Satellite Broadband: fitting the kit
March 27, 2009
Installing Astra2connect
This is not meant as a definitive installation manual, rather it is a guide to the processes involved in installing Astra2connect so that you can make an informed decision as to whether it is a job that you can do or if you need to call an installer.
The kit is designed for self installation and if you are happy that you can install the mounting bracket then the rest should achievable. The kit is supplied with a comprehensive instruction manual and a short video of an installation.
What’s in the Box?
Dish and Interactive LNB
Pointing tool
Alan key
30mtrs twin co-ax cable
4 cable connectors (with 2 gaiters for outdoors)
Satellite Modem
Ethernet cable
What you need to supply
Appropriate mounting bracket/pole 40-70mm diameter
and fixings
Cable ties
Grounding cable
Tools:
2 X cross tipped screwdriver (large and small)
10, 11 and 13mm open ended spanners
Spirit level
Compass
Choosing the site for the dish
The mounting site for the dish should be carefully chosen, it needs to have a clear view approximately 30degrees east of south (towards the sun at around 11.00am), it will be pointing upwards at approximately 30degrees and at this angle there must be NO obstructions.
For ease of installation the ideal position is around 3mtrs from the ground on a wall adjacent to the site of the modem, in any event the cable from the dish to the modem must be no more than 30mtrs
Installing the Bracket
Having chosen the site, secure the bracket (or pole) so that it is vertical…. Time spent at this stage will make the whole job easier.
Dish Assembly
The dish should be assembled following the instructions enclosed in the box with the elevation and skew angle set to the figures in the documentation , all the adjustment bolts should be set loose enough so that the dish can be moved but tight enough so it doesn’t slip.
The dish should then be mounted on the bracket pointing I approximately the correct direction and the clamps tightened, again these should be tight enough to hold the dish but still allow adjustment.
Pointing the dish
To correctly align the dish it must be connected to the modem. At this stage it is probably best to simply pass the cables through an open window rather than drill holes in the wall!
Fit connectors to both ends of both cables, if you look at the cable you will see that one half is marked TX (for transmit) and the other is marked RX (for receive).
Both cables should be connected to their respective terminals on the modem and the receive connected to the iLNB on the dish.
Connect the outdoor end of the TX cable to the pointing tool.
Using the supplied ethernet cable connect your computer to the modem and switch on.
Opening a browser window should bring you straight to the modem’s control panel, select pointing mode
Check the compass again and find a distant landmark that is in the correct direction and point the dish at it.
Now switch on the pointing tool an adjust the volume so you can hear a “hum” , if you now slowly move the dish (first in a horizontal plane then a vertical one) you should notice that the pitch changes, becoming higher pitched as you approach the correct angles. When you are very close you will hear an intermittent whistle and when you are spot on this changes to a continuous whistle. Tighten all the clamps/adjustments continue listening to the pointing tool to ensure that you do not move anything!
Now connect the TX cable.
Finishing off
Back indoors the modem will now update it’s internal software and should go on line after a few minutes.
Once the modem is on line check that the connection is working properly then turn off, disconnect and install the cables in their final positions (shortening if necessary) fit the gaiters to the outdoor connections and tighten the connectors.
The earth terminal on the iLNB should be connected to the bracket and this in turn should be connected to a good earth, either an earth rod in the ground or to the fuse/breaker board.
When all is secure and tidy return to your computer and enjoy your new connection
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