User guide

Theory of Operation

Antenna Description

DirectPoint

technology closely couples with the

satellite modem, thus enhancing the satellite

acquisition accuracy and reducing the startup time.

The antenna goes directly to the data satellite and,

using enhanced communications capability with

intelligent modems, is able to acquire, lock, and peak

on the specific satellite without the traditional pre-

alignment (reference satellite) stage.

The DirectPoint mode is invoked by setting “10000” as

the LOCK method word (see 2.4 VS/Lock Methods) and

selecting “iDirect” (or other two-way communication

modem) as the MODEM (see 3.4 Select

Modem/Antenna/Pol).

DirectPoint Acquisition Description

Upon power up and deployment, the following

acquisition sequence takes place:

 Compass aligns the antenna with south (if in

the northern hemisphere, to the north if in the

southern hemisphere)

 Antenna acquires GPS data for high precision

geographic location information

 Using DirectPoint

and bypassing the selected

reference satellite, the antenna pointing

algorithm precisely scans to the selected data

satellite

 Monitoring signal characteristics specific to this

data satellite, the antenna peaks on the center

of the satellite beam and performs a high

precision alignment to this satellite

 After completion of the peaking sequence GPS

data is sent to the modem to enable transmit

 The modem can then automatically initiate

contact with the network operations center and

be commissioned into the network