Technical information

OM76_Rev J Page 13 of 28
3.0 Operation
After completing the assembly of the antenna, the 7.6m ESA is ready to become operational. To operate the
7.6m ESA, it is necessary to direct it to the desired satellite and adjust both Elevation and Azimuth angles
appropriately. These procedures provide details on how to correctly position the antenna on a desired satellite.
NOTE: If intending to use an ASC Signal NGC Indoor Unit (NGC-IDU) or NGC Outdoor Unit (NGC-ODU) in order to
control antenna, it is best to refer to the appropriate manuals of the NGC Documentation Package received with that unit.
3.1 Acquiring Satellites
There are a number of possible procedures for acquiring a satellite. ASC Signal recommends that a Spectrum
Analyzer of some type be used, regardless of your chosen procedure.
While viewing any Spectrum Analyzer screen, a pure noise signal will likely be observed, as shown below in
Figure 3-1. Additionally, some transponder signals may be observed above the noise signal, as shown below
in Figure 3-2.
Figure 3-1: Pure Noise Signal on Spectrum Analyzer
Figure 3-2: Minimum Transponder Signal on Spectrum Analyzer
Use the following steps in order to acquire a satellite:
Step 1 of 9: Manually move the antenna in the Azimuth direction (scanning back-and-forth) to achieve a
maximum transponder signal with the greatest amplitude
 Scan in one direction until amplitude continues to diminish, and then scan in opposite direction until the same
occurs
 Return to the position yielding the greatest amplitude
 The maximum Azimuth excursion from the original setting should not exceed +/- 1.5 Degrees, or the antenna
may begin to access a different satellite than the one desired.