HX TXcode9 AFG

I've been trying to setup and install my satellite and HX50 for several days.  We first had trouble pointing and aiming the dish. After several days of working on it and doing so research on this forum we were able to get a signal strength of 91.  We reset the modem and got RXcode5 and TXcode9.  We tried swaping the cables to make sure it wasnt a bad cable.  After swaping the cables we get the same codes...not a cable issue. We haven't offically commissioned our site with bently walker but have been told that we must fix the TX problem before they can lock onto our modem...true? They also told us that it could be the polarization. I adjusted the polarization ( +/- a few degrees of our 22 degree polarization) several times while still maintaining a signal strength of 91 but still no luck, RXcode5 TXcode9.  Someone please help I'm trying to get this internet set up to help improve the morale of my unit.  We are a a tiny FOB in Afghanistan.

Please describe how you've grounded the system; IDU, cable path, and ODU.

Have you tried to force ranging yet? If no, open a browser to https://192.168.0.1/fs/advanced/advanced.html and look at the left hand column. Click on Installation, and find Force Ranging on the drop down list. Click it. When a pop-up window appears, click on "Start Ranging". On otherwise healthy systems, the process should ordinarily complete in under 90 seconds.

//greg//

Thanks for all the useful information! Hopefully after I ask a few more questions we can make some progress.  My platoon and I have taken on trying to get this system up and running. We are a signal platoon that controls a satellite trailer and the network for our FOB so we are well versed in this technology...in theory .  I'm working on this system on behalf of the account holder. 

My satellite operators seem to think the polarization is the issue. But as I mentioned I've tried for hours just messing with the polarization and still had the same issue mentioned in my original post.

Dan,
I will make sure the account holder logs onto Bentley Walker and submits a trouble ticket.  He hasn't mentioned anything about having a Login ID or password which raises a flag for me. Maybe he hasn't finished setting up his account so could we be missing some informaiton neccessary for setting up our system? We have a SiteID but that is the only thing he has really mentioned with regard to his account.

Eric,
I have NOT typed in a freq or symbol rate on the configuration screen.  What config screen are you refering to? The manual commissioning? Just remember seeing a lot of screens that could be "configuration screens."  Is that information something that would come with our installation instructions for our SiteID?  The account holder hasn't mentioned anything about having any specific instructions for our site...these instructions would also have the IP configs needed for the modem as well? I dont have these and I dont think the account holder is tracking these as well.  I will also check the power supply and insure the pin and cable have good connection. We are using equipment that was perviously in system at a different site.  We will double check with Bentley Walker and provide them our moden SN and LNB model type and number. Like I said I dont think the account holder has recieved anything specific instructions for our site. BW provided us with what bird (SESAT2) we were shooting at and what azmth, elev, and pol we needed to be at in order to lock onto the bird. I used that information with a bit of research and trial and error to reach a signal strength of 91. 

Greg,
Please describe how the system should be grounded. I've noticed the two COAX connections on the trasmitter. The one IFL to the modem and the other, GRD. Is that for ground?  Please explain IDU, cable path, and ODU and how they relate to grounding.  I've tried force ranging, but it can't even attempt due to the fact that the trasmitter is adjusting for optimal networking (TXcode9). 

We have about 1ft of snow on the ground and more coming but dispite the weather we still have a signal strength between 88-91.  I think we are close to getting this thing up and running. Thanks for the help!

Quote:

This will almost certainly lead to solving the problem.

A typical manual commissioning configuration screen looks like this:
Don't try using these parameters as they do not refer to your site

Don't change anything till you have received by email a single page pdf file from Bentley Walker with all the data for your site.  Bentley Walker will need to reactivate the old site ID or delete the old Site ID and give your account holder a new Site ID.

Since you have not typed in any new configuration parameters and are getting a signal of 91 you are successfully pointed at the same satellite as previously. A small adjustment of polarisation may still be necessary but this will not prevent your transmit signal getting to the hub.

I believe the problem is related to the hub database and clarifying the modem ESN serial number, site ID and maybe updating the configuration settings.  

Best regards, Eric

After having my satellite operator look at everything we have come to a conclusion that it may be a timing issue. The network time is almost 30sec off zulu time...

I agree with Greg. Timing issues in this context refer to the exact instant that the modem transmits a burst so that it arrives at the satellite such that it does not overlap in time with uplink bursts from other sites.  For this to work properly the location of the site matters as the distance to the satellite from each site needs to be known exactly so that the times of burst transmission can be set properly.  Burst timing is measured in microseconds, offset from the downlink start of frame timing, which synchronises the whole network.

Check that the lat and long have been put in correctly, e.g. 70 deg 5 minutes East, and 35 deg 15 minutes North.  The hub also need to be told these details for their records to be correct.  1 mile, or worse, accuracy is quite adequate. Don't put the details here for security reasons.

Best regards, Eric.

Getting rather short on ideas now ....

After you click "Save configuration" do the lat long (and other details) update, as you have just typed them ?  Or do the details remain stuck as per the previous owners location etc.  If the config parameters are locked and can't be changed you will need to Reset to Factory default. rf command. Don't do this unless you have a) copied all the current config parameters to paper and b) have your new pdf sheet of parameters from Bentley Walker.

Can Bentley Walker send a reset command to your modem and can you see it's LEDs flash in response ? If YES this will confirm to Bentley Walker that they have definitely identified which satellite and which network outlink carrier you are actually pointed at and tuned to. They can also work out from your screenshot of your config parameters what frequency and symbol rate you have and check to which satellite and network this corresponds.

Best regards, Eric.

The flashing power LED during installation is normal.  It indicates the modem is running using its default software and this is normally the case at a new installation.

Once it starts communicating with the hub it will download new software and the power LED will stop flashing.

Your polarisation setting sounds good:

There are two different polarisation starting positions:

1. LNB sticking upwards or downwards.

2. LNB sticking out sideways (either side has the same effect). You started on the left (as viewed facing forwards towards the satellite in the sky)

From either of these starting positions turn the polarisation +22 deg clockwise, as viewed facing forwards towards the satellite in the sky.

One final polarisation setting will work perfectly, the other (90 deg away) not at all.

If you have a discrete LNB module, such as NJR2184, with rectangular waveguide interface and four attach screws and then when the LNB is sticking out sideways you are receiving vertical name polarisation.

If you have a Universal integrated LNB/OMT module (HughesNet part number PN 1501882-0002) then when the LNB F connector is sticking out sideways you are receiving horizontal name polarisation.
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Since the modem has reverted to its default software it is possible that you have either done a reset to factory default or that the hub has managed to tell it so.
Also, does 99% failure suggest that 1 burst actually got through?.  If so, check the transmit cable connections again, the braid must make good contact at either end and the centre pin wire must be clean and long enough to stick out about 1.5mm proud of the rim of the plug.  When screwing in make sure the center wire really does go into the hole and does not push back.  If the old wire end was burned the springs inside the socket will need cleaning. Try using a 6 inch length of spare centre wire and gently poke the end in and out 20 times.

Best regards, Eric.

See https://www.satsig.net/bentley-walker/hn7000s/hughesnet-IDU-Power-Supply-Rules.p...
for compatibility table for power supply modues.

Best regards, Eric

Quote:

The 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock polarisation start positions give the same result. It won't make any difference which of these two start positions you choose.  From either side position apply 22 deg clockwise adjustment amount, as viewed facing forwards towards the satellite in the sky.

At some locations a large polarisation adjustment amount, such as +/-80 deg, is required.  In such cases, if you find that the LNB hits the metal base of the yoke before the adjustment amount is achieved then start on the other side.  

The transmit cable carries significant DC power current to the BUC so the connections and cable quality are critical.  Check for corrosion that may have caused the sheath to degrade for several feet under the outer insulation.

If you use a new cable, fill the outdoor connector with dielectric electronic grade silicone grease and seal the finished connection with weatherproof tape.  This is really important.

Read more:
https://www.satsig.net/bentley-walker/hn7000s/Hughesnet-Measuring-IFL-Resistance...
https://www.satsig.net/bentley-walker/hn7000s/Hughesnet-Approved-Cable-List.pdf

Best regards, Eric.                

Thanks for everyones help. You all contributed to improving the morale of 30 or more Soldiers in Afghanistan. We will be able to stay in touch with family, friends, and loved ones on a regular basis. Gary from Bentley Walker looked at some pictures and noticed the reject filter was attached 90 degrees off. We made the correction insuring that the LNB arm lined up with the transmitter correctly. The LNB was at the correct polarization but the transmitter wasn't due to the incorrect fitting. We are good to go RXcode5 TXcode8 with 91 signal strength! We are getting in touch with Bentley Walker and take the next step. THANKS AGAIN SO VERY MUCH!