What’s the big difference between a marine satellite system and one for your home? It’s pretty obvious: the marine system needs to aim itself constantly. If your marine satellite system isn’t making chances several times a second, you’ll lose communication.
There are two parts to a marine satellite system: the dome and the ACU. The dome is probably something you’re familiar with. It’s up there on the top of the boat, this big white gumdrop that has the satellite dish inside. There’s a bunch of electronics in there too, which allow the dish to respond quickly and keep signals coming in. It’s all locked into that watertight package which is obviously exactly what you want on a boat. But, the dome isn’t everything. There’s also the antenna control unit, or ACU.
Marine satellite systems need extra equipment to help them work right. The satellite dish itself needs more power than a receiver can supply, and there are settings that may need to be changed if you move from area to area. That’s why marine satellite systems have antenna control units, which we commonly call ACUs. The ACU does all the hard work to make sure the marine satellite system communicates with the receivers. It’s used to set basic parameters for the system, like what satellite to track and what part of the world you’re in. Having this sort of control outside the satellite dome makes sense because you would absolutely never want to open that satellite dome to make changes. Putting some of the electronics in the cabin where you can get to them is the smart move.
The antenna control unit is probably located somewhere near other electronic equipment, and it’s usually labeled with the brand name of your satellite system. Here’s a quick visual guide to help you find the ACU.
KVH uses two different systems for antenna control. They call their ACUs “TV hubs.” If you have a smaller system, you probably have something that looks like this:
KVH calls their satellite systems “TracVision” which is why that’s so prominent as opposed to the company name. The company name is on there too but it’s in really small letters.
If you have a multi-satellite system like an HD7 or HD11, your ACU looks like this:
This type of ACU is considerably larger than the grey one and may be in an equipment rack near a lot of very similar stuff.
Intellian systems use ACUs that essentially look very similar. Your ACU may look very close to this one:
although the display on the front may read something else. Intellian does make it easy by putting their brand name in big white letters and the words “Antenna Control Unit” on the front.
Most SeaTel ACUs are wide and thin and look something like this:
The antenna control unit is probably in a stack with other electronic equipment that needs to stay protected from the elements. It may be near your radio or GPS receiver. Once you find it, it’s generally best not to touch it unless instructed by a technician, but you should at least be familiar with how to reboot it. Here’s a tutorial that lays that all out.
This is just one example of the kind of help you’ll get when you talk to the experts at Signal Connect. We have qualified techs with over a decade of experience with marine satellite systems. In fact, we’re the biggest marine satellite activation specialist in the world. There’s a reason DIRECTV made us their Commercial Dealer of the Year… it’s because we know how to take care of our customers. And no matter which satellite system you have, no matter which satellite service you use, we will find a way to help you.
When you’re ready to upgrade to real customer service, call the professionals. The number is 888-233-7563. We’re here during East Coast business hours. If it’s after hours, fill out the form below. We’ll get back to you, usually within one business day.
The post Boat owners: get to know your ACU appeared first on The Solid Signal Blog.
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There are two parts to a marine satellite system: the dome and the ACU. The dome is probably something you’re familiar with. It’s up there on the top of the boat, this big white gumdrop that has the satellite dish inside. There’s a bunch of electronics in there too, which allow the dish to respond quickly and keep signals coming in. It’s all locked into that watertight package which is obviously exactly what you want on a boat. But, the dome isn’t everything. There’s also the antenna control unit, or ACU.
ACU makes it all possible
Marine satellite systems need extra equipment to help them work right. The satellite dish itself needs more power than a receiver can supply, and there are settings that may need to be changed if you move from area to area. That’s why marine satellite systems have antenna control units, which we commonly call ACUs. The ACU does all the hard work to make sure the marine satellite system communicates with the receivers. It’s used to set basic parameters for the system, like what satellite to track and what part of the world you’re in. Having this sort of control outside the satellite dome makes sense because you would absolutely never want to open that satellite dome to make changes. Putting some of the electronics in the cabin where you can get to them is the smart move.
Finding the ACU in your boat
The antenna control unit is probably located somewhere near other electronic equipment, and it’s usually labeled with the brand name of your satellite system. Here’s a quick visual guide to help you find the ACU.
KVH Antenna Control Units
KVH uses two different systems for antenna control. They call their ACUs “TV hubs.” If you have a smaller system, you probably have something that looks like this:
KVH calls their satellite systems “TracVision” which is why that’s so prominent as opposed to the company name. The company name is on there too but it’s in really small letters.
If you have a multi-satellite system like an HD7 or HD11, your ACU looks like this:
This type of ACU is considerably larger than the grey one and may be in an equipment rack near a lot of very similar stuff.
Intellian Antenna Control Units
Intellian systems use ACUs that essentially look very similar. Your ACU may look very close to this one:
although the display on the front may read something else. Intellian does make it easy by putting their brand name in big white letters and the words “Antenna Control Unit” on the front.
SeaTel Antenna Control Units
Most SeaTel ACUs are wide and thin and look something like this:
Where to find the ACU
The antenna control unit is probably in a stack with other electronic equipment that needs to stay protected from the elements. It may be near your radio or GPS receiver. Once you find it, it’s generally best not to touch it unless instructed by a technician, but you should at least be familiar with how to reboot it. Here’s a tutorial that lays that all out.
Get the best customer service and support from Signal Connect
This is just one example of the kind of help you’ll get when you talk to the experts at Signal Connect. We have qualified techs with over a decade of experience with marine satellite systems. In fact, we’re the biggest marine satellite activation specialist in the world. There’s a reason DIRECTV made us their Commercial Dealer of the Year… it’s because we know how to take care of our customers. And no matter which satellite system you have, no matter which satellite service you use, we will find a way to help you.
When you’re ready to upgrade to real customer service, call the professionals. The number is 888-233-7563. We’re here during East Coast business hours. If it’s after hours, fill out the form below. We’ll get back to you, usually within one business day.
The post Boat owners: get to know your ACU appeared first on The Solid Signal Blog.
Continue reading...
