EPAK DSi6Ku Pro Manuel utilisateur

Installation and User Manual

Maritime VSAT systems

DSi6Ku Pro

DSi9Ku Pro

DSi13Ku Pro

Doc ID 0304 03.07.20 Page 1/32

EPAK Support Conta t Details

Please contact us for any technical enquiries:

EPA GmbH

Spinnereistr. 7

04179 Leipzig

Telephone Business hours +49 (0) 341 – 2120260

Emergency Telephone (active during weekends and holidays, 9h-18h): +49 (0) 1575-7954223

Email: [email protected]

Please keep your serial number ready.

VSAT Serial Number

Figure 1: Antenna label with serial number

The serial number (standard format: 090UC.10.1843.0000) will be required for all service requests regarding

this product.

You can find the serial number of your EPA VSAT system both engraved on the chassis of the antenna

(Figure 1) and on the delivery note sent to you with the system.

Dis laimer

Any responsibility or liability for loss or damage in connection with the use of this product and the

accompanying documentation is disclaimed by EPA . The information in this manual is provided for

information purposes only, is subject to change without notice and may contain errors or inaccuracies.

Manuals issued by EPA are periodically revised and updated. Anyone relying on this information should

acquire the most current version e.g. from https://www.epak.de. EPA is not responsible for the content or

accuracy of any translations or reproductions, in whole or in part, of this manual from any other source.

Trademark a knowledgements

EPA is a registered trademark of EPA GmbH.

Doc ID 0304 03.07.20 Page 2/32

Table of Contents
Introduction                                                                                                                                                            ......................................................................................................................................................   5  
Safety Recommendations & Precautions                                                                                                              ........................................................................................................   6  
1 Microwave radiation hazard                                                                                                                              ........................................................................................................................   6  
2 Radar interference                                                                                                                                            ......................................................................................................................................   6  
3 Exposure to rain / moisture                                                                                                                               .........................................................................................................................   6  
4 Necessity of grounding the equipment                                                                                                             .......................................................................................................   6  
5 Power supply                                                                                                                                                    ..............................................................................................................................................   7  
6 Maintain ambient temperature for IDU                                                                                                             .......................................................................................................   7  
7 Maintain ambient temperature for ODU                                                                                                            ......................................................................................................   7  
System Components List                                                                                                                                      ................................................................................................................................   8  
Installation Procedure                                                                                                                                            ......................................................................................................................................   9  
1 Tools required for Installation                                                                                                                            ......................................................................................................................   9  
2 Select Antenna location                                                                                                                                    ..............................................................................................................................   9  
2.1 Free line-of-sight towards satellite                                                                                                               .........................................................................................................   9  
2.2 Mounting surface requirements                                                                                                                   .............................................................................................................   9  
2.3 Radar interferences                                                                                                                                   .............................................................................................................................   10   
3 Planning the cable paths                                                                                                                                ..........................................................................................................................   11   
4 Drilling                                                                                                                                                             .......................................................................................................................................................   11   
5 Installing the Antenna                                                                                                                                     ...............................................................................................................................   13   
6 Removing Transport Lock of the Antenna                                                                                                       .................................................................................................   13   
7 Installing the Indoor Unit                                                                                                                                 ...........................................................................................................................   16   
8 Power supply for VSAT system                                                                                                                      ................................................................................................................   17   
9 System Cable Connections                                                                                                                            ......................................................................................................................   18   
10 Wiring VSAT  u-Band Systems                                                                                                                    ..............................................................................................................   18   
Operating the VSAT system                                                                                                                                ..........................................................................................................................   19   
1 ACU panel                                                                                                                                                      ................................................................................................................................................   19   
2 Accessing the ACU                                                                                                                                         ...................................................................................................................................   22   
2.1 Status -> Network                                                                                                                                      ................................................................................................................................   23   
2.2 Status -> System                                                                                                                                       .................................................................................................................................   24   
2.3 Status -> Logs                                                                                                                                           .....................................................................................................................................   24   
3 System Configuration                                                                                                                                     ...............................................................................................................................   25   
3.1 Configuration -> Modem                                                                                                                            ......................................................................................................................   25   
3.2 Configuration -> Network                                                                                                                           .....................................................................................................................   25   
3.3 Configuration -> Antenna                                                                                                                           .....................................................................................................................   27   
3.4 Configuration -> Satellite                                                                                                                           .....................................................................................................................   27   
3.5 Configuration -> Update                                                                                                                            ......................................................................................................................   27   
4 Account Details                                                                                                                                              ........................................................................................................................................   27   
5 Service Activation                                                                                                                                           .....................................................................................................................................   28   
6 Maintenance                                                                                                                                                   .............................................................................................................................................   28   
Hardware configuration                                                                                                                                       .................................................................................................................................   29   
1 BUCs                                                                                                                                                              ........................................................................................................................................................   29   
2 LNBs                                                                                                                                                               .........................................................................................................................................................   29   
3 Supported Modem Types                                                                                                                               .........................................................................................................................   29   
4 NMEA Connector                                                                                                                                            ......................................................................................................................................   29   
Datasheets                                                                                                                                                          ....................................................................................................................................................   30   
1 ACU                                                                                                                                                                ..........................................................................................................................................................   30   
2 Antenna                                                                                                                                                          ....................................................................................................................................................   30   
Glossary                                                                                                                                                              ........................................................................................................................................................   31   
 Doc ID 0304  03.07.20 Page 3/32

1 Introdu tion

Intended readers

This is an installation and user manual for the EPA VSAT systems PRO Series, intended for installers of the

system and service personnel. Personnel installing or servicing the system must be properly trained and

authorized by EPA . It is important that you observe all safety requirements listed in the beginning of this

manual, and install the system according to the guidelines in this manual.

Produ t des ription

EPA VSAT antennas are automatic satellite tracking systems for internet access made for maritime

applications. Earth Stations on Vessels (ESV) are used to enable broadband access, data

communication, and telephony via satellite links, operating in the fixed satellite service while the vessels

are travelling near the coast or on the high seas. EPA 's VSAT systems are designed to track those

satellites with great precision in real-time response to the ship’s motions even in rough sea conditions and

ensure a seamless availability of the broadband internet connection on the move.

Such VSAT systems consist of two major units, the antenna Outdoor Unit (ODU) and the Indoor Unit (IDU).

The ODU is protected by a UV-stabilized, maritime climate-proof, and easy to maintain radome. The antenna

uses a 3-axis motion system, with automatic skew adjustment. This feature in combination with state-of-the

art tracking technology (twin RF tracking receiver + 6D inertial + GNSS & NMEA - optional) guarantees an

unmatched tracking speed up to 50°/s. The IDU consists of the Antenna Control Unit (ACU) and satellite

modem. The ACU is a device that communicates with the Antenna, the modem and optionally with the

heading data from the vessel.

This unit provides an easy to use web-interface for configuring the antenna, checking the antenna's current

status and configuring your network.

EPA systems can be easily configured in a variety of ways using different LNBs, BUCs and modems to

accomplish individual application needs. To guarantee the highest performance and reliability, EPA

designs and engineers all of its antennas' major RF components, control boards, mechanical parts and

radome in house. All the components are optimized for rough marine applications. From small vessels up to

super yachts, no matter whether sailing or motor yachts, EPA VSAT series are eminently suitable for all

types of vessels.

EPA 's VSAT systems are designed to meet the satellite operators requirements of every ESV for receiving

and transmitting the data via u or a-band. Once the connection to a satellite is established, the system

will stay connected due to a 360° high-speed tracking system. That guarantees a non-stop connection to the

internet while the vessel is anchored or even while cruising in open seas under rough conditions. The

antennas are available in dish sizes in the range of 60cm, 90cm and 130cm (DSi6, DSi9 and DSi13

respectively).

EPA also offers several additional options to accommodate special requirements. The Diversity it assures

the avoidance of blind spots by combining the free line of sight ranges of two antennas in one bundle. This

will prevent any loss of satellite signal through blockages. Additionally EPA also offers a vessel

management router for network control, WiFi services and Voip/Voice connections.

Your safety

All personnel who operate equipment or do maintenance as specified in this manual must know and follow the

safety precautions. The warnings and cautions that follow apply to all parts of this manual.

Doc ID 0304 03.07.20 Page 4/32

2 Safety Re ommendations & Pre autions

2.1 Mi rowave radiation hazard

igure 2.1: Microwave radiation safety distance

Ensure that all personnel stay outside of the safety distance during antenna operation.

During operation the antenna uses high-powered BUCs in order to establish a two-way

communication with the satellite. The resulting radiation is hazardous. Note the following points for

your safety.

•Make sure the minimum safety distance of 30m as specified at the ODU is kept when the antenna is

transmitting.

•Our antenna detects if there is a blockage in its transmission path and stops transmission

immediately. However, avoid standing directly in front of the the ADU while it is transmitting.

2.2 Radar interferen e

•The antenna must be mounted as far away as possible from the ship’s radar and high power radio

transmitters as they can affect the antenna performance. To avoid the worst interference, the antenna

should be mounted at a different vertical level – either 15° above or 15° below the radar. indly note

the recommended minimum distances between the ODU and X-band/S-Band radars in the table

4.2.3.

•After the installation is completed all other electronic systems, i.e. GPS, Radar, VHF, FM, AM etc.,

should be tested for full functionality while the antenna is switched on.

2.3 Exposure to rain / moisture

•Do not open sealed electronic components on the ODU and the ACU. Doing that will void the

warranty of the equipment.

•The ACU and the satellite modem must always be kept indoors. Exposure to rain, sunlight or moisture

may damage the equipment.

2.4 Ne essity of grounding the equipment

Grounding of the equipment is necessary to avoid potential differences between the ship’s ground potential

and the equipment’s. The antenna’s ground connection shall be connected directly to the ship’s ground to

avoid undesired current flow.

Doc ID 0304 03.07.20 Page 5/32

2.5 Power supply

The ACU requires 90-264V AC @ 47-63 Hz Input voltage & frequency. The ACU then supplies DC power to

the Antenna. Use of an online UPS is mandatory for EPA systems, otherwise the warranty becomes void.

For more details see 4.8.

2.6 Maintain ambient temperature for IDU

Proper cooling and ventilation is required for all indoor equipment. The ACU can be stored at a temperature

between -40°C to 85°C. During operation, the ambient temperature must be maintained between -20°C to

55°C. Frequent imbalances in the environment can damage the IDU electronics.

2.7 Maintain ambient temperature for ODU

Operating temperature for the ODU ranges from -30°C to 55°C, while the storage temperature range is

between -30°C to 85°C. When temperatures fall below -30°C, the antenna system must be kept on to avoid

damage to electronic parts at re-start. Alternatively an antenna heating system should be used.

Doc ID 0304 03.07.20 Page 6/32

3 System Components List

In our standard delivery, you will find the following system components.

Component Details

ODU Des ription

•Stabilized Antenna Pedestal with electronic control modules

•Feed-assembly

•u band BUC & LNB

•Inbuilt GPS receiver

•Radome assembly

Features

•3-axis motion system + auto skew adjustment

•Range movement from -15° to +120°

•Tracking speed up to 50°/s

ACU Des ription

•Antenna Control Unit

•Power cable and Ethernet cable

Fun tionality

•Configuring satellite & beams

•Monitoring live status of the antenna

•Providing Internet access & voip services to the vessel

Mounting s rews DSi6 / DSi9 4 mounting screws

DSi13 : 12 mounting screws

VSAT manual VSAT manual for easy operation & configuration of the system.

Up-to-date documents are available for download on

www.epak.de/en.

Add-ons (Optionally supplied by EPAK)

Component Des ription

Satellite Modem Supported modem types:

•iDirect modems - Evolution, Velocity platform

•Hughes HX200

•ViaSat SBT-M

•Comtech CDM-250/840

•Gilat series - Capricon, Gilat SkyEdge-II Pro

•Paradise PD25L, Datacom Q-Flex

•SpaceBridge modem

•Tooway

•Romantis / Eastar UHP 1000 / UHP 2000

•others on request

Doc ID 0304 03.07.20 Page 7/32

Vessel Management Router •Network monitoring & control

•Traffic prioritization

•Hotspot management

•Managing Crew calling services

•Web Filtering

PBX equipment Handling SIP service for making low cost Voip calls

IP Telephones For making VoIP calls

UPS Online UPS system

Cables 2x Double shielded coax cable (ECOFLEX10 or 15) with N-Plugs

2x Double shielded coax cable (RG6) with F and TNC-plugs

4 Installation Pro edure

The installation of our systems is easy compared to existing VSAT systems. This section gives a guideline

and answers all your questions on how and where to install the ODU and IDU. It is highly recommended to

plan your installation according to this in-order to prevent mistakes and damages to the vessel or the VSAT

system.

4.1 Tools required for Installation

Following tools are required for installation.

electric drill; screwdriver 4 mm and 8.5-9 mm drills Hexagon socket screw

key size 6

size 13 screw wrench

4.2 Sele t Antenna lo ation

The antenna's selected mounting position should have the following characteristics.

4.2.1 Free line-of-sight towards satellite

The antenna needs a free line-of-sight to the satellite for uninterrupted operation. Any obstacles can reduce

service availability and tracking performance. Please note that the free line-of-sight depends on the vessel

geolocation and the selected satellite. The best location for the antenna is on a raised platform or on one

end of the vessel as shown in Figure below.

4.2.2 Mounting surfa e requirements

The pedestal/mast must be rigid enough to carry the antenna's weight as well as eliminating the vibrations

of the antenna/vessel while tracking/being on the move.

Doc ID 0304 03.07.20 Page 8/32

Bad location: in such a situation it is

very likely to incur a wide blind spot.

Better: by setting the antenna to one

end of the ship, the obstacle can be

overcome.

Best location: if possible, place the

antenna on top of the boat.

Figure 4.1: Finding the best location for the antenna

4.2.3 Radar interferen es

It is very important to not install the antenna near the radar. Radars and satellite antenna's operate in the

microwave region of the electromagnetic spectrum. A radar placed close to the ODU can degrade the

antenna's performance. Thus it is necessary to maintain the minimum distance between the two equipments.

The minimum acceptable separation between a radar and the antenna is determined by the radar

wavelength/frequency and the power emitted by the radar. The table below show some "rule of thumb"

minimum separation distances for radar power at X and S band. As long as the minimum distance listed

below is applied, antenna damage is normally avoided.

Doc ID 0304 03.07.20 Page 9/32

Figure 4.2: Minimum safe distance from radar

X- Band

(~3 m/ 10 GHz) min distan e

S-Band

(~10 m/ 3 GHz) min distan e

Radar Power Minimum distance between VSAT and Radar with 20° vertical separation

0-20 kW 1.0 m 2.0 m

20-50 kW 2.0 m 4.0 m

50 kW+ 3.5 m 7.0 m

The presence of one or more S or X-band radars within a radius up to 100m may cause a minor degradation

of the u-band connection. The degradation will be most significant at high radar pulse repetition rates.

Especially in poor receiving conditions (objects blocking the signal path, heavy rainfall or icing, low satellite

elevation and violent ship movements) the small extra degradation due to the radar(s) could cause poor

connection quality.

4.3 Planning the able paths

Please check which walls are suitable and if existing openings can be used for the cables. Laying the cables

is usually done by an electrician in the dockyard with proper certificates to alter the ships installations or the

ships structure. If you're in charge of laying the cables, make sure it is done in accordance with the following

rules:

•Use suitable coax cables: double shielded EcoFlex 10 or 15 is recommended. EPA warranty does

not cover decreased performance due to improper wiring.

•The maximum recommended cable length for EcoFlex10 is 50 m and Ecoflex15 is 80 m. Make sure

that the cable length does not exceed this value. If maximum cable length is too short for your

installation, favour higher grade cables over in-line amplifier.

•Avoid placing RF cables too close to other cables which might carry "noise".

•Fit and secure cables properly. Use shrink tubing with heat activated adhesive to seal connectors.

•Avoid sharp bends and kinks on cables.

•To connect antenna and ACU, use cables in one piece; do not extend cables, do not split cables.

•Use only high quality RF connectors.

4.4 Drilling

For an ideal mounting of the antenna all possible drilling patterns are prepared with a pre-drilled hole of 2 mm

in the bottom of the radome. Please refer to the included templates for the drilling measurements. The drilling

should have a diameter of Ø 8.5 – 9 mm for the included M8 screws. It is recommended to start with a

smaller hole, using a Ø 3.5 – 4 mm drill to avoid any damage to the mounting surface. To mount the antenna,

only use the included M8 mounting screws.

Doc ID 0304 03.07.20 Page 10/32

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