SL2048 Manual RevF

SkyLane SL-2048
L-Band or 70 MHz Satellite Modem

With FFT Technology, and Reed
Solomon/Turbo Codec and Ethernet Data
Interface Options
INSTALLATION AND OPERATIONS

MANUAL
Rev F
An Advantech AMT TM Company
Visit our WEB site at www.advantechamt.com
Head Office U.S. Office European Office

SPL/ACT Wireless Inc. SPL/ACT Wireless U.S., Inc. SPL/ACT Wireless Europe Ltd.
657 Orly Avenue 4710 E. Elwood Street 4A Edison Road
Dorval, Quebec Suite 14 St. Ives, Huntington
H9P 1G1 Phoenix, AZ, 85040 Cambridgeshire, PE27 3LF
Tel : 1 (514) 420 0045 Tel : (480) 784 4646 Tel : 44 1480 357 600
Fax : 1 (514) 420 0073 Fax : (480) 784 1010 Fax : 44 1480 357 601
1
SkyLaneTM SL-2048 Modem O&M Manual
An Advantech AMTTM Company
PREFACE
Thank you for purchasing the industry’s first L-band digital satellite modem with FFT technology,
the optional Reed Solomon and Turbo codecs and the optional Ethernet interface. This
document describes the installation, operation, and maintenance of the SkyLane SL-2048
satellite modem. It has been the goal of SPL/ACT Wireless to provide you with a product and
the associated documentation that eases the installation and operation, and provides longevity
of this modem into a fully operational satellite network.
The following information provides the document part number, revision, the copyright notices,
along with the pertinent FCC, English, German, and French compliance, and the serviceability
of the modem.
Document Part Number and Revision:
Revision History: Date Document Revision

June 2000 Initial Release
Nov 2001 Rev B
Apr 2002 Rev C
June 2002 Rev D
June 2002 Rev E As per ECO # 3155
July 2002 Rev F As per ECO # 3247
Copyright Notices:
Copyright 2002 by SPL/ACT Wireless, Inc., an Advantech AMT Company. All rights reserved.
This manual may not be reproduced or disclosed in whole or in part by any means without the
written consent of SPL/ACT Wireless, Inc.
FCC Warning:
This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy, and if not installed in
accordance with the instructions contained herein, may cause interference to radio
communications. It has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A computing
device pursuant to Subpart J of Part 15 of the Federal Communications Commission rules,
which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference when operating
in a commercial environment. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause
interference; in which case, at the user’s expense, is required to take whatever measures are
necessary to correct the interference.
If radio frequency interference is encountered after the installation of this equipment, necessary
corrective measures are required to reduce this interference. Information on recommended
measures can be obtained from the manufacturer.
PREFACE 3
English/German/French Warnings:
English Text (UL/CSA) German Text (VDE/TUV) French Text

WARNING WARNUNG AVERTISSEMENT
Only a qualified technician Der Zugang ins Innere des Seul un spécialiste devrait
shall make access to the Gerätes ist nur einem avoir accès à l’appareil.
interior of this unit. fachlich qualifizierten
Techniker gestattet.
1. To ensure adequate 1. Um die Kühlung des 1. Afin de ne pas nuire au
cooling of the equipment, a Gerätes nicht zu processus de
2.0-inch unobstructed beeinträchtigen, ist es refroidissement, il est
space must be provided notwendig, an allen Seiten nécessaire de laisser un
around all sides of the unit. des Gerätes ca. 5 cm Raum espace d’environ 5 cm de
zu lassen. chaque côté de l’appareil.
2. The AC Power Socket 2. Stellen Sie das Gerät in 2. Placez l’appareil près
shall be installed near the der Nähe eines geerdeten d’une prise de courant
equipment and shall be Schutzkontaktsteckers so facilement accessible.
easily accessible. auf, dass der Stecker leicht
erreichbar und zugänglich ist.
WARNING WARNUNG AVERTISSEMENT
Remove power plug from Vorm Öffnen des Gerätes Débranchez l’appareil
the power socket before muss der Netzstecker vom avant de l’ouvrir.
performing any service Stromnetz getrennt werden!
work on the unit!
Caution:
Service of this unit can only be made by factory authorised service personnel. Failure to
observe this warning can result in malfunction to the unit as well as electrocution to personnel.
Avertissement:
Cet appareil ne peut être examiné ou réparé que par un employé autorisé du fabricant. Si cette
consigne n’est pas respectée, il y a risque de panne et d’électrocution.
Vorsich:
Dieses Gerät darf nur durch das bevollmächtigte Kundendienstpersonal der fabrik
instandgehalten werden. Die Nichtbeachtung dieser Vorschrift kann zu Fehlfunktionen des
Gerätes führen und das Personal durch Stromschläge gefährden.
Notice:
All specifications, tolerances and product characteristics are subject to change without notice.
Format of Manual:
This manual is arranged in Sections and Appendices. The beginning of the manual states the
Warranty and Service support of the product. There are currently 4 Sections to the manual, as
noted below:
Section Number Title

SECTION 1. OVERVIEW
SECTION 2 INSTALLATION
SECTION 3 OPERATION
SECTION 4 BENCH TESTING THE SL-2048
4 PREFACE
Appendices are provided to complement the use of the product, such as when the modem is
used with other products, or embellishment of a modem feature or an optional feature, such as
the optional receive buffer. There are currently 4 Appendices as follows:
Appendix Letter Title

APPENDIX A. CABLES AND PINOUTS
APPENDIX B. S/N AND Eb/No VALUES
APPENDIX C. RECEIVE BUFFER CARD OPTION
APPENDIX D. SL-2048 OPERATION WITH SIERRACOM BUC AND
ADVANTECH SSPB
The page number in the Table of Contents (following) hyperlinks to the actual page where a
Section or Paragraph is located. Should you have an electronic copy of this manual, merely
placing the cursor over the page number and clicking on it brings up the page to the location
where the Section or Paragraph is located. (The cursor turns into a hand when it is directly over
the page number.)
PREFACE 5
“This page is intentionally left blank”
6 PREFACE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREFACE .................................................................................................................... 3
Document Part Number and Revision.................................................................................................3
Copyright Notices ................................................................................................................................3
FCC Warning.......................................................................................................................................3
English/German/French Warnings ......................................................................................................4
Caution ................................................................................................................................................4
Avertissement......................................................................................................................................4
Vorsich.................................................................................................................................................4
Notice ..................................................................................................................................................4
Format of Manual ................................................................................................................................4
TABLE OF CONTENTS............................................................................................... 7
LIST OF FIGURES....................................................................................................... 9
LIST OF TABLES ...................................................................................................... 10
WARRANTY AND SERVICE ..................................................................................... 11

WARRANTY ........................................................................................................................................ 11
Extended Warranty Options ..............................................................................................................11
SERVICE ............................................................................................................................................. 11
SECTION 1. OVERVIEW .......................................................................................... 13
1.0 INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................... 13
1.1 PRODUCT OVERVIEW .............................................................................................................. 13
1.2 CONNECTOR PANEL ................................................................................................................ 14
1.3 CONFIGURATIONS .................................................................................................................... 15
1.4 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS................................................................................................. 17
SECTION 2. INSTALLATION ................................................................................... 19
2.0 INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................... 19
2.1 UNPACKING AND INSPECTION ............................................................................................... 19
2.1.1 Unpacking.............................................................................................................................19
2.1.2 Inventory ...............................................................................................................................19
2.2 INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS......................................................................................... 19
2.2.1 Site Considerations...............................................................................................................19
2.2.2 Power Requirements ............................................................................................................19
2.2.3 Link Budget Analysis ............................................................................................................20
2.3 INSTALLATION .......................................................................................................................... 21
2.3.1 Modem Rear Support ...........................................................................................................22
2.3.2 Data Connections .................................................................................................................23
2.3.3 BUC and LNB/BDC Connections .........................................................................................23
2.3.4 Front Panel Controls and Indicators .....................................................................................24
2.3.5 Transmit Levels ....................................................................................................................26
2.3.6 Bringing the Modulator Online ..............................................................................................27
2.3.7 Translation from L-Band to Transmit/Receive Bands...........................................................27
TABLE OF CONTENTS 7
SECTION 3. OPERATION ........................................................................................ 29

3.0 INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................... 29
3.1 REMOTE MONITOR AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS ................................................................. 30
3.1.1 RS-232 Rear Panel Remote M&C........................................................................................31
3.1.2 RS-485 Rear Panel Remote M&C........................................................................................31
3.1.3 Simplified User Interface.......................................................................................................31
3.1.4 Display Configuration (Modulator Only)................................................................................32
3.1.5 Display Status (Modulator Only)...........................................................................................32
3.2 MODULATOR (TRANSMIT) COMMANDS................................................................................. 33
3.2.1 Transmit Control Commands................................................................................................33
3.2.2 Modulator Operation for PowerTrack Option........................................................................36
3.2.3 Modulator Test Modes .........................................................................................................37
3.2.4 Transmit Monitor Commands ...............................................................................................38
3.3 DEMODULATOR (RECEIVE) COMMANDS .............................................................................. 39
3.3.1 Receive Control Commands.................................................................................................40
3.3.2 Demodulators Equipped with 70 MHz IF Inputs ...................................................................42
3.3.3 Commands for Dual Demodulators ......................................................................................42
3.3.4 Receive Monitor Commands ................................................................................................44
3.3.5 Monitor Commands for Dual Demodulators .........................................................................45
3.3.6 Carrier Acquisition ................................................................................................................45
3.3.7 Carrier Frequency Configuration ..........................................................................................45
3.3.8 Measuring Acquisition Time of the SL-2048 Demodulator ...................................................47
3.4 MODEMS WITH REED SOLOMON OPTION............................................................................. 48
3.4.1 Transmit Commands/Status with R/S Option .......................................................................49
3.4.2 Receive Commands/Status with R/S Option ........................................................................50
3.4.3 Receive Buffer Commands/Status for R/S and Turbo Options ............................................51
3.5 MODEMS WITH TURBO OPTION.............................................................................................. 53
3.5.1 Transmit Commands/Status with Turbo Option ...................................................................53
3.5.2 Receive Commands/Status with Turbo Option ....................................................................54
3.6 MODEMS WITH ETHERNET BRIDGE OPTION........................................................................ 55
3.6.1 Wan Controller......................................................................................................................55
3.7 PRESET COMMANDS................................................................................................................ 56
3.7.1 Building PRESET Commands ..............................................................................................56
3.7.2 Saving PRESET Configuration Commands .........................................................................57
3.7.3 Viewing PRESET Configuration Commands........................................................................57
3.7.4 Activating PRESET Configuration Commands.....................................................................57
3.8 MONITORING CHASSIS STATUS............................................................................................. 57
3.8.1 Monitor Commands ..............................................................................................................57
3.8.2 RS-485 Addressing Mode.....................................................................................................58
SECTION 4. BENCH TESTING THE SL-2048 ......................................................... 59
4.0 TESTING METHODS .................................................................................................................. 59
4.1 Testing One SL-2048................................................................................................................59
4.2 Testing Two SL-2048s..............................................................................................................59
APPENDIX A. CABLES AND PINOUTS .................................................................. 61
A.1 RS-442/449 TO RS-530 ADAPTER CABLE............................................................................ 61
A.2 RS-442/449 TO RS-530 Y-CABLE........................................................................................... 61
A.3 RS-530 DATA INTERFACE PINOUT....................................................................................... 62
A.4 RJ-45 ETHERNET CONNECTOR PINOUT ............................................................................. 63
A.5 RS-232 CONNECTOR PINOUT ............................................................................................... 63
A.6 RS-232 NULL MODEM CABLE ASSEMBLY .......................................................................... 64
A.7 RS-485 CONNECTOR PINOUT ............................................................................................... 64
A.8 RJ-11 TO 9-PIN ADAPTER CABLE ........................................................................................ 64
8 TABLE OF CONTENTS
A.9 BUC/MODEM CABLING REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................ 65

A.10 L-BAND TRANSMIT CABLE ................................................................................................... 65
A.11 L-BAND RECEIVE CABLE ...................................................................................................... 65
APPENDIX B. S/N AND Eb/N0 VALUES .................................................................. 67
APPENDIX C. RECEIVE BUFFER CARD OPTION ................................................. 69

C.1 FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION ................................................................................................. 69
C.2 SIMPLIFIED THEORY OF OPERATION ................................................................................. 70
C.3 BUFFER COMMANDS AND STATUS..................................................................................... 71
C.3.1 Receive Buffer Commands...................................................................................................72
C.3.2 Receive Buffer Status ...........................................................................................................72
C.3.3 Receive Buffer Standard Configuration Settings ..................................................................72
APPENDIX D. SL-2048 OPERATION WITH SIERRACOM BUC AND ADVANTECH SSPB ..... 73
D.1 BUC INTERFACE CONNECTIONS ......................................................................................... 73
D.2 LNB INTERFACE CONNECTIONS ......................................................................................... 73
D.3 RS-232 M&C INTERFACE CONNECTIONS ........................................................................... 73
D.4 SL-2048 MODEM CONFIGURATION ...................................................................................... 73
D.5 TX CARRIER ENABLE ............................................................................................................ 73
D.6 RX CARRIER ACQUISITION ................................................................................................... 74
APPENDIX E. COMMANDS NO LONGER SUPPORTED BY THE DEMODULATOR .............. 75
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure Title Page
1.1 Front View, SL-2048 Satellite Modem ……………………………. 13
1.2 SL-2048 Rear Connector Panel (3 Versions)………………………. 14
1.3 SL-2048 Label…………………………………………………………. 16
2.1 SL-2048 Rear Support Kit Installation 22
2.2 Typical SkyLane SL-2048 Interconnection…………………………. 24
2.3 Exploded View of Front Panel LEDs and M&C RJ-11 Jack………. 25
2.4 Hand-Held Terminal…………………………………………………… 25
2.5 Power Loss in LMR-600 Cable versus Cable Length and
Frequency……………………………………………………………… 26
3.1 SkyLane SL-2048 Transmit Clocking Options……………………... 38
3.2 Simplified Block Diagram Showing Reed Solomon Option Card… 48
3.3 Preferred Transmit Clocking Options……………………………….. 52
3.4 Preferred Receive Clocking Options………………………………… 53
3.5 Switches for Filtering and Control…………………………………… 56
A.1 RJ-45 Connector Showing Pinout…………………………………… 63
A.2 RJ-11 Connector Showing Pinout…………………………………… 65
C.1 Simplified Logic Diagram of Enhanced Receive Buffer…………… 71
D.1 Test Diagram 1………………………………………………………… 74
TABLE OF CONTENTS 9
LIST OF TABLES
Table Title Page
1.1 SkyLane SL-2048 Models……………………………………………. 15
1.2 Technical Specifications………………………………………………. 17
2.1 Allocated Bandwidth for each Carrier Type…………………………. 21
2.2 Front Panel LED Indicators…………………………………………... 25
3.1 SL-2048 Standard (L-Band or 70 MHz) Configurations…………… 29
3.2 SL-2048 Additional Settings when Equipped with Reed Solomon. 30
3.3 SL-2048 Additional Settings when Equipped with Turbo…………. 30
4.1 SL-2048 Back-to-Back Parameter Configuration………………….. 59
4.2 RS-530 Loopback Connector………………………………………… 60
A.1 RS-422/RS-449 to RS-530 Adapter Cable Pinout…………………. 61
A.2 RS-422/RS-449 to RS-530 Y-Cable Pinout………………………… 61
A.3 TX/RX Data Pinout……………………………………………………. 62
A.4 RJ-45 Connector Pinout……………………………………………… 63
A.5 RS-232 Connector Pinout……………………………………………. 63
A.6 RS-232 Null Cable Connector Pinout…………………………….…. 64
A.7 RS-485 Connector Pinout…………………………………………….. 64
A.8 RJ-11 to 9-Pin Connector Cable Pinout…………………………….. 64
A.9 Cable Assembly Pinout for SL-2048 Modem and SierraCom
Ku Band BUC…………………………………………………………... 65
B.1 S/N and Eb/No Values…………………………………………………. 67
C.1 Buffer Depth Options using Alternate IDT FIFO Devices…………. 69
10 TABLE OF CONTENTS
WARRANTY AND SERVICE
WARRANTY
SPL/ ACT Wireless, Inc., warrants to Purchaser that the Products and any Repaired Products (Repairs)
will be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of two years from the date of
shipment to Purchaser.
SPL/ACT Wireless' obligation under this warranty is limited to replacing or repairing, at SPL/ACT
Wireless' option, Products or Repairs found by SPL/ACT Wireless to be defective within the warranty
period. All such replacements and repairs shall be performed at facilities designated by SPL/ACT
Wireless and shall be performed only after the customer has received a Return Material Authorisation
(RMA) number from SPL/ACT Wireless and has returned the Product to SPL/ACT Wireless, shipping
and insurance prepaid by Purchaser.
The returned Product must be accompanied by the customer's name, address and telephone number,
the model and serial number of the Product, a statement of the purchase date and a detailed
description of the problem. Products and Repairs returned by Purchaser shall be repaired by SPL/ACT
Wireless using new or refurbished parts and shall be returned to Purchaser by SPL/ACT Wireless,
shipping prepaid by SPL/ACT Wireless.
This warranty shall immediately become null and void if, in SPL/ACT Wireless' sole judgement, the
Product has been subject to unauthorised modification, misuse, abuse, neglect, accident, improper
installation or application, alteration or neglect in use, storage, transportation or handling, or if the serial
number and/or other Product markings have been removed, defaced or altered.
SPL/ACT Wireless may, at its discretion, perform out of warranty repairs at SPL/ACT Wireless'
customary charges or enter into a written agreement extending the terms of this warranty at a price
stated in such agreement. All repairs performed out of warranty or pursuant to an extended warranty
agreement shall be subject to all of the applicable limitations and procedures of this Agreement.
The above warranties are in lieu of all other warranties, expressed, implied, or statutory or arising by
custom of trade usage, including any warranty of merchantability of fitness for any unique, special or
express purpose, and of all other obligations of liabilities whether in contract, tort or otherwise
including, without limitation, liability for damages (whether general or special, direct or indirect,
consequential, incidental, exemplary) or any claim for the loss of profits or business or for damage to
goodwill.
Extended Warranty Options

Please contact Customer Service or your reseller for information on optional extended warranties.
SERVICE
Support functions provided by SPL/ACT Wireless' Customer Service include complete factory repair for
both in-warranty and out-of-warranty equipment.
In the U.S.A., call SPL/ACT Wireless' Customer Service at 1-480-784-4646. In Canada, call SPL/ACT
Wireless, Advantech AMT at 1-514-420-0045. In Europe, contact SPL/ACT Wireless at 011-44-1223
42037 and ask for Customer Service. In all other countries, contact your local SPL/ACT Wireless
distributor or reseller.
A Customer Service engineer will answer warranty-related questions, discuss your specific equipment
problems, and when necessary, give you shipping instructions for returning equipment to SPL/ACT
Wireless for repair.
WARRANTY AND SERVICE 11

To return a Product for service or repair, you must obtain a RMA number from SPL/ACT Wireless'
Customer Service. The following information is required:
• Customer name, address, telephone number
• Model number
• Serial number
• Detailed description of problem
All customer-returned units must be shipped to SPL/ACT Wireless freight prepaid, in the original carton
or equivalent. SPL/ACT Wireless is not responsible for damage in transit. All repairs will require return
of the entire equipment to SPL/ACT Wireless. No individual modules will be accepted for repair under
this contract.
12 WARRANTY AND SERVICE

SECTION 1. OVERVIEW
1.0 INTRODUCTION
This section provides an overview of the
SPL/ACT Wireless’ SkyLane SL-2048 Satellite
Modem. It is a versatile rack-mounted product
designed to be used in a Single-Channel-Per-
Carrier (SCPC), Multiple-Channel-Per-Carrier
(MCPC), or even a Multiple-Address-Per-Carrier Figure 1.1. Front View, SL-2048
(MAPC) environment using a Frame Relay
approach. A front panel view of the product is
Satellite Modem
shown in Figure 1.1.
1.1 PRODUCT OVERVIEW

SkyLane SL-2048 is the satellite industry’s first standalone L-Band modem with FFT Technology.
Through the use of innovative L-band technology, SkyLane eliminates the need for a conventional RF
indoor unit, and reduces by more than 50% the cost of a RF transceiver (RFT). A RF transceiver can
represent more than half of the overall costs of an integrated VSAT Solution. SkyLane can be used as
a standalone satellite modem and works with any voice/data multiplexer.
Two methods of acquiring the satellite carrier are deployed in the SL-2048 modem. One method
utilises the more conventional sweep function, and the other utilises the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT)
algorithm. FFT Technology reduces the lockup time when acquiring the carrier for the first time.
Acquisition times of <500 milliseconds for a 32 kbps data rate carrier over a +24 kHz frequency
uncertainty are achievable. (See Carrier Acquisition of Table 1.2, Specifications.)
Standard features of the SL-2048 include:
• L-Band IF output of 950-1450 MHz, input of 950-2050 MHz tuneable in 100 Hz steps
• Provides DC power and 10 MHz reference for Low Noise Block Down Converter
(LNB)/Block Down Converter (BDC) and Block Up Converter (BUC)
• Variable data rates from 9.6 to 3,850 KBPS, in 1 BPS increments
• Viterbi (FEC), ½, ¾, or 7/8 symbol rate
• BPSK/QPSK modulation
• Programmable Acquisition Range
• FFT Technology for fast acquisition applications
• Occupies 1 Rack Unit (RU) of Rack Space (1.75”)
• Consumes less than 60 Watts of Power (not including BUC power supply)
• Full Monitor and Control Capability using a Hand-Held Terminal (option), ASCII terminal,
or PC
Optional features of the SL-2048 include:
• Receive buffer with enhanced clocking options and programmable digital loopback
capability (See Appendix C)
• Reed Solomon codec concatenated with Viterbi plus Doppler buffer
• Turbo standalone codec (¾ rate) plus Doppler buffer
• V.35 Interface (includes cable adapter to comply with 34-pin Winchester connector)
• RS-422/RS449 interface (includes cable adapter to comply with 37-pin D connector)
TM
• Ethernet 10Base T interface (similar to RAD TinyBridge ) with RJ45 connector
• 70 +18 MHz IF interface
• Dual demodulator
• Transmit only, receive only, or receive only with dual demodulator versions
• Various RF input and output connector types
SECTION 1. OVERVIEW 13
• 48 VDC input power

• BUC power supply voltages and currents
Control of the SL-2048 modem includes an RJ-11 (6-wire telephone plug) on the front panel for easy
connection to an ASCII terminal using an asynchronous RS-232 interface. It also includes a rear panel
RS-232 and an RS-485 serial bus interface. The ASCII terminal can be a hand-held terminal or a PC
with terminal emulation software. User-friendly, menu-driven resident software is stored in non-volatile
Random-Access-Memory (NV-RAM). Once configured, the modem retains the last memory settings,
and retrieves those settings upon power restoration.
Data interface to and from the modem is a synchronous RS-530 interface (25-pin D connector).
Through the use of interface cables, the data port can be converted to a synchronous RS449/422
interface (37-pin D connector) or a V.35 interface (34-pin Winchester connector).
The data interface can also be optionally equipped to interface directly to Ethernet 10BaseT (10 MHz)
systems. The connector for this option is a RJ45 female connector. The Ethernet port is similar to the
TM
RAD TinyBridge . It can operate in the full duplex mode, simplex mode or the half-duplex mode.
The standard SL-2048 is powered from a universal power supply with a range from 96 to 263 VAC,
47-63 Hz, producing a maximum of 50 Watts. The modem utilises only 25 Watts; the extra is reserved
for LNB/BDC power (20 VDC, 0.5 Amperes). The standard BUC power supply produces 24 VDC at a
maximum of 3.5 Amperes (110 Watts), which is in addition to the 50-Watt power supply. Optionally,
the BUC power supply can be upgraded to 48 VDC, 2.2 Amperes. SPL/ACT Wireless does not
recommend higher current options, since the residual power left inside the modem can cause inside
temperatures to rise beyond our current specifications.
1.2 CONNECTOR PANEL

The SL-2048 is configured as a transmit/receive modem. It can also be powered from a plus or minus
48 VDC supply. Figures 1.2 (a), (b) and (c) show three different configurations.
The (a) version is a fully configured modulator/demodulator, with the option of providing DC power and
10 MHz reference to the BUC and LNB/BDC. The (b) version is powered from a 48 VDC source, which
can be either -48 VDC or +48 VDC. The (c) version is AC powered, as shown in (a), but with the
optional 10BaseT Ethernet interface.
IF Output to BUC IF Output IF Input From LNB

L-Band 50 Ohms SW1 To Demod SW2 L-band 75 Ohms
70 MHz T3, 15A 230V
50 Ohms
BUC LNB J5
Power Power P1
TX/RX DATA 100-240 V
RS-530 Caution: 50-60 Hz
Double-pole/ 115V-2.5A 60Hz
neutral fusing 230V-0.7A 50Hz
(a). Modem, Standard Version, AC Input

L-Band 50 Ohms SW1 To Demod SW2 L-band 75 Ohms 48 V
70 MHz FUSE T6, 3A 250V
1.5 A
50 Ohms
BUC LNB J5
Power Power P1 + -
TX/RX DATA
RS-530
+ + + +
(b). Modem, 48 VDC Version, with BNC Input

L-Band 50 Ohms SW1 To Demod SW2 L-band 75 Ohms
70 MHz T3, 15A 230V
50 Ohms
BUC LNB J5
Power Power P1
100-240 V
Caution: 50-60 Hz
Double-pole/ 115V-2.5A 60Hz
neutral fusing 230V-0.7A 50Hz
(c). Modem, Standard Version, AC Input, with Optional Ethernet Data Port
Figure 1.2. SL-2048 Rear Connector Panel (3 Versions)
14 SECTION 1. OVERVIEW
1.3 CONFIGURATIONS
The SkyLane SL-2048 modem is available in several models. Use Table 1.1 to verify that you have
received the correct model for your installation.
All models are identical in appearance. Caution should be taken to insure that the correct modem
model is used when DC power is applied to the Block Up-Converter (BUC). The label on the top of the
modem, centred and near the front panel (see Figure 1.3) provides the Model Number, Part Number,
Revision Number, and the Serial Number.
Table 1.1. SkyLane SL-2048 Models
SL-2048
120-CTRDOS-BPX*
OPTION "C" OPTION "T" OPTION "R"

NOTE NOTE NOTE
CHASSIS TX FREQUENCY MHz RX FREQUENCY MHz
FULL DUPLEX/ 1 NO TX 1 NO RX
A 5
SINGLE DEMODULATOR
FULL DUPLEX/ 2 70 +/- 18 2 70 +/- 18
B
DUAL DEMODULATOR
TX ONLY/ 3 950 -1450 5 3 950 -1450 2
C
MODULATOR
RX ONLY/ 4 950 - 1525 1 4 950 - 2050 5
D
SINGLE DEMODULATOR
RX ONLY/ 5 950 - 1750 1 5 950 - 2150 1
E
DUAL DEMODULATOR
OPTION "D" OPTION "O" OPTION "S"

NOTE NOTE NOTE
DATA INTERFACE OPTION CARD SPECIAL OPTION
K RS-230/ RS-422 (25-PIN D) 5 1 NO OPTION 5 0 NO OPTION 3,5
L ETHERNET 10 BASE (RJ-45) 2 BUFFER 4 P N-TYPE RX CONNECTOR
REED SOLOMON &

M V.35 1 3 4 Q ACTIVE FRONT PANEL
BUFFER
4 TURBO & BUFFER 4
OPTION "P" Notes:

OPTION "B" NOTE
NOTE DATA INTERFACE
BUC POWER SUPPLY *- for C, T, R, D, O, S, B, P see option tables;
last digit of part number "X" is to identify
1 NO BUC POWER SUPPLY R 85-265 VAC 5 release
2 24 VDC (4.0 A) S -48 VDC 1 - option under development (contract

review required)
3 48 VDC (2.2 A) 5 2 - option retired - not available
3 - "0" is for no option selected
4 48 VDC (3.2 A) 1 4 - option available with Chassis Option "A" &
"C" only
5 - option in "Italic" type are for Standard
Modems with no options
Figure.1.3 SL-2048 Label
S PL
ACT
Model No
Ser ial No
1.4 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Table 1.2 is a list of specifications for the SkyLane SL-2048 modem.
Table 1.2. Technical Specifications
DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
GENERAL
Data Rate 9.6 to 3,850 kbps, variable in 1 bps increments
Data Interface RS-530 with RS-422 format
Optional V.35 with cable adapter for 34-pin Winchester
Optional RS-422/449 with cable adapter for 37-pin D
Optional 10BaseT Ethernet (similar to RAD TinyBridgeTM)
Data Connector 25-pin D, female, standard
RJ45 for Ethernet option
Data Scrambling CCITT
IESS-308/309
V.35
Off
Data Clock Source Selectable, Data Communications Equipment (DCE) or Data
Terminal Equipment (DTE)
Modulation Schemes BPSK, ½ rate: 9.6 to 1100 kbps, in 1 bps increments
BPSK, ¾ rate: 14.4 to 1650 kbps, in 1 bps increments
QPSK, ½ rate: 19.2 to 2200 kbps, in 1 bps increments
QPSK, ¾ rate: 28.8 to 3300 kbps, in 1 bps increments
QPSK, 7/8 rate: 33.6 to 3850 kbps, in 1 bps increments
Forward Error Correction Rate ½, ¾ and 7/8 convolutional encoding
Viterbi, K=7, Soft Decision decoding
Optional Reed Solomon outer with Viterbi inner codec
Optional Turbo @ ¾ rate
MODULATOR
Output Frequency 950 to 1450 MHz, variable in 100 Hz steps
Optional 70 +18 MHz in 1 Hz steps
Output Power Range: -5 to -49 dBm, adjustable in 0.10 dB increments
Accuracy: ± 1.0 dB
Stability: ± 0.5 dB
Outdoor Equipment Reference BUC: 10 MHz, 0 dBm, ± 2 dB
(through IF output connector) Phase Noise (bandwidth at 1 Hz):
-140 dBc/Hz maximum at 1 kHz
Outdoor BUC Power BUC DC Power: +24 VDC; 4.0 Amperes maximum
(through IF output connector) Optional BUC DC Power: +48 VDC; 2.2 Amperes maximum
Output Connector Type N, female; BNC female for 70 MHz version
Impedance: 50 Ohms
Return Loss: >15 dB
DEMODULATOR
Input Frequency 950 to 2050 MHz, variable in 100 Hz steps
Optional 70 +18 MHz in 1 Hz steps
Input Connector Type F female; BNC female for 70 MHz versions
Impedance: 75 Ohms; 50 Ohms for 70 MHz versions
Return Loss: >9 dB
Input Level with Automatic Gain Control -70 dBm to -40 dBm, (L-Band mode)
(AGC) -55 dBm to -35 dBm, (70 MHz mode)
DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
Outdoor Equipment Reference LNB/BDC: 10 MHz, 0 dBm, ± 2dB
(through IF input connector) Phase Noise (bandwidth at 1 Hz):
Outdoor LNB/BDC Power
LNB/BDC: +20 VDC, 0.4 Amperes maximum
(through IF input connector)
Sweep Range Variable in 1 kHz steps over a range of 1 to 512 kHz
Carrier Acquisition (FFT Mode) Varies, depending on data rate, frequency uncertainty, and
operating Eb/No. The following are some samples of lock times
given the data rate, frequency uncertainty, and Eb/No values:
< 1.0 sec @ 19.2 kbps, +24 kHz sweep range, > 8 dB Eb/No.
< 0.5 sec @ 32 kbps, +24 kHz sweep range, > 8 dB Eb/No.
Shorter lockup times can be achieved using a shorter sweep range.
Eb/No Performance, Viterbi Only ½ Rate ¾ Rate Ǭ Rate
1 x 10-5 5.1 dB 6.2 dB 8.0 dB
1 x 10-6 6.1 dB 7.6 dB 8.7 dB
1 x 10-7 6.7 dB 8.3 dB 9.4 dB
1 x 10-8 7.2 dB 8.8 dB 10.3 dB
Eb/No Performance, Viterbi + R/S ½ Rate ¾ Rate Ǭ Rate
1 x 10-5 4.1 dB 5.5 dB 6.5 dB
1 x 10-6 4.3 dB 5.7 dB 6.7 dB
1 x 10-7 4.4 dB 5.9 dB 6.9 dB
1 x 10-8 4.6 dB 6.2 dB 7.1 dB
Eb/No Performance, Turbo ¾ Rate
1 x 10-5 3.8 dB
1 x 10-6 3.9 dB
1 x 10-7 4.1 dB
1 x 10-8 4.3 dB
Programmable. See Appendix C for details. Buffer is included with
Receive Buffer (Option)
Reed Solomon and Turbo Codec options.
Programmable Loopback (standard
Digitally loops back receive data to transmit data, a test condition.
with Receive buffer option)
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
Monitoring and Control (M&C) Hand-help terminal: RS-232, 9600 bps
External M&C interface: RS-232, RS-485
Commands: ASCII
Configuration parameter storage: NVRAM
Physical Dimensions The SL-2048 is packaged in a rack-mountable 1U EIA chassis.
Height: 4.4 cm (1.75")
Width: 43.2 cm (17")
Depth: 45.7 cm (18")
Weight: 11 lb. (5 kg) maximum
Power, AC Autosensing 95-265 VAC, 50/60 Hz
Power dissipation: 25 Watts without BUC power supply; 50 Watts
when powering LNB/BDC; 150 Watts when powering BUC and
LNB/BDC.
Power, DC (Option) 48 VDC, (+ 32 to +72 VDC)
Power dissipation: 25 Watts without BUC power supply, 50 Watts
when powering LNB/BDC
BUC power supply limited to 24 VDC @ 3.5 Amperes.
Power dissipation with BUC P/S: 150 Watts maximum
Environmental Operating temperature: 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F)
Storage temperature: -25oC to 85oC (-13oF to 185oF)
Relative humidity: up to 90% non-condensing, operating; up to
95% non-condensing, storage
Altitude: Up to 10,000’ (3,045 Meters) operating; to 40,000’
(12,180 Meters) during transit
SECTION 2. INSTALLATION
2.0 INTRODUCTION
This section describes the unpacking, inspection, and installation considerations. All SkyLane SL-2048
modems provide a modulator and demodulator connection for interface to a satellite outdoor unit
(RFT). A data port connection is used for connection to the aggregate port of a multiplexed, network
multiplexer, digital video equipment, or other such devices. Additional ports are provided for monitor
and control.
2.1 UNPACKING AND INSPECTION

Check for damage to the outside and the inside of the shipping container. If any damage is noted,
contact SPL/ACT Wireless Customer Service and the shipping carrier to report damage.
2.1.1 Unpacking
To insure safety and proper operation of this equipment, use the following unpacking and repackaging
guidelines:
1. The equipment is shipped in a high-quality cardboard container and packed with high-density
molded foam. This type of packing material can withstand impairments such as vibration and
impact associated with long-distance shipment. The original SPL/ACT Wireless packing box and
foam is the only suitable type of packing that should be used for shipping the equipment.
2. While unpacking, observe how the equipment is packed. In order to avoid damage, it must be
repackaged in exactly the same manner if you need to ship the unit to another location or return it
to the factory. The packing consists of one large cardboard box, two foam side caps, and one
accessory box. Please retain these items for future use.
2.1.2 Inventory
Take inventory of the complete package to ensure that all necessary parts are present. In addition to
the modem, the box should contain a power cord and this manual. A quick review of your
pre-installation site survey form, purchase order, and shipping list should reveal any discrepancies.
2.2 INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS

Installation is normally preceded by a pre-installation survey of the facilities where the unit will be
installed. The purpose of this survey is to ensure a successful installation. The following paragraphs
describe issues that should be addressed during the pre-installation survey.
2.2.1 Site Considerations

The installation site should be compatible with the location used for other electronic equipment. That
is, the building should be free from excessive dust and moisture. The room should not exceed the
recommended temperature range (see Section 1, OVERVIEW). The installation location should allow
for ample airflow. Also, allow extra room for service access to cables and wiring.
2.2.2 Power Requirements

The AC power version of the SkyLane SL-2048 modem can accommodate power requirements found
worldwide. The DC power version of the SkyLane SL-2048 modem accepts either a plus or minus DC
voltage from any 32 to 72 VDC power source. Please verify that the power system used at the
installation site provides a proper earth ground. In Addition, verify that the voltage setting matches the
voltage and power provided by the facility where it will be installed. Refer to Paragraph 1.4, Technical
Specifications for details.
SECTION 2. INSTALLATION 19
2.2.2.1 AC Powered Versions

AC power is applied to the SkyLane modem via the receptacle labelled P1 on the rear panel. This
power receptacle is a standard IEC 320 3-prong male power receptacle that can be used to provide AC
input power to the unit.
NOTE:
Only the U.S.-type power cord is s SL-2048 ist mit einer USA-Schnur nur
shipped with the SL-2048. Because geliefert. Da es keine internationalen
no international power cords are Schnüre mit dem
shipped with the SL-2048, you must SL-2048 gibt, muß man eine
supply an appropriate approved power zugelassene Schnur passend für das
cord for the country of installation. besondere Land liefern.
The fuse assembly is attached to the bottom of the power receptacle and contains two fuses. To
remove the fuses, press down on the tab that extends out just below the power receptacle and
between the two fuse holders. When replacing the fuses, make sure to use the exact type and rating
marked next to the fuse holder. AC versions use a Time Delay 3.15 Amp 250 V fuse.
2.2.2.2 DC Powered Versions
DC power is applied to the SkyLane modem via a barrier strip labelled P1 on the rear panel. This
barrier strip has two screw terminals; one labelled (+) and the other labelled (-). The two input
terminals are floating (neither lead is connected to chassis ground), and therefore can accommodate
either a -48 VDC source, or a +48 VDC source. In either case, do not tie either the plus or minus lead
from the source to chassis ground. DC versions use a Time Delay 6.3 Amp 250 V fuse.
2.2.3 Link Budget Analysis

There are many satellites available at Ku or C-band with different transmission parameters (power,
bandwidth, sensitivity, etc.), different tariffs for their use, different operational requirements and under
different regulatory environments. The link budget problem normally consists of determining the
optimum economic solution for the particular network requirements, given the satellite parameters, the
price for utilisation of power and bandwidth and the operational restrictions that may apply.
Link budgets for SkyLane SL-2048 should always guarantee a minimum Eb/N0 for worst case
conditions, as a function of the availability requirements of the network. This minimum Eb/N0 is the one
required for BER of 10^-07. Table 2.1 illustrates the minimum Eb/N0 required for different bit rates and
code rates. Any necessary link margins shall be added on top of the table value. This includes rain
margin, pointing loss, etc. For example, if a 3-dB rain margin is added, the link will normally be
operating at better than 10E-10 BER under clear sky conditions. Table 2.1 also shows examples of the
allocated bandwidth (or channel spacing) for each of the carrier types.
Note: Refer to Appendix B for a table of values for Eb/N0 based on (S+N)/N.
20 SECTION 2. INSTALLATION
Table 2.1. Allocated Bandwidth for each Carrier Type
Transmission Method Channel Spacing (Rounded) Eb/N0 @ 10^-07 (Typical)

Viterbi & Viterbi R/S Viterbi Viterbi + R/S Viterbi Viterbi + R/S
2048 kbps, QPSK, rate 1/2 2870 kHz 3025 kHz 6.5 4.4
128 kbps, BPSK, rate 1/2 360 kHz 390 kHz 6.5 4.4
Transmission Method Channel Spacing Eb/N0 @ 10E-07
Turbo (Rounded) (Typical)
2048 kbps, QPSK, rate 3/4 2085 kHz 4.1
Out-of-beam emission limits or downlink emission limits as defined by the regulatory environment in the
country where the network is being installed are also an issue: there may be a limit on the minimum
antenna size to be used.
2.3 INSTALLATION
Move the unit to the location where it will be installed. Ideally, the unit will be installed into an
equipment rack or a shelf. Follow these precautions:
1. Do not block the air holes or the fan cut outs along the sides of the unit, these openings must be
kept clear for the proper cooling of the equipment.
2. Do not place the units beside each other or on top of each other. The exhaust from one unit can
be drawn into the air intake of another.
3. Make sure the room is properly cooled. Normally cooling may not be sufficient for locations where
the electrical equipment is installed. See the environmental specifications in Table 1.2, Technical
Specifications, for details.
4. Always make sure the unit’s top cover is installed and secured in place.
5. If it has not already been done, label each cable that will be attached to the unit. This will prevent
confusion and ensure for the proper connections.
2.3.1 Modem Rear Support

Prior to installing the SL-2048 unit into a rack or shelf, the depth of the supporting structure must be
determined. Three modem rear support kits are available to secure the SL-2048 unit firmly on to the
supporting structure:
1. Kit with part number 19A-230001-001 is for rack mount structures with a depth of 600 mm,
2. Kit with part number 19A-230011-001 is for structures with a depth of 800 mm and
3. Kit with part number 19A-230021-001 is for structures with a depth of 700 mm.
Each kit contains two supports, two angles and the associated mounting hardware for the proper
installation on the supporting structure. Figure 2.1 illustrates how to install the rear support kits on to
the SL-2048 unit.
Figure 2.1. SL-2048 Rear Support Kit Installation
Note: The left and right supports are attached to the SL-2048 unit with two #6-32 x 5/16 inch Phillips
countersunk screws. Each angle is attached to a support by one #8-32 x 1/2 inch screw, one
# 8 lock washer, one #8 flat washer 3/8 inch outer diameter, one #8 flat washer 1/2 inch outer
diameter, and one #8-32 hexagonal nut.
2.3.2 Data Connections

There is an RS-530 synchronous data port (J6), RS-232 asynchronous Monitor and Control data port
(J3), and an RS-485 asynchronous Monitor and Control data port (J2) on the back of the chassis. The
RS-485 data port may be used to manage the BUC and the LNB/BDC. The front panel includes an
RS-232 asynchronous M&C data port using a RJ-11 (6-pin) telephone jack. Refer to Figure 1.2 for
connector locations. Appendix A provides most of the connector pinouts for the various interfaces.
2.3.2.1 Data Port RS-530
Receive and transmit data connections are accomplished through the 25-pin female D connector
labelled TX/RX DATA, RS-530 on the rear panel. Connector pinouts are in Appendix A, Table A.3.
See the description of the TINTCLK command for data clock options related to the TX data input
(Paragraph 3.2.1).
Appendix A also provides cable pinouts that convert from an RS-530 interface to a RS-422/449
interface. These cables and the appropriate pinouts are provided in Appendix A, Table A.1.
2.3.2.2 10BaseT Ethernet
When the data port is configured as a 10BaseT Ethernet port, a RJ-45 female connector is installed on
the rear panel, replacing the 25-pin RS-530 connector. Connector pinouts are in Appendix A,
Table A.4. Appendix A, Figure A.1 is the RJ-45 connector pin arrangement looking into the connector.
2.3.2.3 Monitor and Control RS-232
Rear panel remote monitor and control functions can be accomplished by the use of a hand-held
terminal with a RJ-11 to 9-pin D adapter, or with a VT-100 terminal emulator program running on any
PC. The terminal is connected to the 9-pin female D connector labelled M&C/RS-232 (J2) on the rear
panel, via a straight through cable. The connector pinouts for J2 are in Appendix A, Table A.5. The
RJ-11 to 9-pin D adapter is shown in Appendix A, Table A.8. The connector pinouts for a null modem
cable assembly is shown in Appendix A, Table A.6.
The front panel RJ-11 connector is wired as shown in Appendix A, Table A.8. Appendix A, Figure A.2
shows the pinout for the RJ-11 connector, when looking into the connector.
2.3.2.4 Monitor and Control RS-485
The rear panel 9 pin D connector labelled M&C RS-485 (J3) is provided for RS-485 compatible monitor
and control of the SkyLane modem and BUCs that are so equipped. The connector pinouts for J3 are
in Appendix A, Table A.7.
2.3.3 BUC and LNB/BDC Connections

SkyLane SL-2048 modems are capable of being used in conjunction with most C-band or Ku-band
RFTs, with L-Band IF frequencies (950-1450 MHz). A typical installation is illustrated in Figure 2.2.
Two separate coaxial cables are required, one for transmitting signal and one for receiving.
Because the coaxial cable requirements vary depending on the application, they are not supplied with
the equipment. On the transmit side, the connection between the SkyLane SL-2048 and the BUC is
straightforward. The output of the Modulator (Type N, female, 50 ohms) should be connected directly
to the Transmit IF connector of the BUC.
The cable loss must be considered when selecting the cable and adjusting the transmit level of the
station. See Transmit Levels (Paragraph 2.3.5) below for more information. The BUC is typically
provided with DC power and a 10 MHz reference on the same cable as the L-band transmit carrier.
Both the DC power and the reference can be turned on and off at the SkyLane SL-2048 modem.
The input of the Demodulator (Type F,

female, 75 ohms) should be connected OUTDOOR
directly to the Receive IF connector of (ODU)
the (LNB/BDC). The cable loss must be BUC
considered when selecting the cable. LNB
The LNB is provided with DC power

and/or a 10 MHz reference on the same Antenna
cable as the L-band receive carrier.

Both the DC power and the reference
can be turned on and off at the SkyLane INDOOR
SL-2048 modem. Data Port
Rx 950 - 2050 MHz
RS -530 SL2048 Tx 950 - 1450 MHz
(IDU)
2.3.3.1 IF Output to BUC L-band Modulator

L-band Demodulator
M&C Interface
Complete ODU Interface
Transmission of the L-band carrier to Secondary M&C Interface RS -485
the block up converter (BUC) is

accomplished by connections to the
female N connector labelled IF Output Figure 2.2. Typical SkyLane SL-2048 Interconnection
To BUC, L-band 50 Ohms (J1) on the
rear panel. Three signals required by
the BUC are provided on this connector.
1. The L-band carrier: 950 to 1450 MHz, -5 to –25 dBm.
2. DC power for the BUC. +24 or +48 volts, options are available up to 4 Amps. The ON/OFF state of
the BUC power is controlled by SW1 on the rear panel of the modem and is indicated by the
associated LED (illuminates green when DC is applied).
3. 10 MHz, 0 dBm synthesizer reference. The ON/OFF state of this reference is controlled by the
TREF command.
2.3.3.2 IF Input from LNB/BDC
Reception of the L-band carrier from the Low Noise Block down converter (LNB/BDC) is accomplished
by connections to the female F connector labelled IF Input From LNB, L-band 75 Ohms (J5) on the rear
panel. Two signals required by the LNB are provided on this connector.
1. DC power for the LNB. +20 volts, 0.4 Amps. The ON/OFF state of the LNB power is controlled by
SW2 on the rear panel and indicated by the associated LED (illuminates green when DC is
applied).
2. 10 MHz, 0 dBm reference. The ON/OFF state of this reference is controlled by the RREF
command.
The cable also supplies 950-2050 MHz IF to the demodulator from the LNB/BDC.
2.3.4 Front Panel Controls and Indicators

The SL-2048 includes a RJ-11 connector for monitoring and controlling the modem from either a
hand-held terminal or a PC with a terminal emulator program. In addition, a set of 7 Light-Emitting-
Diode (LED) indicators provides an instantaneous overview of modem operation.
2.3.4.1 LEDs
The LEDs indicate critical system status information as illustrated in Figure 2.3 and described in Table
2.2. LEDs that illuminate GREEN indicate that the function is in operation. LEDs that illuminate RED
indicate a fault condition.
BUC Pwr
LNB Pwr
M&C/RS-232
TX On
RX Lock
TX Fault
RX Fault
Prime Pwr
Figure 2.3. Exploded View of Front Panel LEDs and M&C RJ-11 Jack.
Table 2.2. Front Panel LED Indicators

LED Description
BUC Pwr: Indicates that SW1 on the rear panel is on and D.C. power is available to the BUC at J1.
LNB Pwr: Indicates that SW2 on the rear panel is on and D.C. power is available to the LNB at J5.
TX On: Indicates that the modulator is transmitting.
RX Lock: Indicates that the demodulator is locked to a received signal.
TX Fault: Indicates a fault on the modulator or that serial communications with the modulator have been lost.
RX Fault: Indicates a fault on the demodulator or that serial communications with the demodulator have been lost.
2.3.4.2 Front Panel Monitor and Control Using Hand-Held Terminal

The RJ-11 phone jack on the front panel is intended to be used with a hand-held terminal or other
similar device that is compatible with ANSI 3.64 (VT-100) format. The 6-pin phone jack includes an
RS-232 asynchronous interface, plus pins that supply +5 VDC to the hand-held terminal (for ANSI
3.64/VT-100 terminals, the DC power pins are not used).
Such a device is the Model 8045EK R2-1 (Figure 2.4) hand-held terminal manufactured by Two
Technologies, and can be purchased through SPL/ACT Wireless (Model No. 8045EKR2-1), the latter of
which includes a cable for connecting to the SL-2048 front panel RJ-11
M&C.
This rugged hand-held terminal emulates a fully functional ANSI 3.64
(VT-100) format, and is compatible with the SL-2048 modem. It includes
a high-clarity Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) and a 45-key membrane
keypad. The transreflective LCD display presents 4 rows of 20
characters. Characters are dark on a light background.
The keypad layout is 9 rows x 5 columns, with the top row being function
keys (F1 through F5). These function keys are currently not used in
accessing modem functions. The remaining 40 keys provide up to 70
alphanumeric functions, a control (CTRL) key, an escape (ESC) key, a
backspace (BACKSP) key, a SPACE key, an ENTER key, and a SHIFT
key.
It is powered from +5 VDC, 50 ma that is supplied by the SL-2048
modem through either the RJ-11 M&C connector on the front panel, or
J2 (9-pin) on the rear panel. When attaching the hand-held terminal to Figure 2.4. Hand-Held
J2, a 9-pin to RJ-11 adapter must be used. Terminal
2.3.5 Transmit Levels

The output power level of the modulator is adjustable from -5 to –25 dBm, but is only calibrated from
-5 to -20 dBm. The TX gain past the modulator output should be set for the desired EIRP level of the
Earth Station. The ideal situation is to have the gain of the BUC set to give a rated output power with
-20 dBm input. Figure 2.5 illustrates the power reaching the BUC versus the length of cable between
the modulator and the BUC for two frequencies and with the modulator at maximum and minimum
output power. Figure 2.5 assumes the use of LMR-600 cable from Times Microwave Systems (See
Appendix A, Paragraph A.10 for part
number). -5
The shaded area in Figure 2.5 indicates -10

the useful range of the signal power
BUC Input Level (dBm)

available from the modulator output, at -15
the BUC input (for any length of cable up

-20
to 300 feet). Figure 2.5 also illustrates
the following points: -25
1. LMR-600 cable is low-loss. If cable
with a more typical loss of 12 dB per -30
100 feet is used, the maximum cable

-35
run is approximately 100 feet.
2. Other cables can be substituted for -40
10 100 200 300
the LMR-600 Times Microwave
Length of LMR-600 Cable (ft)
Systems cable, such as the 950 MHz 1450 MHz
CommScope 3227 cable, which has Figure 2.5. Power Loss in LMR-600 Cable
an attenuation of 6.05 dB @ versus Cable Length and Frequency
1800 MHz, which will increase the
distance from the modem to the BUC by up to 200 feet.
3. The power and gain of the BUC is assumed to be a 5 Watt (37 dBm at 1 dB compression) unit with
a fixed gain of 50 dB. This chart indicates that the BUC will be in compression with a 300 ft cable
and the modem output set to +5 dBm and the highest frequency.
4. Slightly longer cable lengths are possible with BUCs of higher gain, though the slope delta worsens
from the low frequency of 950 MHz to the high frequency of 1450 MHz.
5. Through the use of special slope equalizers and amplifiers, the distance between the modem and
the BUC can be extended.
It is important to note that a DC voltage (12, 24 or 48 volts) and a 10 MHz reference signal may be
present at the modulator output. The DC voltage may supply up to 4 Amps and will damage any DC
coupled device (such as an attenuator) connected to the modulator output. Also, a typical attenuator
on the modulator output would reduce the level of 10 MHz reference signal available to the BUC.
Special inline 10 and 20 dB attenuators are available from SPL/ACT Wireless that pass DC (up to
6 Amperes) and 10 to 50 MHz reference in either direction and only attenuate the L-band signals by the
amount of the attenuation.
There are also amplitude/slope equalisers available that compensate for losses and “tilt” caused by the
cable and other devices between the modem and the BUC, such as power combiners. Some are
rack-mounted units, which include self-contained power supplies, and others are in-line modules that
utilise the DC power from the modem (single modem, not multiple modems). Contact SPL/ACT
Wireless for more details on these devices.
NOTE:
Before attempting to bring the modulator on line, the operator should become familiar with the
operation of the modem while off line. Refer to SECTION 3. OPERATION, to obtain a
thorough understanding of modem operation using a terminal emulator (or hand-held terminal
or PC with terminal emulation program).
2.3.6 Bringing the Modulator Online

When bringing a transmit carrier on line, the following sequence must be followed:
1. Power on the modem for five minutes to allow the ovenized oscillator to stabilize.
2. Before connecting the L-band cable to the BUC, verify that:
• The frequency of the modulator and demodulator is set to the correct frequency. See
Paragraph 2.3.7 for details on the conversion factor for determining the output and input
frequency from the L-band output and input frequency.
• The modulator is off (TM OFF),
• BUC power is off (SW1 on rear panel), and
• 10 MHz reference is off (TREF OFF)
3. Set modulator power to –25 dBm (TLEVEL –25).
4. Turn on DC power to BUC (SW1 on rear panel).
5. Turn on 10 MHz reference to the BUC (TREF ON).
6. Increase modulator output power to desired level (TLEVEL < desired level >).
2.3.7 Translation from L-Band to Transmit/Receive Bands

Understanding and calculating the transmit and receive frequency is important to insure the terminal is
working at the assigned frequency. Normally, this translation is simply subtracting the assigned
frequency from the PLO in the BUC and LNB/BDC to determine the L-band frequency. For example,
for a C band BUC, the translation frequency is normally 4900 MHz. Assuming that the assigned
transmit frequency is 6000 MHz:
Then: 6000 MHz – 4900 MHz = 1100 MHz. The modulator would then be set to
1100 MHz for this example.
This is considered a low side mixer in the BUC, since the PLO in the BUC is below the output
frequency. In this case, the output is non-inverted, meaning that the output spectrum is the same as
the input.
In some cases, such as low cost C band LNBs or Ku band BUCs, the spectrum may be inverted,
whereby the LNB mixer (and filter) picks off the high side from the mixer, and the PLO is higher than
the incoming frequency. Assuming a standard 3700 to 4200 MHz frequency bandwidth and the
translation frequency is 5150 MHz:
Then: 5150 MHz - 3700 MHz = 1450 MHz
and
5150 MHz - 4200 MHz = 950 MHz
Notice that the spectrum is inverted. The low C band frequency is at the high L-band frequency and
the high C band frequency is at the low L-band frequency. The actual spectrum will also be inverted.
It gets even more complicated if either the BUC or LNB/BDC utilises dual conversion, since one would
have to know the frequency of both PLOs, and whether it is a high side mix or a low side mix.
However, usually the reason for the dual conversion technique is to insure that the output is
non-inverted, and it would simply be a calculation of the delta between the PLOs. One such BDC
utilises 9800 MHz and 7125 MHz, respectively. Both use low side mixing, meaning that the signal input
is always lower than the PLO (on the input, the 3625 MHz frequency is lower than 9800 MHz, and
between the stages, the 6175 MHz (9800 MHz - 3625 MHz) is lower than 7125 MHz. Solving the
conversion using the two stage mixing,
Then: (9800 MHz - 3625 MHz) - 7125 MHz = 950 MHz
The result of subtracting the higher PLO frequency from the lower frequency PLO yields 2675 MHz
(9800 MHz - 7125 MHz = 2675 MHz),
Then: 3625 MHz - 2675 MHz = 950 MHz
The result is the same. Using this BDC, setting the demodulator frequency to 950 MHz would accept a
receive signal of 3625 MHz.
A translation frequency for standard Ku band BUCs (14.00 to 14.50 GHz) is 13.050 GHz. A translation
frequency for an inverted Ku band BUC (14.0-14.5 GHz) is 15.400 GHz. A translation frequency for
standard Ku band LNB/BDCs is as follows:
• 10.95-11.20 GHz = 10.00 GHz
• 11.45-11.70 GHz = 10.50 GHz
• 11.70-12.20 GHz = 10.75 GHz
• 12.25-12.75 GHz = 11.30 GHz
It is up to the systems integrator to understand the translation frequency of the BUC and the LNB/BDC
to correctly set the modulator and demodulator frequencies.
SECTION 3. OPERATION
3.0 INTRODUCTION
This section describes the SkyLane SL-2048 remote control, simplified user interface, set-up menu
operation, transmit control commands, receive control commands and monitor commands for both
transmit and receive. A table of standard configuration settings is shown in Table 3.1.
Table 3.1. SL-2048 Standard (L-Band or 70 MHz) Configurations
PARAMETER MODULATOR DEMODULATOR REMARKS

COMMAND COMMAND
Frequency (L-Band) TCAR xxxxxxxxxx RCAR xxxxxxxxxx Set to RF output or input
frequency in Hertz.
RLBAND must be set to
ON.
Frequency (70 MHz) (Optional) TCAR xxxxxxxx RCAR xxxxxxxx Set to IF output or input
frequency in Hertz
RLBAND must be set to
OFF.
Data Rate TDATA yyyyyy RDATA yyyyyy Set to data rate in Hertz
Code Rate TRATE 1, 3 or 7 RRATE 1, 3 or 7 Set to code rate ½, ¾ or Ǭ
as required
Differential Encoder/Decoder TDIF ON RDIF ON
Scrambler/Descrambler TSCR ON RDESC ON
BPSK/QPSK TBPS OFF or ON RBPS OFF or ON Set as required. OFF is
QPSK
Spectral Invert ON/OFF TSPI ON or OFF RSPI OFF Set modulator to ON if RF
set-up inverts spectrum
Scrambler Algorithm TCCI ON RCCI ON
Transmit Power Level TL -5 TO -40 dBm Set as required
Modulator ON/OFF TMOD ON Required setting (ON)
Modulator CW ON/OFF TCW OFF Required setting (OFF)
Modulator Data ON/OFF TEXT ON Required setting (ON)
Modulator CTS ON/OFF TCTS ON Required setting (ON)
Modulator Clock INT/EXT TINT ON Not used when R/S or
Turbo option is used
Clock Invert ON/OFF TCINV OFF RCINV OFF
Data Invert ON/OFF TDINV OFF RDINV OFF
Demodulator Sweep Range RSWE 24000 Set per LNB stability
Demodulator Acquisition Range RACQ FFT
Modulator Viterbi ON/OFF TVIT ON
Modulator Reference ON/OFF (1) TREF ON or OFF Set as required
Modulator IESS ON/OFF TIESS ON Required setting (ON)
Modulator Burst ON/OFF TBUR OFF Required setting (OFF)
Modulator Test ON/OFF TQTEST OFF Required setting (OFF)
(1) Not available for 70 MHz configurations.

Required settings are for normal operation. The complementary settings are test modes.
If the SL-2048 modem is equipped with the optional Reed Solomon outer codec, then Table 3.2
provides the additional commands for modem configuration:
SECTION 3. OPERATION 29
Table 3.2. SL-2048 Additional Settings Equipped with Reed Solomon

MODULATOR DEMODULATOR
PARAMETER REMARKS
COMMAND COMMAND
Outer Reed Solomon Code TRSRATE 126, 225, 219, RRSRATE 126, 225, Set as required
Rate 194, or OFF 219, 194, or OFF
Clock Timing TXCLK OFF, TT, or RT Set as required
Clock Invert TCINV ON or OFF RCINV ON or OFF Set as required
Data Invert TDINV ON or OFF RDINV ON or OFF Set as required
Receive Buffer RBUFFER OFF, TXCLK, Set as required
or EXT
Receive Buffer Centre TBC Centre buffer when
invoked
Receive Buffer Depth TBD xxxx Set to 0-2047
Receive Buffer Flag TBF Reset buffer flag when
invoked
Modem Baseband Loopback TMBL ON or OFF TMBL ON or OFF Required setting is OFF
If the SL-2048 modem is equipped with the Turbo option, then Table 3.3 provides the additional
commands for modem configuration.
Table 3.3. SL-2048 Additional Settings Equipped with Turbo
MODULATOR DEMODULATOR
PARAMETER REMARKS
COMMAND COMMAND
Select Viterbi or Turbo TCODE V or T RCODE V or T Set as required
Code Rate TRATE 1, 3, 7 for Viterbi; RRATE 1, 3, 7 for Viterbi; Set as required
TRATE 3 for Turbo RRATE 3 for Turbo
Clock Timing TXCLK OFF, TT, or RT Set as required
Clock Invert TCINV ON or OFF RCINV ON or OFF Set as required
Data Invert TDINV ON or OFF RDINV ON or OFF Set as required
Receive Buffer RBUFFER OFF, TXCLK, Set as required
or EXT
Receive Buffer Centre TBC Centre buffer when
invoked
Receive Buffer Depth TBD xxxx Set to 0-2047
Receive Buffer Flag TBF Reset buffer flag when
invoked
Modem Baseband Loopback TMBL ON or OFF Required setting is OFF
3.1 REMOTE MONITOR AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS

Two asynchronous serial ports are available for the external monitor and control of the receiver
functions. One input is a 9-pin female D connector on the rear panel and the other is a RJ-11 jack on
the front panel. Examples of ASCII terminals which can be used are as follows: 1) a stand-alone
terminal such as a VT100, 2) a hand-held terminal such as the Model 8045EK R2-1, or 3) a PC using
terminal emulation software. The terminal must be set to 9600 baud, No Parity, 8 Data bits, and 1 Stop
bit (9600,8,N,1).
If the RS-232 is connected to a PC, such as a laptop or notebook, and the PC is operating in MS
Windows, the PC can communicate with the SL-2048 using an MS Windows program called
HyperTerminal. (This is under Accessories – Communications – HyperTerminal.) Under
HyperTerminal, type a name, hit OK, then change CONNECT field to Direct to Com 1 (or whichever
Com port is being used). Hit OK, then enter: 9600 baud, no parity, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit and set flow
control to none.
30 SECTION 3. OPERATION
The following hints may be helpful in establishing communication with the modem:
1. The cable should be wired pin for pin (for pins 2, 3 and 5), 9-pin male to 9-pin female (no
crossover).
2. Insure that the ground (pin 5) is connected between the modem and the PC.
3. Pin 9 is used for powering the hand-held terminal as described above (+5 VDC @ 50 ma). This pin
is normally not used, and shouldn’t cause any problems.
3.1.1 RS-232 Rear Panel Remote M&C

To use the rear panel connector, attach an ASCII terminal to the D connector labelled M&C RS-232 J2.
The input data is applied to pin 3, and the output data is available at pin 2 of the SkyLane SL-2048
modem. A standard one to one cable from the 9-pin COM port of a PC will provide the proper
connection. Pin 9 has +5 VDC and pin 5 has the 5 VDC RTN that may be used to power the optional
hand-held terminal.
Either the RS-232 port from the rear panel or the front panel can be used to set the address of the
modem using the MCADD command. This address must be unique to each SL-2048 modem that
shares the RS-485. Either of these two RS-232 ports must also be used to set the RS-485 to either a
simplex (2-wire) or full duplex (4-wire) mode. Refer to Paragraphs 3.1.2 and 3.8.1 for further
information and instructions for setting the ADDRESS and WIRE commands.
3.1.2 RS-485 Rear Panel Remote M&C

A dual function RS-485 port is also present at the rear panel. The port can be set for 2- or 4-wire
operation using the WIRE command. For monitor and control over this RS-485 M&C port, each
command must be preceded by the unique M&C address for the unit using the MCADD command.
The address must precede the command being issued, with the ending of the address being separated
by a SPACE. Refer to Paragraph 3.8.2 for an example of a command and response when using this
port.
The MCADD command must be accessed and changed using one of the RS-232 ports at either the
front or rear of the modem. See Paragraphs 3.1.1 and 3.8.1 for a detail regarding the MCADD and
WIRE commands. Using the RS-485 port allows a number of SL-2048 Modems to be controlled from a
single RS-485 port on a PC. Each SL-2048 being controlled on the same bus must have a unique
address set.
3.1.3 Simplified User Interface

Setting the user configuration is easily accomplished by using the SETUP feature of the SkyLane
SL-2048 modem. Each user-controlled parameter in the modulator is listed one at a time, and the user
is given the opportunity to change that parameter. When the modem is first powered up, the message
ACT Wireless SL-2048 appears and then followed by HH>. HH> is the prompt from which all
commands are entered from, followed by the ENTER key.
To enter the SETUP menu for the modulator type TSET at the HH> prompt. To exit a SETUP menu,
push Ctrl-C at the NEW: prompt. To return to the previous setting, or to reverse the order of the items,
push Ctrl-P at the NEW: prompt.
3.1.3.1 Standard (L-Band or 70 MHz) SETUP MENU Example
To set up the L-band modulator, type TSET at the prompt, and then press the enter key to use the
SETUP menu. The first user-controlled parameter in the menu is the carrier frequency. After a brief
message, the following screen will appear:
Frequency in Hz
L-Band = 950000000 (Assuming the carrier frequency was set to 950000000)
NEW:
At this time, the user can enter a new carrier frequency.
Type 1234567890, then press Enter, and the following screen will appear:
Frequency in Hz
L-Band = 950000000 (Assuming the carrier frequency was set to 950000000)
NEW:
L-Band = 1234567890
The carrier frequency has now been changed to this new value. The next user-controlled parameter will
then appear.
The 70 MHz modulator operates similarly, but the following screen will appear:
Frequency in Hz
IF = 52000000
NEW:
At this time, the user can enter a new carrier frequency, then presses the ENTER key, and the new
carrier frequency will be displayed.
3.1.3.2 Standard (L-Band and/or 70 MHz) SETUP MENU Operation
The cursor will always appear after the NEW: prompt when using SETUP. The user can type in a new
value and then press the enter key to change the value for this parameter. If the user enters an invalid
numerical value, the terminal will beep and the user will again be prompted for a new value. Some
ASCII terminals may not support the BELL character, and therefore the beep would not be heard. The
following is a summary of the SETUP MENU operation:
KEYSTROKE RESULT
ENTER No change to current item. Proceed to the next item.
<Valid Input>Enter Change current item to <Valid Input>. Proceed to the next item.
<Invalid Input>ENTER No change to current item. Return to the current item.
<Any Input>Ctrl-X No change to current item. Return to the current item.
Ctrl-N No change to current item. Proceed to the next item.
Ctrl-P No change to current item. Return to the previous item.
Ctrl-C No change to current item. Exit from the SETUP MENU.
Holding the control key while pushing the letter indicated enters the control key commands. The
ENTER key is not used with the control key commands.
If the ENTER key is pushed each time the NEW: prompt appears, each user-controlled parameter will
appear once, and the SETUP operation will stop after the last item. When using Ctrl-N or Ctrl-P the
items will appear in a circular fashion. For example, if you are at the first item and you enter Ctrl-P,
SETUP will take you to the last item.
3.1.4 Display Configuration (Modulator Only)

Type TCONF at the prompt, then press the ENTER key to view the current configuration of the
SkyLane SL-2048 modulator or demodulator respectively. The current setting of each user-controlled
parameter will be displayed. To accommodate the hand-held terminal, only four lines of the output are
displayed on the screen at a time. A brief pause will occur after four lines have been displayed, and
then four more lines will be displayed. Pressing any key during the pause will make the next four lines
appear immediately. The display returns to the HH> prompt when the last parameter has been
displayed after a brief pause.
3.1.5 Display Status (Modulator Only)

Type TSTAT at the prompt, and press the ENTER key to view the status of parameters for the SkyLane
SL-2048 modulator or demodulator respectively. The terminal will display four lines at a time. A brief
pause will occur after four lines have been displayed, and then four more lines will be displayed.
Pressing any key during the pause will make the next four lines appear immediately. The display
returns to the HH> prompt when the last parameter has been displayed after a brief pause.
3.2 MODULATOR (TRANSMIT) COMMANDS

The modulator commands are grouped into four types: control, test, configuration, and status. Control
commands allow a parameter to be modified. Test modes allow the operator to activate certain built-in
test functions that are helpful in testing and troubleshooting the modem, such as activating a BER test
pattern, and etc. Configuration commands present the user-controlled parameters, such as frequency,
data rate, code rate, and etc. Status commands present those parameters that are not user-controlled,
such as BUC voltage and current, serial number of the modulator, software version of the modulator,
lock status of the synthesiser, and etc. These are described in the following paragraphs.
3.2.1 Transmit Control Commands

The following are all of the modulator control commands that allow an operator to change either a
single parameter without having to cycle through a series of items to reach the appropriate function, or
a command that cycles through a group of functions, such as TSETUP described previously.
If for example, the user wishes to change the modulator from BPSK to QPSK modulation, the
command TBPSK OFF, followed by ENTER, performs the function. All functions must be followed by
ENTER to implement the change. For monitor and control over the RS-485 M&C port, each command
must be preceded by the unique M&C address set for the unit using the MCADD command. The
MCADD command must be accessed and changed using one of the RS-232 ports at either the front or
rear panel of the demodulator.
Command Description
TBPSK [ON | OFF] If this command is entered with no argument, it indicates whether the BPSK Mode is on or
off. This command allows the modulator to be used in QPSK or BPSK systems with no
change to the hardware.
Example: TBPSK OFF
The BPSK Mode is not enabled. In this mode, the modulator will generate a signal that
uses QPSK modulation.
Example: TBPSK ON
The BPSK Mode is enabled.
TCAL [<setting>] The frequency of the reference oscillator can be changed with this command. This
adjustment is performed only to counter the effects of frequency change due to the ageing
oscillator. Do not attempt to change the CAL setting unless a frequency counter with an
accuracy exceeding .01 PPM is available. If this command is entered with no argument, it
returns the current setting of the frequency trimmer for the reference oscillator. To change
the setting of the frequency trimmer, enter the command followed by the desired setting.
The range of valid values for <setting> is 0 to 4095. Changing this setting will cause any
demodulator that is locked to the modulator to receive a momentary burst of errors.
Example: TCAL 2047
In the example, the frequency trimmer is set to the middle point. This command should not
be used unless the proper test equipment is available. To set the frequency, the
10 MHz reference at the modulator IF output must be ON (TREF ON).
TCARRIER If this command is entered with no argument, it returns the current L-band output
[<frequency>] frequency in Hz. To change the output frequency, enter the command followed by the
desired L-band output frequency in Hz. The range of valid values for <frequency> is
950000000 to 1450000000.
Example: TCARRIER 950000000
The L-band input frequency is set to 950 MHz.
TCCITT [ON | OFF] If this command is entered with no argument, it indicates whether the scrambler is using
the exact algorithm specified by CCITT V.35. When set to OFF, the scrambler uses a
slightly modified algorithm, as called out in Intelsat specification IESS-308.
Example: TCCITT ON
The exact CCITT V.35 algorithm is used for scrambling.
Command Description
TCINV [ON | OFF] If this command is entered with no argument, it indicates whether the input clock inversion
is on or off. When TCINV is off, data is clocked into the modem with the rising edge of the
clock being used (either SCTE or SCT).
Example: TCINV OFF
The input clock inversion feature is turned off. Data should be valid at the rising edge of
the clock.
TCTS [ON | OFF] If this command is entered with no argument, it indicates whether the clear-to-send signal
is on or off. This command controls the clear-to-send signal on the RS530 interface.
When the modem Ethernet Bridge option is used, TCTS should be set to on.
TCW [ON | OFF] If this command is entered with no argument, it indicates whether the modulator is
transmitting an unmodulated, continuous wave, carrier. When TCW is on, the modulator
transmits an unmodulated carrier. This command is used for testing ONLY, when it is
desired to measure the carrier frequency or CW amplitude. Reverts to OFF during power
up or reset.
TCW OFF also aborts the 4 minute timed CW test (invoked by TTIMCW ON).
TDATA [<rate>] If this command is entered with no argument, it returns the current data rate in bits per
second. To change the data rate, enter the command followed by the desired data rate in
bits per second. The range of valid values for <rate> is 9600 to 576000 in integer steps.
Note: The high and low limits on data rate depend on the modulation type (TBPSK
[ON | OFF] ) and the encoder rate TRATE [½| ¾|Ǭ] as outlined below:
BPSK, ½ rate 9600 to 1100000
BPSK, ¾ rate 14400 to 1650000
QPSK, ½ rate 19200 to 2200000
QPSK, ¾ rate 28800 to 3300000
QPSK, 7/8 rate 33600 to 3850000
Example: TDATA 2048000
The data rate is set to 2048 kilobits per second. The user can also use the exponent form
to set the data rate.
Example: TDATA 2.048e6 or TDATA 2048e3
Sets the data rate to 2048 kilobits per second.
TEXT [ON| OFF] If this command is entered with out an argument, it indicates whether the modulator is
using an external data source or the internal 2047 BERT pattern. When TEXT is set to
ON, the transmitted data is from the RS530 interface. This command is not availble with
the Turbo product code option.
Example: TEXT OFF
The transmitted data is a 2047 data pattern compatible with BER testers. This command
is not supported in the TPC version of the SL-2048.
TDIFF [ON | OFF] If this command is entered with no argument, it indicates whether the differential encoder is
on or off.
Example: TDIFF ON
The differential encoder is turned on.
It is recommended that in Viterbi mode, TDIFF should be turned on. If it is turned off
(RDIFF is also turned off), there is a 50% chance for the receiving data to be inverted.
This command has no effect if the modem is in Turbo mode.
TDINV [ON | OFF] If this command is entered with no argument, it indicates whether the data inversion is on
or off. This feature is provided for those systems where it becomes necessary to invert the
data.
Example: TDINV OFF
The output data inversion feature is turned off. The transmitted data will be the same
polarity as the data input to the modulator.
TIESS [ON | OFF] If this command is entered with no argument, it indicates whether the Viterbi encoder is
using the IESS or DVB algorithm. When IESS is set to ON, the encoder uses the
algorithm as called out in the Intelsat Specification IESS-308. When set to OFF, the DVB
algorithm is used. The DVB demodulator must have the Reed-Solomon disabled to be
functional.
Example: TIESS ON
The encoder uses the IESS algorithm. This command has no effect if the modem is in
Turbo mode.
Command Description
TINTCLK [ON | OFF] If this command is entered with no argument, it indicates whether the data timing is
generated by the modem or by the DTE. When TINTCLK is on, the modem generates the
data timing and provides a data clock on the SCT (or ST) pins of the RS-530 interface.
When TINTCLK is off, the modulator requires a clock on the SCTE (or TT) pins of the
RS-530 interface at the programmed data rate ±100 ppm. The SCT clock pins are always
driven by the SkyLane modem even when TINTCLK is off. This operation is illustrated in
Figure 3.1. Thic command is not valid with the Turbo or the Reed-Solomon option. There
will not be an SCT output with the Turbo or Reed-Solomon option.
TXCLK For an explanation of this command, see sections 3.4.1 and 3.5.1.
TLEVEL [<level>] If this command is entered with no argument, it indicates the current modulator output
power level in dBm. To change the modulator output power level, enter the command
followed by the desired output level in dBm. The output power level may be changed from
-5 to -49 dBm, but the only valid calibrated levels are from -5 to -20 dBm. The TMOD
command is used to actually turn the modulator on and off. TLEVEL merely sets what the
level will be when the modulator is turned on.
TMOD [ON | OFF] If this command is entered with no argument, it indicates whether the modulator is
currently transmitting an L-band carrier or not. When TMOD is on, the modulator will
transmit a signal power consistent with the current setting of the TLEVEL command.
TQTEST [ON| OFF] Modulator quadrature test mode. Used during factory testing only. Defaults to OFF during
power up or reset.
TRATE [½| ¾|7/8] If this command is entered with no argument, it returns the current Viterbi encoder rate
setting. To change the encoder rate, enter the command followed by the desired encoder
rate. Valid values for the encoder rate are ½, ¾ and 7/8.
Example: TRATE ½
This sets the code rate to ½.
TREF [ON | OFF] If this command is entered with no argument, it indicates whether the modulator is
currently supplying a 10 MHz reference output. When TREF is ON, a 10 MHz ±0.1 ppm,
0-dBm sine wave is sent to the RF output on J1.
TRFC Resets all modulator sticky bit faults. Refer to Paragraph 3.2.4 TFAULT for an
explanation.
TRPC Resets the parameter status change bit. Refer to Paragraph 3.2.4 TFAULT for an
explanation.
TSCRAM [ON | OFF] If this command is entered with no argument, it indicates whether the Scrambler is ON or
OFF.
Example: TSCRAM ON
The Scrambler is turned ON.
TSETUP Refer to Paragraph 3.1.3 for explanation.
TSPINV [ON | OFF] If this command is entered with no argument, it indicates whether the modulator carrier is
generated with an inverted spectrum. When TSPINV is on, the transmitted spectrum will
be inverted in frequency. This feature is provided for those systems that invert the transmit
spectrum but require the received signal to be uninverted. In the BPSK mode, spectral
invert must be set to the OFF state to be compatible with the SL512 demodulator.
TTIMCW [ON | OFF] If this command is entered with no argument, it indicates the time left in seconds before the
modulator carrier is returned to normal operation. When set to ON, it sets the modulator
into a timed, four-minute CW carrier mode of operation. If the TTIMCW OFF or TCW OFF
commands are not issued, then the modulator will return to normal operation automatically
after four minutes. The command is recursive. If issued repeatedly, the modulator CW
operation will be extended another four minutes each time it is invoked. Reverts to OFF
during power up or reset.
TVIT [ON | OFF] If this command is entered with no argument, it indicates whether the modulator is
currently Viterbi encoding the transmit data.
TWARM [0] If this command is entered with out an argument, it indicates how many seconds remain
before the modulator output will turn on. If TWARM is set to 0 (zero), then the modulator
output will turn on as soon as the command is invoked.
Example: TWARM 0
The modulator output will turn on in zero seconds.
3.2.2 Modulator Operation for PowerTrack Option

The SL-2048 has the added feature of providing output power control of a BUC manufactured by
SierraCom or Advantech. A microprocessor controlled M&C function within the BUC interfaces via an
RS-485 link to the SL-2048 modem. When a cable is connected between the BUC and the SL-2048,
the modem can be used to turn the BUC on and off, provide status information, including temperature
and power output, and maintain the BUC power output level.
This option is only available with modulators equipped with the L-band output frequency.
With the M&C cable disconnected, the SL-2048 and the BUC operate independently, as is normal for
BUCs that have no interface capability.
The BUC includes an output power monitor, with the output power being carefully calibrated over
temperature and frequency. The SL-2048 and with the PowerTrack activated, utilises the power
monitor information to accurately control the actual power level transmitted to the satellite.
3.2.2.1 Power Control Feedback Loop
Ideally, the amount of power transmitted to the satellite will always remain constant. However,
amplifier gain and cable attenuation varies with the temperature. The PowerTrack system reads the
output power reported by the BUC, and adjusts the SL-2048 output power when necessary.
For example, if the amount of attenuation in the cable between the modulator and BUC increases, the
output power reported by the BUC will decrease. The PowerTrack system detects the drop in power
level, and increases the SL-2048 power output to maintain the desired output power.
3.2.2.2 Control, Status and RS-485 Cabling for SierraCom BUCs and the
Advantech SSPB
Section 3.4 of this manual lists all of the commands that are used to communicate with the SierraCom
BUC and the Advantech SSPB. The RS-485 cable that connects the SL-2048 to the SierraCom BUC
and the Advantech SSPB M&C port is described in Section A.9 of this manual.
3.2.2.3 Enabling PowerTrack
The SL-2048 includes an RS-485 port on the rear panel labelled J3. This port must be set for 2-wire
operation to be compatible with the SierraCom BUC or Advantech SSPB equipped with PowerTrack.
The command to enable 2-wire operation is:
Wire 2
The PowerTrack system should be turned off during the initial set-up. The command to disable the
tracking function is:
SBTR OFF
The SierraCom BUC or the Advantech SSPB may be shipped with the transmitter defaulted to ON. If
not, issue the command to turn on the transmitter. The command to turn on the BUC transmitter is:
SBTX ON
The SierraCom BUC and Advantech SSPB report the output power in dBm. The command to monitor
the output power level of the BUC is:
SBPWR
The power level should be adjusted manually to obtain the desired output power. Refer to Section 3,
Paragraph 3.2.1 for information on setting the output power of the SL-2048 modulator. The command
to set the SL-2048 output power level to -20 (-25) dBm is:
TLEVEL –20 (for SierraCom BUC), TLEVEL –25 (for Advantech SSPB)
Now set the desired SierraCom BUC or the Advantech SSPB output power in dBm. The command to
set the target output power level of the BUC to +30 dBm is:
POWER 30
Monitor the BUC output power with the command:
SBPWR
This time, the PowerTrack feature can be enabled. The command to turn on PowerTrack is SBTR ON.
3.2.2.4 Monitoring PowerTrack
The SL-2048 modem will adjust the output power level of the modulator to keep the SierraCom BUC or
the Advantech SSPB output power level constant. The BUC power level reported by the command
SBPWR will not vary more than +0.2 dB.
3.2.3 Modulator Test Modes

The modulator has four test modes of operation, three of which default to OFF (if invoked) during
power up or reset. The four commands are as follows:
TCW [ON | OFF] for unlimited CW operation. Defaults to OFF during power up or reset.
TTIMCW [ON | OFF] for four minute CW Operation. Defaults to OFF during power up or reset.
TQTEST [ON | OFF] for modulator quadrature mode. Defaults to OFF during power up or reset.
TEXT [ON | OFF] for internal BERT/ external DATA selection.
The modulator provides a return prompt to the user, indicating whether it is in a test or normal
operating mode whenever queried or commanded. The modulator prompt for normal operation is
LMOD-97>. If the modulator were set for any of its test modes, then the prompt would be LMOD-
TEST>. Another reporting prompt, LMOD-COLD>, occurs during a ninety-second warm-up period for
the modulator before the modulator output is enabled. After ninety seconds, the prompt reverts to
LMOD-97> or perhaps LMOD-TEST> if the internal BERT option was ON.
RS-530 DB-25
Female (DCE)
1
D Q D Q Selected TX Data
SD-A (2) +
0
SD-B (14) -
Q Q
Data Invert
Selected TX Clock
TDINV
1
1
0
TT-A (24) + 0
TT-B (11) -
Clock Invert
TCINV
+ SCT Clock
ST-A (15)
ST-B (12) PLL
-
Hold
Clock Internal
TINT
RTS-A (4) +
Not used in the SCPC mode
RTS-B (19) -
+
CTS-A (5)
Modulator Fault Summary, Fault = 0
CTS-B (13) -
Figure 3.1. SkyLane SL-2048 Transmit Clocking Options
3.2.4 Transmit Monitor Commands

These are all of the modulator monitor commands that allow an operator to change either a single
parameter without having to cycle through a series of items to reach the appropriate function, or a
command that cycles through a group of functions, such as TCONF or TSTAT as described previously.
If for example, it is desired to monitor the voltage being supplied to the BUC, the command TBUC
followed by ENTER, reports the voltage being supplied to the BUC. All of the following functions must
be followed by ENTER to view the contents.
Command Description
TBUC This command accepts no parameters. When entered it reports the voltage being
supplied to the BUC.
TBUCI This command accepts no parameters. When entered it reports the current being
supplied to the BUC.
TCONF Refer to Paragraph 3.1.4 for an explanation.
TEEPROM Displays the part number and version number of non-volatile memory.
TRFC Resets all modulator “stick” bit faults. It also resets the parameter status change bit.
TRPC Resets the parameter status change bit. This bit is set each time a command parameter
is executed. The parameter status change bit can also be reset by TRFC.
THELP Displays an alphabetical list of all commands in a format that fits the hand-held terminal
screen. Four lines are displayed, and the display will freeze for approximately four
seconds before displaying the next four lines. If the user presses a key, the display will
advance to the next four lines.
Command Description
TFAULT Displays the fault status of the modulator. The synthesiser fault will cause the modulator
to turn off. Some of the faults will continue to show a fault, even though the condition was
cleared. The command TRFC will reset these “stick” bits. There are two commands that
will reset the parameter change flag, TRFC and TRPC. The TFAULT will report the
modulator faults as indicated below. The check marks in the Stick column are those
faults that will continue to show a fault.
STICK REPORT DESCRIPTION/RANGE
√ Temp FLT Board temperature is <5oC or >70oC
Warm-up FLT Reported during 90 second warm-up period
√ Synthesiser FLT Modulator synthesiser faulted
√ Power Detector FLT Detector is <40 or >254
√ Parameter Change FLT Parameter change since last TRPC command.
FPGA Load FLT Loading of an FPGA has failed
√ +12 VDC Supply FLT +12 VDC Power supply is <11 VDC or >14 VDC
TFIVE Displays the voltage of the modulator’s +5 volt power supply. This reading is accurate to
approximately ±10%.
TPN Displays the part number of the modulator assembly.
TSERIAL Displays the serial number of the modulator circuit board assembly.
TSTAT Refer to Paragraph 3.1.5 for explanation.
TSYNTH Displays the lock status of the modulator synthesiser.
TTEST Displays the state of the four test modes that the modulator may be in. It also reports the
state of the transmit clock as well as indicating that the FPGAs have been programmed
properly. Invoking the command, TTEST yields the following display for normal operation:
TXTEST DISPLAY
CW Mode = OFF
Timed CW Mode = OFF
Quad Test = OFF
Data = ON
INT CLK = ON
U100(1) = ON
U200(1) = ON
TX TEST DISPLAY
LMOD-97>
The modulator prompt for normal operation is LMOD-97>. If the modulator were set for
any of its test modes, then the prompt would be LMOD-TEST>. Another reporting
prompt, LMOD-COLD>, occurs during the ninety second warm-up period for the
modulator before the modulator output is enabled. After ninety seconds, the prompt will
revert back to LMOD-97>, or perhaps LMOD-TEST> if the internal BERT option was ON.
TTWELVE Displays the voltage of the modulator’s +12 volt power supply. This reading is accurate to
approximately ±10%.
TVER Displays the part number and version number of the internal software.
T? Displays the help information in a full screen format.
3.3 DEMODULATOR (RECEIVE) COMMANDS

The demodulator commands are grouped into three types: control, configuration, and status. Control
commands allow a parameter to be modified. Configuration commands present the user-controlled
parameters, such as frequency, data rate, code rate, and etc. Status commands present those
parameters that are not user-controlled, such as AGC voltage, serial number of the demodulator,
software version of the demodulator, lock status of the synthesiser, and etc. These are described in
the following paragraphs.
3.3.1 Receive Control Commands

These are all of the demodulator control commands. If for example, it is desired to change the
demodulator data rate, the command RDATA, followed by the value, then followed by ENTER,
performs the function. All of the following functions must be followed by ENTER to implement the
change.
Command Description
RACQ [FFT|SWEEP] Refer to Paragraph 3.3.6 Carrier Acquisition for additional information regarding this
command. Selects the method used for acquisition. If this command is entered without an
argument, it returns the current demodulator acquisition type. To change the acquisition
type, enter the command followed by then desired type.
Example: RACQ FFT.
The demodulator will use the FFT mode when acquiring a carrier.
RBPSK [ON | OFF] If this command is entered with no argument, it indicates whether the BPSK Mode is on or
off. This command allows the demodulator to be used in QPSK or BPSK systems with no
change to the hardware.
Example: RBPSK OFF
The BPSK Mode is not enabled. In this mode, the demodulator will only lock to a signal that
uses QPSK modulation.
RCCITT [ON | OFF] If this command is entered with no argument, it indicates whether the descrambler is using
the exact algorithm specified by the CCITT V.35 or the IESS 308 descrambler. When set to
ON, the descrambler uses the CCITT V.35 algorithm. When set to OFF, the descrambler
uses a slightly modified algorithm, as called out in Intelsat specification
IESS-308.
Example: RCCITT ON
The exact CCITT V.35 algorithm is used for descrambling.
The user should set the demodulator parameter [RCCITT] to the same value as for
[TCCITT].
RCINV [ON | OFF] If this command is entered with no argument, it indicates whether the output clock inversion
is on or off. This feature is provided for those systems that expect the rising edge of the clock
to occur in the middle of the data bit.
Example: RCINV OFF
The output clock inversion feature is turned off. The rising edge of the clock will occur at the
transitions.
RDATA [<rate>] If this command is entered with no argument, it returns the current data rate in bits per
Note: The high and low limits on data rate depend on the modulation type (TBPSK [ON |
OFF] )and the encoder rate TRATE [½| ¾|7/8] as outlined below:
BPSK, ½ rate 9600 to 1100000
BPSK, ¾ rate 14400 to 1650000
QPSK, ½ rate 19200 to 2200000
QPSK, ¾ rate 28800 to 3300000
QPSK, 7/8 rate 28800 to 3850000
Example: RDATA 64000
The data rate is set to 64000 bits per second.
RDESC [ON | OFF] If this command is entered with no argument, it indicates whether the descrambler is on or
off.
Example: RDESC ON The descrambler is turned on.
The user should set the demodulator parameter to the same value as for [TDESC].
RDIFF [ON | OFF] If this command is entered with no argument, it indicates whether the differential decoder is
on or off.
Example: RDIFF ON The differential decoder is turned on.
The user should set this parameter to ON when using the Viterbi decoder. This feature has
no effect while in Turbo. Also, the user should set the demodulator parameter to the same
value as for [TDIFF].
Command Description
RDINV [ON | OFF] If this command is entered with no argument, it indicates whether the output data inversion is
on or off. This feature is provided for those systems where it becomes necessary to invert
the data.
Example: RDINV OFF
The output data inversion feature is turned off. The output data will be the same polarity as
the data input to the modulator.
RLBAND [ ON | OFF ] If this command is entered with no argument, it returns to the current setting of the input
ignal for the demodulator. ‘OFF’ represents the 70 MHz input signal and ‘ON’ is for the L-
and input signal. To change this setting, enter the command followed by the desired value.
Example: RLBAND OFF
The demodulator assumes a 70 MHz input signal and turns off the L-band tuner.
RADJC [ ON | OFF ] If this command is entered with no argument, it returns to the current center frequency
ajustment mode. ‘ON’ means that the center frequency will be adjusted automatically and
‘OFF’ manually. To change this setting, enter the command followed by the desired value.
Example: RADJC ON
The center frequency will be adjusted automatically.
RCENTER [<freq>] If this command is entered with no argument, it returns to the current 70 MHz or L-band
center frequency in Hz for the demodulator depending on the RLBAND value and if the
RADJC is set to manual mode. To change the center frequency, enter the command
followed by the desired 70 MHz or L-band frequency in Hz. The range of valid values for
<frequency> is 950000000 to 2050000000, in 100000 Hz steps (L-band input signal) and
52000000 to 88000000, in 1 Hz steps (70MHz input signal). Important: Always set the center
frequency before any carrier.
Example: RCEN 950000000
The L-band input frequency for the down converter used by demodulator is set to 950 MHz.
RCARRIER [<freq>] If this command is entered with no argument, it returns to the current 70 MHz or L-band input
frequency in Hz for the demodulator depending on the RLBAND value. To change the input
frequency, enter the command followed by the desired 70 MHz or L-band input frequency in
Hz. The range of valid values for <frequency> is 950000000 to 2050000000, in 100 Hz steps
(L-band input signal) and 52000000 to 88000000, in 1 Hz steps (70MHz input signal).
Example: RCAR 950000000
The L-band input frequency for the demodulator is set to 950 MHz.
ROFFSET [<± frequency>] If this command is entered with no argument, it returns the current setting of the frequency
offset in Hz. To change the offset frequency, enter the command followed by the desired
amount of frequency offset in Hz. The range of valid values for <± frequency> is 0 ± 32000,
in 1 Hz increments.
Example: ROFFSET –8000
The frequency offset is set to –8000.
RRATE [ ½ | ¾ | Ǭ ] If this command is entered with no argument, it returns the current decoder rate setting.
Example: RRATE ½
The demodulator decoder is set to ½ rate.
RREF [ON | OFF] If this command is entered with no argument, it returns the current setting of the LNB
reference. When REF is ON, a 10 MHz, 0-dBm signal appears at the LNB input. This
should always be turned off, unless using an externally referenced LNB.
Example: RREF OFF
The 10 MHz reference at the L-band IF input is off.
RSPINV [ON | OFF] If this command is entered with no argument, it indicates whether the spectral inversion is on
or off. This feature is provided for those systems that invert the spectrum in the frequency
conversion scheme. For a low side LO system, such as a typical Ku-Band LNB, SPINV
should be set to OFF.
Example: RSPINV OFF
The spectral inversion feature is turned off.
Command Description
RSWEEP [<width>] Refer to Paragraph 3.3.7 Carrier Frequency Configuration for additional information
regarding this command. If this command is entered with no argument, it displays the
current setting of the acquisition sweep range. This feature is provided to accommodate
systems with different ranges of frequency uncertainty. Changing this value will impact the
lock time, but does not affect the performance of the demodulator. The range of valid values
for <width> is 1000 to 512000 in steps of 1 Hz.
Example: RSWEEP 8000
The demodulator will now sweep ±8 kHz during the carrier acquisition.
RCOMP [<range>] f this command is entered with no argument, it returns to the current composite signal power
evel in dBm for the demodulator (when using L-band input signal). To change this setting,
enter the command followed by the desired value (range from –15 to –26 dBm). For best
results, this should always be –20 dBm.
Example: RCOMP -20
The AGC will provide a –20 dBm signal level at the composite side.
3.3.2 Demodulators Equipped with 70 MHz IF Inputs

Demodulators equipped with 70 MHz IF inputs (refer to Table 1.1 to determine configuration) utilises
the same command for setting the receive frequency as is used in L-band modems. The RCARRIER
command will be used to configure the carrier frequency. Demodulators can also be equipped with the
L-band tuner, giving the operator the ability to chose between either a 70 MHz input, or an L-band
input. When using the 70 MHz input, the L-band tuner should be turned off with the following
command:
RLBAND OFF
3.3.3 Commands for Dual Demodulators

Modems (including receive-only versions) equipped with dual (2) demodulators are independently
tuned, provided that the two receive frequencies are spaced by no more than 5 MHz. The commands
listed below should be used in addition to the commands in Section 3.3.1 for the first demodulator.
For these commands, the symbol [#2] indicates the syntax to command demodulator number two.
EXAMPLE:
To set the data rate of demodulator number 1 to 32000 bps, use the command:
RD 32000
To set the data rate of demodulator number 2 to 32000 bps, use the command:
RD #2 32000
As with all commands, the ENTER button performs the function. The commands unique to the second
demodulator are noted below.
Command Description
RCAR [#2] [<freq>] If this command is entered with no argument, it returns to the current 70 MHz or L-band
RCAR [<freqA> <freqB>] input frequency in Hz for the demodulator depending on the RLBAND value. To change
the input frequency, enter the command followed by the desired 70 MHz or L-band input
frequency in Hz. The range of valid values for <frequency> is 950000000 to
2050000000, in 100 Hz steps (L-band input signal) and 52000000 to 88000000, in 1 Hz
steps (70MHz input signal).
Example1: RCAR #2 950000000
The L-band input frequency for demodulator 2 is set to 950 MHz.
Example2: RCAR 950000000 954000000
The L-band input frequencies for demodulators 1 & 2 are 950 and 954 MHz.
Command Description
RACQ [#2] [FFT|SWEEP] Refer to Paragraph 3.3.6 Carrier Acquisition for additional information regarding this
command. Selects the method used for acquisition. If this command is entered without
an argument, it returns the current demodulator acquisition type. To change the
acquisition type, enter the command followed by then desired type.
Example: RACQ #2 FFT
The demodulator will use the FFT mode when acquiring a carrier.
RBPSK [#2] If this command is entered with no argument, it indicates whether the BPSK Mode is on
[ON | OFF] or off. This command allows the demodulator to be used in QPSK or BPSK systems with
no change to the hardware.
Example: RBPSK #2 OFF
The BPSK Mode is not enabled. In this mode, the demodulator will only lock to a signal
that uses QPSK modulation.
RCCITT [#2] If this command is entered with no argument, it indicates whether the descrambler is
[ON | OFF] using the exact algorithm as specified by CCITT V.35 or the IESS 308 descrambler.
When set to ON, the descrambler uses the CCITT V.35 algorithm. When set to OFF, the
descrambler uses a slightly modified algorithm, as called out in the Intelsat specification
IESS-308.
Example: RCCITT #2 ON
The exact CCITT V.35 algorithm is used for descrambling.
The user should set the demodulator parameter [RCCITT] to the same value as for
[TCCITT].
RCINV [#2] If this command is entered with no argument, it indicates whether the output clock
[ON | OFF] inversion is on or off. This feature is provided for those systems that expect the rising
edge of the clock to occur in the middle of the data bit.
Example: RCINV #2 OFF
The output clock inversion feature is turned off. The rising edge of the clock will occur at
transitions.
RDATA [#2] [<rate>] If this command is entered with no argument, it returns the current data rate in bits per
Note: The high and low limits on data rate depend on the modulation type (TBPSK [ON
| OFF] )and the encoder rate TRATE [½| ¾|7/8] as outlined below:
BPSK, ½ rate 9600 to 1100000
BPSK, ¾ rate 14400 to 1650000
QPSK, ½ rate 19200 to 2200000
QPSK, ¾ rate 28800 to 3300000
QPSK, 7/8 rate 28800 to 3850000
Example: RDATA #2 64000
The data rate is set to 64000 bits per second.
RDESC [#2] If this command is entered with no argument, it indicates whether the descrambler is on
[ON | OFF] or off.
Example: RDESC #2 ON
The descrambler is turned on. The user should set the demodulator parameter [RDESC]
to the same value as for [TDESC].
RDIFF [#2] If this command is entered with no argument, it indicates whether the differential decoder
[ON | OFF] is on or off.
Example: RDIFF #2 ON
The differential decoder is turned on.
The user should set this parameter to ON when using the Viterbi decoder. This
parameter has no effect when using Turbo. Also, the user should set the demodulator
parameter [RDIFF] to the same value as for [TDIFF].
RDINV [#2] If this command is entered with no argument, it indicates whether the output data
[ON | OFF] inversion is on or off. This feature is provided for those systems where it becomes
necessary to invert the data.
Example: RDINV #2 OFF
The output data inversion feature is turned off. The output data will be the same polarity
as the data input to the modulator.
Command Description
ROFFSET [#2] If this command is entered with no argument, it returns the current setting of the
[<± frequency>] frequency offset in Hz. To change the offset frequency, enter the command followed by
the desired amount of frequency offset in Hz. The range of valid values for the
<± frequency> is 0 ± 32000, in 1 Hz increments.
Example: ROFFSET #2 –8000
The frequency offset is set to –8000.
RRATE [#2] If this command is entered with no argument, it returns the current decoder rate setting.
[½ | ¾ | 7/8] Example: RRATE #2 ½
The demodulator decoder is set to ½ rate.
RSPINV [#2] If this command is entered with no argument, it indicates whether the spectral inversion is
[ON | OFF] on or off. This feature is provided for those systems that invert the spectrum in the
frequency conversion scheme. For a low side LO system, such as a typical Ku-Band
LNB, RSPINV should be set to OFF.
Example: RSPINV #2 OFF
The spectral inversion feature is turned off.
RSWEEP [#2] [<width>] Refer to Paragraph 3.3.7 Carrier Frequency Configuration for additional information
regarding this command. If this command is entered with no argument, it displays the
current setting of the acquisition sweep range. This feature is provided to accommodate
systems with different ranges of frequency uncertainty. Changing this value will impact
the lock time, but does not affect the performance of the demodulator. The range of valid
values for <width> is 1000 to 512000 in steps of 1 Hz.
Example: RSWEEP #2 8000
The demodulator will now sweep ±8 kHz during carrier acquisition.
3.3.4 Receive Monitor Commands

These are all of the demodulator monitor commands that allow an operator to observe what is
happening with the demodulator. If for example, you wish to monitor the AGC voltage, the command
RAGC followed by ENTER, reports the AGC reading. All of the following functions must be followed by
ENTER to view the contents.
Command Description
RAGC Displays information relative to the level of the received signal. The display will present
the actual power level signal in dBm.
RBER Displays an estimate of the current bit error rate when the demodulator is locked.
Note: This command is still under development.
RRBER Displays the number of raw errors detected by the decoder during the previous second.
This command is useful only when the decoder is locked. The information is updated
once each second.
Note: This command is still under development.
RCD Displays the current carrier detect status. When the receiver is locked, the display will
show "Carrier Detect = ON".
RCONF Displays the configuration parameters of the demodulator.
RDEC Displays the current decoder lock status. When the receiver is locked, the display will
show "Decoder Lock = ON".
REBNO Displays the current Eb/No estimation when the demodulator is locked.
RHELP Displays an alphabetical list of all commands in a format that fits the hand-held terminal
screen. Four lines are displayed, and the display will freeze for approximately four
seconds before displaying the next four lines. If the user presses a key, the display will
advance to the next four lines.
R? Displays an alphabetical list of all commands in a format that fits into a standard terminal
screen. Some lines are displayed, however the display will freeze until the user presses
a key to view the next lines.
RPN Display the demodulator circuit board assembly part number.
RSERIAL Display the demodulator circuit board assembly serial number.
RROFFSET Displays the amount of frequency offset from the programmed frequency, in Hz
[+ delta frequency].
RSYNTH Displays the status of the demodulator synthesiser.
Command Description
RSWVER Displays the version number of the internal software.
RSWDATE Displays the complete date of the internal software.
RSWNAME Displays the name of the FPGA internal software.
RSWSUM Displays the checksum of the internal software stored in the flash.
RSWALL Displays all of the software information above.
3.3.5 Monitor Commands for Dual Demodulators

The monitor commands that allow an operator to observe what happens to the second demodulator, is
independent from those for the first demodulator. The monitor commands listed below should be used
in addition to the monitor commands listed in Section 3.3.4 for the first demodulator. The symbol [#2]
indicates the syntax to command demodulator number two. All of the following functions must be
followed by ENTER to implement the command.
Command Description
RAGC [#2] Displays information relative to the level of the received signal. The display will present the
actual power level signal in dBm.
RBER [#2] Displays an estimate of the current bit error rate when the demodulator is locked.
Note: This command is still under development
RRBER [#2] Displays the number of raw errors detected by the decoder during the previous second. This
command is useful only when the decoder is locked. The information is updated once each
second.
Note: This command is still under development
RCD [#2] Displays the current carrier detect status. When the receiver is locked, the display will show
"Carrier Detect = ON".
RCONF [#2] Displays the configuration parameters of the demodulator.
RDEC [#2] Displays the current decoder lock status. When the receiver is locked, the display will show
"Decoder Lock = ON".
REBNO [#2] Displays the current Eb/No estimation when the demodulator is locked.
RROFFSET [#2] Displays the amount of frequency offset from the programmed frequency, in Hz
[+ delta frequency].
3.3.6 Carrier Acquisition

The demodulator may be configured to use one of two methods to acquire the desired carrier. The
method is selected by the RACQ command.
FFT mode will achieve demodulator lock very quickly, and is most often used. (For symbol rates >1 M
symbols per second, using the SWEEP mode may be a better choice.) The configured sweep width
must be set narrow to prevent the adjacent carriers from being included into the sweep window in order
for the FFT acquisition mode to function. Acquisition times are a function of the data rate, sweep width,
and the Eb/No. Higher data rates, smaller sweep widths, and higher Eb/No values all reduce the
acquisition time.
SWEEP mode will lock to a signal even in very low signal to noise ratio conditions. The configured
sweep width will impact the lock time. If adjacent carriers are using the same data rate, the sweep
must not be set too wide so as to pass through these carriers.
3.3.7 Carrier Frequency Configuration
3.3.7.1 ROFFSET and RCARRIER Input Frequency Configuration

The value stored by the command, ROFFSET, is algebraically added to (or subtracted from) the
RCARRIER setting to determine the actual centre frequency for the demodulator. ROFFSET is usually
reserved for centring the carrier by observing the contents of RROFFSET. RROFFSET (a monitor
command) displays the frequency offset of the received signal from the actual centre frequency for the
demodulator.
EXAMPLE1:
Demodulator 1 desired input frequency: 70.000000 MHz
RCARRIER 70
ROFFSET 0
RROFFSET +10000
Actual centre frequency of the acquired carrier is 70 + 10000 = 70.010000 MHz
If you change ROFFSET to reflect the value displayed by RROFFSET, then the actual centre
frequency of the incoming carrier is still 70 + 10000 = 70.010 MHz, but RROFFSET should display near
zero.
From EXAMPLE1:
Demodulator 1 desired input frequency: 70.000000 MHz
RCARRIER 70
ROFFSET 10000
RROFFSET 0
Actual centre frequency of the acquired carrier is 70 + 10000 = 70.010000 MHz.
3.3.7.2 Advanced Carrier Frequency Configuration

The demodulator includes a special circuit to down convert the L band input signal to 70 MHz. This
down converter has a frequency step size of 0.1 MHz, as noted in the description of the RCENTER
command. A second circuit is used to down convert the 70 MHz signal. The centre frequency of this
down converter is set also by the RCENTER command. The final frequency selection is configured with
the RCARRIER command.
In normal operation RADJC will be set to ON to automatically adjust the down convert frequencies. But
for example if you are using a dual demodulator, every time a change is made on carrier, data rate,
code rate, modulation type the down convert frequency will be updated to be at the centre of both
carrier.
In manual mode the user will have to set the down convert frequency before any carrier. The user have
to know that the maximum bandwidth between both carrier must be 5MHz. The major advantage of this
mode is to be able to modify a carrier frequency without interrupted the second one. Following are few
examples of programming the input frequency:
EXAMPLE 1 (L band input, dual demodulator with RCENTER adjusted auto)

Demodulator 1 Desired Input Frequency: 1200.025 MHz
RLBAND ON RLBAND ON
RADJC ON RADJC ON
OR
RCARRIER 1200.025 RCARRIER 1200.025 1198.125
RCARRIER #2 1198.125
EXAMPLE 2 (L band input, dual demodulator with RCENTER adjusted manually)

RLBAND ON RLBAND ON
RADJC OFF RADJC OFF
RCENTER 1306.5 OR RCENTER 1306.5
RCARRIER 1305.0 RCARRIER 1305.0 1307.0
RCARRIER #2 1307.0
EXAMPLE 3 (70 MHz input, single demodulator with RCENTER adjusted manually)
Demodulator Desired Input Frequency: 68.6 MHz
RLBAND OFF
RADJC OFF
RCENTER 68.6
RCARRIER 68.6
3.3.7.3 Fast Acquisition Operation

In the sweep acquisition mode, programming the centre carrier frequency closer to the actual receive
frequency will reduce the acquisition time. The ROFFSET command is used for this, but only after at
least one acquisition has been made. A query of RROFFSET during the first acquisition determines
the delta offset between the algebraic sum of RCARRIER and ROFFSET and the actual centre
frequency of the incoming carrier.
For example, once a desired carrier has been acquired, the receive offset value stored in RROFFSET
is queried at the remote terminal. From this query, a response of RROFFSET -6200 appears,
indicating that the value of the receive carrier is offset by a negative 6200 Hz. This value is entered
using the command ROFFSET -6200, which will cause the demodulator to begin the acquisition at the
RCARRIER frequency minus 6200 Hz.
If the source of the carrier is generated from a highly stable reference oscillator, the value stored in
RROFFSET can also be used to adjust the transmitted carrier (TCARRIER) that’s returned to the same
source.
Adjusting the acquisition offset frequency (ROFFSET), is an effective means of reducing the acquisition
time. However, periodic monitoring of RROFFSET is necessary due to oscillator drift in the satellite
chain. The accuracy of ROFFSET (and RCARRIER) is only as good as the last measurement of
RROFFSET used to update ROFFSET.
In the FFT acquisition mode, faster lockup times may be achieved by setting RSWEEP to less than ¼
of the symbol rate. As noted, the FFT acquisition mode is most effective at EbN0 values of ≥ 8 dB.
NOTE:
ROFFSET is stored in the non-volatile RAM, which utilises
FLASH technology. FLASH memories have a finite number of
write cycles (usually around 10,000 cycles) that can be
performed before the integrity of the non-volatile data becomes
questionable. Due to this limitation, it is recommended that
ROFFSET be updated only once or twice a day.
3.3.8 Measuring Acquisition Time of the SL-2048

Demodulator
The demodulator in the SL2048 modem contains a down converter that frequency translates the input
frequency to an intermediate frequency (IF). At this point, the IF is sampled with an analogue to digital
converter and the individual carriers in the IF are demodulated digitally.
There is an AGC function operating in the down converter. In general, there will be numerous carriers
in the sampled IF signal, the AGC function of the down converter has a very narrow bandwidth. The
AGC will respond very slowly to any individual carrier that changes in amplitude. This function
prevents a situation where one carrier is being turned on or off abruptly that changes the level of the
entire IF signal. Because the AGC response time is long when measuring the acquisition time, one
must maintain at least one carrier applied to the demodulator input so that the down converter AGC
can function normally. The carrier to be turned off and on during an acquisition test should be within
+/-9 dB and within 5 MHz of the carrier that is not switched on/off.
Alternatively, the noise level into the demodulator can be kept at a minimum level to allow the down
converter AGC to operate correctly when no carrier signals are present at it’s input.
3.4 MODEMS WITH REED SOLOMON OPTION

Reed Solomon is a block code FEC codec that operates in series (concatenated) with the standard
convolutional Viterbi codec. Reed Solomon, when activated, becomes the outer codec, and Viterbi
becomes the inner codec. The Reed Solomon option is a daughter card that can be factory installed
on to the existing SL-2048 satellite modems. This option card includes an IESS 308/309
scrambler/descrambler, a programmable receive (Doppler) buffer with enhanced clocking, baseband
loopback, and an interleaver/deinterleaver between the two codecs to optimise system performance.
Figure 3.2 is a simplified block diagram of the Reed Solomon option card and its constituent
components and data paths. Notice that the Reed Solomon can be invoked or bypassed. The receive
buffer can also be turned off, or operate with many different options, as described in Paragraph 3.4.3.
Outer Encoder Bypass

L-Band QPSK To Block Up
Modulator
RS-530 FEC Encoder Converter
Terrestrial
Interface
IESS Reed-Solomon Synchronous or Reed-Solomon

Outer Codec Option Self-Synchronizing Encoder/
Card Scrambler Interleaver SkyLane
Modem
Synchronous or Reed-Solomon
Receive
Self-Synchronizing Decoder/
Data Buffer Descrambler De-interleaver
L-band QPSK From Block

Demodulator
Viterbi Decoder Down Converter
Outer Decoder Bypass
Figure 3.2. Simplified Block Diagram Showing Reed Solomon Option Card
The main features of the Reed Solomon option card is highlighted below:
• Variable data rate from 64 kbps to 2304 kbps, in 1 bps steps
• Independent outer encoder/decoder
• Intelsat compliant code rates of (126,112), (225,205), (219,201), and (194,178)
• Intelsat interleaving/deinterleaving, depth 4
• Intelsat 308/309 scrambling options
• Internal and external clocking options
• Doppler FIFO (first in/first out) buffering from 8 bits to 16 kbits, may be upgraded to 256 kbits
• Bi-directional baseband loopback
• Fully configurable via modem remote M&C interface
• Codec and buffer bypass modes
3.4.1 Transmit Commands/Status with R/S Option

Following are the additional modulator control commands available to an operator for changing a single
parameter without having to cycle through a series of items to reach the appropriate function. These
commands are in addition to those outlined in Paragraph 3.2.1. (Some of these commands are also
provided in Paragraph 3.2.1, but with a different set of parameters, such as TD.)
Refer to Paragraph 3.4.3 for additional transmit clocking options.
If you wish to change the Reed Solomon encoder rate from 126,112, the command TRSRATE 225
changes the encoder rate to 225,205. All functions must be followed by ENTER to implement the
change.
Command Description
TRSRATE If this command is entered with no argument, it returns the current outer Reed-
[126 | 225 | 219 | 194 | OFF] Solomon encoder rate setting. To change the outer Reed-Solomon encoder rate,
enter the command followed by the desired rate.
Valid values for the outer Reed-Solomon encoder rate are 126 for (126,112), 225 for
(225,205), 219 for (219,201), 194 for (194,178) and OFF for (outer encoder bypass)
Example: TRSRATE 126
Outer Reed-Solomon encoder is set to (126,112).
TD [<rate>] If this command is entered with no argument, it returns the current terrestrial data
rate in bits per second. To change the terrestrial data rate, enter the command
followed by the desired data rate in bits per second. The range of valid values for
<rate> is 64000 to 2304000 in integer steps. Note: Actual modulator data rate is
TD * Outer Encoder Code Rate. The high-end limit on terrestrial data rate depends
on modulator capability. Use the following table to calculate modulator data rate:
Outer Encoder Outer Encoder
TRSRATE Code Rate R-S Overhead (%)
126 126/112 12.500
225 225/205 9.756
219 219/201 8.955
194 194/178 8.989
OFF 1/1 0.0
Example: TD 512000
The terrestrial data rate is set to 512000 bits per second. At Code Rate 126/112,
actual modulator data rate is 576000 bits per second.
TXCLK [INT | TT | RT] If this command is entered with no argument, it indicates whether the data timing is
generated by the modem, DTE, or RT. When TXCLK is INT, the modem generates
the data timing and provides a data clock on the SCT (or ST) pins of the RS-530
interface, see Figure 3.3 (a). When TXCLK is TT, the modulator requires a clock on
the SCTE (or TT) pins of the RS-530 interface at the programmed data rate
±100 ppm, see Figure 3.3 (b). When TXCLK is RT, the modem generates the data
timing from RT and provides a data clock on the SCT (or ST) pins of the RS-530
interface, see Figure 3.3 (c).
The SCT (or ST) clock pins are off even when TXCLK is TT.
Example: TXCLK INT
Transmit timing is generated by modem.
TCINV [ON | OFF] If this command is entered with no argument, it indicates whether the input clock
inversion is on or off. When TCINV is off, data is clocked into the modem with the
rising edge of the clock being used (either SCTE or SCT).
Example: TCINV OFF
The input clock inversion feature is turned off. Data should be valid at the rising
edge of the clock.
Command Description
TDINV [ON | OFF] If this command is entered with no argument, it indicates whether the data inversion
is on or off. This feature is provided for those systems where it becomes necessary
to invert the data.
Example: TDINV OFF
The output data inversion feature is turned off. The transmitted data will be of the
same polarity as the data input to the modulator.
TMBL [ON | OFF] Must be set to OFF for normal operation. More details of this command are
provided in Paragraph 3.4.3. This command is used for baseband loopback – a test
mode.
3.4.2 Receive Commands/Status with R/S Option

Following are the additional demodulator control commands available to an operator for changing a
single parameter without having to cycle through a series of items to reach the appropriate function.
These commands are in addition to those outlined in Paragraph 3.3.1. (Some of these commands are
also provided in Paragraph 3.3.1, but with a different set of parameters, such as RD.)
These commands do not include those that involve the buffer and the clocking options (with the
exception of clock invert/non-invert). Refer to Paragraph 3.4.3 for commands and status of buffer
operation.
If it is desired to change the Reed Solomon decoder rate from 126,112, the command RRSRATE 225
changes the encoder rate to 225,205. All functions must be followed by ENTER to implement the
change.
Command Description
RRSRATE [126 | 225 | 219 If this command is entered with no argument, it returns the current Reed Solomon code
| 194 | OFF] rate. To change the outer Reed-Solomon decoder rate, enter the command followed by
the desired rate. Valid values for the outer Reed-Solomon decoder rate are 126 for
(126,112), 225 for (225,205), 219 for (219,201), 194 for (194,178) and OFF for (outer
decoder bypass)
Example: RRSRATE 126
Outer Reed-Solomon decoder is set to (126,112)
RD [<rate>] If this command is entered with no argument, it returns the current terrestrial data rate in
bits per second. To change the terrestrial data rate, enter the command followed by the
desired data rate in bits per second. The range of valid values for <rate> is 64000 to
2304000 in integer steps. Note: Actual demodulator data rate is RD * Outer Decoder
Code Rate. Use the following table to calculate demodulator data rate:
Outer Decoder Outer Decoder
T*RSRATE Code Rate RS Overhead (%)
126 126/112 12.500
225 225/205 9.756
219 219/201 8.955
194 194/178 8.989
OFF 1/1 0.0
Example: RD 512000
The terrestrial data rate is set to 512000 bits per second. At Code Rate 126/112, actual
demodulator data rate is 576000 bits per second.
RRSDESC [OFF | 308 | If this command is entered with no argument, it returns to the current status of the
309] descrambler. To change the outer codec descrambler setting, enter the command
followed by the desired setting. When set to F, the outer codec descrambler is off. When
set to 8, the outer codec descrambler is in the synchronous mode, as called out in Intelsat
specification IESS-308. When set to 9, the outer codec descrambler is in the
self-synchronous mode, as called out in Intelsat specification IESS-309 (VSAT).
Example: RRSDESC 309
The self-synchronising IESS 309 (VSAT) mode used for the outer decoder descrambling.
Command Description
RCINV [ON | OFF] If this command is entered with no argument, it indicates whether the clock is inverted or
not. To change the output clock inversion setting, enter command followed by desired
setting. When set to OFF, the output clock inversion is off. When set to ON, the output
clock inversion is on. This feature is provided for those systems that expect the rising
edge of the clock to occur in the middle of the data bit.
Example: RCINV OFF
The output clock inversion feature is turned off. The rising edge of the clock will occur at
the transitions.
RDINV [ON | OFF] If this command is entered with no argument, it indicates whether the data is inverted or
not. To change the output data inversion setting, enter command followed by desired
setting. When set to OFF, the output data inversion is off. When set to ON, the output
data inversion is on. This feature is provided for those systems where it becomes
necessary to invert the data.
Example: RDINV OFF
The output data inversion feature is turned off. The output data will be the same polarity
as the data input to the modulator.
3.4.3 Receive Buffer Commands/Status for R/S and Turbo

Options
The following are the additional demodulator control and commands available to an operator for
changing a single parameter without having to cycle through a series of items to reach the appropriate
function. They can only be used when either the Reed Solomon outer codec or Turbo codec cards are
installed. They are not applicable with the optional buffer card, which are addressed in Appendix C of
this manual.
3.4.3.1 Buffer Control Commands

These commands include bypassing the buffer, re-centring the buffer, changing the depth of the buffer,
and resetting some flags (used for monitoring overflow and underflow conditions).
If you wish to change the buffer depth from 1000 to 250, the command TBD 250, followed by ENTER
invokes the new buffer depth to 250 bits. All functions must be followed by ENTER to implement the
change.
Command Description
RBUFFER [OFF | TXCLK | If this command is entered with no argument, it returns to the current status of the buffer.
EXT] To change the receive data buffer clocking option, enter the command followed by
desired setting. When set to OFF, the receive data is not buffered, see Figure 3.4 (a).
When set to TXCLK, the receive buffer output is extracted using transmit timing, see
Figure 3.4(b). When set to EXT, the receive buffer output is via the external clock.
When set to EXT, data is clocked out of the receive buffer by the external device (DTE)
by applying a clock signal to pins 17 & 9, see Figure 3.4 (c).
Example: RBUFFER OFF
Receive buffer bypass. When set to OFF, receive data is not buffered.
TBC Receive buffer centre. When this command is issued, the buffer is re-centred, and the
FIFO flags are reset.
TBD [<depth>] When this command is issued with no argument, the current depth setting is displayed.
Changes the receive buffer depth. The range of valid values for <depth> is 0 to 2047.
Example: TBD 250
Receive buffer depth becomes 250 bits.
TBF Receive buffer flag reset. When this command is issued, the buffer flags are reset, but
the buffer is not re-centred. There is no argument following this command.
TMBL [<ON|OFF>] Modem baseband loopback. When set to ON, the baseband loopback function of the
modem is enabled. In this mode, the receive buffer is not operational as a buffer.
Example: TMBL ON
The modem is in baseband loopback. The baseband data from the demodulator is
routed to the modulator.
3.4.3.2 Buffer Status Commands

The following are the commands to retrieve the status from the Reed Solomon or Turbo card options.
Command Description
TBDM Monitors the receive buffer depth.
TBEP Receive buffer FPGA hardware option/revision code.
TBEV Receive buffer events read. This events register works in conjunction with the flag reset
command (TBF) to detect when an overflow and/or underflow occurs.
Examples of valid responses:
X00 = no overflow or underflow
XX1 = at least one overflow has occurred since the flag was reset
X1X = at least one underflow has occurred since the flag was reset
1XX = at least one buffer re-centring has occurred since the flag was reset
3.4.3.3 Transmit and Receive Clocking Options

Figures 3.3 and 3.4 provide some preferred clocking options for the SL-2048 modem when it is
equipped with either the Reed Solomon outer codec or the Turbo FEC options. Figure 3.3 includes
three clocking options for the transmit (modulator) path, and Figure 3.4 includes three clocking options
for the receive (demodulator) path.
DCE
ST NCO
DTE TT
SD PLL Modulator
Baseband
M&C Command: TXCLK INT Input
Processing
Transmit timing source is from modulator
Register
(a)
DCE
ST NCO
DTE TT
SD PLL Modulator
Baseband
Processing
M&C Command: TXCLK TT Input
Transmit timing source is from DTE Register
(b)
RT (Receive timing)
DCE
ST NCO
DTE TT
SD PLL Modulator
Baseband
M&C Command: TXCLK RT Input Processing
Transmit timing source is from demodulator Register
(c)
Figure 3.3. Preferred Transmit Clocking Options
Receive Clock
SI SO RT
Demod Elastic
Baseband DCE DTE
Receive Data Buffer
Processing DI DO RD
M&C Command: RBUFFER OFF

Receive timing source is from demodulator. Elastic buffer is byp assed.
(a)
Transmit timing
Receive Clock
SI SO RT
Demod Elastic
Baseband DCE DTE
Receive Data Buffer
Processing DI DO RD
M&C Command: RBUFFER TXCLK

Transmit timing extracts data from buffer and provides DTE with transmit timing (TT)
(b)
External clock signal
applied to DCE pins 17 & 9 .
Receive Clock
SI SO RT
Demod Elastic
Baseband DCE DTE
Receive Data Buffer
Processing DI DO RD
M&C Command: RBUFFER EXT

DTE provides external timing that extracts data from the elastic buffer.
(c)
Figure 3.4. Preferred Receive Clocking Options
3.5 MODEMS WITH TURBO OPTION

The Turbo option card provides an option of using either the onboard Viterbi codec or the Turbo codec.
This option can be factory installed on the existing SL-2048 satellite modems.
Turbo is fast becoming the FEC codec of choice, having more coding power and less latency
(throughput delay) than the concatenated Viterbi plus Reed Solomon FEC. Turbo increases the coding
gain (Eb/No decrease from a reference or raw bit error rate) over standard Viterbi by as much as 4 dB
when both are operating at ¾ rate. At this time, only ¾ rate Turbo is being offered because of its
optimal performance.
3.5.1 Transmit Commands/Status with Turbo Option

Following are the additional modulator control commands available to an operator for changing a
also provided in Paragraph 3.2.1, but with a different set of parameters, such as TRATE.)
Refer to Paragraph 3.4.3 for additional transmit clocking options.
If it is desired to change the FEC from Viterbi to Turbo, the TCODE T command followed by ENTER
implements the change. All functions must be followed by ENTER to implement the change.
Command Description
TCODE [V | T] If this command is entered with no argument, it indicates the FEC being used. To
change the FEC codec, enter the command followed by the desired FEC. Valid
values for FEC are V for Viterbi and T for Turbo.
Example: TCODE T
The modulator is using the Turbo FEC.
TRATE [½| ¾|7/8] If this command is entered with no argument, it returns the current Viterbi or Turbo
encoder rate setting. Note that Turbo only operates with ¾ rate: Viterbi operates
with all three. To change the encoder rate, enter the command followed by the
desired encoder rate. Valid values for the Viterbi encoder rate are ½, ¾ and 7/8. The
valid value for the Turbo encoder rate is ¾.
Example: TRATE ¾
The FEC encoder is set to ¾ rate. The command TCODE determines if it is Viterbi
or Turbo.
TXCLK [INT | TT | RT] If this command is entered with no argument, it indicates whether the data timing is
generated by the modem, DTE, or RT. When TXCLK is INT, the modem generates
the data timing and provides a data clock on the SCT (or ST) pins of the RS-530
interface, see Figure 3.3 (a). When TXCLK is TT, the modulator requires a clock on
the SCTE (or TT) pins of the RS-530 interface at the programmed data rate
±100 ppm, see Figure 3.3 (b). When TXCLK is RT, the modem generates the data
timing from RT and provides a data clock on the SCT (or ST) pins of the RS-530
interface, see Figure 3.3 (c).
The SCT (or ST) clock pins are off even when TXCLK is TT.
Example: TXCLK INT
Transmit timing is generated by modem.
TCINV [ON | OFF] If this command is entered with no argument, it indicates whether the input clock
inversion is on or off. When TCINV is off, data is clocked into the modem with the
rising edge of the clock being used (either SCTE or SCT).
Example: TCINV OFF
The input clock inversion feature is turned off. Data should be valid at the rising
edge of the clock.
TDINV [ON | OFF] If this command is entered with no argument, it indicates whether the data inversion
is on or off. This feature is provided for those systems where it becomes necessary
to invert the data.
Example: TDINV OFF
The output data inversion feature is turned off. The transmitted data will be the same
polarity as the data input to the modulator.
TMBL [ON | OFF] Must be set to OFF for normal operation. More details of this command are
provided in Paragraph 3.4.3. This command is used for baseband loopback – a test
mode.
3.5.2 Receive Commands/Status with Turbo Option

Following are the additional demodulator control commands available to an operator for changing a
also provided in Paragraph 3.3.1, but with a different set of parameters, such as TRATE.)
These commands do not include those that involve the buffer and the clocking options (with the
exception of clock invert/non-invert). Refer to Paragraph 3.4.3 for commands and status of buffer
operation.
Command Description
RCODE [V | T] If this command is entered with no argument, it indicates the FEC being used. To
change the FEC codec, enter the command followed by the desired FEC. Valid values
for FEC are V for Viterbi and T for Turbo.
Example: RCODE T
The demodulator is using the Turbo FEC.
Command Description
RRATE [½| ¾|7/8] If this command is entered with no argument, it returns the current Viterbi or Turbo
decoder rate setting. Note that Turbo only operates with ¾ rate: Viterbi operates with all
three. To change the decoder rate, enter the command followed by the desired decoder
rate. Valid values for the Viterbi decoder rate are ½, ¾ and 7/8. The valid value for the
Turbo decoder rate is ¾.
Example: RRATE ¾
The FEC decoder is set to ¾ rate.
RDINV [ON | OFF] If this command is entered with no argument, it indicates whether the data is inverted or
not. To change the output data inversion setting, enter the command followed by the
desired setting. When set to OFF, the output data inversion is off. When set to ON, the
output data inversion is on. This feature is provided for those systems where it
becomes necessary to invert the data.
Example: RDINV OFF
The output data inversion feature is turned off. The output data will be at the same
polarity as for the input data into the modulator.
3.6 MODEMS WITH ETHERNET BRIDGE OPTION

The SL2048 is configured as a 10BaseT Ethernet Bridge designed to operate over an Unshielded
Twisted Pair (UTP) LAN cable, such as would be found in standard telephone wiring. It operates
TM
similar to the RAD TinyBridge . It is designed to connect directly to a 10BaseT Ethernet port of a PC.
It can also be used to connect to other bridges or routers, but may require a crossover cable. It is up to
the installer to review if such a cable is needed to properly route the paired transmit and receive data
signals.
The 10BaseT Ethernet Bridge installed on the SL2048 modem requires that the modulator internal
clock (TINT ON or TXCLK INT if the Turbo or Reed/Solomon options are used)) and CTS (TCTS ON)
are set to ON. The data rate of the modulator sets the rate at which the data is clocked out of the serial
synchronous port of the bridge.
Connect the Ethernet Bridge to the LAN using the RJ-45 connector on the rear panel of the SL2048. A
sketch of the data interface along with the LEDs is shown in Figure 1.2 (c).
The collision LED will flash red whenever a collision occurs on the LAN. The link LED will illuminate
green indicating good link integrity when the bridge is connected to the LAN.
The Bridge performs the bridging function at the MAC (Medium Access Control) level and is
transparent to the higher level protocols such as TCP/IP, DECnet, IPX, and operating systems such as
NetWare and MS LAN manager. It automatically learns all of the addresses of the LAN it is connected
to. Only broadcasts, multicasts, or frames that are destined for another LAN are forwarded to the
WAN.
Filtering and forwarding is performed at the maximum theoretical rate of 15,000 cps. The filtering can
be disabled if required, by asserting the FLTDIS signal. This feature is usefel for extending the
physical limits of a network without incurring the penalties associated with using the repeaters.
The Bridge’s LAN table can store up to 10,000 addresses. The aging mechanism automatically deletes
the entries, if no frames have been received from that station for 5 minutes. The Bridge buffer can hold
256 frames, with a throughput latency of 1 frame.
3.6.1 Wan Controller

The HDLC WAN controller operates in synchronous mode. The synchronous HDLC protocol is a bit-
oriented protocol, where data is transmitted into frames. Each frame starts and ends with a flag, which
is the binary sequence of 0111 1110 (0x7E). All frames contain a 16-bit Cyclic Redundancy Check
(CRC) field. In synchronous mode, zero-bit insertion is used, to allow the contents of a frame to be
transparent. Zero-bit insertion means that a binary 0 is inserted after a succession of five ones within a
frame (between flags).
The diagram below shows the structure of the frames transmitted over the WAN. The frame
boundaries are defined by flags and all of the frames are transmitted with a 16-bit CRC. The 32-bit
LAN CRC is not transmitted over the WAN.
œ DA SA TYPE DATA CRC œ

FLAG LAN FRAME FLAG
Enhanced Tinygram Compression increases the data throughput. Valid Ethernet frames have a
minimum length 64 bytes. Frames shorter than 64 bytes are padded. With the compression enabled
(by asserting the COMPR signal), these padding bytes are stripped off before being transmitted over
the WAN, and repadded while being received on the other side.
OFF ON
Control of the filtering and compression features requires
access to the two switches on the Bridge. The switches are
factory set to no filtering and no compression. 1 COMPRESSION
The example below shows the difference between a typical

Ethernet frame before and after compression. 2 FILTERING
Before compression:
DA SA Type DATA PADDING 3
Bytes: 6 6 2 20 26
4
After compression:
DA SA Type DATA
Bytes: 6 6 2 20
Figure 3.5. Switches for
3.7 PRESET COMMANDS Filtering and Control
The SL-2048 modem has provisions for storing two sets of
precept configuration commands. These are denoted PRESET 1 and PRESET 2. Each PRESET
memory can store up to 50 configuration commands (transmit and receive data rate, code rate, etc.).
These commands are best performed by using the rear panel RS-232 or the RS-485 M&C ports and
using a terminal emulator, such as ProComm or HyperTerminal.
PRESET is ideal in situations where many configuration commands are to be changed while on line,
and perhaps these configuration changes are to be operational at a certain day and time period. (If the
location is a remote link, and the communication channel is via the same satellite link, making one
change to the remote modem may disrupt the channel, and no further commands can be sent.) The
configuration commands can be installed in either of the two PRESET memories ahead of time and
then the APPLYP1 or APPLYP2 command can be issued to the modem, and the configuration
command values can be implemented near simultaneously. Building a PRESET configuration does not
affect the modem operation until APPLYP1 (or 2) have been issued.
3.7.1 Building PRESET Commands

Each set of configuration commands is built by using the DELAY command and is stored in a
temporary buffer. This buffer must be cleared prior to building the new commands. Using the DELETE
XYZ command clears the buffer. The buffer can be checked that it is empty by using the VIEW
command. A typical sequence would be as follows:
1. Delete the buffer: DELETE XYZ
2. View the buffer: VIEW
3. Build a set of commands:
DELAY TCAR 1200 Sets the L-band modulator carrier to 1200 MHz
DELAY RCAR 1200 Sets the L-band demodulator carrier to 1200 MHz
DELAY TRATE 3 Sets the modulator to ¾ rate
DELAY RRATE 3 Sets the demodulator to ¾ rate

DELAY TDATA 1024000 Sets the modulator to 1024 kbps
DELAY RDATA 1024000 Sets the demodulator to 1024 kbps
DELAY TSCRAM ON Sets the scrambler to ON
DELAY RDESC ON Sets the descrambler to ON
4. View the buffer to check the commands: VIEW
The above is just an example of what commands can be stored in either of the two PRESET memories.
If the TCODE and RCODE commands are to be used in a sequence of commands, it is recommended
to put these two at the end of the sequence.
3.7.2 Saving PRESET Configuration Commands

The commands stored in the DELAY buffer as illustrated above can be saved in either the PRESET 1
or PRESET 2 memories. Saving the contents of the DELAY buffer to the PRESET 1 memory is
implemented using the SAVEP1 command. Saving the contents of the DELAY buffer to the PRESET 2
memory is implemented using the SAVEP2 command.
3.7.3 Viewing PRESET Configuration Commands

The commands stored in either the PRESET 1 or PRESET 2 memory can be viewed by executing the
VIEWP1 or VIEWP2 commands.
3.7.4 Activating PRESET Configuration Commands

The commands stored in either the PRESET 1 or PRESET 2 memory can configure the SL-2048
modem by executing the APPLYP1 or APPLYP2 commands. Each command in the buffer takes about
1 second to execute.
3.8 MONITORING CHASSIS STATUS

Commands that are not specific to the Transmitter or Receiver can be executed from J2 on the rear
panel, or from the front panel hand-held terminal port. These commands are summarised in the
following table.
3.8.1 Monitor Commands

Command Description
BUC Displays the voltage of the BUC supply as measured on the MSI card. If the BUC power switch is
off, the value will be zero.
CHASSIS Displays the chassis serial number.
EEPROM Displays the part number and version number of the non-volatile memory.
ERASE xyz Erases the 32 characters stored in EEPROM for the NAME function.
EXT Displays the voltage of the external detector at J3. If nothing is connected, the value will be zero.
FIVE Displays the voltage measured on the +5 Volt supply. This reading is accurate to approximately
±10%.
HELP Displays an alphabetical list of commands.
INFO Displays information relative to the MSI card that is static.
LED Performs a test of the front panel LEDs.
LNB Displays the voltage of the LNB supply as measured on the MSI card. If the LNB power switch is
off, the value will be zero.
LNBI Displays a value greater than zero if the LNB is drawing current.
MCADD [<address>] Sets the M&C address. A further explanation is provided in Paragraph 3.8.2 RS-485 Addressing
Mode. The range of valid addresses for <address> is 000-255. The address must be set via the
RS-232 ports. The address <000> sets the RS-485 port for a non-addressable terminal mode. The
addresses <001-255> must uniquely be set for each modem connected to the RS-485 bus.
Leading zeros are not required when entering the address.
Command Description
NAME [<chars>] When used without an argument, it displays a 32-character string stored in EEPROM. When used
with an argument, it stores the argument in EEPROM. This function is useful to assign an ID to the
modem.
ÝPOWER [<level>] Sets the desired output power level as measured by the detector in the SierraCom BUC. The range
of valid values for <level> is 17.0 to 40.0 dBm. This setting has no affect unless tracking is enabled
(SBTR).
PN Displays the part number of the multi-serial interface circuit board assembly.
ÝSBACK [<setting>] The gain back off in the BUC may be set from 0 to 15 dB. The setting is non-volatile in the BUC,
but it cannot be read back. The user must set it to a known state to be sure of its setting. The
range of valid values for <setting> is from 0 to 15.
Example: SBACK 6
The BUC has a 6-dB attenuator set in its RF path.
ÝSBADD Changes Sierracom BUC address stored in EEPROM. The range of valid values for the <address>
[<address>] is 1 to 15. This address is not currently used by the program and must be set to 1.
SERIAL Displays the serial number of MSI circuit board assembly.
ÝSBPWR Displays the output power of the Sierracom BUC in dBm.
ÝSBTEM Displays the temperature returned by the Sierracom BUC in °C.
ÝSBTR [<ON|OFF>] Enables the PowerTrack feature. The output power of the SL-2048 must first be set so that the
power read from the BUC (SBPWR) is very close to the value of POWER.
ÝSBTX [<ON|OFF>] Sets the Sierracom BUC transmitter on or off. Displays the status of the transmit on/off status bit.
ÝSBPLL Displays the status of the Sierracom BUC PLL lock status bit.
ÝSBRNG [0] Display an indication of whether the tracking range of the PowerTrack system has been exceeded.
When entered with the zero argument, resets the indication to OFF.
STATUS Displays information relating to the current status of the MSI card.
TWELVE Displays the voltage measured on the +12 Volt supply. This reading is accurate to approximately
±10%.
U300 Displays the version number of the MSI FPGA file.
U300S Displays the status of the MSI FPGA done programming bit.
WIRE [0|2] If this command is entered with no argument, it indicates the current setting of the RS485 port
control. This mode should only be set to 2 (two-wire mode for Sierracom BUC control) when a
SierraCom BUC is connected at J3 on the rear panel. When set to 0 (four wire terminal mode),
commands may be executed at J3 with the proper four-wire connection to a terminal.
Example: WIRE 0
The RS485 port is set to four wire terminal mode.
VER Displays the part number and version number of the internal software.
DEF Sets the modulator and demodulator to defaults as shown in Table 4.1, SL-2048
Back-to-Back Parameter Configuration.
These commands only have meaning when the Sierracom BUC is connected to J3 for
communication via the RS485 port. When J3 is used for connection to the Sierracom BUC, it cannot
be used for M&C via the four-wire RS-485 mode.
3.8.2 RS-485 Addressing Mode

To command a modem on the RS-485 bus, the command must be prefaced with the address 1-255,
then a SPACE. Leading zeros for the address are not required. The address and command will not be
echoed back to the user. The return prompt after the message is received indicates which modem
replied.
EXAMPLE:
<address><command> 023 TBPSK ON [no echoed characters]
Returns:
SL2048 023 ON
SECTION 4. BENCH TESTING THE SL-2048
4.0 TESTING METHODS

The user can test a single SL-2048 if an external data source such as a BERT is available, or by using
two SL-2048 modems back-to-back.
4.1 Testing One SL-2048

1. Ensure that the DC power for the BUC and LNB is OFF (switches S1 and S2 on the rear panel).
Ensure also that the clock reference for the BUC and LNB is off (TREF OFF and RREF OFF).
2. Connect J1 (IF Output) to J5 (IF Input).
3. Program the modem per Table 4.1 (sets the modem to 64 kbps with ¾ rate coding and Tx/Rx of
1200 MHz), or use the “DEF” command to set the defaults. If the unit has the Receive Buffer
Option installed, then see Appendix C for the Buffer settings.
4. Connect a data source (such as a BERT) to the RS-530 interface using the appropriate cabling
(refer to Appendix A for the cabling information).
4.2 Testing Two SL-2048s

1. Ensure that the DC power for the BUC and LNB is OFF (switches S1 and S2 on the rear panel).
Ensure also that the clock reference for the BUC and LNB is off (TREF OFF and RREF OFF).
2. Connect J1 (IF Output) to J5 (IF Input).
3. Program the modem per Table 4.1 (sets the modem to 64 kbps with ¾ rate coding, and Tx/Rx of
1200 MHz), or use the “DEF” command to set the defaults. If the unit has the Receive Buffer
Option installed, then see Appendix C for the Buffer settings.
4. Choose one:
a. Connect a data source (such as a BERT) to each of the SL-2048s’ RS-530 interfaces using the
appropriate cabling (refer to Appendix A for cabling information). If only one BERT is available and it
is desired to test in one direction, then use the TEXT command to turn on the built-in 2047 pattern
generator for the modulator and connect the BERT to the other modem.
b. Alternatively, connect one BERT to one of the SL-2048s, and attach a loopback connector to the
other SL-2048 (refer to Table 4.2 for the loopback connector pinout). Ensure that the Modulator
Clock parameter on the SL-2048 with the loopback connector is set to External using the TINT OFF
command in Table 4.1.
Table 4.1. SL-2048 Back-to-Back Parameter Configuration
Parameter Modulator Command Demodulator Command
Frequency TCAR 1200000000 RCAR 1200000000
Data Rate TDATA 64000 RDATA 64000
Code Rate TRATE 3 RRATE 3
Modulator FEC Codec (Viterbi) TVIT ON (Standard)
Differential Encoder / Decoder TDIF ON RDIF ON
Scrambler / Descrambler TSCR ON RDESC ON
BPSK / QPSK TBPS OFF RBPS OFF
Spectral Invert ON / OFF TSPI OFF RSPI OFF
Scrambler Algorithm TCCI ON RCCI ON
Transmit Power Level TLEV -40
Modulator ON / OFF TMOD ON
SECTION 4. BENCH TESTING THE SL-2048 59

Parameter Modulator Command Demodulator Command

Modulator Clock INT / EXT Standard
TINT ON (No loopback connector)
Turbo option:
TXCLK INT
Clock Invert ON / OFF TCINV OFF RCINV OFF
Data Invert ON / OFF TDINV OFF RDINV OFF
Receiver Sweep Range RSWE 24000
Receive Buffer RBUFFER OFF (Turbo option )
See Appendix C for Receive Buffer
Configurations.
Code Mode TCODE TURBO (Turbo option) RCODE TURBO (Turbo option)
Loopback TMBL OFF
Table 4.2. RS-530 Loopback Connector
Pin Signal Pin Signal

2 SD-A 3 RD-A
14 SD-B 16 RD-B
17 RT-A 24 TT-A
9 RT-A 11 TT-B
Note: RS-530 loopback connector is a DB-25 male connector.
60 SECTION 4. BENCH TESTING THE SL-2048

APPENDIX A. CABLES AND PINOUTS
A.1 RS-442/449 TO RS-530 ADAPTER CABLE

Using a SkyLane SL-2048 with devices that have an RS-422/RS-449 interface (such as a BER tester)
requires an adapter cable. Although the RS-530 and RS-422/RS-449 interfaces are electrically
identical, they have different connectors. Therefore, use a cable with the pinout listed in Table A.1.
Table A.1. RS-422/RS-449 to RS-530 Adapter Cable Pinout
RS-422/RS-449 Pin RS-422/RS-449 Signal Source RS-530 Pin
P1-17 TT-A DTE P2-24
P1-35 TT-B DTE P2-11
P1-4 SD-A DTE P2-2
P1-22 SD-B DTE P2-14
P1-5 ST-A DCE P2-15
P1-23 ST-B DCE P2-12
P1-7 RS-A DTE P2-4
P1-25 RS-B DTE P2-19
P1-9 CS-A DCE P2-5
P1-27 CS-B DCE P2-13
P1-1 Shield P2-1
P1-19 Signal Ground P2-7
P1-13 RR-A DCE P2-8
P1-31 RR-B DCE P2-10
P1-11 DM-A DCE P2-6
P1-29 DM-B DCE P2-22
P1-6 RD-A DCE P2-3
P1-24 RD-B DCE P2-16
P1-8 RT-A DCE P2-17
P1-26 RT-B DCE P2-9
Notes:
P1 is a male DB-37 connector
P2 is a male DB-25 connector.
Wire A/B pairs using # 28 AWG twisted pair.
A.2 RS-442/449 TO RS-530 Y-CABLE

If a Y-type cable is required to go from RS-422/RS-449 to RS-530, use the pinout listed in Table A.2.
Table A.2. RS-422/RS-449 to RS-530 Y-Cable Pinout
P1-17 TT-A DTE P2-24
P1-35 TT-B DTE P2-11
P1-4 SD-A DTE P2-2
P1-22 SD-B DTE P2-14
P1-5 ST-A DCE P2-15
P1-23 ST-B DCE P2-12
P1-7 RS-A DTE P2-4
APPENDIX A. CABLES AND PINOUTS 61


P1-25 RS-B DTE P2-19
P1-9 CS-A DCE P2-5
P1-27 CS-B DCE P2-13
P1-1 Shield P2-1
P1-1 Shield P3-1
P1-13 RR-A DCE P3-8
P1-31 RR-B DCE P3-10
P1-11 DM-A DCE P3-6
P1-29 DM-B DCE P3-22
P1-6 RD-A DCE P3-3
P1-24 RD-B DCE P3-16
P1-8 RT-A DCE P3-17
P1-26 RT-B DCE P3-9
Notes:
P1 is a male DB-37 connector that connects to the BERT.
P2 is a male DB-25 connector that connects to the Modulator.
P3 is a male DB-25 connector that connects to the Demodulator.
Wire A/B pairs using # 28 AWG twisted pair.
A.3 RS-530 DATA INTERFACE PINOUT

The 25-pin D connector labelled TX/RX DATA RS-530 on the rear panel has the pinout listed in Table
A.3.
Table A.3. TX/RX Data Pinout
DB-25 Pin RS-530 Common
Description DIRECTION
Number Name Name
Pin 2 BA-A TD-A Transmit Data (A) To Modem
Pin 14 BA-B TD-B Transmit Data (B) To Modem
Pin 24 DA-A SCTE-A Transmit Signal Element Timing DTE (A) To Modem
Pin 11 DA-B SCTE-B Transmit Signal Element Timing DTE (B) To Modem
Pin 15 DB-A SCT-A Transmit Signal Element Timing DCE (A) From Modem
Pin 12 DB-B SCT-B Transmit Signal Element Timing DCE (B) From Modem
Pin 5 CB-A CTS-A Clear to Send (A) From Modem
Pin 13 CB-B CTS-B Clear to Send (B) From Modem
Pin 4 CA-A RTS-A Request to Send (A) To Modem
Pin 19 CA-B RTS-B Request to Send (B) To Modem
Pin 3 BB-A RD-A Receive Data (A) From Modem
Pin 16 BB-B RD-B Receive Data (B) From Modem
Pin 17 DD-A RT-A Received Signal Element Timing DCE (A) From Modem
Pin 9 DD-B RT-B Received Signal Element Timing DCE (B) From Modem
Pin 6 CC-A DCE Ready-A DCE Ready-A From Modem
Pin 22 CC-B DCE Ready-B DCE Ready-B From Modem
Pin 8 CF-A RLSD-A Received Line Signal Detect (A) From Modem
Pin 10 CF-B RLSD-B Received Line Signal Detect (B) From Modem
Pin 7 GND GND GND
Pin 25 TM -12 V Test Mode From Modem
Pin 1 SHIELD SHIELD GND From Modem
62 APPENDIX A. CABLES AND PINOUTS

A.4 RJ-45 ETHERNET CONNECTOR PINOUT

The 10BaseT Ethernet connection utilises a RJ-45 connector, as shown in Table A.4. Figure A.1
depicts the arrangement of the pins, looking into the connector.
Table A.4. RJ-45 Connector Pinout
RJ-45 Pin Wire Colour Crossover
Description
Number Codes Cable Pins
1 TX + White w/Orange 3
2 TX - Orange 6
3 RX + White w/Green 1
4 Blue
5 White w/Blue
6 RX - Green 2
7 White w/Brown
8 Brown
1 8
Figure A.1. RJ-45 Connector Showing Pinout
A.5 RS-232 CONNECTOR PINOUT

Table A.5 lists the pinout of the 9-pin D connector, J2, on the rear panel labelled M&C RS-232.
Table A.5. RS-232 Connector Pinout
DB-9 Pin Number Description
Pin 1 Not Used
Pin 2 Tx Data
Pin 3 Rx Data
Pin 4 Not Used
Pin 5 Ground
Pin 6 Not Used
Pin 7 Not Used
Pin 8 Not Used
Pin 9 +5 VDC @ 100 mA

A.6 RS-232 NULL MODEM CABLE ASSEMBLY

Table A.6 lists the pinouts of a cable assembly that can connect the SL-2048 M&C port to another
RS232 DCE port. The loopback handshaking listed is not required for the SL-2048 modem, but may
be required for the other port.
Table A.6. RS-232 Null Cable Connector Pinout
DB-9 Pin Number Description SL-2048 Pin Number
Pin 1 RSLD to Pin 4 and 6
Pin 2 TX/RX Data Pin 3
Pin 3 RX/TX Data Pin 2
Pin 4 DTR to Pin 1 and 6
Pin 5 Ground Pin 5
Pin 6 DSR to Pin 1 and 4
Pin 7 RTS to Pin 8
Pin 8 CTS to Pin 7
Pin 9 Not Used
A.7 RS-485 CONNECTOR PINOUT

Table A.7 lists the pinout of the 9-pin D connector, J3, on the rear panel labelled M&C RS-485.
Table A.7. RS-485 Connector Pinout
DB-9 Pin Number Description
Pin 1 Signal Ground
Pin 2 Power Detector -
Pin 3 Not Used
Pin 4 RS-485 TX +
Pin 5 RS-485 TX -
Pin 6 Power detector +
Pin 7 Not Used
Pin 8*** RS-485 RX +
Pin 9*** RS-485 RX -
*** Pins 8 and 9 are for 2-wire operation. Pins 4, 5, 8, and 9 are for 4-wire operation.
A.8 RJ-11 TO 9-PIN ADAPTER CABLE

If it is desired to connect a hand-held terminal to the Monitor and Control connector on the rear panel
labelled RS-232, use an adapter cable. Adapter cables are readily available, but must be individually
wired. Follow the pinout listed in Table A.8. Figure A.2 shows the pinout for the RJ-11 connector,
looking into the connector.
Table A.8. RJ-11 to 9-Pin Connector Cable Pinout
D Connector Signal RJ-11 Connector
Pin 1 Common Pin 5
Pin 2 Term Data IN Pin 3
Pin 3 Term Data OUT Pin 2

D Connector Signal RJ-11 Connector

Pin 5 Ground Pin 1
Pin 6 Not Used Pin 4
Pin 9 + 5VDC @ 100 mA Pin 6
1 6
Figure A.2. RJ-11 Connector Showing Pinout
A.9 BUC/MODEM CABLING REQUIREMENTS

Table A.9 describes the cable assembly necessary to establish communications from the SL-2048
modem and the SierraCom BUC. The 9-pin D connector is a male and is not supplied. The 17-pin
circular connector is a female and is supplied with the BUCs.
Table A.9. Cable Assembly Pinout for SL-2048 Modem and SierraCom Ku Band BUC
9 PIN D CONNECTOR 17 PIN CIRCULAR CONNECTOR SIGNAL DESCRIPTION
Pin 1 Pin M Signal Ground
Pin 8 Pin D RS485 (+)
Pin 9 Pin C RS485 (-)
A.10 L-BAND TRANSMIT CABLE

The recommended cable used to connect the modulator output to the BUC is available from Times
Microwave Systems. The part number of the bulk cable is LMR-600DB. The assembly number of a
finished cable is AE50520-XXX where XXX specifies the cable length in feet. This cable has male
type-N connectors at each end. The cable and its connectors have an impedance of 50 Ω. See
Section 2, Figure 2.5 for attenuation characteristics.
A.11 L-BAND RECEIVE CABLE

There are many types of coaxial cables that can be used to connect the LNB/BDC to the demodulator
input. The appropriate cable is dependent on many factors, including the gain in the LNB and
BDC/LNA, and the distance between the LNB or BDC and the input to the demodulator. The cable and
its connectors should have impedance of 75 Ω.
One such cable is the 5916 or 5916R cable supplied by CommScope. It is an RG11 type cable that
has an RF loss of 4.4 dB @ 950 MHz and 6.33 dB @ 2050 MHz per 100 ft, and a DC resistance of
1.5 Ω per 100 ft. Connectors for this cable are available from Gilbert Engineering.


APPENDIX B. S/N AND Eb/N0 VALUES
Table B.1 lists values for S/N and Eb/N0 (QPSK) based on (S+N)/N values.
Table B.1. S/N and Eb/N0 Values
7
(dB) Code Rate ½ Code Rate ¾ Code Rate /8
(S+N)/N S/N Eb/N0 S/N Eb/N0 S/N Eb/N0
4.0 1.8 1.8 1.8 0.0 1.8 --
4.5 2.6 2.6 2.6 0.8 2.6 0.2
5.0 3.3 3.3 3.3 1.6 3.3 0.9
5.5 4.1 4.1 4.1 2.3 4.1 1.7
6.0 4.7 4.7 4.7 3.0 4.7 2.3
6.5 5.4 5.4 5.4 3.6 5.4 3.0
7.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 4.3 6.0 3.6
7.5 6.6 6.6 6.6 4.9 6.6 4.2
8.0 7.3 7.3 7.3 5.5 7.3 4.9
8.5 7.8 7.8 7.8 6.1 7.8 5.4
9.0 8.4 8.4 8.4 6.7 8.4 6.0
9.5 9.0 9.0 9.0 7.2 9.0 6.6
10.0 9.5 9.5 9.5 7.8 9.5 7.1
10.5 10.1 10.1 10.1 8.3 10.1 7.7
11.0 10.6 10.6 10.6 8.9 10.6 8.2
11.5 11.2 11.2 11.2 9.4 11.2 8.8
12.0 11.7 11.7 11.7 10.0 11.7 9.3
12.5 12.2 12.2 12.2 10.5 12.2 9.8
13.0 12.8 12.8 12.8 11.0 12.8 10.4
13.5 13.3 13.3 13.3 11.5 13.3 10.9
14.0 13.8 13.8 13.8 12.1 13.8 11.4
14.5 14.3 14.3 14.3 12.6 14.3 11.9
15.0 14.9 14.9 14.9 13.1 14.9 12.5
15.5 15.4 15.4 15.4 13.6 15.4 13.0
16.0 15.9 15.9 15.9 14.1 15.9 13.5
16.5 16.4 16.4 16.4 14.6 16.4 14.0
17.0 16.9 16.9 16.9 15.2 16.9 14.5
17.5 17.4 17.4 17.4 15.7 17.4 15.0
18.0 17.9 17.9 17.9 16.2 17.9 15.5
18.5 18.4 18.4 18.4 16.7 18.4 16.0
19.0 18.9 18.9 18.9 17.2 18.9 16.5
19.5 19.5 19.5 19.5 17.7 19.5 17.1
20.0 20.0 20.0 20.0 18.2 20.0 17.6
APPENDIX B. S/N AND Eb/N0 VALUES 67


APPENDIX C. RECEIVE BUFFER CARD OPTION

The purpose of this option card is to enhance the existing SL-2048 modem with receive buffering
capability. This buffer can be used as a Doppler buffer, or possibly to limit the slip between two
dissimilar clocks. Additional secondary features include:
DCE line protection,
Baseband loopback,
Upgrades the FIFO depth up to 256K, and
Enhanced clocking options.
C.1 FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION

The heart of the receive buffer option is an asynchronous dual port FIFO (First In, First Out register).
The card is actually installed on the modulator card, although the receive buffer is primarily intended for
use by the demodulator. Two special headers (J100 and J101) on the modulator card extend power
and programming information to the receive buffer card, and transfer receive data through the FIFO.
Other than initial configuration, basic FIFO management does not require microprocessor intervention.
Once the FIFO has been programmed to its ½ full setting, the FIFO and its surrounding circuitry
maintain the setting (even on power up, although in a reset state). It automatically is re-centred
(to ½ full) upon an under or over flow condition.
FIFO features include:
Ability to store large amounts of data,
Programmable depth,
Auto re-centring upon under/over flow,
Pointer gauge,
Reset command, and
Internal/external clocking modes.
The standard buffer size is 0 to 16 kbps (half full), or 0 to 32 kbps (full), which is considered an optimal
range for data rates up to 512 kbps. However, other buffer sizes can be ordered upon request. Table
C.1 provides the buffer standard and options, along with the maximum number of bytes and bits the
FIFO will hold at ½ full and includes the throughput delay at 64 kbps and 512 kbps when that particular
FIFO is set to its maximum.
Table C.1 Buffer Depth Options using Alternate IDT FIFO Devices.
64 kbps ½ 512 kbps ½
½ Full Byte ½ Full Bit
Mfr. Part # Organisation Full Full
Size Size
(Seconds) (Seconds)
IDT7203 2,048 x 9 1 Kbytes 8 kbits 125 ms 15.63 ms

IDT7206 16,384 x 9 8 Kbytes 64 kbits 1S 125.00 ms
1 Standard Buffer Size.
APPENDIX C. RECEIVE BUFFER CARD OPTION 69

Programming of the Doppler buffer card include changing its depth, turning it on or off (bypass),
re-centring the buffer and changing its clocking options. Another command also allows the received
data to be internally looped back to the transmit data (a test condition). The latter function is ideal for
doing the distant end BER testing, whereby the distant end BERT transmits a test pattern to the
near-end modem, is looped back, and retransmitted to the distant end BERT.
Note: The programmable loopback function is at TTL levels, and therefore does not test the interface
line drivers.
C.2 SIMPLIFIED THEORY OF OPERATION

This section describes, in simplified form, the buffer operation, and the various (enhanced) clocking
options that are available from the programming menus. Figure C.1 provides a functional block
diagram of the FIFO and the associated circuitry. It does not show the loopback function, which would
have further complicated the drawing.
During normal operation, a ribbon cable passes the RS-422 demodulator clock and data to the Receive
Buffer option card. Line receivers (not shown in the diagram) on the card convert the signals into TTL
voltage levels. FIFO (FPGA) circuitry loads the eight-bit parallel data into the FIFO from the receive
serial demodulator data. FPGA circuitry then extracts the eight-bit parallel data from the FIFO and
converts it back into the serial data that is derived from either Tx or external timing. Line drivers then
convert the TTL clock and data to RS-422 differential signals (RT and RD, respectively).
There are many ways of clocking the data into the modulator, and out of the receive buffer (FIFO).
These include the following:
Modulator Output
Local Tx–generated by a Numerically Controlled Oscillator (NCO) on the modulator board.
This is the configuration when the modulator creates the free running transmit clock.
TT or RT_EXT – TT is the Terminal Timing from an external source. RT is from the clock that
is generated from the extracted data to the demodulator. TT is used when an external source
creates the transmit clock. RT_EXT is used in tail-end circuits or where the receive data is
from a highly stable clock source.
Demodulator (Receive Buffer) Output
Local Tx – extracted from the receive data into the demodulator. This mode is where the
modulator free-running NCO is used as the clock source to clock out the receive data. This is
one way of using the receive buffer to remove Doppler effects from the diurnal satellite
movements.
TT or RT_EXT – TT is used when an external source, such as a station clock, is used to clock
data out of the receive buffer. This is another way of using the receive buffer to remove
Doppler effects from the diurnal satellite movements. RT_EXT is the extracted clock from the
received data generated by the demodulator. This mode will not remove the Doppler effects.
Remote RT – This is a mode where the Receive Timing (RT) is not generated by the modem,
but instead is provided by an external source. If available, this mode could be used to remove
Doppler effects from the diurnal satellite movements.
Receive Buffer Bypass – bypasses the receive buffer (FIFO) and the clock and data from the
demodulator is directly sent to RT and RD, respectively. In this mode, all of the other
demodulator clocking options is inhibited.
There are other functions performed by the receive buffer (FIFO) and associated circuitry that is useful
in understanding the buffer operation (circuitry is not shown in the diagram):
A FIFO Depth Counter continuously monitors the depth and detects when a buffer overflow
occurs. It uses the parallel FIFO bit eight, when the count exceeds the preset threshold set by
70 APPENDIX C. RECEIVE BUFFER CARD OPTION

the M&C (TBD [<depth>]). Exceeding the count causes the FIFO to be reset and re-centred.
This count is available for viewing through the M&C (TBDM).
An Async FIFO continuously monitors the FIFO Depth Counter when the count reaches zero,
which is the detection of an underflow condition. This causes the buffer to be reset and
re-centred.
DCE
"D" 25 pin
female
13
B
Tx Clk
5
A CTS
Int = 1, RT>ST 19
Ext= 0 1 = Enable B
4
A RTS
12
1 B
1
0
0
15
A ST
1 11
B
0 24
A TT
Fault
NCO
Tx Clock
MODULATOR 14
B
Tx Data 2
A SD
RT_EXT
Using RT pins as input
TX Timing 1 Using Tx = 0 P1
Jumper
Local Internal (NCO) 0 Option
Local External (TT or RT_EXT)
RX Timing 1
Local Internal (NCO) 0
Local External (TT or RT_EXT)
Remote (RT)
/OE 9
1 B
0
17
A RT
Rx Clock SI SO
16
DEMOD FIFO 1 B
Rx Data D Q 0
3
A RD
FIFO_BYPASS
Enable Bypass =
Figure C.1. Simplified Logic Diagram of Enhanced Receive Buffer
The Reset Logic detects and responds to reset the conditions. Reset from the M&C (TBC),
FIFO Depth Counter overflow or Async FIFO underflow will trigger a reset, causing the buffer
to re-centre. Upon any reset condition, the Reset Logic will purge the FIFO contents and
initiate the Programmable FIFO Extraction Hold-off Counter.
The purpose of the Programmable FIFO Extraction Hold-off Counter is to re-centre the
buffer. The output from the Reset Logic suspends the reading from the purged FIFO based
upon the preset count. The FIFO is permitted to half fill while the reading is suspended.
C.3 BUFFER COMMANDS AND STATUS

Commands and status information related to the receive buffer are summarised in the following tables.
These commands are in addition to those provided by the basic modem, as described in Section 3.
Although the receive buffer is associated with the demodulator, a “T” rather than an “R” preface is used
in all of the programming commands for the receive buffer due to receiving its programming from the
modulator (HC11) bus.
APPENDIX C. RECEIVE BUFFER CARD OPTION 71

C.3.1 Receive Buffer Commands

These commands include: bypassing the buffer, re-centring the buffer, changing the depth of the
buffer, resetting some flags (used for monitoring overflow and underflow conditions), and the various
clocking options as was described earlier in this appendix.
Command Description
TBB [<ON|OFF>] Receive buffer bypass. When set to ON, receive data is not buffered.
TBC Receive buffer centre. When this command is issued, the buffer is re-centred, and the
FIFO flags are reset.
TBD [<depth>] Change the receive buffer depth. The range of valid values for the <depth> is 0 to 2047.
When this command is issued with no argument, the current depth setting is displayed.
TBF Receive buffer flag reset. When this command is issued, the buffer flags are reset, but
the buffer is not re-centred.
TBOCE [<ON|OFF>] Receive buffer output clock external. When set to ON, the data is clocked out of the
receive buffer by the external device (DTE) by applying a clock signal to pins 17 & 9.
TBOCT [<ON|OFF>] Receive buffer output clock transmit. When set to ON, the clock for the modulator is
used to clock data out of the receive buffer.
TMBL [<ON|OFF>] Modem baseband loopback. When set to ON, the baseband loopback function of the
modem is enabled. In this mode, the receive buffer is not operational as a buffer.
TRCLK [<ON|OFF>] Receive clock sources the transmit clock. When set to ON, the clock for the modulator is
sourced by the receive clock.
C.3.2 Receive Buffer Status

These are the commands for retrieving the status from the card.
Command Description
TBDM Monitors the receive buffer depth.
TBEP Receive buffer FPGA hardware option/revision code.
Prototype 1 – Set to 1.
TBEV Receive buffer events read. This events register works in conjunction with the flag reset
command (TBF) to detect when an overflow and/or an underflow occurs.
X00 = no overflow or underflow
xx1 = at least one overflow has occurred since the flag was reset
x1x = at least one underflow has occurred since the flag was reset
1xx = at least one buffer re-centring has occurred since the flag was reset
TBPN Receive buffer hardware option/revision code.
Prototype 1 – Set to 1.
TBSTAT This command will return to the state of all of the Receive Buffer commands.
C.3.3 Receive Buffer Standard Configuration Settings

These are the standard receive buffer configuration settings from the card.
Parameter Command Setting

Buffer Bypass TBB OFF
Buffer Re-centre TBC As Required
Buffer Depth TBD 1024
External Receive Buffer Clock TBOCE OFF
Internal receive Buffer Clock TBOCT ON
Baseband Loopback TMBL OFF
Transmit Clock Selection TRCLK OFF for Internal Clock, ON for External Clock
Buffer Flag Reset TBF As Required
72 APPENDIX C. RECEIVE BUFFER CARD OPTION

APPENDIX D. SL-2048 OPERATION WITH

SIERRACOM BUC AND ADVANTECH SSPB
The purpose of this Appendix is to provide the procedures for operating the SL-2048 satellite modem
with the SierraCom BUC and the Advantech SSPB. Please read this entire document prior to handling
the hardware. Carefully follow each step in the correct sequential order. If any problems occur when
getting started, please consult with SPL/ACT Wireless at 480-784-4646.
While going through the following procedure, refer to the SL-2048, the SierraCom or Advantech
manuals and Figure D.1. Test Diagram 1.
D.1 BUC INTERFACE CONNECTIONS

1. Connect BUC WR75 waveguide output to a suitable load. The Ortho Mode Transducer (OMT)
properly mounted to antenna or power attenuator will qualify as a suitable load.
2. Place BUC power SW1 in the OFF position.
3. Connect SL-2048 (J1) to BUC (IFL) using low-loss 50-Ohm cable with type N (male) connectors at
each end. Cable loss must not exceed 12.5 dB at 1500 MHz. Cable centre conductor dc
resistance (end to end) must not exceed 0.5 Ohms. For cable runs up to 100 meters, useLMR-600
or equivalent.
4. Connect SL-2048 (J3) to BUC (RS-485) using twisted pair cable. The connector supplied with the
SierraCom BUC is used at one end and a 9-pin male D connector at the other.
D.2 LNB INTERFACE CONNECTIONS

1. Connect LNB WR75 waveguide input to OMT output.
2. Place LNB power SW2 in the OFF position.
3. Connect LNB output to SL-2048 (J5) using low-loss 75-Ohm cable with type F (male) connectors at
each end. Cable loss must not exceed 25 dB at 1500 MHz.
D.3 RS-232 M&C INTERFACE CONNECTIONS

Connect M&C RS-232 (J2) interface to a PC with available RS-232 interface. An optional hand-held
terminal may be used at the front panel M&C Interface. Refer to SL-2048 manual for more details.
D.4 SL-2048 MODEM CONFIGURATION

1. Refer to SL-2048 manual regarding the setting of the modulator parameters.
2. Use the following formula to determine the modulator IF frequency based from upon the transmit
frequency: (BUC TX frequency) - (BUC LO 13.05 GHz) = Modulator IF carrier frequency.
3. Example for the desired TX frequency of 14.250 GHz: 14.250 – 13.050 = 1200 MHz.
4. Refer to SL-2048 manual regarding the setting of demodulator parameters.
5. Use the following formula to determine demodulator IF frequency based upon the receive
frequency from the satellite: RX frequency – LNB LO frequency = IF
D.5 TX CARRIER ENABLE

1. Double-check modulator IF carrier frequency to insure proper TX frequency.
2. Determine desired TX output level from BUC.
3. Determine modulator output level based upon following formula:
(TX BUC dBm) – (IF to RF BUC gain dB)- (Cable Loss dB) = Modulator carrier level.
APPENDIX D. SL-2048 OPERATION WITH SIERRACOM BUC AND ADVANTECH SSPB 73

Example: 4 Watts = +36 dBm, BUC gain = 56 dB, cable loss 6 dB.
36 dBm – 56 dB – 6 dB = -26 dBm
4. As in the above example, set modulator output level using M&C command “TLEVEL –26”.
5. Double-check BUC output for proper termination.
6. Using M&C command “TREF ON”, to enable 10 MHz.
7. Set SL-2048 BUC power switch SW1 in the ON position.
8. Use M&C command “SBTX ON”, to enable the BUC transmitter. At this point, the BUC should be
transmitting.
9. To check actual TX power, use M&C command “SBPWR” to read detected TX power measured at
BUC output. Adjust modulator output to obtain the desired TX output power.
D.6 RX CARRIER ACQUISITION

1. Place LNB power switch SW2 in the ON position.
2. Use M&C command “RSPI OFF”, to disable the receive Spectrum Invert feature. See SL-2048 for
more details.
3. Use M&C command “RSW 32”, to enable demodulator sweep at +/- 32 kHz.
4. To check for carrier acquisition, use SL-2048 front panel RX Lock indicator to detect lock.
M&C Terminal Interface
RF Input
IBM Compatible
75 Ohm Coax 950 - 1450 MHz

Connectors Type F(female)
LNB
Caution: +24 or +48 VDC is present
on J1 center conductor. Use BUC RS-232 M&C
power switch (SW1) or DC block to Interface. Refer
prevent damage to test equipment. To SL-2048
Manual for Caution: +20 VDC is present on J5
Installation and center conductor. Use LNB power
Operation. switch (SW2) or DC block to prevent
damage to test equipment.
SW1 SW2
M&C RS-232
TX/RX DATA J2
J5 P1 RS-485 Connector
J1 RS-530
M&C RS485
AC Power (Provided)
BUC J3 LNB RF Output
PWR PWR
SL-2048 Rear Panel

SierraCom BUC Caution: RF Output
or Advantech must be properly
50 Ohm Coax 950 - 1450 MHz Refer to SL-2048 and BUC/SSPB
Manuals for Pin Assignments SSPB terminated to prevent
Connectors Type N(male) damage to BUC/SSPB.
L Band Connector Do not use this

Figure D1. Test Diagram 1 Type N (female) LNB connector.
74 APPENDIX D. SL-2048 OPERATION WITH SIERRACOM BUC AND ADVANTECH SSPB

APPENDIX E. COMMANDS NO LONGER

SUPPORTED BY THE DEMODULATOR
1. For demodulator software version C1.0 and higher
Command Description
RGAIN [<setting>] Refer to the Paragraph 3.3.8 Gain Configuration for additional information regarding this
command. If this command is entered with no argument, it returns the current setting of the
down converter gain in dB. To change the gain, enter the command followed by the desired
amount gain in dB. The range of valid values for <setting> is 5 to 70 dB, in increments of
1 dB.
Example: RGAIN 31
The gain of the L-band down converter is set to 31 dB.
2. For demodulator software version C2.0 and higher
Command Description
RLCARRIER [<freq>] If this command is entered with no argument, it returns the current L-band input frequency
in Hz of the demodulator. To change the input frequency, enter the command followed by
the desired L-band input frequency in Hz. The range of valid values for <frequency> is
950000000 to 2050000000, in 100 Hz steps.
Example: RLCARRIER 950000000
The L-band input frequency for the demodulator is set to 950 MHz.
R70CARRIER Normally this command will be used when using the 70 MHz input. If this command is
[<frequency>] entered with no argument, it returns the current carrier frequency of the demodulator in Hz.
To change the frequency, enter the command followed by the desired frequency in Hz. The
range of valid values for <frequency> is 52000000 to 88000000, in 1 Hz steps.
Example: R70CARRIER 70000000
The centre frequency of the demodulator is set to 70 MHz.
R70CARRIER If this command is entered with no argument, it returns the current carrier frequency of
[<freq1>] [<freq2>] demodulator 1and 2 in Hz. To change the frequency, enter the command followed by the
desired frequency in Hz. The range of valid values for the <frequency> is 52000000 to
88000000, in 1 Hz steps. The frequency for demodulator 1 must be no more than
5 MHz minus the arithmetic mean of the symbol rates of both carriers from the frequency of
demodulator 2.
Example: R70CARRIER 70000000 72000000
The centre frequency of demodulator 1 is set to 70 MHz and the centre frequency of
demodulator 2 is set to 72 MHz.
If this command is entered with no argument, it returns to the current carrier frequency of the
RLCARRIER demodulators 1and 2 in Hz. To change the frequency, enter the command followed by the
[<freq1>] [<freq2>] desired frequency in Hz. The range of valid values for <frequency> is 950000000 to
2050000000, in 100 Hz steps. The frequency for demodulator 1 must not exceed 5 MHz
minus the arithmetic mean of the symbol rates of both carriers from the frequency of
demodulator 2.
Example: RLCARRIER 950000000 955000000
The L-band input frequency for demodulator 1 is set to 950 MHz and for demodulator 2, 955
MHz.
APPENDIX E. COMMANDS NO LONGER SUPPORTED BY THE DEMODULATOR 75

SL2048 Manual RevF

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

SL2048 Manual RevF

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

SL2048 Manual RevF

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

SkyLane SL-2048

L-Band or 70 MHz Satellite Modem

INSTALLATION AND OPERATIONS

An Advantech AMT TM Company

Visit our WEB site at www.advantechamt.com

Head Office U.S. Office European Office

Revision History: Date Document Revision

English Text (UL/CSA) German Text (VDE/TUV) French Text

Section Number Title

Appendix Letter Title

“This page is intentionally left blank”

LIST OF TABLES ...................................................................................................... 10

WARRANTY AND SERVICE ..................................................................................... 11

SECTION 3. OPERATION ........................................................................................ 29

A.9 BUC/MODEM CABLING REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................ 65

APPENDIX C. RECEIVE BUFFER CARD OPTION ................................................. 69

WARRANTY AND SERVICE

Extended Warranty Options

WARRANTY AND SERVICE 11

12 WARRANTY AND SERVICE

1.1 PRODUCT OVERVIEW

• 48 VDC input power

1.2 CONNECTOR PANEL

IF Output to BUC IF Output IF Input From LNB

(a). Modem, Standard Version, AC Input

(b). Modem, 48 VDC Version, with BNC Input

IF Output to BUC IF Output IF Input From LNB

Figure 1.2. SL-2048 Rear Connector Panel (3 Versions)

Table 1.1. SkyLane SL-2048 Models

OPTION "C" OPTION "T" OPTION "R"

OPTION "D" OPTION "O" OPTION "S"

K RS-230/ RS-422 (25-PIN D) 5 1 NO OPTION 5 0 NO OPTION 3,5

L ETHERNET 10 BASE (RJ-45) 2 BUFFER 4 P N-TYPE RX CONNECTOR

REED SOLOMON &

4 TURBO & BUFFER 4

OPTION "P" Notes:

2 24 VDC (4.0 A) S -48 VDC 1 - option under development (contract

Figure.1.3 SL-2048 Label

1.4 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

2.1 UNPACKING AND INSPECTION

2.2 INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS

2.2.1 Site Considerations

2.2.2 Power Requirements

2.2.2.1 AC Powered Versions

2.2.3 Link Budget Analysis

Table 2.1. Allocated Bandwidth for each Carrier Type

Transmission Method Channel Spacing (Rounded) Eb/N0 @ 10^-07 (Typical)

2.3.1 Modem Rear Support

Figure 2.1. SL-2048 Rear Support Kit Installation

2.3.2 Data Connections

2.3.3 BUC and LNB/BDC Connections

The input of the Demodulator (Type F,

the (LNB/BDC). The cable loss must be BUC

considered when selecting the cable. LNB

The LNB is provided with DC power

cable as the L-band receive carrier.

RS -530 SL2048 Tx 950 - 1450 MHz

2.3.3.1 IF Output to BUC L-band Modulator

the block up converter (BUC) is

2.3.4 Front Panel Controls and Indicators