M-01335, Rev. A
Page 5
3.
System Operation
This section describes the operation of the DBS-4500 satellite system. It does not focus on the
operation of the receiver, except where it pertains directly to the operation of the DBS-4500 satellite
system. For questions about your satellite receiver, refer to the receiver’s operating instructions.
3.1
General
The satellite system must have an unobstructed view of the southern sky. Mountains, buildings,
overpasses, dense trees and other objects can block the satellite’s signal from reaching the antenna and
will result in signal dropouts. If the signal is blocked, the antenna will continue to track the satellite at
its last known position. Re-acquisition should occur within seconds in most cases. If blockage is
sustained for long periods of time (e.g., going through a tunnel) re-acquisition may take several
minutes. For situations where there is blockage or loss of satellite signal for five (5) minutes or more,
the system power should be shut down, the blockage cleared, and the system restarted. This will re-
boot the system, and restart the initialization process. Satellite acquisition should occur within two (2)
minutes. Sharp turns of the vehicle at accelerated speeds may also cause the antenna to briefly lose the
satellite signal. This is normal operation.
3.2
Powering On the System
To apply power to the system, toggle the power switch to the ON position. The on-screen status
message should read “INIT-REV XXXX”. If the status message is not displayed on the television set,
turn off the power and check to see that cable and power connections are properly engaged and
secure. It is recommended that when first acquiring the signal, as indicated by the “INIT-REV
XXXX” message, that your vehicle remain stationary. Drop-outs for the first few minutes may occur
if the vehicle is in motion while the system is initialized.
To turn off power, return the power switch to the OFF position.
3.3
First Time Start Up
The first time the DBS-4500 is turned on after installation it may take several minutes for the unit to
acquire the satellite. This initialization feature determines where you are geographically with respect
to the satellite. Once the system is initialized, the unit will remember where you are and continually
update your position as you move. Future start-ups will use this information to minimize acquisition
time.
