Marine Stabilized Dual Satellite

Communication System

User Manual

Document: MAN25-0097-DUAL Revision : -

December 07
Copyright
© 2007 Orbit-Alchut Technologies Ltd. All rights reserved.
All product names are trademarks of the Orbit-Alchut Technologies Ltd.
Other names are the property of the respective owners.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval
system, or translated into any language or computer language, in any form or by any means,
electronic or otherwise without prior written permission of the Orbit-Alchut Technologies Ltd.
Disclaimer of Warranty
Orbit-Alchut Technologies Ltd has made every effort to ensure the accuracy and relevancy of the
material in this document. It is expected that all sections of this document will be read
thoroughly and that all information and procedures should be fully understood.
However, Orbit-Alchut Technologies Ltd assumes no responsibility for any errors that may have
been included in this document, and reserves the right to make changes to the document without
notice.
Orbit-Alchut Technologies Ltd makes no warranty of any kind in regard to this document
including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a
particular purpose.
Orbit-Alchut Technologies Ltd disclaims any responsibility for incidental or consequential
damages in connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this document.
Parts of this document may be based on hardware or software developed by third-party vendors.
Orbit-Alchut Technologies Ltd disclaims any responsibility for the accuracy of this document
with respect to such hardware and software, and assumes no responsibility for incidental or
consequential damages arising due to discrepancies between this document and such hardware or
software.

User Manual i
Revision History & Control
Revision History
Revision # Date Description

Rev: - August 2007 Initial version

List of Effective Pages

TOTAL NUMBER OF PAGES IN THIS PUBLICATION IS 49 CONSISTING OF THE FOLLOWING:

Page No. Issue

Title.........................................................................................Revision -
i – viii......................................................................................Revision -
1 – 42 ......................................................................................Revision -

User Manual ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................................ III

LIST OF FIGURES.......................................................................................................................V

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ......................................................................................................... VI

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS ..................................................................................VII

APPLICABLE MANUALS ..................................................................................................... VIII

ABOUT THIS MANUAL ........................................................................................................ VIII

1. DUAL-ANTENNA SYSTEM DESCRIPTION ...........................................................1

1.1. DUAL-ANTENNA ORSAT SYSTEM .............................................................................1
1.1.1. Dual-Antenna System Configuration.................................................................1
1.1.2. Dual-Antenna Hand-Over Concept ...................................................................3
1.1.3. Theory of Operation - Block Diagram Description ...........................................6

2. CCU INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONS .........................................................9

2.1. INTRODUCTION ...........................................................................................................9
2.2. CCU INSTALLATION ...................................................................................................9
2.3. CONNECTING CCU CABLES ....................................................................................11
2.3.1. CCU Rear-Panel Connectors Overview ..........................................................11
2.3.2. General-Purpose Connections (Power, LAN, K/B, Mouse)............................13
2.3.3. ADE-BDE Cables Connection.........................................................................14
2.3.4. CCU-Modem RF Cables Connection ..............................................................15
2.3.5. Serial Communication and Compass Connectors............................................16

3. DUAL-ANTENNA SYSTEM OPERATION.............................................................24

3.1. INTRODUCTION .........................................................................................................24
3.2. CCU OPERATION PRINCIPLES ................................................................................24

User Manual iii

3.3. GETTING STARTED - CCU APPLICATION WINDOWS ........................................25
3.4. DUAL ANTENNA OPERATION SCREEN ................................................................27
3.4.1. Introduction......................................................................................................27
3.4.2. Antenna 1 / 2 Monitoring Window..................................................................28
3.4.3. Menu Bar .........................................................................................................30
3.4.4. Command Buttons Toolbar..............................................................................30
3.4.5. Status Bar.........................................................................................................31
3.4.6. Display Configuration Screen..........................................................................32
3.4.7. Obstruction (Blocked) Zones Screen...............................................................34
3.5. REMOTE BASIC OPERATION SCREENS ................................................................38

4. REMOTE DAOLINK APPLICATION.....................................................................39

4.1. INTRODUCTION .........................................................................................................39
4.2. INSTALLING THE REMOTE DAOLINK APPLICATION ..........................................39

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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. Dual-Antenna OrSat System Configuration .....................................................................2
Figure 2. Antenna’s Local Azimuth Angles.....................................................................................3
Figure 3. Antenna’s Local Elevation Angles ...................................................................................4
Figure 4. Dual-Antenna OrSat System - Block Diagram .................................................................7
Figure 5. CCU Internal Block Diagram ...........................................................................................8
Figure 6. CCU Outline Dimensions Drawing ................................................................................10
Figure 7. CCU Rear Panel Connectors...........................................................................................11
Figure 8. CCU Rear Panel – General Purpose Connections ..........................................................13
Figure 9. CCU Rear Panel – BDE-ADE Cables Connectors .........................................................14
Figure 10. CCU Rear Panel – CCU-Modem RF Cables Connectors .............................................15
Figure 11. CCU Rear Panel – Serial and Compass Connectors .....................................................16
Figure 12. RS-422 NMEA-0183 Compass - Connection Scheme .................................................19
Figure 13. Step-by-Step Compass - Connection Scheme...............................................................20
Figure 14. Synchro Compass - Connection Scheme ......................................................................21
Figure 15. IRD LOCK - Connection Scheme.................................................................................22
Figure 16. External AGC - Connection Scheme ............................................................................23
Figure 17. CCU Front Panel ...........................................................................................................25
Figure 18. Dual Antenna Operation Screen ...................................................................................25
Figure 19. Dual Antenna Operation Screen ...................................................................................27
Figure 20. Antenna Monitoring Window .......................................................................................28
Figure 21. Display Configuration Screen.......................................................................................32
Figure 22. Dual Antenna Operation Screen – Minimal Display ....................................................33
Figure 23. Blocked Zones Screen...................................................................................................35
Figure 24. Dual-Antenna System - Layout Example .....................................................................36
Figure 25. Obstruction Zones Setting - Example ...........................................................................37

User Manual v
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

♦ Keep clear of the moving Antenna, at all times.

♦ The Antenna Pedestal is equipped with high torque motors that develop
considerable forces. These forces can be harmful.
♦ This equipment contains potentially harmful voltages when connected to the
designated power sources. Never remove equipment covers except for
maintenance or internal adjustments.
♦ Before removing the covers of any unit, verify that the CCU POWER switch is
in the OFF position.

♦ Metal parts accessible to the operator are connected to the chassis’ ground to
prevent shock, and similar hazards. The chassis’ ground conductor must not
be removed. Ensure the enclosure is at ground potential.
♦ Only qualified and trained personnel should perform installation, operation and
maintenance of this equipment.
♦ Although the Radome is not heavy, care should be taken when lifting it since it
acts as a sail during windy conditions. At least two people should handle the
Radome during installation.
♦ To prevent shock or fire hazard, when sub-units are open or cables are
disconnected, do not expose the equipment (with the exception of the
Radome) to rain or moisture.
♦ Avoid making unauthorized modifications to the circuitry. Any such changes to
the system will void the warranty.
♦ Do not disconnect cables from the equipment while the system is powered-on.

• Interfacing this equipment requires the use of high quality connectors and
cables.
• Use only ORBIT authorized parts for repair.

User Manual vi
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
ADE Above Deck Equipment
ADMx Above Deck MUX
BDE Below Deck Equipment
BDMx Below Deck MUX
BUC Block Up Converter
CCU Central Control Unit
K/B Keyboard
LNB Low Noise Block
LOS Line Of Sight
M&C Monitoring and Control
Mk Mark
MMI Man-Machine Interface
MUX Multiplexer
SBC Single Board Controller
SBS Step By Step

User Manual vii

APPLICABLE MANUALS
• OrSat (AL-7103-Ku Mk II) system User and Installation Manual, MAN26-1327.

ABOUT THIS MANUAL

This Manual provides the shipboard system’s operator with system description, and
operation instructions. The Manual is divided into the following chapters:

Chapter 1. Dual-Antenna System Description

Provides a general description of the dual-antenna system, including system
structure and units, and theory of operation.

Chapter 2. CCU Installation and Connections

Provides CCU installation information, mainly of CCU cables connection
instructions.

Chapter 3. Dual-Antenna System Operation

Provides detailed operation information and instructions.

Chapter 4. Remote DaoLink Application

Provides installation and operation instructions for the remote DaoLink
application.

User Manual viii

1. DUAL-ANTENNA SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

Before reading this manual, you must familiarize yourself with the ORSAT (AL-7103-
KU MK II) SYSTEM USER AND INSTALLATION MANUAL, MAN26-1327.

1.1. DUAL-ANTENNA OrSat SYSTEM

1.1.1. Dual-Antenna System Configuration
To overcome severe visibility angles limitations existing on some ships, a dual-
antenna OrSat system is installed on a single ship.
The dual-antenna constellation allows combining the clear view angles of two
different locations on a single ship, by switching the received (Rx) and transmit
(Tx) signals from a blocked location to the clear one.
This dual-antenna configuration includes two OrSat (AL-7103-Ku Mk II) Systems
(ADE terminals only), controlled by a single AL-7103-CCU-BD Central Control
Unit (CCU).
The CCU includes two BDMx modules, each via an LMR-400/600 coaxial cable
(depending on the CCU-ADE distance: LMR-400 for lengths of up to 50m; LMR-
600 for lengths of up to 100m), to the respective ADMx unit within the terminal.
The ADMx and the BDMx multiplexer modules are used to establish CCU-to-
ADE links that minimizes the required cabling and uses only a single coax cable
carrying the following multiplexed signals:
♦ Modem L-Band Rx
♦ Modem L-Band Tx
♦ Modem 10 MHz Sync to the BUC (and to the LNB, if required)
♦ CCU to SBC LAN connection for monitoring and control (M&C).

The CCU includes two switches for the L-Band Tx/Rx signals, which are switched
simultaneously to connect the Modem to the “active” system: The Tx Switch is
used to connect the Tx signal from the active system to the customer’s modem;
The Rx Switch is used to connect the Rx signal from the active system to the
customer’s modem.
The dual-antenna configuration is shown in the following Figure.

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 ORSAT ORSAT
SYSTEM #1 SYSTEM #2

SHIP'S MODEM

Single LMR400/600 Single LMR400/600

Cable for: RX TX Cable for:
TX, RX, LAN,& (L-Band) (L-Band) TX, RX, LAN,&
10MHz Sync. 10MHz Sync.

AL-7103-CCU-BD
CENTRAL CONTROL UNIT (CCU)

Figure 1. Dual-Antenna OrSat System Configuration

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1.1.2. Dual-Antenna Hand-Over Concept
This section describes the concept of hand-over between the two antenna systems
that are installed on a ship.

1.1.2.1. Local Antenna Angles

For each antenna system, Local Antenna angles are defined: Local Antenna
Azimuth and Local Antenna Elevation. These angles are needed for mapping the
obstruction zones on the ship.
The following Figures present the physical definition of the Local Azimuth and
Elevation angles.

Legend:
A1 – Ships heading
A2 – Antenna True Azimuth
A3 – Antenna Local Azimuth
*Pitch and Roll angles are assumed to be zero
Figure 2. Antenna’s Local Azimuth Angles

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 Legend:
E1 – Ships Roll
E2 – Antenna True Elevation
E3 – Antenna Local Elevation
*Pitch and Heading angles are assumed to be zero

Figure 3. Antenna’s Local Elevation Angles

As shown in the above Figures, it is visible that the Antenna Local Azimuth is the
Antenna Azimuth with respect to the ships Bow-to-Stern line, rather then the
North direction, whereas the Antenna Local Elevation is the Antenna Elevation
with respect to the ships deck rather then the horizon level.

The local angles depicted on the Figures above are only for illustration. The actual
mathematical definition of those angles is a bit more complex and takes into
consideration ships Pitch, Roll and Heading at all times.

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1.1.2.2. Mapping the Obstruction Zones

The local angles are used to define and map the antenna obstructions on the ship’s
deck, by surveying each antenna location and noting the corner angles of each
obstruction in Local Azimuth and Elevation terms.
The two-dimensional obstruction definition of each of the two antenna locations is
then being entered into the CCU, which in turn will control its internal RF switch,
switching the signal coming from the preferable unit.

1.1.2.3. Hand-Over/Switching Logic

The CCU continuously monitors the Local Azimuth and Elevation of both
antennas, and switches the RF signals from the two antennas using the following
switching logic:
If Antenna 1 is clear, and Antenna 2 is blocked, Antenna 1 signal is
selected.
If Antenna 2 is clear, and Antenna 1 is blocked, Antenna 2 signal is
selected.
If both antennas are clear, no switching is activated.
If both antennas are blocked, no switching is activated.
The above hand-over concept offers two advantages:
1. Natural hysteresis by overlapping zones.
2. Future support for systems with more than two antennas.

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1.1.3. Theory of Operation - Block Diagram Description
The dual-antenna system comprises two OrSat Antenna Systems and a single AL-
7103-CCU-BD Central Control Unit (CCU).
The OrSat systems Above-Deck-Equipment (ADE)/terminals are installed on the
ship’s deck, while the CCU is a Below-Deck-Equipment (BDE) that is placed
either in an environmentally controlled indoor compartment, or in a control room.
The CCU is connected to both ADE terminals via coaxial cables (with N-Type
connectors), implementing multiplexed links that carry the following signals:
♦ Modem L-Band Rx
♦ Modem L-Band Tx
♦ Modem 10 MHz Sync to the BUC (and to the LNB, if required)
♦ CCU to SBC LAN connection for monitoring and control (M&C)

The CCU constantly monitors both antenna systems. It calculates their Local
Azimuth and Elevation angles while comparing those against a preset Obstruction
Zones mask. All that to produce an appropriate control command to its two
internal L-Band RF Switches, which in turn will interconnect the ship’s Modem to
the non-obstructed antenna system.

The following figures provide block diagrams of the Dual-Antenna OrSat system,
and of the CCU internal structure.

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 Figure 4. Dual-Antenna OrSat System - Block Diagram

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 Figure 5. CCU Internal Block Diagram

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2. CCU INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONS

2.1. INTRODUCTION
This chapter provides CCU installation information, consisting mainly of CCU
cables connection instructions.

2.2. CCU INSTALLATION

The CCU is typically installed on a dedicated 19-inch rack, located in a ship’s
equipment room.
The following Figure depicts the CCU (with the keyboard drawer) external views
and dimensions.

Verify that the CCU is installed at a distance of at least 5 meters from the vessel’s
compass.

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 Figure 6. CCU Outline Dimensions Drawing

User Manual 10
2.3. CONNECTING CCU CABLES
2.3.1. CCU Rear-Panel Connectors Overview
The following Figure shows the CCU rear-panel connectors, and the subsequent
Table specifies the type and function of each connector.

Figure 7. CCU Rear Panel Connectors

User Manual 11
 Table 1. CCU Rear Panel Connectors
Connector Connector Type Function
Power Supply Integrated plug Mains power connection (power cord from ship’s
power source.
LAN RJ-45 Connects to the HUB connector via a jumper cable.
K/B MINI-DIN Connects the CCU to the keyboard located at the CCU
drawer.
MOUSE MINI-DIN Connects the CCU to the mouse located at the CCU
drawer.
SYNCHRO & DB25 male Connects CCU to the customer’s Compass
SBS COMPASS (SYNCHRO or Step-By-Step [SBS]).
NMEA DB9 male Connects CCU to customer’s NMEA Compass (RS-
COMPASS 422 port).
IRD DB9 male Used for IRD Lock, External AGC.
EXT VGA DB 15-Pin HD Connects to an external VGA monitor.
RX IF OUT F-Type Connects to Modem Rx Input.
TX IF IN F-type Connects to Modem Tx Output.
BDMX 1 N-Type Connects to the BDE-ADE (system 1) cable.
BDMX 2 N-Type Connects to the BDE-ADE (system 2) cable.
HUB RJ-45 Connects to the CCU LAN Connector via a jumper
cable.
HUB RJ-45 Auxiliary for customer’s use.

The following paragraphs provide information and instruction pertinent to the

available CCU connections.

User Manual 12
 2.3.2. General-Purpose Connections (Power, LAN, K/B, Mouse)
The following Figure depicts the general-purpose cables that should be connected
to the CCU:
♦ Power cable
♦ Keyboard
♦ Mouse.
♦ Jumper cable between the CCU LAN and HUB connectors.

Mouse cable
connection

Power
cable
connection

Keyboard cable
Jumper cable connection
between LAN and
HUB connectors

Figure 8. CCU Rear Panel – General Purpose Connections

User Manual 13
2.3.3. ADE-BDE Cables Connection
The BDMx units within the CCU are connected to the ADMx units on the
respective systems, using LMR-400/600 cables, via the following N-Type
connectors:
• BDMX 1 - Connects to ADMx unit of System 1.
• BDMX 2 - Connects to ADMx unit of System 2.

If only one system is connected to the CCU (to either BDMx 1 or BDMX 2
connector), the unused BDMx N-Type connector should be terminated using a 50-
ohm termination device.

BDMx 2 BDMx 1
connector connector

Figure 9. CCU Rear Panel – BDE-ADE Cables Connectors

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2.3.4. CCU-Modem RF Cables Connection
The CCU is connected to the Modem via the following F-Type connectors:
• RX IF OUT (CCU’s SW1 Output) - Connects to the Modem Rx Input.
• TX IF IN (CCU’s SW2 Input) - Connects to the Modem Tx Output.

RX IF OUT TX IF IN
connector connector

Figure 10. CCU Rear Panel – CCU-Modem RF Cables Connectors

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2.3.5. Serial Communication and Compass Connectors
The CCU rear panel includes three communication connectors, which are used as
follows:
♦ NMEA COMPASS - Connects CCU to customer’s NMEA Compass (RS-
422 port).
♦ IRD –Serves as Modem’s IRD LOCK signal input, or as EXTERNAL
AGC input.
♦ Synchro and SBS Compass - Connects CCU to customer’s SYNCHRO or
SBS Compass.

SYNCHRO & SBS

COMPASS connector
NMEA COMPASS
IRD connector connector

Figure 11. CCU Rear Panel – Serial and Compass Connectors

The following Table specifies the communication connector pin-out.

The subsequent paragraphs describe how to use each connector.

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 Table 2. CCU Communication Connectors Pin Out

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2.3.5.1. NMEA-0183 RS-422 Compass Connection

General
The National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) 0183 standard defines an
electrical interface and data protocol for communications between marine
instrumentation.
The NMEA-0183 standard is 4800 baud and consists of several different ASCII
sentences.
Electrical Interface
This standard allows a single "talker” and several "listeners" on one circuit. The
recommended interconnect wiring is a shielded twisted pair, with the shield
grounded only at the talker. The standards do not specify the use of any particular
connector.

NMEA-0183 recommends that the talker output comply with EIA-422. This is a
differential system, having two signal lines, A and B.
The voltages on the "A" line correspond to those on the older TTL single wire,
while the "B" voltages are reversed (while "A" is at +5, "B" is at ground, and vice
versa).

In either case, the recommended receive circuit uses an opto-isolator with suitable
protection circuitry. The input should be isolated from the receiver's ground.

In practice, the single wire, or the EIA-422 "A" wire may be directly connected to
a computer's RS-232 input.
The following Figure depicts how to connect an RS-422 NMEA-0183 Compass to
the CCU’s NMEA COMPASS Connector.

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 Connecting an RS-422 NMEA-0183 Compass to NMEA COMPASS Connector:

CCU Connector Mating Connector Wiring Diagram

NMEA COMPASS

Mating Connector Pin Out

Pin Signal
2 RXD-
4 RXD+
5 GND
Figure 12. RS-422 NMEA-0183 Compass - Connection Scheme

Compass Configuration Procedures:

To find and enter the system’s Offset to Ships Compass, refer to “Finding and
Setting of Heading (Compass) Offset” in the ORSAT (AL-7103-KU MK II)
SYSTEM USER AND INSTALLATION MANUAL, MAN26-1327.
To change the default NMEA-0183 sentence, “Changing the Default NMEA-0183
Compass Sentence” in the ORSAT (AL-7103-KU MK II) SYSTEM USER AND
INSTALLATION MANUAL, MAN26-1327.

User Manual 19
2.3.5.2. Step-by-Step Compass Connection

The following Figure depicts how to connect a Step-by-Step Compass to the

CCU’s SYNCHRO & SBS Connector.

Connecting a Step-by-Step Compass to SYNCHRO & SBS Connector:

CCU Connector Mating Connector Wiring Diagram

SYNCHRO & SBS

Mating Connector Pin Out

Pin Signal
12 COMMON
13 A
25 B
24 C

Notes:
Supports +20 VDC to +70 VDC.
Supports Dual Polarity:
Positive: A, B, C – +VDC or Open
Common – GND
Negative: A, B, C – GND or Open
Common – +VDC
Figure 13. Step-by-Step Compass - Connection Scheme
Compass Configuration Procedures:
To find and enter the system’s Offset to Ships Compass, refer to “Finding and
Setting of Heading (Compass) Offset” in the ORSAT (AL-7103-KU MK II)
SYSTEM USER AND INSTALLATION MANUAL, MAN26-1327.
To set the compass interface, refer to “Setting of Interface to Ship’s Compass” in
the ORSAT (AL-7103-KU MK II) SYSTEM USER AND INSTALLATION MANUAL,
MAN26-1327.

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2.3.5.3. Synchro Compass Connection

The following Figure depicts how to connect a Synchro Compass to the CCU’s
SYNCHRO & SBS Connector.

Connecting a Synchro Compass to SYNCHRO & SBS Connector:

CCU Connector Mating Connector Wiring Diagram

SYNCHRO & SBS

Mating Connector Pin Out

Pin Signal
8 REF+
10 REF-
5 GND
18 S1
22 S2
23 S3
15 GND
Note:
Supports 115 VAC Reference. 60 VAC Reference is Optional.
Figure 14. Synchro Compass - Connection Scheme
Compass Configuration Procedures:
To find and enter the system’s Offset to Ships Compass, refer to “Finding and
Setting of Heading (Compass) Offset” in the ORSAT (AL-7103-KU MK II)
SYSTEM USER AND INSTALLATION MANUAL, MAN26-1327.
To set the compass interface, refer to “Setting of Interface to Ship’s Compass” in
the ORSAT (AL-7103-KU MK II) SYSTEM USER AND INSTALLATION MANUAL,
MAN26-1327.

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2.3.5.4. IRD LOCK Connection

The following Figure depicts how to connect IRD LOCK modem signal to the
IRD Connector.

Connecting IRD LOCK to IRD Connector:

CCU Connector Mating Connector Wiring Diagram

IRD
Mating Connector Pin Out
Pin Signal
7 12VDC OUTPUT
8 IRD INDICATOR

Note:
Connect Pin 7 & Pin 8 via “dry-contact” relay.

Figure 15. IRD LOCK - Connection Scheme

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2.3.5.5. External AGC Connection

The following Figure depicts how to connect External AGC to the CCU’s IRD
Connector.

Connecting External AGC to IRD Connector:

CCU Connector Mating Connector Wiring Diagram

IRD
Mating Connector Pin Out
Pin Signal
6 AGC IN
9 GND

Figure 16. External AGC - Connection Scheme

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3. DUAL-ANTENNA SYSTEM OPERATION

3.1. INTRODUCTION
This section describes the operation procedures of the Dual-Antenna OrSat
system, carried out by the system’s operator using the CCU.

3.2. CCU OPERATION PRINCIPLES

Operation of the dual-antenna system is controlled from the below-deck CCU,
which is used to control the system, to monitor system status, and to setup and
configure operational parameters.
The CCU is a PC computer running Windows CE operating system and several
dedicated software applications. These applications control, monitor and configure
the dual-antenna system.
The CCU constantly monitors both antenna systems. It calculates their Local
Azimuth and Elevation angles while comparing those against a preset Obstruction
Zones mask. All that to produce an appropriate control command to the CCU’s RF
switches, which in turn will connect the signals from the non-obstructed antenna
to the ship’s Modem.

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3.3. GETTING STARTED - CCU APPLICATION WINDOWS
To turn on the CCU, set its POWER switch to the ON position.

POWER
TFT Switch
Screen

USB
Connector
Keyboard
Drawer
Keyboard

Figure 17. CCU Front Panel

The CCU invokes the Windows CE operating system and automatically opens the
following Dual Antenna Operation screen:

Figure 18. Dual Antenna Operation Screen

User Manual 25
 This screen allows access (using windows tabs) to the following windows
(applications):

Dual Antenna Operation:

This window, which is the main application of
the CCU, monitors the status of both OrSat
systems, allows manual or automatic switching
of RF signals from the systems’ antennas, and
enables configuration of obstruction zones.

Marine Tracking System (Antenna 1) – Basic

Operation Screen:
This window provides remote monitoring and
operation of OrSat system #1.

Marine Tracking System (Antenna 2) – Basic

Operation Screen:
Same as the above for OrSat system #2.

The following paragraphs describe the above windows and detail the operation
procedures available from each window.

User Manual 26
3.4. DUAL ANTENNA OPERATION SCREEN
3.4.1. Introduction
The Dual Antenna Operation screen is divided into several display and control
zones, as shown in the following Figure:

Antenna 2
Monitoring
Menu Bar
Window

Command
Buttons
Toolbar

Antenna 1
Monitoring
Window

Status Bar
Figure 19. Dual Antenna Operation Screen

User Manual 27
3.4.2. Antenna 1 / 2 Monitoring Window
The Antenna Monitoring window provides remote monitoring of an OrSat system,
displaying operation modes, parameters and status indications of the system.
A display configuration function is used to determine the fields to be presented on
the screen.

Figure 20. Antenna Monitoring Window

User Manual 28
 The window includes the following display fields:
Mode and IMU Status:
• Mode- Current system operation mode
• IMU status- Current system’s IMU status (locked, unlocked)
Ship Position Data:
• Longitude - Ship’s longitude (from the system’s GPS receiver)
• Latitude - Ship’s latitude (from the system’s GPS receiver)
• Yaw - Ship’s yaw angle (from the system’s IMU)
• Pitch - Ship’s pitch angle (from the system’s IMU)
• Roll - Ship’s roll angle (from the system’s IMU)
• Compass - Ship’s heading (as read from the ship’s compass or as entered
manually)
Antenna Position Data:
• Azimuth - Azimuth axis angle
• Elev. - Elevation axis angle
AGC Field:
This field graphically presents the AGC signal level, which represents the strength
of the satellite's signal received by the antenna, side-by-side with the Acquire
threshold level.
Local Angles Data:
• Local Azim. – Local Azimuth angle
• Local Elev. - Local Elevation angle
• Local Azim. Clear/Blocked - Local Azimuth clear/blocked indicator
• Local Elev. Clear/Blocked - Local Elevation clear/blocked indicator
Switching Indicator:
• ACTIVE – When the Antenna system’s RF signals (Tx and Rx) are switched to
the ship’s Modem, this indicator appears on the window.

User Manual 29
3.4.3. Menu Bar

The Menu Bar provides access to the following functions:

The underlined letters denote the fast activation keys (shortcuts) for the same
functions.

• Program – Displays the following drop-menu:

• Show Version – Displays the Version window, containing software
Versions data
• Esc-Exit – Terminates the application
• Switch - Displays a drop-menu which allows to manually switch the RF signals
from either Antenna 1 or Antenna 2, or to select Automatic switching.
• Config – Displays the following drop-menu:
• Zones – Opens the Blocked Zones window
• Display – Opens the Display Configuration window
• Link – Opens the Link Setup window

3.4.4. Command Buttons Toolbar

Selects automatic switching of RF signals from the antenna systems to

the ship’s Modem. In this mode, the RF switch is controlled by the CCU
according to the obstruction zones
Manually switches the RF signals from Antenna 1 to the ship’s Modem
Manually switches the RF signals from Antenna 2 to the ship’s Modem
Opens the Blocked Zones window
Opens the Display Configuration window

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3.4.5. Status Bar
The Status Bar displays the current CCU mode:

MANUAL - RF switch is manually forced to one of the antennas

AUTO - RF switch is controlled by the CCU.

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3.4.6. Display Configuration Screen

3.4.6.1. Introduction

As stated above, the Antenna Monitoring windows display status and operational
parameters read from the systems’ controllers.
The Display Configuration screen allows selecting or de-selecting the indicators to
be displayed on the Antenna Monitoring windows.

3.4.6.2. Using the Display Configuration Screen

To invoke the Display Configuration screen, select either the menu bar’s
Config>Display option or the command button. The following window is
displayed:

Figure 21. Display Configuration Screen

Select (by checking - √) or de-select the pertaining boxes to configure the Antenna
Monitoring windows display.
For example, the following Figure shows the Dual Antenna Operation screen with
all display fields de-selected (minimal display):

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 Figure 22. Dual Antenna Operation Screen – Minimal Display

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3.4.7. Obstruction (Blocked) Zones Screen

3.4.7.1. Introduction

For each one of the OrSat systems, an Obstruction Zone screen allows defining of
up to four obstruction zones, at which the antenna line-of-site (LOS) is blocked.
To define an obstruction zone, four angular points (at Local angles values) are
entered into the CCU:
♦ Azimuth Start (from).
♦ Azimuth End (to).
♦ Elevation Start (from).
♦ Elevation End (to).
It is not mandatory to enter values for all the zones – leaving blanks in the “from”
and “to” fields will effectively disable the relevant zone. However, if a zone is to
be defined only in Azimuth, the Elevation angles should be set from 0 to +90
degrees.

3.4.7.2. Using the Obstruction Zone Screen

There are two ways to invoke an Obstruction Zone Screen:

Select the menu bar’s Config>Zones option;
-or-

Select the command button.

The following window is displayed:

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 Figure 23. Blocked Zones Screen

Select the Antenna 1 or Antenna 2 tab on the screen.

Define the obstruction zones by entering the pertaining angular points. Refer to the
following example.

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3.4.7.3. Obstruction Zone Setting - Example

An example for a simple obstruction zone setting is presented herein:

Figure 24. Dual-Antenna System - Layout Example

In the case above, Antenna 1 is blocked in the range of 90 degrees, starting from
150.0 to 240.0 degrees. Antenna 2 is also blocked in the range of 90 degrees,
starting from 330.0 to 60.0 degrees (all angles are in Local Azimuth terms).
Note that the obstruction zone is defined by a “start” angle, which is always
clockwise before an “end” angle.
According to the above example, the obstruction zone setting for both antennas
will be as follows:

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 Figure 25. Obstruction Zones Setting - Example

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3.5. REMOTE BASIC OPERATION SCREENS
The CCU presents two Basic Operation Screens, for remote monitoring and
operation of the OrSat systems.
Each Basic Operation Screens provides all controls and indications needed for
normal basic operation of the OrSat system. This screen enables the operator to
activate the basic modes of operation (satellite and channel selection), while
monitoring system’s parameters and indicators.
For more advanced control and configuration features, a series of password-
accessible screens are available.

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4. REMOTE DaoLink APPLICATION

4.1. INTRODUCTION
The Remote Dual-Antenna Operation (DaoLink) application enables to monitor
the system from a remote computer/laptop, which is connected to the CCU via
LAN connection.

4.2. INSTALLING THE REMOTE DaoLink APPLICATION

The installation disk/CD includes a folder named DaoLinkPCSetup.
To install the Remote DaoLink application on any computer, perform the
following procedure:
1. Run the Setup.exe file from the DaoLinkPCSetup folder. The
following screen is displayed:

2. Click the Next button and follow the installation instructions. At the end of
the installation process, the following message is displayed:

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 3. Click the OK button to finish the software installation.
4. Access the application shortcut properties window by clicking the right mouse
button on the DaoLink shortcut icon, located under Start -> Programs->
Startup.

5. At the DaoLink Properties window, type “ -ds” (disable switch) at the end of
the Target field, and press the OK button.

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 6. Invoke the application by clicking the DaoLink shortcut icon, located under
Start > Programs> Startup. The DaoLink application screen is displayed:

7. Select the Config > Link menu option. The Link Configuration window is
displayed:

8. Verify that the proper IP addresses of both systems are entered into the IP
Address fields. Then, the following screen is displayed, presenting the
systems’ status and data.

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 The Remote DaoLink application is identical to the local DaoLink application,
excluding the use of the switch functions - the remote application is used for
monitoring only and does not control the CCU switch.

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