Setting up a motorized satellite system might seem like a daunting task, but the Universal Satellites Automatic Location System, or USALS, makes the process much simpler. Developed by STAB, this protocol allows your satellite receiver to calculate the position of all available satellites based on your specific geographical coordinates. Instead of manually finding and saving every single satellite position, you only need to align the motor correctly once and input your location. This guide will walk you through the entire process of configuring your STAB satellite motor using USALS to ensure you get the best possible signal with minimal frustration.
Understanding USALS and How It Works
USALS is a software protocol that revolutionized how motorized satellite dishes are managed. In the past, users had to use DiSEqC 1.2, which required moving the dish manually to every satellite and saving that position in the receiver’s memory. If the motor moved or the dish was bumped, you often had to start over.
With USALS, the receiver does the heavy lifting. By knowing your exact latitude and longitude, the software creates a mathematical model of the satellite arc. When you tell your receiver to move to a specific satellite, it calculates the exact angle required and sends the motor to that spot. This level of precision ensures that your dish stays perfectly aligned with the orbital arc as it moves from east to west.
Tools and Information You Will Need
Before you begin the physical installation and software configuration, gather the necessary tools and data. Having everything ready will prevent interruptions during the alignment process.
Required Tools
- A High-Quality Compass: This helps you find your reference direction (True South or True North).
- Wrenches and Spanners: Usually 10mm to 13mm, depending on your hardware.
- A Spirit Level: This is the most important tool for a successful installation.
- A Satellite Signal Meter: While not strictly necessary if your receiver is nearby, it makes fine-tuning much easier.
Geographical Coordinates
You must know your exact Latitude and Longitude. You can find these using a GPS device, a smartphone map application, or various online coordinate lookup tools. Accuracy is vital here; try to get your coordinates to at least one decimal point (e.g., 40.7° N, 74.0° W).
Step 1: Preparing the Mounting Mast
The success of a USALS setup depends almost entirely on the mounting mast. If the mast is not perfectly vertical, the motor will not follow the satellite arc correctly. As the motor turns, the dish will be too high or too low to catch the signal from satellites at the ends of the arc.
Use your spirit level to check the mast from at least two different angles (90 degrees apart). Adjust the mounts until the bubble is perfectly centered in both directions. Do not skip this step, as even a slight tilt will cause significant signal loss on distant satellites.
Step 2: Setting the Motor Elevation
Every STAB motor has a scale on its side for Latitude and Elevation. You need to adjust the motor bracket to match your local latitude. For example, if your latitude is 42 degrees, you should tilt the motor until the pointer on the bracket aligns with the 42-degree mark on the scale.
Once you have set the motor elevation, tighten the bolts enough to hold the weight of the motor, but leave them loose enough for minor adjustments later if necessary. Note that this setting is different from the elevation of the satellite dish itself.
Step 3: Attaching the Dish to the Motor
Slide the satellite dish onto the motor’s rotating arm (the “journal”). It is critical that the dish is perfectly centered on the arm. Most STAB motors have a center line or notch to help you align the dish bracket. If the dish is even slightly off-center on the arm, the USALS calculations will not work.
Once centered, tighten the dish brackets firmly. At this stage, the motor arm should be at its “zero” position, which is the highest point of its arc. Most motors come from the factory set to zero, but you can check the scale on the motor housing to be sure.
Step 4: Connecting the Cables
Run a coaxial cable from your satellite receiver to the “REC” or “Receiver” port on the STAB motor. Then, run a shorter jumper cable from the “LNB” port on the motor to the LNB on your satellite dish. Ensure all connections are finger-tight and that the weather boots are pulled down to protect the connectors from moisture.
Step 5: Configuring the Receiver Software
Now that the hardware is in place, you need to tell your receiver where you are located. Turn on your TV and receiver and navigate to the antenna setup or motor configuration menu.
Entering Your Coordinates
- Select USALS or GoToX as your motor protocol.
- Locate the fields for Latitude and Longitude.
- Enter your coordinates accurately. Ensure you select “North” or “South” and “East” or “West” correctly.
- Save these settings.
Selecting a Reference Satellite
To align the physical dish, you should choose a “reference satellite.” This is the satellite in the sky that is closest to your actual longitude. For example, if your longitude is 80 degrees West, a satellite located at 79 or 81 degrees West would be an ideal reference. In the receiver menu, select this satellite and tell the motor to “Go to Position.” The motor will move slightly from its zero point to where it thinks that satellite should be.
Step 6: Final Physical Alignment
With the motor moved to the reference satellite position by the receiver, you now need to align the entire assembly (motor and dish together) to find the signal. Do not move the motor arm using the receiver buttons during this step.
- Rotate the entire motor assembly around the mounting mast slowly until you see a signal on your meter or TV screen.
- Adjust the elevation of the dish (not the motor bracket) up or down to maximize the signal strength.
- Once you have found the strongest possible signal for your reference satellite, tighten all bolts on the mast and the dish.
Testing the Installation
Once the reference satellite is locked in, the rest of the satellites should fall into place automatically. Use your receiver to select a satellite at the far east of your arc and wait for the motor to move. Check the signal. Then, select a satellite at the far west. If you have a strong signal at both ends and in the middle, your USALS configuration is successful.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you find that you have a signal in the center of the arc but lose it as the motor moves to the sides, the most likely cause is that your mounting mast is not perfectly vertical. Re-check the mast with your spirit level. Even a fraction of a degree can matter.
If the motor does not move at all, check your cable connections. The motor receives its power directly from the receiver through the coaxial cable. Ensure your receiver is set to provide LNB power and that there are no shorts in the cable connectors.
Conclusion
Configuring a STAB motor with USALS is the most efficient way to enjoy a wide variety of satellite programming. By focusing on a perfectly vertical mast and accurate coordinate entry, you can eliminate the need for manual positioning. This setup provides a reliable, automated experience that brings the entire sky of entertainment to your fingertips. If you found this guide helpful, be sure to explore our other articles on home technology and signal optimization to keep your systems running at peak performance.