Available StarBand Field Service Bulletins (FSBs)

Field Service Bulletin (FSB) Subject	Reference Number	Last Updated	Included
AMD Processor & USB conflicts (Model 180)	SB-0011-1.00	05/03/01	NA
75E Antenna Elevation Correction	SB-0013-1.00	05/22/01	X
75E Antenna Torque Specs	SB-0014-1.00	06/5/01	X
Line Amplifier Requirements	SB-0015-1.01	02/07/02	NA
LNB Troubleshooting	SB-0016-1.00	09/13/01	X
75E DBS Kit "SAT-129/T7" Bracket Adjustment	SB-0017-1.00	11/09/01	NA
ODU Troubleshooting	SB-0018-1.00	12/21/01	X
Antenna Pointing Procedures	SB-0019-2.00	02/24/04	X
IFL Troubleshooting	SB-0020-1.01	03/19/02	X
Feed/OMT Assembly Troubleshooting	SB-0021-1.00	12/21/01	X
Outbound Interference from Radar Detectors	SB-0022-1.00	12/21/01	X
OCONUS (Outside Cont. US) Installation Info	SB-0023-1.00	12/21/01	NA
Site Parameters Explained (included elsewhere)	SB-0024-1.00	01/30/02	NA
Radiation Hazard/Antenna (included elsewhere)	SB-0025-1.00	03/19/02	NA
Antenna Roof/Wall Mount Installation	SB-0026-1.00	06/17/02	NA
DBS Kit & EchoStar Dish Pro Compatibility	SB-0027-1.00	10/30/02	NA
Outbound Signal Quality Measurement	SB-0028-1.00	10/30/02	X
CVACS	SB-0029-1.02	03/18/04	X
HBR VSAT REQ & UPGRADES	SB-0030-2.01	07/17/03	NA
Model 480 Configuration from CD	SB-0031-1.01	01/14/04	NA
75E Antenna Repoint (AMC4 to IA7)	SB-0032-1.01	11/09/04	NA

Additional Troubleshooting Steps - Voltage and Current is OK

Verify that…	If not, then…
A clear line of sight to the satellite exists by confirming no trees, buildings or other structures are in the way	Consider alternative locations for the antenna.
The antenna is installed on a mast that is plumb	Correct the problem before continuing.
The antenna was pointed using the correct skew, elevation, and azimuth angles provided by Point Dish for the particular location. (Keep in mind the elevation angle may have to be increased by 1 - 2 degrees to compensate for the elevation scale error on the 75E.)	Using Point Dish, provide the correct angles to the installer and verify the settings on the antenna.
The polarizer is rotated to the proper orientation, i.e., vertical or horizontal transmit.	Determine what the correct polarization is based on the assigned satellite and transponder. Then, confirm the “H” or “V” on the polarizer is pointed to “0”.
All skew, elevation and azimuth bolts are securely fastened and the feed support arm is mounted properly to the antenna.	Tighten all bolts as described in the installation manual. The feed support arm should be firmly bolted to the bottom of the antenna.
The Rx and Tx IFL cables are properly connected and are not accidentally crossed.	Take the necessary corrective action.
The Rx and Tx IFL cables are less than 100’ each.	Add line amps as necessary.
The IDU is turned on.	Turn the IDU on.

If any of the items in Table A-2 cannot be verified, the suggested corrective measures should be considered. If the problem persists, do the following:

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

Verify that…	If not, then…
The LNB has no signs of visual damage.	Replace the LNB with a spare.
Weather related conditions, either at the customer’s site or at the Hub, are not causing the problem.	Wait for the weather to clear and re-check the status.
There are no significant sources of interference, e.g., from personal radar detectors in nearby cars or cell towers, that may be causing the problem.	Ask the owner to turn the radar detector off or consider moving the antenna to another location to avoid cell tower interference.
For CONUS installations, the LNB supplied with the 75E is being used. For OCONUS installations in Alaska and the Caribbean that require 1.2 meter antennas, the LNB should have a noise figure of 0.6 dB or better, i.e., 0.6 or less, stamped on the label.	Consult with the RF Engineering group for guidance on the proper LNB to use.
The rubber O-ring is in place at the flange of the LNB. Missing or crimped O-rings can allow water to penetrate the Transmit Reject Filter, OMT and feed assembly, diminishing the receive signal strength.	Remove any water present in the Transmit Reject Filter, OMT and feed and replace a missing or damaged O-ring before re-attaching the LNB.

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

For Sites with LNB Model Number NJR2544HWN:

Check the LNB for the following model number: NJR2544HWN. If another LNB model number is used, proceed to the instructions for sites with LNBs other than NJR2544HWN, below. Otherwise, continue with the following steps:

1. If using the NJR2544HWN LNB, remove the LNB and external Transmit Reject Filter (TRF) which the LNB bolts to. This is shown in the previous figure, on the left. This requires loosening eight screws.
2. Look for the presence of a white circular sticker covering the opening of the LNB waveguide (end which was fastened to the TRF). If present carefully remove this sticker and try to remove any residual glue that may have been used to secure it. Be sure no foreign objects fall into the LNB waveguide cavity.
3. Reattach the LNB to the OMT assembly, taking care to insure the rubber O-ring stays in place. (See the right side of the previous figure.)
4. Re-check the Signal Strength reading. If the reading is acceptable, proceed with the rest of the installation. Retain the TRF and keep it in a safe place, in case the LNB is ever replaced with a model other than the NJR2544HWN.

Note: Perform the above procedure ONLY on LNB ModelNJR2544HWN.

For Sites with LNB Model Numbers Other Than NJR2544HWN:

1. Remove the LNB from the antenna.
2. Look for the presence of a white circular sticker covering the opening of the LNB waveguide cavity. This is at the end that is fastened to the antenna with four screws. If present, carefully remove this sticker and try to remove any residual glue that may have been used to secure it. Be sure no foreign objects fall into the waveguide cavity.
3. Reattach the LNB to the OMT assembly, taking care to insure the rubber O-ring stays in place.
4. Re-check the Signal Strength reading. If the reading is acceptable, proceed with the rest of the installation.

Preliminary Testing

Check satellite modem LED status -The CON/ON-LINE, SYN and Rx LEDs should be on. If they are not, check the LNB, receive IFL and satellite modem DC voltage output. It should nominally be 18 V DC, from the RF-In connector. If these LEDs are not on, see FSB SB-00016 (LNB), FSB SB-0019 (antenna pointing), and FSB SB-0020 (IFL), on how to determine the problem.

Check the satellite modem site parameters - The correct parameters may be obtained from CVACS, for verification in Mission Control. An incorrect zip code can cause a satellite delay parameter error, which will not allow the VSAT to link connect to the Hub.

Physical Inspection

Perform a physical inspection of the ODU, transmit IFL, feed/OMT assembly, and antenna to verify there is no physical damage. Verify the transmit IFL is functional and within the specified maximum length (see FSB SB-0020) and check for moisture in the feed/OMT (see FSB SB-0021). Replace damaged components according to the appropriate StarBand Maintenance Bulletin (MB).

Satellite Modem Output Voltage and Transmit IFL Cable

Remove the transmit IFL cable from the ODU Type F connector. Set the multimeter to measure DC voltage. If a range must be selected on the multimeter, the maximum should be at least 24 V DC.

Note: When measuring the DC voltage from the satellite modem, care must be taken not to short the center conductor to the outer conductor, as this will not provide an accurate DC voltage measurement and can potentially damage the satellite modem.

Measure the DC voltage supplied by the satellite modem at the ODU end of the transmit IFL. This should be between 13 and 24 V DC. If it is outside of the specified range, remove the transmit IFL cable from the satellite modem RF-Out Type F connector and test the DC voltage output of the satellite modem. The RF-Out DC voltage must be between 22 and 24 V DC. If it is out of this range, replace the satellite modem. If it is within the range, check the transmit IFL cable for opens, shorts, or kinks, according to FSB SB-0020.

Note: Do not use a DigiSat II meter to measure the RF-Out voltage. The DigiSat II is only rated to 18 V DC and will be damaged by the greater voltages that are present on this connector.

Test for ODU Input Short

With the transmit IFL cable removed from the ODU Type F connector, set the multimeter to measure resistance in ohms and measure the resistance from the center conductor of the ODU to the outer shield. This should be an open, with the multimeter display showing OL (for OverLoad, meaning too high of a resistance to measure). If the display shows a low resistance value (i.e., less than one ohm), there is a short in the ODU. It has failed and must be replaced according to StarBand Maintenance Bulletin MB-0002.

Note: Since it may be difficult to connect the multimeter red probe to the Type F/female connector center conductor, install a Type F/male-male connector adapter on the Type F/female connector, to measure the DC voltage.

Co-pol / Cross-pol Test

To perform a co-pol/cross-pol check, the satellite modem must have the CON/ON-LINE, SYN and Rx LEDs illuminated and the transmit IFL connecting the ODU and satellite modem, in its normal configuration.

Call CVACS and select the option to request a co-pol and cross-pol check of the VSAT. Possible results and what each indicates are as follows:

• If both co-pol and cross-pol measurements are within specifications, terminate the test and power cycle the satellite modem, while viewing the LEDs. The modem LEDs will go through two self-test sequences, then the Rx and SYN LEDs will come on. Watch for the Tx LED to flash once or twice. If the Tx LED flashed, but the VSAT did not link connect with the Hub, then the most likely problem is an incorrect parameter value. The site parameters (VSAT ID, cluster, and subcluster) should be re-checked. It is also possible, though less likely, that the ODU has a failure, which could not be detected in the co-pol/cross-pol tests. If the Tx LED did not flash, then the satellite modem is most likely the source of the problem and should be replaced.
• If the satellite modem LEDs started flashing when the test was attempted, but the test could not be conducted, there is probably a short in the transmit IFL or in the ODU. Recheck the IFL and ODU for shorts, with the multimeter (see FSB SB-0020).
• If the co-pol was low and the cross-pol was high (both out-of-spec), the problem is most likely an antenna pointing problem (see FSB SB-0019).
• If the co-pol was low (out-of-spec) and the cross-pol was in-spec, then the ODU has most likely failed and should be replaced (see MB-0002).

Antenna Pointing Procedures (continued)

1. Antenna Assembly - Set the 75E antenna elevation and skew to the values obtained from Point Dish. See the figure on the previous page, for an illustration of how to set the elevation angle. Tighten the skew locking bolts (4) to a torque of 8 ft-lbs. Check the LNB model number. If it is “NJR2544HWN”, the transmit reject filter (TRF) should be removed, as this LNB has an internal TRF. Regardless of the LNB model, remove the four screws from the LNB waveguide input. Check the LNB for a white sticker on the waveguide end and remove it, if present. More information on this step can be found in FSB SB-0016.
2. Set the transmit polarization to “V” or “H” on the feed/OMT assembly, as assigned. Be aware that the transmit polarization assignment may vary from site to site on the same satellite, due to multiple cluster implementations per satellite. If the DISH Network service is to be provided, attach either the “SAT-101” (AMC4) or “SAT-129” (IA7) DBS bracket to the feed arm, according to the assigned StarBand satellite, with the correct number of spacers, as indicated by the Point Dish tool. Install the feed arm on the reflector and then install the antenna assembly on the mast.

Antenna Pointing Procedures (continued)

1. Connect the Signal Strength Meter - Connect the receive signal strength meter to the LNB Type F coaxial output, as shown in the figure on the previous page. If the meter is self powered, do not connect the RF-In cable from the modem yet. If the device is not self-powered, you will need the receive IFL cable connected to the modem’s RF-In port, to power the LNB.

Note: DBS satellites can be used to crudely point the 75E antenna, to the assigned StarBand satellite. However, due to the potential for interference caused by VSAT transmissions, the 75E antenna must be peaked using the satellite providing StarBand service. Failure to do so can cause misalignment with the assigned StarBand satellite and generate cross-pol interference.


2. Locating the StarBand Satellite - Use a compass to determine the general direction to the StarBand satellite and point the antenna in this direction. Slowly move the antenna in azimuth, approximately 5 to 10 degrees in one direction and then the other, until a satellite is located. The above diagram show a typical setup, when the setup is complete and a call to CVACS is made, to verify proper alignment.
   
   

Note: Once the general direction of the StarBand satellite is found, the skew must be set to the assigned value, to ensure maximum adjacent satellite isolation, for interference avoidance purposes. Proper skew alignment is an FCC requirement.


3. If no satellite is found, increase the elevation approximately one degree and move the antenna again in azimuth, to locate the satellite. Continue this procedure in one degree elevation increments, until the satellite is located. Once the assigned satellite has been located, obtain the peak signal strength meter reading by making alternating fine adjustments to azimuth and elevation. With the antenna peaked, tighten the Azimuth Clamp Bolts. Start with the center bolt and make it snug. Then, tighten the top and bottom bolts. While tightening the bolts, keep an eye on your signal strength meter, to be sure the signal does not degrade. If degradation occurs, loosen the bolts, re-peak and repeat the tightening procedure, until the signal remains peaked. Next, tighten the two elevation locking bolts and then the two elevation pivot bolts. All elevation and azimuth bolts must be tightened to a torque of 12 ft-lbs.
4. Checking for Correct Satellite - Once the 75E antenna is peaked using the receive signal and all bolts have been tightened to the proper torque, it is necessary to confirm the antenna is peaked on the correct satellite. Connect the receive IFL cable from the LNB to the RF-In port on the satellite modem. Also connect the PC to the modem. For installations with Model 360 satellite modems, the Mission Control software must be installed on the PC and the Model 360 modem must be configured with the correct parameters. With this set-up complete, observe the satellite modem Rx LED. If the antenna is peaked on the correct satellite, this LED will be on, if it is not, the LED will be off.
   
   The Signal Quality parameter is a measurement of the outbound link performance and provides an indication of how well the antenna is peaked. The StarBand Mission Control application can be used to check the current Signal Quality value. If there is no signal lock, verify that the set-up is correct. If so, return to the antenna and repeat the Locating the StarBand Satellite section, to peak the antenna on the correct satellite.

5. Alignment Check with CVACS - CVACS is used to confirm the antenna is properly peaked on the assigned StarBand satellite. Once the antenna is optimally peaked on the receive signal, and the satellite modem is configured with the correct parameters, call CVACS at 1-888-424-4121 for an alignment test. Using CVACS to verify the antenna alignment requires the modem to be on and the Rx, SYN, and CON/ON-LINE LEDs to be illuminated.

Note: Stay at least two feet away from the antenna feed when the VSAT is transmitting – such as during the CVACS co-pol/cross-pol test or normal operation.

Antenna Co-pol Alignment Procedure:

The following steps should be followed, when the co-pol value does not meet the minimum criteria or is marginal. This procedure can also be used with the cross-pol procedure, described next, to help correct the antenna alignment of an existing installation, which has been identified by StarBand as having excessive cross-pol.

1. Call CVACS while at the antenna, so that adjustments can be made if needed. Use the CVACS “Antenna Alignment” submenu, to confirm the antenna co-pol and cross-pol alignment criteria have been met. If both the co- and cross-pol criteria are met, you can proceed with Step 10.
2. If not, verify the polarizer has the “H” or “V” (depending on your satellite assignment) pointed to “0” on the polarizer scale.
3. While listening to the CVACS co-pol readings from the “Antenna Alignment” submenu, make small adjustments first to the elevation angle, until CVACS reports a peak value. Then make small adjustments to the azimuth angle, until CVACS reports a peak value.
4. Again use the CVACS “Antenna Alignment” submenu to confirm the antenna co-pol/cross-pol alignment criteria have been met. If the co-pol passes but the cross-pol does not, proceed to the Antenna Cross-pol Reduction Procedure, below. If both criteria are met, proceed with Step 10.

Antenna Cross-pol Reduction Procedure:

If the cross-pol signal is still above the specified minimum, take the following action: While listening to the CVACS cross-pol readings from the “Antenna Alignment” submenu, make small adjustments to the skew angle until CVACS reports a minimum value. At this point the antenna should be properly aligned and all bolts can be tightened to the specified torque, but be careful not to make unwanted changes to the antenna position. If the alignment criteria have been met, proceed with Step 10.

Note: Almost all cross-pol problems can be avoided or resolved if the mast is plumb, the polarizer points to “H” or “V” according to your satellite assignment, skew is set to the indicated angle, and the elevation and azimuth angles have been peaked on the receive signal. This last item is very important! If the elevation and azimuth angles are not peaked on the receive signal, the cross-pol signal will not be minimized.

The StarBand satellite modem must be online and undisturbed for at least five minutes, before completing the installation as described below.

With the antenna peaked and bolts tightened to the specified torque, complete the commissioning process by calling CVACS to obtain the confirmation number, using the “Confirmation Number” submenu. CVACS measures the co-pol and cross-pol values again, to verify the antenna is within the specified limits. StarBand maintains a record of the co-pol and cross-pol measured for each VSAT. CVACS does not accept a site with out-of-specification co-pol or cross-pol readings. All properly installed sites will exceed these specifications.

Physical Inspection

Check the length of IFL cable used. Installations of the StarBand Model 360™ modem can use up to 140 feet (42 meters) of installer provided dual RG-6 coaxial cable, with Type F/male connectors (Comscope 5786/5787 RG-6 cable and SPC Technology Snap-N-Seal Type F/male connector part number 92N5309 or equivalents - see MB-0005). For installations that require more than 140 feet (Model 360), see FSB SB-0015.

Inspect each connector for damage and/or a loose connection with the coaxial cable and the termination point on the equipment. Coaxial grounding blocks are no longer required for StarBand installations, unless required by local codes. However, the antenna structure must be grounded in accordance with National Electrical Code (NEC) reqts.

Inspect the exposed sections of the coaxial cable for damage, such as a cut or frayed shield. Look for kinks, which can be produced when the cable is bent greater than the specified bend radius. The bend radius for Commscope 5786 and 5787 cable is shown in Table A-4, below. Kinks can cause attenuation at the VSAT IFL frequency of operation (950-1,450 MHz), while maintaining DC continuity.

DC Continuity Check – Receive IFL

The IFL cable DC continuity can be checked using a multimeter and a functioning satellite modem. To verify the satellite modem is functioning properly, check the voltage at the satellite modem RF-In connector. Set the multimeter to measure DC voltage (V DC). Remove the receive IFL cable from the satellite modem RF-In connector and install the Type F/male-male coaxial adapter.

Note: When measuring the DC voltage from the satellite modem, care must be taken not to short the center conductor to the outer conductor, as this will not provide an accurate DC voltage measurement and can potentially damage the satellite modem.

Place the multimeter's red probe on the center conductor and the black probe on the outer shell of the coaxial adapter. The DC voltage reading should nominally be 18 V DC. After checking this voltage, remove the coaxial adapter and re-install the receive IFL cable on the satellite modem RF-In connector.

Remove the receive IFL cable from the LNB. Place the multimeter's black probe on the IFL connector outer surface and the red probe on the connector center conductor, as shown in the Figure called “ IFL With No Open or Short Circuits ”. The multimeter should read between 13 and 18 V DC. If there is no voltage present there is typically an open or short somewhere in the IFL. See the previous two figures, labeled “ IFL With an Open Circuit ” and “ IFL With a Short Circuit ”. If there is a short in the IFL, the satellite modem will not function normally. You will be able to see this, if you check the LEDs.

DC Continuity Check – Receive Line Amplifier

If a line amplifier was installed, check the voltage at the input and output of the line amplifier to determine if it has failed. A DC resistance test can be performed, to determine if the IFL has an open or a short. In either case, the IFL must be replaced.

DC Continuity Check – Transmit IFL

Remove the transmit IFL cable from the RF-Out connector and install the Type F/male-male coaxial adapter. Place the multimeter's red probe on the center conductor and the black probe on the outer shell of the coaxial adapter. The DC voltage reading should nominally be between 22 and 24 V DC. After checking this voltage, remove the coaxial adapter and re-install the transmit IFL cable on the satellite modem RF-Out connector.

Note: Do not use a DigiSat II to measure the DC voltage of the transmit IFL, as it is only rated to 18 V DC and will be damaged with higher voltages.

Remove the transmit IFL cable from the ODU. Check the DC voltage of the transmit IFL at the ODU end using the multimeter, as described previously with the receive IFL, except the voltage should be between 13 to 24 V DC. If there is no voltage present, there is typically an open circuit, somewhere in the IFL. If there is a short in the IFL, the satellite modem will not function properly.

DC Continuity Check – Transmit Line Amplifier

If a line amplifier was installed, check the voltage at the input and output of the line amplifier to determine if it has failed. A DC resistance test can be performed, to determine if the IFL has an open or a short. In either case, the IFL must be replaced.

DC Resistance Check

If zero V DC was measured at the end of the transmit and/or receive IFL cable, a DC resistance test can be performed to determine if there is an open or a short circuit in the IFL. Set the multimeter to measure resistance in ohms. Many multimeters can also be set to provide an audible tone, if the probes are shorted. It is suggested that you use this setting, if it is available.

At one end of the IFL cable, install a jumper from the center conductor to the outer conductor shield, as shown in the figures above. At the other end of the IFL, measure the DC resistance. If there is an open circuit, the multimeter will read OL , for overload, meaning the resistance is too high to measure. If there is a short, the multimeter will measure a nominal resistance value from the short. An audible tone will be heard, if the multimeter is set to provide a tone, when a short is measured.

Physical Inspection

Perform a physical inspection on the feed/OMT and the feed arm, for signs of damage. Verify there is no physical damage and that the screws for the ODU and the LNB are properly installed. The torque should be 15 in-lbs. Also check the connection of the feed arm to the reflector bolt. If there is physical damage such as a bent feed arm or a cracked waveguide, the damaged component must be replaced.

Inspection for Moisture

Check the feedhorn cover for the presence of water or condensation build-up inside. Moisture inside the feed/OMT may be caused by cracks in the plastic or a broken seal around the edges, as indicated in the figure above. If any moisture is found, the feed/OMT must be replaced. Check the points illustrated in the figure, for the presence of moisture. A missing or damaged O-ring can also allow moisture penetration. The ODU, LNB, and other waveguide screws may be removed to check the O-ring seals.

Identifying an Outbound Reception Problem

First, the problem must be isolated to an outbound reception problem. The procedure to follow to determine an outbound reception problem is provided in StarBand Field Service Bulletin SB-0016, LNB Troubleshooting . Also, SB-0020, IFL Troubleshooting, should be referenced, to determine if the receive IFL is functioning properly. If the outbound problem has been determined to not be associated with the StarBand antenna, LNB, receive IFL, satellite modem or configuration parameters, the problem could be a radar detector interference problem. Since radar detector problems are rare, it is recommended that the StarBand VSAT be checked thoroughly first. Outbound problems due to faulty antenna peaking, LNB, IFL, satellite modem or parameters are typically always present, while RF interference problems are usually intermittent.

Search for Active Radar Detectors

To cause interference, radar detectors must be powered on and near the VSAT antenna, with a clear line-of-sight. At the VSAT antenna, look around in all directions to see if there are vehicles present in the field of view of the VSAT antenna. Since most vehicles are in-route when radar detectors are turned-on, continuous interference from radar detectors is most often due to parked cars with radar detectors left on or a VSAT installation near a busy traffic area.

Spectrum Analyzer Test Set-Up

This test should only be performed if a high quality spectrum analyzer, such as an Agilent E4411B, and a trained RF technician are available. The receive L-Band IFL spectrum can be observed, to determine if radar detector interference is present. Connect the spectrum analyzer as shown in the figure on the previous page and observe the 950-1,450 MHz spectrum, to see if interference is present.

Removing the Interference

Once a potential source of radar detector interference has been identified, the source should be turned-off or blocked. Asking the owner of a parked vehicle to turn off their radar detector should be attempted first. In some states, radar detectors are illegal. This can potentially be a volatile issue among neighbors and should be handled with the utmost diplomacy.

Temporary shielding is a more involved effort, as a physical barrier is required between the source and the VSAT, to block the radar detector signals in the 11.7-12.2 GHz band.

Relocation of the StarBand VSAT

If the customer is willing to pay for the additional expense, the StarBand VSAT can be relocated to a new installation location on their property, which has a clear line-of-sight to the satellite(s) and is blocked from the interference source. For example, if the antenna is installed on a pole mount when experiencing radar detector interference and the roof provides an obstruction from the interference source and has line-of-sight to the satellite(s), the antenna could be relocated at the customer's expense.

Outbound Signal Quality Measurement — SB-0028-1.00

The Model 360 IDU (InDoor Unit/modem) measures the receive outbound carrier satellite link performance. The StarBand Mission Control software installed on the PC displays this measurement as the Signal Quality parameter. The outbound carrier is transmitted from the StarBand network Hub up to the satellite and then from the satellite down to the customer’s antenna, LNB, IFL, and StarBand Model 360. The higher the Signal Quality reading at the modem and PC, the better the reception of the outbound carrier. A higher Signal Quality reading will provide better outbound reception and the ability to operate during heavier rain storms, but it will not provide higher download speeds. Signal Quality readings below the minimum values will effect the system performance, which can reduce download speeds.

The minimum acceptable outbound performance values differ, depending on the version of Mission Control and the platform used. Most properly installed systems will be able to achieve a much higher reading than the minimum acceptable values listed:

• Model 360 and Mission Control 2.x: For installations using Mission Control version number 2.x, all StarBand customers should have a minimum Signal Quality reading of 4.5 dB.
• Model 360 and Mission Control 3.x: Mission Control version number 3.x uses a different method to calculate the Signal Quality parameter, than version number 2.x uses. The reported Signal Quality value in Mission Control 3.x is 0.9 dB higher than in 2.x. Therefore, the minimum Signal Quality reading for systems using Mission Control 3.x is 5.4 dB.
• Model 360 and Mission Control 4.x and 5.x: For installations using Mission Control version number 4.x or 5.x, all StarBand customers need a minimum Signal Quality reading of 5.0 dB.

For systems that cannot achieve the minimum signal quality, the problem is most likely that the antenna is not properly pointed towards the satellite in azimuth, elevation, skew, and/or polarization axis and/or one or more of the components in the receive path is faulty or not properly installed. If the system has receive lock, allowing the CVACS co-pol/cross-pol test, and the cross-pol test fails, then a likely cause of the low Signal Quality is improper antenna pointing. If both co-pol and cross-pol tests pass, then the problem is likely due to the receive path components, such as a faulty or improperly installed OMT/waveguide assembly, LNB, receive IFL cabling, or Model 360 IDU.

Site Parameters

1. Assignment Parameters
   • Sat Modem ID
   • Cluster ID
   • Sub Cluster ID
   • Satellite Location
   • Transmit Polarity
   • Satellite Delay
2. Antenna Pointing Parameters
   • Azimuth
   • Elevation
   • Skew
3. Antenna Alignment Test - This can be used to test antenna pointing accuracy, prior to using Option 3, to complete commissioning and obtain a confirmation number. It is also used for checking re-pointing setups, after moving to a new location. A poorly aligned antenna will not pass the cross-pol test but may pass the co-pol test.
   • 1. Alignment Check (both co-pol and cross-pol test)
   • 2. Co-Pol Test
   • 3. Cross-Pol Test
4. Activate Site/Get Confirmation Number - This performs an automatic test of co-pol and cross-pol that must meet criteria, to finish site commissioning. Antennas properly aligned in azimuth, elevation, skew, and polarization will pass these tests, support good satellite link performance, and ensure that the antenna will not cause interference to other satellite systems.

If the alignment tests are passed:

• CVACS performs an outbound Signal Quality measurement. Signal Quality is also known as Signal-to-Noise, S/N, SNR and Eb/No.
• If the signal quality is also acceptable, CVACS provides a Confirmation Number.

If the alignment tests fail, CVACS will let you return to the Main Install Menu and adjust your co-pol or cross-pol.

• Finish Later - Selecting this option will terminate the installer’s call to CVACS, by disconnecting the phone connection. This is the correct way to exit CVACS.

StarBand Maintenance Bulletins

Maintenance Bulletin (MB) Subject	Reference Number	Last Updated
What is the procedure to replace the LNB?	MB-0001-1.00	10/21/01
Failed ODU Replacement	MB-0002-1.00	12/21/01
Failed Feed/OMT Replacement	MB-0003-1.00	12/21/01
Damaged Feed Arm Replacement	MB-0004-1.00	12/21/01
IFL Installation/Replacement	MB-0005-1.00	12/21/01