TXFLY-2402.4m Offset Flyaway Antenna System

Assembly and Operation Manual

2

Table of Contents

Warranty/Disclaimer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Warnings and Cautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Introduction and Site Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

System Overall Dimensions (Stored in cases) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

System Overall Dimensions (Deployed) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

1.0 System Assembly and Set-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 1.1 Quad-pod Base . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 1.2 Refl ector Hub . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 1.3 Radial Beams . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 1.4 Inner Refl ector Panels . . . . . . . . 11 1.5 Outer Refl ector Panels . . . . . . . . 13 1.6 Feed Boom & Feed . . . . . . . . . 14 1.7 Rotation Lock Pin . . . . . . . . . . 15

2.0 System Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 2.1 High Wind Survival . . . . . . . . . . 15 2.2 Antenna Pointing . . . . . . . . . . . 16 2.3 Feed Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . 17

3.0 Specifi cations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

3

LIMITED TWELVE (12) MONTH WARRANTY

This PATRIOT ANTENNA equipment is warranted to be free from defects in material and workman-ship under normal use and service. PATRIOT ANTENNA shall repair or replace defective equipment, at no charge, or at its option, refund the purchase price, if the equipment is returned to PATRIOT AN-TENNA not more than twelve (12) months after shipment. Removal or reinstallation of equipment and its transportation shall not be at cost of PATRIOT ANTENNA except PATRIOT ANTENNA shall return repaired or replaced equipment freight prepaid.

This Warranty shall not apply to equipment which has been repaired or altered in any way so as to affect its stability or durability, or which has been subject to misuse, negligence or accident. This War-ranty does not cover equipment which has been impaired by severe weather conditions such as exces-sive wind, ice, storms, lightning, or other natural occurrences over which PATRIOT ANTENNA has no control, and this Warranty shall not apply to equipment which has been operated or installed other than in accordance with the instructions furnished by PATRIOT ANTENNA.

Claimants under this Warranty shall present their claims along with the defective equipment to PA-TRIOT ANTENNA immediately upon failure. Noncompliance with any part of this claim procedure may invalidate this warranty in whole or in part.

THIS WARRANTY IS EXPRESSLY IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER AGREEMENTS AND WARRANTIES, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE IS LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE DURATION OF THIS WARRANTY. PATRIOT ANTENNA DOES NOT AUTHORIZE ANY PERSON TO ASSUME FOR IT THE OBLIGATIONS CONTAINED IN THIS WAR-RANTY AND PATRIOT ANTENNA NEITHER ASSUMES NOR AUTHORIZES ANY REPRESENTATIVE OR OTHER PERSON TO ASSUME FOR IT ANY OTHER LIABILITY IN CONNECTION WITH THE EQUIPMENT DELIVERED OR PROVIDED.

IN NO EVENT SHALL PATRIOT ANTENNA BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF USE, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS, OR INDIRECT, SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND.

In no event shall PATRIOT ANTENNA be liable for damages in an amount greater than the purchase price of the equipment.

Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, or allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you.

PATRIOT ANTENNA has the right to void the warranty when the antenna is installed by someone other then a certifi ed installer.

Product Serial Number- _________________Date Purchased- ____________

Patriot Antenna Systems704 North Clark StreetAlbion, MI 49224 USA Tel: (517)629-5990Fax: (517)629-6690

E-mail: info@sepatriot.com

4

Assembly and Installation of this equipment should be performed only by professional technicians and is not recommended for consumer D.I.Y. (Do-It-Yourself) applications.

IMPORTANT!

WATCH FOR WIRES! Set-up and use of this product near power lines is dangerous. For your own safety, follow these impor-tant safety rules.

1. Perform as many functions as possible on the ground; do not use metal ladders.

2. Do not assemble antenna on a windy day.

3. The antenna Base should be properly tethered to the ground prior to assembling or deploying the Refl ector.

4. If the assembled antenna begins to blow over, get away from it and let it fall.

5. Watch out for overhead power lines. Check the distance to the power lines before starting installa-tion. We recommend a safety clearance minimum of 20 ft (6 meters) from all power lines.

6. If any part of the antenna comes in contact with a power line, call your local power company. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REMOVE IT YOURSELF! they will remove it safely.

WIND WARNING!Assembling Flyaway antenna systems on windy days can be dangerous. Because of the antenna sur-face, even slight winds create strong forces. For example, a 1.0m antenna facing a wind of 20 mph [32 kph] can undergo forces of 60 lbs. [269 N]. Be prepared to safely handle these forces at unexpected moments. Do not attempt to assemble, move or mount the antenna on windy days or serious, even fatal accidents may occur. PATRIOT ANTENNA SYSTEMS is not responsible or liable for damage or injury resulting from antenna installations or deployments.

DAMAGE WARNING!

Flyaway antennas improperly assembled or inadequately tethered are very susceptible to wind damage. This damage can be very serious or even life threatening. The owner and installer assume full responsi-bility that the assembly and application is structurally sound to support all loads (weight, wind, & ice) and properly sealed against leaks. PATRIOT ANTENNA SYSTEMS will not accept liability for any damage caused by a satellite system due to the many unknown application variables.

5

IntroductionThank you for purchasing your Patriot Commercial Flyaway Antenna. We trust that you will fi nd this to be a well designed product that will provide many years of reliable service. Please read this manual thor-oughly before beginning assembly. For best results in the assembly process, perform each step in the same sequence as listed in this manual. Record the serial number of the unit on page 3 for future refer-ence and read the warranty information. The serial number sticker can be found on the lid of case #1.

Unpacking and InspectionShipping cartons should be unpacked, system cases opened, and contents checked for damaged or missing parts. Should there be any parts that are damaged or missing, please contact Patriot technical support for replacement.

Site SelectionThis system has an assembled weight of approximately 480 lbs [217.7 kg] plus Feed components. Before the Flyaway antenna deployment is begun, the soil type should be checked since conditions can vary widely in composition and load bearing capacity. A soil check will help you to determine if any additional resources may be required to provide a stable platform for use of this antenna system. Another important consideration when choosing a prospective antenna deployment site is whether or not the area can provide an acceptable “look angle” to the satellite. A site with a clear, unobstructed view is required so that you will be able to receive the strongest signal available.

When selecting a deployment site, be sure to observe and take “look angle” readings approximately 10° to the left and right as well as above and below your targeted “look angle”.

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8

1.0 System Assembly and Set-up Procedures

1.1 Quad-pod Base Note: an assistant will be helpful for this step of the antenna assembly

1. Remove Lower Mount Assembly (# 2240F0154) w/attached Azimuth Jack Asm.(# 2240F0075) from Case #2 and place on the ground where the antenna will be erected.

2. Roughly position the assembly whereby the front points toward the azimuth compass reading for the satellite of choice (note the stamped “FRONT” identifi cation). Pivot the Azimuth Jack Asm. from its storage position for later attachment to the yoke on the Upper Mount.

3. Select one Leg Assembly (#2240F0061) from Case #1 and attach to Mount Hub using the tethered “quick-release” pins pictured below. First attach the Leg at the upper holes with Ø1/2” pin, then un-clip Leg Brace swinging down and pinning in place with Ø3/8” pin. Repeat until all (4) Legs are attached.

4. Re-position the Base so the front Leg is pointing towards the target satellite. Level the assembly via the attached “bulls-eye” bubble level. Use the Crank Handle (stored in Case #2) with the adjustable Feet to compensate for variations in terrain. If “riser blocks” are used for very uneven ground, ensure they are stable before proceeding.

5. Important: Secure Quad-pod Base to the ground with tethering stakes (not included) and short adjustable nylon straps or cables looped through the bracket on each Leg.

Assembled Quad-pod Base

Tethering bracket

Bubble Level“FRONT” I.D. Azimuth Jack Asm.

(swing to this pos)

Adjustable Leveling Foot

Target Satellite

Crank Handle

9

1.2 Refl ector Hub

Note: an assistant will be required for this step of the antenna assembly

1. Carefully lift the Refl ector Hub Assembly out of case #3 (using the marked lifting points identifi ed by stickers) and place it on the Quad-pod Base with the Elevation Jack to the rear as shown in the view below. Note: there is a hole that fi ts over the bolt head on the base top plate.

2. While steadying the assembly, tighten all (4) Handknob fasteners to secure it to the base.

3. Extend the Azimuth Jack Screw by cranking the handle and pin it to the yoke on the Upper Mount Asm. as shown in the view below. (Note: Rapid advance & retract of Jacks may be accomplished using a portable electric drill equiped with a 3/8 female hex drive bit; use caution to keep fi ngers out of spinning handwheel)

Handknob fastener

Elevation Jack Asm.

Upper Mount Asm.

Refl ector Hub Asm.

3/8 Hex Drive Adaptors

Upper Mount Asm. (Azim. attach yoke)

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1.3 Radial Beams

1. Remove Radial Beam #1 from case #4 and attach to the Refl ector Hub using the tethered “quick-release” pins pictured below. The correct postitions are numerically matched with stickers on the Hub. Repeat until all (5) Radial Beams are attached.

Refl ector Hub

Radial Beam #1

Radial Beams Attached

5

4

3

2

1

11

1.4 Inner Refl ector Panels

1. Remove Refl ector Panel #1 from case #5 and attach to Radial Beams #1 & 2 using the stainless steel Thumb Screw fasteners pictured below (leave fasteners 1/2 turn loose at this time).

Refl ector Panel

Thumb Screw FastenerTyp. (16)

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1.4 Inner Refl ector Panels (cont.)

2. Remove Refl ector Panel #2 from case #5. Carefully set into place on Radial Beams #2 & 3 while inserting panel alignment pins into mating holes in edge of panel #1. Repeat until all (4) Inner Panels are attached (leave fasteners 1/2 turn loose at this time).

Refl ector Panel #2

Panel Alignment Pins

Inner Panels Attached

4

32 1

13

1.5 Outer Refl ector Panels

Note: an assistant and a small step ladder will be helpful for this step of the antenna assembly

1. Remove Refl ector Panel #5 from case #5. Carefully set into place on the middle Radial Beam while inserting panel alignment pins into mating holes in edge of panels #2 & 3. This may require a slight “rocking” motion to engage one pin then the other. Secure using the stainless steel Thumb Screw fasteners (leave fasteners 1/2 turn loose at this time).

2. Remove the fi rst (2) Panels (9 & 7) from case #6 and set aside. Take Panel #6 and carefully set into place on Radial Beam #4 while inserting panel alignment pins into mating holes in edges of adjacent panels (ensure that Perimeter Latches are not interfering). Repeat for Outer Panels #7, 8, & 9 (leave fasteners 1/2 turn loose at this time).

3. Secure the (2) latches along the Refl ector sides fi rst. Then, working from center out-ward, secure the (4) latches on the upper perimeter of the Refl ector and fi nal tighten all (16) thumb screw fasteners. The Refl ector assembly is now complete.

Refl ector Panel #5

7

6

5 8

9

Assembled Refl ector

Upper Perimeter Latches (4)

Side Latches (2)

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1.6 Feed Boom w/Feed

1. While the antenna is still set at the 90° elevation angle, remove the RH and LH Feed Support Arms from case #4 and attach as shown below matching the numbers on the arms to the numbers on the Hub. Leave the handknob fasteners 1/2 turn loose at this time.

2. Using the Elevation Jack hand-wheel (or a drill equiped with a 3/8 female hex drive bit), raise the Relfl ector to approximately a 40° elevation angle. Remove the Feed Support and Feed Assy’s. from case #3 and attach to the Support Arms as shown below. Final tighten all handknob fasteners at this time.

RH Feed Support Arm (#1)

LH Feed Support Arm (#2)

HandknobFastener

Feed SupportAsm.

Feed Asm.

Handknob Fasteners

(approx. 40° Elevation)

15

Dis-engaged(Rotation Unlocked)

Rotation Lock Pin

Engaged(Rotation Locked)

1.7 Rotation Locking Pin

1. Important! Prior to adjusting the Azimuth angle from 0°, disengage the Rotation Lock Pin located on the Lower Mount top surface. The Lock Pin should be re-engaged for stowing and set-up.

2.0 System Operation

2.1 High-wind Survival

Whenever high winds are anticipated, adjust the antenna to a 90° elevation position. This offers the best defense against wind-load damage to the antenna.

Survival mode (90° Elev.)

16

Typical Ku-BandFeed

FocalAxis

Inclinometer(if required)

2.2 Antenna Pointing

1. Referencing the (2) graduated scales on the Mount, move the Refl ector in Elevation and Azimuth by the respective Actuator Jacks. Use the hex drive adaptor for coarse adjustments and the hand-wheel for fi ne tuning. (Note: Elevation scale will be off if Base is not fully leveled. Use of an Inclinometer may be required in this scenario)

2. If signal is not found on fi rst pass of Azimuth, adjust Elevation up or down in 2° increments until signal is found.

3. Peak the satellite signal by fi ne adjustments made in both Azimuth and Elevation until the optimum signal is achieved.

NOTE: The Refl ector contains a 23° offset look angle. Therefore, when the face of the Refl ector looks perpendicular to the ground, the antenna is actually looking 23 degrees in elevation. The antenna look angle is parallel with the edge of the Refl ector Hub Pivot Plates as shown below.

4. Patriot recommends the use of cross-pol nulling using a spectrum analyzer during the Tx/Rx installations. After setting the azimuth and elevation, peak the co-pol signal using the spectrum analyzer. Then rotate the feed assembly roughly 90° to obtain a cross-pol null. Fine tune the null. The scale on the Feed Horn can be used with the tick mark on the Feed Holder top surface or the seam between the Feed Holder top and bottom. The tick mark and seam are 90° apart. Note that changes may be necessary to the resolution and video bandwidth to bring the signal above the noise fl oor. Note the angle of optimum cross-pol null. Rotate the feed back exactly 90° and tighten the Feed Clamp.

17

1. Adjust the Feed to the appropriate skew angle using theprovided scale reference.

NOTE: Refer to the chart below for polarization angle. El-evation and polarity are both dependent on site azimuthand the difference between satellite and site longitude.

NOTE: Some satellites have a slant angle with respect tothe satellite belt angle. Contact the satellite operator fordetails.

Install site west Install site East of satellite of satellite CW CCW Northern Hemisphere CCW CW Southern Hemisphere

Feed Rotation Chart

NOTE: Linear Polarity systems only

AngleReferenceScale

2.3 Feed Adjustment (typ)

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PATRIOT ANTENNA SYSTEMS704 NORTH CLARK STREET

ALBION, MICHIGAN 49224 USAWWW.SEPATRIOT.COM

3.0 Specifi cations: TXFLY-240

RF Parameters C Band C Band X Band Ku Band Ka BandRx (GHz) 3.913 4.0 7.5 11.725 19.95 Tx (GHz) 6.138 6.138 8.15 14.125 29.75

Midband Gain Rx (dBi) 38.3 38.6 44.0 48.0 52.1Midband Gain Tx (dBi) 42.2 42.4 44.7 49.6 55.5Number of ports 2 2 2 2 2Polarization Circular Linear Circular Linear Circular

PatriotAntenna

2.4m Flyaway(TXFLY-240)

Electrical (RF) Feed:

Transmit RecieveFeed Type: 2-port Xpol Return Loss 19.0 dB typ 17.7 dB typ Insertion Loss 0.1 dB typ 0.3 dB typ Tx/Rx Isolation 80 dB 40 dB Feed Interface WR75 WR75Side Lobes ITU-580-5Cross Polarization (on axis) 26 dB 22 dBAntenna Effi ciency 70% 70%Noise Temp 30 K @ 30° Elev

MechanicalAntenna Size 2.4m (94.5 in)Antenna Optics Single Offset Offset Angle 22.9° F/D 0.635Antenna Mount Type EL over AZ manual actuators Elev Adjustment 0° - 90° Continuous Fine Azim Adjustment +/- 30° Continuous Fine

EnvironmentalOperational Temp -40° to 140°F (-40° to 60°C)Survival Temp -60° to 180°F (-51° to 82°C)Solar Radiation 360 BTU/h/ft2 (1000 Kcal/h/m)2Wind Load Ratings Operational 45 mph (72 kph) Survival 75 mph (121 kph)

Rain Operational 0.5 in/hr (1.3 cm/hr) Survival 3 in/hr (7.6 cm/hr)

Ice 1/4” radial or 1/8” w/40 mph wind

Doc. ID: 2MTXFLY-240 REV001