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3. Software configuration
The Dish Diversity Switch operates under embedded software control.
If power is applied to the unit, the software will start automatically and no user intervention
is needed. The embedded software can be updated using an USB memory stick.
3.1 Level detection
When main power and RF cables are connected, the software starts and will display the
measured signal levels from Dish 1 and Dish 2.
If the detector has no signal or a level that is too low, display will show <-65 dBm.
If the level is too high display will show >-25 dBm.
The level displayed is in dBm units, this level displayed cannot be compared to the levels
that one would read from a spectrum analyzer. The used level detection measures the RF
power across the entire L-band instead of a single transponder.
3.2 Calibration
Calibration must be done after complete installation of all RF cables.
The purpose of calibration is to compensate for different cable lengths and signal levels.
Make sure that both satellite dishes are tracking the same satellite and have a clear view.
Calibration can be done best if the vessel anchored or on a steady course at calm seas.
For calibration enter the installation menu by pressing the <Enter> (
) and <Esc> (
)
keys for 4 seconds. Then scroll down the menu pressing the ↓key until Calibrate is
displayed. Then press <Enter> to start the calibration routine. At this point the control unit
reads multiple RF-signal samples from both dishes, samples are compared against each
other and stored into non volatile memory. If calibration is done leave the menu by
pressing <Esc>.
