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Hughes DirecPC Satellite Return Installation Manual

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Antenna Installation Guide
Model: Satellite Return
1030403-0001
Revision C
July 2, 2001

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Summary of Contents for Hughes DirecPC Satellite Return

  • Page 1 Antenna Installation Guide Model: Satellite Return 1030403-0001 Revision C July 2, 2001...
  • Page 2 Copyright © 2000-2001 Hughes Network Systems, a Hughes Electronics Corporation company All rights reserved. This publication and its contents are proprietary to Hughes Network Systems, a Hughes Electronics Corporation company. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the written permission of Hughes Network Systems, 11717 Exploration Lane, Germantown, Maryland 20876.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Antenna Kit Components ......1 Conventions Used in This Guide ......2 Introduction .

  • Page 5: Antenna Kit Components

    ANTENNA KIT COMPONENTS YOUR ANTENNA KIT SHOULD INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING ITEMS: Mast and Base Antenna Dish Feed Support Tube Plate Azimuth/Elevation Cap Assembly Radio Cover Shroud Radio/Tria Assembly Brace kit PARTS LIST Your kit also contains assorted hardware, such as bolts, nuts, and other items. •...

  • Page 6: Conventions Used In This Guide

    CONVENTIONS USED IN THIS GUIDE The following conventions are used throughout this guide to help you become familiar with possible safety and equipment hazards. This safety alert symbol is used to alert about hazards or hazardous situations that can result in personal injury. A signal word, DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION, is used with the alert symbol to indicate the likelihood and potential severity of injury.

  • Page 7: Introduction

    INTRODUCTION If you have not yet arranged for professional installation, con- This guide is intended for an installer experienced in perform- tact your DirecPC dealer, or call 1-800-DIRECPC (1-800-347- ing the various installation tasks. The installer may be required 3372), for information on having your system installed by an authorized professional installer.

  • Page 8: Installing Software And Locating The Satellite

    INSTALLING SOFTWARE AND LOCATING THE SATELLITE Before you can install the antenna, you must select an installation site. Before you can select an installation site, you must determine the direction you will aim the antenna. You determine that direction by installing the software. The satellite is located approximately 22,300 miles in geostationary orbit above the equator.

  • Page 9: Choosing Where To Install The Antenna

    CHOOSING WHERE TO INSTALL THE ANTENNA TOOLS NEEDED • Hand-held magnetic compass • Angle finder or protractor • Carpenter’s level or straight edge CAUTION • People can trip, fall into or otherwise bump into the antenna. • Lacerations, bruises, or other impact injuries could occur.
  • Page 10 CHOOSING WHERE TO INSTALL THE ANTENNA (continued) 4. Using the angle finder and a carpenter’s level or straight tions (such as buildings or trees) blocking the view. Take edge, verify that there is an unobstructed line-of-sight into account future tree growth; if you install during the fall toward the satellite as shown in the diagram below.

  • Page 11: Cable Specifications

    CABLE SPECIFICATIONS Note: Coaxial cables with copper clad steel center conductor are not recommended. Note: Do not use splitters if you intend to upgrade to a Satellite Return System. Note: Line amplifiers are required for Receive cable runs of more than 150 ft. Use plenum grade cable only if the cable is to be run in plenum space which is carrying return air for the air circulation system, or when local laws require it.

  • Page 12: Selecting A Mounting Option

    SELECTING A MOUNTING OPTION INSTALLING THE ANTENNA ON A WOOD DECK POST Based on the antenna installation site, decide on the best sur- face for mounting your antenna. The base plate and mast You can use the universal mount to install the satellite dish assembly that came with your antenna is called a universal antenna on a 6-inch x 6-inch Southern Pine wood deck post.
  • Page 13 SELECTING A MOUNTING OPTION (CONTINUED) INSTALLING THE ANTENNA ON CONCRETE OR CONCRETE INSTALLING THE ANTENNA ON A METAL POLE MASONRY WALLS You can install the satellite antenna dish directly on an 9-foot metal pole. If you choose this mount option you will not need You can use the universal mount to install the satellite dish the universal mount or universal mount brace kit.

  • Page 14: Installing The Mount On A Wooden Deck Post

    INSTALLING THE MOUNT ON A WOODEN DECK POST The satellite antenna dish can be installed on a 6-inch x 6-inch Southern Pine wood deck support post. The post can be no more than 8 feet tall. It must be adequately attached at top and bottom. Posts made of other species of wood may be used as long as their mate- rial properties match or exceed those of Southern Pine.
  • Page 15 INSTALLING THE MAST ONTO A WOODEN DECK POST (CONTINUED) INSTALLATION PROCEDURE DANGER • If the antenna contacts electric power lines, you will be killed or seriously injured. • Before starting the installation procedure, make sure there are no power lines nearby. CAUTION •...
  • Page 16 INSTALLING THE MAST ONTO A WOODEN DECK POST (CONTINUED) 9. Install a 3/8-inch washer on a 3/8-inch x 4-inch lag screw. Apply soap or some other lubricant to the screw. 10. Use a wrench (preferably a ratchet) to screw the lag screw into the top center hole of the base plate (see Figure 11).

  • Page 17: Installing The Mount On A Wood Roof Frame

    INSTALLING THE MOUNT ON A WOOD ROOF FRAME You can install the satellite antenna dish onto a wooden roof. You must use the brace kit. The minimum size for roof truss members is 2 inches x 4 inches. Roof rafters must be nominal 2x material (2x4, 2x6, etc.) Either size roof rafters or trusses must be16 to 24 inches on center.
  • Page 18 INSTALLING THE MOUNT ON A WOOD ROOF FRAME INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS DANGER • If the antenna contacts electric power lines, you will be Centerline killed or seriously injured. Corner holes • Before starting the installation procedure, make sure there are no power lines nearby. Center hole lag Top center hole screws are 3/8 inches...
  • Page 19 INSTALLING THE MAST ON A WOOD ROOF FRAME 4. With an assistant place the base plate on the centerline at the spot you plan to install it (see Figure 15). 5. Plumb the mast in two perpendicular directions (Figure 16). If you successfully plumb the mast proceed to step 6.
  • Page 20 INSTALLING THE MOUNT ON A WOOD ROOF FRAME 16. Install a 3/8-inch washer on each of the 3/8-inch x 2-inch lag screws. Apply soap or some other lubricant to the screws. 17. Use a wrench (preferably a ratchet) to screw the lag screw into the four holes.
  • Page 21 INSTALLING THE MOUNT ON A WOOD ROOF FRAME 10. Secure the collar to the mast by using a wrench to tighten the Nylock nut installed on the bolt. 11. Slip the long 25-inch strut collar over the mast until it fits as shown in see Figure 21.

  • Page 22: Installing The Mount On Concrete Or Concrete Masonry Walls

    INSTALLING THE MOUNT ON CONCRETE OR CONCRETE MASONRY WALLS The satellite dish antenna can be attached to concrete masonry (cinder blocks) or concrete walls. The concrete masonry (cinder block) or concrete walls must be a minimum of 8 inches thick. Attachment anchors can be placed no closer than 12 inches from any discontinuous surface, such as a window, door, or edge of a wall.
  • Page 23 INSTALLING THE MOUNT ON CONCRETE OR CONCRETE MASONRY WALLS INSTALLATION PROCEDURE Carpenter's level Mast DANGER (top view) Plumb vial • If the antenna contacts electric power lines, you will be killed or seriously injured. Bubble • Before starting the installation procedure, make sure Level there are no power lines nearby.
  • Page 24 11. If you are installing the brace kit, go to the next section. Otherwise, tighten the two adjustment nuts with a torque wrench to 15 ft.-lbs. Note: The mast must be plumb before you can proceed. If you cannot plumb the mast, repeat the steps above or find another installation site.

  • Page 25: Installing The Mount Onto A Metal Pole

    INSTALLING THE MOUNT ONTO A METAL POLE The antenna can be installed on a metal pole that you place in the ground. With this option, you will attach the dish and cap mount directly to the pole. Note: With a metal pole installation, you will not need the mast and base plate included in your antenna kit. Store it for possible future use.

  • Page 26: Installing The Cap Onto The Satellite Antenna Dish

    INSTALLING THE CAP ONTO THE SATELLITE ANTENNA DISH PARTS NEEDED TOOLS NEEDED • Azimuth/Elevation (AZ/EL) cap assembly • 7/16-inch open-end wrench or socket wrench • Satellite antenna dish • 1/2-inch open-end wrench or socket wrench • 5/16-18 self-tapping screws, Qty: 4 •...
  • Page 27 INSTALLING THE CAP ONTO THE SATELLITE ANTENNA DISH (CONTINUED) 14. Place the AZ/EL cap over the rectangular area on the back of the antenna dish (see Figure 33). Make sure the cap mount assembly screw holes are aligned with the antenna cap mount holes, the elevation bolt is on the right, and that the arrow labeled “TOP”...

  • Page 28: Installing The Radio/Tria Assembly On The Tube Support Arm

    INSTALLING THE RADIO/TRIA ASSEMBLY ON THE TUBE SUPPORT ARM PARTS NEEDED TOOLS NEEDED • Tube support arm • 5/16-inch socket wrench or adjustable • Radio/Tria Assembly wrench • 5/16-18 x 1-3/4-inch bolts Qty: 2 • Allen wrench (supplied) • M4 Allen screws Qty: 4 •...

  • Page 29: Connecting The Feed Support Tube To The Antenna Dish

    CONNECTING THE FEED SUPPORT TUBE TO THE ANTENNA DISH PARTS NEEDED 1. Insert the 5/16-18 wedge nut into the antenna reflector thin • Feed support tube with feed assembly and attached end first. The wedge nut is keyed so that it will fit properly •...

  • Page 30: Installing The Antenna/Cap Assembly Onto The Mast

    INSTALLING THE ANTENNA/CAP ASSEMBLY ONTO THE MAST PARTS NEEDED TOOLS NEEDED • Dish assembly • 1/2-inch open-end wrench • Mast 1. Using a 1/2-inch open-end wrench, loosen the three clamp 3. Tighten the three clamp nuts so that the antenna/cap mount nuts and elevation pivot bolt nut so that the collar will be assembly is held stationary on the mast but can be swiveled able to slide over the mast or metal pole.

  • Page 31: Installing And Routing Interior Cable

    INSTALLING AND ROUTING INTERIOR CABLE PARTS NEEDED TOOLS NEEDED • Coaxial cable(s) • Electric drill and 1/2-inch bit • Cable clips • String • Silicone sealant • X100 or similar Phillips head screwdriver • 14 AWG copper/8 AWG aluminum grounding wire This step consists of routing a coaxial cable from the outside 1.

  • Page 32: Installing Exterior Cables And Connecting To Ground Block

    INSTALLING EXTERIOR CABLES AND CONNECTING TO GROUND BLOCK PARTS NEEDED TOOLS NEEDED • Type RG-6 coaxial cable • Cable ties or U-shaped tacks • Flat-blade screwdriver • 14 AWG copper/ 8 AWG ground wire • If needed, split bolt and clamp •...

  • Page 33: Connecting The Cables To The Radio And Lnb

    CONNECTING THE CABLES TO THE RADIO AND LNB In this part of the procedure, you will connect the satellite 2. Connect the satellite modem receiver cable to the LNB con- modem receiver coaxial cable and the LNB, and ground the nection (see illustration below).

  • Page 34: Overview Of Grounding The Satellite System

    OVERVIEW OF GROUNDING THE SATELLITE SYSTEM POLE MOUNT GROUNDING The two basic methods for mounting the satellite antenna dish (universal mount with or without brace kit and pole mount) The mast (which is the metal pole in this mount method) is require different grounding procedures, as specified in grounded to the antenna via an NEC-approved ground wire and National Electrical Code (NEC) Articles 250, 800, 810, and...

  • Page 35: Grounding The Mast

    GROUNDING THE MAST PARTS NEEDED TOOLS NEEDED • 1/4-20 x 1/2-inch hex-head grounding bolt • 8 AWG aluminum ground wire (14 AWG copper • Adjustable wrench • 1/4-inch star washer ground wire if you come within 12 inches of masonry) •...

  • Page 36: Grounding Procedure For Metal Pole Mount

    GROUNDING PROCEDURE FOR METAL POLE MOUNT Remember that if you determine you want to install the optional ground rod to earth main ground, that you must call your local utility companies and have them mark a safe spot for you to pound the ground rod into the ground near the metal pole. This will prevent you from contacting pipes or electrical wires or cables with the ground rod.

  • Page 37: Attaching The Shroud

    ATTACHING THE SHROUD PARTS NEEDED TOOLS NEEDED • Shroud • Phillips-head screwdriver The shroud helps protect the feed assembly and improves its appearance. Note that one side of the shroud is wider than the other. You place the wider side on the right side of the feed tube assembly, as you face the antenna.

  • Page 38: Pointing The Antenna And Connecting The Radio

    POINTING THE ANTENNA AND CONNECTING THE RADIO TOOLS NEEDED The elevation value calculated by the antenna pointing soft- ware is accurate enough to allow you to acquire the satellite • Compass signal on the first try if the antenna mast is plumb. •...
  • Page 39 POINTING THE ANTENNA (CONTINUED) Check to see if the elevation reference and polarization clockwise until the outer edge of the mark is at the correct marks ares still at their correct values. If not, return to value. page 2 and follow the instructions to align them at their cor- •...
  • Page 40 POINTING THE ANTENNA (CONTINUED) 3. Obtain the azimuth value from page 5 of this manual. achieve the azimuth position. Mark the azimuth bearing on the mast with a pencil, as described in Step 5. Then, instead of making your 4. Use a compass to locate and line up the azimuth bearing. own pencil marks on the mast, simply swing the antenna three tick 5.
  • Page 41 POINTING THE ANTENNA (CONTINUED) THE ALIGNMENT PROCEDURE Note: If you are still unable to acquire the satellite signal after sweep- ing through the full 1-1/2 inches as measured on the mast, perform the following quick checks: CAUTION • Verify coaxial cable connections at the LNB and along the cable to •...
  • Page 42 POINTING THE ANTENNA (CONTINUED) AFTER THE SATELLITE IS DETECTED 14. While observing the signal quality display to ensure that the signal strength number stays the same, tighten the three The following steps make the most use of the iterative process clamp bolts that secure the AZ/EL cap mount assembly to described on page 34.
  • Page 43 POINTING THE ANTENNA (CONTINUED) 18. While watching the signal strength number to ensure that it 29. Back in the house, reconnect the power transformer. stays at maximum, tighten the elevation nuts in the follow- The antenna is now installed and aligned. Refer to the Start ing sequence: Here guide for information on how to register and configure a) Snug the left-hand nut but do not completely tighten it.
  • Page 44 U.S. or foreign patents conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. pending. DirecPC is a trademark of Hughes Electronics Corporation. Document #1030403-0001 Rev C...

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