ACU5000 Antenna Controller Unit - Manual

TECHNICAL OPERATION HANDBOOK
For
ACU5000 ANTENNA CONTROLLER
Document No. 209432 Rev. 16C
The Document is supplied on the express terms that it is to be

treated as confidential and that it may not be copied, used or
disclosed to others for any purpose except as authorised by
Vislink.
ADVENT COMMUNICATIONS
Vislink House
27 Maylands Avenue
Hemel Hempstead
Hertfordshire
HP2 7DE
England
Telephone: National 01442 431 300

Fax: 01442 431 301
24 Hour Support +44 (0)1442 431 410

Email [email protected]
Advent Communications is a brand name of Vislink International

VISLINK
CONTENTS
AMENDMENT RECORD SHEET 1
EMC DECLARATION 2
1. INTRODUCTION 3
2. SPECIFICATION 4
2.1 PHYSICAL 4
2.2 SIGNAL INTERFACES 4
2.3 BEACON RECEIVER SECTION 4
2.4 ANGULAR POSITIONAL DISPLAY 5
2.5 ANGULAR CONTROL 5
ACU5000 MENU STRUCTURE 6
ACU5000 ACU CONTROL SUBMENU STRUCTURE 7
ACU5000 ACU CONTROL – SETTINGS SUBMENU STRUCTURE 8
3. ACU5000 QUICK START GUIDE 9
3.1 ANTENNA TEST 9
3.2 ACU5000 COMMUNICATION PORTS CONFIGURATION 9
3.2.1 COMPASS AND GPS SERIAL LINKS 9
3.2.2 REMOTE SERIAL INTERFACE 9
3.2.3 ETHERNET INTERFACE 9
3.3 ACU5000 PC SOFTWARE 9
3.4 ACU5000 LICENSING 10
3.5 ACU5000 DATABASE INITIALISATION 10
3.5.1 SYSTEM DATABASE 10
3.5.2 SATELLITE DATABASE 10
3.5.3 LOCATION DATABASE 10
3.6 AUTO-OPERATION 10
4. AUC5000 INSTALLATION RECOMMENDATIONS 11
4.1 ACU-ANTENNA DCU CONNECTION 11
4.2 ACU-REMOTE CONTROL CONNECTION 11
4.3 ACU-GPS CONNECTION 11
4.4 ACU-COMPASS CONNECTION 11
5. FRONT PANEL 12
5.1 ALARM LED 12
5.2 POWER LED 12
5.3 STOP KEY 12
5.4 RATE KEY 12
5.5 POL → AND POL ← KEYS 12
5.6 MUTE KEY 12
5.7 ESCAPE KEY 12
5.8 UP / DOWN / LEFT / RIGHT ARROW KEYS 12
5.9 MENU KEY 13
5.10 START KEY 13
5.10.1 SELECT SATELLITE 13
5.10.2 RESTART 13
5.10.3 DEPLOY 13
5.10.4 STOW 13
5.10.5 PEAK 13
6. REAR PANEL 14
6.1 ANTENNA REMOTE DCU 14
6.2 GPS / COMPASS / AUX IO 15
6.3 RC&M/INHIBITS 16
ACU5000 Antenna Controller
VISLINK
6.4 ANTENNA POWER 17
7. CONFIGURATION AND OPERATING PROCEDURE 18
7.1 ACU5000 POWER-UP 18
7.2 ACU5000 SYSTEM CONFIGURATION 18
7.2.1 SYSTEM SETUP DATABASE 18
7.2.2 SATELLITE DATABASE 21
7.2.3 LOCATION DATABASE 22
7.3 SELECT SATELLITE AND RESTART OPERATION 22
7.3.1 SELECT SATELLITE 22
7.3.2 RESTART 22
7.4 ANTENNA DEPLOYMENT 22
7.5 ANTENNA MOVEMENT 22
7.5.1 POLARISATION WAVEGUIDE SWITCH CONTROL 23
7.6 ANTENNA STOWING 23
7.7 DISPLAY INTERPRETATION 23
7.7.1 SYSTEM STATE: STOWED 23
7.7.2 SYSTEM STATE: DEPLOYED 23
7.7.3 SYSTEM STATE: HALTED 23
7.7.4 SYSTEM STATE: CALIBRATING 23
7.7.5 ANGLE CONSTANT DISPLAY 23
7.8 ALARMS AND FAULT CODES 24
7.8.1 ALARM CODES 24
8. MENU OPERATION 26
8.1 ANTENNA 26
8.2 BEACON RX 26
8.3 DVB 26
8.4 MAIN MENU 26
8.4.1 ACU CONTROL 26
8.5 LNB CONTROL 26
8.5.1 SETTINGS 26
8.5.2 CONTROL 27
8.5.3 BRX CONTROL 27
8.5.4 DVB CONTROL 28
8.6 ACU CONTROL – SUB MENU FUNCTIONS 28
8.6.1 ACTIONS 28
8.6.2 SETTINGS 29
8.6.3 INFORMATION 35
8.6.4 LICENSE 36
8.7 HIDDEN MENU CONTROLS 37
8.7.1 RESET DCU 37
8.7.2 10MHZ REF 37
9. AUTO ACQUISITION OPERATION 38
9.1 SATFINDER OPERATIONAL MODE 38
9.2 NEWSWIFT/FLYDRIVE OPERATIONAL MODE 39
9.3 MANTIS 1.0 OPERATIONAL MODE 40
9.4 MANTIS 1.9/2.4 OPERATIONAL MODE 41
10. SERIAL RS232/485 REMOTE CONTROL 42
10.1 INTRODUCTION 42
10.2 SET UP 42
10.2.1 BAUD RATE 42
10.2.2 ADDRESS 42
10.2.3 SETUP INSTRUCTIONS 42
10.3 PACKET STRUCTURE 43
10.4 COMMANDS, QUERIES AND RESPONSES 43
VISLINK
10.4.1 DEFINITIONS 43
10.4.2 RESPONSE TO VALID COMMANDS 44
10.4.3 RESPONSE TO INVALID COMMANDS 44
10.5 MESSAGE DATA STRUCTURE 45
10.5.1 COMMAND MESSAGE STRUCTURE 45
10.5.2 BULK STATUS REQUEST (QQ) MESSAGE STRUCTURE 45
10.6 CHANNEL 00: ACU5000 SYSTEM 46
10.7 CHANNEL 01: DATABASE MANAGEMENT COMMANDS 50
10.7.1 USA STATE CODING 57
10.7.2 EUROPE STATE CODING 58
10.7.3 ASIA STATE CODING 59
10.7.4 OCEANIA STATE CODING 60
10.7.5 AFRICA STATE CODING 61
10.7.6 NORTH AMERICA STATE CODING 62
10.7.7 CARIBBEAN STATE CODING 62
10.7.8 SOUTH AMERICA STATE CODING 63
10.8 CHANNEL 02: ANTENNA CONTROL FUNCTIONS 67
10.9 CHANNEL 03: GPS CONTROL 75
10.10 CHANNEL 04: COMPASS CONTROL 77
10.11 CHANNEL 05: BEACON RECEIVER CONTROL 80
10.12 CHANNEL 06: DVB MODULE FUNCTIONS 85
10.13 CHANNEL 07: DCU MONITORING/CONTROL 88
11. SNMP REMOTE CONTROL 91
12. WEB BROWSER REMOTE CONTROL 92
12.1 UNIT ETHERNET SETTINGS 92
12.2 WEBPAGE SETUP NOTES 92
12.3 BROWSER COMPATIBILITY 92
12.4 START PAGE 93
12.4.1 STOP 93
12.4.2 STOW 93
12.4.3 DEPLOY 93
12.4.4 FIND 93
12.4.5 PEAK 93
12.4.6 TRACK 93
12.5 AUTO PAGE 94
12.5.1 FIND SATELLITE 94
12.5.2 PEAK 94
12.5.3 TRACK 94
12.6 INFORMATION PAGE 95
12.6.1 LOCATION INFORMATION 95
12.6.2 HEADING INFORMATION 95
12.7 SETUP PAGE 96
12.7.1 SETUP: MAGNETIC ERROR 96
12.7.2 SETUP: ANTENNA 96
12.7.3 SETUP: SEARCH 97
12.7.4 SETUP: TRACK 97
12.7.5 SETUP: COMPASS 98
12.7.6 SETUP: SYSTEM 98
12.8 DATABASE PAGE 99
12.8.1 EDIT SATELLITE 99
12.8.2 DATABASE: LOCATION 102
12.8.3 DATABASE: DVB 103
12.8.4 DATABASE: LNB 104
12.9 LNB PAGE 106
12.9.1 LNB: SETTINGS 106

VISLINK
12.9.2 LNB: CONTROL 106
12.10 DVB PAGE 107
12.10.1 DVB: CONTROL 107
12.10.2 DVB: SETUP 107
12.11 BRX PAGE 108
12.12 ANTENNA PAGE 108
12.12.1 ANTENNA: MOVE 108
12.12.2 ANTENNA: JOG 109
12.12.3 ANTENNA: CALIBRATE 109
12.12.4 ANTENNA: MANTIS 110
12.13 STATUS PAGE 110
12.13.1 STATUS: ALARMS 110
12.13.2 STATUS: VERSIONS 111
12.13.3 STATUS: CONFIGURATION 111
12.13.4 STATUS: LICENSE 112
12.13.5 STATUS: SERIAL 112
12.13.6 STATUS: IP SETTINGS 113
13. MAINTENANCE 114
13.1 PERIODIC MAINTENANCE 114
13.2 FUSE RATINGS 114
13.3 BATTERY BACKUP 114
13.3.1 SYMPTOMS OF FAILURE 114
13.3.2 REMOVAL AND REFITTING 114
13.3.3 DISPOSAL OF BATTERY 114
13.4 ELECTROSTATIC SENSITIVE DEVICES (ESD!) 115
13.5 TEST ALIGNMENT OF UNITS FITTED WITH AC/DC POWER SUPPLY 115
13.6 SATELLITE TRANSMISSION EQUIPMENT 116
14. ACU5000 PC – CONFIGURATION SOFTWARE 117
14.1 REQUIREMENTS 117
14.2 INSTALLATION 117
14.3 MAIN PROGRAM WINDOW 117
14.4 ACU500 PC GENERAL CONTROL 117
14.4.1 COM SETUP 118
14.4.2 SERIAL COMMS 118
14.4.3 CHANNEL ALARM INDICATORS 118
14.4.4 VIEW ALARMS 118
14.4.5 CLEAR ALARMS 118
14.5 UNIT TAB 119
14.5.1 UNIT MONITORING 119
14.5.2 SET UNIT DATE & TIME 119
14.5.3 ENTER TEST MODE 120
14.5.4 LICENCE MANAGER 120
14.6 DATABASE TAB 121
14.6.1 EDIT LOCATION PRESETS 121
14.6.2 EDIT SATELLITE PRESETS 123
14.6.3 EDIT SYSTEM SETUP 127
14.7 ANTENNA TAB 131
14.7.1 CONTROL SUB-TAB 132
14.7.2 SEARCH, PEAK & TRACK SUB-TAB 132
14.8 LOCATION TAB 133
14.9 DIRECTION TAB 134
14.10 BRX TAB 134
14.10.1 SET FREQUENCY 135
14.10.2 SIGNAL MODE 135
14.10.3 FFT, AMPLITUDE, DOWNLOAD BUTTONS 135
VISLINK
14.11 DVB TAB 135
14.12 DCU TAB 136
14.12.1 UNIT DATA SUB-TAB 137
14.12.2 CONTROL SUB-TAB 138
15. EUTELSAT AUTOPOINT 139
15.1.1 APPROVED ANTENNA SYSTEMS 139
15.2 SATELLITE DATABASE REQUIREMENTS 139
15.3 OPERATION 139
15.3.1 OPERATION ON A SLOPE 140
15.4 OVERRIDES 140
15.4.1 EUTELSAT AUTOPOINT DISABLE 140
15.4.2 SSPA ENABLE 140
16. ACU SYSTEM INSTALLATION 141
16.2 EQUIPMENT REQUIRED 141
16.3 SYSTEM INSTALLATION NOTES 141
16.3.1 GPS RECEIVER INSTALLATION 141
16.3.2 COMPASS INSTALLATION 141
16.4 C100 VEHICLE FIXED COMPASS CALIBRATION PROCEDURE 141
16.4.1 CALIBRATION PROCEDURE 141
16.5 AUTOPOINT OFFSET CALIBRATION 143
16.5.1 SET ANTENNA CONFIGURATION 143
16.5.2 CLEAR OFFSETS 143
16.5.3 RECALCULATE OFFSET 143
16.5.4 SET OFFSET 144
16.5.5 AUTOPOINT CALIBRATION CHECK 144
16.6 RESULT SHEETS 145
17. SOFTWARE RELEASE NOTES 146
18. WARRANTY 148
18.1 WARRANTY INFORMATION 148
18.2 CLAIM FOR DAMAGE IN SHIPMENT 148
18.3 FIELD SERVICE 148
18.4 SHIPMENT OF REPAIR PARTS TO FIELD 148
18.5 RETURN PROCEDURES 148
18.6 TRANSPORTATION AND PACKAGING 149
18.7 AUTHORISATION FOR EVALUATION 149

VISLINK
AMENDMENT RECORD SHEET
ISS DATE ECR DESCRIPTION OF CHANGE AUTHOR

Draft 13/12/2007 N/A New N/A
1 07/02/2008 N/A N/A
2 08/04/2008 N/A Mantis autoAcquire sequences implemented. N/A
DVB module and Sat. ID
SNMP interface.
3 12/08/2008 N/A N/A
DCU control channel, with flash programming,
implemented.
4 29/09/2008 N/A Software release notes incorporated into the manual. N/A
5 03/11/2008 N/A Web browser interface implemented. N/A
SNMP MIB error corrected.
6 20/11/2008 N/A N/A
Elevation angle displayed on trim menu page.
7 11/12/2008 N/A NewSwift Multi-pol feed support added. N/A
Waveguide switch control moved to use ENTER +
MUTE.
8 19/02/2009 N/A N/A
Menu option added allow user to disable DCU
feature if licensed.
Correction to handling serial U02CSPS, search for
9 09/03/2009 N/A N/A
preset satellite, message.
Addition of vehicle C100 compass calibration
10 22/09/2009 N/A procedure. N/A
Addition of BRX section specifications.
11 26/03/2010 N/A Details of updating the world magnetic model added. N/A
Addition of hidden menu. To allow remote DCU reset,
12 05/05/2010 N/A and manual trim of 10MHz frequency reference. N/A
Fuller details of world magnetic model updating.
Addition of new DVB-S2 compliant module. Extra
13 26/11/2010 N/A N/A
licences for DVB-S2 QPSK/8PSK and APSK options.
Updated software releases details to cover C.13 to
14 N/A N/A N/A
C.21.
Addition of the web browser setup information.
15 18/04/2011 N/A N/A
(Section 12.2)
Addition of Eutelsat AutoPoint option.
16 26/04/2012 N/A Addition of LNB 22KHz tone control. N/A
ACU5000 PC Version A.01.15
16A 15/01/2013 N/A Addition of wideband carrier detection. N/A
16.5.1, Correction to C100 compass procedure to
16B 05/09/2013 N/A DP
use ACU5000 PC program.
16C 05/12/2013 N/A Updated SC
ACU5000 Antenna Controller 1

VISLINK
EMC DECLARATION

VISLINK
1. INTRODUCTION
The Advent Communications ACU5000 is a software configurable fully featured antenna
controller. It covers a wide range of control requirements ranging from basic manual control,
semi-automatic, through to fully automatic search, tracking and satellite confirmation modes
of operation.
The ACU5000 offers the following functionality dependent on the licence purchased –
1. Basic manual control: Control of azimuth, elevation, and polarisation motors.
2. AutoSearch: Searches for a satellite defined in the user programmable database by

using the satellite beacon for acquisition and subsequent peaking along with data from
the attached GPS and Compass modules. The user friendly interface allows non-
technical operational staff to easily acquire the required satellite.
3. AutoTrack: Once found the auto track facility will continually monitor the beacon level
and adjust the antenna position to maintain accurate pointing of inclined orbiting
satellites.
4. SatFinder: For non-motorised antennas; presents user with step by step guide to
manually acquire a satellite based on information stored in the user defined satellite
database. The beacon level is continually displayed and an audio indication is provided
as a guide to ‘peaking’ the antenna.
5. DVB confirmation: Using a user defined database, a DVB transmission can be
received at the same time as beacon detection. The demodulated carrier is decoded
and compared to information in the database to confirm the identity of the satellite.
6. DVB output: The ACU can present the demodulated output as serial ASI or streamed
out over IP for subsequent decoding by external hardware or software decoder. Further
licences are required for DVB-S2 QPSK/8PSK and DVB-S2 ASPK.
7. Eutelsat AutoPoint: The Eutelsat AutoPoint system combines the autoAcquisition and
polarisation alignment with a SSPA enable output. The full system has passed the
Eutelsat approval process, so the antenna system can fully align with the satellite
(azimuth, elevation and polarisation if applicable) before starting transmission with
minimal satellite operator supervision.
The ACU5000 is supplied with configuration software to allow easy editing of the databases
and entering antenna setup parameters.
The extensive front panel menu allows in field verification of the databases and antenna
parameters whilst day to day menu functions are easily found and navigated.
The ACU5000 is designed to operate with the Newswift, Mantis, and Flydrive range of
antenna systems. Providing all power and communication interfaces for optional GPS and
compass modules.
The ACU provides a communication interface to the DCU (Drive Control Unit) mounted on
motorised antennas, which can be the 3000, 4000 or 5000 series DCU. All parameters of the
DCU can be read by the ACU5000.
IMPORTANT NOTE: On the right hand side of the front panel is a STOP key. Press this key
if you ever want to stop the antenna moving or re-gain LOCAL control. Section 5.3 provides
more information.

VISLINK
2. SPECIFICATION
This section is for illustrative purposes only and does not form the basis for any contractual
obligation.
2.1 PHYSICAL
Dimensions 1RU ½ width chassis x 350 mm deep
Weight 1.7 Kg approx.
Power connector 3 Pin IEC plug with dual fusing
AC Supply 90-264V AC 47 to 63 Hz @ <60 VA
Temperature Range 0°C to +50°C operating.
–20°C to +80°C storage.
Humidity 90% max non condensing
RS232/485 15Way D-type Female
GPS/Compass I/F 15Way D-type Male
Ethernet control RJ45

USB Ports Type A
ASI Output BNC 75R
L-Band RF Input, RF monitor N-Type 50R
2.2 SIGNAL INTERFACES

L-Band input 950MHz – 2150MHz
L-Band monitor ~0dBc (L-band input)
DC on L-Band Input +18V, +13V switchable @800mA max.
10MHz Ref on L-Band 0dBm Min.
ASI Output ISO / IEC 13818-2 188bytes
2.3 BEACON RECEIVER SECTION

Frequency Range 950MHz – 2150MHz
Input level -30dBm to -100dBm (Beacon level)
Tuning step size 1KHz
Detection bandwidth ±75KHz.
Resolution Bandwidth 100Hz (CW.)
Power accuracy
< -50dBm ±10dB
<-30dBm Monotonic

VISLINK
2.4 ANGULAR POSITIONAL DISPLAY
Azimuth ±0.1°
Elevation ±0.1°
Polarisation ±0.1°
2.5 ANGULAR CONTROL
Angular Rates
Fast Maximum antenna axis allows.
Medium 0.4°/s.
Slow 0.1°/s.
Angular Steps
Fast 1.0°.
Medium 0.5°.
Slow 0.1°.

VISLINK
ACU5000 MENU STRUCTURE
BEACON “MENU” KEY
MAIN MENU ANTENNA DVB
RECEIVER FUNCTIONS
AZ Freq Freq
EL Signal Rate
POL Noise Mode
FEC
Sat ID
ACU LNB BRX DVB

CONTROL CONTROL CONTROL CONTROL
Mode
See ACU CONTROL Capture
SETTINGS CONTROL Lock DVB DVB
SUB-MENU Range
Threshold
LO LNB Power Freq Preset

Sideband Power Cntrl Rate RECALL
RECALL LNB Ref Power

PRESET (10MHz) C/N
REF Cntrl BER

VISLINK
ACU5000 ACU CONTROL SUBMENU STRUCTURE

VISLINK
ACU5000 ACU CONTROL – SETTINGS SUBMENU STRUCTURE
ACU CONTROL
SETTINGS
AUTO USER
UNIT ANTENNA CONFIGURATION
ACQUISITION
ESN
Line 1
REMOTE DISPLAY Elevation MANTIS

TONE TIME INTERFACES
Deploy Angle
OPTIONS Trim CONFIG
Volume Time Azimuth

YNA tone Date WGS Reset Mantis CONFIGURATION
Format
SERIAL ETHERNET MAGNETIC SYSTEM

PORT PORT ERROR DATABASE Mantis Type
Pol. Axis State
Commit
Address IP Address Mag. Error

Baud Rate Network Mask Clear ANTENNA SEARCH TRACK
Gateway Calibrate
Broadcast
Threshold Mode
ANTENNA COMPASS
SETUP INTERACTION
AZ Range AZ Period
EL Range EL Period
Ref. Satellite Jog Size
Fixing State
Slope AZ +/-
Compensation
EL +/-
Pol. Peaking
Rx Pol. Type

VISLINK
3. ACU5000 QUICK START GUIDE
3.1 ANTENNA TEST
If the ACU5000 motorised antenna control option is enabled the Antenna Control screen
showing the antenna state will be entered on power-up.
The antenna drives can be tested by pressing the START key, followed by selecting
DEPLOY from the menu and pressing the ENTER key.
Before doing so, ensure that the antenna cannot hit any obstacles. If a mechanical clash is
possible, the soft-limits of the antenna can be re-programmed to suit. Contact Advent
Communications Customer Support for further details.
Once the antenna is deployed move the antenna round in azimuth using the ←or → keys,
elevation using the ↑or ↓ keys and if applicable, polarisation using the POL← or POL→
keys.
If a polarisation transmit waveguide switch is fitted, the position of the switch is toggled by
pressing the MUTE key whilst holding down the ENTER key.
To stow the antenna, select STOW from the START menu.
At any time pressing STOP will halt antenna movement. To restart press the START key and
choose the menu option required.
3.2 ACU5000 COMMUNICATION PORTS CONFIGURATION

The serial links between the ACU5000 and its peripheral units require setting up.
3.2.1 COMPASS AND GPS SERIAL LINKS

If the GPS or compass units are fitted, no configuration of the serial links is required.
3.2.2 REMOTE SERIAL INTERFACE

If the ACU5000 system is to be controlled by a RC&M (Remote Control and Monitoring)
system this is attached to the RC&M port on the rear panel. The address, baud rate and
interface type must be setup correctly.
This interface also supports the ACU5000 PC program protocol, allowing the use of both the
RC&M and the ACU5000 PC Software on one PC. Although both programs cannot be run
simultaneously, this does allow the same port to be used for RC&M, system configuration,
diagnostics and testing if required.
3.2.3 ETHERNET INTERFACE

If used configure the IP, network mask, gateway and broadcast addresses of the unit to suit
the network the unit is connected to. Consult your network manager for the correct settings.
3.3 ACU5000 PC SOFTWARE

The ACU5000 PC software is used to configure the internal ACU5000 databases. Install the
software as described Section 14.
Configure the ACU5000 PC program to use the correct PC port, and set the address and
baud rate to match the ACU RC&M port being used.
A Serial-Over-Ethernet (SoE) protocol allows the ACU5000 PC software to control the unit
over a suitable Ethernet network. The IP and port settings much match at the unit and PC,
with a suitable network and the PC suitably configured to use the network.

VISLINK
3.4 ACU5000 LICENSING
The ACU5000 has the following 4 licence types.
Description Part Number
SatFinder 059-5111
AutoPoint 057-4530
AutoAcquire 057-4541
Optional Licence Types

DVB/ASI 057-4552
DVB-S2 QPSK/8PSK 060-5858
DVB-S2 APSK 9000415
Eutelsat AutoPoint 9002963

If extra features are to be enabled, a new licence is required to be loaded into the unit. The
units’ serial number and ESN (Electronic Serial Number) are required. A 14 digit
hexadecimal licence code is then supplied to the user to load into the ACU5000 unit.
Either use the front panel menu LICENCE menu (Section 8.6.4) to load the licence code, or
use the ACU5000 PC program licence manager. (Section 14.5.4)
3.5 ACU5000 DATABASE INITIALISATION

The internal ACU5000 databases require initialisation as follows using the ACU5000 PC
Software utility.
3.5.1 SYSTEM DATABASE
The system database holds the information about the antenna system the ACU5000. This is
configured as described in Section 14.6.3.
The recommended system configuration (Section 7.2) describes in detail the database
setting up procedure for each type of ACU5000.
3.5.2 SATELLITE DATABASE
The satellite database holds the information about all the satellites that are to be used with
the antenna system. This holds a maximum of 100 entries.
A database of satellites visible from Chesham, UK is supplied with the ACU5000 PC
Software. This can be loaded and the entries viewed to see the format of the satellite
database entries.
3.5.3 LOCATION DATABASE
The location database holds data, longitude, latitude and magnetic variation for up to 800
entries. If the system does not have a GPS fitted this database must be initialised before the
system can be used. If a GPS is fitted this is only required if the GPS unit fails.
Two location databases are supplied with the ACU5000 PC Software. One has
approximately 700 locations for the USA and the other approximately 50 locations over
Europe.
3.6 AUTO-OPERATION
Pressing the START key guides the operator through the sequence of acquiring a satellite.
Depending on attached devices this sequence varies. See Section 9 for details.

VISLINK
4. AUC5000 INSTALLATION RECOMMENDATIONS
4.1 ACU-ANTENNA DCU CONNECTION
The DCU5000 series (1/2 width rack unit) is designed to plug directly into the rear panel of
the ACU5000 at the male 15 way D-type labelled ANTENNA REMOTE DCU.
Note. The DCU5000 is mains powered so the ANTENNA POWER connector on the
ACU5000 is not used.
Connections should be made as follows, preferably with screened cables, using twisted pairs
for TX A / B and RX A / B.
ACU5000 (15 way male) DCU5000 (15 way female)

Pin 1 Tx A Data to DCU Pin 1 Rx A Data from ACU
Pin 2 Rx A Data from DCU Pin 2 Tx A Data to ACU
Pin 9 Tx B Data to DCU Pin 9 Rx B Data from ACU
Pin 10 Rx B Data from DCU Pin 10 Tx B Data to ACU
Pin 3 Ground (screen) Pin 3 Ground (screen)
DCU3000 and DCU4000 series Drive Control Units are fitted with flying communication and
power leads. These are normally supplied fitted with suitable D-type connectors to fit directly
in the rear of the ACU4000. If required to operate with an ACU5000 contact Advent
Communications for adaptor lead & connection information.
4.2 ACU-REMOTE CONTROL CONNECTION

The ACU5000 has a control port with a suitable command protocol to be used with a
software RC&M system. This connects via the remote control connector on the rear panel.
The command protocol is specified in Section 10.
This control connection also supports the command structure used by the ACU5000 PC
SOFTWARE control and test software.
4.3 ACU-GPS CONNECTION

The Advent supplied GPS system has a suitable lead to connect the ACU to the GPS
receiver. It either plugs directly into the 15 way male D-type labelled GPS / COMPASS / AUX
IO on the ACU rear panel or via a factory supplied breakout cable.
4.4 ACU-COMPASS CONNECTION

The Advent supplied compass has an integral lead which either plugs directly into the 15 way
male D-type labelled GPS / COMPASS / AUX IO on the ACU rear panel, or via a factory
supplied breakout cable.

VISLINK
5. FRONT PANEL
5.1 ALARM LED

The ‘alarm’ LED indicates the presence of alarms within the antenna control system. The
detected alarms can be viewed by pressing the STATUS key.
5.2 POWER LED

When the unit is connected to a power supply, the ‘power’ LED will be illuminated.
5.3 STOP KEY

The function of the STOP key is dependent on the antenna system state.
When the antenna is deploying or stowing, pressing the STOP key will stop the antenna
moving. The system will wait for a further deploy or stow command.
If the system is in the recalibration state, pressing the STOP key will exit the recalibration
state.
If the ACU is processing any automatic sequences, such as a ‘goto’ satellite, ‘search for
satellite’, ‘go to preset position’ or satellite ‘track’, pressing stop will exit the automatic
procedure sequence.
5.4 RATE KEY

The antenna movement rate or step size is controlled with the RATE key. The currently
selected rate is displayed by the ‘Fast’, 'Medium', and ‘Slow’ on the LCD screen.
In fast mode the angular movement rate is the maximum allowable for the antenna axis
being controlled and the step size 1.0°. In medium mode the angular movement rate is 0.4°/s
and the step size 0.5°, and in slow mode the angular movement rate is 0.1°/s and the step
size 0.1°.
5.5 POL → AND POL ← KEYS

These directly control the motion of the polarisation drive. Push and hold for continuous
movement, a short press gives a single step.
5.6 MUTE KEY

An audible tone is generated to aide peaking of the dish. Press the MUTE key to silence the
sound.
5.7 ESCAPE KEY

This key allows leaving a menu or data entry function.
5.8 UP / DOWN / LEFT / RIGHT ARROW KEYS

These keys either navigate around the menu screens or when in antenna control mode the
up / down keys control the elevation motor and the left / right keys control the azimuth motor.

VISLINK
5.9 MENU KEY
This key navigates around the licensed available top level menus from the “Antenna”,
“Beacon Receiver”, “DVB”, and “Main Menu” options
5.10 START KEY

This enters a menu of currently available antenna action options. The possible options are:
5.10.1 SELECT SATELLITE

Starts the automatic acquisition sequence. The ACU5000 will guide the user through the
steps required to align the antenna with a satellite selected from its internal database.
The system will task for any required information from the user, such as location or heading
direction if the antenna system being used does not incorporate a GPS or compass unit.
Once confirmed that the system is aligned to the requested satellite the unit calculates any
errors in the system data. If SELECT SATELLITE is selected again, the unit will use the
previous entered values and the known errors to go straight to the required satellite.
5.10.2 RESTART
Selecting RESTART clears the ACU5000 of any stored location, heading, or magnetic error
information. The SELECT SATELLITE procedure is then followed.
5.10.3 DEPLOY
The ACU will command the antenna to its deployed position.
5.10.4 STOW
The ACU will command the antenna to its stowed position.
5.10.5 PEAK
If the antenna is aligned and a valid beacon signal is being detected, selecting the PEAK
option will start a beacon signal peaking operation.
The antenna will move completely off the currently detected beacon and then scan through
the satellites position to estimate the peak beacon signal position. This will be done in
azimuth, elevation and polarisation axis if ‘Pol align’ option is selected.

VISLINK
6. REAR PANEL
6.1 ANTENNA REMOTE DCU

This is designed to directly connect to the serial communications cable from an Advent
antenna DCU5000.
Connector: 15-pin male D-type.
Pin Number Signal description

9 RS 485 TX-B.
1 RS-485 TX-A.
10 RS-485 RX-B.
2 RS-485 RX-A.
13 Antenna transmit microswitch input COM.
5 Antenna transmit microswitch input NO.
6 Antenna transmit microswitch input. NC.
4 Antenna stowed microswitch input COM.
12 Antenna stowed microswitch input NO.
11 Antenna stowed microswitch input NC.
3 Ground
15 Ground
7 Eutelsat AutoPoint : SSPA inhibit control.
Low: SSPA inhibit.
High: SSPA enabled.
Open collector control output.

Max 20V, 100mA DC

VISLINK
6.2 GPS / COMPASS / AUX IO
This interface is designed to directly power and communicate with a suitable GPS receiver,
compass and general control input /output connections.
Connector: 15-pin male D-type.

1 Tx data to GPS
2 Rx data from GPS
3 GND
4 Tx data to Compass
5 Rx data from Compass
6 GND
7 Analog i/p. (Future use.)
8 Analog o/p. (Future use.)
9 GPS power
10 GPS ENABLE
11 GND
12 Compass power
13 GND
14 GND
15 GND

VISLINK
6.3 RC&M/INHIBITS
See Section 10 for the software command protocol. This protocol is suitable for use by a
RC&M system.
Note RS232 / RS485 selection is defined by pin 13.
The ‘TX inhibit’ switch on the antenna is connected to the DCU unit and the signal looped
through the ACU (typically remote from the antenna) so the inhibit signal can be used by
associated transmit equipment to prevent accidental transmission while the antenna is not in
its physically deployed state.
The ‘stow’ switch on the antenna is connected to the DCU unit and the signal looped through
the ACU (typically remote from the antenna) so the inhibit signal can be used by associated
warning equipment that the antenna is not stowed. Can be used to provide a warning if the
vehicle is attempted to be driven with the antenna not correctly stowed.
Connector: 15-pin female D-type.

RS485 mode RS232 mode
1 RX-A RX
2 RX-B
3 TX-A
4 TX-B TX
5 GND
6 GND
7 GND
8 TX SWITCH-COM looped from DCU interface
9 STOW SWITCH-NC looped from DCU interface
10 STOW SWITCH-NO looped from DCU interface
11 STOW SWITCH COM looped from DCU interface
12 GND
13 232/485 select. (Open: RS485. GND: RS232)
14 TX SWITCH-NO looped from DCU interface
15 TX SWITCH-NC looped from DCU interface
RS485 Wiring RS232 Wiring

1 RX-A 1 RX
2 RX-B 4 TX
3 TX-A 7 GND
4 TX-B
7 GND 13 Connected to pin 12.
13 Not connected

VISLINK
6.4 ANTENNA POWER
This is designed to directly connect to the power cable from an Advent antenna DCU3000 /
4000 series. (Not used with DCU5000 series.)
Connector: 9-pin female D-type.

1 +12V DC. (3A max.)
6 Power return. (12V supply)
2 +36V DC supply A. (2.5A max.)
7 Power return. (Supply A)
3 +36V DC supply B. (2.5A max.)
8 Power return. (Supply B)

VISLINK
7. CONFIGURATION AND OPERATING PROCEDURE
7.1 ACU5000 POWER-UP
The antenna system powers up in the same state and condition as it was in when powered
down.
7.2 ACU5000 SYSTEM CONFIGURATION

The embedded Auto Acquisition System requires setting up before use. Three databases are
required to be initialised, the system setup, the satellite and the location databases. This
setup procedure requires the use of the ACU5000 PC Software installed on a PC.
Using the ACU5000 PC Software select the ‘Database’ control tab.
See Section 14 for software installation and operational details.
7.2.1 SYSTEM SETUP DATABASE

Using the ACU5000 PC Software, select the ‘Edit System Database’ button from the
Database control tab. The system setup dialog box has four tab selections, ‘Antenna’,
‘Search’, ‘LNB’, and ‘Track’. For any ACU5000 system without a beacon receiver only the
‘Antenna’ selections are relevant.
The ACU5000 PC Software allows the user to store the system setup database onto the PC
hard or floppy disc. This can then be retrieved and uploaded to another ACU5000 system at
a later date.
Antenna Tab
This sets the orientation of the antenna fixing to the vehicle.
If the antenna stows pointing towards the front of the vehicle,
select ‘Antenna 0° forward’.
If the antenna stows pointing towards the rear of the vehicle
Antenna Fixing select ‘Antenna 0° backward’.
Note: The ACU5000 has options that display the azimuth angle
in the range 0° to 360°, rather than in the range ±180°. The
nominal 0° is at the antenna stow position irrespective of the
azimuth display option chosen.
Slope Compensation Control not implemented in current software release
If selected the system will align the polarisation axis to the
received beacon signal. This requires that the antenna system
Pol Align
has a linear feed fitted, and the beacon data in the satellite
database specifies a linear beacon.
Compass Interaction Control not implemented in current software release
RX Pol. Type. Control not implemented in current software release

VISLINK
Search Tab
Detection Threshold The detection threshold sets the level a beacon peak signal has
to be above the average noise for it to be detected. A figure of
13dB has been found to give good results.
Search Range The antenna will initially go to the expected position of the
satellite. If the expected beacon is not detected, the ACU5000 will
search over the azimuth and elevation search range set here.
The azimuth search range is set to be larger than the expected
error in the vehicle orientation measurement. Typically the
fluxgate compass is within ±10° of the correct orientation, an
azimuth search range of ±15° is set by default.
The elevation search range is smaller, as once the antenna
system has been trimmed to a known satellite the elevation axis is
usually within ±0.5° of the expected value.
Use Ref. Satellite If the final satellite required does not have a unique or easily
detected beacon, then a reference satellite can be nominated.
The system will then first search and peak on the reference
satellite, and once confirmed, move to the final chosen satellite
LNB Tab
LNB drive under ACU If checked the LNB power supply and 22KHz tone is always set to
control suit the LNB when a satellite search is started.
LNB 10MHz Ref. under If this control is checked, then the LNB 10MHz reference output
ACU control signal is always turned on when a satellite search is started.
Number of LNBs If the antenna system has multiple LNBs fitted, the number of
different LNBs is entered here.
LNB data A fully description and setup of each LNB used with the system is
entered. If the 10MHz ref. output is required to the LNB then
check the “10MHz Reference” control
If the LNB is a multi-band version, the power supply, 22 KHz tone
and LO frequency for each band is specified.

VISLINK
Track Tab
Tracking mode The ACU5000 tracking system can currently only use the fixed
rate tracking mode. The elevation and azimuth rates are re-
peaked at the time periods set in the axis tracking rates. The
adaptive tracking rate mode will be available in a future Software
version
Axis tracking rate This sets the period of the azimuth and elevation track peaking
operations. These are set such that the satellite drift between
track peak operations does not result in too significant a loss in
signal strength. The values depend on the greatest movement
rate during the satellite orbital movement. The default values of
elevation every 4 minutes, and azimuth every 8 minutes, can
handle the most inclined satellites that are likely to be
encountered. Advent Communications can advise on individual
cases if required.
Jog Step size The track jog step size sets the angular step used in the tracking
algorithm. This should be set to get a 0.2 to 0.3dB signal change
if the antenna were pointed correctly at the satellite and the
antenna steps off. This step size is dependent on the antenna
size and beacon frequency in use. The table below shows the
recommended step size for different antenna diameters at 2
different beacon frequencies. For a NewSwift 1500 and a beacon
frequency of about 11.5GHz, a step size of 0.12° is
recommended. Advent Communications can advise on individual
cases if required.
Antenna Diameter Beacon Frequency (GHz) Recommended Step Size (°)

(Meters)
0.9 4.0 0.55
1.2 4.0 0.41
1.5 4.0 0.33
2.0 4.0 0.25
0.9 11.5 0.19
1.2 11.5 0.14
1.5 11.5 0.12
2.0 11.5 0.09

VISLINK
7.2.2 SATELLITE DATABASE
The satellite database holds information about the satellites the antenna system is to be
used with. The database holds a maximum of 100 entries, with a name, longitude position
and the option to specify a detection beacon and DVB confirmation signal for each satellite.
The beacon data is only applicable if the beacon receiver is enabled. The DVB data is only
applicable if the DVB module is enabled.
Select the ‘Satellite Database’ option from the ACU setup dialog box. The current satellite
database can be downloaded from the ACU by pressing the ‘Download from ACU’ button, or
from a saved file on the PC by pressing the ‘Load from File’ button. A new entry can be
created by pressing the ‘New button’.
Each satellite database entry has the following data:-
Name.
Longitude and hemisphere. So a satellite could be entered as 10°E, or 350°W.
Inclination. If inclined check the box. The inclination value is for future use.
The polarisation offset is a value added to the calculated polarisation angle from the satellites
longitude and systems location on the earth. This value is calculated assuming the satellite
aligns its vertical transmit polarisation to the spin axis of the earth. A number of satellites
deliberately tilt the satellites transmit polarisation so that the polarisation in the transponders
beam centre is aligned to the local vertical axis at the receivers location. This polarisation
offset allows this tilt to be compensated for.
Detection. Two detection options are currently implemented, Narrow Band beacon and wide
band carrier detection. For a satellite with a known beacon the satellite beacon data specifies
the satellites beacon frequency, polarisation (vertical, horizontal or circular) and LNB/band
used. The beacon signal type, CW or modulated, is for future use. The expected beacon
power helps the searching reject the first antenna side lobe, which can be a problem for the
larger sized dishes. The wideband carrier data is almost the same as for the Narrow band
beacon, but the expected power value is important to be within 2-3dB of the actual value.
The expect power is used to set the detection threshold 5dB below the expected value.
Confirmation. The confirmation data tab specifies if the system can attempt to confirm that
the correct satellite has been found. Detection beacon/carrier signals cannot reliably be used
to confirm the satellite has been found. This tab allows the use of the characteristics of any
DVB signals present on the required satellite to be used.
The DVB signal frequency, symbol rate, and DVB mode are specified, along with the satellite
polarisation the signal is on. To confirm the correct signal has been found the FEC/MOD rate
of the signal can be specified, along with a unique satellite ID number that a number of
satellite operators use. If the DVB module signal locks to the signal specified, as well as pass
any FEC/MOD or sat. ID checks the system will notify the user that the found satellite has
passed the user confirmation tests specified.
The satellite database can be ordered either by °E, °W or alphabetically. This is the order
that the satellites will appear in the ACU5000 embedded database display.

VISLINK
7.2.3 LOCATION DATABASE
The location database holds up to a maximum of 800 entries of longitude, latitude and
magnetic variation at the specified location. For the ACU5000 system without a GPS
receiver, this database has to be set up for the locations the system is to be used in. The
locations can be general ones, as a 50-100km positional error results in a small error in the
estimated azimuth and elevation angles.
To configure the location database, press the ‘Edit Location Database’ button from the
Database control tab. Pressing ‘Download from PC’ will download the current ACU5000
location database. Pressing ‘Load from File’ will load a previously saved database from the
PC disk storage.
To edit an entry, press the ‘Edit Entry’ button. Either enter the latitude and longitude into the
data entry boxes, remembering to put a text description of the location in as well. Or the
‘Map’ button calls up a world map that can be used to select the location latitude and
longitude data if required.
The database can then be either uploaded back into the ACU5000, by pressing the ‘Upload
to ACU’ button, or saved to a file by pressing the ‘Save To File’ button. When uploaded into
the ACU the magnetic variation at each location is estimated using a built in World Magnetic
Model in the PC Software.
7.3 SELECT SATELLITE AND RESTART OPERATION

The AutoAcquisition functions are started from the ‘SELECT SATELLITE’ or ‘RESTART’
menu options from the ‘START’ key menu.
7.3.1 SELECT SATELLITE

The ‘SELECT SATELLITE’ menu option from the ‘START’ key menu starts a procedure for
the alignment of the antenna with the chosen satellite. Using the data in the satellite and
system database along with the current GPS and compass status the ACU5000 guides the
user through this process.
7.3.2 RESTART
The ‘RESTART’ menu option clears any previously user entered data and starts the ‘Select
Satellite’ procedure again.
7.4 ANTENNA DEPLOYMENT

To deploy the antenna select DEPLOY from the ‘START’ key menu. The antenna will now
deploy, and the ACU displayed system state will be ‘Deploying’. Once all axes have been
deployed, the system state will be ‘Deployed’.
To temporarily halt the deployment sequence press the STOP key. The system will stop, and
the system state will display ‘Halted’. To continue deploying from the halted state, press
SHIFT and DEPLOY.
7.5 ANTENNA MOVEMENT

When the antenna is deployed, the axes can be moved by use of the front panel keys, when
in the Antenna menu. See earlier in manual.
By pressing and holding an axis control key continuous antenna motor drive is applied. The
movement rate is indicated by the ‘fast’, 'medium' or ‘slow’ on the LCD screen, and the
direction of movement determined by the key pressed. To stop the movement, release the
key pressed.
To step the relevant axis press the appropriate key once (or repeatedly) in the required
direction.

VISLINK
7.5.1 POLARISATION WAVEGUIDE SWITCH CONTROL
If the antenna is fitted with a waveguide switch the current position of the switch will be
displayed on the ‘Antenna’ main menu. To toggle the waveguide switch position, hold down
the ‘ENTER’ key, then press and release the ‘MUTE’ key.
7.6 ANTENNA STOWING

To stow the antenna press START and then select STOW from the menu option. The
antenna will now stow, and the ACU display will show ‘Stowing’ as the system state.
Once all axes have been stowed, the system state will be ‘Stowed’. To temporarily halt the
stowing sequence press the STOP key. The system will stop, and the system state display
'Halted'. To continue stowing from the halted state, press START and then STOW option.
7.7 DISPLAY INTERPRETATION

The following sections describe the meaning of the displays on the ACU5000 front panel.
7.7.1 SYSTEM STATE: STOWED

The system state is stowed. All axis displays will show a line of minus signs.
7.7.2 SYSTEM STATE: DEPLOYED

The system is deployed. The axis displays will the current antenna position.
7.7.3 SYSTEM STATE: HALTED

The system is in the halted state. The antenna has been stopped during the automatic
stowing or deploying sequence. Either deploy or stow the antenna using the DEPLOY or
STOW menu options are described above.
7.7.4 SYSTEM STATE: CALIBRATING

The antenna DCU is in the re-calibrating mode. The antenna is primed to re-calibrate an
uncalibrated axis automatically.
7.7.5 ANGLE CONSTANT DISPLAY

The angle displayed is a valid angle for the axis. If an axis stalls, freewheels, detects a travel
limit, or an unexpected stow sensor is detected the axis will become uncalibrated.

VISLINK
7.8 ALARMS AND FAULT CODES
If the antenna control system detects a fault or possible failure, the alarm LED is illuminated
on the ACU5000 front panel.
The ACU5000 displays a fault number and text description of the faults registered
To view the current fault press the STATUS key, if more than 1 of 1 is shown press the left or
right arrow keys to scroll through the faults.
7.8.1 ALARM CODES

The following table lists all the fault codes that are raised by an antenna DCU. If the alarm is
latched, the alarm is cleared by pressing the ENTER key when is the status display menu.
Fault Code Alarm Brief Description

Latched
F1 DCU power supply voltage low.
F2 DCU motor supply out of limits.
F3 Motor drive module inhibit.
F4 Inclinometer failure.
F5 Inclinometer suspect.
F6 Drive stall detected.
F7 Drive freewheel detected.
F8 Drive end of travel detected.
F9 Polarisation waveguide switch failure.
F10 Azimuth sensor failure.
F11 Elevation sensor failure.
F12 Polarisation sensor failure.
F13 Elevation deployment sensor failure. (Lynx 2000)
F14 Feedarm deployment sensor failure. (Lynx 2000)
F15 Elevation stow sensor failure. (Lynx 2000)
F16 DCU FPGA programming failure.
F17 Manual brake override on.
F18 Azimuth axis stowing failure.
F19 Elevation axis stowing failure.
F20 Polarisation axis stowing failure,
F21 Elevation deployment axis stowing failure. (Lynx 2000)
F22 Feedarm deployment axis stowing failure. (Lynx 2000)
F23 Power up state suspect.
F24 Stow sensor power supply out of limits.
F25 MRD power supply out of limits.
F26 Inclinometer power failure.
F27 FPGA watchdog triggered.
F28 GPS communications failure.
F29 Compass communications failure.
F30 Feed drive stall detected.
F31 Hand held controller override active.

VISLINK
F32 ACU-DCU serial link failure.
F33 Fin 1 over temperature warning.
F38 WGS power supply out of limits.
F39 Fan power supply out of limits.
F40 Brake power supply out of limits.
F41 Feed power supply out of limits.
F42 GPS/compass power supply out of limits.
F43 Status output power supply out of limits.
F44 AZ brake disconnected.
F45 EL brake disconnected.
F46 POL brake disconnected.
F47 Axis 4 brake disconnected.
F48 Axis 5 brake disconnected.
F49 Main fan over MTBF.
F50 Heatsink fan over MTBF.
F51 E2PROM checksum error.
F52 Softlimit data checksum error.
F53 Wooded area data checksum error.
F54 Calibration data checksum error.
F55 FPGA version incompatibility.
F56 External flash memory error.
F57 Antenna type error.
F58 Heatsink fan stall detected.
F59 HMR3300 compass module temperature warning.
F60 HMR3300 compass module temperature alarm.
F61 Alarm error.
F62 Alarm error.
F63 Alarm error.
F64 Alarm error.

VISLINK
8. MENU OPERATION
The ACU5000 menu structure is entered by pressing MENU. The menu structure has 4
possible top level menu options (ANTENNA, BEACON Rx, DVB, and MAIN MENU) with
various options below these main menus. The ‘left/right’ control keys are used to change
between the main menu options, and the ‘up/down’ control keys to change the sub-menu
option.
Pressing MENU exits the menu back to the top level display. To select a value to change
press ENTER, adjusting the value using the arrow keys. To enter and action the new entry,
press ENTER. Pressing ESCAPE to exit editing the value, and reverting back to the original
value.
The MAIN MENU selection gives access to further menus for setting up the ACU unit itself,
the LNB interface and the DVB tuner module.
8.1 ANTENNA
This screen shows the position of the antenna. The front panel arrow keys control the motor
drives.
8.2 BEACON RX
Manual control of the beacon receiver frequency. This screen also displays the status of the
beacon, signal power, noise power, signal frequency offset and lock state.
8.3 DVB
Manual control of the DVB receiver module frequency, symbol rate and DVB mode settings.
This screen also displays the current lock state, FEC/MOD rate, and satellite ID number.
8.4 MAIN MENU

This menu accesses all the setup and control parameters of the ACU5000.
8.4.1 ACU CONTROL

Refer to the menu tree, Section 0, navigating from this point allows entry and verification of
all settings in the ACU and its peripheral devices. Using the ACU5000 PC Software is the
easiest way to enter the data.
For details of data that can be entered in the field from the front panel, refer to detail of each
parameter defined in the ACU5000 PC software description earlier in this manual in addition
to detail given below.
8.5 LNB CONTROL
8.5.1 SETTINGS
The parameters of the current LNB in use can be entered. The display of the BRX and DVB
frequency use these values to display the true receive frequencies at the down converter.
LO Enter the LNB local oscillator frequency. Units GHz. This can be in the
range 0 GHz to 99GHz.
If below 2GHz the BRX and DVB display frequency displays do not use
the LNB data. The display will be the direct L-band input frequency.
Sideband The receive sideband the LNB uses is entered. If the receive frequency
is above the LO frequency then the upper sideband is being used.
RECALL The system database can have a list of the available LNBs in use with
PRESET the system. This function recalls one of these entries to use.

VISLINK
8.5.2 CONTROL
This menu allows the control of aspects relating to the LNB.
LNB power Direct control of the power voltage supplied to the LNB. The
options are OFF, 13V or 18V
22 KHz tone Direct control of the LNB 22 KHz tone generator.
Band Control Options: AUTO or MANUAL.
If AUTO, the ACU will automatically set the LNB supply and
22KHz tone to suit the LNB band data being recalled. So if an
LNB recall preset is selected, or a search for a satellite is
started, the correct supply voltage and 22KHz tone state will
be set by the LNB data.
If in MANUAL mode then it is up to the user to correctly set
the LNB voltage and 22 KHz tone state to suit.
Note: 22KHz tone generator requires a hardware modification
to the standard ACU5000. Contact Advent Communications
for further details.
LNB 10MHz Ref Options: ON or OFF.
Direct control of the 10MHz reference signal output on the L-
Band input cable for externally referenced LNBs.
Ref Control Options: AUTO or MANUAL.
If AUTO, the ACU will automatically set the 10MHz reference
to suit the LNB data being recalled. So if an LNB recall preset
is selected, or a search for a satellite is started, the reference
output will be set by the LNB data.
If in MANUAL mode, then it is up to the user to correctly set
the reference state to suit the LNB.
8.5.3 BRX CONTROL
Mode Options: Narrow Band or Wide band.

This sets the beacon receiver section mode to suit the
detection of narrow band beacons or wide band carrier
signals.
Lock Threshold In wide band mode only. This sets the power level above
which a valid wide band signal is detected. This is
recommended to be set at 5dB less than the expected value
when correctly aligned with the satellite.

VISLINK
8.5.4 DVB CONTROL
Capture Range Range: 1.0 to 5.0MHz.

The search range the DVB module will search over to find a
signal to lock too.
If low symbol rate signals are being used a narrower search
range is recommended. This reduces the risk of locking to an
adjacent channel if the required signal is not present.
Status:
The DVB status shows the current measured DVB signal characteristics.
Presets:
This menu level allows the recall of any DVB presets that have been stored in the unit.
Currently these can only be created using the ACU5000 PC software.
8.6 ACU CONTROL – SUB MENU FUNCTIONS
8.6.1 ACTIONS
Any actions not available in the START menu are located under the ACTIONS option within
the ACU CONTROL menu.
Start Tracking
Action Start Tracking

Path ACU CONTROL / ACTIONS
If a motorised antenna is aligned to a satellite and the beacon receiver
locked on to a beacon signal, then this will start the satellite tracking mode.
Peak on Beacon
Action Peak On Beacon

If a motorised antenna has the beacon receiver locked to a satellite beacon signal,
this will start a peaking operation.
The peaking operation will moves the antenna completely off the satellite beacon
signal, peaking both the azimuth and elevation axis.
Calibrate
Action Calibrate
This command requests the antenna DCU to enter the recalibrate state.
If any one of the antenna drive axis is uncalibrated the DCU will enter the recalibrate
state. To recalibrate the elevation or polarisation axis they only required to be
moved. The azimuth axis is required to be driven over its stow marker.

VISLINK
Deploy
Action Deploy
This command requests the antenna DCU to automatically deploy the antenna
system.
Stow
Action Stow
This command requests the antenna DCU to automatically stow the antenna system.
8.6.2 SETTINGS
Remote Interface Settings
Settings Serial Port

Path ACU CONTROL / SETTINGS / UNIT / REMOTE INTERFACES
/ SERIAL PORT
Settings for the remote RS232/485 serial control channel. The RS232/485 mode is a
hardware link selection in the rear panel comms connector. See Section 6.3.
Address Address of the unit. Range 1 to 255.
Baud rate Options: 4800, 9200, 19200, 38400, 57600, 115200.
Baud rate of the serial link.
SoE Port The ACU5000 and ACS3000 software can control the ACU5000
using an Ethernet connection using a Serial-over-Ethernet protocol.
The IP settings are set in the Ethernet port control menu, see below.
This control sets the port number that the SoE service is using.
Default value is 50000, do not change unless this clashes with other
services on the network being used.

VISLINK
Antenna Display Options
Settings Antenna display options

Path ACU CONTROL / SETTINGS / UNIT / DISPLAY OPTIONS
The ACU5000 has a number of different display options for the azimuth and WGS
position display.
Azimuth Options: Antenna, Magnetic, True.
Antenna. Shows the traditional azimuth angle within the range
±180°. The 0° mark is at the antenna stow position.
Magnetic. This shows the magnetic heading of the antenna, relative
to magnetic North. This is based on the direction information entered
into the unit. If the antenna has been calibrated on a known satellite,
then the display will show a (M). If the system is still uncalibrated
then the display will show (m), and the heading value will be
unreliable.
True. This shows the true heading of the antenna relative to true
North. This is based on the direction and location information entered
into the unit. If the antenna has been calibrated on a known satellite,
then the display will show (T). If the system is still uncalibrated then
the display will show (t), and the heading value will be unreliable.
WGS Options: Antenna Fixed, Satellite Fixed.
Antenna Fixed. The WGS display, if applicable, shows the
traditional position of X(H), Y(V). These show the transmit
polarisation if the polarisation axis is at 0°.
Satellite Fixed. The display of transmit polarisation in the antenna
fixed mode can be confusing when the polarisation angle of the
satellite signal exceeds 45°. In this case for a Newswift antenna to
get +50° (H), the polarisation is required to be set to -40° (V).
The satellite fixed mode displays the true relative satellite transmit
polarisation (H or V). These are displayed as H(S) and V(S).
This mode is only displayed if the antenna system has been
calibrated on a satellite, and is currently aligned correctly to that
satellite. It is not available for use with inclined orbit satellites.
Squeak and Attention Tone Configuration
Settings Squeak and attention tone configuration

Path ACU CONTROL / SETTINGS / UNIT / TONE
Volume Range: 0 to 20.
The ACU5000 has an internal sounder that produces an audible
frequency tone proportional to the current beacon signal strength.
This aids the manual peaking of an antenna.
YNA tone Options: Enabled, Disabled.
If enabled the unit produces a beep when the system is waiting for
an input from the user.

VISLINK
System Setup Database
Settings Antenna setup

Path ACU CONTROL / SETTINGS / AUTO ACQUISITION
/ SYSTEM DATABASE / ANTENNA / ANTENNA SETUP
Fixing Options. Forward, reverse.
Specifies the stow direction of a vehicle fitted antenna. The compass
0° is aligned to front of the vehicle. The antennas have the option of
either stowing pointing towards the front or rear of the vehicle.
Slope Options Enabled, disabled.
compensation
This control is not used in this software build.
Pol align Options Enabled, disabled.
If enabled, when a linear beacon is selected with a linear cartridge,
the system will automatically align the polarisation to the detected
satellite polarisation angle.
RX Pol type. Options X-polar, Co-polar.
This control is not used in this software build.
Settings Compass Interaction

/ SYSTEM DATABASE / ANTENNA / COMPASS INTERACTION
This allows the system to have a range of antenna positions specified in which the
polarisation motor is affecting the compass reading. This is applicable to vehicle
based systems where the polarisation motor on the feedarm can sweep within 1
meter of the system fluxgate compass.
The autoAcquire system will not start a satellite search if the antenna is within the
compass/motor interaction region.
State Options: Enabled, Disabled.
The compass interaction feature is not used in this build of software.
AZ range Specifies the azimuth angle range that the compass is affect by the
polarisation motor.
EL range Specifies the elevation angle range that the compass is affect by the
polarisation motor.

VISLINK
Settings Search settings
/ SYSTEM DATABASE / SEARCH
Configures the autoAcquire satellite detection limits and search pattern.
Threshold Range: 5 to 30dB. (This is only applicable when in Narrow band
beacon detection mode.)
This sets the value the peak beacon signal must be above the mean
noise within the detection bandwidth for the signal to be considered
a possible valid beacon signal. A value of 13dB is suggested as this
has been found to give good results.
The beacon signal must also pass any expected beacon power limit
set within the satellite database entry being searched for.
AZ range Range: 5 to 90°.
This sets the azimuth range over which the satellite is searched for.
This should be set to be larger than the expected magnetic error at
any location, a value of 20° is suggested. The system will search
±20° from the expected satellite position.
EL range Range: 2 to 90°.
This sets the elevation range over which the satellite is searched for.
Ref satellite If the search satellite required does not have a unique easily
detected beacon then a reference satellite can be nominated. The
system will first search and peak on the reference satellite, and once
confirmed move on to the final chosen satellite.
Settings Track settings
/ SYSTEM DATABASE / TRACK
Configures the Auto Track system settings.
Mode Options: Fixed, Adaptive.
Currently only the fixed rate tracking mode is available. Each axis is
tracked at the axis period.
AZ/EL period Range: 2 to 120 minutes.
This sets the period of the azimuth and elevation track peaking
operations. These are set such that the satellite drift between track
peak operations does not result in too significant a loss in signal
strength. The values depend on the greatest movement rate during
the satellite orbital movement. The default values, elevation every 4
minutes, azimuth every 8 minutes, can handle most inclined
satellites that are likely to be encountered. Advent Communications
can advise on individual cases if required.
Jog size Range: 0.10 to 1.00°.
The track jog step size sets the angular step used in the tracking
algorithm. This should be set to get a 0.2 to 0.3dB signal change if
the antenna were pointed correctly at the satellite and the antenna
steps off. This step size is dependant on the antenna size and
beacon frequency in use. The table below shows the recommended
step size for different antenna diameters at 2 different beacon
frequencies. Advent Communications can advise on individual cases
if required.

VISLINK
Antenna Diameter Beacon Frequency (GHz) Recommended Step Size (°)
(Meters)
0.9 4.0 0.55
1.2 4.0 0.41
1.5 4.0 0.33
2.0 4.0 0.25
0.9 11.5 0.19
1.2 11.5 0.14
1.5 11.5 0.12
2.0 11.5 0.09
Magnetic Error
Settings Magnetic error setting

/ MAGNETIC ERROR
Mag Error Displays the current magnetic error value. When the antenna system
is confirmed as aligned to a known satellite, the error between the
actual and expected azimuth angles is due to the local magnetic
error. This value is calculated and used in future searches until the
system is restarted or the unit is turned off.
Clear This clears the current magnetic error to 0°, and sets the state to
uncalibrated.
Calibrate This calculates the magnetic error assuming the antenna is aligned
correctly with the currently selected satellite. The system cannot be
calibrated using a satellite in an inclined orbit.
Eutelsat Autopoint
Note: These options are only visible if the Eutelsat AutoPoint licence option is enabled.
Settings Antenna setup

/EUTELSAT AUTOPOINT
AutoPoint Options. On,off.
Allows the full Eutelsat Autopoint system to be turned off. If off, the
system will not automatically align the polarisation axis, if relevant,
then enable the SSPA control.
SSPA Options On,Off.
Allows the manual override control of the SSPA enable hardware
output. The user is responsible for the correct decision when this
control can be overridden.

VISLINK
Antenna Settings
Settings Antenna settings

Path ACU CONTROL / SETTINGS / ANTENNA
Antenna Turns the antenna movement and action inhibit on or off. If on the
Inhibit antenna cannot be moved, or an automatic action be started.
Deploy angle Range: 0 to 90°.
Sets the approximate elevation the antenna will deploy to if the
deploy command is used.
Elevation trim This allows the displayed RF elevation of an antenna to be adjusted
by ±5° from its factory default value.
Mantis Antenna Configuration
Settings Mantis antenna reset

Path ACU CONTROL / SETTINGS / ANTENNA / MANTIS CONFIG
Option only available if a Mantis type antenna is being controlled.
Reset Mantis Send a reset command to the antenna. The antenna software is
reset assuming the antenna is in its reset position. For a Mantis
1.9/2.4 this is with the elevation at 90° and the azimuth drive in mid-
position. (0°). For a Mantis 1.0, the elevation is a 30°, azimuth 0°,
and the polarisation cartridge it fitted in its stow position.
Settings Mantis antenna configuration

Path ACU CONTROL / SETTINGS / ANTENNA
/ MANTIS CONFIG / CONGIFURATION
The Mantis DCU controller is required to be told which sort of mantis antenna it is
controlling.
Mantis type Options: Mantis 1.0, 1.9, 2.4.
Select the correct type of Mantis antenna the DCU is controlling.
Either a Mantis 1.0, 1.9 or 2.4 meter variant.
Pol axis state Options: Fitted, Not fitted.
Set whether the mantis has a polarisation cartridge fitted. Only
applicable for Mantis 1.0 meter systems
Commit Sends the setup command with the currently selected Mantis type
and polarisation axis state. The DCU will restart, causing an ACU-
DCU serial link failure to be reported.

VISLINK
User Configuration
Settings DCU: Disable

Path ACU CONTROL / SETTINGS / USER CONFIGURATION
Option only available if the DCU option is enabled with the current unit licence.
DCU Enables the user to disable the DCU (motorised antenna interface) if
required for any reason. After changing settings, use the ‘Restart
Unit’ command below to activate the new setting.
Restart Unit Triggers a unit software restart. Any change to the DCU state is only
used after a unit restart or power cycle.
8.6.3 INFORMATION
Auto Acquisition Information
Information AutoAcquisition Information

Path ACU CONTROL / INFORMATION / AUTO ACQUISITION
Displays the current active satellite being used by the autoAquisition system.
View Internal Databases
Information Internal databases

Path ACU CONTROL / INFORMATION / DATABASES
Allows the viewing of the internal ACU5000 databases.
Satellite View the satellite data entered in to the ACU5000 internal database.
The detection and confirmation criteria for each entry can be viewed.
Location View the location data entered into the ACU5000 internal database.
LNB View the LNB data entered into the ACU5000 internal database.
Number of LNBs, and number of bands of each LNB.
View Internal Unit Information
Information ACU information

Path ACU CONTROL / INFORMATION / UNITS / ACU
Serial No. Displays the serial number of the ACU5000 unit.

Build Displays the build of the ACU5000 unit.
Configuration Displays the options enabled. The options are DCU, BRX,
AutoPoint, GPS, compass and DVB module. To change the options
contact Advent Communications for further details.

VISLINK
Information DCU information
Path ACU CONTROL / INFORMATION / UNITS / DCU
DCU type Displays the type number of the antenna DCU unit.
No.
Serial No. Displays the serial number of the antenna DCU unit.
Build Displays the build standard of the DCU software.
Configuration Displays the DCU options enabled. The options are GPS and
compass. To change the options contact Advent Communications
for further details.
Information GPS information

Path ACU CONTROL / INFORMATION / UNITS / GPS
Displays the location information being used by the system. This could be from a
vehicle or antenna fitted GPS, a selected entry from the ACU5000 unit location
database, or location data supplied by a RC&M software system.
Status Displays the status of the GPS unit or origin of the location data.
Latitude Current location latitude.
Longitude Current location longitude.
Mag variation Current location magnetic variation.
Date Date of location information.
Time Time of location information.
8.6.4 LICENSE
Information Licence data
Path ACU CONTROL / LICENCE
The ACU5000 options are controlled by a software licence enabling/disabling
features dependant on the configuration required. This menu allows the licence ENS
(Electronic Serial Number) to be viewed and a licence code entered.
The licence code is supplied as a 28 digit hex coded number. Either the code can be
entered using the ACU5000 PC program, or it can be entered from the front panel.
ESN This is the units’ unique electronic serial number.
Line 1 The first 14 digits of the licence code.
Line 2 The last 14 digits of the licence code.
State The state of the licensing system. This is updated at unit power on.
When a new licence code has been entered, power cycle the unit to
update the licence state.

VISLINK
8.7 HIDDEN MENU CONTROLS
The hidden menu is entered by pressing both the ‘ESCAPE’ and ‘STOP’ keys down together
for 3 seconds. These menus are for advanced use, and should be used with supervision or
advice from Advent Communications customer support.
8.7.1 RESET DCU

This command resets the DCU control and monitoring values to default values. The antenna
MUST be in its mechanically stowed position. This command is usually only required after an
antenna has been manually stowed.
8.7.2 10MHZ REF

The ACU5000 internal 10MHz reference can be trimmed to set the frequency more
accurately, assuming suitable test equipment is available. Adjust the DAC offset value, range
0 to 4095, to set the 10MHz output reference frequency. (The default value is 2048.)

VISLINK
9. AUTO ACQUISITION OPERATION
The ACU5000 has a built in user setup guide. This guides the user through the necessary
steps to align whatever antenna system is being used to one of the satellites in the ACU5000
internal satellite database.
The ACU5000 has the following AutoAcquisition modes:-
SatFinder When used with a non-motorised manual antenna, or if the
ACU-DCU antenna serial link fails.
NewSwift/FlyDrive Fully automatic satellite acquisition and tracking.
Mantis 1.0 Semi-automatic satellite acquisition and tracking.
Mantis 1.9/2.4 Semi-automatic satellite acquisition and tracking.
The following procedures assume that all the required ACU5000 databases have been setup
correctly.
If a GPS unit is not available then the location database is required to be setup with a list of
suitable city locations covering the area the system is expected to be used over. This is also
useful in case the GPS unit is unable to give a location fix.
9.1 SATFINDER OPERATIONAL MODE

The following is the procedure used to align a non-motorised antenna to a chosen satellite
from the internal ACU5000 satellite database.
• Assemble antenna.
• Select the ‘Select Satellite’ option from the ‘START’ key menu.
• If a GPS is not fitted, select the nearest city to the current antenna location.
• Select the required satellite.
• If a multi-cartridge system has been specified in the system set up database, the unit will
ask to confirm that the correct cartridge for the selected satellite has been fitted.
• The ACU5000 display will show the azimuth magnetic heading, elevation and
polarisation angles required to align the antenna with the selected satellite. Set the
antenna to the requested headings.
The unit will un-mute the signal strength audio feedback. The volume can be adjusted by
pressing the UP/DOWN arrow keys when in this display mode.
• The unit will then exit to the beacon receiver control menu. A bar graph at the bottom of
the display shows the signal strength, and the frequency of the audio tone increases with
beacon signal strength.
• Scan the antenna in azimuth listening to the tone and/or signal strength bar graph. The
elevation may need to be stepped up or down if the antenna is not level or the satellite is
in an inclined orbit.
• If a possible beacon signal is detected confirm that a beacon has been detected by
looking at the locked/unlocked indicator. The signal strength indication will respond to
wide band carriers, but will only lock on to beacon signals.
To restart the satellite selection process completely from scratch, select the ‘Restart’ option
from the Start menu.

VISLINK
9.2 NEWSWIFT/FLYDRIVE OPERATIONAL MODE
The following is the procedure used to align a Newswift or Flydrive motorised antenna to a
chosen satellite from the internal ACU5000 satellite database.
The Newswift and Flydrive system when supplied with compass and GPS carry out a
completely automatic acquisition sequence.
• If a compass is not fitted, enter the current heading of the vehicle.
• The antenna will then be driven to the satellite search scan start position.
• The antenna will then scan in azimuth and elevation. The audio feedback can be turned
on by pressing the mute key.
• Once a possible beacon is detected, the antenna will peak on the signal, and then ask
the user to confirm that this is the correct satellite.
• If not, the antenna will resume its search scan and ignore the detected rejected beacon
signal.
• If confirmed the ACU will calculate the magnetic error and store this value for use in
future satellite searches.
If a further satellite search is started using the ‘Select Satellite’ option, the ACU will position
the antenna directly to the expected satellite position using the magnetic error figure to
correct the calculated azimuth value.
To clear the magnetic error, select ‘Restart’ from the Start menu. This clears all user
selections and the magnetic error value.

VISLINK
9.3 MANTIS 1.0 OPERATIONAL MODE
The following is the procedure used to align a Mantis 1.0 motorised antenna to a chosen
satellite from the internal ACU5000 satellite database.
The DCU52XX controller used with the Mantis motorised antenna range is configured using
the ACU5000 to control the correct type of Mantis antenna. See Section 8.6.2.
Set the Mantis type to 1.0. If the Mantis 1.0 has a motorised polarisation cartridge, then the
Pol axis must be set to ‘Fitted’, and ‘Not fitted’ if the polarisation axis is un-motorised. When
the settings are correct, select the ‘Commit settings’ option and press ‘ENTER’.
The communications between the ACU and DCU will stop as the antenna type is configured.
• Assemble antenna to its start position. Ensuring if a motorised polarisation axis if fitted it
is in its stowed position.
• Confirm that the correct type of Mantis is configured. (See above.)
• Reset the Mantis controller to its start settings. See Section 8.6.2, select Reset and
press ENTER. The antenna state will be set to STOWED, azimuth 0°, elevation 30°, and
polarisation to -90°.
• Set the case of the Mantis 1.0 in the direction requested by the ACU. This will be
magnetic North, South, East or West.
signal.

VISLINK
9.4 MANTIS 1.9/2.4 OPERATIONAL MODE
The following is the procedure used to align a Mantis 1.9/2.4 motorised antenna to a chosen
satellite from the internal ACU5000 satellite database.
The DCU52XX controller used with the Mantis motorised antenna range is configured using
the ACU5000 to control the correct type of Mantis antenna. See Section 8.6.2.
Set the Mantis type to either 1.9 or 2.4. When the settings are correct, select the ‘Commit
settings’ option and press ‘ENTER’.
The communications between the ACU and DCU will stop as the antenna type is configured.
• Assemble antenna to its start position, elevation at 90°, and the motorised azimuth scale
to 0°
• Confirm that the correct type of Mantis is configured. (See above.)
• Reset the Mantis controller to its start settings. See Section 8.6.2, select Reset and
press ENTER. The antenna state will be set to DEPLOYED, azimuth 0°, and elevation
90°.
• Set the heading of the antenna in the direction requested by the ACU. The manual
azimuth adjustment lock is released, and the azimuth adjusted by hand to the correct
heading. Ensure the elevation and azimuth motors are separated by more than 20°. If
not, the base of the Mantis antenna will need to be adjusted.
• The ACU will then ask for the polarisation axis to be set to the correct position.
signal.
If the satellite requested is outside the azimuth softlimits, which are ±18°, then an error
message is displayed. To acquire the satellite in this case requires the Mantis autoAquistion
sequence to be restarted.

VISLINK
10. SERIAL RS232/485 REMOTE CONTROL
10.1 INTRODUCTION
Advent equipment is designed to be operated either locally (using the front panel) and/or
remotely using remote control and monitoring software (not supplied) running on a PC
platform. The remote command set enables control of all operational functions of the unit and
querying of the current status of the unit.
The complete list of commands and queries available with this unit is listed in the following
tables.
10.2 SET UP
NOTE. Advent Communications products are normally operated in RS485 mode. In order to
control the units a converter from RS232 to RS485 (not supplied) may have to be fitted
between the PC and the unit.
10.2.1 BAUD RATE

The ACU5000 unit support the following baud rates:
• 115200
• 57600
• 38400
• 19200
• 9600
• 4800
This is settable from the front panel. It is essential that all units connected on the same bus
be set to the same baud rate.
10.2.2 ADDRESS
When being controlled remotely all Advent units must be allocated an address.
When multiple units are connected on the same bus, it is essential that each be provided
with a unique, individual, address otherwise communications will be corrupted.
The address is normally settable from the front panel, although some units are factory
configured to a preset address.
The address range for Advent units is 1-255.
10.2.3 SETUP INSTRUCTIONS

Connect a suitable cable between the PC com port and the REMOTE connector at the rear
panel of the indoor unit.
From the unit front panel, set the following parameters:
• Address
• Baud rate
These are available in the REMOTE PORT menu. (Section 8.6.2.)
Start the remote control and monitoring software (not supplied) and set the following
parameters:
• com port
• address (must be the same as the unit to be controlled)
• baud rate (must be the same as the unit to be controlled)
• 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit
Once these are set correctly then the PC should be able to communicate with the unit.

VISLINK
10.3 PACKET STRUCTURE
Advent uses a non-printable packet format. This means that the full range of 255 ASCII
characters can appear in the message.
The format of all messages is:
[STX] [BYTE COUNT] [ADDRESS] [DATA....] [CHECKSUM] [ETX]
STX (start of transmission)

STX is the ASCII character 2. It is one byte in size and is used to represent the start of each
message.
BYTE COUNT
The BYTE COUNT is one byte in size and is the total number of bytes in the packet, i.e.
number of data bytes plus five (one each for STX, BYTE COUNT, ADDRESS, CHECKSUM
and ETX).
ADDRESS
The ADDRESS is one byte in size. This is the address of the equipment to which the packet
is being sent. Unique addresses can be in the range 001 to 255.
DATA
This is the actual data being sent to the equipment. In any one packet, the maximum number
of data bytes is 250. The DATA section includes the remote command and any associated
parameters.
CHECKSUM
The CHECKSUM is one byte in size and is included for error detection. It is the modulo
addition of all ADDRESS and DATA bytes.
Here is a typical example calculation:
[STX] [BYTE COUNT] [ADDRESS] [DATA....] [CHECKSUM] [ETX]
[2] [8] [5] [97 98 99] [43] [3]
The checksum is calculated as follows:

CHECKSUM = (5 + 97 + 98 + 99) mod 256 = 43
ETX (end of transmission)
ETX is the ASCII character 3. It is one byte in size and is used to represent the end of each
message.
10.4 COMMANDS, QUERIES AND RESPONSES

10.4.1 DEFINITIONS
A command is an instruction sent from the remote PC to the unit to change some operating
parameter or display mode.
A query is an instruction sent from the remote PC to the unit for the unit to report one, or
many, operating parameter.
A response is some data sent from the unit to the remote PC that gives the answer to a
query.

VISLINK
10.4.2 RESPONSE TO VALID COMMANDS
The response to a valid remote command is an echo back of the command (with associated
parameters). This indicates that the command has been accepted and the unit will attempt
to action the command.
Note: Receiving a response of this type does not mean that the command has been
actioned. Generally, the action will occur after the response has been sent. This is to ensure
that all responses are returned quickly. (Average response time <300ms). If you want
confirmation that a change has taken place, you must send a query and then look at the
response.
Example
Command to set the transmit gain to -20.0dB.
The command is ‘GT’ and the valid range for the parameters is 000 to 400.
Command sent GT200
Response from unit GT200
Result – this response indicates that the unit will set the transmit gain to –20.0dB
10.4.3 RESPONSE TO INVALID COMMANDS

A message can be invalid for two reasons: invalid command and invalid parameters
Error 1 – invalid command
If the command is invalid, the response will be the first character of the command sent
followed by “Error”
Example
Command sent G200

Response from unit G Error
Result – the response indicates that the command was not valid (the command sent should
have been GT200 as in the example above). The unit will not action this command.
Error 2 – invalid parameters

Responds with current settings
Example
Command sent GT500
Response from unit GT200
Result – the response indicates that the parameters were not valid (-50.0dB is outside the
range for this unit). Response indicates that the current value is –20.0dB i.e. no changes
have been made.

VISLINK
10.5 MESSAGE DATA STRUCTURE
The ACU5000remote commands are split into 8 separate virtual control channels.
ACU5000 Control Channels

Channel Number Unit
00 ACU5000 system
01 Database management
02 Antenna Control
03 GPS
04 Compass
05 Beacon Receiver
06 DVB module
07 Antenna DCU
08 ACS control channel
10.5.1 COMMAND MESSAGE STRUCTURE

The command message structure is:-
Unit Command UnnC<command string>

Unit Response UnnC<response string>
nn Channel number. Fixed two digit
<command string> A valid command to unit channel nn
< response string> The unit channel response
All message bytes are ASCII coded characters. For channel 0 (zero), the channel number is
coded as two bytes, values ‘<48><48>’, decimal ASCII coded ‘00’, (zero zero).
10.5.2 BULK STATUS REQUEST (QQ) MESSAGE STRUCTURE

The QQ message structure is:
Unit Command : UnnQ

Unit Response : Unn< response string>
All message bytes are ASCII coded characters.

VISLINK
10.6 CHANNEL 00: ACU5000 SYSTEM
Standard Advent Remote Commands
Query Model ID
Command: QM
Response: M<Model Text>
<Model Text> Variable length ASCII string e.g. ACU5000.
Query Serial Number

Command: QSN
Response: Serial No. xxxxxxx
xxxxxxx Seven digit serial number.
Note spaces.
Query Software Part Number

Command: QSPN
Response: SPN<text>
<text> Variable length ASCII string of software part number.
(20 character max length)
Query Software Revision Number

Command: QSR
Response: Software Rev. x.yy
Software Revision A.01
x A
y 01
Query FPGA Version

Command: QFR
Response: FR<Version string>
<Version String> Variable length ASCII string, showing version number of
FPGA. (‘1.019’)
Query Status and Faults

Command: QSF
Response: SFxyCz
x Primary Alarm (0/1)
y Secondary Alarm (0/1)
z Bulk status Change (0/1)

VISLINK
Query Bulk Status
Command: QQ
Response: Qabcd
a System mode. (Operational/Test)
O Operational.
T Test.
b Unit alarm status.
0 OK.
1 Alarm present.
c AGC calibration state. (Only active in test mode.)
0 Inactive.
1 Active.
d Freq. Ref calibration state. (Only active in test mode.)
0 Inactive.
1 Active.
Query System Hardware Configuration

Command: QSHC
Response: SHCabcdefg[hi][j]
Hardware setup of the system.
[hi ] Software versions C.16 or later.
[j] Software versions C.26 or later.
a GPS hardware
0 Disabled.
1 GPS (12V).
2 GPS (5V).
3 DCU fitted.
b Compass
0 Disabled.
1 C100.
2 HMR3300.
3 DCU fitted.
c Compass fixing
0 Vehicle Fixed.
1 Antenna Fixed.
d DCU.
e Beacon receiver.
f DVB-S module.
g AutoPoint Option.
h DVB-S2 QPSK/8PSK.
i DVB-S2 APSK.
j Eutelsat Autopoint.
Unless otherwise stated :-

0 Disabled.
1 Enabled.

VISLINK
Query Unit Date and Time
Command: QST
Response: STDDMMYYYYhhmmss
DD Day number 01 to 31.
MM Month number 01 to 12.
YYYY Year.
hh Hours.
mm Minutes
ss Seconds.
Set Unit Date and Time

Command: STDDMMYYYYhhmmss
Response: STDDMMYYYYhhmmss
Coded as QST message.
Query Monitoring Data

Command: QVM
Response: VMaaabbbcccdddeeefffggghhh±iiik
aaa DCU 12V supply. Units 0.1V
bbb DCU 36V supply. Units 0.1V
ccc ACU 12V supply. Units 0.1V
ddd LNB supply. Units 0.1V
eee GPS supply. Units 0.1V
fff Compass supply. Units 0.1V
ggg External IO 12V supply. Units 0.1V
hhh External analogue voltage input. Units 0.1V.
±iii Internal unit temp. Units °C.
k External Input.
0 No current.
1 Current.
Unit Licence ESN Number

Read: RULIN
Write:
Response: RULIN<hex string>
<Hex String> Hex coded ASCII string of unit licence ESN number.(12 characters)
Unit Licence Code

Read: RULIC
Write: WULIC
Response: RULIC<hex string>
<Hex String> Hex coded ASCII string of unit licence code. (28 characters)
Unit Reboot
Read:
Write: WURBT
Response: No response.
Unit system reboot.
Query Number of Alarms Active

Command: QAA
Response: AAnn
nn Number of active alarms. Range 00 to 99.

VISLINK
Query Alarm Number Text Description
Command: QANmm
Response: ANmm<Alarm Description>
mm Alarm number. 1 to nn from QAA query.
<Alarm Description>ASCII text description. Fixed length, 30 characters.
Clear Alarms Command

Command: CA
Response: CA
Attempts to clear any alarms reported by the antenna DCU. All internal ACU alarms
should clear themselves if the alarm goes away.
Read Unit Calibration Data

Command: TRCD
Response: RCDabcdefg±hhhh
a GPS hardware
0 Disabled
1 12V GPS.
2 5V GPS.
b Compass hardware.
0 Disabled.
1 C100.
2 HMR3300.
c Compass fixing.
0 Vehicle.
1 Antenna.
d DCU. (Motorised antenna.) (Obsolete. Licence based now.)
e Beacon receiver.(Obsolete. Licence based now.)
f DVB module. (Obsolete. Licence based now.)
g AutoPoint.(Obsolete. Licence based now.)
±hhhh System gain. Units 0.1dB. (Default +137.0dB)
Unless otherwise stated :-

0 Disabled.
1 Enabled.
Set System Gain Value

Command: TSGV±aaaa
Response: TSGV±aaaa
±aaaa System gain to use. Units 0.1dB. Default +137.0dB.
Set System Gain to Default

Command: TSGD
Response: TSGD
Sets system gain value to its default. (+137.0dB for first versions.)

VISLINK
10.7 CHANNEL 01: DATABASE MANAGEMENT COMMANDS

Command: QSF
Response: SF00C0
Fixed, as not very relevant to the database section.
Query Bulk Status

Command: QQ
Response: Q--NOT AVAILABLE--
Fixed, as not relevant
Managed Database Controls

Command: CDSxy
Response: CDSxy
Controls current state of the managed databases.
x Action request.
I Index database.
E Erase database.
A Abort current database action.
y Database selector.
L Location Database.
S Satellite Database.
D DVB Database.
Query Managed Database State

Command: QDSy
Response: DSyannmmm
Queries the selected database state.
y Database selector.
L Location Database.
S Satellite Database.
D DVB Database.
a Database State
L Idle.
I Indexing.
E Erasing.
W Write enabled.
X State Error.
nn Progress. 00-99, % progress.
mmm Number of entries.

VISLINK
Query Satellite Preset Entry
Command: QSDBnnn
Response: SDBnnn<name>±aaaabcdd ±eeef<detection data>g<confirmation data>
Queries the data in the satellite database. Satellite database must be in its <Idle> state.
nnn Preset number 001-100.

<name> 20 ASCII character satellite name. Fixed length.
±aaaa Satellite longitude position. (±359.9°) Fixed length. Units 0.1°.
b Satellite longitude hemisphere.
E East
W West
c Inclined/Geostationary.
0 Geostationary.
1 Inclined.
dd Inclination. If inclined, range 2° to 20°. Units 1°. Fixed length.
±eee Polarisation offset. Range ±90.0°. Units 0.1°.
f Detection type
0 None.
1 Narrow band beacon detection.
2 Wide band carrier detection.
3 DVD data detection. (For future use)
<detection data> See below.
g Confirmation type.
0 None.
1 DVB.
2 External lock. (For future use)
<confirmation data> See below.
Any problems reported in the QQ <System Information String>.

VISLINK
Detection Types
Type <detection data>
None. Empty.
In this case the satellite cannot be directly ‘searched’ for. The only use is to ‘goto’
the expected position, ideally after calibrating the system on a reference satellite.
Reference satellites cannot have a detection type of none.
Narrow aaaaaaaabcdde±ffg
band
beacon aaaaaaaa Beacon frequency (KHz).( 8 Chars )
detection. b Beacon polarization.
X Horizontal.
Y Vertical.
C Circular.
c Beacon type.
0 CW
1 Modulated.
dd LNB used. Range 01 to 10.
e LNB band. (1 to 4)
±ff Expected beacon power. Range ±99dBm. Units dBm.
g Detection bandwidth.
0 Full. (±75kHz)
Wide band aaaaaaaabcdde±ffg (Software version C.45 or later.)
carrier
detection. aaaaaaaa Carrier frequency (KHz).( 8 Chars )
b Carrier polarization.
X Horizontal.
Y Vertical.
C Circular.
c Carrier type.
0 Flat noise. (Future use.)
±ff Expected power. Range ±99dBm. Units dBm.
g Detection bandwidth. (Future use.)
0 Full. (±75kHz)
DVB data aaaaaaabssssssdccciiiimmxxy (Not implemented yet.)
detection
aaaaaaaa DVB frequency (KHz).( 8 Chars )
b DVB polarization.
X Horizontal.
Y Vertical.
C Circular.
ssssss Symbol Rate. (Units 0.0001 MSymbols/sec.)
Range 1.0-45.0 MSymbols/sec.
d Mode.
0 DVB-S.
1 DVB-S2.
ccc Capture Range. Units 0.1MHz. Range 1.0-5.0MHz
iiii Satellite ID number. Hexadecimal coded.
0000-FFFF SatID check.
XXXX Unknown. (Not checked.)
mm FEC/MOD number.
00 Unknown. (Not checked.)
See DVB QQ response for coding.
(16ASK and 32ASK not supported by current hardware)
xx LNB used. Range 01 to 10.
y LNB band. (1 to 4)
If both SatID and FEC/MOD are unknown, then confirmation is by DVB signal
being locked

VISLINK
Confirmation Types
Type <confirmation data>
None. Empty. Nothing in it.
DVB. aaaaaaaabessssssdccciiiimmtt
aaaaaaaa DVB frequency (KHz).( 8 Chars )

b DVB polarization.
X Horizontal.
Y Vertical.
C Circular.
e LNB band. (1 to 4) (Must be same LNB number as
detection type information)
d Mode.
0 DVB-S.
1 DVB-S2.
iiii Satellite ID number. Hexadecimal coded.
0000-FFFF SatID check.
XXXX Unknown. (Not checked.)
mm FEC/MOD number.
00 Unknown. (Not checked.)
See DVB QQ response for coding.
(16ASK and 32ASK not supported by current hardware)
tt Confirmation timeout.
Units seconds. Range 5 to 60 secs.
If both SatID and FEC/MOD are unknown, then confirmation is by DVB

signal being locked.
Ext. Lock bett (Not implemented yet.) (See system database for setup.)
b Signal polarization.
X Horizontal.
Y Vertical.
C Circular.
e LNB band. (1 to 4) (Must be same LNB number as
detection type information)
tt Confirmation timeout.
Units seconds. Range 5 to 60 secs.
Set Satellite Database Entry

Command: SDBnnn<name>±aaaabcdd ±eeef<detection data>g<confirmation data>
Response: SDBnnn<name>±aaaabcdd ±eeef<detection data>g<confirmation data>
Writes the data to the satellite database. Satellite database must be in its <write enabled>
state. Entries are stored in the order that they are loaded-up in.
Data coded as QSDB message.

VISLINK
Query DVB Database Entry
Command: QDVBnnn
Response: DVBnnnv<Message Data>
Queries DVB database entry. DVB database must be in its <Idle> state.
nnn Database Entry Number.

(001-Database Size. Max 200 entries)
v Version
Version <Message Data>
A <Name>ffffffffssssssdccc
B <Name>ffffffffssssssdcccxxxpllb (Future use)
Coding <Name> 20 charater ACSII coded preset Name.
ffffffff DVB frequency. (Units 1KHz.) 8 characters.
Range 950-2150 MHz.
d Mode.
0 DVB-S.
1 DVB-S2.
xxx Satellite preset number.
p Polarity of satellite channel.
ll System LNB used.
b LNB band used.
Set DVB Database Entry

Command: DVBnnnv<Message Data>
Response: DVBnnnv<Message Data>
Programs a DVB database entry. DVB database must be in its <Write> state.
nnn Database Entry Number. (01-200)
Encoded as QDVB command.

VISLINK
Query Location Preset Entry
Command: QPDBnnn
Response: PDBnnnaabbb<name>ccddeefggghhiij±kkkk
Queries the data in the location database.
Location database must be in its <Idle> state.
nnn Preset number 01-800.

aa Region code.
00 No Region Specified.
01 USA.
02 Europe.
03 Asia.
04 Oceania.
05 African.
06 North American.
07 Caribbean.
08 South American.
bbb State code.
000 No state Specified.
001 to 255. See region/state details coding below.
<name> 25 ASCII character location name. Fixed length.
cc Latitude. Degrees. (00-90)
dd Latitude. Minutes. (00-59)
ee Latitude. Seconds. (00-59)
f Latitude hemisphere.
N North.
S South.
ggg Longitude. Degrees. (000-180)
hh Longitude. Minutes. (00-59)
ii Longitude. Seconds. (00-59)
j Longitude hemisphere.
E East.
W West.
±kkkk Location magnetic variation. Range ±180.0°. Units 0.1°.
Any problems reported in the QQ <System Information String>.
Set Location Database Entry

Command: PDBnnnaabbb<name>ccddeefggghhiij±kkkk
Response: PDBnnn
Writes the data to the location database.
The location database must be in its <write enabled> state.
Data coded as QPDB message.

VISLINK
Query Next/Previous State in Database
Command: QPDSnnnz
Response: PDSnnnaabbb<name>ccddeefggghhiij±kkkk
Queries the next entry from item nnn which has a different state.
nnn Preset index. (001 to 800)

z Action control character.
+ Next state with index larger than nnn.
- Previous state with index smaller than nnn.
* Returns current preset index data.
Response.
PDS000. Location database has no entries.
PDSnnnaabbb… Response coded as QPDB.
Query Next/Previous City in Database

Command: QPDCnnz
Response: PDCnnaabbb<name>ccddeefggghhiij±kkkk
Queries the next entry from item nnn which has a different city name.
nnn Preset index. (001 to 800)

z Action control character.
+ Next city with index larger than nnn.
- Previous city with index smaller than nnn.
* Returns current preset index data.
Response.
PDC00. Location database has no entries.
PDCnnaabbb… Response coded as QPDB.

VISLINK
10.7.1 USA STATE CODING
State Name Code Number

Alabama 1
Alaska 2
Arizona 4
Arkansas 5
California 6
Colorado 8
Connecticut 9
Delaware 10
District Of Columbia 11
Florida 12
Georgia 13
Hawaii 15
Idaho 16
Illinois 17
Indiana 18
Iowa 19
Kansas 20
Kentucky 21
Louisiana 22
Maine 23
Maryland 24
Massachusetts 25
Michigan 26
Minnesota 27
Mississippi 28
Missouri 29
Montana 30
Nebraska 31
Nevada 32
New Hampshire 33
New Jersey 34
New Mexico 35
New York 36
North Carolina 37
North Dakota 38
Ohio 39
Oklahoma 40
Oregon 41
Pennsylvania 42
Rhode Island 44
South Carolina 45
South Dakota 46
Tennessee 47
Texas 48
Utah 49
Vermont 50
Virginia 51
Washington 53
West Virginia 54
Wisconsin 55
Wyoming 56

VISLINK
10.7.2 EUROPE STATE CODING

Albania 1
Austria 2
Belgium 3
Bosnia 4
Bulgaria 5
Croatia 6
Cyprus 7
Czech Republic 8
Denmark 9
Estonia 10
Finland 11
France 12
Germany 13
Gibraltar 14
Greece 15
Holy See (Vatican) 16
Hungary 17
Ireland 18
Italy 19
Latvia 20
Liechtenstein 21
Lithuania 22
Luxembourg 23
Macedonia 24
Malta 25
Moldova 26
Monaco 27
Netherlands 28
Norway 29
Poland 30
Portugal 31
Romania 32
Russia 33
San Marino 34
Slovakia 35
Slovenia 36
Spain 37
Sweden 38
Switzerland 39
Turkey 40
Ukraine 41
United Kingdom 42
Yugoslavia 43
Andorra 44
Belarus 45
Faroe Islands 46
Iceland 47
Svalbard and Jan Mayen 48

VISLINK
10.7.3 ASIA STATE CODING

Afghanistan 1
Armenia 2
Azerbaijan 3
Bahrain 4
Bangladesh 5
Bhutan 6
British I.O.Territory 7
Brunei Darussalam 8
Cambodia 9
China 10
Christmas Island 11
Cocos (Keeling) Islands 12
Cyprus 13
Georgia 14
Hong Kong 15
India 16
Indonesia 17
Iran 18
Iraq 19
Israel 20
Japan 21
Jordan 22
Kazakhstan 23
Korea, DPR of 24
Korea, Republic of 25
Kuwait 26
Kyrgyzstan 27
Laos 28
Lebanon 29
Macao 30
Malaysia 31
Maldives 32
Mongolia 33
Myanmar 34
Nepal 35
Oman 36
Pakistan 37
Palestian Territory 38
Philippines 39
Qatar 40
Russian Federation 41
Saudi Arabia 42
Singapore 43
Sri Lanka 44
Syrian Arab Republic 45
Taiwan 46
Tajikistan 47
Thailand 48
Timor-Leste 49
Turkey 50
Turkmenistan 51
United Arab Emirates 52
Uzbekistan 53
Vietnam 54
Yemen 55

VISLINK
10.7.4 OCEANIA STATE CODING

American Samoa 1
Australia 2
Cook Islands 3
Fiji 4
French Polynesia 5
Guam 6
Kiribati 7
Marshall Islands 8
Micronesia 9
Nauru 10
New Caledonia 11
New Zealand 12
Niue 13
Norfolk Island 14
Northern Mariana Islands 15
Palau 16
Papua New Guinea 17
Pitcairn 18
Samoa 19
Solomon Islands 20
Tokelau 21
Tonga 22
Tuvalu 23
Vanuatu 24
Wallis and Futuna 25

VISLINK
10.7.5 AFRICA STATE CODING

Algeria 1
Angola 2
Benin 3
Botswana 4
Bouvet Island 5
Burkina Faso 6
Burundi 7
Cameroon 8
Cape Verde 9
Central African Republic 10
Chad 11
Comoros 12
Congo 13
Congo, DR 14
Cote D'Ivoire 15
Djibouti 16
Egypt 17
Equatorial Guinea 18
Eritrea 19
Ethiopia 20
Gabon 21
Gambia 22
Ghana 23
Guinea 24
Guinea-Bissau 25
Kenya 26
Lesotho 27
Liberia 28
Libya 29
Madagascar 30
Malawi 31
Mali 32
Mauritania 33
Mauritius 34
Mayotte 35
Morocco 36
Mozambique 37
Namibia 38
Niger 39
Nigeria 40
Reunion 41
Rwanda 42
Saint Helena 43
Sao Tome and Principe 44
Senegal 45
Seychelles 46
Sierra Leone 47
Somalia 48
South Africa 49
Sudan 50
Swaziland 51
Tanzania 52
Togo 53
Tunisia 54
Uganda 55
Western Sahara 56
Zambia 57
Zimbabwe 58

VISLINK
10.7.6 NORTH AMERICA STATE CODING

Belize 1
Canada 2
Costa Rica 3
EL Salvador 4
Greenland 5
Guatemala 6
Honduras 7
Mexico 8
Nicaragua 9
Panama 10
Saint Pierre/Miquelon 11
United States 12
US Minor Outlying Isles 13
10.7.7 CARIBBEAN STATE CODING

Anguilla 1
Antigua and Barbuda 2
Aruba 3
Bahamas 4
Barbados 5
Bermuda 6
Cayman Islands 7
Cuba 8
Dominica 9
Dominican Republic 10
Grenada 11
Guadeloupe 12
Haiti 13
Jamaica 14
Martinique 15
Montserrat 16
Netherlands Antilles 17
Puerto Rico 18
Saint Kitts and Nevis 19
Saint Lucia 20
St.Vincent/Grenadines 21
Trinidad and Tobago 22
Turks and Caicos Islands 23
Virgin Islands, British 24
Virgin Islands, U.S. 25

VISLINK
10.7.8 SOUTH AMERICA STATE CODING

Argentina 1
Bolivia 2
Brazil 3
Chile 4
Colombia 5
Ecuador 6
Falkland Islands (Malvinas) 7
French Guiana 8
Guyana 9
Paraguay 10
Peru 11
S.Georgia/Sandwich Isles 12
Suriname 13
Uruguay 14
Venezuela 15
Query Number of Location Regions in Use

QLDNR
Command:
LDNRnn
Response:
nn Number of Regions used by system.
If response gives number of regions as 2, then region number 0,1 and 2 can be used.

VISLINK
Query System Setup
Command: QSS
Response: SSabc±dddeee±fffggghhijjkklllmnnnpppqqqrstu
Queries the antenna system set up database.
Database is unmanaged.
a Antenna fixing.
F Forward
R Reverse.
b Compass interaction.
0 Disabled
1 Enabled.
c Rx Pol.
X Cross-pol. (Default.)
C Co-polar.
±ddd Azimuth centre. Units 1°. (Range ±180)
eee Azimuth range. Units 1° (eg Interaction range = ±ddd±eee)
(Range 5 to 90.)
±fff Elevation centre. Units 1°. (Range 0 to 90)
ggg Elevation range. Units 1°.(eg Interaction range = ±fff±ggg)
(Range 5 to 90)
hh Beacon detection threshold. Units dB. (Range 5 to 30dB)
i Slope Compensation.
0 Disabled.
1 Enabled. (Future use.)
jj Azimuth search range. Units 1°. (Range 5 to 90)
kk Elevation search range. Units 1°. (Range 2 to 30)
lll Reference satellite.
000 No reference in use.
001-zzz: Preset satellite to use as reference.
Where zzz is size of satellite database.
M Tracking Mode.
F Fixed rate.
A Adaptive. (Future use.)
nnn Azimuth tracking period. Fixed length. Units minutes.
(Range 2 to 120 minutes)
ppp Elevation tracking period. Fixed length. Units minutes.
(Range 2 to 120 minutes)
qqq Antenna tracking jog size. Fixed length. Units 0.01°.
(Range 0.10° to 1.00°)
r: LNB supply under ACU control.
0 No.
1 Yes
s LNB 10MHz ref. under ACU control
0 No
1 Yes
t Polarisation peaking.
0 Disabled.
1 Enabled. (Future use.)
u External Lock Source. (C.45 or later)
0 Not in use. Off.
1 External input. High.
2 External input. Low.
Set System Setup

Command: SSabc±dddeee±fffggghhijjkklllmnnnpppqqqrstu
Response: SSabc±dddeee±fffggghhijjkklllmnnnpppqqqrstu
Writes the data to the system setup database.
Data coded as QSS message.

VISLINK
Set LNB Data (Multi-Band LNB Support)
Command: WLNBDnn<Name><LNB Data>
Response: WLNBDnn<Name><LNB Data>
Writes the data to the LNB database. Must start from LNB number 1.
nn LNB number. Maximum 10. Upload in order 1..max.

(Uploading LNB number 1 triggers database in unit
to be erased.)
<Name> Band Name (20 characters)
<LNB Data> mt[LNB Band Data]n
m 10MHz Ref.
0 Off.
1 On.
t: LNB Type.
S Single. (n=1)
D Dual. (n=2)
T Triple. (n=3)
Q Quad. (n=4)
[LNB Band Data] ffffffffsvrl
ffffffff LO frequency (KHz) (8 characters)
s Sideband.
U Upper.
L Lower.
v LNB supply.
0 18V. (Default value)
1 13V.
r LNB 22KHz tone.
0 Off. (Default value)
1 On.
l Band designation letter. (e.g. High Band use ‘H’)
Read LNB Data. (Multi-Band LNB Support)

Command: RLNBDnn
Response: RLNBDnnmm<Name><LNB Data>
Reads the data from the LNB database.
nn LNB number to be read. (01 to 10)

mm Number of LNBs currently in database. (01 to 10)
Data coded as WLNBD message.
Query LNB Band Setup (Multi-Band LNB Support)

Command: QLNX
Response: LNXmm[<name>t<letters>]mm
mm Number of LNXs, 01-10
<NAME> Band name (18 chars )
(Truncated to first 18 characters of LNB name.)
t LNB Type.
S Single. (n=1)
D Dual. (n=2)
T Triple. (n=3)
Q Quad. (n=4)
<letters> n characters. Band designation letters.
Single : c
Dual : cc
Triple : ccc
Quad : cccc
VISLINK
Set Current LNB Data
Command: SCLNBffffffffs
Response: SCLNBffffffffs
Sets the current LNB data to be used.
ffffffff LO frequency (KHz) (8 characters)

s Sideband.
U Upper.
L Lower.
Recall Preset LNB Data

Command: RPLNBdde
Response: RPLNBdde


VISLINK
10.8 CHANNEL 02: ANTENNA CONTROL FUNCTIONS

Command: QSF
Response: SFxyCz

VISLINK
Bulk Status Request
Command: QQ
Response: Qz±aaaa±bbbb±ccccdefghjklmnn<System Information String>pq[rs]
[rs] Version C.26 or later.
z Motorised antenna
0 Not Fitted
1 Fitted.
±aaaa Antenna azimuth angle. Fixed length. Units 0.1°
±bbbb Antenna RF elevation angle. Fixed length. Units 0.1°
±cccc Antenna polarisation angle. Fixed length. Units 0.1°
d Waveguide switch position.
M Moving.
X X(H) TX polarisation.
Y Y(V) TX polarisation.
E Error.
N Not fitted.
e Antenna State.
a Stowed.
b Stowing.
c Deployed.
d Deploying.
e Calibrating.
f Halted.
g Measuring
h Ext. Inhibit.
f Antenna Calibration
U Uncalibrated.
C Calibrated.
g ACU state.
a No action in progress.
b Local inhibit active.
c Going to a position.
d Searching for a satellite.
e Peaking on a beacon.
f Calculating slope compensation.
g Powered down.(Only ACU&GPS powered).
h Re-calibrating an axis.
i Tracking satellite.
j Goto satellite position.
k Manual Align Sequence.
l Polarisation Alignment Sequence.
m ManPack Deploy Sequence.
n ManPack Stow Sequence.
h Beacon.
a No Beacon receiver fitted.
b Beacon detected.
c No beacon detected.
j Tracking
a Not available.
b Tracking off.
c Tracking waiting.
d Azimuth tracking action.
e Elevation tracking action.
f Polarisation tracking action.
g Tracking on Hold.
z tracking state error.

VISLINK
k Magnetic errors.
a Not available.
b Uncalibrated.
c Calibrated.
l Slope Compensation (Future use)
a Not available.
b Uncompensated.
c Compensated.
m Active Satellite.
a No satellite selected.
b Preset.(Preset number = nnn: 001-100)
c Reference. (Preset number = nnn: 001-100)
d User specified.
nnn Satellite preset number.
<System Information String>
A 30 character ASCII string. Displaying system action
information. (Fixed length)
p System information state.
a Information.
b Yes/No/Abort response required.
(See Yes/No/Abort command below.)
c Error message.
(See clear error message command below.)
d Requesting a Select Satellite Heading
Value command.
e Requesting a Select Satellite Preset
Location command.
f Requesting a Select Satellite Preset
Satellite command.
g Requesting a Manual Align LNB power
control response.
h Requesting a Manual Align antenna
settings display response.
q Summary alarm.
0 No alarm.
1 Alarm.
r Eutelsat AutoPoint State.
(Only applicable if Eutelsat AutoPoint licenced.)
0 Off.
1 On.
s SSPA control.
(Only applicable if Eutelsat AutoPoint licenced.)
0 Disabled.
1 Enabled.
Start Select Satellite Sequence

Command: SSSS
Response: SSSS
Starts the select satellite sequence.
Any problems are reported in the QQ <System Information String>.

VISLINK
Restart Select Satellite Sequence
Command: RSSS
Response: RSSS
Starts the select satellite sequence.
Select Satellite Heading Value

Command: SSHVnnn
Response: SSHVnnn
Sets the heading value to be used to nnn.
nnn Units degrees. Range 0 to 359.
A halt command sent to the ACU channel aborts the Select satellite procedure.
Select Satellite Preset Location

Command: SSPL
Response: SSPL
Sets the location to be used in the select satellite procedure to the current indexed preset
location
Request Current Indexed Preset Satellite

Command: RCIPLxy
Response: RCIPL<data>
x Index control character
* Return current index description.
‘y’ control char has no effect
C Move index to next/previous city,
and return description.
S Move index to next/previous state,
and return description.
y Index direction control character,
+ Next index position.
- Previous index position.
<data> String description of the indexed location preset.
Select Satellite Preset Satellite

Command: SSPS
Response: SSPS
Sets the location to be used in the select satellite procedure to the current indexed preset
location

VISLINK
Request Current Indexed Preset Satellite
Command: RCIPSx
Response: RCIPS<data>
x Index control character
* Return current index position description text.
+ Increment index and return description text.
- Decrement index and return description text.
<data> String description of the indexed satellite preset.
Manual Align LNB Power Control

Command: MALPCa
Response: MALPCa
a LNB power setting required.
0 Off.
1 13V.
2 18V.
C Continue. The current settings accepted.
The system information string displays the current LNB supply voltage.
A halt command sent to the ACU channel aborts the manual align procedure.
Manual Align Antenna Settings Display

Command: MAASDa
Response: MAASDa
a Response control character.
C Continue.
The system information string contains the antenna azimuth, elevation and polarisation
settings for the selected satellite coded as :-
aaa.a,ee.e,ppp.p
aaa.a : Azimuth angle.(Magnetic heading)

eee.e : Elevation angle.
ppp.p : Polarisation angle.
These are all variable length, comma separated ASCII coded text.
A halt command sent to the ACU channel aborts the manual align procedure.
Goto Antenna Position

Command: GAP±aaaa±bbbb±ccccd
Response: GAP±aaaa±bbbb±ccccd
±aaaa Antenna azimuth angle. Fixed length. Units 0.1°
±bbbb Antenna RF elevation angle. Fixed length. Units 0.1°
±cccc Antenna polarisation angle. Fixed length. Units 0.1°
d Waveguide switch position.
(Position request ignored if WGS not fitted.)
X X(H) TX polarisation.
Y Y(V) TX polarisation.

VISLINK
Goto Antenna Stow Position
Command: GAS
Response: GAS
Search for Preset Satellite

Command: SPSnnn
Response: SPSnnn
nnn ACU preset satellite number. (nnn: 001-100)
Peak on Detected Beacon

Command: PDB
Response: PDB
Start Tracking Satellite

Command: STS
Response: STS
Halt Current Operation

Command: HLT
Response: HLT
Puts the ACU into the ‘No action in progress’ ACU state.
Clear Error Message

Command: CLR
Response: CLR
Clears any error message currently being displayed.
Inhibit Antenna
Command: SAI
Response: SAI
Sets the antenna into the inhibit state
Clear Antenna Inhibit

Command: CAI
Response: CAI
Clears the antenna inhibit state
Set Eutelsat Autopoint State

Command: SEAa
Response: SEAa
a 0 Off.
1 On.
Only available if Eutelsat Autopoint option is enabled. Allows the Eutelsat Autopoint
process to be turned off

VISLINK
Set Eutelsat SSPA
Command: SESa
Response: SESa
a 0 Off.
1 On.
Only available if Eutelsat Autopoint option is enabled. Allows the SSPA enabled signal to
be changed.
Calibrate Local Magnetic Errors

Command: CME
Response: CME
Jog Antenna Position

Command: JAPn±xx
Response: JAPn±xx
n Axis.
A Azimuth.
E Elevation.
P Polarisation.
±xx Step Size. Units 0.1°. Max step ±1.0°
Waveguide Switch Control

Command: SWn
Response: SWn
n Switch position.
X Horizontal.
Y Vertical.
Yes/No/Abort Response
Command: SIYNAb
Response: SIYNAb
b Response control character.
Y Yes.
N No
A Abort.
If the ACU system information state is ‘Yes/No/Abort response required’, see bulk status
request message above, the system waits for this command on the ACU channel.
Reset Local Magnetic Error

Command: RME
Response: RME

VISLINK
Power Log Data
Command: QPL
Response: PLa±bbbbcc±dddd±eeee±ffffghhhhhhhhhhijk
a Tracking state.
0 Off.
1 Tracking waiting.
2 Azimuth track action.
3 Elevation track action.
4 Polarisation track action.
5 Tracking on hold.
±bbbb Peak beacon power. Units 0.1dBm.
cc Current AGC attenuation. Units db.
±dddd Azimuth angle. Units 0.1°.
±eeee RF elevation angle. Units 0.1°.
±ffff Polarisation angle. Units 0.1°.
g Waveguide switch state.
0 Not fitted.
1 TX X(H).
2 TX Y(V).
3 Moving.
4 Error.
hhhhhhhh Beacon peak frequency. Units 0.01KHz. (10 digits)
I Azimuth jog state.
0 Stationary.
1 Moving.
j Elevation jog state
2 Stationary.
3 Moving.
k Polarisation jog state.
4 Stationary.
5 Moving.
Track Log Data

Command: QTL
Response: TLa±bbbb±cccc±dddd±eeeef±ggggg±hhhhh±iiiii
a Tracking state.
0 Off.
1 Tracking waiting.
2 Azimuth track action.
3 Elevation track action.
4 Polarisation track action.
5 Tracking on hold.
±bbbb Azimuth angle. Units 0.1°.
±cccc RF elevation angle. Units 0.1°.
±dddd Int. elevation angle. Units 0.1°.
±eeee Polarisation angle. Units 0.1°.
f Waveguide switch state.
0 Not fitted.
1 TX X(H).
2 TX Y(V).
3 Moving.
4 Error.
±ggggg Net azimuth movement.
±hhhhh Net elevation movement.
±iiiii Net polarisation movement.

VISLINK
10.9 CHANNEL 03: GPS CONTROL
Command: QSF
Response: SFxyCz
Query Bulk Status

Command: QQ
Response: QABBBB.BBBBCCCCC.CCCC±DDD.DEEEEEEEEFFFFG
A GPS data.
a Not fitted.
b Searching.
c Current valid GPS data.
d Last valid GPS data received.
e Local preset location database entry.
f Remote location data in use.
g Serial comms failure.
BBBB.BBBB Latitude data (9 characters, including decimal point.)
ddmm.mmmX
dd degrees. (00-90)
mm.mmm minutes. (Decimal)
X N/S
CCCCC.CCCC Longitude data (10 characters, including decimal point.)
dddmm.mmmX
ddd degrees. (000-180)
mm.mmm minutes. (Decimal)
X E/W
±DDD.D Mag. Variation. (6 characters, including decimal point.)
EEEEEEEE Date information. (8 characters.)
ddmmyyyy
dd Day
mm Month
yyyy Year
FFFF Time information. (UTC time)
hhmm
hh Hours.
mm Minutes
G GPS summary alarm. (Alarm linked to GPS operation.)
0 No alarm.
1 Alarm.
Use Last Valid GPS Data (Not implemented)

Command: GPSL
Response: GPSL
System uses the last valid data from the GPS unit as the current position.
Use The Current Data From The GPS Unit

Command: GPSC
Response: GPSC
System uses the data from the GPS unit as the current position.

VISLINK
Use An Entry From The Units’ Location Database
Command: GPSPnnn
Response: GPSPnnn
Use location preset number nnn as the location.
Use Position Supplied By The Remote Controller

Command: GPSRBBBB.BBBBCCCCC.CCCC±DDD.DEEEEEEEEFFFF
Response: GPSRBBBB.BBBBCCCCC.CCCC±DDD.DEEEEEEEEFFFF
System uses the position supplied by the remote control as its location.
Encoded as in the GPS QQ string response.
Query The Current GPS Data State

Command: QGPS
Response: GPSn
n Current GPS data state.
L Last valid GPS data.
C Current GPS data.
P Local location database entry in use.
R Remotely set location data in use.

VISLINK
10.10 CHANNEL 04: COMPASS CONTROL

Command: QSF
Response: SFxyCz
Query Bulk Status

Command: QQ
Response: QABBBBC<cal string>
Type 1: Q1ABBB±PPP±RRRC<cal string>
A Compass status.
a Not fitted.
b Data valid.
c Data invalid.
d Powered down.
e User override value.
f Calibration mode.
g Held value. (Magnetic error calibrated.)
h Serial comms failed.
BBBB Magnetic heading. Units 0.1° (0.0° to 359.9°)
±PPP Pitch angle. Units 0.1°. (Range ±60.0°)
±RRR Roll angle. Units 0.1°. (Range ±60.0°)
C Compass summary alarm. (Alarm linked to compass operation.)
0 No alarm.
1 Alarm.
<cal string> Z<info string> Only output when in calibration mode.
Z Compass calibration type.
a C100 type.
<info string>: nnn.
Where nnn is position of next calibration point.
c HMR3300 type. No <info string>
Query Compass Setup

Command: QCS
Response: CSabcd
a Compass fitted
0 No.
1 Yes.
b Compass location.
0 ACU.
1 Antenna.(iACU/DCU)
c Compass type.
a Compass not fitted.
b C100 engine.
c HMR3300.
d Compass fixing.
0 N/A.
1 Vehicle fixed.
2 Antenna fixed.

VISLINK
Set Compass Heading (Manual Override)
Command: SCHnnnn
Response: SCHnnnn
nnnn Magnetic heading. Units 0.1°. Range 0.0-359.9°.
Set Compass To Automatic Mode

Command: SCA
Response: SCA
System uses the heading data form the fluxgate compass.
Compass Offset Value

Read: RDCOS
Write: WDCOS±xxxx
Response: RDCOS±xxxx
xxxx Compass offset value. Units 0.1°
The new compass offset takes about 1 second to update. During this time, the offset value
is fixed at -800.0°.
Query Compass Data

Command: RDCDT
Response: RDCDTW<Data Field>
W Compass Type
a Not fitted. (End of message)
b C100 type
c HMR3300
C100 Data Field.

XXXXXXX,A,B,C100,YY/MM/DD,D,E,F
XXXXXXX : Compass serial number.
A : Software version.
B : Hardware version.
C100 : Compass type (C100!).
YY/MM/DD : Factory calibration date.
D : Calibration noise score.
E : Calibration magnetic environment.
F : Calibration count.
HMR3300 Data Field.

Information string showing unit type and software version.
Variable length.
Put Compass Into Calibration Mode

Command: WCSCC
Response: WCSCC
C100 Compass.
Next Calibration Point

Command: WCNCP
Response: WCNCP
C100 Compass.

VISLINK
Abort Calibration Procedure
Command: WCSCA
Response: WCSCA
Reset Pitch Angle

Command: WCRPA
Response: WCRPA
Only works with the HMR3000 compass type.
Reset Roll Angle

Command: WCRRA
Response: WCRRA
Only works with the HMR3000 compass type.

VISLINK
10.11 CHANNEL 05: BEACON RECEIVER CONTROL

Command: QSF
Response: SFxyCz
Query Bulk Status

Command: QQ
Response: QA<Mode Data>
A Beacon Receiver Mode.
0 Not fitted.
1 Narrow band detection.
2 Wide band detection. (C.45 or later)
Not fitted.
<Mode Data> JJJJJJJJKLLM
Coded as below.
Narrow Band Decode
<Mode Data> BCCCCCCCC±DDDD±EEEE±FFFFGHIIJJJJJJJJKLLMNNP[Q]
[Q] Version C.26 or later.
B Beacon signal type.

a CW mode.
b Modulated mode. (~1 KHz RBW)
CCCCCCCC RX center freq. (Units: KHz)
±DDDD Freq. Offset to max signal. (Units 0.01KHz)
±EEEE Signal peak. (Units 0.1dBm).
±FFFF Average noise level (Units 0.1dBm)
G Beacon Lock
L Locked.
U Unlocked.
H Detection bandwidth
1 ±75 KHz.
II FFT block averaging. Units 20 FFTs per block.
(2 block ~ 1 second.) Range 1-10 blocks. (Default : 2)
JJJJJJJJ LNB LO freq. (Units KHz).
K LNB LO sideband.
U Upper.
L Lower.
LL* LNB supply. (C.32 or later)
L 0 Off.
1 18V.
2 13V
L* 0 22KHz tone, Off.
1 22KHz tone, On.
Earlier versions:
00 Off.
13 13V on.
18 18V on.
M LNB 10MHz Ref.
0 Off
1 On.
NN Attenuation value. 00 to 99. Units dB.
P Unit summary alarm. (Alarm linked to BRX operation.)
0 No alarm.
1 Alarm.
Q AGC lock. (Version C.26 and later)
U Unlocked. (Attenuation varying.)
L Locked. (Attenuation fixed at current value.)

VISLINK
Wideband Decode
<Mode Data> BCCCCCCCCEEEE±FFGHIIJJJJJJJJKLLMNNPQ
B Carrier signal type.

a Flat noise.
CCCCCCCC RX center freq. (Units: KHz)
±EEEE Signal power (Units 0.1dBm).
±FF Detection Threshold. (Units dBm)
G Signal Lock
L Locked.
U Unlocked.
H Detection bandwidth
1 ±75 KHz.
II FFT block averaging. Units 20 FFTs per block.
(2 block ~ 1 second.) Range 1-10 blocks. (Default : 2)
K LNB LO sideband.
U Upper.
L Lower.
LL* LNB supply.
L 0 Off.
1 18V.
2 13V
L* 0 22KHz tone, Off.
1 22KHz tone, On.
M LNB 10MHz Ref.
0 Off
1 On.
NN Attenuation value. 00 to 99. Units dB.
P Unit summary alarm. (Alarm linked to BRX operation.)
0 No alarm.
1 Alarm.
Q AGC lock.
U Unlocked. (Attenuation varying.)
L Locked. (Attenuation fixed at current value.)
Beacon Receiver Mode

Write: WBRXMx
Response: WBRXMx
x: 1: Narrow band detection
2: Wide band carrier detection.
Receiver mode cannot be set if mode is ‘Not fitted’. See QQ response. (C.45 or later)
Set Beacon Receiver Centre Frequency

Command: Fnnnnnnnn
Response: Fnnnnnnnn
nnnnnnnn Frequency in KHz. Range:- 950-2150MHz.
Query FFT Resolution Bandwidth

Command: QRB
Response: RBx
x Resolution modulation type.
1 CW mode
8 Modulated mode
Set FFT Resolution Bandwidth

Command: SRB
Response: RBx
x Resolution modulation type.
1 CW mode
8 Modulated mode

VISLINK
Query FFT Block Averaging Number
Command: QFAT
Response: FATnn
nn Number of blocks to average over.
1 block = 20FFTs, takes around 0.5 seconds
Defaults on power up to 2.
Set FFT Block Averaging Number

Command: SFATnn
Response: FATnn
nn Number of blocks to average over.
1 block = 20FFTs, takes around 0.5 seconds
Defaults on power up to 2.
Control LNB Output Voltage

Command: LNBxx
Response: LNBxx
xx Requested LNB voltage.
00 Off.
13 13V
18 18V.
Control LNB 22KHz Tone

Command: WLNBTx
Response: WLNBTx
x Requested LNB 22KHz tone state.
0 Off.
1 On.
Control LNB 10MHz Ref. Output

Command: WREFQx
Response: WREFQx
x Requested LNB 10MHz Ref. state.
0 Off.
1 On.
Sample The Input Waveform

Command: SIW
Response: SIW
Download a Block of Sampled Input Waveform Data

Command: DIWnn
Response: DIWnnXXX...
DIW00 Data not yet available.
nn Data block 01 to 32.

XXX Sample amplitude. 3 digit hex coded. 64 samples per block.
2048 samples used, nn from 01 to 32 max. (32*64 = 2048)
All fixed length.

VISLINK
Sample the FFT Output
Command: SFO
Response: SFO
Stores the next average FFT output array.
Download a Block of FFT Output Data

Command: DFOnn
Response: DFOnn±aaaaXXXX...
DFO00 Data not yet available.
nn Data block 01 to 64.

±aaaa System gain. Subtract to get input power levels, in dBm.
(Units 0.1 dB)
XXXX FFT output magnitude. 4 digit hex coded. 32 bins per block.
If 2048 FFT output bins (2048 point complex FFT),
nn from 01 to 64.
All fixed length.
XXXX proportional to 100log10(Pf).(0.1dB units.)

Pf: Power in FFT output bin.
Query FFT Set Up Data

Command: QFT
Response: FTfffffffsssswwww
fffffff Sample rate (Hz)
ssss Number of amplitude samples.
wwww FFT output width.
All fixed length.
Query Search Data

Command: QSD
Response: SDffffffff±aaaa±bbbb±ccccddd
ffffffff Centre freq.(KHz) 8 digits.
±aaaa Freq. Offset to signal max. (Units:0.01KHz)
±bbbb Signal peak.(0.1dBm)
±cccc Noise.(0.1dBm)
ddd Current attenuation setting.(0.1dB)
e Lock state.
U Unlocked.
L Locked.
All fixed length.
AGC Lock Control

Command: WAACLn
Response: WAACLn
n Control state.
U Unlock.
L Locked.
Used to fix the AGC attenuation to the current value.

Version C.26 and later.

VISLINK
Wideband Signal Detection Threshold
Command: WWSDT±nn
Response: WWSDT±nn
±nn Detection Threshold. (Units: dBm) Range ±99
Version C.45 and later.

VISLINK
10.12 CHANNEL 06: DVB MODULE FUNCTIONS

Command: QSF
Response: SFxyCz
z Status Change (0/1)

VISLINK
Bulk Status Request
Command: QQ
Response: QABBBBBBBBCCCCCCDEEEFGGHHHHJJJJJJJJKLLMP
A DVB state.
a Not Fitted.
b Fitted.
BBBBBBBB RX frequency. (Units KHz.) (950-2150MHz)
CCCCCC Requested Symbol rate. (Units 0.0001 MSymbols/sec.)
(Range: 1.0-45.0 MSyms/sec.)
D Mode
0 DVB-S.
1 DVB-S2.
EEE Capture Range. (Units 0.1MHz.) Range 1.0 to 5.0MHz.
F Lock state.
0 Unlocked.
1 Locked.
GG FEC/Mod rate. (16ASK and 32ASK only supported with GSKL72X module and
C.16 or later software)
DVB-S1 Mode DVB-S2 Mode
‘00’ : Unkown. ‘00’ : Unkown.
‘01’ : ½ ‘01’ : QPSK 1/4
‘02’ : 2/3 ‘02’ : QPSK 1/3
‘03’ : 3/4 ‘03’ : QPSK 2/5
‘04’ : 5/6 ‘04’ : QPSK 1/2
‘05’ : 6/7 ‘05’ : QPSK 3/5
‘06’ : 7/8 ‘06’ : QPSK 2/3
‘07’ : QPSK 3/4
‘08’ : QPSK 4/5
‘09’ : QPSK 5/6
‘10’ : QPSK 8/9
‘11’ : QPSK 9/10
‘12’ : 8PSK 3/5
‘13’ : 8PSK 2/3
‘14’ : 8PSK 3/4
‘15’ : 8PSK 5/6
‘16’ : 8PSK 8/9
‘17’ : 8PSK 9/10
‘18’ : 16ASK 2/3
‘19’ : 16ASK 3/4
‘20’ : 16ASK 4/5
‘21’ : 16ASK 5/6
‘22’ : 16ASK 8/9
‘23’ : 16ASK 9/10
‘24’ : 32ASK 3/4
‘25’ : 32ASK 4/5
‘26’ : 32ASK 5/6
‘27’ : 32ASK 8/9
‘28’ : 32ASK 9/10
‘29’ : Unlicenced.
HHHH Satellite Network ID number. (4 digit hex coded).
(---- : Not known.)
K LNB LO sideband.
U Upper.
L Lower.
LL LNB supply.
00 Off.
13 13V on.
18 18V on.
M LNB 10MHz Ref.
0 Off
1 On.
P Summary alarm. (Alarm linked to DVB operation.)
0 No alarm.
1 Alarm.

VISLINK
RX Fequency
Write: WDFRQxxxxxxxx
Read: RDFRQ
Response: RDFRQxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxx Frequency. (Units KHz) Range 950.000 to 2150.000MHz.
Symbol Rate
Write: WDSYMxxxxxx
Read: RDSYM
Response: RDSYMxxxxxx
xxxxxx Symbol rate. Units 0.0001 MSym/sec. Range 1.0 to 45.0MSym/sec
DVB Mode
Write: WDMODx
Read: RDMOD
Response: RDMODx
x DVB Module Mode
0 DVB-S
1 DVB-S2
RX Capture Range
Write: WCRNGxxx
Read: RCRNG
Response: RCRNGxxx
xxx Frequency. (Units 0.1MHz) Range 1.0MHz to 5.0MHz.
Read DVB Module Status

Write:
Read: RDVBS
Response: RDVBSaaaaaaaabbbbbb±cccc±dddeeeeef
aaaaaaaa RX frequency. (Units KHz.)
bbbbbb Symbol rate. (Units 0.0001 MSymbols/sec.)
±cccc Power (Units 0.1dBm)
±ddd C/N (Units 0.1dB)
eeeee BER. (Units 1E-7.)
f Spectrum Polarity.
0 Error
1 Normal
2 Inverted
3 Auto.
Set to DVB Preset

Write: WDVBPxxx
Read:
Response: WDVBPxxx
Set DVB to configuration as specifed by preset number xxx.
xxx Preset number to recall.

001 to max number currently in DVB preset database.

VISLINK
10.13 CHANNEL 07: DCU MONITORING/CONTROL
Query Antenna Unit ID

Command: QUID
Response: UIDv<Unit data>
v Antenna unit data validity.
0 Unavailable.
1 OK.
<Unit data>
If unavailable, <unit data> is empty.
DCUXXXX<serial Number><S.W.version><FPGA><Software part number>
DCUXXXX DCU type number.

(e.g. DCU3015, DCU4015 etc.)
<Serial Number> Seven digit number. (e.g. 2013045)
<S.W.Version> Software build of unit. (e.g. A.01B.02C.03)
System build. Three version fields.
A.01 : Unit version.
B.02 : antOS version.
C.03 : Antenna control version.
If -.--, then version not applicable.
<FPGA> FPGA version. (e.g. 06.00)
<Software part number> Variable length. ASCII coded.

Command: QSF
Response: SFxyCz

VISLINK
Bulk Status Request
Command: QQ
Response: Qz<dcu data>
z Motorised antenna.
a Not fitted
b Fitted
Motorised antenna : Not Fitted.
<dcu data> :p
Motorised antenna : Fitted.
<dcu data> : ±aaaa±bbbb±cccc±ddddhijkkklllmmmnp
±aaaa Azimuth angle. Fixed Length. Units 0.1°.
±bbbb RF elevation angle. Fixed Length. Units 0.1°.
±cccc Internal elevation angle. Fixed Length. Units 0.1°.
±dddd Polarization angle. Fixed Length. Units 0.1°.
h System Mode
O Operational
T Test.
i System Monitor
0 Off
1 On
j System State
a Stowed.
b Stowing.
c Deployed.
d Deploying.
e Calibrating.
f Halt.
g Measuring.
kkk Axis State. Az,El,Pol.
a Stowed.
b Stowing.
c Deployed.
d Deploying.
e Calibrating.
lll Axis Calibration. Az,El,Pol.
U Uncalibrated.
C Calibrated.
mmm Axis Limits. Az,El,Pol.
a OK.
b Clockwise Softlimit.
c Anti-Clockwise Softlimit.
d Clockwise Freewheel.
e Anti-Clockwise Freewheel.
f Clockwise Travel Limit.
g Anti-Clockwise Travel Limit.
h Clockwise Stall.
i Anti-Clockwise Stall.
n WaveGuide Switch
M Moving.
X Position TX X(H).
Y Position TX Y(V).
E Error.
N Not fitted.
p Summary Alarm
0 No Alarm.
1 Alarm.
Axis Rate Control

Command: Rn±xxx
Response: Rn±xxx
n Selected axis.
A Azimuth.
E Elevation.
P Polarisation.
±xxx Rate. (Units 0.1°/S)

VISLINK
Axis Goto Control
Command: Gn±xxx
Response: Gn±xxx
n Selected axis.
A Azimuth.
E Elevation.
P Polarisation.
±xxx Requested final angle (Units 0.1°)
Note: The elevation axis uses the internal elevation axis values as its ‘goto’ values. The
offset between the RF and internal values must be calculated from the QQ response.
Halt
Command: H
Response: H
Halt all current movement. Stops any AutoSearch/Track operational at the time.
Deploy Antenna
Command: Dnn
Response: Dnn
nn Optional. Deploy to RF angle nn° (Units 1°)
Stow Antenna
Command: S
Response: S
Enter Re-Calibration Mode

Command: ECM
Response: ECM

VISLINK
11. SNMP REMOTE CONTROL
The ACU5000 uses SNMPv1 over UDP/IP. A detailed SNMP MIB document is available,
contact Advent Customer Support for more details.

VISLINK
12. WEB BROWSER REMOTE CONTROL
12.1 UNIT ETHERNET SETTINGS
The Ethernet interface must be setup to work with the users’ network. Consult with your
network manager to get the correct values. See Section 8.6.2 for details of the units remote
interface settings.
12.2 WEBPAGE SETUP NOTES

In order for the data to be refreshed correctly, you may need to change some settings on
your browser.
Please follow these instructions carefully.
For Internet Explorer:
1. From the Tools menu, select Internet Options.
2. In the General tab, click the Settings button in the Browsing History section.
3. Select 'Every time I visit the webpage' then click the OK button.
4. Click the OK button.
For Mozilla Firefox:
1. Open a new tab, in the address bar enter about:config.
2. In the Filter box, enter disk.
3. Set the value for 'browser.cache.disk.enable' to false (double click to change the
setting).
4. Close the about:config tab.
12.3 BROWSER COMPATIBILITY

The user interface has been tested with the major Windows browsers IE7, IE8, Firefox 3,
Opera 10 and Safari.
However Advent has no control over the timing or content of updates for any browser
consequently future performance cannot be guaranteed.

VISLINK
12.4 START PAGE
The start page is shown above. This is the initial page displayed on first connecting to the
unit, or after using the ‘home’ link on the top right of the ACU5000 web page.
The top row of 6 fast keys allows direct control of the most used antenna control functions.
On the right the summary status displays whether the antenna system is reporting any
alarms. The text boxes below this display the current state and antenna position.
12.4.1 STOP
The ‘STOP’ button stops any current antenna action or movement.
12.4.2 STOW
The ‘STOW’ button will start the automatic stowing sequence of the antenna.
12.4.3 DEPLOY
The ‘DEPLOY’ button will start the automatic stowing sequence of the antenna.
12.4.4 FIND
The ‘FIND’ button transfers the control tabs to the ‘AUTO’, ‘FIND SATELLITE’ control tab.
(See Section 12.5.1)
12.4.5 PEAK
The ‘PEAK’ button transfers the control tabs to the ‘AUTO’, ‘PEAK’ control tab. (See Section
12.5.2)
12.4.6 TRACK
The ‘TRACK’ button transfers the control tabs to the ‘AUTO’, ‘TRACK’ control tab. (See
Section 12.5.3)

VISLINK
12.5 AUTO PAGE
The autoAcqusition searching, peaking and tracking functions are controlled on the sub-tabs
within the ‘AUTO’ page tab.
12.5.1 FIND SATELLITE

The antenna autoAcquisition is controlled using either the ‘Start’ or ‘Restart’ auto acquisition
commands. This enables the user to request to start to align to one of the satellites within the
units’ internal satellite database. Once a known satellite has been found and confirmed the
system is fully calibrated and will directly move to another satellite using the ‘Start auto
acquisition’ command.
The ‘Restart auto acquisition’ command will clear all system satellite calibration values, such
as location, heading and any stored local magnetic error, and then start the satellite
alignment sequence.
12.5.2 PEAK
The ‘Peak on beacon’ starts a peaking operation on a currently detected beacon signal.
12.5.3 TRACK
The ‘Track beacon’ command will start the autoTracking process. This will track the currently
detected beacon using the settings in the ‘SETUP’, ‘TRACK’ settings.

VISLINK
12.6 INFORMATION PAGE
The ‘INFORMATION’ tab page displays the current system location and heading data.
12.6.1 LOCATION INFORMATION
The currently used location information is displayed. This can either be from a GPS attached
to the antenna system, or from one of the user entered locations stored in the location
database within the unit.
12.6.2 HEADING INFORMATION
The currently used heading information is displayed. This can either be from a compass
attached to the antenna system, or a user supplied heading value.

VISLINK
12.7 SETUP PAGE
The ‘SETUP’ page tab displays all the system setup values being used. See Section 0 for full
details of how to edit, upload or download the system setup database using the ACU5000
PC program.
12.7.1 SETUP: MAGNETIC ERROR
The current state of the local magnetic error is displayed. If a satellite is confirmed this will be
‘Calibrated’.
The ‘Calibrate magnetic error’ command will calibrate the system assuming it is correctly
aligned with the currently selected satellite.
The ‘Reset magnetic error’ command will set the magnetic error state to uncalibrated.
12.7.2 SETUP: ANTENNA
The current settings for the antenna in use are displayed. (See Section 8.6.2 for more
details.)

VISLINK
12.7.3 SETUP: SEARCH
The current settings used during the search process are displayed. (See Section 8.6.2 for
more details.)
12.7.4 SETUP: TRACK
The settings used for the track processing are displayed. (See Section 8.6.2 for more
details.)

VISLINK
12.7.5 SETUP: COMPASS
This displays system setup properties used if a compass is fitted. The interaction range is
used to specify a range of antenna positions that interact with the compass value if
applicable. This is usually due to the antenna polarisation motor sweeping close to the
compass unit. (See Section 8.6.2 for more details.)
12.7.6 SETUP: SYSTEM
The ‘SYSTEM’ page shows miscellaneous controls.

The RX Pol type currently only supports cross-polar feed types.
The Eutelsat AutoPoint and SSPA controls are only available with a licenced Eutelsat
AutoPoint system. The AutoPoint system can be temporarily disable using the first control.
The SSPA control disables the SSPA.
The ‘Tone Mute’ turns on/off the tone signal strength feedback. The ‘Tone volume’ setting the
amplitude of this feedback tone.
The ‘Attention Tone’ enables/disables the tone indicating the system is waiting for user input.

VISLINK
12.8 DATABASE PAGE
The ‘DATABASE’ tab page allows the display, creation and editing of the units database
entries. These can also be edited by using the ACU5000 PC software using the serial
remote control channel. See Section 14.6 for further details.
The four databases have the same control buttons on the right hand side. To view the
current database entries click on the ‘Download From Unit’ button.
To edit or delete a current entry, click on that entries line, then use the ‘Edit Item’ or ‘Delete
Item’ button.
To create a new entry click on the ‘New Item’ button. A sequence of data entry dialogs will
then be shown to create a new database entry.
The current database can be saved to the web browsers file directories using the ‘Save To
File’ button. A previously saved file can either be loaded into the web browser, and the
current entries deleted, using the ‘Load From File’ Button. Or a previously saved database
can be added to the current entries using the ‘Add From File’ button.
The ‘Clear All Items’ button deletes all the current web browser database entries.
IMPORTANT: Once the database editing is completed, upload the database back into the
unit by clicking the ‘Upload To unit’ button.
12.8.1 EDIT SATELLITE
The entries in the satellite database can be viewed and edited, showing the name, satellite
orbital position and the detection and confirmation method used during the autoSearch
process if applicable.

VISLINK
Database: Satellite Data Entry/Editing
If a new item is created, or a current entry edited, the following data entry dialogs will guide
the user through the process.
Satellite Name and Position
Enter a suitable name for the satellite database entry. The satellites longitude position in
either degrees east or west in then entered. If the satellite is in an inclined orbit select
‘Inclined’ for the orbit type, otherwise leave as geostationary. The approximate inclination of
the orbit can be added, although currently the software does not use this value.
The polarisation error is a value added to the calculated polarisation angle from the satellites
longitude and systems location on the earth. The polarisation angle is calculated assuming
the satellite has aligned its vertical transmit polarisation to the spin axis of the earth. A
number of satellites deliberately tilt the satellites transmit polarisation so that the polarisation
in the transponders beam centre is aligned to the local vertical axis at the receivers location.
This polarisation offset allows this tilt to be compensated for.
A number of characters are not allowed in the name field, such as ‘/’ or ‘_’, a warning will
appear if an illegal character is being used when the ‘Next >’ button is clicked.
Satellite Detection Values
The values the system will use to detect and acquire the satellite are then entered.
Narrow Band Beacon Data Wide Band Carrier Data

VISLINK
The system can either use narrow band beacon or wide band carrier signals to detect
satellites. If the satellite beacon frequency is known, set the ‘Detection Type to the ‘Narrow
Band’ option. If this option is left as ‘None’ the system will not be able to search for the
satellite, but only point in the direction the system estimates the satellite to be using the
current data available. If the system has already acquired and calibrated on a known satellite
the antenna will be pointing accurately at the satellite position.
The details of the beacon frequency, expected beacon power, polarisation, and which
system LNB is used are then entered.
The expected beacon power entry enables the system to reject the antenna first-side lobe
response. The beacon receiver is sensitive enough to be able to detect large EIRP beacon
signals in the antennas first side-lobe. By programming in the expected beacon power when
the satellite is correctly aligned to the antenna main beam stops the system being incorrectly
aligned using a side-lobe response.
The ‘Signal Type’ and ‘Bandwidth’ entries are for future use and currently have no effect.
The required details for the wide band carrier option are the same, expect the expected
carrier power values is required to be reasonably accurate for the correct operation of the
system, the detection threshold is set 5dB below the expected value. The ‘Carrier Type’ and
‘Bandwidth’ entries are for future use and currently have no effect.
Satellite Confirmation Values
If the satellite has known DVB compatible signals these can be used as a confirmation that
the correct satellite has been found.
Select the ‘Confirmation Type’ to ‘DVB Data’. Set the correct DVB channel frequency, symbol
rate, capture range and mode to use.
Set the relevant LNB band to use if a multiband LNB has been selected as the detection type
LNB. The detection and conformation signals must both use the same LNB, but can be on
different bands if applicable. Also set the DVB signal polarisation reference.
The DVB signal can be confirmed using the signals known FEC/MOD rate and/or the Sat. ID
number broadcast on the DVB signal. If neither of these are specified the satellite will be
confirmed if the DVB module locks on to a signal with the specified settings within the
confirmation timeout period.

VISLINK
If an FEC/MOD rate has been specified (as shown above) then the signal must be at the
matching rate to be confirmed. If a Sat ID number is used then a matching Sat. ID must be
extracted for the DVB signal.
The Sat. ID could take between 10-20 seconds after a signal lock to become valid. So it’s
recommended to set the time out period to 30 seconds to allow the unit to lock and extract
the Sat. ID from the DVB signal.
12.8.2 DATABASE: LOCATION
The entries in the location database can be viewed and edited, showing the name and full
latitude and longitude for each entry.

VISLINK
Database: Location Data Entry/Editing
If a new item is created, or a current entry edited, the following data entry dialog appear.
Enter a suitable name for the location database entry. Select the correct region for the
location being entered, then the correct state. This allows the database entries to be sorted
by region, state and alphabetically by name.
The location latitude and longitude position can be entered in either decimal or DMS format.
appear if an illegal character is being used when the ‘Submit’ button is clicked.
12.8.3 DATABASE: DVB
The entries in the DVB preset database can be viewed and edited, showing the name, DVB
channel frequency, symbol rate, capture range and DVB mode for each entry.

VISLINK
Database: DVB Data Entry/Editing
If a new item is created, or a current entry edited, the following data entry dialog appear.
Enter a suitable name for the DVB preset database entry. Set the correct channel frequency
and symbol rate, capture range (MHz) and DVB mode. The capture rate for low symbol
rate/narrow band channels may need to be reduced; otherwise the DVB receiver could lock
on to an adjacent channel.
appear if an illegal character is being used when the ‘Submit’ button is clicked.
12.8.4 DATABASE: LNB
The entries in the LNB database can be viewed and edited, showing the name, whether a
10MHz reference is required, LNB type and the first two band details for each entry.
The ACU can handle system with multiple different feeds, using a different LNB with each
feed. The antenna system will automatically ask the user to confirm that the correct LNB type
is fitted to the system during the autoAcquisition sequence.

VISLINK
Database: LNB Data Entry/Editing
If a new item is created, or a current entry edited, the following data entry dialogs will guide
the user through the process.
LNB Name and Type
The first dialog allows a name for the LNB to be entered. If a 10MHz reference is required,
check the ’10 MHz Ref’ control. The select the type (number of bands) for the LNB in use.
appear if an illegal character is being used when the ‘Next >’ button is clicked.
LNB Band information
The LNB data for each of the LNB bands is entered using the dialog below.
Enter the LNB band LO frequency in GHz. Select the correct sideband used, if the receive
band is higher if frequency than the LO, set the ‘Side Band’ to ‘Upper. If the receive
frequency is lower than the LO, set to ‘Lower’.
The set the required LNB supply (13/18V) and 22 KHz tone state (on/off) for correct
operation of that band of the LNB.
Enter a suitable letter to designate the band of the LNB. The ACU front panel will display the
information as LNB name(letter) on the front panel.
Note: The 22 KHz tone generation requires a hardware modification to the ACU5000.
Contact Advent Communications for further details if required

VISLINK
12.9 LNB PAGE
The ‘LNB’ tab page allows the settings for the current LNB is use with the antenna system to
be set.
12.9.1 LNB: SETTINGS
The ‘SETTINGS’ tab allow the current values for the LNB to be viewed and set by the user.
12.9.2 LNB: CONTROL
The ‘CONTROL’ tab configures how the LNB is controlled during an autoAcquistion
sequence. If the control is set to ‘Auto’ the value is set by the ACU to suit the values in the
satellite and LNB databases.

VISLINK
12.10 DVB PAGE
The ‘DVB’ tab page displays the current settings of the DVB tuner if fitted.
12.10.1 DVB: CONTROL
The ‘CONTROL’ sub tab on the DVB tab page displays and allows the setting of the DVB
tuner controls.
12.10.2 DVB: SETUP
The ‘SETUP’ sub tab enables the adjustment of the DVB tuner module settings, which
currently only consists of the receiver capture range.

VISLINK
12.11 BRX PAGE
Narrow Band Beacon Mode Wide Band Carrier Mode
The ‘BRX’ tab page displays the current settings of the beacon receiver section if fitted. The
beacon receiver centre frequency can be set on this tab page.
12.12 ANTENNA PAGE

The ‘ANTENNA’ tab page allows the control of the antenna position.
12.12.1 ANTENNA: MOVE
The ‘MOVE’ sun tab allows the user to request the antenna to move to a required antenna
angle, toggle the polarisation waveguide switch position if fitted.
The arrow keys at the bottom of the page request axis rate movement, the speed is
dependent on which of the fast, medium or slow buttons is selected. The ‘STOP’ button stops
any antenna movement.

VISLINK
12.12.2 ANTENNA: JOG
The ‘JOG’ sub tab commands antenna axis movements in fixed 1.0° or 0.1° steps.
12.12.3 ANTENNA: CALIBRATE
The ‘CALIBRATE’ sub tab displays the current axis calibration state. The ‘Re-calibrate’
command puts the antenna into its ‘Calibrate’ state. Any uncalibrated axis then can be
automatically recalibrated. See Section 8.6.1 for further details.

VISLINK
12.12.4 ANTENNA: MANTIS
The ‘MANTIS’ sub tab is only relevant if a Mantis antenna type is in use. The ‘Reset Mantis?’
command resets the Mantis to its stowed state and the axis angles to match the stowed
physical position. See Section 8.6.2 for more details.
12.13 STATUS PAGE

The ‘STATUS’ tab page displays system status information.
12.13.1 STATUS: ALARMS
The ‘ALARMS’ sub tab will list any active alarms being reported by the antenna system. A
request can be sent to clear any latched alarms by using the ‘Clear alarms’ command.

VISLINK
12.13.2 STATUS: VERSIONS
The ‘VERSIONS’ sub tab display the ACU unit serial number and software version
information.
12.13.3 STATUS: CONFIGURATION
The ‘CONFIGURATION’ sub-tab displays the sub unit licensed status. These are controlled
by a software license entered into the unit. See Section 8.6.4 for further details.

VISLINK
12.13.4 STATUS: LICENSE
The licence web page shows the units unique ESN, required to generate licences for a
particular unit.
The licence is a 28 digit hexadecimal text string. This is required to be entered as two 14 digit
stings. The first 14 digits are entered on ‘Line 1’, the last 14 on ‘Line 2’.
The licence state is shown below. When a new licence is entered either power cycle the unit
to load the new data, or select ‘Yes’ on the ‘Reboot’ command line.
12.13.5 STATUS: SERIAL
See Section 8.6.2 for descriptions of serial settings functions.

VISLINK
12.13.6 STATUS: IP SETTINGS
The web page displays the current IP settings for the unit.

VISLINK
13. MAINTENANCE
13.1 PERIODIC MAINTENANCE
There are no specific maintenance requirements for this assembly.
13.2 FUSE RATINGS

Rear Panel IEC 20x5mm 6.3A anti-surge fuse x 2.
13.3 BATTERY BACKUP

Battery type 3V Lithium CR1220
13.3.1 SYMPTOMS OF FAILURE

Real time clock stopped Time and Date incorrect on power up.
13.3.2 REMOVAL AND REFITTING

Caution
Do not connect mains lead with the lid removed. Hazardous Voltages would be present.
Do not use metal tools to remove or refit the battery. Accidental short circuiting of the battery
will cause the battery temperature to rise rapidly and in an extreme case it may explode
Disconnect the mains connector from the unit. Remove screws from lid and remove lid.
Identify the battery on the PCB assembly CL132xxx as below. The battery is removed by
sliding it forwards in the battery holder.
Fitting a replacement battery is the reverse procedure. Ensure that the battery is fitted so that
the positive terminal (marked with + symbol) is visible. It may be necessary to raise the upper
terminal of the battery holder to enable the battery to slide in. Do not use a metal tool for this
purpose.
13.3.3 DISPOSAL OF BATTERY

The battery should be disposed of at either an authorised battery re-cycling centre or
returned to the supplier of the replacement cell for disposal.

VISLINK
13.4 ELECTROSTATIC SENSITIVE DEVICES (ESD!)
OBSERVE
PRECAUTIONS Some components are static sensitive and
FOR HANDLING
ELECTROSTATIC
certain handling precautions must be taken to
SENSITIVE prevent these being permanently damaged by
DEVICES static charges or fast surges.
Before removing a Module or Printed Circuit Board containing static sensitive devices, a wrist
strap and earth cord must be used to discharge static.
Place the board in a conductive plastic bag before transporting.
When removing a CMOS static sensitive component from a PCB, the following equipment
should be used:
(a) A workbench with an earthed conductive surface
(b) Metallic tools earthed permanently or by repeated discharges.
(c) Low-voltage earthed soldering iron.
(d) An earthed wrist strap and a conductive earthed seat cover for the operator, whose outer
clothing must not be of man-made fibre.
13.5 TEST ALIGNMENT OF UNITS FITTED WITH AC/DC POWER SUPPLY

WARNING Hazardous voltages are present with lid removed
Diagnostic work on AC powered units or PCBs must be carried out in a test area designated
and equipped for live testing. If units have recently been in operation, time must be allowed
for the discharge of capacitors before handling the unit.

VISLINK
13.6 SATELLITE TRANSMISSION EQUIPMENT
Radiation Hazard warnings should be prominently displayed and a safe area around any live
transmissions should be coned off. Normal electrical good practice is to be observed at all
times and all cables, connectors and waveguide couplings should be inspected for integrity.
The following recommended good practise should be complied with whenever applicable:-
Before beginning a start-up procedure of a High Power Travelling Wave Tube Amplifier
(HPTWTA), or SSPA.
Proper integrity/serviceability of the output waveguide system, correct fitment of the
waveguide terminating loads.
Correct operation of waveguide switches and phase combining units.
When transmission with an antenna system is to be carried out, the area in front of the
antenna must be coned off.
Immediately after the powering up of a high power amplifier or SSPA, carry out the following
checks:
Check, using a radiation hazard meter for RF leakage from all waveguide flanges. These
must not exceed currently accepted safe microwave radiated levels.
Check for any a typical heating of waveguide components, using a Temperature Probe and
Digital Volt Meter (waveguide load will get hot during operation, but interconnections should
not).
When transmitting through the antenna system, check that spurious radiations at rear and
sides of the antenna and outside the coned areas do not exceed currently accepted safe
microwave radiated levels. DO NOT PROCEED UNTIL ALL MEASUREMENTS ARE
CORRECT.

VISLINK
14. ACU5000 PC – CONFIGURATION SOFTWARE
14.1 REQUIREMENTS
The ACU5000 PC Software will work on any PC running Window 98, NT, 2000 or XP with an
available COM port.
14.2 INSTALLATION
The installation CD is supplied with this manual. Run the install.exe program on the CD and
follow the instructions.
14.3 MAIN PROGRAM WINDOW
The main program window top section displays the channel tab controls. Each tab control,
Unit, Database, Antenna Control, Location, Direction, BRX, DVB, and DCU display the
information and control features for that channel.
14.4 ACU500 PC GENERAL CONTROL
The bottom section contains the following general control and display sections.

VISLINK
14.4.1 COM SETUP
The ‘Com SetUp’ button calls up the ‘Comms Control Form’.
Serial Comms Serial-over-Ethernet Mode
This is used to set up the communications between the PC ACU5000 PC Software and the
ACU5000 unit. The available Com Ports are displayed in the ComPort Control selection box.
The PC can either use a suitable com port, or an ethernet connection to the ACU5000 unit.
If a serial com port is being used, the communications link baud rate and unit address must
match the setting used in the ACU5000 remote control port settings.
If a suitable network is being used, the IP address and port number much match the
ACU5000 unit settings, and the network being used. (See Section 8.6.2).
14.4.2 SERIAL COMMS

The ‘Serial Comms’ LED shows the status of the link between the ACU5000 PC Software
and the ACU5000 unit. This will be red if the data link cannot be maintained. If the link is
made and maintained the LED will be green.
14.4.3 CHANNEL ALARM INDICATORS

Each channel has its own alarm indicator, with the Sat Finder channel being a unit summary
alarm.
If a channel has an alarm associated with it active, the relevant channel alarm indicator will
be red, along with the Sat Finder summary alarm.
14.4.4 VIEW ALARMS

To view a list of the currently active alarms, press the ‘View Alarms’ button.
14.4.5 CLEAR ALARMS

The ‘Clear Alarms’ button will attempt to clear any reported alarms.

VISLINK
14.5 UNIT TAB
The Unit tab channel displays and controls general unit features.
The ‘Unit Data’ panel displays the unit specific information such as type, serial number and
Software version.
The ‘Hardware Configuration’ panel displays which hardware features are enabled.
14.5.1 UNIT MONITORING

The ‘Unit Monitoring’ button opens the monitoring dialog showing the current supply rail,
external power supply values and the internal unit temperature.
14.5.2 SET UNIT DATE & TIME

The ‘Set Unit Date & Time’ button is used to view the current date and time settings.
The ‘Set Unit Time’ button sets the units internal clock to the PC system clock.

VISLINK
14.5.3 ENTER TEST MODE
The ‘Enter Test Mode’ button is disabled. This button is used to access factory set calibration
settings.
14.5.4 LICENCE MANAGER

The ‘Licence Manager’ button displays the licence manager dialog shown below.
The options DCU, AutoPoint, BRX and DVB displayed in the hardware configuration panel
are enabled/disabled using a software licence system. To upgrade a units functionality a new
licence code is required. The unit serial number and licence ESN are required to generate a
valid licence. Contact Advent Communications for further details.
Copy the new licence code into the edit box and press the ‘Upload Licence Code’ button.
The unit is required to be re-booted for the new licence to be read and activated. Press the
‘Reboot Unit’ button or power cycle the unit.

VISLINK
14.6 DATABASE TAB
The database control tab is used to initialise and maintain the four, location, satellite, system
and DVB, internal ACU5000 databases.
14.6.1 EDIT LOCATION PRESETS

The ‘Edit Location Presets’ button brings up the ‘Location Database Manager’. The locations
entered can be used as a backup in case the GPS unit fails.
The Location Database manager displays the location database state, the number of entries
in the ACU5000 unit, and the number of entries currently in the PC manager.
The current database in the ACU5000 unit can be downloaded to the PC ACU5000 PC
Software by pressing the ‘Download From Unit’ button.

VISLINK
The current entries displayed in the PC window can be loaded into the SF4000 unit by
pressing the ‘Upload To Unit’ button.
Location databases can also be saved and loaded from the PC disk by using the ‘Save To
File’, ‘Load From File’ or ‘Add From File’ buttons.
Selecting an entry from the list and pressing ‘Edit’, or ‘New’ will bring up the location
Database Edit dialog shown below, allowing entries to be edited or created.
Select the required region and state; enter a location name, then press the ‘Change’ button
to edit the locations longitude and latitude. The Software has a magnetic model built-in
allowing the Software to estimate the magnetic variation at the location when the data is
uploaded into the ACU5000 unit.

VISLINK
World Magnetic Model Update
The world magnetic model is required to be updated every 5th year. The software will show a
warning message that the current file is not of date. Contact Advent Communications for a
file update.
The magnetic model is held in a file wmm.dat in the same directory as the programme
executable. Opening the file with any text editor will show the year of release. The model can
be down loaded from the website www.ngdc.noaa.gov. The format is slightly different, the
last lines of the new model file should be edited to match the example distributed with the
software.
To update the world magnetic model carry out the following steps.
1. Download the latest wmm.cof file from the website
www.ngdc.noaa.gov
2. Rename and save this file as wmm.dat.
3. Open with a text editor, scroll to the bottom of the file. Delete the
bottom two lines. Replace with ‘9999’.
From:
.
12 10 0.2 -0.9 0.0 0.0
12 11 -0.8 -0.2 -0.1 0.0
12 12 0.0 0.9 0.1 0.0
99999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999
99999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999
To:
.
12 10 0.2 -0.9 0.0 0.0
12 11 -0.8 -0.2 -0.1 0.0
12 12 0.0 0.9 0.1 0.0
9999
4. Save as wmm.dat
5. Replace the wmm.dat in the ACU5000 PC program directory with the
new wmm.dat file version.
14.6.2 EDIT SATELLITE PRESETS

The ‘Edit Satellite Presets’ button brings up the ‘Satellite Database Manager’.

VISLINK
The Satellite Database manager displays the satellite database state, the number of entries
in the ACU5000 unit, and the number of entries currently in the PC manager.
The current database in the ACU5000 unit can be downloaded to the PC ACU5000 PC
Software by pressing the ‘Download From Unit’ button.
The current entries displayed in the PC window can be loaded into the ACU5000 unit by
pressing the ‘Upload To Unit’ button.
Satellite databases can also be saved and loaded from the PC disk by using the ‘Save To
File’, ‘Load From File’ or ‘Add From File’ buttons.
Selecting an entry from the list and pressing ‘Edit’, or ‘New’ will bring up the ‘Satellite
Database Edit’ dialog shown below, allowing entries to be edited or created.
The top section of the Satellite Database entry edit’ form contains the general satellite
information. The satellites name and longitude position are entered. The inclination value is
currently not used and is for future use.
The polarisation offset is a value added to the calculated polarisation angle from the satellites
longitude and systems location on the earth. The polarisation angle is calculated assuming
the satellite has aligned its vertical transmit polarisation to the spin axis of the earth. A
number of satellites deliberately tilt the satellites transmit polarisation so that the polarisation
in the transponders beam centre is aligned to the local vertical axis at the receivers location.
This polarisation offset allows this tilt to be compensated for.
The system can use the beacon receiver section to detect the satellite. If the satellite has a
know beacon frequency select the Narrow band detection type option. The details of the
beacon frequency, expected beacon power, polarisation, and which system LNB is used are
then entered.

VISLINK
The expected beacon power entry enables the system to reject the antenna first-side lobe
response. The beacon receiver is sensitive enough to be able to detect large EIRP beacon
signals in the antennas first side-lobe. By programming in the expected beacon power when
the satellite is correctly aligned to the antenna main beam stops the system being incorrectly
aligned using a side-lobe response.
The ‘Signal Type’ entry is for future use and currently has no affect.
If the satellite has a known wide band carrier, then the beacon receiver section can be used
to directly search for this. Select the wideband carrier option and enter the details. The
expected power value is used to set a detection threshold 5dB below this value.

VISLINK
If the satellite has known DVB compatible signals these can be used as a confirmation that
the correct satellite has been found. Select the DVB data confirmation type.
Set the correct DVB channel frequency, symbol rate, capture range and mode to use. Set the
relevant LNB band to use if a multiband LNB has been selected as the detection type LNB.
The detection and confirmation signals must both use the same LNB, but can be on different
bands if applicable. Also set the DVB signals polarisation reference.
The DVB signal can be confirmed using the signals known FEC/MOD rate and/or the Sat. ID
number broadcast on the DVB signal. If neither of these are specified the satellite will be
confirmed if the DVB module locks on to a signal with the specified settings within the
confirmation timeout period.
If an FEC/MOD rate has been specified then the signal must be a matching rate to be
confirmed. If a Sat ID number is used then a matching Sat. ID must be extracted for the DVB
signal.
The Sat. ID could take between 10-20 seconds after a signal lock to become valid. So it is
recommended to set the time out period to 30 seconds to allow the unit to lock and extract
the Sat. ID from the DVB signal.

VISLINK
14.6.3 EDIT SYSTEM SETUP
The ‘Edit System Setup’ button brings up the dialogs shown below. If the SatFinder is in use
with a manual antenna, only the LNB details are required. When a motorised antenna is in
use, all relevant tab details are required. See individual tab descriptions for further
information.
Antenna Tab
The system setup antenna data configures the orientation details of the antenna fixing to a
vehicle and other antenna settings.
The antenna fixings sets the orientation of the antenna fixing to the compass heading
information, and is more relevant to vehicle mounted systems. Vehicle systems can have
the antenna stowing forward or backward, with the compass always pointing towards the
front of the vehicle.
The ‘Pol Align’ check box enables a polarisation alignment procedure during the peaking of
the antenna. This will only work with linear polarised antenna systems, with a linear
polarised beacon signal.
For ALL MOTORISED FLYAWAY systems this must be set to ‘Antenna 0° forward’.
Currently the slope compensation, compass interaction and RX Polarisation type controls
have yet to be implemented.

VISLINK
Search Tab
The 'Search' tab sets the system search parameters.

The ‘Detection Threshold’ is used by the beacon receiver when in it Narrow Band mode, and
is a critical value for the correct operation of the search algorithm. The SatFinder requires a
detection threshold above the noise to be set. A threshold of 10-13dB has been found to give
good results. If the peak signal power level exceeds this threshold above the mean noise
level, a beacon signal may have been detected. If this threshold is exceeded and the peak
signal is greater than the satellites expected beacon power minus 15dB then a beacon is
detected.
The ‘Search Range’ sets the size of the search box over which the antenna is driven from the
predicted position trying to locate the chosen satellite.
The external lock source is currently not used and is for future use.
The SatFinder can use a reference satellite as set by the 'Use Ref. Satellite' check box.
If a reference is not used, the system will directly search for the selected satellite. Certain
satellites either use the same beacon frequencies, or frequencies too close together for the
beacon receiver to differentiate between, the search may detect the wrong satellite if they are
too close together.
To reduce the probability of this happening, a reference satellite can be used. The system
will first search for this reference. Once found and the user has confirmed this, the antenna
system will be calibrated for any local magnetic errors. The antenna will then be moved to be
aligned to the final chosen satellite. (Whether it has a beacon or not). The reference satellite
must be chosen carefully. It should have an easily detected beacon, with a frequency unique
from its surrounding neighbours. Some experimentation is required to find a suitable satellite.

VISLINK
LNB Tab
On antenna systems with multiple band LNBs, the details of all these are entered in this
dialog box. Up to 10 different cartridge/LNBs can be entered. Select the ‘LNB’ tab and enter
the number of LNBs the system is using, and a name and the details for each.
Each cartridge LNB can have either 1, 2, 3 or 4 bands. The LNB supply voltage and 22 KHz
tone state for each LNB and band can be specified and also a letter used for each band.
If high and low band LNB is being used, it is suggested to set the letters to ‘H’ and ‘L’. The
display on the unit will then show ‘Ku Band (H)’ and ‘Ku Band (L)’ on the front panel display.
Note: The ACU requires hardware modification to enable the 22 Hz tone generator. Contact
Advent Communications for further details.

VISLINK
Track Tab
The ‘Track’ configuration tab sets the control of the antenna tracking process.
The ACU5000 has two possible tracking modes, currently only the fixed rate tracking mode is
fully implemented. The elevation and azimuth rates are re-peaked at the time periods set in
the axis tracking rates. The adaptive tracking rate mode will be available in a future software
version.
The ‘Axis Tracking Rates’ sets the period of the azimuth and elevation track peaking
operations. These are set such that the satellite drift between track peak operations does not
result in too significant a loss in signal strength. The values depend on the greatest
movement rate during the satellite orbital movement. The default values of elevation every 4
minutes, and azimuth every 8 minutes, can handle the most inclined satellites that are likely
to be encountered. Advent Communications can advise on individual cases if required.
The ‘Jog Step Size’ control sets the angular step used in the tracking algorithm. This should
be set to get a 0.2 to 0.3dB signal change if the antenna were pointed correctly at the
satellite and the antenna steps off. This step size is dependant on the antenna size and
beacon frequency in use. The table below shows the recommended step size for different
antenna diameters at 2 different beacon frequencies. For a 1.5 meter antenna and a beacon
frequency of about 11.5GHz, a step size of 0.12° is recommended. Advent Communications
can advise on individual cases if required.
Antenna Diameter Beacon Frequency Recommended Step

(Meters) (GHz) Size (°)
0.9 4.0 0.55
1.2 4.0 0.41
1.5 4.0 0.33
2.0 4.0 0.25
0.9 11.5 0.19
1.2 11.5 0.14
1.5 11.5 0.12
2.0 11.5 0.09

VISLINK
14.7 ANTENNA TAB
The ‘Antenna Control’ tab controls and display the automatic antenna control functions,
AutoSearch, AutoTrack, beacon peaking and positional ‘goto’ commands.
The current state of the antenna system is shown on the left hand side, with the current
system information string and ACU state at the top. These show the current activity state and
any actions, errors, information requests currently active.
The ‘Halt’ button will stop any current ACU action and return the ACU state to ‘Idle’.
Two control sub-tabs are to the right hand side, ‘Control’ and ‘Search, Peak & Track’
controls. These are described in further detail below.

VISLINK
14.7.1 CONTROL SUB-TAB
The ‘Goto Commands’ issue positional go to requests to the ACU. The ‘Stow’ button will
request the antenna system to stow. The ‘Position’ button allows actual antenna angles for
all the axis, and waveguide switch position to be requested. The antenna will move to this
requested position if possible, deploying the antenna if required.
The ‘Position Jog Controls’ requests small axis movements, in the range 0.06° to 5.0° in
0.01° units.
The ‘Toggle WGS’ button will change the position of the antenna polarisation waveguide
switch, if fitted.
If the Eutelsat AutoPoint option is licensed the AutoPoint process can be temporarily turned
off by double clicking on the text. The system will not automatically align the polarisation and
will not enable the SSPA. If the Eutelsat AutoPoint process has successfully completed, and
the SSPA is enabled, double clicking on the text will disable the SSPA.
14.7.2 SEARCH, PEAK & TRACK SUB-TAB
The ‘Search, Peak & Track’ sub-tab controls the systems automatic searching, peaking and
tracking.

VISLINK
The ‘Peak On Beacon’ button will trigger a re-peaking procedure if the system is currently
locked to a beacon signal. Clicking on the ‘Pol Align’ button will trigger an automatic
alignment of the polarisation axis. This will only be successful on linear polarised beacon
signals.
The ‘Select Satellite’ and ‘Restart’ buttons start the automatic satellite acquisition sequence.
The unit will step the user through the process requesting the required data to align the
system with a selected satellite from the internal satellite database.
The ‘Unit Preset Satellite’ button brings up the following dialog.
This allows the remote user to start a search for a satellite stored in the unit’s internal
satellite database. The location and direction settings may need to have been entered for a
successful satellite AutoAquisition. The unit will prompt the user if any required data is
missing.
14.8 LOCATION TAB
The location tab shows the current status of the ACU5000 location data. Generally this will
be valid GPS data. But if a location database entry and been used the data here will show
the entry data values.

VISLINK
‘Use Preset Location’ button allows one of the entries from the ACU5000 internal location
database to be used as the current location.
14.9 DIRECTION TAB
The direction tab shows the current status of the ACU5000 direction data. If no compass is
fitted to the system, the user can enter a manual value.
14.10 BRX TAB

The BRX tab displays the current beacon receiver data and current configuration.

VISLINK
14.10.1 SET FREQUENCY

The ‘Set Frequency’ button sets the beacon receiver centre frequency to the value entered in
the text dialog. The frequency displayed takes account of the current LNB in use.
The L-band frequency control directly sets the L-band RX signal frequency of the beacon
receiver section.
14.10.2 SIGNAL MODE

The signal mode selection sets the beacon receiver into either the CW or Modulated beacon
signal mode. (Currently modulated mode has not been implemented.)
14.10.3 FFT, AMPLITUDE, DOWNLOAD BUTTONS

The ‘FFT download’ button retrieves the current spectrum the beacon receiver has analysed.
The amplitude download button retrieves technical values from the unit. This is mainly used
for system investigations and is beyond the scope of this manual.
14.11 DVB TAB

The DVB tab controls and displays the DVB receiver module settings and data.

VISLINK
The ‘Set Frequency’ button sets the DVB receiver frequency to the value entered in the text
dialog. The frequency displayed takes account of the current LNB in use.
The ‘Set Symbol Rate’ set the entered symbol rate value, and the DVB mode is selected
using the ‘DVB-S’ and ‘DVB-S2’ buttons.
The capture range is set to suit the frequency bandwidth of the DVB signal. If low symbol
rate signals are being used it can be useful to reduce the capture range, otherwise the DVB
module may lock to an adjacent carrier.
The current DVB settings can be saved as a presser by pressing the ‘Save As Preset’ button.
This is enabled if the DVB module is correctly locked to a signal.
One of the units DVB presets can be recalled by pressing the ‘Select DVB Preset’ button and
selecting the required preset.
14.12 DCU TAB

The DCU tab controls and displays the antenna drive control states. These controls go
directly to the drive control unit and operate on the antenna, so no high level search and
track functions are available.

VISLINK
14.12.1 UNIT DATA SUB-TAB
The ‘Unit Data’ sub-tab displays the antenna DCU (Drive Control Unit) unit information.

VISLINK
14.12.2 CONTROL SUB-TAB
The ‘Control’ sub-tab requests movement commands direct to the antenna drive control unit.
The axis buttons can control movement rates or step moves selectable by the ‘Mode’ radio
buttons.
The ‘DCU Reprogramming’ button allows the uploading of Software updates to the antenna
DCU.

VISLINK
15. EUTELSAT AUTOPOINT
15.1 INTRODUCTION
Eutelsat Autopoint approved systems require little if any involvement of the satellite operator
to align the antenna to the satellite and start an uplink. The Eutelsat Autopoint licence is
required (see Section 3.4) for this mode of operation.
The following Advent antenna systems have Eutelsat Autopoint approval.
15.1.1 APPROVED ANTENNA SYSTEMS

Antenna Type Date
FlyDrive 1.2. 23/11/2011
15.2 SATELLITE DATABASE REQUIREMENTS

The satellite database entry for use with the Eutelsat Autopoint system must have the
following data:
A satellite detection and confirmation entry. (See Section 14.6.2). A beacon detection signal
on its own does not give enough confidence that the correct satellite has been found. Ideally
the DVB confirmation entry will have a unique SatID number on the DVB channel selected.
If the antenna system has a linear polarised feed then the beacon detection signal must also
be linearly polarised. If the antenna is using a circular feed, then the detection signal can be
either linear or circular polarised.
15.3 OPERATION
The Eutelsat Autopoint operation is very similar to the standard autoAcquisition system as
outlined in Section 9 and 9.2. The Eutelsat Autopoint system does not ask the user to
confirm that the correct satellite has been found, if the confirmation tests are passed the
process continues. The system always peaks up on the detection signal even if the magnetic
error has been previously calibrated by locating a different satellite.
An overview of the operation is as follows. It has been assumed that the satellite database
entries have been pre-loaded.
Press the START key. The process is started by selecting the ‘Select Satellite’ option from
the start menu, select the required satellite.
The antenna will deploy, move to the scan start position and start searching for the satellite
selected.
If a possible detection signal is found, the antenna will peak the azimuth and elevation
responses. The satellite confirmation signal is then used to confirm that the correct satellite
has been located. If the confirmation fails, the search will continue until the complete search
box specified (Section 8.6.2) has been searched.
Once the satellite has been confirmed, if the satellite detection signal is a linear polarised
signal, the system will start the polarisation alignment process. If a circular feed is being used
this stage is missed out.
Once this has completed, the SSPA will be enabled after the user has confirmed that is now
required. Once the SSPA has been enabled the user can turn on the RF transmit channel.
The antenna will be in an inhibited state, all antenna movement is blocked. To exit the
‘inhibited’ state press the ‘START’ button, and disable the inhibit control.

VISLINK
15.3.1 OPERATION ON A SLOPE
If the antenna system is not level this can affect the performance of the autoAcquistion
system. The following steps are recommended to insure the successful operation of the
autoAcquistion process.
If the slope is greater than 5° the azimuth search range is recommended to be increased, a
minimum of ±20°. If greater than 10° the range may have to be increased further, ±40°.
Operation on slopes greater than 5° confirmation from Eutelsat CSC should be obtained prior
to any uplink as manual adjustment of the antenna may be required to optimise the
performance of the system.
15.4 OVERRIDES
It is possible to override the following Eutelsat controls.
15.4.1 EUTELSAT AUTOPOINT DISABLE

This turns off the complete Eutelsat Autopoint system. The antenna will behave as the
standard Advent autoAcquire system. If a satellite is acquired automatically the SSPA will not
be automatically enabled on completion. (See Section 8.6.2).
This control will be enabled on power-up, so the default will be to have the Eutelsat Autopoint
system enabled.
15.4.2 SSPA ENABLE

The SSPA enable signal can be manually controlled, turning it on or off. (See Section 8.6.2.)
If the SSPA enable is manually turned on, a warning message is displayed and the operator
asked to confirm that this action is required.

VISLINK
16. ACU SYSTEM INSTALLATION
16.1 INTRODUCTION
The ACU5000 is available in a number of different configurations. This section describes how
to install and set up all the component parts of the automatic antenna control system, and
any setting up calibration procedures necessary. After these procedures are finished the
system will be able to perform any automatic control the system configuration allows.
16.2 EQUIPMENT REQUIRED

PC running the ACU5000 PC software and suitable serial interface cable, either RS232 or
RS485.
16.3 SYSTEM INSTALLATION NOTES
16.3.1 GPS RECEIVER INSTALLATION

The GPS receiver requires a clear view of as much of the sky as possible. Magnetic fields or
metal objects nearby do not affect the receiver. (As long as they do not cover the top of the
unit.)
16.3.2 COMPASS INSTALLATION

Close ferrous metal objects and stray magnetic fields severely affect the compass. It is
advisable to evaluate the proposed position for the compass before fixing in place. To do
this, temporarily fix the compass in place, and can carry out a compass calibration. Ensure
the magnetic environment quality score meets the required score.
Experience suggests that the compass does not like being too close to the vehicle. Use the
compass mounting adapter (M12-108418) and the 30cm mounting pole (I17-000002) to
secure the compass into position. The base of the mounting pole should be level with the top
of the metal roof of the vehicle.
Ensure that the compass FORWARD arrow is pointing towards the front of the
vehicle. The compass gives the orientation of the vehicle to magnetic north.
16.4 C100 VEHICLE FIXED COMPASS CALIBRATION PROCEDURE
16.4.1 CALIBRATION PROCEDURE

The following procedure is used to calibrate a vehicle fixed C100 compass.
To calibrate the compass the vehicle is driven around in a circle, stopping approximately
every 45°. The direction of turning is not important but the environment should be
magnetically 'quiet', that is away from buildings and power lines.
On the ACU5000 PC program goto the ‘Direction’ tab, and click on the ‘Compass Calibration’
button. The dialog box shown below will appear.

VISLINK
Click on the ‘Compass Calibration’ button on this dialog to start the calibration procedure.
Say 'Yes' to the confirmation box.
Position the vehicle at the start position, and click on the 'Next' button. Follow the instructions
on the screen. Moving the vehicle 45°, and collecting data.
After the 8 points the program produces two calibration scores, a calibration score and a
magnetic environment quality count. These values should be environment quality better or
equal to 5, the calibration score better or equal to 8. To view these scores, close the
‘AutoPoint Calibration’ dialog, and then click on the ‘View Compass Data’ button on the
‘Direction’ control tab of the ACU5000 PC program. The dialog shown below will appear.
If the environment score is less than 5, then the compass is situated in an unsuitable
magnetic environment. Either the metal of the vehicle or a magnetic field is interfering with
the compass. Re-position the compass on the vehicle, moving it away from any metal or
possible source of magnetic fields. If the calibration score is less than 8, recalibrate the
compass but take more care in getting the 45° steps more accurate.

VISLINK
16.5 AUTOPOINT OFFSET CALIBRATION
The offset between the compass 0° axis, and the antenna 0° axis is required to be
calculated. The following procedure calculates this value, then compensates the system for
the offset value calculated. During the offset calibration procedure, the vehicle should be
away from buildings and other vehicles. All fittings should be present.
16.5.1 SET ANTENNA CONFIGURATION

The antenna can be fitted so that the stow position (0° axis) is either pointing towards the
front or rear of the vehicle. The antenna configuration used is set using the ACU5000 PC
program. Start the ACU5000 program, and select the 'Database' tab. (Bottom of the program
window). Click on 'Edit System Database'. On the ‘Antenna’ tab of the ‘System Set Up’ dialog
select the appropriate antenna fixing for the antenna system being used.
16.5.2 CLEAR OFFSETS

Click on the 'Direction' tab, and click on 'Compass Calibration'. Click 'Clear Offset'. Ensure
the compass current offset value is 0.0°. 'Close' the ‘Direction Calibration’ dialog box.
Select the 'Antenna' tab page, and click 'Reset' Magnetic Error button. The magnetic error
should be (UNCAL).
16.5.3 RECALCULATE OFFSET

Use the following calibration procedure depending of the system option available. If the
beacon receiver section is not enabled, the autoPoint calibration stage is used.
AutoPoint Systems
Using the ACU5000 unit, select the ‘Select Satellite’ option from the ‘Start’ menu. Select a
satellite from the list that can easily be recognised. Allow the antenna to finish moving to the
satellites estimated position. Record these predicted antenna settings.
Manually align the antenna to the chosen satellite. Note the actual antenna settings
required.
If the predicted and actual elevation required differ by more than 0.1°, trim the elevation
calibration so the measured elevation angle is correct. Adjust the elevation axis using the
ACU5000 unit menu, ACU CONTROL, SETTINGS, ANTENNA, EL.trim control.
AutoAcquire Systems
Using the ACU5000 unit, select the ‘Select Satellite’ option from the ‘Start’ menu. Select a
satellite from the list that can easily be recognised. Allow the antenna to finish searching for
and acquiring the requested satellite. Manual confirm that the correct satellite has been
found.
The error is directly displayed on the ACU5000 unit in the menu, ACU CONTROL,
SETTINGS, AUTO_ACQUISTION, MAGNETIC ERROR options. Confirm that the magnetic
error is calibrated, and record the error value.
Repeat with the vehicle in two other orientations, ideally turning approximately 120° between
measurements.
Calculate the average difference between the predicted and measured antenna azimuth
settings. (Error = Predicted azimuth - Actual azimuth)

VISLINK
16.5.4 SET OFFSET
Click on the 'Direction' tab, and click on 'Compass Calibration'. Click 'Set Offset', enter the
offset value calculated in 16.5.3. Check that the current offset value changes to the correct
value.
16.5.5 AUTOPOINT CALIBRATION CHECK

Choose another easily identifiable satellite. Repeat Section 16.5.3 for one antenna position.
Calculate or note directly the antenna settings error.
The differences should be within the limits given below:
Elevation ±0.2°
Azimuth ±10°

VISLINK
16.6 RESULT SHEETS
SECTION PARAMETER UNITS MIN MAX RESULT
16.3.2 Compass evaluation (Optional)
Magnetic Environment Score 5
16.4.1 Compass Calibration
Magnetic environment score 5
Calibration score 8
16.5.1 Antenna orientation configured OK
16.5.2 AutoPoint calibration offset cleared. OK
Magnetic error calibration cleared. OK
16.5.3 (a) Predicted azimuth angle °
Measured azimuth angle °
(Error = Predicted - Measured) °
16.5.3 (b) Predicted azimuth angle °
16.5.3 (c) Predicted azimuth angle °
Average Error °
16.5.4 Set AutoPoint offset OK
16.5.5 AutoPoint Calibration Check

Elevation Error ±0.2°
Azimuth Error ±10°

VISLINK
17. SOFTWARE RELEASE NOTES
Version Date Release Information
B.02 27/11/07 Initial AutoAcquire system.
B.04 12/12/07 Extensions to handle DCU5000 HMR3300 calibration procedures.
B.08 15/01/08 Extensions to handle powering and controlling DCU3000/4000 NewSwift
antenna systems.
Beacon tracking requires hardware modification to DAC control reference.
Hardware modifications covered in ECR8403. (Advent number.)
THIS ECR IS REQUIRED FOR THIS AND ALL FUTURE SOFTWARE
UPGRADES.
B.09 21/01/08 Inclined orbit satellite tracking implemented.
B.10 31/01/08 Built-in-test features to allow use of production test jig
B.15 19/03/08 Tracking performance improved.
SatFinder functionality added for manual antenna systems.
B.16 07/04/08 Mantis 1.0/1.9/2.4 antenna system control implemented.
Initial full ACU display implemented, showing axis and calibrate states.
Calibrate command added to the ACU action menu option.
B.17 17/04/08 Mantis C-band linear cartridge extra 90° polarisation offset.
Search/tracking displays show satellite name if full autoAcquire sequence is
used.
WGS display option added. Either antenna or satellite fixed option. Attempts to
help in situations when the satellite longitude difference results in the
polarization shift being greater the 45°. (NewSwift antennas with WGS only.)
Improvements to receiver PLO phase noise stability.
B.18 18/04/08 Fixed display crash if satellites had the modulated beacon option selected.
B.19 08/05/08 Deploy and stow commands in Start menu when antenna is stowed, too allow
flyDrives to be commanded to its lower stow position.
Beacon receiver bandwidth setting corrected.
AGC is set to 60dB attenuation at power-up.
B.20 19/05/08 Implementation of switchable 13/18V LNB power.
Requires hardware modification. (EI265/MOD00076)
B.23 10/07/08 License scheme implemented.
DVB module released. Enables satellite confirmation using DVB signal
characteristics.
BRX and DVB frequencies displays show true receive frequency taking LNB
into account.
ACU5000 PC program must be A.01.05 or later to be compatible with new
features.

C.01 18/07/08 SNMP added. Remote RS485 tri-state problem fixed, some LCD text changes.
See installation notes below
C.02 Extra SNMP commands added.
DCU serial control channel fully implemented.
C.03 13/08/08 DCU software part number intermittently not being displayed.
C.04 17/09/08 DVB module software driver improvements.
Minimum squeak frequency increased to 300Hz.
Intermittent crash at location selection during autoAction processing fixed.
C.05 29/09/08 Unit mac address correctly set when a unit serial number is programmed.
LO sample rate in BRX front end changed to /64 to improve the LO locking with
the reference frequency.
C.06 03/11/08 Web browser interface implemented.
C.07 20/11/08 SNMP MIB corrected. Advent OID changed to .3.
Elevation angle displayed with trim control.
C.08 10/12/08 NewSwift multi-pol feed support added.
C.09 11/12/08 Correction to handling softlimit and wooded data editing.
C.10 19/02/09 Waveguide Switch control moved to use ‘ENTER’ + ‘MUTE’ keys.
A user configuration option added to disable the DCU (motorised antenna)
interface if enabled by the unit licence.
C.11 09/03/09 Correction in handling search for preset satellite serial message.
VISLINK
C.12 07/05/09 Repeat of last web command bug fixed.
In SatFinder mode, if a DVB confirmation is specified and the DVB module is
enabled, the DVB module is set accordingly.
C.13 13/04/10
Reference frequency trimming controls added.
Antenna limits updated for web page.
C.14 26/07/10
Mantis MK5 antenna support.
Front panel controls added for user selected cartridge feeds.
Antenna model control used.
Adaptive tracking and peaking.
C.15 12/11/10
Correction to NewSwift WGS calcs in antenna model.
C.16 26/11/10
Addition of new DVB tuner module type. (GSKL72X)
C.17 08/12/10
Correction to ASI enable/disable control.
C.18 13/12/10
Fixes to Mantis 1.9/2.4 searching.
C.19 22/12/10.
Fixes to NewSwift search scan limits.
C.20 22/12/10
Further search scan limits fixed.
C.21 31/01/11
DVB-S2 transport stream correction from new GSKL72X module.
C.22 03/03/11
Improved BRX lockup detection performance.
C.23 15/03/11
Implementation of the serial-over-ethernet protocol.
C.24 18/04/11
New BRX front end module option added. (GS4K)
Support for new front panel display.
C.25 20/05/11
Fix to 2nd stowing of flyDrive systems when using the web pages.
C.26 09/08/11
Polarisation alignment option added.
Eutelsat Autopoint licenced system implemented. (FlyDrive only.)
Better handling of the LCD type switching, if ENTER held and MUTE pressed,
LCD display swap timeout blocked.
C.27 17/08/11
Fixed SSPA disabling when stow selected from front panel.
Fixed inhibit front panel display at end of Eutelsat alignment process.
C.28 31/08/11
Fixed LNB band switching with pol alignment. E.g. detection on high band,
confirmation or low.
C.29 27/10/11
NewsLite Merge.
DCU interface enable/disable added to web pages.
Web database editing added.
Drop down selection of satellite and locations on web pages.
C.30 16/12/11
XML problems with user text in drop down boxes. Illegal characters blocked
and replaced.
C.31 Unreleased
GSKL72X DVB module calculation of C/N changed to read units of 0.1dB.
C.32 25/04/12
LNB 22KHz tone controls. (Hardware mod required. (See 9006041)
Correction to F39 and F40 error display text.
Fix delay on Select satellite start due to large location databases and web drop
list being populated.
Web database editing bug fixes.

VISLINK
18. WARRANTY
18.1 WARRANTY INFORMATION
Under recommended use and service, all Vislink products are warranted against defects in
material and workmanship to twelve (12) months from the date of original shipment.
Vislink's obligation is limited to repairing or replacing, at our plant, products, which prove to
be defective during the warranty period.
Under no circumstances shall the warranty be transferred or assigned to any third party
unless the consent in writing has first been obtained from Vislink. Vislink shall not be under
any liability for warranty in respect of any equipment, which shall be sold by the Customer to
any third party unless otherwise agreed in writing.
Vislink is not liable for consequential damage resulting from the use of Vislink equipment.
Tubes are covered by the respective manufacturer's warranty, which applies from the date of
shipment.
18.2 CLAIM FOR DAMAGE IN SHIPMENT

Your unit should be inspected and tested as soon as it is received. Claims for damage
should be filed with carrier.
18.3 FIELD SERVICE

Vislink will make field warranty repairs, at Customer's request, where (in Vislink's judgement)
practicable. The Customer will be responsible for all transportation charges, per diem, and
current daily engineering labour rate. A purchase order for these services must be issued
prior to field service.
18.4 SHIPMENT OF REPAIR PARTS TO FIELD

A purchase order for warranty repair parts must be issued prior to sending parts to field.
Parts will be priced at current prices and payment if full will be due if failed parts are not
returned within 30 days (regardless of responsibility) of receipt of warranty parts.
If parts are shipped within the prescribed time, a credit will be given.
18.5 RETURN PROCEDURES

All claims under warranty must be made promptly after occurrence of circumstances giving
rise to the claim and must be received within the applicable warranty period by Vislink or its
authorised representative. Vislink reserves the right to reject any warranty claim not promptly
reported. After expiration of the applicable warranty period, products are not subject to
adjustment.
Before any Product is returned for repair and / or adjustment, authorisation from Vislink for
the return and instructions as to how and where the Product should be shipped must be
obtained. The Product type, serial numbers, and a full description of the circumstances giving
rise to the warranty claim should be included. Such information will help establish the cause
of failure and expedite adjustment or repair.
IMPORTANT
Any Product returned without complete information will be considered not to have met all
contractual requirements. Information required includes (as a minimum): Model Number,
Serial Number, Description, Hours of Use, Type of Failure, and Operating Conditions during
failure.

VISLINK
18.6 TRANSPORTATION AND PACKAGING
Any Product returned for examination must be sent prepaid via the means of transportation
indicated as acceptable by Vislink. Vislink reserves the right to reject any warranty claim on
any item that has been altered or has been shipped by non-acceptable means of
transportation. Returned Products should be carefully packed and unless otherwise
indicated, shipped to:
Advent Communications
Vislink House
27 Maylands Avenue
Hemel Hempstead
Hertfordshire
HP2 7DE
England
18.7 AUTHORISATION FOR EVALUATION

When any Product is returned for examination and inspection, or for any other reason,
Customer and its shipping agency shall be responsible for all damage resulting from
improper packing or handling, and for loss in transit, notwithstanding any defect or non-
conformity in the Product. By returning a Product, the owner grants Vislink permission to
open and inspect the returned Product to determine the cause of failure, and Vislink's
determination with regard thereto shall be final.
If it is found that the Product has been returned without cause and is still serviceable, the
Customer will be notified and the Product returned with appropriate inspection charges billed,
at Vislink's discretion, to the Customer.

VISLINK
This page left intentionally blank

ACU5000 Antenna Controller Unit - Manual

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

ACU5000 Antenna Controller Unit - Manual

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

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

ACU5000 Antenna Controller Unit - Manual

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

TECHNICAL OPERATION HANDBOOK

ACU5000 ANTENNA CONTROLLER

Document No. 209432 Rev. 16C

The Document is supplied on the express terms that it is to be

Telephone: National 01442 431 300

24 Hour Support +44 (0)1442 431 410

Advent Communications is a brand name of Vislink International

ACU5000 Antenna Controller

ACU5000 Antenna Controller

ISS DATE ECR DESCRIPTION OF CHANGE AUTHOR

ACU5000 Antenna Controller 1

ACU5000 Antenna Controller 2

2. AutoSearch: Searches for a satellite defined in the user programmable database by

ACU5000 Antenna Controller 3

Ethernet control RJ45

2.2 SIGNAL INTERFACES

2.3 BEACON RECEIVER SECTION

ACU5000 Antenna Controller 4

2.5 ANGULAR CONTROL

ACU5000 Antenna Controller 5

ACU LNB BRX DVB

LO LNB Power Freq Preset

RECALL LNB Ref Power

ACU5000 Antenna Controller 6

ACU5000 Antenna Controller 7

REMOTE DISPLAY Elevation MANTIS

Volume Time Azimuth

SERIAL ETHERNET MAGNETIC SYSTEM

Address IP Address Mag. Error

ACU5000 Antenna Controller 8

3.2 ACU5000 COMMUNICATION PORTS CONFIGURATION

3.2.1 COMPASS AND GPS SERIAL LINKS

3.2.2 REMOTE SERIAL INTERFACE

3.2.3 ETHERNET INTERFACE

3.3 ACU5000 PC SOFTWARE

ACU5000 Antenna Controller 9

Description Part Number

Optional Licence Types

Eutelsat AutoPoint 9002963

3.5 ACU5000 DATABASE INITIALISATION

ACU5000 Antenna Controller 10

ACU5000 (15 way male) DCU5000 (15 way female)

4.2 ACU-REMOTE CONTROL CONNECTION

4.3 ACU-GPS CONNECTION

4.4 ACU-COMPASS CONNECTION

ACU5000 Antenna Controller 11

5.1 ALARM LED

5.2 POWER LED

5.3 STOP KEY

5.4 RATE KEY

5.5 POL → AND POL ← KEYS

5.6 MUTE KEY

5.7 ESCAPE KEY

5.8 UP / DOWN / LEFT / RIGHT ARROW KEYS

ACU5000 Antenna Controller 12

5.10 START KEY

5.10.1 SELECT SATELLITE

ACU5000 Antenna Controller 13

6.1 ANTENNA REMOTE DCU