Dollar General Store Shared Hub Rollout Skystar Advantage VSAT ...

Dollar General Store 

Shared Hub Rollout 

Skystar Advantage 

VSAT Installation Guide 

DG-10-0001F 

September 13, 2001

Spacenet 

Customer Convenience Issues 

� Do not smoke while on site. 

HOT SHEET 

Proprietary Information 

� Refrain from using profanity. 

� Do not loiter in the customer area. Meet the customer point of contact (POC) and 

perform a brief site survey. 

� Do not interfere with the normal business of the customer in any way. 

Use good judgement if normal business activity is in progress. Keep all noise to a 

minimum. 

� Do not block customer vehicles with your vehicle. Park away from the building, out of 

customer view. 

� Do not make any toll telephone calls that can be billed to the site. Use a pay phone 

whenever possible. 

Operational Issues 

� Make sure you have all parts required for installation; Customer supplied Orange 

RJ–45 Cable. Confirm Date of Version on Server Register (see 1.5) 

� Make sure that there is a clear line-of-sight to new satellite from the mount location. If 

you are not sure that there is a clear line of sight, contact your Spacenet area 

manager. 

� Review the entire installation process with POC before starting work. 

� Do not install an antenna wall mount on any wall except the rear wall of the building, or 

on the side wall and three feet from the rear wall, unless approved by the site 

manager. 

� Make sure you have sufficient IFL cable, line amps, and conduit. 

� Do not drill any holes in the roof. 

� Do not penetrate the building for IFL cables except through the rear wall and with 

approval from the POC. Enclose the IFL cables in a conduit or bring them in through 

an existing pitch pocket or equivalent point of entry. 

� Use an RG6 cable pigtail between the IFL cable and the IDU. 

� Do not shut off any electric power breakers without approval from the POC. 

� Do not install an IFL conduit horizontally over a driveway or walkway. 

� Do not scratch or damage the building exterior. Never rest the ladder against the 

customer’s structure. Always protect the ladder end with bumper pads or other 

material to prevent damage to the building. 

� Leave the site as you found it. Remove all trash used for the installation from the site. 

Be sure that all cabling is neat and tie wrapped. 

� Do not block or take out of commission more than one cash register at any time, for 

example complete cabling prior to downloading or commissioning server register. 

� Make sure the installation activity, while in progress or left unattended, does not pose 

a hazard to anyone, for example do not leave tools or ladders in the path of customer. 

Dollar General Stores Skystar Advantage VSAT Installation Guide

CONTENTS 

Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i 

1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 

1.1 Interface Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 

1.2 Satellite Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 

1.3 Mount Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

1.4 Installation Tools and Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

1.5 Installer Provided Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

2 

2. Installing the VSAT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 

2.1 Pre-installation Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 

2.2 Performing the VSAT Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 

2.2.1 Installing the Antenna Mount . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 

2.2.1 Installing the Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 

2.2.2 Running The IFL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 

2.2.3 Cable Installation in Manager’s Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 

3. IDU Installation and System Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 

3.1 Commissioning the VSAT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 

3.2 Connecting IDU to Register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5&6 

3.3 Store Commissioning Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–10 

3.4 Final Commissioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 

3.5 Hub Replacement Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 

A. Contact Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Append A 

B. Quick Guide to Using VACS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Append B 

C. Installation Parameters (Dollar General) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Append C 

D. Bill of Materials (BOM) (Dollar General) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Append D 

E. Installer’s Forms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Append E 

Dollar General Stores Skystar Advantage VSAT Installation Guide

Preface 

Purpose 

Audience 

This guide describes the procedures for installing a Spacenet very small aperture 

terminal (VSAT) at a Dollar General store location. It supplements the detailed 

procedures in the Spacenet VSAT Installation Guide. 

This guide is for installers of Spacenet VSATs. It assumes that the installer is familiar 

with the procedures described in the Spacenet VSAT Installation Guide. 

Organization 

This guide contains the following chapters: 

� Chapter 1, “Introduction,” provides overview information about the VSAT installation 

� Chapter 2, “Installing the VSAT,” describes actions to perform before beginning the 

VSAT installation 

� Chapter 3, “IDU Installation and System Testing,” describes how to connect the 

customer’s host PC to the indoor unit (IDU) and testing the system 

� Appendix A, “Contact Information” lists the names, telephone numbers, and e-mail 

addresses of persons to contact for questions or problems with the installation 

� Appendix B, “Quick Guide to Using VACS,” briefly describes installing and 

commissioning a site using the configuration script and the VSAT Automated 

Commissioning System (VACS) 

� Appendix C, “Installation Parameters,” lists the parameters to enter when configuring 

the IDU 

� Appendix D, “Bill of Materials,” lists the materials required to complete the installation 

� Appendix E, “Job Completion Form,” contains the form necessary to complete the 

VSAT installation. 

Document Conventions 

This document uses the following conventions: 

Contents i

Spacenet 

italics 

Indicate variable data 


bold 

Indicates text that you type exactly as shown 

courier ÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁ 

font Indicates computer voice. 

ÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁ 

ÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁ 

ÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁ 

ÁÁÁÁÁÁÁÁ 





Dollar General Skystar Advantage VSAT Installation Guide Contents ii

1. Introduction 

Dollar General is tasking Spacenet to provide data communication services to its retail 

stores in the United States. Spacenet’s VSAT network provides store connectivity for: 

� Xcellenet polling 

� Check authorization 

� On-line inventory management. 

� Calling Card Activation 

The VSAT service includes MSK modulation on the inbound side and Reed Solomon 

coding on the outbound side. The outbound data rate is 1 Mbps, QPSK, requiring a 

phase–locked loop (PLL) low noise block converter (LNB). The inbound rate is 76.8 

kbps. The Satellite is GE–5, Transponder 2, Horizontal Polarity. 

1.1 Interface Type 

Ethernet ports will be available on both the IDU and customer’s equipment, most likely 

an Ethernet Hub connected to a Server Register. Use a RJ–45 straight thru cable to 

connect from the IDU to the Ethernet Hub. 

1.2 Satellite Equipment 

The VSAT equipment consists of: 

� One indoor unit (IDU) with one Ethernet port and two RS–232 serial ports 

� One F-type bullet connector 

� One IDU-to-IFL cable assembly with RG6 connectors 

� Heat shrink tubing (4 foot length) 

� One 1 watt outdoor unit (ODU) with a PLL LNB 

� One 1.2 meter antenna, including one of the following standard mounts: 

� Non–penetrating roof mount 

� Close–in wall mount 

� Medium–reach wall mount 

� No hole pole mount 

� Ridge Mast Mount (Non–Standard) 

� Roof Build Up (Non–Standard) 

� IFL cable; non–plenum RG11 (two lengths of up to 150 feet each) 

� Four crimp-on female connectors. 

� Orange 3’ RJ–45 Cable (Customer Supplied) 

� Ethernet Hub (8 Port) for Specific Sites (Customer Supplied) 

The customer is providing 10baseT Ethernet cable to connect the IDU to the 

PC/Ethernet hub. Spacenet will distribute to installation teams. 

Dollar General Skystar Advantage VSAT Installation Guide Page 1

Spacenet 

1.3 Mount Options 

NOTE: In the event that a 10’ No Hole Pole, Ridge Mast Mount, 

Standard Ground Mount or Roof Build Up are needed; you must 

submit an ECO for approval. 


For VSAT mounts, perform standard installation procedures as described in the Spacenet 

VSAT Installation Guide. At most locations, a non-penetrating roof mount will be used. 

1.4 Installation Tools and Materials 

Dollar General sites require standard VSAT installation tools. Before going to the site, 

be sure that you have all equipment and parts required on the bill of materials (BOM). 

Be sure to bring the customer Orange RJ–45 Cable. 

NOTE: THE INSTALLER IS NOT TO REQUEST ANY STORE PERSONNEL 

TO EITHER OPEN EARLY OR STAY LATE TO FACILITATE THIS 

INSTALLATION. 

1.5 Procedure for Checking Software Version of Server Register 

1 Have Store Manager sign on the Server Register. 

2 At the Scan/Enter Item Prompt: type 999 and press F2 Key. 

3 A Box should appear with the following information: TRIMAX IBM 4694 

POS–BKOFFICE SERVER/ASCTXNV5.4.4.11 BUILD (JULY 23/01) GEN CHK 

AUTHpress any key. 

4 Confirm that the date is July 23/01 or after. 

5 Press the escape key to exit once Date is verified. 

NOTE: IF THE DATE DOES NOT AGREE WITH THE ABOVE DATE, CONTACT 

THE MIS HELP DESK AT 1–700–200–1234 EXT. 5200 


2. Installing the VSAT 

This chapter describes performing arrival activities, Section 2.1, and performing the 

VSAT installation, Section 2.2. 

2.1 Pre-installation Activities 

NOTE: Contact your Spacenet area manager immediately if there is any 

question about a clear line-of-sight to the satellite. 

Coordinate your arrival with the store manager. Installations are scheduled for a specific 

time and date. Meet with the site manager or other point of contact (POC) when you 

arrive. Provide the Store Manager a copy of the authorization letter from the Installation 

Guide. Perform a pre–installation survey with the site manager and briefly explain the 

installation process. 

NOTE: Have the Store Manager go to the secondary register and type 414 

and press the F2 Key. This keeps register 2 available for checkout. 

Determine the best location for the VSAT ODU. Locate IDU in cabinet under Server 

Register (1) , identify a power source for it. Determine where to run the IFL cable. 

Inform the store manager of your plans. If the manager refuses to let work begin or if 

the installation must be rescheduled, contact your Spacenet area manager. The AM will 

attempt to clear up any issues with Dollar General Personnel. 

2.2.2 Performing the VSAT Installation 

NOTE: THE INSTALLER IS NOT TO REQUEST ANY STORE PERSONNEL 

TO EITHER OPEN EARLY OR STAY LATE TO FACILITATE THIS 

INSTALLATION. 

NOTE: It is important to schedule the installation in a manner that you will be 

able to complete installation in one visit. 

2.2.2 Installing the Antenna Mount 

Determine the best type of antenna mount to use for the installation and follow the 

instructions in the Spacenet VSAT Installation Guide. Most installations will use a 

non–penetrating roof mount. 

2.2.2 Installing the Antenna 

See the Spacenet VSAT Installation Guide for detailed instructions on assembling the 

junction block and grounding the feed assembly. 


Spacenet 

Dollar General Skystar Advantage VSAT Installation Guide Page 4 


A standard installation does not provide for a de-icing antenna. Sites requiring electric 

de-icing antennas are determined in advance. If a site is not scheduled for an electric 

de-icing antenna, but the site manager requests one, DO NOT ABORT the installation. 

Install the planned antenna and schedule a re-visit to upgrade the antenna. 

2.2.2 Running The IFL 

Install the IFL cable as described in the Spacenet VSAT Installation Guide. Be sure that the 

IFL cable point of entry into the building is approved by the site manager.

3. IDU Installation and System Testing 

3.1 Commissioning the VSAT 

To Test the VSAT Side of the System: 

1 Be sure the IDU is installed in the server register’s cabinet. 

2 Call VACS (1-800-443–5834) to verify the co-pol and cross-pol. See Appendix B, 

“Quick Guide to Using VACS,” for instructions. 

3 The VACS conducts a series of tests to ensure that the system operates correctly. 

4 Go to section 1.5 in this manual and perform the procedure for checking the Software 

Version of the Server. 

5 Once VSAT is functioning properly and Software Version is confirmed out proceed to 

Section 3.2. 

This chapter describes connecting the IDU to the customer’s Ethernet hub, Section 3.2, 

and testing the system, Section 3.3. 

3.2 Connecting the IDU to the Register (1) Master 

NOTE: SPACENET WILL PROVIDE ORANGE 3FT RJ–45 CABLE 

To connect the IDU to the Ethernet hub: 

NOTE: Always have the Manager identify the Server Register. Typically on 

the left of the cash wrap area. 

1. Install the IDU in the cabinet below the server register. 

NOTE: DO NOT PLACE OR LEAVE THE IDU ON THE FLOOR. 

2 Plug one end of the customer-provided CAT5 cable into the Ethernet port on the back 

of the IDU. 

NOTE: If the site has an Ethernet hub with a port available, be sure to install 

the provided straight through CAT5 cable. If there is no port 

available, contact the MIS Help Desk. 

3 Plug the other end of the customer-provided CAT5 cable onto the Ethernet Hub that is 

located in the cabinet. Use Port 7 or any available port. Figure 1 shows the connection 

between a host PC and the IDU. 


Spacenet 



NOTE: Approximately 50 sites in the network require an 8 port hub. These 

sites will be identified on your workorder. Replace the 4 port hub with 

the 8 port hub that will be under the cabinet. 

1. Attach the RG6 pigtail cable to the RF IN connector on the back of the IDU. 

2 Attach the IFL cable to the RG6 pigtail cable. 

3 Insert a plastic cable holder into the slot on the bottom of the IDU back panel. 

5 Insert a plastic cable tie into the plastic cable holder (figure 2). 

5 Put nine inches of the pigtail cable’s length inbetween the RF IN port connector and the 

cable holder. 

2 Put the cable tie around both cables and tighten it so that the cables are snugly held in 

place. 

7 Connect IDU to alternate power source while commissioning, once complete connect to 

same power source that modem was connected to. 

Figure 1. Ethernet Connection


Spacenet 

Figure 2. Secure Pigtail and Ethernet Cables to the IDU with a Cable Tie 

NOTE: The IDU is equipped with an internal fan. When the internal temperature 

rises about 40 degrees C, the fan turns on. The fan stays on until the 

IDU’s internal temperature drops below 35 degrees C. 

3.3 Dollar General Conversion Document 

Store Commissioning Process 

Step 1 – Register Conversion 

1 Ask store manger to turn key to manager position in server register and enter 

manager code 499 and press enter. 

2 This manager code will exit the POS application and present an MS–DOS 

prompt similar to the following: 

IBM_POS Mon 05–14–2001 10:31:26.56 MS–DOS Version 6.22 

C:\BOTH> 

3 At the DOS prompt (C:\BOTH> ) enter the following commands: 

CD \SPACENET [Press ENTER] 

Prompt will change to C:\SPACENET> Now enter: 

SPACENET [Press ENTER] 


Spacenet 

4 The following menu will be presented: 

Press I to Install VSAT Software 

Press R to Restore Original Settings 

Press Q to quit 

Your choice? 

5 Select option I to start the installation process. 

6 Several messages will be displayed on the screen. This is normal. 



7 Upon successful completion of the conversion you will see the following message 

on the screen: 

********************************************************************* 

* THE INSTALLATION IS COMPLETE. * 

********************************************************************* 

8 The register will now reboot AUTOMATICALLY. 

9 Step 1 is now complete.


Step 2 – Check Authorization Request 

Spacenet 

1 After successfully completing reboot of the cash register, ask the store manager 

to assist with this process. 

2 Sign on register 

3 Choose F1 Department Menu – Choose F1 Health & Beauty aides 

4 .05 Enter– Total Sale 

5 .05 Check 

6 Insert sheet of paper into printer instead of check 

7 You’ll receive a MICR reader failure here. Answer NO when prompted to try 

again. 

8 Transit # 490000018 Enter 

9 Acct # 24413815 Enter 

At this point 2 scenarios are possible. If the store is set up for Rocky Mountain 

Authorization you’ll see 10a, if not you’ll see 10b. 

10 a. The system will contact Rocky Mountain and then prompt “Insert to Validate 

Check”. Insert blank sheet of paper. 

b. The system will prompt to enter Authorization code. Enter 4 digit store 

number. Insert blank sheet of paper to validate. 

11. Press Enter to Continue 

12. F4 Manager Functions 

13. F2 Transaction Void 

14. Turn Key to Manager position 

15. Choose “Other” as reason 

16. F1 Transaction Void. 

17. “Are you sure”. Yes 

18. Step 2 is now complete. 


Spacenet 

Step 3 – Request store test poll 



1 Leave the store manager signed on the register and the key turned to manager 

position. Enter manager code 499 and press Enter. 

2 This manager code will exit the POS application and present an MS–DOS 

prompt similar to the following: 

IBM_POS Mon 05–14–2001 10:31:26.56 MS–DOS Version 6.22 

C:\BOTH> 

3 At the DOS prompt (C:\BOTH> ) enter the following: 

CD \SPACENET [Press ENTER] 

Prompt will change to C:\SPACENET> Now enter: 

INSTMENU [Press ENTER] 

4 The following menu will be presented: 

D O L L A R G E N E R A L C O R P 

COMMISSIONING MENU (v1.1) 

A) Request Store Test Poll 

B) Request Authorization Code 

X) EXIT this Menu 

Enter Selection> 

5 Select option A from the menu to request a test poll.


6 Option A will present the following information on your screen: 

D O L L A R G E N E R A L S T O R E N E T W O R K 

––– TESTPOLL REQUEST SCREEN ––– 

LOCATION INFORMATION 

DATE = Mon May 14 11:48:32 CDT 2001 

STORE # = 9997 

STREET1 = MISSION RIDGE VSAT TEST LAB 

STREET2 = 

CITY_STATE = GOODLETTSVILLE TN 

ZIP = 37072 

PHONE = 6158554000 

Requesting test poll for Store # 9997... 

** TESTPOLL HAS BEEN REQUESTED ** 

Press any key to continue> 

7 Press ENTER and the following information will be on your screen. 

***************************************************************** 

* 

* Please wait 5 minutes before proceeding to next step. 

* 

***************************************************************** 

Press any key to continue> 

Spacenet 

8 PLEASE WAIT FIVE MINUTES BEFORE PROCEEDING TO THE NEXT STEP! 

An automated test poll should be completed within 5 minutes. 

9 Press the ENTER key and you will be returned to the installation menu. 

10 Step 3 is now complete. 


Spacenet 

Step 4 – Request installation authorization code 

1. At the installation menu, select option B. 

D O L L A R G E N E R A L C O R P 

COMMISSIONING MENU (v2.1) 

A) Request Store Test Poll 

B) Request Authorization Code 

X) EXIT this Menu 

Enter Selection> 

2. Option B will display the following information on the screen: 

D O L L A R G E N E R A L S T O R E N E T W O R K 

––– STORE COMMISSIONING SCREEN ––– 

********************************************************** 

Store Number.......: 9997 (GOODLETTSVILLE, TN – VSAT LAB) 

********************************************************** 

Check Authorization Test.........: PASSED 

Store Polling Test...............: PASSED 

Store Commissioning Status.......: PASSED 

Authorization Code...............: XXXXXXXXXX 



3. Please record the Authorization Code for your records. In the event an authorization 

code is not given, please record which test did not pass and call the MIS 

Helpdesk. 

4. Any other error messages should be written down and reported to the MIS Helpdesk. 

5. Press any key to continue. 

6. Step 4 is now complete. All commissioning steps for this store should now be 

finished. Choose X to exit the commissioning menu and REBOOT THE REG- 

ISTER NOW. 

May/17/2001Step 4 – Request installation authorization code 


*********************************************************************






3.4 Testing the System 

Spacenet 

1 Perform the Dollar General Commissioning Process. See 3.3; record the authorization 

code and report the code to the commissioning group at 1–800–443–5834. 

2 Tell the commissioning group operator: the notification number and site ID for the 

VSAT location. When the site information is verified in the Spacenet network, the 

commissioning group operator gives you a release number. 

3 Be sure that the installation site is as clean as it was before you arrived. 

4 Complete the installation forms in appendix E, Installer’s Forms, and have the site 

manager sign the Quality Assurance Checklist on the “Customer Sign Off” line located 

near the top of the form. 

5 Return these forms to your Spacenet area manager. 

NOTE: If you have any problems with VACS during the VSAT installation, call 

the Spacenet commissioning group at 800-443-5843. 

3.5 Hub Replacement Procedure 

NOTE: There are 52 Dollar General Stores that will need to upgrade from a 4 

Port Hub to 8 Port Hub. They will be noted in your work order. 

First, locate the 4 Port Hub, Second, carefully disconnect the 4 Port Hub and replace 

with the 8 Port Hub. Make sure the Hub is powered up. Leave the 4 Port Hub on site 

with the Store Manager. Check the Hub for proper operation. 

13 

NOTE: Approximately 52 sites in the network require an 8 port hub. These 

sites will be identified on your workorder. Replace the 4 port hub with 

the 8 port hub that will be under the cabinet. 


A. Contact Information 

Program Name: Dollar General Stores 

SAP Functional ID: 90775 

Customer Points of Contact 

Help desk from Store Phone 1–700–200–1234 ext 5200 

Help Desk outside of Store 615–855–5200 

Spacenet Points of Contact 

Program Manager: Matt Girard 703-848-1283 

e–mail: matt.girard@spacenet.com 

Installation Manager: Glenn Doerrman 703-245–1852 

e–mail: glenn.doerrman@spacenet.com 

Network Management Center 

Satellite/Transponder: GE5/2 

Downlink Polarization: Horizontal 

Commissioning 800-443-5834 

Customer Service 800-237-3513 

Help Desk 888-703-2302 

Reference Documents: Spacenet VSAT Installation Guide 

Installer’s Guide for Using VACS. 

14. Dollar General Skystar Advantage VSAT Installation Guide

B. Quick Guide to Using VACS 

This appendix gives brief instructions for using the VSAT configuration script 

(section B.1) and VACS (section B.2) to install VSATs. It is a quick guide that contains 

only minimal information for VSAT installers. Detailed instructions for using the 

configuration script and VACS to commission a site are in the Installer’s Guide for Using 

VACS. 

B.1 The VSAT Configuration Script 

The VSAT configuration script saves you time by making the configuration process 

easier. Use the configuration script instead of manually configuring the VSAT. To use 

the configuration script, you need to know the VSAT ID, zip code of the site location, and 

the ODU offset. To get a VSAT ID, call VACS (1-800-443–5834) and choose Quick 

Parameters from the Install Menu. Use the configuration script only if you have it 

installed on your laptop computer. If you need to install the configuration script on your 

computer, see the Installer’s Guide to Using VACS for details. 

NOTE: Before Configuring the IDU, Call VACS and choose Quick Parameters 

to record the correct HPP Number and other Important VSAT 

Parameters. 

To start the VSAT configuration script in DOS, type C: to go to the C directory. Change 

to the configuration script directory by typing cd config. Start the Goodyear 

configuration script by typing config DGS. 

To start the VSAT configuration script in Windows, double-click on the Goodyear shortcut 

icon at the desktop screen. 

After starting the configuration script, the Enter zipcode prompt displays. Type in 

the zip code of the installation site. If the zip code is in the configuration script database, 

the latitude and longitude of the site appears on the screen. Proceed to Configure the 

IDU. 

If the zip code is not found in the database: 

1. Type 1 to have the system retry calculating the delay based on the zip code 

2. Type 2 to manually enter the delay 

3. Type 3 to have the system calculate the delay based on latitude and longitude values. 

If you type 1, the Enter zipcode prompt redisplays. If you type 2, a prompt asks 

you to enter the delay. Call the Commissioning Group at 1-800-443-5834 to get this 

information and then type it in at the prompt. If you type 3, the prompts ask you to 

enter the latitude and longitude for the installation site. 

Dollar General Skystar Advantage VSAT Installation Guide Appendix B i

Spacenet Proprietary Information 

To Configure the IDU: 

1. Plug in and power on the IDU. 

2. Move DIP switches 1, 7, and 8 to the ON position. 

3. Connect one end of the ribbon cable to the communication port on your laptop and the 

other end to Port 1 on the IDU. 

4. Press Enter to start the configuration process. 

5. At the Choice? prompt, type the number corresponding to the correct customer/project 

name, and press Enter. 

6. At the prompt, type the VSAT ID for the installation and press Enter. 

7. Type the inbound initial offset, printed on the ODU label. 

8. Turn on the IDU. The configuration script configures the VSAT in about 45 seconds. 

9. Wait while the RPP simulator runs several times, testing parameters and performing 

other automated configuration tasks (about two minutes). When configuration is 

complete, the Configuration Complete message displays. Do not proceed until this 

message displays. 

10. Turn off the IDU and disconnect the PC from it. 

11. Move DIP switches 1, 7, and 8 to the OFF position and verify that all other DIP switches 

are in the OFF position. 

12. Press the F10 key to exit the configuration script program. 

B.2 Using VACS to Commission a VSAT 

Before calling VACS, complete an initial alignment of the VSAT to obtain Rx lock as 

described in the Spacenet VSAT Installation Guide. 

Dial the VACS access telephone number (1-800-443–5834). Use the telephone keypad 

to enter your user ID and password. Be sure to follow all entries with the pound sign (#). 

Press 1 to continue working on an unfinished installation. Press 2 to start a new 

installation. After executing either one of the options, VACS advances to the Install 

menu. 

The Install Menu is the main option menu for VACS. The Install Menu options are: 

� Option 1. Get Parameters Menu 

� Option 2. Align Antenna Menu 

� Option 3. Get Confirmation Number 

� Option 4. Finish Later. 

The Get Parameters Menu options are: 

Dollar General Skystar Advantage VSAT Installation Guide Appendix B ii


� Option 1. Quick Parameters 

� Option 2. Azimuth and Elevation 

� Option 3. All Parameters 

� Option 4. Individual Parameters 

� Option 5. Return to Install Menu. 

NOTE: Use Quick Parameters when using the VSAT configuration script. 

Spacenet 

Before configuring the IDU, choose Quick Parameters to establish and record the 

necessary VSAT parameters. 

Quick Parameters. These parameters are unique to each VSAT. Press 1 to move to 

the next parameter. Press 2 to repeat the parameter. Press # to stop playing the 

parameters. 

Azimuth and Elevation. Enter the five digit zip code of the VSAT installation site. 

VACS replies with the azimuth and elevation for pointing the antenna to the satellite. 

Press 1 to continue or 2 to repeat. Press # to return to the Get Parameters menu. 

NOTE: If you are using the VSAT configuration script, do not use the Getting 

All Parameters option. 

Getting All Parameters. Use this option if you do not have a disk or document 

containing the common network parameters or if you are not using the configuration 

script. VACS reads all installation parameters in the order that the VSAT uses them. 

Press 1 to move to the next parameter. Press 2 repeat the parameter. Press # to stop 

playing the parameters. 

Getting a Single Parameter. To set an individual parameter on the VSAT, enter a 

number from the following list: 

0 USAT own address 5 Time slot duration 

1 USAT group address 6 Outbound ID 

2 Outbound rate 7 Out code rate one quarter 

3 Outbound modulation 8 Interleaver ID 

4 Outbound Reed Solomon 9 Establish link 

10 Inbound modulation 16 Inbound DA frame length 

11 Inbound rate RA 17 K for inbound coding 

12 Dual inbound rate 18 HPP ID 

13 Inbound reed solomon 19 HSP link number 

14 Inbound convolution 20 Load Probe 

15 Inbound RA frame length 

Dollar General Skystar Advantage VSAT Installation Guide Appendix B iii

Spacenet Proprietary Information 

Next, enter 123# at the password prompt. Choose No at the change password prompt. 

VACS continues with the remaining parameters: 

21 Main outbound frequency 33 Backup outbound frequency 

22 Main channel delay 34 Backup channel delay 

23 Main inbound reference frequency 35 Backup inbound reference frequency 

24 Main inbound idle frequency 36 Backup inbound idle frequency 

25 Main day number of inbound bands 37 Backup day number of inbound bands 

26 Main day start frequency 38 Backup day start frequency 

27 Main day stop frequency 39 Backup day stop frequency 

28 Main night number of inbound bands 40 Backup night number of inbound 

bands 

29 Main night start frequency 41 Backup night start frequency 

30 Main night stop frequency 42 Backup night stop frequency 

31 Main inbound initial frequency 43 Backup inbound initial frequency 

32 Main inbound initial frequency 

Press * to repeat the parameters menu. Press 1 to enter another parameter. Press 2 to 

repeat the parameter. 

The Align Antenna Menu options of the Install menu are: 

� Option 1. Check Alignment 

� Option 2. Align Co-pol (Co-polarization) 

� Option 3. Align Cross-pol (Cross-polarization). 

You may have to wait for up to one minute for VACS to complete each of these 

operations. If Check Alignment or Align Co-pol fails, call back and try again. If Align 

Cross-pol fails, call Commissioning Group for assistance (1–800–443–5834). 

NOTE: When you move the antenna, there is approximately a two second 

delay before the new position registers with VACS. 

NOTE: Moving the antenna too far away from the optimal position results in 

loss of Rx lock. If Rx lock is lost, repeat the initial VSAT alignment as 

described in the Spacenet VSAT Installation Guide, and then call VACS 

again to continue. 

Align Check. An align check gives the current reading of the co-pol and the cross-pol. 

VACS automatically takes these measurements, then determines whether the 

measurements meet the installation criteria. If they do, VACS records the 

measurements, tells you that co-pol and cross-pol requirements are met, releases the 

carrier wave (CW) test frequency, and returns to the Install menu. 

Dollar General Skystar Advantage VSAT Installation Guide Appendix B iv


Spacenet 

If the measurements do not meet the defined installation criteria, VACS records the 

measurements and leaves the VSAT in CW mode for performing further co-pol or 

cross-pol alignment. Press 1 to continue or 2 to repeat. 

Aligning the Co-pol. Adjust the azimuth, elevation, and polarization of the dish to get 

the maximum co-pol carrier-to-noise (C/N) ratio. VACS takes a series of readings and 

sends the readings to the phone. The readings update every two seconds. To align the 

dish, move the dish slowly until you hear the highest reading. Press 2 to hear the 

maximum reading or # to quit and replay the Alignment menu. 

Aligning the Cross-pol. Use this option to get the minimum cross-pol C/N. Rotate the 

LNB/ODU assembly slowly until you hear the minimum reading. The reading updates 

every two seconds. Adjust the azimuth and elevation, if necessary, to get the reading 

below the minimum requirement. Press 1 to hear the current co-pol C/N reading. Press 

2 to hear the minimum reading. Press # to quit and replay the alignment menu. After 

tightening the screws on the VSAT, take the co-pol and cross-pol readings again to be 

sure that the assembly has not moved. 

Get Confirmation Number. To get a confirmation number, choose Option 3, 

Get Confirmation Number, of the Install menu . VACS plays the telephone number to 

call for the commissioning group (1-800-443- 5834). The commissioning group gives 

you a release number for completing the VSAT installation. 

Finish Later. To stop work and finish commissioning at a later time, choose 

Option 4, Finish Later, of the Install menu. VACS saves the current information so that 

you can call back and resume the installation. 

Dollar General Skystar Advantage VSAT Installation Guide Appendix B v

C. Installation Parameters for Dollar General 

CUSTOMER Dollar General 

HUB Mclean 

SATELLITE/TRANSPONDER GE5/2 

DOWNLINK POLARIZATION horizontal 

Table 1. Installation Parameters 

System Parameters for VSAT TG Range Units Required Value Source 

USAT OWN ADDRESS (CPA) 128…16382 decimal see spreadsheet NMS 

USAT GROUP ADDRESS 0…16382 decimal NMS 

OUTBOUND RATE 64…8192 KBPS F0907–D 

OUTBOUND MODULATION D/B/Q PSK Q F0907–D 

OUTBOUND REED SOLOMON Y/N Y 

TIME SLOT DURATION 320…65000 OB bytes F0907–D 

OUTBOUND ID (OB-ID) 0…FFF HEX F0907–E 

OUT CODE RATE N/4 1,2,3 Fixed 

INTERLEAVER ID 0…15 Fixed 

ESTABLISH LINK Y/N Y Fixed 

INBOUND MODULATION M/D PSK F0907–D 

INBOUND RATE RA 9600,19200,38400, 

76800,153600 

BPS F0907–D 

DUAL INBOUND RATE Y/N N F0907–E 

INBOUND REED SOLOMON Y/N N 

INBOUND CONVOLUTION Y/N Y 

INBOUND RA FRAME LENGTH 

(MIR) 

bytes 

INBOUND DA FRAME LENGTH 

(MID) 

bytes 

K FOR INB CODING 7/8/9 Fixed 

HPP NUMBER 1…63 NMS 

HSP LINK NUMBER 1…4, 63 63 NMS 

LOAD PROBE Y/N N Fixed 

ENTER INSTALLATION 

PASSWORD 

ANY Fixed 

CHANGE PASSWORD 

MAIN SATELLITE PARAMETERS 

Y/N N Fixed 

OUTBOUND FREQUENCY 950…1750 MHZ F0907–E 

CHANNEL DELAY 0…64000 x.01 MSEC call hub 

Appendix C 1

Spacenet 

Table 1. Installation Parameters 


System Parameters for VSAT TG Range 

Units Required Value Source 

INBOUND REFERENCE 

FREQUENCY 

950000…1550000 KHZ F0907–E 

INBOUND IDLE FREQUENCY 950000…1550000 KHZ 0 F0907–E 

DAY PARAMETERS 

NUMBER OF INBOUND BANDS 1…3 each 1 F0907–E 

INBOUND BAND 1 

START FREQUENCY REF…REF+64000 KHZ F0907–E 

STOP FREQUENCY REF…REF+64000 KHZ F0907–E 

NIGHT PARAMETERS 





FOR BOTH DAY AND NIGHT BANDS 

INBOUND INITIAL FREQUENCY REF…REF+64000 KHZ F0907–E 

INBOUND INITIAL OFFSET –3000…3000 KHZ see ODU 

BACKUP SATELLITE PARAMETERS 

OUTBOUND FREQUENCY 950…1750 MHZ F0907–E 

CHANNEL DELAY 0…64000 x.01 MSEC call hub 

INBOUND REFERENCE 

FREQUENCY 

950000…1550000 KHZ F0907–E 

INBOUND IDLE FREQUENCY 950000…1550000 KHZ 0 F0907–E 

DAY PARAMETERS 





NIGHT PARAMETERS 





FOR BOTH DAY AND NIGHT BANDS 

INBOUND INITIAL FREQUENCY REF…REF+64000 KHZ F0907–E 

Dollar General Stores Skystar Advantage VSAT Installation Guide Appendix C2

D. Bill of Materials (BOM) 

Table 5. Bill of Materials for Dollar General Store Installation 

Component No. Description Quantity Unit 

0020 621235602 ANT: 1.2M, TX/RX, KU, LT GRA, NOT PRE–ASSY, CM 1 EA 

0021 1125-356 ANT: 1.2M, TX/RX, KU, WHT, NO-PREASSEMBLY 0 EA 

0030 AN-342 ODU: DRO, 1 WATT, KU–BAND, SSA/SB 1 EA 

0040 NJR2535NA LNB: KU,11.7-12.2 GHZ, PLL, 0.8DB NF 1 EA 

0050 43700-F710 IDU: TG, 2 PT, W/ 10BASET, 33MHZ, MSK, REDUCED AC 1 EA 

0070 5915 CABLE: RG11, 14AWG, SHLD 300 FT 

22 85K CABLE (PLENUM): RG-11, 14AWG, SHLD 0 FT 

0075 GF-11-AHS/480 CONN: F-MALE, CRIMP-ON, FUW/9515 4 EA 

GF-11-300P/388 CONN: F-MALE, CRIMP-ON 0 EA 

0080 48-0319-01 MOUNT: ANT, NPRM, 16 BLK, 1.2 M 0 EA 

0081 0800-182 MOUNT: ANT, NPRM, 16 BLK, 1.2 M, PRODELIN 1 EA 

0082 48–0258–01 MOUNT: ANT, WALL, CLOSEIN, 1.2 M 0 EA 

0083 48-0297-01 MOUNT: ANT, WALL, MDREACH, 0.98, 1.2 M 0 EA 

0091 30-0521 CONNECTOR: F TYPE BULLET 1 EA 

0092 50-6151-2FT CBL ASSY: RG6, 2FT, W/M-M F CONNECTOR 1 EA 

0093 91-0007 -01 PWR CORD: AC, 10A/125V BELD#17742 1 EA 

0095 GC-HST-750 TUBING: HEAT SHRINK, 4FTx3/4IN 1 EA 

MCPP5–3–3 3 FOOT ETHERNET CABLE (ORANGE) 1 EA 

DG00009 ETHERNET HUB AS NEEDED (52 SITES) 1 EA 

Appendix D 3

Spacenet 

4. Dollar general Stores Skystar Advantage VSAT Installation Guide 

Proprietary Information


Job Completion Form 

Dollar General Stores Skystar Advantage VSAT Installation Guide Appendix E 1 

Spacenet 

Use a copy of this form to complete an installation. Be sure to get 

the store manager/POC’s signature in the space provided near 

the top of the form. Send the completed form to your Spacenet 

area manager. 

NOTE: A SOFT COPY OF THE JOB COMPLETION FORM WILL BE SENT 

TO YOUR HOME OFFICE. MAKE COPIES OF THIS FORM AND 

USE AT ALL DOLLAR GENERAL STORE SITES.

Spacenet 

DG Job Completion Form 

Customer Date Commissioned 


Site ID Address Phone 

CPA# City ST 

Notification # 

TECHNICAL ID # IP Address 

HPP__________ Link__________ Outbound ID_______ Delay_________ CO/Cross__________ 

ADDRESS VERIFIED IN SAP (NMC TECH INITIALS) IF DIS- 

CREP- 

ANCY 

NOTIFY 

AREA 

MAN- 

AGER 

Date On Site_______________ Time On site_______________ Time 

Site_______________ 

Off 

Date On Site_______________ Time On site_______________ Time 

Site_______________ 

Off 

WHAT ARE THE CURRENT WEATHER CONDITIONS? 

NEW/USED 

PART NUMBER QTY SERIAL NUMBER 

ANTENNA 1 ANT SIZE 

MOUNT 1 

ODU 1 Install Co. 

LNB 1 Tech Name 

IDU 1 SAP(Y/N) IF DIS- 

ETHERNET CBL MCPP5–3–3 1 

CREPAN- 

CY 

NOTIFY 

AREA 

MAN- 

AGER 

Dollar General Stores Skystar Advantage VSAT Installation Guide Appendix E 2


Dollar General Stores Skystar Advantage VSAT Installation Guide Appendix E 3 

Spacenet 

IDU LOCATION CUSTOM- 

ER SOFT- 

WARE 

Bullet Conn 

INSTALLED 

30–0521 Dedicated Pwr 

Pigtail Switched Pwr (KEEP 

DISK) 

Power Cord 91–0007–01 

Heat Shrink 

Power Source 

GC–HST–750 ***NOTI 

FY SITE 

CON- 

TACT 

NOT TO 

TURN 

OFF** 

IFL Length 

NON PLEN 5915 

x 2 (TOTAL LENGTH) PLEN 2285 

IFL Conn GF–11–300P/388 

GF–11AHS/480 

Ground Point Ground Length 

THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITES NEED TO BE VERIFIED 

INSTALL S00500 SURVEY S00547 ABORT S00549/S00550 

REPOINT 0.96/1.2 S00543 REPOINT 1.8/2.4 S00545 DEINSTALL 0.96/1.2 S00553 DEINS- 

TALL 

1.8/2.4 

S00555 

Basic Installation VSAT S00500 6ft to 10ft pole mount S00507 

0.96/1.2 NPRM/WALL/CANOPY S00502 10ft to 14ft Pole Mount S00515 

1.8 NPRM/WALL/CANOPY S00504 15ft to 19ft Pole mount S00516 

Deicer S00527 20ft or more Pole Mount S00517 

Trenching, Hard Rock, Concrete or Frozen Ground S00531 _____FT Ground Cable Beyond 25’ S00521 

______FT

Spacenet 


Cable IFL, Installation beyond 200’ S00522_________FT Conduit PVC or Wiremold beyond 25” S00525 

_______FT 

Penetration,core drilling S00578 Conduit EMT S00524 _______FT 

Bucket Truck S00580 Trenching Earth beyond 25ft S00532 _____FT 

Lift Device S00582 Video Cable Installation beyond 50’ S00523 

Crane S00581 

Comments: 

_________FT 

Miscellaneous Expenses S00576 

QA Checklist Completed __________________________ VACS Release # 

Customer Release # __________________________ COMMISSIONED BY 

Spacenet Release # __________________________ 

NOTE: A SOFT COPY OF THE JOB COMPLETION FORM WILL BE SENT 

TO YOUR HOME OFFICE. MAKE COPIES OF THIS FORM AND 

USE AT ALL DOLLAR GENERAL STORE SITES. 

Dollar General Stores Skystar Advantage VSAT Installation Guide Appendix E 4

DOLLAR 

GENERAL 

CORPORATION 

Dear Store Manager, 

100 MISSION RIDGE / GOODLETTSVILLE, TENNESSEE 37072–2170 / PHONE 615–855–4000 

After a complete and thorough analysis of our telecommunications system we 

found that in order to enhance our customer satisfaction and to better maintain 

our inventory management we had to upgrade our current in–store telecommunications 

systems. As a result we have decided to install a satellite communications 

system at each of our stores and we have selected the leader in the satellite 

industry, Gilat/Spacenet, to be our vendor/partner in this endeavor. The 

rollout of the satellite system will begin in June and we expect to install a large 

majority of our IBM POS converted sites by the end of this year. The entire 

installation should take approximately 4 hours and the testing process will take 

only approximately 20 minutes. The installers will work with you to minimize any 

inconvenience to your store but as you can see they will require your assistance 

and support. This project has already been approved; therefore, individual calls 

to the corporate office are not necessary. 

We thank you in advance for your support and cooperation as we embark on this 

project, which will allow us to improve our processes and most importantly to increase 

our level of customer service. 

Tasks to be Performed by Store Personnel 

• Please remove any non–hardware items from the cabinet under your server 

register, such as purses, register tape, snacks etc. 

• At Scan/Enter Item, type 414 and hit F2 on all of your secondary registers. 

What Can YOU Expect During the VSAT Installation? 

• An installation company representing Gilat/Spacenet will contact you to 

schedule the exact date of your store’s installation. 

• The install will consist of 1.2M satellite dish being installed at each store. 

• The dish will be mounted on either a roof mount or a wall mount that is securely 

attached to the building. 

• Two cables will be run from the dish to an indoor unit that the installer will 

install in the cabinet under your master register. This indoor unit is smaller 

than a VCR. 

• After the installer has completed the connections and confirmed that the 

indoor unit is working properly he will require your assistance to cutover 

the system to the satellite. 

• Provide the installer with a set of register keys. They will be needed to 

convert your software to VSAT. 

– 5 –

o A menu will appear that will allow the installer to install the satellite 

software. 

o Once the cash register reboots, the installer will ask you to sign 

onto the register and perform a test check authorization. 

o After the test check authorization has successfully completed, a 

test poll will be requested of your store. The installer will again enter 

a manager code and request a test poll. 

o Once all of the test procedures have been successfully completed, 

an authorization number will appear on the screen and your store 

will be converted to the satellite system. 

What Benefits Can YOU Expect to Receive after VSAT Installation? 

• POLLING at or near 100% 

• Trouble free ordering, less, if any bursting 

• Very quick check authorizations 

Future Benefits 

• Very quick phone card authorizations 

• A computer in each store that will allow you to enter new hire information, 

retrieve and review reports and perform other administrative functions, 

greatly decreasing the paper flow to and from the stores 

• Utilize voice over VSAT 

• Implement voicemail over VSAT 

– 6 –

Spacenet, Inc. 

1750 Old Meadow Road 

McLean, VA 22102 

(703) 848-1000 

www.Spacenet.com 

DG-10-0001C

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