This Application Note describes how to set up a Mini-BUC using serial commands via an FSK interface on the IF input to the Mini-BUC. Codan accessories that provide an FSK interface include: • the 7550 LAN Interface, which converts FSK data to provide direct serial USB and Telnet access to the M&C serial command set of the Mini-BUC • the 7552 FSK to USB Interface, which converts FSK data to provide direct serial USB access to the M&C serial command set of the Mini-BUC via a USB port of the PC For information on serial commands for the Mini-BUC see Application Note: Serial interface commands for the Mini-BUC, 17-60133. For information on serial commands for the 7550 see Application Note: Serial interface commands for the 7550, 17-60135. All documents referred to in this Application Note are available for download from the Technical Information section of the Codan Satcom web site (www.codansatcom.com). © 17-60134 Issue 2, February 2011 Head office Asia Pacific Codan Limited ABN 77 007 590 605 81 Graves Street Newton SA 5074 AUSTRALIA Telephone +61 8 8305 0311 Facsimile +61 8 8305 0411 www.codan.com.au Codan Limited 81 Graves Street Newton SA 5074 AUSTRALIA APPLICATION NOTE Setting up a Mini-BUC using serial commands Page 1 of 16 EMEA Codan (UK) Ltd Unit C4 Endeavour Place Coxbridge Business Park Farnham Surrey GU10 5EH UNITED KINGDOM Telephone +44 1252 741 300 Telephone +61 8 8305 0427 Facsimile +44 1252 717 337 Facsimile +61 8 8305 0411 [email protected] [email protected] Americas Codan Satcom (Locus Microwave, Inc.) 176 Technology Drive, Suite 200 Boalsburg PA 16827 USA Telephone +1 814 777 4762 Facsimile +1 814 466 1104 [email protected] Setting up a Mini-BUC using serial commands LED indicators on the Mini-BUC During setup and testing, it is useful to observe the LED indicator on the Mini-BUC to determine its current status. Use the information in Table 1 as a guide. Table 1: Tri-colour LED indicator on the Mini-BUC State Indicates... Green Power is supplied to the Mini-BUC and the PA is off Green and red, or orange Power is supplied to the Mini-BUC and the PA is on Flashing red One or more of the following hardware faults have been detected in the Mini-BUC: • overtemperature fault (> 85°C) • PA fault • LO fault • hardware/firmware incompatibility Installation process Please refer to Application Note: Serial interface commands for the Mini-BUC, 17-60133 when setting up the Mini-BUC. The flowchart in Figure 1 shows the typical process that should be followed when setting up a Mini-BUC. Page 2 of 16 17-60134 Issue 2, February 2011 Setting up a Mini-BUC using serial commands Figure 1: Installation process Switch off the IF output at the modem Enable the 10 MHz Ref for the Mini-BUC at the modem Connect the IF cables and 7550/7552 to the IF link and the computer Install the driver for the 7550/7552 Power up the Mini-BUC Open a terminal session For the 7552, set packet protocol for the Mini-BUC to ASCII (SPP0) Check that the PA is switched off (STO0) Set the main parameters for the Mini-BUC (SCFn, STAn, STD1) Set modem parameters as per the station’s link budget Switch on the IF output at the modem Test the installation Set desired packet protocol and address and remove 7550/7552, if required 17-60134 Issue 2, February 2011 Page 3 of 16 Setting up a Mini-BUC using serial commands Connecting the Mini-BUC to the computer WARNING Switch off the IF output in the modem to prevent RF output radiation until the setup is completed. To set up the Mini-BUC to accept serial commands: 1 Do one of the following: • To connect a 7550 or 7552 to the outdoor Mini-BUC see below, Connecting a 7550 or 7552 to the Mini-BUC. • To connect a 7550 or 7552 to the indoor modem see page 5, Connecting a 7550 or 7552 to the modem. Connecting a 7550 or 7552 to the Mini-BUC CAUTION The sealing rating of the 7550 and 7552 is IP30. They may only be used outdoor temporarily and in dry conditions. To connect a 7550 or 7552 to the Mini-BUC: 1 1 1 Disconnect the coaxial cable from the IF INPUT connector on the Mini-BUC. Connect this coaxial cable to the MODEM connector on the 7550 or 7552. Connect a short length of coaxial cable between the IF INPUT connector on the Mini-BUC and the BUC connector on the 7550 or 7552. CAUTION 1 Page 4 of 16 Do not connect the computer to the USB connection on the 7550 or 7552 until after the driver is installed. Install the driver for the USB connection and set up a terminal session in which to use the serial commands (see Application Note: Installing the USB driver for the 7550 or 7552, 17-60139). 17-60134 Issue 2, February 2011 Setting up a Mini-BUC using serial commands Connecting a 7550 or 7552 to the modem To connect a 7550 or 7552 to the modem: 1 1 1 Disconnect the coaxial cable from the IF output of the modem. Connect this coaxial cable to the BUC connector on the 7550 or 7552. Connect a short length of coaxial cable between the IF output connector on the modem and the MODEM connector on the 7550 or 7552. CAUTION 1 Do not connect the computer to the USB connection on the 7550 or 7552 until after the driver is installed. Install the driver for the USB connection and set up a terminal session in which to use the serial commands (see Application Note: Installing the USB driver for the 7550 or 7552, 17-60139). Starting communication with a Mini-BUC The 7552 FSK to USB Interface provides direct communication with the connected BUC. Therefore any serial commands that you enter are performed by the Mini-BUC. The 7550 LAN Interface provides communication with the Mini-BUC, but it also has its own web server, so the 7550 responds to certain serial commands. If a 7550 is in place and you want to view this information for the 7550, follow the command with a 7550 suffix. If you do not include the 7550 qualifier, you will view the information for the connected Mini-BUC. Examples of this are provided below. To communicate with the Mini-BUC: 1 Power up the system. The Mini-BUC starts up in ND Satcom protocol by default. The 7550 automatically sends a command to the Mini-BUC to set it to ASCII protocol so that it can communicate with the 7550. 17-60134 Issue 2, February 2011 Page 5 of 16 Setting up a Mini-BUC using serial commands 1 If you are using a 7552 for communication with the Mini-BUC, type spp0, then press Enter. The Mini-BUC switches to ASCII protocol and the terminal displays: Connected to 7550... Connected to 7552... 7550 Starting... MINIBUC -------------------------Version : v1.02 Build Date : Jul 21 2010 > 7550 LAN Interface -----------------Version : v1.00 Build Date : Dec 16 2010 > NOTE 1 During setup, ignore any fault LEDs on the Mini-BUC. Type hlp, then press Enter. A list of the categories of help for the serial commands is shown. 1 Type vid 7550 or vid, then press Enter. The identity and configuration data for the 7550 or BUC is displayed on the terminal. For the 7550: >vid 7550 -------------------------------ID Data----------------------------Model No 7550 Serial No AC40368A0002 Firmware P/No 90-20689-001 Firmware Version v1.00 > For the Mini-BUC: >vid -------------------------------ID Data----------------------------Model No 4908-W/E-DC/EX-CE-NI Serial No A640339A0013 Firmware P/No 90-20685-001 Firmware Version v1.02 > Page 6 of 16 17-60134 Issue 2, February 2011 Setting up a Mini-BUC using serial commands 1 Type vss, then press Enter. The system status for the Mini-BUC is displayed on the terminal. >vss ------------------System Status----------------PA Status On Tx Atten 0.0 Tx On On Tx Default On Pkt Protocol ND Satcom (4) Pkt Addr 1 IF Comp Freq 0 RF Comp Freq 0 LO Freq 12800 Temp 31.0 > NOTE The system status always indicates ND Satcom packet protocol and address 1, even though ASCII mode is selected. 1 If the PA Status is On, type sto0, then press Enter to switch off the PA to avoid RF transmissions during setup. 1 Type vfs, then press Enter to view the fault status of the Mini-BUC. >vfs ---------Fault Status-------Current Latched PA OK OK BUC Temp OK OK 10 MHz Ref OK OK Internal OK OK > 17-60134 Issue 2, February 2011 Page 7 of 16 Setting up a Mini-BUC using serial commands Setting up a Mini-BUC WARNING Switch off the IF output at the modem. WARNING Ensure that the PA is switched off (STO0). Viewing the local oscillator frequency NOTE The LO frequency in a Mini-BUC is fixed and cannot be changed. The LO frequency is selected in consideration with the RF band to be covered, and the frequency range of the modem. Non-inverting C-Band Mini-BUCs use an LO frequency of 4900 MHz for Standard and Extended bands. Non-inverting Ku-Band Mini-BUCs use LO frequencies of 13050 MHz for Standard band, and 12800 MHz for Extended band. To view the LO frequency and the corresponding IF and RF frequency bands: 1 Type vld, then press Enter to view the limit data for the Mini-BUC. >vld ------------------Limit Data----------------Min Tx IF Freq 950 Max Tx IF Freq 1700 Min Tx RF Freq 13750 Max Tx RF Freq 14500 LO Freq 12800 > NOTE Page 8 of 16 For more information on LO frequencies see Table 3 on page 14 and Table 4 on page 14. 17-60134 Issue 2, February 2011 Setting up a Mini-BUC using serial commands Setting up the temperature compensation frequency for the Mini-BUC The L-Band Mini-BUC has a wide-band input so the RF output variation over temperature can vary over different values at different RF frequencies. The internal temperature compensation of the Mini-BUC is set around the desired carrier frequency. The actual carrier frequency is set in the modem (Tx IF Freq). If the temperature compensation frequency is not set, the RF output can vary by up to ±3.0 dB. The accuracy of the temperature compensation is improved to ±1.20 dB if the transmit RF frequency is set using the SCF command. If operation is limited to a single transponder, set the transmit frequency to the centre frequency of the transponder for better temperature compensation. To set up the temperature compensation frequency: 1 Type scf<n>, then press Enter to set the internal temperature compensation of the Mini-BUC for the desired carrier frequency. <n> is the IF or RF frequency. The Mini-BUC automatically determines if the value entered is IF or RF. Setting up the transmit attenuation Maximum gain is at an attenuation setting of 0 dB. To minimise the possible effects of interference it is preferable to have a high transmit attenuation and a high IF level from the modem. Therefore, the Mini-BUC attenuator should be set as high as possible, consistent with the required Mini-BUC output power, transmit IF cable loss and maximum IF output level capability of the modem. The maximum cable loss is set by the maximum output power normally provided by modems and the maximum gain of the Mini-BUC. Determine the loss of the cable from its length and the operating frequency (see Table 2 on page 11). The transmit attenuation of the Mini-BUC must be set according to the link budget. The gain settings and output power level of the Mini-BUC should be adjusted with the modem’s Tx IF level. The transmit attenuation of the Mini-BUC should only be adjusted if the output power required cannot be achieved with the modem. The default value is 0 dB. 17-60134 Issue 2, February 2011 Page 9 of 16 Setting up a Mini-BUC using serial commands To set up the transmit attenuation: 1 Type sta<n>, then press Enter to set the transmit attenuation in accordance with the link budget and the modem’s Tx IF level. n = 0 to 10.0 dB in 0.5 dB steps. WARNING 1 Always observe the required OPBO (output backoff) for the power rating of the Mini-BUC, the modulation scheme, and the number of simultaneous carriers radiated. Failure to observe these rules causes interference to other users and may damage the output FETs of the Mini-BUC. Type vss, then press Enter to view the transmit attenuation setting. Setting up the default transmit status To set up the default transmit status at power-up: 1 Do one of the following: • To set the power-up status to transmit off, type std0, then press Enter. • To set the power-up status to the last-used state, type std1, then press Enter. Setting up the Mini-BUC power to the link budget of the station To set up the Mini-BUC power for the station: 1 Obtain the required RF output power for the station (in watts, typically) from the satellite operator. 1 Check that this power includes the OPBO required for the type of modulation and carriers. 1 Convert the power in watts to dBm. NOTE 1 The gain for a Codan Mini-BUC is 70 dB, specified at 0 dB attenuation setting. Type ota, then press Enter to view the current internal attenuation setting of the Mini-BUC. The factory default setting is 0 dB. Page 10 of 16 17-60134 Issue 2, February 2011 Setting up a Mini-BUC using serial commands 1 Calculate the IF cable loss of the site using the information in Table 2. Table 2: Frequency (MHz) RG223 (m (ft)) Belden 9914 (m (ft)) Belden 9913F (m (ft)) Times Microwave LMR-400 (m (ft)) 950 43 (141) 104 (341) 125 (410) 150 (492) 1450 34 (111) 81 (266) 99 (325) 120 (394) 1700 31 (102) 74 (243) 91 (299) 111 (364) 1750 31 (102) 73 (240) 89 (292) 109 (358) NOTE 1 Cable lengths resulting in a 20 dB loss Table 2 shows the lengths of commonly used 50 cables that give a loss of 20 dB. The cable lengths are shown in metres and feet. Use the block diagram in Figure 2 or Figure 3 and the formula below to set your modem IF output power level. Modem IF Mini-BUC Mini-BUC output power = output – gain + level power (dB) (dBm) (dBm) Figure 2: Mini-BUC attenuation (dB) IF cable loss (dB) IF levels required for a loss in a short cable of 3 dB to achieve a P1dB of 39 dBm for an 8 W Mini-BUC Modem IF cable Mini-BUC IF output power level Cable loss Mini-BUC gain – attenuator setting RF output power 70 – 10 = 60 dB 60 – 21 = 39 dBm Set to –18 dBm + –18 dBm 3 dB –21 dBm Refer to the relevant specifications sheets for the RF output power and gain specifications for your Mini-BUC 17-60134 Issue 2, February 2011 Page 11 of 16 Setting up a Mini-BUC using serial commands CAUTION Figure 3: The OPBO has not been considered in these levels. IF levels required for a loss in a long cable of 20 dB to achieve a P1dB of 39 dBm for an 8 W Mini-BUC Modem IF cable Mini-BUC IF output power level Cable loss Mini-BUC gain – attenuator setting RF output power 70 – 6 = 64 dB 64 – 25 = 39 dBm Set to –5 dBm –5 dBm 20 dB –25 dBm Refer to the relevant specifications sheets for the RF output power and gain specifications for your Mini-BUC CAUTION Page 12 of 16 The OPBO has not been considered in these levels. 17-60134 Issue 2, February 2011 Setting up a Mini-BUC using serial commands Setting up a modem For a modem to operate with the Mini-BUC: • set the internal reference source for the modem to 10 MHz • set the reference frequency for the Mini-BUC to 10 MHz via the ODU menu list • switch on the power supply for the Mini-BUC via the ODU menu list (for IF-powered BUCs only) • enable the FSK output (if fitted) • set the FSK address (default address is 1) • set the modulator parameters • set the Tx IF frequency (see page 13, Setting the Tx IF frequency) • set the Tx IF output level as per the station link budget • enable the Tx IF output WARNING The site will radiate power if the PA of the Mini-BUC is switched on, and the IF output at the modem is enabled. Setting the Tx IF frequency For non-inverting Mini-BUCs, the required setting for the IF frequency on your modem is calculated using the following equation: fIF = fRF – fLO For example, if an RF output frequency of 14050 MHz is required from a non-inverting Mini-BUC that has an LO frequency of 12800 MHz, you must set the IF frequency on your modem to 1250 MHz. 17-60134 Issue 2, February 2011 Page 13 of 16 Setting up a Mini-BUC using serial commands Table 3: RF output frequencies for C-Band Mini-BUCs Modem type IF frequency from modem (MHz) RF output frequency (MHz) Standard band (fixed LO 4900 MHz) Standard 950 to 1525 5850 to 6425 Extended 950 to 1525 to 1825 5850 to 6425 Table 4: 5850 to 6725 RF output frequencies for Ku-Band Mini-BUCs Modem type IF frequency from modem (MHz) RF output frequency (MHz) Standard band (fixed LO 13050 MHz) Page 14 of 16 Extended band (fixed LO 4900 MHz) Standard 950 to 1450 14000 to 14500 Extended 950 to 1450 to 1700 14000 to 14500 Extended band (fixed LO 12800 MHz) 13750 to 14500 17-60134 Issue 2, February 2011 Setting up a Mini-BUC using serial commands Preparing the installation for system testing Prior to on-air system testing, please check the following: • The IF output at the modem is switched off. • The 10 MHz reference to the Mini-BUC is enabled at the modem. NOTE The 7550 or 7552 should remain connected in the installation for changing the packet protocol back to ND Satcom after testing is complete. There should be no faults on the terminal display and all LED fault indications should have cleared on the Mini-BUC. Clear any latched faults using the RLF command. Testing the Mini-BUC On-air tests may be conducted as per the procedure provided by your satellite service provider. Recording the operating conditions for the Mini-BUC To view the operating conditions for the Mini-BUC: 1 1 1 1 1 1 Connect a terminal session to the Mini-BUC through a 7550 or 7552. Type rst, then press Enter. Type vid, then press Enter. Type vss, then press Enter. Type vfs, then press Enter. Copy, paste and save the output of these commands to a Word® document for future reference. Also include the name/ID of the station, the IF/RF frequency, the modem IF level, the modulation scheme, and date of record. 17-60134 Issue 2, February 2011 Page 15 of 16 Setting up a Mini-BUC using serial commands Preparing the system for operation Setting up the packet address The packet address applies to the ND Satcom serial protocol. To set up the packet address: 1 Type sad<n>, then press Enter. 1 n 15, ND Satcom protocol NOTE The default packet address for the ND Satcom protocol is 1. Setting up the packet protocol The ND Satcom packet protocol is commonly used by modem manufacturers and is the only packet protocol available over FSK on the Mini-BUC. To set up the packet protocol: 1 Type spp4, then press Enter. This sets the ND Satcom protocol. Removing a 7550 or 7552 from the installation NOTE The station traffic is disrupted when the cables are removed as the IFL link is temporarily disabled. To remove a 7550 or 7552 from the installation: 1 Disconnect the cables between the 7550 or 7552 and either the modem or the Mini-BUC. 1 Restore any connections (see page 4, Connecting a 7550 or 7552 to the Mini-BUC or page 5, Connecting a 7550 or 7552 to the modem). 1 Seal the connections as required. NOTE Page 16 of 16 For more information see Application Note: Sealing N-type and MS connectors in satellite equipment installations, 17-60094. 17-60134 Issue 2, February 2011