat.
4.3. Preparing For The Installation

Always prepare for the installation before you actually start.
4.3.1. Unpack Shipping Crates and Inspect / Inventory

Unpack the crates. Inspect everything to assure that all materials have been received and are in good
condition.
4.3.2. Preparing BDE Location

Prepare the Rack (or other location) for the ACU, Terminal Mounting Strip and base multiplexer panel.
Prepare the mounting locations for the other Below Decks Equipment throughout ship.
4.3.3. Read the Installation Information

Read the Installation section of the ACU and Antenna Pedestal manuals to be familiar with the installation
of each.
4.3.4. Plan The Install

Plan your installation. You may wish to follow a different order of installation steps than is recommended
in these manuals.
4-1
Installation DAC-03 Tracking Antenna Controller
4.3.5. The Installing Cables

Installing appropriate cables from location to location. Refer to the System Block Diagram in your Antenna
manual.
4.4. Install the ACU

Install the ACU in the front of the standard 19” equipment rack or other suitable location.
4.5. Install the Terminal Mounting Strip (TMS)

Install the TMS in the rear of the standard 19” equipment rack or other suitable location.
Connect the TMS to the ACU.
1 Connect the 25 pin ribbon cable from the Terminal Mounting Strip to J3 “Ships Gyro” jack on the
rear panel of the ACU.
2 Connect the 9 pin ribbon cable (or NMEA serial cable) from the Terminal Mounting Strip to J13
“NMEA” jack on the rear panel of the ACU.
4.6. Install the Base Multiplexer Panel

Install the panel in the rear of the standard 19” equipment rack or other suitable location.
4.7. Terminal Mounting Strip (TMS) Connections

There are several functional connections that may be made on the TMS connectors. You may not need to
make all of these connections, but they are listed here for you to decide which ones you do need to make
during the installation. Connect the 9 pin ribbon cable from this PCB to J13 “NMEA” jack on the rear panel of
the ACU. Connect the 25 pin ribbon cable from this PCB to J3 “Gyro Compass” jack on the rear panel of the
ACU. They are:
CAUTION - Electrical Shock Potentials exist on the Gyro Compass

output lines. Assure that the Gyro Compass output is turned OFF
when handling and connecting wiring to the Terminal Mounting Strip.
TB-1 Synchro Gyro Compass Input. Use the R1, R2, S1,S2 and S3 screw
terminals to connect the Synchro Gyro Compass to the ACU.
TB-2 Control Interface Connections.
SW2 - The Blockage/TX Mute Control output is driven by Blockage
and RF Radiation Hazard functions. This output will short to ground
whenever the antenna is within the AZ LIMIT zone(s) or is Searching,
Targeting, Unwrapping or is mispointed 0.5 degrees from satellite peak.
This output is commonly used to drive:
• Dual Antenna Arbitrator coax switches in TVRO dual antenna
configurations. The coax switches select which antenna is feeding
signal to the matrix switch.
• Mute the Transmit output of the Satellite Modem used in TX/RX
antenna configurations when the antenna is positioned where people
may be harmed by the transmit power emanating from the antenna
(RF Radiation Hazard).
• Mute the Transmit output of the Satellite Modem used in TX/RX
antenna configurations when the antenna is mispointed by 0.5
4-2
degrees, or more, and keep it muted until the antenna has been within 0.2 degrees of peak pointing to
the satellite for a period of 5 seconds (FCC part 25.221 & 25.222 TX Mute requirement).
SW1 - Band Selection control output. This output is used to control below decks tone generator(s), or
coax switch(s), for band selection functions. The band selection control output is driven by the band
selected in the MODE – TRACKING display.
• Tone generators are used to provide a 22 kHz tone, tone ON when hi band is desired and tone OFF
selects low band. The tone generators are commonly used to provide band control of an Americas
LNB.
• Coax switches might be used to select which signals are to be routed to the matrix switch.
AGC & GND - External AGC, or Modem Lock, input.
• External AGC input must be 0 to 5 Volts DC analog signal, positive going voltage proportional to
satellite signal input level and must be real-time in its response to antenna pointing.
• External Modem Lock from a satellite modem is used as a positive ID that the antenna is on the
desired satellite. This input is NOT used for Tracking purposes, it is only used for satellite
identification to acquire the correct satellite during search. To enable the external modem input you
must include a 2 in the SYSTEM TYPE parameter (If your system type is presently 76 or 77, then
change it to 78 or 79) and NID MUST be set to 0000.
• Connections - The modem lock signal connects to EXT AGC and a ground reference from the
modem connects to GND. The expected signal from the modem is 0VDC to +5VDC. Low
voltage indicates modem lock, high voltage indicates modem unlock.
NOTE - If the modem signal
produces a negative voltage, an
external diode will need to be
installed across the modem
signal and ground (Cathode to
modem signal, Anode to ground).
Voltages up to +/- 15 VDC can be
used with addition of a resistor
voltage divider to supply 0-5VDC into the ACU . An example of external components is
show here.
• Testing - The input connections from the modem can be tested by selecting the external AGC
input and monitoring the displayed value. To select external AGC, set the tuning frequency to
0000. Normally, AGC readings below 2048 are considered a low condition and indicate modem
lock and AGC readings above 2048 are considered a high condition and indicate modem unlock.
[If you find the AGC reading for locked and unlocked conditions to be reversed you must add 128
to your current SYSTEM TYPE parameter]. Turn tracking OFF when checking the external AGC
inputs. Be sure to properly retune the receiver frequency when you are finished testing the
external input.
• Operation - In NORMAL operation, AGC must be above Threshold AND external MODEM
Lock input must be locked to Track the satellite. If you are tracking a satellite signal and the
AGC is above threshold (Tracking light on solid) but the external AGC signal rises above 2.5
volts for more than 20 seconds (external MODEM input UNLOCKED) the ACU will automatically
retarget the selected satellite.
4-3
TB-3 Step-By-Step (SBS) Gyrocompass Input. Use the COM, A, B and C screw terminals to connect the SBS
Gyrocompass to the ACU. Some SBS Gyro distribution boxes have terminals which are labeled S1, S2 & S3
instead of A, B and C.
TB-4 NMEA 9-pin PCB.
TX+ and TX- screw terminals are used to provide GPS NMEA GPGGA
output to a Satellite Modem used with Sea Tel Transmit/Receive
(TX/RX) antennas.
RX+ and RX- screw terminals are commonly used to connect GPS
(Latitude and Longitude) or Gyro Compass (Heading) NMEA inputs to
the ACU J-13 communications port.
+24V and GND screw terminals are commonly used to provide +24
VDC operating voltage to a GPS, Dual Antenna Arbitrator or other
below decks tone generators or switches.
4.8. Pedestal Control Connection

Connect the Antenna Control Cable, between J1 on the rear of the ACU and the 9 pin D Sub connector on
the base multiplexer panel mounted in the rear of the rack.
4.9. AC Power To The ACU

Assure Power switch on the rear panel of the ACU is turned OFF.
Removed the “Factory Set At 220 V” yellow sticker covering the AC
receptacle. If you are not supplying 220 VAC power to the ACU, you
must extract the voltage select/fuse block from below the AC
receptacle. Rotate the voltage select/fuse block CW or CCW to select
110 VAC and re-insert it into the power module. Connect AC Power
cord to the ACU and to the AC Power outlet.
4.10. AGC Tracking Connection

Connect the IF Coax from one of the available outlets on the splitter or matrix switch to “RF IN” jack on the
rear panel of the ACU.
For external AGC, connect a cable between the AGC or TM output of the master receiver or modem and the
terminals labeled “EXT AGC” and “ GND” TB2 of the Terminal Mounting Strip.
4.11. Monitor And Control Connections

The Monitor and Control port allows external control from a PC using a communications program such as
HyperTerminal. The ACU is wired as a DTE device for direct connection to another DTE device such as a
terminal or PC, a null modem cable as shown in drawing 116670 is required.
CAUTION: DC Voltage exists Aux Serial Port connectors that will damage your
computer COM port. The Monitor & Control computer connection to the ACU MUST be a
null modem cable as shown on Sea Tel drawing 116670.
Connect the null modem cable between J11 on the rear panel of the ACU and the ASCII terminal or PC serial
interface port (COM port). Set the terminal or PC to 4800 baud, 8 bits, no parity (9600 baud operation is
available on the Aux Serial Board only by installing a jumper at D1).
4.12. Install Other BDE Equipment

Install and connect the other below decks equipment.
4-4
4.13. Final Checks
4.13.1. Visual inspection

Do a visual inspection of your work to assure that everything is ready to proceed.
4.13.2. Electrical - Double check wiring connections

Double check all your connections to assure that it is safe to energize the equipment.
4.14. Power-Up
Refer to the Antenna Pedestal I&O manual to complete its installation BEFORE turning the ACU power ON.
When all equipment has been installed, turn ACU power ON. Turn Antenna Pedestal power ON. The
antenna will begin Initializing. The ACU will initially display “SEA TEL – MASTER and DAC-03 VER 3.xx”.
About 10 seconds later the display will change to “SEA TEL – REMOTE and INITIALIZING”. After
initialization, the bottom line of the remote display will display the antenna model number and the software
version of the PCU (ie 9497A VER 1.xx).
Energize and check the other Below Decks Equipment to verify that all the equipment is operating. You will
need to assure that the ACU is setup correctly and that the antenna acquires the correct satellite before you
will be able to completely check all the satellite receivers for proper operation.
4.15. Setup
Refer to the Setup instructions in the next section of this manual to assure that the ACU settings and
parameters are set correctly.
4-5
4-6
DAC-03 Tracking Antenna Controller Setup
5. Setup
Below are basic steps to guide you in setting up the ACU. Assure that the Antenna Pedestal (ADE) has been
properly installed.
5.1. Operator Settings

Refer to the Operation chapter of this manual to set the Ship and Satellite information.
1 Latitude and Longitude should automatically update after the GPS engine triangulates an accurate
location, but you may enter this information manually to begin.
2 If you do not have 1:1 Synchro or NMEA gyro heading input, you will have to enter the current
heading of the ship. The Gyro Compass will then keep the ACU updated as heading changes
occur.
3 Enter the tracking receiver settings for the satellite you will be using. These receiver settings are
especially important.
4 At this point you should be able to target the desired satellite longitude. Continue with the setup
steps below to optimize the parameters for your installation.
5.2. Tracking and Band Selection Settings

Press the MODE key to display the current Tracking status display.
To toggle Tracking ON/OFF, press AUX1 or the UP arrow key.
For C, X and Ku band systems the pre-set tracking parameters are changed by selecting the appropriate
band selection in the TRACKING window by pressing the DOWN arrow. The display will indicate which band
(C, X, KuHi or KuLow) is currently selected. The ACU tracking parameters, Terminal Mounting Strip SW1
Band Selection output AND the Antenna remote C/Ku band select relay(s) are changed by this selection.
5.3. Default Setup Parameters

Refer to the factory default parameters table in the Setup section of your Antenna Pedestal Manual.
You may need to optimize some of these parameters. Refer to the Setup section of your Antenna Pedestal
manual and the information below to setup the ACU properly for the antenna you are connected to.
Press MODE 4 times, then key in 7979 and hit the ENTER key to access the setup parameters. The
parameters are;
5.3.1. EL TRIM
Elevation trim offset. Adjusts display to correct for antenna alignment errors or imbalances in the antenna
system. Refer to your Antenna Pedestal manual to determine the amount of trim you will need. Once you
have determined the amount of trim required, key in the number of tenths of required trim. To increase
the elevation value add the required number of tenths of degrees to the current value of EL TRIM. To
decrease the elevation value subtract the required number of tenths of degrees from the current value of
EL TRIM. To enter in a positive value, key in the desired number of tenths and press ENTER. To enter a
minus value, key in the desired number of tenths, press the NSEW key and then press ENTER.
Continue with Azimuth trim, then re-target the satellite several times to verify that targeting is now driving
the antenna to a position that is within +/- 1.0 degrees of where the satellite actually is.
5-1
Setup DAC-03 Tracking Antenna Controller
5.3.2. AZ TRIM
Azimuth trim offset. Offsets true azimuth display to compensate for installation alignment errors when
used with Ships Gyro Compass input reference. Does not affect REL azimuth reading. Refer to your
Antenna Pedestal manual to determine the amount of trim you need, if any. Once you have determined
the amount of trim required, key in the number of tenths of required trim. To increase the azimuth value
add the required number of tenths of degrees to the current value of AZ TRIM. To decrease the azimuth
value subtract the required number of tenths of degrees from the current value of AZ TRIM. To enter in a
positive value, key in the desired number of tenths and press ENTER. To enter a minus value, key in the
desired number of tenths, press the NSEW key and then press ENTER.
Re-target the satellite several times to verify that targeting is now driving the antenna to a position that is
within +/- 1.0 degrees of where the satellite actually is.
5.3.3. AUTO THRES

Sets offset of AGC tracking threshold above the average noise floor. Units are in A/D counts,
approximately 20 counts/dB. Default setting is 60-100. A setting of 0000 disables auto threshold.
When AUTO THRESHOLD is enabled, the DAC-03 automatically re-sets the AGC tracking threshold
whenever the antenna Targets (AZ, EL or SAT), Searches or Unwraps. The new AGC threshold is set to
the average signal level input (approximate background noise level) plus the AUTO THRES offset value.
The AUTO THRES parameter should be set to approximately 3 dB, OR 1/3 to ½ of the ON satellite to
OFF satellite signal level difference, ABOVE the average Noise Floor. This will usually be around 60
counts (3 dB) for a typical antenna configuration.
EXAMPLE: If the Noise Floor off satellite is 1000 counts of AGC and Auto Threshold is set to 100,
Threshold will be set to approximately 1100 while the antenna is targeting, Searching or Unwrapping. If
you wish to change this parameter, key in the desired value and press ENTER.
5.3.4. EL STEP SIZE

Sets elevation sensitivity for DishScan Tracking Mode. Units are in pedestal step resolution. For proper
DishScan operation this parameter must be set to 0000. If not already set to zero, key in 0000 and press
ENTER. Must be entered twice within 6 seconds.
5.3.5. AZ STEP SIZE

Sets azimuth sensitivity for DishScan Tracking Mode. Units are in pedestal step resolution. For proper
DishScan operation this parameter must be set to 0000. If not already set to zero, key in 0000 and press
ENTER. Must be entered twice within 6 seconds.
5.3.6. STEP INTEGRAL

Sets the integration time for DishScan Tracking Mode. This parameter must be set to 0000 for proper
DishScan operation. If not already set to zero, key in 0000 and press ENTER.
5-2
5.3.7. SEARCH INC

Sets size of search pattern increment. Units are in pedestal step resolution. The suggested setting is
equal to 1/2 the 3dB beamwidth of your antenna at the frequency band you are using. Refer to your
Antenna Pedestal manual for default setting of this parameter. If you wish to change this parameter, key
in the desired value and press ENTER.
5.3.8. SEARCH LIMIT

Sets the search track-line spacing and the overall peak
to peak size of the search pattern. Units are in
pedestal step resolution. Factory default setting
provides for a large search area to assure you are able
to find the desired satellite. After you have optimized
your Targeting (TRIM settings above), and have
verified that you are able to accurately Target
repeatably, you may wish to reduce the size of the
search LIMIT pattern to avoid searching out far
enough to be attracted by and tracking onto a nearby
(adjacent) satellite. If you wish to change this parameter, key in the desired value and press ENTER.
5.3.9. SEARCH DELAY

Sets the time-out for automatic initiation of a search operation when the signal level (AGC) drops below
threshold. Units are in seconds. Range is 0-255 seconds. Default setting is 30 seconds. A setting of 0
disables the automatic search initiation. If you wish to change this parameter, key in the desired value and
press ENTER.
5.3.10. SWEEP INC

This parameter should be set for the desired azimuth sweep speed during search when the GYRO TYPE
parameter is 0000 and the ACU is in “No Gyro” mode (no heading input is available for the ACU). A
setting of 0040 = 9 degrees/second, 0060 = 13 degrees/second or 0080 = 18 degrees/second. Larger
antennas should have slower speeds and smaller antennas should have faster speeds. Refer to your
antenna manual for factory default setting for your antenna.
This parameter should be set to 0000 if GYRO TYPE is set to any non-zero value. No other value settings
should be used.
5.3.11. SYSTEM TYPE

Selects system options according to the following table. Add together all the desired options to determine
the proper entry. Refer to your Antenna Pedestal manual for the correct default setting for your antenna.
If you wish to change this parameter, key in the desired value (the sum of the desired functions) and press
ENTER.
128 Reverse External Modem Lock input polarity (logic hi = lock)
64 Enables LNB voltage output
32 Display Relative in the Azimuth entry display
16 Reverse blockage output logic (blocked=hi)
8 Enable AFC in NBIF Mode
4 Auto SAT load after SEARCH failure
2 Enable External Modem Lock Input (logic low = lock)
1 Auto SAT load on “hot” RESET and ACU Power-Up
5-3
5.3.12. GYRO TYPE

Selects the type of gyro compass interface for ship turning compensation. 2 indicates S-B-S, or NMEA,
gyro interface. 1 to 360 indicates a 1:1, 36:1, 90:1 or 360:1 Synchro gyro interface. 362 indicates 360:1
synchro using 12bit S/D interface. If you wish to change this parameter, key in the desired value and
press ENTER.
362 for 360:1 Synchro with S/D Converter
360 for 360:1 Synchro with SBS Converter
2 for Step-By-Step gyro or NMEA gyro
0 for No Gyro (No Heading input available)
5.3.13. POLANG TYPE

This automatically adjusts the polarization of the feed by calculating the required polarization angle for the
feed every 2 seconds based on ship's Latitude, Longitude and the Satellite Longitude. If the feed is not at
the optimum polarization position, the DAC-03 will send a command to the PCU to adjust the feed. The
system will function with all 24V DC motor driven feeds assemblies
Typical default setting for all 24 VDC polarization system is 0072 for Auto-Polarization mode. Set to 0009
(Manual Polarization) for troubleshooting or polarization alignment purposes OR if you desire to manually
adjust the polarization of the feed as the ship travels.
If you wish to change this parameter, key in the desired value (the sum of the functions below) and press
ENTER.
0 for no polang
9 for 24v manual polang with numeric display
72 for 24v auto polang with numeric display
64 for 24v auto polang with HORZ/VERT display
68 for Lin/Circ feed with auto polang
80 for 5v auto polang with HORZ/VERT display
88 for 5v auto polang with numeric display
128 Indicates 2 quadrant LHCP/RHCP display
5.3.14. POL OFFSET

CCW 24V Polang pot position reference. Default setting is 0030. May be incremented to adjust
polarization while in Auto-Pol mode to optimize cross-pol isolation. Each increment equals one degree of
polarization rotation (0038 = +8 degrees), decrement below 30 for minus polarization (0022 = -8 degrees).
If you wish to change this parameter, key in the desired value and press ENTER.
5.3.15. POL SCALE

90 degree 24V Polang pot motion scale factor. Leave at factory default (0090).
5-4
5.3.16. Radiation Hazard and Blockage Mapping (AZ LIMIT parameters)

The ACU can be programmed with relative azimuth sectors (zones) where blockage exists or where
transmit power would endanger personnel who are frequently in that area.
When the AZ LIMIT parameters are set to create these ZONES, up to three, several things happen when
the antenna is within one of the zones:
1 Tracking continues as long as the AGC value is greater than the Threshold value. When the
AGC value drops below Threshold the antenna will wait “Search Delay” parameter amount of
time and then re-target the satellite you targeted last. Timeout and re-target will continue until
the satellite is re-acquired and tracking can resume.
2 “BLOCKED” will be displayed in the TRACKING window wherever the antenna is inside one of
the zones.
3 A contact closure to ground (or an open if the blockage logic is reversed – See SYSTEM TYPE
16 value) is provided on the SW2 terminal of the Terminal Mounting Strip. This Switch output
provides a “Blocked”, “RF Radiation Hazard” or “FCC TX Mute” logic output. When the antenna
exits the zone it will be on satellite, tracking and the SW2 logic contact closure will open.
The lower and upper limits are user programmable and are stored in NVRAM within the ACU parameter
list.
AZ LIMIT 1 is the Lower Relative AZ limit (this is the more counter-clockwise of the two points,
even if it is numerically larger). AZ LIMIT 2 is the Upper Relative AZ limit (the more clockwise of
the two points) for pattern mapping of ZONE 1.
AZ LIMIT 3 is the Lower Relative AZ limit (CCW point) and AZ LIMIT 4 is the Upper Relative AZ
limit (CW point) for pattern mapping of ZONE 2.
AZ LIMIT 5 is the Lower Relative AZ limit (CCW point) and AZ LIMIT 6 is the Upper Relative AZ
limit (CW point) for pattern mapping of ZONE 3.
CAUTION: The Lower Relative AZ limit is the more counter-clockwise of the two
points (even if it is numerically larger) and the Upper Relative AZ limit is the more
clockwise of the two points. If you enter the two relative points incorrectly, Tracking and
Searching will be adversely affected.
The ACU provides a contact closure to ground on the SW2 terminal of the Terminal Mounting Strip when
the antenna is pointed within any one of the blockage/hazard zones or the system is searching, targeting,
unwrapping or is mis-pointed by 0.5 degrees or more (FCC TX Mute function for Transmit/Receive
systems only). The contact closure is a transistor switch with a current sinking capability of 0.5 Amp.
Pressing the 5 key when the TRACKING window is selected can simulate a manual BLOCKED condition
to test SW2 logic output. UP arrow key is pressed to turn the simulated blocked condition OFF.
When used as simple “BLOCKED” logic output for a single Sea Tel antenna, this output could be used to
light a remote LED and/or sound a buzzer to alert someone that the antenna is blocked, and signal is lost.
In a “Dual Antenna” installation, this logic output(s) is used to control Dual Antenna Arbitrator panel of
coax switch (or switches) to switch the source inputs to the matrix switch from Antenna “A” to Antenna
“B”, and vice versa.
When used as simple “RF Radiation Hazard” logic output for a single Sea Tel TXRX antenna, this output
could be used to suppress RF transmissions while the antenna is pointed where people would be harmed
by the transmitted microwave RF power output. The SW2 output would be interfaced to the satellite
modem to disable the TX output signal from the Satellite TXRX Modem whenever the antenna is within
the RF Radiation Hazard zone(s).
5-5
When used for “FCC TX Mute” logic output for a single Sea Tel TXRX antenna, this output could be used
to suppress RF transmissions whenever the antenna is mis-pointed 0.5 degrees or more, is blocked,
searching, targeting or unwrapping. The SW2 output would be interfaced to the satellite modem to
disable/mute the TX output signal from the Satellite TXRX Modem. When the mute condition is due to
antenna mis-pointing, it will not un-mute until the pointing error of the antenna is within 0.2 degrees. The
default output is contact closure to ground when the antenna is mis-pointed, therefore provides a ground
to “Mute” the satellite modem on the SW2 terminal of the Terminal Mounting Strip. If your satellite modem
requires an open to “Mute”, refer to SYSTEM TYPE parameter 16 value to reverse the output logic from
the ACU.
Programming instructions:
Determine the Relative AZ positions where blockage, or RF Radiation Hazard, exists. This may be done
by monitoring the received signal level and the REL display readings while the ship turns or by graphing
the expected blockage pattern. Elevation of the antenna in normal use also must be taken into
consideration. A Mast or other structure may cause blockage at low elevation angles, but may not cause
blockage when the antenna is at higher elevation angles. Up to three zones may be mapped. Only zones
which are needed should be mapped (in AZ LIMIT pairs).
In unlimited antenna systems the Relative position of the antenna must have been calibrated by properly
setting the Home Flag Offset (HFO) value in the PCU. The HFO calibrates Relative to be 0000 when the
antenna is pointed in-line with the bow of the boat/ship (parallel to the bow).
Convert the relative readings to AZ LIMIT values by multiplying by 10. Enter the beginning of the first
blockage region as AZ LIMIT 1 and the end of the region (clockwise direction from AZ LIMIT 1) as AZ
LIMIT 2 parameters in the ACU. If needed, repeat setting AZ LIMIT 3 & 4 for a second ZONE and then
AZ LIMIT 5 & 6 if a third ZONE is needed. All unneeded zone AZ LIMIT pairs must be set to 0000.
EXAMPLE 1 - Three blockage Zones: A ship has a
Sea Tel antenna mounted on the port side and an
Inmarsat antenna mounted on the starboard side. A
mast forward, the Inmarsat antenna to starboard and an
engine exhaust stack aft form the three zones where
satellite signal is blocked (as shown in the graphic). In
this example zone 1 is caused by the mast, zone 2 is
from the Inmarsat antenna and zone 3 is from the stack:
ZONE 1 begins (AZ LIMIT 1) at 12 degrees
Relative and ends (AZ LIMIT 2) at 18 degrees
Relative. Multiply these Relative positions by
10. Enter AZ LIMIT 1 value of 0120 and AZ
LIMIT 2 value of 0180.
ZONE 3 begins (AZ LIMIT 5) at 156 degrees Relative and ends (AZ LIMIT 6) at 172 degrees
Relative. Multiply these Relative positions by 10. Enter AZ LIMIT 5 value of 1560 and AZ LIMIT 6
value of 1720.
5-6
EXAMPLE 2 - Three blockage Zones, Dual Antenna configuration: A ship has 2 Sea Tel antennas,
“Antenna A” mounted on the port side and “Antenna B”
mounted on the starboard side. Antenna A is
designated as the master antenna. The mast forward,
Antenna B to starboard and the engine exhaust stack aft
form the three zones where satellite signal is blocked
from Antenna A. The SW2 logic output from Antenna A
(ACU A) and Antenna B (ACU B) are used to control a
“Dual Antenna Arbitrator” panel of coax switches which
route satellite signal from the un-blocked antenna to the
inputs of the matrix switch. If both antennas are tracking
the same satellite, they will not both be blocked at the
same time. The logic output will switch to provide
satellite signal to the below decks equipment from
Antenna A when it is not blocked and will switch to
provide satellite signal from Antenna B whenever
Antenna A is blocked. The switches will not change
state if both antennas are blocked, or if both are on
satellite.
Antenna A is the same as the previous example and
its ACU would be set to those AZ LIMIT values.
Antenna B ACU would be set to:
In this example Antenna B zone 1 is caused by the stack, zone 2 is from Antenna A and zone 3 is from the
mast.
value of 2040.
value of 2780.
value of 3480.
EXAMPLE 3 - One blockage Zone: A ship has a
Sea Tel antenna mounted on the center line of the
ship. A mast is forward and an engine exhaust stack
is aft. In this example the Stack does NOT block the
satellite, only the mast forward does. In this example
zone 1 is caused by the mast, zone 2 and zone 3 are
not needed:
ZONE 2 is not needed. Enter AZ LIMIT 3
value of 0000 and AZ LIMIT 4 value of 0000.
ZONE 3 is not needed. Enter AZ LIMIT 5
value of 0000 and AZ LIMIT 6 value of 0000.
5-7
5.3.17. TX Polarity
If the NS/EW polarization toggle feature is desired this parameter must be set to 0000. To prevent
inadvertent switching of the transmit polarity, the user can lock out NS/EW toggle feature and force the
transmit polarity to be fixed horizontal or vertical with this parameter. With the feed in the center of its
polarization adjustment range, observe the transmit port polarity (vector across the short dimension of the
transmit wave-guide).
If the transmit polarity in the center of the travel range is vertical, use the following entries:
2 Vertical Transmit Polarity
4 Horizontal Transmit Polarity
If the Transmit polarity in the center of the travel range is horizontal, use the following entries:
2 Horizontal Transmit Polarity
4 Vertical Transmit Polarity
5.3.18. SAVE NEW PARAMETERS

Press UP arrow and ENTER to save any recent changes into the ACUs NVRAM for permanent storage. If
changes are made and not stored, they will still be effective but will be lost when power is removed or the
RESET key is pressed. Press AUX2 and CLEAR simultaneously to access this function directly from any
other menu display.
5.3.19. REMOTE COMMAND

Use to enter diagnostic commands to the PCU. Allows sending any arbitrary command to the PCU from
the Command window. All checksums and response strings are handled by the DAC-03. Requires an
understanding of the command set for the PCU being addressed. Key in ".nnn ENTER" where nnn is the
ASCII value of the command character to send. The character will appear in the command window
followed by 4 zeros. Key in the numeric command value and ENTER. The command will be sent to the
PCU. PCU response will appear in the lower display.
5.3.20. REMOTE MONITOR

Use to monitor the results of a diagnostic command which was sent to the PCU. Allows monitoring any
status request from the PCU in the DAC-03 Monitor window. Select the REMOTE COMMAND window
and key in ".nnn ENTER" where nnn is the ASCII value of the desired status request character. Select the
REMOTE MONITOR window and the status request will be updated approximately 5 times per second.
5.3.21. DISHSCAN
Allows you to view, or change, the DishScan ON/OFF status. Press UP arrow and ENTER to turn
DishScan ON. Press DOWN arrow and ENTER to turn DishScan OFF. If you change this remote
parameter, you must save the change using REMOTE PARAMETERS (see below).
5.3.22. SAT REF

Allows you to view, or change, the Satellite Reference Mode (SAT REF) ON/OFF status. Press UP arrow
and ENTER to turn Satellite Reference Mode ON. Press DOWN arrow and ENTER to turn Satellite
Reference Mode OFF. If you change this remote parameter, you must save the change using REMOTE
PARAMETERS (see below).
5.3.23. REMOTE TILT

Allows easy access to the tilt adjustment commands. Press UP arrow and ENTER to select Tilt
adjustment Test mode. Press 5 to center the tilt sensor adjustment. Press 4 or 6 to adjust the tilt left or
right. Press 2 or 8 to adjust the tilt forward or backward. Press DOWN arrow and ENTER to restore
normal system operation.
5-8
5.3.24. REMOTE PARAMETERS

Allows any remote parameters that have been changed (via Remote Command or Remote Tilt) to be
saved. Press UP arrow and then ENTER to save the parameters in the remote PCUs NVRAM. Any
REMOTE changes must be saved to NVRAM in the PCU, or they will be lost when power to the antenna is
cycled or remote reset command is issued.
5-9
5-10
DAC-03 Tracking Antenna Controller Functional Testing
6. Functional Testing
If not already ON, Turn ON the Power switch on the front panel of the ACU.
6.1. ACU / Antenna System Check

1 Press RESET on the ACU front panel to initialize the system. Verify the display shows "SEA TEL
INC - MASTER" and the ACU software version number. Wait 10 seconds for the display to
change to "SEA TEL INC - REMOTE" and the PCU software version number. If the display
shows "REMOTE INITIALIZING” wait until the antenna completes initialization and reports the
Antenna Model and PCU software version. If “REMOTE NOT RESPONDING" is displayed,
refer to the Troubleshooting Section of this manual.
2 Press the Ship, Satellite, Antenna and Status keys and verify that the menu displays change in
the correct response to the keys.
6.2. Latitude/Longitude Auto-Update check

If the system is using the GPS to update the Latitude & Longitude entries automatically, test automatic
updating by:
1 Press SHIP twice to select the Latitude entry menu. Press the 0 (zero) key on the numeric
keypad and then press ENTER. If automatic updating is working properly the Latitude value
display will return to the current ships Latitude position within a few seconds.
2 Press SHIP again to select the Longitude entry menu. Press the 0 (zero) key on the numeric
keypad and then press ENTER. If automatic updating is working properly the Longitude value
display will return to the current ships Longitude position within a few seconds.
3 If Latitude updates properly, this test does not need to be repeated in the Longitude menu.
6.3. Ship Heading – Gyro Compass Following Check

This verifies that the Heading display is actually following the Ships Gyro Compass.
1 Press the Ship key three time to display the Heading menu. If the boat is underway, monitor the
Heading value to verify that the display changes in the correct response to the Gyro Compass
input (Heading value should always be exactly the same as the Gyro Compass repeater value).
When Left and right values are displayed, left is the response from the pedestal and right in the
local input from the gyrocompass.
2 If the boat is NOT underway, loosen the mooring lines enough to allow the boat to turn a few
degrees at the pier. Monitoring the Heading value to verify that the display changes in the
correct response to the Gyro Compass input (Heading value should always be exactly the same
as the Gyro Compass repeater value).
6.4. Check Tracking Receiver Settings

Assure that the following Tracking Receiver operator settings are correct:
1 Frequency/MHz is tuned correctly.
2 Baud Rate/KHz is set correctly
3 Tone is set correctly for the band of the input you want from the matrix switch (TVRO Systems
only).
4 Voltage is set correctly for the polarity of the input you want from the matrix switch (TVRO
Systems only).
6-1
Functional Testing DAC-03 Tracking Antenna Controller
5 FEC is set correctly.

6 NID is set correctly for the Network ID you want to use to identify the desired satellite.
6.5. Azimuth & Elevation Drive

This verifies that the antenna moves in the correct response to the keys.
1 Press the Antenna key twice to display the Azimuth menu.
2 Press the AUX1 key to toggle Tracking OFF. Press the UP arrow key repeatedly and verify that
the antenna moves up in Azimuth.
3 Press the DOWN arrow key repeatedly and verify that the antenna moves down in Azimuth.
4 Press the Antenna key once to display the Elevation menu.
5 Press the UP arrow key repeatedly and verify that the antenna moves up in elevation.
6 Press the DOWN arrow key repeatedly and verify that the antenna moves down in elevation.
6.6. Four Quadrant Tracking Test

Four Quadrant Tracking Test is the best way to test tracking in DishScan tracking mode. This tests each of
the 4 quadrants (UP, DOWN, LEFT & RIGHT of peak signal AZ/EL pointing) to assure that the tracking mode
being used drives the dish back to peak satellite signal level.
1 Press AUX1 to Turn Tracking OFF. Press ANTENNA twice to select Azimuth entry menu and
note current AGC level. Press UP arrow key repeatedly until AGC falls about 100 counts, note
current AZ position (You should have moved the antenna 1/3 to ¾ of a degree depending on
antenna size and frequency band). Observe the DishScan signaling in the lower left of the
display, if the system is operating in DishScan tracking mode the signaling should be 4’s. Press
AUX1 to turn tracking ON and verify that the antenna does return to the previous AZ position
and the peak AGC level.
2 Press AUX1 to Turn Tracking OFF. Press DOWN arrow key repeatedly until AGC falls about 100
counts, note current AZ position (You should have moved the antenna 1/3 to ¾ of a degree
depending on antenna size and frequency band). Observe the DishScan signaling in the lower
left of the display, if the system is operating in DishScan tracking mode the signaling should be
6’s. Press AUX1 to turn tracking ON and verify that the antenna does return to the previous AZ
position and the peak AGC level.
3 Press AUX1 to Turn Tracking OFF. Press ANTENNA to select Elevation entry menu and note
current AGC level. Press UP arrow key repeatedly until AGC falls about 100 counts, note
current EL position (You should have moved the antenna 1/3 to ¾ of a degree depending on
AUX1 to turn tracking ON and verify that the antenna does return to the previous EL position
4 Press AUX1 to Turn Tracking OFF. Press ANTENNA to select Elevation entry menu and note
current AGC level. Press DOWN arrow key repeatedly until AGC falls about 100 counts, note
current EL position (You should have moved the antenna 1/3 to ¾ of a degree depending on
AUX1 to turn tracking ON and verify that the antenna does return to the previous EL position
6-2
DAC-03 Tracking Antenna Controller Functional Testing
6.7. Blockage Condition Test

Blockage output function is used to modify the behavior of Tracking and Searching when there is a known
blockage zone. The ACU provides a contact closure to ground on the SW2 terminal of the Terminal
Mounting Strip when the antenna is pointed within any one of the blockage/hazard zones or the system is
searching, targeting, unwrapping or is mis-pointed by 0.5 degrees or more (FCC TX Mute function for
Transmit/Receive systems only). The contact closure is a transistor switch with a current sinking capability
of 0.5 Amp. This logic output control signal is used for:
• When used as simple “BLOCKED” logic output for a single Sea Tel antenna, this output could be used
to light a remote LED and/or sound a buzzer to alert someone that the antenna is blocked, and signal
is lost.
• In a “Dual Antenna” installation, this logic output(s) is used to control Dual Antenna Arbitrator panel of
coax switches to switch the source inputs to the matrix switch from Antenna “A” to Antenna “B”, and
vice versa.
• When used as simple “RF Radiation Hazard” logic output for a single Sea Tel TXRX antenna, this
output could be used to suppress RF transmissions while the antenna is pointed where people would
be harmed by the transmitted microwave RF power output. The SW2 output would be interfaced to
the satellite modem to disable the TX output signal from the Satellite TXRX Modem whenever the
antenna is within the RF Radiation Hazard zone(s).
• When used for “FCC TX Mute” logic output for a single Sea Tel TXRX antenna, this output could be
used to suppress RF transmissions whenever the antenna is mis-pointed 0.5 degrees or more, is
blocked, searching, targeting or unwrapping. The SW2 output would be interfaced to the satellite
modem to disable/mute the TX output signal from the Satellite TXRX Modem. When the mute
condition is due to antenna mis-pointing, it will not un-mute until the pointing error of the antenna is
within 0.2 degrees. The default output is contact closure to ground when the antenna is mis-pointed,
therefore provides a ground to “Mute” the satellite modem on the SW2 terminal of the Terminal
Mounting Strip. If your satellite modem requires an open to “Mute”, refer to SYSTEM TYPE
parameter 16 value to reverse the output logic from the ACU.
To Test the blockage function:
1 Press the MODE key to access the Tracking menu.
2 Press the 5 key to simulate a manual BLOCKED condition to test SW2 logic output. BLOCKED
will appear in the Tracking display.
3 Verify that SW2 terminal shorts to ground (or open circuit if you have SYSTEM TYPE configured
to reverse the output logic) and that the external alarms actuate OR the Dual Antenna
Arbitrator coax switches toggle (if antenna B is not blocked) OR the Satellite Modem TX is
disabled/muted.
4 Press the UP arrow key is pressed to turn the simulated blocked condition OFF. BLOCKED will
disappear from the Tracking display.
5 Verify that SW2 terminal is open circuit (or ground if you have logic reversed) and that the external
alarms deactivate OR the Satellite Modem TX is un-muted. The Dual Antenna Arbitrator coax
switches should not toggle until you manually block Antenna B ACU.
6.8. Check ACU Parameters

Assure that the parameters are set correctly (you may wish to record them).
6-3
Functional Testing DAC-03 Tracking Antenna Controller
6-4
DAC-03 Tracking Antenna Controller Maintenance & Troubleshooting
7. Maintenance & Troubleshooting

Below are the common adjustments, maintenance and troubleshooting that may be required in the lifetime of your
system. Also refer to the Maintenance & Troubleshooting section of your Antenna Pedestal manual.
7.1. General Cautions & Warnings
CAUTION - Electrical Shock Potentials exist on the Gyro

Compass output lines. Assure that the Gyro Compass
output is turned OFF when handling and connecting wiring
to the Terminal Mounting Strip.
CAUTION - Allow only an authorized dealer to install or service

your Sea Tel System components. Unauthorized installation or
service can be dangerous and can invalidate the warranty.
7.2. Troubleshooting The ACU

The following paragraphs list the problems you might encounter when performing the functional checkout
steps in the previous section of this manual. Following the problems are suggestions of where to start
looking to solve the problem. Refer to the Drawings section of this manual and in the Antenna manual for
any/all pertinent block diagrams, schematics, wiring diagrams and assembly drawings to aid in diagnosing
any type of failure.
Try pressing RESET first and then in some cases you may want to turn Power OFF for a short period of time
then turn the ACU back ON to see if that restores normal operation. Remember, with most Gyro Compass
types you MUST enter the beginning Heading value EVERY time you power-up the ACU, before you will be
able to retarget your desired satellite.
Verify that the SETUP PARAMETERS are set correctly (refer to the Setup section of this manual).
7.2.1. Display is blank

This indicates no power to the internal electronics. Assure that the front panel Power switch is ON.
Check the AC line voltage, Power Cord and internal power supply fuses. Check the cables on the rear
panel of the ACU to assure they are properly connected. One at a time disconnect (and check display
status) the cables plugged into J11 M&C, then J13 NMEA, then J3 Gyro Compass to see if one of these
cables is shorting the ACU Power. Call your dealer to report this failure and arrange for repair service.
7.2.2. Power-up displays “REMOTE NOT RESPONDING”

This indicates a problem in the Antenna Control cable or communications modems in the ACU and/or
Antenna PCU. Check the Antenna Control Cable connections at the J1 “Antenna” jack on the rear of the
ACU and at the antenna pedestal inside the radome. Verify the RS422 signal levels and connections.
Refer to drawing 116040 "Unlimited Azimuth Interconnect Diagram" at the end of this manual. Repair any
faulty connections at the ACU or PCU to their respective multiplexer.
Using a spectrum analyzer observe the 1.1 and 1.5 MHz Pedestal M&C carrier signals on the RX IF cable.
Hold the RESET key down and observe the 1.5 MHz signal is at a steady high frequency of 1.525 MHz.
Release the RESET key and the signal should occasionally be seen switching to 1.475 MHz. This
7-1
Maintenance & Troubleshooting DAC-03 Tracking Antenna Controller
indicates the Base Multiplexer is transmitting to the PCU. If the Base Multiplexer is not transmitting,
replace it. If the Base Multiplexer is still not transmitting, replace the ACU Main PCB.
If the Base Multiplexer is transmitting, but the Pedestal Multiplexer 1.1 MHz is not present, replace the
Pedestal Multiplexer. If the Pedestal Multiplexer transmit is still not present, replace the PCU.
7.2.3. NMEA GPS Checkout

When a NMEA GPS receiver is connected to J13 or J11, the NMEA LED on the AUX SERIAL PORT
ADAPTOR (ASPA) PCB will illuminate each time a NMEA message is received. The GLL LED will
illuminate each time a GPGLL or LCGLL message is received. Observe the NMEA and GLL LED’s and
confirm they are flashing about once every 2 seconds (when the system is first powered up, the GLL LED
may not appear for several minutes while the GPS receiver is acquiring the necessary satellite signals).
If the GLL LED is illuminated constantly, this indicates the message in not being transferred to the Main
board because the system type does not include the 8 setting.
If the DISK LED flashes but the NEMA LED does not, this indicates that no data is being received OR the
TX+ and TX- connections to pins 1 and 2 are reversed.
7.2.4. Auxiliary Serial Port Adapter (J11) Checkout

When a remote computer or terminal is connected to J11, the DISK LED will illuminate steady when a
message is being received and will extinguish when the message is transferred to the Main PCB. To test
this connection, set the remote terminal (Hyper-terminal) to 4800,N,8,1 and send an "A". The DISK LED
should illuminate. Send a Carriage Return ($0D), the DISK LED should extinguish. Send a "V", the TAC-
92 should respond with the ACU version number.
J11 and J-13 MAY have a jumper installed to set the data rate to 9600, N, 8, 1.
7.2.5. Check Parameters Settings

Check to assure that the parameters are set correctly (to default values, or to optimized values).
7.3. Troubleshooting Ships Gyro Compass problems

Ships Heading display does not follow ships movement and/or you are getting frequent or constant ERROR
CODE 0001. Determine the type of gyro compass that is used on the ship, assure that the GYRO TYPE
parameter is set correctly (refer to the setup section of this manual) and then proceed to the step that lists the
troubleshooting for the correct type of Gyro Compass Signal.
7.3.1. STEP-BY-STEP
1 Verify that the GYRO TYPE parameter is set correctly.
2 Observe the ERROR LED on the FRONT panel. IF it is illuminated, this indicates that an error
was detected in the Step-By-Step input. Press RESET on the front panel. If the ERROR LED
illuminates again, the problem is in the 4 connections to A, B, C and COMMON.
3 Check the connections to the Terminal Mounting Strip and to the ACU.
4 Measure the voltage between COMMON and A, B, and C. Each reading should either be near
zero or 35 to 70 VDC. If all three are zero, check the repeater fuses. If some read negative and
some read positive or if one reads an intermediate values the COMMON terminal is not properly
connected.
5 If the Ship - Heading display is different from the actual Gyro heading, access the Heading entry
menu and key in the correct heading value (refer to the operation Ship menu section). Note the
reading. After the ship has turned more than one degree, compare the new gyro heading with
the reading on the display, if it has moved in the opposite direction then reverse connections A
and B. Reset the ACU, put in the correct ship's heading again and verify that the display reading
now follows the Gyro heading.
7-2
DAC-03 Tracking Antenna Controller Maintenance & Troubleshooting
7.3.2. 1:1 SYNCHRO

Observe the ship's heading display on the ACU. Compare its movement with that of the ship. If it does
not move at all go to step 1. If it moves but in the wrong direction (even if it does not display the correct
heading) go to step 2. If it moves in the correct direction but does not display the correct heading go to
step 3. The gyro compass connects to the Terminal Mounting Strip on TB3 R1, R2, S1, S2 and S3.

1 The Ships Heading display does not change when the ship changes direction. Using a
multimeter read between R1 and R2. It should read 115 VAC. If it does not then a fuse is blown
at the gyro repeater or there is an open between the repeater and the ACU. Read between S1
and S2, S2 and S3 and finally S3 and S1. They should all read between 0 and 90 VAC. The
voltage level will change as the ship turns. If one reading is very close to 0 volts wait until the
ship has made a major change in heading and then check voltage again. If the reading is still
very low there is a problem in the line between the gyro repeater and the ACU or a problem in
the gyro repeater itself.
2 The display changes in the direction opposite of the movement of the ship. Switch the
secondary leads S1 and S2. Caution: there is 90 VAC between them! Verify that when the ship
changes direction the display shows change in the same direction. If the direction is correct but
the heading is incorrect go to step C.
3 The ship's heading display does not indicate the correct heading. If the display is off by 60, 180
or 300 degrees, this indicates that R1 and R2 are reversed. Reverse R1 and R2 and recheck
the heading display. If the display is off by 120 or 240 degrees, this indicates that S1, S2 and S3
are in the right order but off by one place. Note their positions and carefully move the
connections one position over (S1 to S2, S2 to S3, and S3 to S1). This action will offset the
display by 120 degrees. Check if the display now reads correctly. If not move all three leads
one more time in the same direction as last time. Verify that the ship's heading is correct.
7.3.3. 360:1 Synchro

Observe the ship's heading display on the ACU. Compare its movement with that of the ship. If it does
not move at all go to step 1. If it moves but in the wrong direction (even if it does not display the correct
heading) go to step 2. If it moves in the correct direction but does not display the correct heading go to
step 3. The gyro compass connects to the Terminal Mounting Strip on TB3- R1, R2, S1, S2 and S3.

1 The Ships Heading display does not change when the ship changes direction. Using a
multimeter read between R1 and R2. It should read 115 VAC. If it does not then a fuse is blown
at the gyro repeater or there is an open between the repeater and the ACU. Read between S1
and S2, S2 and S3 and finally S3 and S1. They should all read between 0 and 90 VAC. The
voltage level will change as the ship turns. If one reading is very close to 0 volts wait until the
ship has made a major change in heading and then check voltage again. If the reading is still
very low there is a problem in the line between the gyro repeater and the ACU or a problem in
the gyro repeater itself.
7-3
Maintenance & Troubleshooting DAC-03 Tracking Antenna Controller
2 The display changes in the direction opposite of the movement of the ship. Switch the
secondary leads S1 and S2. Caution: there is 90 VAC between them! Verify that when the ship
changes direction the display shows change in the same direction. If the direction is correct but
the heading is incorrect go to step C.
3 If the ship's heading is different than the bridge, select the HDG function in the SHIP display
mode by pressing the SHIP key 4 times. Key in the correct heading using the numeric keys and
press ENTER.
7.4. Display Offsets / Optimizing Targeting

If the antenna does not target to within +/- 1.0 degrees of the satellite actual Elevation and Azimuth location of
the desired satellite, the EL & AZ TRIM parameters need to optimized. The is because the targeted positions
may be different than the calculated look angles due to mechanical installation or antenna alignment offsets.
Targeting should have been optimized when the system was installed and should not need to be re-adjusted
in normal operation. However, you will need to re-evaluate the elevation trim if the antenna has been re-
balanced.
You may correct the displayed positions to optimize targeting by following the procedure described in the
Maintenance section of your antenna pedestal manual.
7.5. Pedestal Control Unit Configuration

If the power up display of the ACU says SEA TEL – REMOTE “xx97 VER 1.xx” the PCU is not configured for
a specific Series 96, 97 or 00 MODEL number. The configuration information that is unique to each pedestal
type is stored in a Non Volatile Random Access Memory (NVRAM) in the PCU enclosure. If the PCU is
replaced or the NVRAM in the PCU should become corrupt, the PCU must be re-configured to operate with
the pedestal it is installed on. The default configuration for the PCU is model “xx97” (or xx96, or xx00). In
this configuration the Level Cage will be driven normally but the PCU will not drive any of the three torque
motors to prevent damage to the unknown pedestal. To configure the PCU refer to the Maintenance section
of your antenna pedestal manual.
7.6. Antenna Pedestal Offset / Home Flag Offset

Large variations in Azimuth Trim position indicate the Azimuth Reference (Relative) position is incorrect and
should be corrected with a Relative offset instead of using an Azimuth Trim offset. This is especially true if
you will be using sector blockage/hazard mapping (AZ LIMITs). The PCU software allows adjustment of
the Relative Azimuth home flag to compensate for installation variations. This is available on UNLIMITED
Azimuth Series96 & 97 pedestals ONLY. To configure the Home Flag Offset value in the PCU, refer to the
Maintenance section of your antenna pedestal manual.
7-4
DAC-03 Tracking Antenna ControllerDAC-03 w/SCPC Receiver Technical Specifications
8. DAC-03 w/SCPC Receiver Technical Specifications

The technical specifications for the DAC-03 Antenna Control Unit are:
8.1. General
Physical Dimensions: 3.5 x 19" x 14"
Mounting: 2 Unit high Rackmount
Input Voltage: 110/220 VAC, 50/60 Hz (Voltage Select/Fuse Block)
Power Requirements: 100-Watts maximum
Fuses: 2 Amp 110v input, both lines fused (Voltage Select/Fuse Block)
1 Amp 220v input, both lines fused (Voltage Select/Fuse Block)
8.2. Front Panel

Keyboard: 4 Mode Select Keys
14 Numeric Input Keys
2 Up/Down Keys
2 Auxiliary Keys
1 Reset Key
AlphaNumeric Display: 40 Character (2x20) Vacuum Fluorescent Alpha Numeric
Status Indicator Display: 4 LED enunciators
8.3. Rear Panel

Controls: Power On/Off
Voltage Select (Voltage Select/Fuse Block)
Connectors:
External AGC 37 pin female D-Subminiature
Gyro Compass input 25 pin female D-Subminiature
RS-232/422 M&C 9 pin male D-Subminiature
RS-422 PCU interface 9 pin male D-Subminiature
RF Tracking Input Type F female L Band input
AC Input Power IEC type receptacle
8.4. RS-232 Monitor and Control Interface

Communications Parameters: 4800 Baud, 8, N, 1 (May be jumpered for 9600 Baud)
Device Type DTE
Interface Protocol RS-232 or RS-422
Interface Connector DE9P (J11)
8-1
DAC-03 w/SCPC Receiver Technical SpecificationsDAC-03 Tracking Antenna Controller
8.5. NMEA Interface

This interface allows external GPS or NMEA Heading input and GPS (GPGGA) output from some antenna
systems.
Connections 4 Screw terminal connections (RX+ & RX- input and TX+ & TX-
output)
Communications Parameters: 4800 Baud, 8, N, 1
Interface Protocol Optically isolated RS-422
Interface Connector DE9P (J11 or J13)
NMEA GPS Sentence: xxGLL, Typically GPGLL or LCGLL
NMEA Heading Sentence: xxHDx, Typically HCHDM or HCHDT
8.6. RF Tracking Input
8.6.1. Narrow Band SCPC receiver:

Frequency Range: 60 - 80 MHz (70 MHz SCPC) Narrow Tuning Range
52 - 88 MHz (70 MHz SCPC) Wide Tuning Range
110 - 170 (140 MHz SCPC)
Input Level: -90 to -30 dBm
Detection Bandwidth: 30 kHz
8.7. Terminal Mounting Strip
8.7.1. Synchro Interface:

Connectors 5 screw terminal connections
Input Voltage Level 36-110 VDC, 400 or 60 hertz
Synchro Ratios 1:1, 36:1, 90 or 180:1 and 360:1 with Synchro-Digital converter
360:1 with Synchro-SBS converter
Impedance: 1 Mohm
8.7.2. SBS Interface

Connectors 4 screw terminal connections
Input Voltage Level 20-90 VDC
Interface Otpo-Isolated,
Polarity Auto switching
Ratio 6 steps per degree
Impedance: 10 Kohm
8.7.3. Control Interface
8.7.3.1.External AGC
External AGC or Satellite Modem Lock Input. The logic of the external Satellite Modem Lock
input can be reversed in the SYSTEM TYPE parameter.
Connections 2 screw terminal connections (Ext AGC and GND)
Voltage Level: 0-5 VDC
Impedance: 1 Mohm
8-2
DAC-03 Tracking Antenna ControllerDAC-03 w/SCPC Receiver Technical Specifications
8.7.3.2.SW1 Local Band Select Output

Control local (BDE) band select switch(s) or tone generator(s).
Connections 1 screw terminal connection (SW1)
Control Level: Low Band = OPEN circuit and High Band = SHORT to ground
(current sink of 0.5 amps max) controlled by MODE –
TRACKING – Band Selection.
8.7.3.3.SW2 Blockage / TX Mute Output

Blockage output to Dual Antenna Arbitrator coax switch panel OR TX Mute output to Satellite
Modem for RF radiation hazard and/or FCC compliance. The logic level of this output can be
reversed in the SYSTEM TYPE parameter.
Connections 1 screw terminal connection (SW2)
Control Level: Not Blocked or mispointed = OPEN circuit, Blocked or
mispointed = SHORT to ground (current sink of 0.5 amps max).
8.8. Environmental Conditions

The following requirements apply to equipment installed in weather protected locations.
Temperature 0 to 40 degrees C
Humidity Up to 100% @ 40 degrees C, Non-condensing
8-3
DAC-03 w/SCPC Receiver Technical SpecificationsDAC-03 Tracking Antenna Controller
8.9. Cables
8.9.1. DAC AC Power Cable

Voltage: 110 or 220 volts AC, 50/60 Hz.
Power: 100 Watts MAX for the Antenna Control Unit only
8.9.2. Antenna Control Cable

RS-422 Pedestal Interface cable
Type Shielded Twisted Pair
Number of wires 6
Wire Gauge 24 AWG or larger
Communications Parameters: 9600 Baud, 8 bits, No parity
Interface Protocol: RS-422
Interface Connector: DE-9P
8.9.3. SBS/Synchro Gyro Compass Interface Cable (Customer Furnished)

Type: Multi-conductor, Shielded
Number of wires 4 Conductors for Step-By-Step Gyro, 5 Conductors for Synchro
Wire Gauge: 18 AWG
Insulation: 600 VAC
8-4
DAC-03 Tracking Antenna Controller Drawings
9. Drawings
The drawings listed below are provided as a part of this manual for use as a diagnostic reference.
9.1. DAC-03 W/SCPC Antenna Control Unit - Part Number Quick Reference
Part Description Part Number

ACU Main PCB ASS'Y 113275
Aux Serial Port Adapter PCB (J-13 NMEA) 113747
Aux Serial Port Adapter with Internal Conscan PCB (J11 NMEA/M&C) 113888-1
Synchro-Digital Converter (12 Bit) 114836
Tracking Receivers :
70 MHz SCPC Receiver Standard Tuning Range 112019-1
70 MHz SCPC Receiver Wide Tuning Range 112019-2
140 MHz SCPC Receiver Standard Tuning Range 112019-3
9.2. DAC-03 Tracking Antenna Controller Drawings

Drawing Title
123138-83313_E System, DAC-03 w/SCPC Receiver 9-3
113106_F1 TAC-92M Chassis Wiring Diagram 9-6
116040_0 Unlimited Azimuth Interconnect Diagram 9-10
112512_C Front Panel Interconnect PCB Schematic 9-11
112226_H1 TAC-92C ACU Main PCB Schematic 9-12
114648_B1 12 Bit S/D Converter PCB Schematic 9-13
113744_C1 Aux Serial Port Adapter PCB Schematic 9-14
112018_E1 70 MHZ SCPC RSS Detector Schematic 9-15
116676_A3 ACU Terminal Mounting Strip Assembly 9-16
116685_A3 ACU Terminal Mounting Strip Schematic 9-18
116298_F2 Interface Cable Assembly ACU to MUX 9-19
123446_A Wiring Diagram, GPS to ACU 9-23
116670_G RS-232 Cable Assembly (PCDAC Cable) 9-24
9-1
Drawings DAC-03 Tracking Antenna Controller
9-2
SINGLE LEVEL MFG BILL OF MATERIAL
FIND QTY PART NO REV DESCRIPTION REFERENCE DESIGNATOR
1 EA 120090-20 MICRO ASS'Y, CONSCAN SERIAL REF. ITEM 42
1 EA 119828 D PCB ASS'Y, GP32 ADAPTER

1 EA 120090-17 MICRO ASS'Y, 12-BIT SDC REF. ITEM 43
1 EA 120090-18 MICRO ASS'Y, NMEAH SERIAL REF. ITEM 72
0 EA 124437 4.62 SOFTWARE, DAC-03 ACU W/DVB, GP32 REF 119828
1 1 EA 112412 J2 PAN MACHINING, CHASSIS, ACU

2 1 EA 115709 B LETTERING, REAR PANEL, MULTI SERIAL
3 1 EA 108675-1 E LID MACHINING, ACU, STEEL, GOLD NOT SHOWN
4 10 EA 110941-3 B SCREW, JACK, 4-40 X 5/16

5 1 EA 112922 D5 FRONT PANEL ASS'Y, ACU
13 1 EA 120742-2 B PCB ASS'Y, ACU W/DVB, W/L-BAND SCPC
14 1 EA 112019-2 J2 PCB ASS'Y, 70 MHZ SCPC DETECTOR, WI
15 1 EA 109341 RECTIFIER, FULL WAVE BRIDGE
16 1 EA 109360-1 C CLAMP, CAPACITOR MOUNTING
17 1 EA 109356-3 CAPACITOR, 50 V, 20,000 UF
18 1 EA 108845 SCREW TYPE TERMINAL - ACU
19 1 EA 109734-35 TRANSFORMER, POWER, 36VCT
20 1 EA 112646 F3 PCB ASS'Y, DC-DC CONVERTER
21 1 EA 112587-15 A1 CABLE ASS'Y, BNC-RCA, 15 IN.
22 1 EA 117919 0 CABLE ASS'Y, SCPC INTERFACE REF. ITEM 14
23 1 EA 113133-1 B CABLE ASS'Y, AC POWER NOT SHOWN
24 1 EA 116007-2 H CABLE ASS'Y, LINE PWR IN, FILTERED IE

26 1 EA 112918-20 B1 CABLE ASS'Y, RIBBON, 20 PIN NOT SHOWN
27 1 EA 113134-3 F CABLE ASS'Y, POWER NOT SHOWN
28 1 EA 114588-106 SCREW, PAN HD, PHIL, 4-40 x 1/4, S.S.

29 1 EA 113274 C BRACKET, HEAT SINK
30 19 EA 119961-007 NUT, HEX, SMALL PATTERN, 6-32, S.S.
31 20 EA 114580-007 WASHER, FLAT, #6, S.S.
32 18 EA 114581-007 WASHER, LOCK, #6, S.S.
DAC-03 ASS'Y, W/SCPC RECEIVER, 70MHZ
PROD FAMILY EFF. DATE DRAWING NUMBER REV

SHT 1 OF 2
ELEC 19-Apr-06 123138-83313 E
33 3 EA 121228-3072 STANDOFF, HEX, F/F, 6-32 X .25 OD X .50,

35 2 EA 114576-148 SCREW, FLAT HD, PHIL, 6-32 x 1/2 S.S.
36 6 EA 114583-005 NUT, HEX, 4-40, S.S.
37 3 EA 121228-3152 STANDOFF, HEX, F/F, 6-32 X .25 OD X 1.25
38 1 EA 108929-2 C1 POWER CORD, 110V AC
38 1 EA 109752-3 POWER CORD, 220V AC
39 2 EA 109699-2 FUSE, SLOW BLOW, 2 AMP
42 1 EA 113888-1 G1 PCB ASS'Y, INTERNAL CONSCAN, AUX SE
43 1 EA 114836 A PCB ASS'Y, S/D CONVERTER, 12 BIT
46 1 EA 110783-105 CAPACITOR, MYLAR, 100V, 1uF
47 2 EA 115697 TIE MOUNT
49 1 EA 116132 0 ISOLATION PAD, TRANSFORMER
60 1 EA 115942 C2 CABLE ASS'Y, DUAL AUX SERIAL
62 1 EA 116589-2 A CABLE ASS'Y, DUAL RESET
63 9 EA 114583-007 NUT, HEX, 6-32, S.S.
64 1 EA 113152-16 HOLE PLUG, SNAP BUTTON
65 1 EA 112707-3 WASHER, MICA
68 1 EA 117151 A LABEL, FACTORY SET AT 220V NOT SHOWN
71 1 EA 118255 0 LABEL, MADE IN USA

72 1 EA 113747 G2 PCB ASS'Y, AUX SERIAL PORT
80 1 EA 119601 A CAUTION LABEL, MICROWAVE HAZARD, (
81 1 EA 108429-3 LABEL, TERMINAL BLOCK, 1-6
82 2 EA 110959-1 DECAL, SMALL, MODEL & P/N
DAC-03 ASS'Y, W/SCPC RECEIVER, 70MHZ

SHT 2 OF 2
ELEC 19-Apr-06 123138-83313 E
1 1 EA 112657 D MACHINING, TERMINAL MOUNTING STRIP

2 1 EA 116529 C PCB ASS'Y, TERMINAL MOUNTING, 25 PIN
3 1 EA 112936 D CABLE ASS'Y, D-SUB, 25 PIN
4 1 EA 116527 A PCB ASS'Y, TERMINAL MOUNTING, 9 PIN
5 1 EA 116669-36 B CABLE ASS'Y, D-SUB, 9-PIN, 36 IN.
7 4 EA 121228-3072 STANDOFF, HEX, F/F, 6-32 X .25 OD X .50,
TERMINAL MOUNTING STRIP ASS'Y, ACU

SHT 1 OF 1
ELEC 18-Apr-06 116676 A3
INTERFACE CABLE ASS'Y, ACU TO MUX, -1, -4
116298 F2
INTERFACE CABLE ASS'Y, ACU TO MUX, -2, -6, -7
116298 F2
INTERFACE CABLE ASS'Y, ACU TO MUX, -3
116298 F2
INTERFACE CABLE ASS'Y, ACU TO MUX, -5, -8
116298 F2
RS-232 CABLE ASSEMBLY
116670 G

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INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUAL

FOR SEA TEL MODEL

Sea Tel, Inc. Sea Tel Europe

REV ECO# Date Description By

A N/A December 17, 2004 Initial Production Release MDN

This Page Intentionally Left Blank

2.10.19. Clear ERROR(s) .........................................................................................................2-21

5.2. TRACKING AND BAND SELECTION SETTINGS ..................................................................................... 5-1

7.3.2. 1:1 SYNCHRO .................................................................................................................7-2

1.2. DAC-03 Functional Description

1.3. Keyboard Entry

1.4. Status LEDS

1.5. General Description of system

1.6. General scope of this manual

1.7. Quick Overview of contents

2.1. Quick Start Operation

2.2. Front Panel Layout

2.3. Basic Keyboard Entry

2.4. Basic description of front panel keys and their functions

2.5. Display & Entry Operation Menus

2.5.1. SHIP information menus.

Main Menu Sub Menu Display Meaning

Heading entry mode. Used to provide

2.5.2. SAT information menus.

Main Menu Sub Menu Display Meaning

RCVR entry mode. Tracking Receiver Input

2.5.3. ANTENNA information menus.

Main Menu Sub Menu Display Meaning

AZ 123.4 Azimuth position/entry mode. True

Polarization entry menu. Allows

2.5.4. MODE Control & Status menus.

Main Menu Sub Menu Display Meaning

STATUS Status – Error menu.

2.5.5. SETUP Parameter display and entry menus.

2.6. Tracking Operation

2.6.1. DishScan Operation

2.6.2. Internal Tracking Receiver settings

2.6.3. C/X and Ku Band Selections

2.7. Searching Operation

2.8. Auto-Polarization Operation

2.9. Radome Assembly Operation

2.10. Operation Scenarios

2.10.1. To Toggle Tracking ON/OFF

2.10.2. To View SHIP Information

2.10.3. Entering Ships’ Latitude (LAT)

System Action/What happens?

2.10.4. Entering Ships’ Longitude (LON)

2.10.5. Entering Ships’ Heading (HDG)

2.10.6. To View SATELLITE Information

2.10.7. Targeting A Satellite (SAT)

System Action/What happens?

2.10.8. Setting Threshold (manually)

2.10.9. Selecting Tracking Receiver Source

2.10.10.Tuning The SCPC Tracking Receiver

2.10.11.To View ANTENNA Information

2.10.12.Adjusting Azimuth (step, slew & target)

2.10.13.Adjusting Elevation (step, slew & target)

2.10.15.Change Tracking Band

2.10.18.To View ERROR(s)

128 Satellite Out Of Range

3. Basic System Information

3.1. Satellite Basics

3.1.2. Signal level