SATELLITE FAQs

Find answers to Frequently Asked Questions about our satellite products in the categories below. For further assistance, please contact us.

ACQUIRING A SATELLITE

Ensure that all the cables are properly connected, and that the LNB is drawing an appropriate amount of electrical current to indicate that it is working. LNB current draw is typically 100-200mA.  Most Norsat satellite terminals using our LinkControl software will display the LNB current on the system status page. If the current is 0 or below 100mA, check that 24V DC is present on the Rx cable at the LNB connector and that the cable is attached securely.

If you are using an assisted-acquire terminal, and are sure that the LNB is functioning correctly, be sure that you are making the adjustments in small enough increments that you are not missing the satellite, and that you are searching a sufficient portion of the sky to allow for compass errors. We recommend adjusting in the following order:
L – Level
P – Polarization
E – Elevation
A — Azimuth

Some Norsat terminals include local loop-back capability. If this applies, check that your transmitted signal appears in the built-in Transmit Spectrum Analyzer. If you are certain that your transmitter is functioning correctly, check that there is no visible damage to the dish that may affect the transmitted signal. In particular, check whether the boom arm might be bent, or if there is any damage to the waveguides.  Finally, make sure that you are pointed at the correct satellite, and that you have peaked the dish as much as possible.

SYSTEM SETUP AND TROUBLESHOOTING

The RSSI range can vary considerably based on location and weather conditions. The RSSI reading should be considered a relative value, and you should simply be trying to maximize it for the specific situation while peaking the terminal.

Check that you have AC voltage entering the power supply, and that the supply is capable of supplying the necessary amount of power. It may be necessary to dedicate a portable generator for use with your fly-away terminal.

Ensure that all components you are using belong to the same system and have the same system ID. Norsat systems are calibrated as a complete unit in the factory, and may not be able to reach maximum transmit power if components are mismatched. If you are controlling a modem or encoder manually, ensure that the output is at a sufficient level to drive the BUC to the desired power levels. It may be necessary to add additional line amplifiers to the transmit path between the modem and BUC.

USING SATELLITE SYSTEMS OUTDOORS

The Outdoor Unit (ODU) portion of the terminal is intended to operate outdoors in all specified weather conditions. The Indoor Unit (IDU), however, should be kept indoors in a regular office environment.  In order to prolong the service life of fly-away equipment, we recommend storing the system in the provided cases when not in use.

If the ODU is to be left outdoors, ensure that it is in a physically secure area. If the system will be transmitting while unattended, ensure that no person or equipment will be likely to pass in front of the dish.

Most Norsat systems have user-serviceable components, particularly fan grills, which can be removed for cleaning. Refer to the user manual for details.  More extensive dis-assembly and cleaning should only be performed by Norsat-authorized personnel.

SUPPORT AND WARRANTY - SATELLITE

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Some systems are capable of being field-upgraded with standard rack-mountable equipment. Please contact your sales representative for more information.

Norsat offers support as a paid-for option with all our products. Contact your sales representative for more information.

Norsat’s standard warranty covers defects in materials or workmanship. Accidental damage, or any damage caused by improper usage is not covered.

For satellite systems, please have the System ID ready. The System ID is a five digit number beginning with 5, 7 or 9 (See the following link for example).  If you have purchased extended warranty or Elite Support, please have the Norsat sales order number which includes the purchase number.

MICROWAVE FAQs

TROUBLESHOOTING

Most Norsat BUCs require one or more of these multiplexed components on the input coaxial cable: 24V DC, 10 Mhz Reference, L-band signal. Please consult the specification sheet for the BUC model you are using, and ensure that incoming signal is set up for the BUCs requirements. If you require a Bias-T to inject the DC voltage or reference signal, please contact our Microwave Components sales department for more information.

Ensure that the L.O. for the component you are using is what you and your modem are expecting. Note that several of our LNBs and BUCs can be switched between several frequency bands, and that the L.O. will change depending on which band is selected.

During installation, ensure that O-rings are correctly installed in all joints, and that the protective tape is intact at the openings of the components.

A working component will draw an appropriate amount of current from whichever input is supplying its DC voltage. LNBs should draw 100-200mA whereas BUCs should draw over 500mA when transmitting. Norsat-built terminals running our proprietary LinkControlTM software have built-in diagnostic tools which will display the current draw of components within the software interface.  Norsat can also supply an inline current/voltage meter which will enable you to easily measure this current when it is supplied through the centre pin of a coaxial cable.

INSTALLATION AND SETUP

Use the instructions and checklist on this link for the integration process.

Please follow the instructions in the diagram by clicking on this link.

Some of our LNBs and BUCs will be supplied with clear plastic tape over the waveguide openings. This tape is intended to remain in place during operation in order to prevent water and dirt from entering the component. If this protective tape becomes damaged, it can be replaced in the field; however you need to make sure that the replacement tape will not degrade the signal. We recommend Kapton® tape for this purpose.

BUCs rated at 8W and above will typically be powered by through a discrete DC connector. Please refer to the BUC specification sheet for the requirements.

Non-conductive O-rings may be used for most installations. For high power BUCs however, there may be circumstances were using conductive O-rings are preferable. If you are unsure, please contact our support department with a detailed system description.

SUPPORT AND WARRANTY - MICROWAVE

Our microwave components do not contain user-serviceable parts, and breaking the service seal will void the warranty. Please contact our support department if you suspect that you have a faulty component.

We offer an industry leading 3 year warranty on all standard LNBs and a 1 year warranty on other microwave products.

Please have your microwave product label ready, to provide us with your product name, specifications and order number.  The sample label on this link contains all the information we will need to assist you.

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