Electrical Safety and Compliance Notice The M7XC has been safety tested and shown to comply with standard EN 60950 Safety of Information Technology Equipment (Including Electrical Business Machines).
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Do not operate the modem in an unsafe environment near explosive or flammable gases or liquids. If the M7XC is to operate in a mobile environment, the user must take precautions to provide a stable environment consistent with the equipment specifications.
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Preface M7XC Compact Satellite Modem Revision History Release Release Date Comments Number Revision 0.01 04/01/2021 Initial Public Release Revision 0.02 04/01/2023 Updated to reflect current capabilities Pen and Ink Changes Made to this Manual ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________...
Figure 1-1 - Compact Satellite Modem The dimensions of the black enclosed M7XC with fan and heatsink are 5” (L) x 3” (W) x 1.3” (H) and weighs < 2 lbs. The dimensions of the silver enclosed M7XC without fan and heatsink are 5” (L) x 3”...
Internet access to remote locations. With Ethernet bridging capabilities internal to the M7XC, there is a significant reduction in the number of devices that need to be managed and maintained. A typical P2P network is shown in Figure 1-3.
Within the shared outbound carrier will be all the information destined for each of the remote sites. At each of the remote sites, the M7XC with an Ethernet/IP interface will filter only the information that is to be received by that site. There is...
Introduction M7XC Compact Satellite Modem A Mesh network is used when all sites in a network need to be connected to all other sites within that same network with a single satellite link. This could be done by installing multiple P2P networks between each network site, but as the number of network nodes increases, there is a dramatic increase in the number of carriers and an increase in the number of modems required at each site.
Introduction What’s New – This Modem The M7XC is similar in operation to the previous Datum Systems M7 modems except there is no integrated front panel. The monitor and control will be via the RS-232 serial interface, SNMP, and Web Browser connections. When compared to the previous modem releases, there are several changes in this modem.
Introduction M7XC Compact Satellite Modem Modem Assemblies The M7XC consists of four (4) main functional elements arranged on two (2) electronic printed circuit board assemblies shown in Figure 1-6. Main Housing Demodulator Housing Figure 1-6 - Major Assemblies The modem assembly consists of the following major assemblies: A.
The M7XC transmit and receive L-Band IF frequency range is 950 to 2250MHz. The M7XC transmit and receive IF also provides for either 10 or 50 MHz Frequency References for the BUC and/or LNB. The modem is ideal for earth stations that are designed with block Up and Down conversions.
Introduction M7XC Compact Satellite Modem Figure 1-8 - Spectrum Analyzer Plot of 0.35 verses 0.02 Roll-off factors A significant benefit of this technology is the reduction in carrier spacing required on the satellite. With a filter roll-off of 0.4, the carrier spacing would be 1.4 times the carrier symbol rate.
M7XC Compact Satellite Modem Introduction Figure 1-9 - Carrier Alpha = 0.4 vs Carrier Alpha = 0.02 Carrier Spacing For example, in a typical 36MHz transponder configured with 1Msps carriers with a 0.4 roll-off there could be twenty-five (25) carriers. If the 1Msps carrier roll-off was changed to 0.08, there now could be 32 carriers –...
Introduction M7XC Compact Satellite Modem Carrier Cancelling is compatible with all Datum Systems Modulation/FEC types and is well suited to be used with Sharp Roll-Off factors down to 2%. Our technique provides a Shannon Capacity improvement of ~ 2 dB, which is a ~50 % increase in the fundamental channel capacity as shown in Figure 1-10.
3-wire AC line cord is available on request. Installation and connection to the AC power line must be made in compliance to local or national wiring codes and regulations. The M7XC may be placed on a table or other stable flat surface is required for testing.
The M7XC is shipped fully assembled and does not require removal of the covers for any purpose during the installation. All hardware configuration is under software control.
10 MHz or 50 MHz output that is based on the internal OCXO (1 x 10-8 Stability). 2.4.2 L-Band Demodulator L-Band RX / IF Input - SMA (f) (J2) The M7XC J2 IF Input is a 50-ohm SMA (f) connector that is L-Band from 950 to 2250 MHz.
IP Reset Common Ground 2.4.5 SD Flash Slot (J7) The M7XC provides a SD Flash memory slot for configuration and re-boot if necessary. 2.4.6 Fan Connections (J8) The M7XC provides a connection for an internal and external fan. The compact unit comes standard with an internal fan.
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M7XC Compact Satellite Modem Installation 2.4.8 GigE IP Control RJ-45 (J5) The 1000BaseT IP Control RJ-45 (J5) connection provides remote control of the modem thru a Web Browser page or SNMP. Refer to Table 2-2 for the pinout of the RJ-45 connector.
Operation Indicators There are seven (7) LED indicators (Figure 3-1) on the side of the M7XC that give a quick visual indication of the status of the unit. These indicators are: RCV LOCK: Green – indicates the demodulator has locked to the incoming carrier ...
Initiate the M7XC Web Browser function by opening an Internet Browser (Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Firefox or similar) on the computer and typing in the IP address of the M7XC in the text bar of the browser. The default IP address of the M7XC modem is 192.168.0.222.
Password, Read Access Name, Read Access Password. Once this parameter is active, the operator will be prompted to enter the username and password. 3.3.1 Page Sections There are four (4) main sections on all M7XC web pages (refer to Figure 3-3). Tabs Status ...
Modulator – Carrier Frequency (GHz or MHz)>. The setting of the parameter would be identified in “Quotes”. The main Window provides the user a summary status of the M7XC. Active TX, RX and Alarm functional status are shown with color-coded text (Green, Yellow, Red).
Tabs Figure 3-4 - Web Browser Tab Menu The Tab Window (Figure 3-5) is the section of the M7XC Web Browser that allows detailed status and modification of every parameter of the M7XC. The Tab Window is divided into sub-pages for the desired function. The M7XC Web Browser allows the user to make all the desired changes and execute them at one time.
The Unit Status page (Figure 3-6) will be the first page that is displayed when the User logs in. The Unit Status page provides the user a snapshot of the current M7XC status. The status window displays the Summary, Reference, WAN & IP Control Port Status, Voltage and System information. The status window also displays Date &...
Unit Status Page The Unit “Status” page (Figure 3-7) is used to configure the common parameters of the M7XC. The Date Time and Station ID parameters are Set in the “Unit” page. Figure 3-7 - Unit Status Page Summary Status: Displays current status of the modem ...
M7XC Compact Satellite Modem Operation 3.3.2.2.1 Unit IP The Unit “IP” tab (Figure 3-8) provides the ability to set the IP access information for the Web Browser and the M&C settings. Figure 3-8 - Unit IP Page DHCP: Set DHCP access to On or Off (Default = Off) ...
Operation M7XC Compact Satellite Modem 3.3.2.2.2 Unit HTTP The Unit “HTTP” tab (Figure 3-9) provides the ability to set the access control for the Web Browser. Figure 3-9 - Unit HTTP Page Server Protocol: Control access mode to the Web Browser (HTTP, HTTPS) ...
M7XC Compact Satellite Modem Operation 3.3.2.2.3 Unit SNMP The Unit “SNMP” tab (Figure 3-10) provides the ability to set the parameters for the SNMP Agent. Figure 3-10 - Unit SNMP Page Agent Mode: Control access and mode to the SNMP Agent (Off, Full Access, Read Only) ...
M7XC Compact Satellite Modem Operation 3.3.2.2.5 Unit Store/Recall The Unit “Store/Recall” tab (Figure 3-12) provides the ability to save known M7XC modem configurations to be recalled later. Figure 3-12 - Unit Store/Recall Page Storage Location: Setting the configuration to use “Auto Restore” (0 to 99, Empty, Factory Default) ...
Operation M7XC Compact Satellite Modem 3.3.2.2.6 Unit Reference The Unit “Reference” tab (Figure 3-13) provides the ability to set the parameters for the system reference on J1. Figure 3-13 - Unit Reference Page Source: Set rear panel source (Internal, Ref Out Off/On, External Input) ...
M7XC Compact Satellite Modem Operation 3.3.2.2.7 Unit Monitor The Unit “Monitor” tab (Figure 3-14) provides the ability to set the parameters for the Output Mode. Figure 3-14 - Unit Monitor Page Output Mode: Selects source of analog output (Off, TX Level, TX ACM, RX Level, RX Es/No) ...
Operation M7XC Compact Satellite Modem 3.3.2.2.8 Unit Interface The Unit “Interface” tab (Figure 3-15) provides the ability to set the parameters for the WAN Offline Mode. Figure 3-15 - Unit Interface Page WAN Offline Mode: Selects WAN Mode (Mute, Unlink) 3-30 v0.02...
Operation 3.3.2.2.9 Unit Event The Unit “Event” tab (Figure 3-16) provides the ability to configure the M7XC modem to log, not log, or log and send an alert for change in status of various modem minor and major alarm events.
The Unit “Alarms” tab (Figure 3-17) provides configurable action to be taken by the M7XC modem when a unit alarm occurs. The modem provides two (2) alarm relay contact closure connections that can be used to trigger external alarm notifications.
M7XC Compact Satellite Modem Operation 3.3.2.2.11 Unit Management The Unit “Management” tab (Figure 3-18) has the 2 functions. Update modem firmware Feature and Trial Activation Figure 3-18 – Unit Management Page Admin: Sets admin mode (Norm, On) ...
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Operation M7XC Compact Satellite Modem 3.3.2.2.12 Unit Service The Unit “Service” tab (Figure 3-19) displays the temperature of the major modem system components. Figure 3-19 - Unit Service Page CPU Temperature: Displays the current temperature of the CPU TX RF Temperature: Displays the current temperature of the TX RF ...
3.3.2.3 TX Pages The TX pages are used to configure the transmit parameters of the M7XC. The IF, Symbol, Data Rates, and other transmit parameters are controlled in the “TX” pages. Figure 3-20 through Figure 3-31 represent the pages available to the user.
Operation M7XC Compact Satellite Modem 3.3.2.3.2 TX Modulator The TX “Modulator” tab (Figure 3-21) provides the ability to set the parameters for the Modulator. Figure 3-21 – TX Modulator Page Waveform: Set the transmit waveform (TX Off, DVB-S2X, LDPC ACM, Segmented LDPC ACM) ...
M7XC Compact Satellite Modem Operation 3.3.2.3.3 TX BUC The TX “BUC” tab (Figure 3-22) provides the ability to set parameters of the transmit RF conversion equipment to display the RF frequency transmitted based on the IF frequency setting. This is helpful to the operator to confirm the transmit carrier is in the proper transponder location.
Operation M7XC Compact Satellite Modem 3.3.2.3.4 TX WAN The TX “WAN” tab (Figure 3-23) provides the ability to set the parameters for the Modulator WAN. Figure 3-23 - TX WAN Page WAN Protocol: Set the transmit WAN Protocol (GSE DVB, GSE Low Overhead, GSE CT) ...
M7XC Compact Satellite Modem Operation 3.3.2.3.5 TX MCC The TX “MCC” tab (Figure 3-24) provides the ability to set the parameters of the Send and Receive Modem Communications Channel (MCC) between the local and remote modems. Figure 3-24 - TX MCC Page ...
M7XC Compact Satellite Modem 3.3.2.3.6 TX QoS The M7XC is expected to have a variable rate data load on the Local Area Network (LAN) side of the interface with a fixed rate data load transmission to the satellite (WAN) side. The data network interface provides flow control between the LAN and the WAN.
M7XC Compact Satellite Modem Operation Figure 3-26 - TX QoS WRED Mode Page Live Time: maximum latency Queue (not available with QoS mode = Custom) 1st Priority: Set the 1st priority preference for the Drop function using the...
Operation M7XC Compact Satellite Modem 3.3.2.3.7 TX QoS Stats TX QoS Stats tab provides the user with active statistics for each of the QoS buffer queues. These stats are only available when the QoS mode is set to Custom. The TX QoS Stats tab is shown in Figure 3-27.
M7XC Compact Satellite Modem Operation 3.3.2.3.8 TX Traffic Stats The TX “Traffic Stats” tab (Figure 3-28) displays the TX Traffic Stats of the transmit Data and Packet parameters. Figure 3-28 - TX Traffic Stats Page Average Data Rate: Displays current statistics of the transmit Average Data Rate ...
3.3.2.3.9 TX Alarms The TX “Alarms” tab (Figure 3-29) provides configurable action to be taken by the M7XC when a TX alarm condition occurs. Figure 3-29 - TX Alarms Page Data Inactive Alarm: Selects destination and action taken for TX active alarm types (Off, Report, Report Mute TX Output, Alarm, Alarm Mute TX Output, Alarm Relay Output, Alarm Relay Output &...
M7XC Compact Satellite Modem Operation 3.3.2.3.10 TX Features The TX “Features” tab (Figure 3-30) displays the current feature capability of the M7XC. Figure 3-30 - TX Features Page Waveforms: Displays the selections of transmit waveforms available to the SDR Modulator ...
Operation M7XC Compact Satellite Modem 3.3.2.3.11 TX Service The TX “Service” tab (Figure 3-31) displays the temperature of the major modulator system components. Figure 3-31 - TX Service Page TX RF Temperature: Displays the current temperature of the TX RF ...
3.3.2.4 RX Pages The RX pages are used to configure the receive parameters of the M7XC. The IF, Symbol Rates, and other receive parameters are controlled in the “RX” pages. Figure 3-32 through Figure 3-42 represent the pages available to the user.
Operation M7XC Compact Satellite Modem By checking the “Display Constellation” box, the receive constellation pattern will be displayed. Figure 3-33 - RX Status Page with Constellation 3-48 v0.02...
M7XC Compact Satellite Modem Operation 3.3.2.4.3 RX LNB The RX “LNB” tab (Figure 3-36) provides the ability to set parameters of the receive RF conversion equipment to display the RF frequency to be received based on the IF frequency setting. This is helpful to the operator to confirm that the transmit carrier is in the proper transponder location.
Operation M7XC Compact Satellite Modem 3.3.2.4.4 RX WAN The RX “WAN” tab (Figure 3-37) provides the ability to set the parameters for the WAN parameters. Figure 3-37 - RX WAN Page WAN Protocol: Selects WAN Protocol Mode (GSE DVB, GSE Low Overhead, GSE CT) ...
M7XC Compact Satellite Modem Operation 3.3.2.4.5 RX MCC The RX “MCC” tab (Figure 3-38) provides the ability to set the parameters of the Send and Receive Modem Communications Channel (MCC) between the local and remote modem. Figure 3-38 - RX MCC Page ...
Operation M7XC Compact Satellite Modem 3.3.2.4.6 RX Traffic Stats The RX “Traffic Stats” tab (Figure 3-39) displays the RX Traffic Stats of the receive Data and Packet parameters. Figure 3-39 - RX Traffic Stats Page Average Data Rate: Displays current statistics of the receive Average Data Rate ...
M7XC Compact Satellite Modem Operation 3.3.2.4.7 RX Alarms The RX “Alarms” tab (Figure 3-40) provides configurable action to be taken by the M7 modem when a RX alarm condition occurs. Figure 3-40 - RX Alarms Page There are three (3) different actions as well as combinations of two (2) of them that can be configured: ...
Operation M7XC Compact Satellite Modem 3.3.2.4.8 RX Features The RX “Features” tab (Figure 3-41) displays the current feature capability of the modem. Figure 3-41 - RX Features Page Waveforms: Displays the receive waveforms available to the SDR Demodulator Channel Limit: Display of the modulator Channel Limit ...
M7XC Compact Satellite Modem Operation 3.3.2.4.9 RX Service The RX “Service” tab (Figure 3-42) displays the temperature of the major demodulator system components. Figure 3-42 - RX Service Page RX RF Temperature: Displays the current temperature of the RX RF ...
The packets use a unique address for each controlled device, which is set using the modem’s web browser. The message packets themselves use a binary format for efficiency. Contact Datum Systems for the complete control protocol. The protocol consists of messages from the controller to the modem and response messages from the modem back to the controller.
The modem can also be automatically configured using a central controller command line interface. No control application software is provided by Datum Systems and is the responsibility of the user organization. 3.5.1.1 Setting the Modem Station ID Name Each modem contains two unique identification entries available via any control interface.
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Operation M7XC Compact Satellite Modem Figure 3-44 – Station ID web page configuration 3.5.2 Setting Essential Parameters Setting of the parameters below is essential to achieving proper operation. An improper setting of any one of these parameters will result in failure to close the link with the far end.
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M7XC Compact Satellite Modem Operation 3.5.3 Using Store/Recall The following parameters shown in Figure 3-45 describe the basic functions of the Store/Recall feature. 1. "Storage Location" points to the flash memory storage location the "Storage Operation" will use. There are 99 user entries plus the factory default configuration which is read only.
Operation M7XC Compact Satellite Modem Figure 3-45 – Store/Recall configuration web page 3.5.3.1 Storing and Recalling Configuration The modem Store and Recall function allows the operator to store the current configuration and recall it from any one of the 99 numbered locations.
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3.5.5 Using the M7XC BUC Reference Control The M7XC provides an internal high stability 10/50 MHz reference signal to the Block Up Converter (BUC) via the transmit IF cable. The configuration of the reference is done by way of any of the modem control interfaces.
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When the BUC’s LO frequency is entered, the modem will compute and display the BUC output RF frequency. The M7XC modem will also set the proper spectrum for high side or low side LO. If the BUC has a Low side LO, the spectrum is not inverted and the <TX: Modulator –...
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M7XC Compact Satellite Modem Operation The M7XC modem will also automatically set the proper Receive RF spectrum for high side or low side LO (Inverted or Norm). To return to using the L-Band IF frequency display, enter a value of “0” as the “RX”...
Operation M7XC Compact Satellite Modem Summary Alarm Unit Alarms Reference IP Control Port Alarm Relay A Power Supply Test Active Alarm Relay B Hardware Modulator Alarms Carrier AUPC Test Active Unit Alarm Hardware No Data Selection Logic Demodulator Alarms Carrier Lock...
Ethernet port can be activated or disabled by any of the control interfaces. 3.6.1.2 Flow Control The M7XC transmission is classified as FDMA, and as such, has a constant bit rate for transmission over the satellite, which is the WAN side of the GigE interface.
Operation M7XC Compact Satellite Modem it is counted in Live Packets Dropped and if the queue overflows the packets lost are counted as a Full Packets Dropped. Modem Control Channels (MCC + ACM + AUPC) The modem’s satellite WAN interface provides an in-band management channel that allows communications over the satellite link between the hub and remote modem(s).
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M7XC Compact Satellite Modem Operation Figure 3-54 - MCC configuratiom web page 1. In the “TX” tab, “Modulator” section (Figure 3-55), set the "Service" to "FlexLDPC ACM". This enables Tx ACM ModCod management. 2. Set the "ACM Margin" to the Es/No margin needed above the ModCod's QEF value.
Operation M7XC Compact Satellite Modem Figure 3-55 – ACM configuration page Automatic Uplink Power Control (AUPC) Operation Refer to Appendix J for more information. Special Control Mechanisms The modem includes special control mechanisms and are not considered normal operation so care must be taken if they are used.
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M7XC Compact Satellite Modem Operation 3.9.2 Analog Monitor Output Operation The modem has a built-in function to output an analog voltage representing the current value of one of five internal parameters by setting the “Unit” tab, “Monitor” page, “Output Mode” parameter. The available parameters that can be selected for this output are: ...
Trial / Backup Activation Mode 3.10.1 Introduction The M7XC contains a unique feature capability called Trial Activation Mode. (TAM). When activating TAM, the M7XC activates every software feature available that is supported by the installed hardware in the M7XC.
M7XC Compact Satellite Modem Operation The 20-digit TAM code is provided by the factory and includes the serial number of the unit to be utilized. Please have this information available when requesting a TAM activation code. Built-in 1:1 Redundancy Mode Operation Refer to Appendix J 1:1 redundancy mode operation.
M7XC Compact Satellite Modem Maintenance Periodic Maintenance The M7XC requires no mandatory periodic field maintenance or adjustments. The internal digital calibration data is held inside the modem EEPROM. There are no batteries or parts contained within the modem case requiring periodic service. The only moving part is the optional fan that is designed with a service life of 200,000+ hours.
The M7XC modem series system firmware is updated by reprograming the SD card or via the web browser. If the unit requires a firmware update, contact Datum Systems customer service to request the firmware. The proper firmware will be available for download on the Datum FTP web site at www.datumsystems.com.
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Datum System FTP site Clicking on the “Choose File” will open a dialog box to allow navigation to the folder location where the file that was saved after it was downloaded from the Datum Systems FTP site v0.02 4-77...
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Maintenance M7XC Compact Satellite Modem Click “Upload Firmware” to begin the process of updating the firmware Status of the update will be shown in three (3) screens. The first status will show the process of uploading the installation file into an internal...
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At the end of the Updating FLASH process, the M7XC unit will reboot. At this point, the current browser session will terminate and the “Log-in” page will be displayed. Re-enter the log-in credentials...
The code is unique to the serial number of the card to be updated and will not work in any other card. The most common way to insert the feature code into the M7XC is via the web browser.
M7XC Compact Satellite Modem Maintenance Figure 4-1 - Unit Feature Page Feature sets can only be upgraded. There is no code to downgrade a feature set to a lower one. Figure 4-2 - TX Feature Page v0.02 4-81...
M7XC Compact Satellite Modem Maintenance What do the abbreviations in the manual mean? A good example is the display and manual representation "Redundcy SW Rqst". Unfortunately, the display does not hold enough characters to display the full text of "Redundancy Switch Request". Following is a list of abbreviations used.
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Maintenance M7XC Compact Satellite Modem LDPC & FLDPC (Flexible) Low Density Parity Check FEC Low Noise Block downconverter Local Oscillator Loopbck Loop-back Level Maximum Modem Control Channel Minimum Modulator Multiplexer Option OverHd Overhead RCV, Rcv Receive, into the Demodulator Redundcy...
Appendix A Specification Contact Datum Systems for a copy of the current M7XC Specification Appendix B Remote Protocol Contact Datum Systems for a copy of the M7XC Remote Control Protocol document. Appendix C Cabling Specifications Contact Datum Systems for details of the M7XC Cabling Specification requirements.
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Modulator and Demodulator Hub or Remote Full M7XC System HUB and REMOTE General Advantages Common Hardware Platform Major SWAP Reduction Shipping and Logistics Savings Common Sparing, Training and Support Single Hardware Platform can Support multiple Network Missions...
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