Field Replacement Procedure

Cobham SATCOM
Global Customer Service dept.

Document no.: 97-138945

Revision: D
Date: September 2015

SAILOR 800, 900A & 900B – VSAT Interface Module (VIM) replacement procedure

Brief Summary:
Document for replacing the VSAT Interface Module (S-62-130879) on the SAILOR 800 (7008A), 900A
(7009A) and 900B (7009B) VSAT antennas.

Note: VIM ver. D requires software version 1.50 B36 or later.

Checklist:
 Replace Part
 Verify Initialization and Run POST Test

Replacing the VSAT Interface Module:

Tools needed:

• Torx TX20 Screwdriver

• 4mm Allen Key (provided in the radome hatch, part number: S-47-206968-004)
• Small Flat-Head Screw Driver
• 8mm Open-Ended Spanner/Wrench
• 11mm Open-ended Spanner/Wrench
• 18mm Open-ended Spanner/Wrench

1. Open the service hatch by releasing the two

latches using a Torx TX20 screwdriver (if applicable).
2. Rotate the antenna pedestal so that the arm of the
GPS module faces the service hatch.

3. Switch off the power to the antenna using the

service switch, located on the rear of the pedestal.

Following legal entities are trading as / doing business as Cobham SATCOM

Thrane and Thrane A/S, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
Sea Tel Inc., Concord USA www.cobham.com/satcom
TracStar Systems Inc., Orlando, USA
Omnipless Manufacturing (Pty) Limited, Cape Town, RSA
 4. Locate The VIM.

5. Disconnect the two F-type connectors at the top of

the VIM, using an open-ended 11mm spanner.
*Note: The white coax is installed on the left
connector and the yellow on the right as pictured.

6. Disconnect the two N-type connectors from the

VIM, one at the top and one at the base of the unit.

7. Now disconnect the D-sub connector from the

base of the unit using a small flat-head screwdriver.
8. Then disconnect the SMA connector of the coax
cable at the lower left of the VIM using an 8mm open
ended spanner.

Spare Part Instruction – SAILOR 800 & 900A/B VIM

Document No: 97-138945 Page 2 of 4 www.cobham.com/satcom
Revision: D
 9. Remove the four 4mm Allen bolts securing the
defective VIM to the pedestal using the Allen key
provided in the service hatch of the antenna. Retain
the hardware for future use.
10. Remove the defective VIM.

11. To install a replacement VIM follow the

instructions above in reverse order.

12. Now refer to the following calibration section of

this document to configure the replacement VIM and
verify the system passes the Power On Self Test
(POST).

Calibration of the VSAT Interface Module:

After installing a new VSAT Interface Module (VIM) or Pedestal Control Module (PCM) you must
update the calibration data.

The ACU does not know which of the two modules (VIM or PCM) has been replaced so the ACU needs
to know which set of data to keep.

You must select the module that was Not exchanged (in this case the PCM) so the calibration data
can be copied to the module that was exchanged during service (the VIM).
1. Enter the web interface (http://192.168.0.1) and select the “SERVICE” option, followed by “XIM
DATA”. The below screen will appear:

2. The figure above shows the “Unit-no” for the VIM as “Unit-Serial-Number”, because this was the
module exchanged during this procedure. In this case the user must press the select button
below the “PCM” module in order to copy the current calibration data to the replacement VIM.
3. Click the “Select” button below the “PCM” details (a warning will appear).
4. Click the “OK” button to continue. The calibration data will then be copied to the replacement
VIM.

Spare Part Instruction – SAILOR 800 & 900A/B VIM

Document No: 97-138945 Page 3 of 4 www.cobham.com/satcom
Revision: D
 Verify the Initialization of the SAILOR vsat ADU:
After replacing the defective component re-initialize the pedestal and verify its operation.
Reboot the SAILOR vsat (Sw Off / On the ACU)
Now view the pedestal through the service hatch and switch on the service switch located on the rear
of the pedestal.

Now verify the Initialization process is as follows:

1. The elevation axis will drive from end-stop to end-stop and then to its zero reference point, with
the reflector at 45 degrees. (Elevation zero point)
2. The cross-elevation then drives from end-stop to end-stop and then to its zero reference point,
level with the horizon. (X-elevation zero point)
3. Then the azimuth axis drives one direction and then back on itself before settling at its zero
reference point, with the antenna facing away from the service hatch. (Azimuth zero point)
4. Then the polarization unit axis will drive from end-stop to end-stop and then back to its zero
reference point, at which point the polarization motor module will be at the highest point, with the
LNB coax cables pointing left. (The SAILOR 100 TVRO antenna won’t drive its polarization motor
until after the POST)
*Note: Any errors during the Power On Self-Test (POST) will make the system enter an error state,
with the Antenna Control Unit (ACU) displaying the error. A minor issue with the POST may enable the
system to operate, with the Antenna Control Unit (ACU) displaying the warning.
The system will then go into ‘ready mode’, expecting to get the satellite tracking parameters from the
satellite modem or systems dashboard.
5. Once the tracking information has been received the system will begin to target the satellite at
which point the TV antenna will drive its polarization motor clockwise into its end-stop to calibrate
itself, before driving to the correct look angle for the desired satellite.
6. The Above Deck Unit (ADU) then goes from pointing the antenna to then acquiring the signal, and
finally into tracking mode.
Verify the system completed the initialization process correctly and that no errors were flagged by
the POST

Spare Part Instruction – SAILOR 800 & 900A/B VIM

Document No: 97-138945 Page 4 of 4 www.cobham.com/satcom
Revision: D