installer training

Installer Training

Presented by Platco in Partnership with SESWeb: www.openviewhd.co.zaSES Web: www.africa.ses.comInstallers Web: www.ovhdinstallers.co.za

Platco Digital (PTY) LtdWedgewood Office Park, Block D,

No 3 Muswell Road SouthBryanston, Johannesburg 2191

Agenda1. Welcome 5 Minutes2. Introduction/Overview 5 Minutes 3. Theory 90 Minutes 4. Test 10 Minutes5. STB demos/discussion:• Ellies 20 Minutes• Switch 10 Minutes • Space TV 10 Minutes

6. Activation process 5 Minutes 7. Incentive program 10 Minutes8. Practical 15 Minutes

Platco Digital – Brings you Openview HD

South African consumers will soon have more to choose from when it comes to digital television. Platco Digital (Platco) will be launching OpenView HD, a free-to-view direct to home (DTH) satellite offering on 15th October 2013. OpenView HD will carry licensed free TV channels locally. In any territory where it operates, Platco Digital will work with licensed broadcasters to provide viewers access to channels licensed to operate in those territories. Platco Digital will therefore always be in compliance with national broadcasting laws and regulations. Platco’s South African DTH platform, Openview HD, will not be engaging in any licensable activities on its own behalf as it merely provides technical platform services to licensed free-to-air broadcasters on the basis of their existing licences.

OpenView HD Overview

OpenView HD OverviewViewers wishing to access the OpenView HD offering will need to purchase and install a satellite dish and set top box from retail outlets as well as installers. Other than these initial set-up costs, the offering of 16 channels at launch will be free – making OpenView HD the first of its kind in South Africa.

Platco Digital is owned by Sabido Investments (Pty) Limited, the holding company of free-to-air broadcaster e.tv. It has been established to provide solutions for multi-channel carriage and distribution on DTH, digital terrestrial television (DTT) and mobile TV in South Africa and in the rest of Africa. Platco Digital has its offices in Bryanston, Johannesburg and uplink facilities in Cape Town.

OpenView HD OverviewPlatco Digital has entered into partnerships with a range of companies including satellite provider SES, leading conditional access vendor NDS as well as set top box (STB) distributors, ABT, Ellies, Space, Switch, and Telergy.

“One of our key brand values is partnerships, we believe in building and

maintaining strong and sustainable relationships with all our business partners and consumers, based on honesty, integrity

and trust,”

Authorised Installer Number

Once you - the installer, has passed the test and practical, you will be issued a unique “Authorised Installer Number #”

This number will be issued today

Authorised Installer Number This unique number will entitle the installer to the following which will in turn be sent to you.

1. OVHD Identification Card & Lanyard (1 per person)

2. Authorised OVHD installer set of Car magnet

(max 1 set per company )3. OVHD dust coats

( max 2 per company )4. OVHD T-Shirts

( 1 per person )5. OVHD certificate

( 1 per person )

Theory

Presented by Platco in Partnership with SESWeb: www.openviewhd.co.zaSES Web: www.africa.ses.comInstallers Web: www.ovhdinstallers.co.za

Platco Digital (PTY) LtdWedgewood Office Park, Block D,

No 3 Muswell Road SouthBryanston, Johannesburg 2191

The early days of satellite In 1945 Arthur. C. Clarke,

proposed a satellite communication system

• ± 36,000 Km above earth appear to be standing still

• Only in the early 1960’s rockets were powerful enough to launch satellites to this orbit

Three main types of orbit for satellite communications:

1. Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO)90% of the time, Geostationary Earth Orbit satellites will be the object of your attention: They are a long way from earth (22,237 miles) but they appear stationary when seen from the earth’s surface. A signal takes about a quarter of a second to do a round trip from the earth to the satellite and then back to earth, so there is a noticeable voice delay

2. Non-Geostationary (NGEO)

3. Polar

GEO: Orbital slots:The location of a satellite is called an orbital slot

The orbital slot is measured in degreesof longitude from the Greenwich Meridian

SES-5 is based at 5 degrees east

Different types of orbit

Types of satellite orbitGeo-stationary orbit

• 36,000 Km from the earth• Above equator• Appears stationary• Orbits around earth at 15° per hour

at the same speed as the earth• Does not require tracking• Used mostly for DTH and VSAT

SES-5Key dataLaunch date – 10 July 2012Lifespan – 15 years

Orbital location5°E

Total transpondersC-Band: 28 (36 MHz equivalent)Ku-band: Africa: up to 24 out of 6 FSS (36 MHz) 24 BSS (33MHz) Nordic: up to 12 out of 12 FSS (36 MHz), 7 BSS (33MHz)

Coverage areaSub-Saharan Africa, Middle East and North Africa, Europe, Atlantic Ocean Region

The Satellite transmission chain

• UplinkTransmits the programmes to the satellite

• SatelliteConverts the uplink frequencies to lower frequencies and amplifies them before transmitting back to earth

• TVROReceives the signals converts to a lower frequency

• ReceiverDe-modulates signal and decrypts for viewing on TV set

The domestic receive only television site

• RefletorConcentrates Ku-band Signals

• LNBAmplifies and down converts signals

• Satellite ReceiverDe-Modulates and decrypts signals

• TV/MonitorDisplays the programs

Theoretical fundamentals1. The volt (V)

• Electrical force or pressure• Received satellite signals are small• Use the millivolt (One thousandth of a volt)• Use the microvolt (One millionth of a volt)

2. The Amp (I) & the Watt (W)The amp can be regarded as the “volume” of electricity in a wire or circuit

The watt is the amount of power generated when the volts and amps are multiplied together. P=IVWatts is used for the power transmitted by the satellite, but not for the signals received as these are too small.

The footprint is rated in watts, but this relates to the power transmitted from the satellite

Figure 10a. Volt vs millivolt Figure 10b. Millivolt vs microvolt

Figure 12. The DC Waveform

Theoretical fundamentals3. Alternating current – the sine wave

• The value varies between a positive and equal negative value over time

• This is the type of waveform transmitted to and from the satellite

4. Direct current• The one port of the supply always stays

positive and the other always stays negative

• Used for power and switching to the LNB

• Think of D.C. as the way a car battery works

5. Frequency• Number of cycles per second is known

as the frequency

Figure 13a. Frequency of 1HZ (one cycle per second)

Figure 11. The AC Waveform

Figure 12. The DC Waveform

Theoretical fundamentals6. Frequency terminology

• 1 Hertz = 1 cycle per second

• 1,000 Hertz = 1 kilohertz =1,000 cycles per second

• 1,000,000 Hertz = 1megahertz = 1,000,000cycles per second

• 1,000,000,000 Hertz = 1 gigahertz = 1,000,000,000cycles per second

Figure 14. Frequency Spectrum

7. The frequency spectrum

• All these frequencies are sine waves

• It is only the number of oscillations per second that are different

The electromagnetic spectrum

Theoretical fundamentals

Satellite bands

• L-band: exclusively reserved for mobile satellite services (MSS). Currently Inmarsatand Globalstar, ICO and others to follow.

• C-band: fixed satellite services (FSS) and television broadcast (BSS). Mainly used in areas of high rainfall, Asia, Africa and Latin America, due to its tolerance to “rain fade”. Often used in beams with widely dispersed power, e.g. Global beams

• Ku-band: FSS and BSS primarily used in North America and Europe, not least because it avoids terrestrial C-band interference. Often configured as high powered spot beams

• Ka-band: The path for broadband services via satellite. Very susceptible to atmospheric attenuation. Commercial use is small today, but many future projects plan Ka-band systems


Satellite band usage

8. The decibel (dB)

• 54 dBµV= 0.5 mV • 57 dBµV= 0.7 mV• 60 dBµV= 1 mV • 63 dBµV= 1.4 mV• 66 dBµV= 2 mV • 72 dBµV= 4 mV

Remember this is how it reads on your field strength meter!

Theoretical fundamentalsBand Frequencies Spectrum Available Typical Applications

L 1.5 -1.6 GHz 50 MHz Mobile Satellite CommunicationsS 2.5 GHz 70MHz Mobile Satellite CommunicationsC 4 – 6 GHz 500 MHz Trunk Telephony / data / DTHX 7 – 8 GHz 30 MHz Military / Feeder links

Ku 10 – 14 GHz 2 GHz DTH / DataKa 20 – 30 GHz 2 GHz Broadband Applications

O/V 37.5 – 40.5 GHz 3 GHz Broadband ApplicationsW 71 -74 GHz 3 GHz Broadband Applications

Voltages doubles with every 6 dB

increase in signal

9. Lines of latitude & Longitude

• The lines of latitude run parallel to the equator

• The lines of longitude run from the North to the South poles and converge at the poles

• These lines decide the elevation, azimuth and skew of every satellite installation

10. The electromagnetic wave

• All sine waves have a magnetic and electric part at right angles to each other

• The electrical part determines the polarization

Figure 15. Latitude and longitude Figure 15. Electro magnetic wave


Figure 16. Analogue signal

Figure 17. Digital signal

11. The analogue waveform

• The voltage level of this wave form varies with time

• This is the type wave form that is transmitted to and from the satellite

12. The digital signal

• Only has two values “1” or “0”• “1” can be any value• This is the form used for the television

signal that is modulated onto the satellite frequency

Figure 22. Noise and signal


14. Atmospheric noise• This noise is created by small

molecules rubbing together in the atmosphere

• Cannot be seen or heard• Ground noise comes from the ground• The hotter and drier it is, the more

ground noise is available

NB! The satellite signal has totravel through this noise!

15. Electronic noise• Every electronic circuit generates noise• The higher the gain, the more noise is

generated• This noise is also caused by molecular

movement• The noise figure (N.F.) on the side of the

LNB shows the amount of noise the LNB generates

• The lower this figure the better it is

Theoretical fundamentals13. Bandwidth

• The carrier without modulation is only a sharp spike

• When modulation is added, the signal spreads on either side of the centre frequency

• The more information required, the wider the bandwidth gets

• Bandwidth is the limiting technical and financial restraints in satellite transmission

16. Rain fade

• The rain drops are much larger than the wave length of the Ku-band signals

• Some of the signal is absorbed in the rain drops and the energy is lost in heat as it warms the rain drops

• Some of the signal is reflected

17. Sun outages

• The sun is the biggest generator of noise

• In March and September the sun is directly behind the satellite

• The noise level is much higher than the signal level

Figure 23. Sun outage


• L-band• C-band down link• C-band up link• Ku-band down link• Ku-band up link

The L-band frequency is a much lower frequency so that the signal can be transmitted down the coax cable

If the signals at C-band and Ku-band were transmitted down the coax cable the signal losses would be too high

18. The satellite frequency groups


19. C-band & Ku-band comparison

C-Band• Minimal rain fade• Reflectors are much larger• Prone to terrestrial interference• Lower frequency

Ku-band• Suffers from rain fade• Smaller reflectors required• No terrestrial interference• High frequency


20. Satellite transmission power

• Low power transponders 2,5 Watts per channel

• Medium power transponders55 Watts per channel

• High power transponders>110 Watts per channel

• This power is not enough and is increased by the antenna gain (Effective isotropic radiated power)

• Typical E.I.R.P used across Africa can be 44 dBW (25120 watts)

Polarization – H & V


Figure 25. Vertical and horizontal signals Figure 26. The difference between off-set and prime focus

21. Polarization

• Satellite transmission can re-use the same frequencies but on two different polarities

• The polarity refers to the electrical part of the signal

• Polarity can be vertical, horizontal, right hand circular or left hand circular

22. What is a reflector?

Prime focus• Usually used for C-band• Signal blockage not that important due

to reflector size

Off-set• Usually used on Ku-band• No signal blockage


23. Reflector size

• The larger the reflector, the more of the wave front can be intercepted

• This means more gain focuses all the signal onto the LNB

24. Factors affecting gain

• The higher the frequency, the higher the gain (A 2m reflector will have a gain of 36 dB at C-band and 45 dB at Ku-band)

• The accuracy of the reflector surface• Over-illumination• Under-illumination


Figure 28. Beam width

Figure 29. Carrier to noise25. Beam width

• This is defined as the angle between the half power points

• The larger the reflector, the smaller the beam width

The smaller the beam width, the harder to find the signal but the higher the signal level

26. Carrier to noise ratio

• This is the ratio used to express the level of the signal to the level of the noise

• The better this level, the better the reception

• When the ratio is low the receiver cannot discriminate between the signal and the noise


27. Symbol rate

• The symbol rate can be defined as the number of digital “symbols” modulated onto a carrier in one second

• With qpsk there are two digital “bits ” per symbol

• With 8psk there are three digital “bits ” per symbol

• Dvb -s2 allows qpsk as well as higher order modulation schemes including 8psk ; 16-apsk ; 32-apsk

• In a 36 MHZ transponder the rate is usually 27,5 million to 30 million symbols per second

• When the ratio is low, the receiver cannot discriminate between the signal and the noise

28. Forward Error Correction – “FEC”

• These refer to the extra bits transmitted for correcting errors in the signal received

• There is a standard set of values expressed as a fraction

1/2 = One of every two bits used for error correction

2/3 = One of every three bits used for error correction

3/4 = One of every four bits used for error correction

5/6 = One of every six bits is used for error correction

7/8 = One of every eight bits is used for error correction

The higher the carrier-to-noise ratio, the less error correction bits are needed


29. Bit error rate – “BER”

• This read out shows the proportional rate of incorrect bits that are received in the bit-stream

• Bit-error rates (“ber ”) can be measured before error correction (pre-corrected) or after (post-corrected). Obviously the “ber ” post correction will be better

Examples:3 X 10-2 = 3 incorrect bits per 100 bits3 X 10-3 = 3 incorrect bits per 1,000 bits3 X 10-4 = 3 incorrect bits per 10,000 bits3 X 10-5 = 3 incorrect bits per 100,000 bits3 X 10-6 = 3 incorrect bits per 1,000,000 bits3 X 10-7 = 3 incorrect bits per 10,000,000 bits

30. Compression

• This is the term used in digital transmission to reduce the bandwidth requirements

• This is achieved by only transmitting the required information as per scene changes or the movement within a scene

31. The LNB

• Acronym for “Low Noise Block Down Convertor”

• Situated in front of the reflector at the focal point

• Does not tune to single frequency but receives a group of frequencies

• Amplifies this group of frequencies to a high level without introducing excessive noise

• Converts this group of frequencies to a lower frequency called L-band


Figure 30. Front of LNB Feed Horn Figure 31. LNB block diagram

32. The feed horn

• It is the tube in front of the LNB also known as a “waveguide”

• Contains the two probes (Antennas) for the vertical and horizontal polarization

• This is the only part of the installation that can discriminate between horizontal and vertical polarization

33. LNB– principles of Operation

• The switch selects between Vertical (13v) and horizontal (18v) polarity

• The LNA “low noise amplifier” amplifies the low Ku-band signal

• The down convertor converts the Ku-band to L-band


34. Workings of the down convertor

When the 22KHz tone is selected, the higher oscillator (10600 MHz) is selected. When there is no 22KHz tone, the lower oscillator (9750 MHz) is selected

The oscillator frequency is subtracted from the incoming Ku-band frequency to provide an L-band frequency. i.e. 11130 - 9750 = 1380 MHz 12562 - 10600 = 1962 MHz

The result falls within the L-band (950–2150 MHz)

If the wrong oscillator is selected, the resultant frequency falls outside the L-band

35. Types of LNB’s

Single universalThis LNB has a single output that switches between high band and low band, vertical and horizontal

Twin universalThis LNB has two outputs and each port switches independently between horizontal, vertical, high band and low band

QuadThis LNB has four ports that all switch independently

QuattroThis LNB has four dedicated ports – high vert – high hor – low vert – low hor

SAT-CRThis LNB has a SATCR output and 1 or 2 single output/s


36. Elevation and azimuth

• The azimuth is the angle clockwise to the right of north

• The elevation is the angle above the horizon

37. The skew

• The skew aligns the two probes with the electrical part of the received satellite signal

• This gives maximum discrimination between horizontal and vertical signals

• Has to be done to provide the best BER and C/NFigure 32. The Skew


Figure 33.

38. Decryption


39. The coaxial cable

• Centre conductor can be solid Copper or copper clad steel – ”skin effect”

• Dielectric is usually air blown P.E. foam

• Shield is usually a combination of aluminium foil and braid for cost saving

• Outer sheath is usually PVC, but has to be P.E. for underground use

40. Coaxial cable impedance

• TV cable has an impedance of 75 ohm

• This is written on the side of the cable

• “D” and “d” play a big part in the calculation

• Sharp bends and too small cable clips compress the outer sheath and changes the impedance

• Has to be done to provide the best ber and C/N

NB. Impedance changes causes mismatches and mismatches cause signal losses,

reflections and all sorts of signal problems!


41. Coaxial cable D.C. resistance

• This is measured with a multimeter

• A good cable should have a reading between 15 and 20 ohm per 100m

• Solid copper core has a lower D.C. resistance than copper clad steel

• When voltage is supplied to the LNB a high D.C. Resistance causes a volt drop

• If the 18V (horizontal) is supplied to the LNB the voltage at the LNB might be too low and the LNB will stay in vertical mode. Result = no reception on “h”

42. Coaxial cable signal loss

• All coaxial cables have a signal loss

• The higher the frequency, the higher the signal loss

• Use a cable with a loss of ± 30 dB per 100m at 2150 MHz

• Avoid 75 ohm video cable (stranded inner core) as this does not work at all

43. Underground coaxial installation

• Direct burial has armoured sheath• Other underground coax always in conduit• PVC absorbs moisture – causes signal loss


Practical Installation

1. Dealing with the client

You are not only representing yourself

• Pleasant telephone manners• Always return calls A.S.A.P.• Don’t argue with the subscriber• Arrive on time• Dress neatly• Speak to the subscriber courteously• Don’t lie

2. Basic test equipment

• Field strength meter(Minimum requirements signal level indication, carrier to noise, pre and post bit error correction and spectrum analyser)

• Multimeter (for voltage and continuity checks)

• Compass (to indicate azimuth)• Inclinometer (to indicate elevation)

Remember 1st impressions count!

Practical Installation3. Basic tool set

• Hammer / electric drill with masonry and steel bits

• Side cutter• Glue gun• Amalgamating tape• Fish tape

• Set of ring and flat spanners

• Knife• Spirit level• Short and long ladder• Adjustable spanner

• Set of star and flat screw drivers

• Long nose pliers• Plumb line• Hammer• Extension lead

4. Reception equipment

• Use the correct size reflector for your country as specified

• A smaller reflector will provide a useable signal but will not be reliable and cause premature loss of signal

5. Selecting the installation position

• Find the azimuth, elevation and skew from the city tables

• Try and find a place at the back or side of the building to install the dish

• Do not install the dish at the front close to front door

• Avoid a line of sight to the satellite that has a tree or other obstacle in the way

• If there is no other installation area, first discuss this with the client


6. Setting polarisation offset (“LNB skew”)

• Check the city tables for the polarization offset (“LNB skew”)

• Don’t forget to do final skew adjustment for best “BER” when antenna has been aligned!

7. Selecting the installation Position

• Ensure that there are no obstructions in the signal path

• Remember that the received signals are weak, and will not provide good results when there are obstructions!


Figure 35b. Right! Clear signal Figure 36. Bracket with spirit level

8. Selecting the installation position

• Clear path with no obstruction9. Installing the mounting bracket

• Spirit level• 4 X wall plugs and bolts• Hammer• Correct size masonry drill bit• Hammer drill• It is important that this bracket be

installed vertically as it looks neat and allows for correct antenna alignment!

10. Installing the mounting bracket

• Drill one hole and fit the bracket to the wall

• Place the spirit level on the side of the bracket, move until vertical and mark the other three holes

• Drill the three remaining holes and fit the bolts

• Tighten the bracket securely

• The bracket must be tight as any movement will cause signal loss especially in windy conditions!

Practical Installation11. Aligning the satellite antenna

Step one• Assemble the antenna according to the

manufacturer’s instructions

Step two• Refer to attached elevation appendix and

set the elevation marked on the side of the antenna to the approximate elevation setting

• Do not over tighten the bolts, but allow for some movement!

Step three• Set the skew on the LNB to the value for

your city per the city tables

Step four• Mount the antenna on the mounting

bracket and tighten the mounting bolts, but not too tight as the antenna still needs to be moved on the pole

Step five• Connect your field strength meter and

cable to the LNB

Step six• Set your field strength meter to the

parameters found in the installation spec

Step seven• Select the spectrum facility or signal level

reading on the field strength meter• Ensure that the elevation adjustment is

set on the side of the antenna• Use a compass to obtain the approximate

azimuth • Move antenna slowly left and right until a

peak signal is found• If not, adjust elevation up or down and

repeat the process

Practical Installation11. Aligning the satellite antenna

Step eight• When a peak is found, move the antenna

slowly up and down and left and right until you are satisfied that the antenna is peaked

• Tighten all the bolts on the antenna

Step nine• Now use the field strength meter to read

the C/N the pre- and post BER and the signal level. Write this down for future reference

Step ten• In areas of high elevation, pour a cup of

water into the reflector• If some of the water remains, then drill a

5mm hole in the antenna• Paint this hole with rust proofing

afterwards

12. Setting the skew

This is the only way of choosing between vertical and horizontal!

• Use the spectrum facility on the field strength meter, choose 13V for vertical and rotate lnb until spectrum is at its lowest or use the ber reading on the meter and rotate lnb until the pre-ber is at its best or look at the signal quality reading on the decoder

• Rotate the LNB for the best reading

This is very important!

Practical InstallationSatellite parameters:

SatelliteSES-5

Orbital location5°E

Satellite manufacturerSpace Systems Loral

Uplink frequency Ku-band: Africa: 14.5 – 14.8 GHz

Uplink frequency Ku-band: Africa: 17.3 – 18.1 GHz

Downlink frequency Ku-band: Africa: 11.7 – 12.5 GHz

Practical Installation13. The cable installation

• Use a long masonry drill that can go straight through the wall• Use a vacuum cleaner or tape a bag under the hole that is being drilled• Make sure there are no water pipes or electrical conduits in the wall• Do not press too hard on the drill• Fill the hole around the cable with filler once the cable is installed• Only use a good quality 75 ohm 7mm cable. A good cable has a signal loss of

±30dB per 100m at 2 GHz

Figure 37. Vacuum or bag placement for drilling

14. Cable installation

• Placing bag or vacuum cleaner under the hole

Practical Installation15. Cable installation – outside wall

• Use a plumb bob for installing the cable vertically on a wall• Use a spirit level to draw horizontal lines to install cable horizontally

Figure 38b. Using a spirit level for horizontal cable

16. Cable installation – inside wall

• Do not install the cable in the middle of the wall• Install the cable on the skirting board or in the corners of the room• Use a hot glue gun or Sestic Glue instead of cable clips wherever possible• Do not bend the cable sharply as this causes mismatches!• Only use the correctly sized cable clips as small cable clips

compress the cable and cause mismatches!

Figure 38a. The plumb line


Figure 39a. Coax cutting measurements Figure 39b. Coax cutting measurements

17. The F connectors

• These are the approximate cutting dimensions

• Twist the braid to one side as modern cables have a small amount of braid and this provides some strength

• Cut the cable with a knife or a special cutting tool


Figure 39c. F connector centre coreFigure 40. Earthing

18. The F connector

• Fit only the right size connector

• Compression or crimp type connectors may be used but require the correct tools

• The centre core only needs to protrude by 1 mm

19. Earthing

• Must be done in accordance with the local laws and regulations

• Diagram shows a simple method• Earthing must always be done

20. Installing the decoder

• Connect satellite cable to LNB in on the back of decoder

• Connect the AV leads and RF cable from decoder to TV set

• Insert batteries into remote control• Ensure that the smartcard is in the slot• Switch on decoder and TV set• Select the installation “menu” on the

decoder remote and configure the necessary parameters for signal reception

Practical Installation21. Signal scan

• Perform signal scan via the menu• When completed, note the signal strength and signal quality values and note them on

the installation form• Make sure that these values are higher than the minimum “pass / fail” specification. If

not, you need to re-optimise the antenna adjustments (“azimuth”, “elevation” and “skew”), until the decoder passes the required signal quality level

Before doing anything else, perform a “forced download” to ensure that the decoder

has the latest software parameters for signal reception

Finishing off

• Activate the set top box.• Dial *120*OVHD#

*120*6843#• Follow the on-screen prompts.• Make sure the set top box is activated before leaving.

Clean up your mess!

Programming

• SABC 1• SABC 2• SABC 3• E-tv (HD)• eKasi+• eAfrika+• eMovies+• Zest TV

• ASTV• Deen TV• eToons+• Mindset Learning• Davinci Learning• English club (education)• Spirit Word• Inspiration TV

They are as follows:

installer training

Documents

platco digital platco

openview hd offering

digital television

licensed free tv channels

unique number

company ovhd tshirts

holding company of free

licensed broadcasters