Ferguson Ariva 200 - Manual (Page 11)

7. Connecting the satellite antenna
In order to check the correctness of connection of external equipment, for example a satellite
antenna or converter, read the installation manual or hire a professional technician!
Good reception is conditional on the precise placement of the
antenna. Even the best antenna will cause reception problems if it is
incorrectly adjusted. Even slight placement errors may render
reception impossible or considerably impair image/sound quality.
Before installation make sure that the location is suitable. The
proper direction may be initially determined by making a
comparison with other antennas. There should be no objects
directly in front of the antenna, for these may block the signal from
reaching the bowl! Once you select an optimal location for the
antenna, fix and adjust it initially, and then proceed to a precise
adjustment. Each antenna is fitted with regulating screws that make
it possible to correct its vertical and horizontal placement.
Adjusting is somewhat more difficult in the case of digital tuners. You cannot perform
adjustments on the basis of the image, because this appears with a certain delay. What is more,
the indicators available in the settings menu also act with a delay, and therefore adjustment
may take considerable time and be very imprecise. An antenna signal meter will be
indispensable for setting up the antenna. The meter must be connected to the antenna cable
between the converter and the receiver. This will confirm the presence of a voltage that
switches the converter from the tuner and show the signal strength for individual satellites. We
strongly recommend hiring a professional technician!
8. Connecting an antenna system with a positioner
USALS type positioners manufactured by Stab will guarantee the correct operation of your
Ferguson receiver. In order to connect an antenna system to a USALS positioner, you should
connect the positioner out to the LNB IN of the Ferguson receiver. The role of the positioner
installed between the mast and the antenna is to turn the bowl in such a way as to ensure that
it is directed to various satellite positions. The positioner is built in such a way that its axis of
revolution is parallel to the direction towards the North Star. For this reason, its mounting is
frequently termed the Polar mount. In consequence, when the satellite changes position, it is
not necessary to adjust the azimuth and elevation independently. The antenna revolves only in
one axis. Using the introduced scale, the motor inclines in such a way as to ensure the
appropriate placement of the axis of revolution. The angle of inclination corresponds to the
latitude of the location where the antenna is installed. As in the case of a fixed antenna, the
angle of elevation of the bowl must first be set. For this purpose, use is made of a satellite
located as close as possible to the south of your location. Ideally, the position of the satellite
should not differ from that of the said direction by more than 5°. In other words, you should use
the satellite position closest to the longitude of the point of installation. For example, if your
longitude is 73° W, you should search for a satellite located at a position between 68° and 78°
W.
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