Datastorm Users - DirecWay Transmit and Receive Errors

DirecWay Transmit and Receive Errors

by Sterling Udell

Help! I'm not online! It happens to all of us at times. Perhaps you've parked someplace new and, although the dish went up just fine, your Internet connection didn't. Or perhaps you were surfing along just fine when suddenly your connection just went away. What happened?

Assuming your dish is pointed, the problem is most likely on the Hughes DirecWay side of the house, an error involving the "modem stack". In order to see what error(s) may be occurring, you need to right-click on the BE icon near your Windows clock and select Status. One of the following transmit (TxCode) errors, and possibly one receive (RxCode) error.

I recommend that you print this list out, or save it to a file on your hard disk, because if one of these problems occurs, you won't be able to come here to see it!

Note: In the following tables, the Indoor Transmit Unit (ITU) refers to the transmit modem, the bottom box in a conventional DW4000 "modem stack"; the Indoor Receive Unit (IRU) is the receive modem, or top box in the stack. NOC stands for Network Operations Center, the Hughes "Earth station" that links your satellite to the Internet.

Transmit Error (Tx) Codes

Numeric TxCode	Message Displayed	Comments
TX 0	The transmitter is not connected to the receiver	This status will occur only if the Indoor Transmit Unit (ITU) is not connected to the Indoor Receive Unit (IRU). It can result for the following reasons: The 25-pin parallel cable is not properly connected to the Indoor Receive Unit or Indoor Transmit Unit: Check the cable and make sure the ends are securely fastened. Indoor Transmit Unit failure. The Indoor Transmit Unit has failed and may need to be replaced.
TX 1	The transmitter has been disabled by the Network Operations Center	This condition occurs when the transmitter is not enabled. A transmitter may be disabled for short periods of time by the NOC for service or troubleshooting. It may also be disabled if the user discontinues the satellite service. If this condition persists, it can only be corrected by requesting that the unit be enabled. Contact your installer or VAR.
TX 2	The transmitter has been placed in test mode by the Network Operations Center	This status requires no user action and this test usually completes in 15 minutes or less. This condition occurs when the NOC places the transmitter into special transmission modes to measure the performance of the transmitter. When in this mode, the unit is unable to transmit normal user data to the NOC.
TX 3	The transmitter is locking to the receive carrier	This condition occurs during initial startup or when the receiver is locking to the receive signal. It is normal for this condition to persist for up to 10 seconds. If this condition persists for more than 10 seconds, try disconnecting and reconnecting the receiver coaxial cable and wait 10 seconds. If the situation still persists, then the Indoor Transmit Unit may need to be replaced.
TX 4	The transmitter is not responding to commands sent from the receiver	This condition indicates that something is not operating properly in the Receive/Transmit Unit configuration. Perform the following actions to attempt to recover from this condition: Verify that the Indoor Receive and Transmit Units are securely connected with a 25-pin parallel cable. Reset the IRU by unplugging the modem stack power cord from the wall socket and then plugging the power cord back into the wall socket. This will reset the Indoor Receive and Transmit Units. This condition could also be caused if the power supply is faulty. If this condition cannot be resolved by following the steps listed above, then you may need to replace the power supply, the Receive/Transmit unit cable and/or the Transmit Unit.
TX 5	The transmitter is not locked to the network timing	No action is necessary if this condition occurs from time to time and quickly resolves itself. If this issue persists, it is likely due to a NOC-related service issue. The condition may also be due to Indoor Transmit Unit failure; in rare cases, the Transmit unit may fail and may have to be replaced.
TX 6	The transmitter is not available because the receiver is not detecting a signal or is not locked to the correct network	This is the normal transmit code displayed when the dish is not correctly pointed at the satellite, and as such is quite common for mobile units while they are deploying. So generally, check your receive signal. This condition occurs when the Indoor Receive Unit is not receiving a good signal. The receiver must be locked to the correct network in order for the transmitter to operate. If the receiver is not locked (no signal) or is locked to the wrong network, the transmitter is unable to transmit data. Please verify that you have a good signal strength by going to the Receive Statistics page. This could also be caused by inclement weather.
TX 7	The transmitter is not available because the satellite receiver is not tuned for normal operation	This condition occurs when the transmitter is disabled for safety reasons. Importantly for mobile users, this is the code given when the transmitter has been disabled by the DataStorm Server, for any of a variety of reasons. See the Manual Pointing article here on DatastormUsers.com for information on shutting down the DataStorm Server and running Antenna Pointing to clear this error.
TX 8	The transmitter is available	This is the normal operational state and indicates that the transmitter is ready to transmit data.
TX 9	The transmitter is adjusting for optimal network timing	This condition typically occurs after the dish has found the satellite and passed its alignment test. This must occur before the Indoor Transmit Unit is able to transmit successfully. Typically, this process usually takes less than a minute.
TX 10	The transmitter is unable to communicate with the Network Operations Center	This condition indicates that the unit has stopped attempting to transmit user data because there were a number of failures in sending data to the NOC over the satellite link. This could be the result of weather conditions causing lost packets or return channel equipment failures in the NOC.
TX 11	The transmitter is not available because the receiver software is out of date	This condition indicates that the installed software version is not recent enough to operate on the network. New software will be required from time to time due to network infrastructure and capability upgrades and in order to maintain network efficiency and fix any known problems. DW4020 and 6000 systems will automatically update the software version to ensure that you can enjoy uninterrupted operation. If you have a DW4000 or do not use the unit for a long period of time and miss the updates, you may need to contact your installer or VAR for an update.
TX 12	The transmitter is not receiving network control messages from the Network Operations Center	This condition indicates a NOC equipment outage. This may be a transient condition and the system should recover automatically.
TX 13	The transmitter is unable to range because it cannot communicate with the Network Operations Center	Ranging is the process that adjusts the satellite transmitter timing and power. The satellite transmitter conducts ranging as needed to ensure that it can communicate successfully with the Network Operations Center. This condition can indicate any of the following: The transmitter is sending incorrect timing data because the wrong zip code or latitude/longitude information was entered. This is relatively common with mobile units, particularly if you move your connection from one PC to another. Either re-point through the DataStorm Administrator, or run manual pointing to enter your correct location. The NOC is not receiving ranging information from the transmitter. This may indicate a transmit problem at the NOC. This should get cleared in a few minutes. The transmitter is unable to achieve enough transmit power to send ranging information to the NOC. Make sure that the power supply is correct. The power supply should be Part #1029705-0001 (for a DW4000) or #1031105-0001 (for a DW4020). The outdoor transmitter unit (ODU)--that is, the antenna--is not operating properly or is not properly connected to the ITU. Please ensure that the transmit cable is securely fastened to the Transmit Unit.
TX 14	The transmitter is not available because ranging has failed	This condition indicates that the transmitter is not operational because ranging has failed. Ranging is the process that adjusts the satellite transmitter timing and power. The satellite transmitter conducts ranging as needed to ensure that it can communicate successfully with the Network Operations Center. The ranging failure may happen due to the antenna becoming misaligned or if repeated attempts to range do not succeed. This condition may also be caused due to adverse weather conditions. In rare cases, this may also indicate NOC issues but should clear within a few minutes. If the system was operational in the past and you see these messages repeatedly, you can try to force range by performing manual pointing.
TX 15	The transmitter is waiting for a ranging request to be processed by the Network Operations Center	This condition occurs is indicative of a problem with the pointing queue at Hughes. The best solution is to use manual pointing to force re-ranging; often, this will need to be done repeatedly before this error will clear.
TX 16	The transmitter is waiting for a transmit request to be processed by the Network Operations Center	This condition occurs when the system is unable to provide transmit bandwidth. This occurs when many users sign-on simultaneously. It should clear in a few minutes automatically.
TX 17	The satellite transmitter is unable to obtain an available transmission rate	This condition occurs if the transmitter cannot successfully range. Ranging is the process that adjusts the satellite transmitter timing and power. The satellite transmitter conducts ranging as needed to ensure that it can communicate successfully with the Network Operation Center. A possible cause is that the transmitter could not achieve enough power to transmit. This is likely caused because the antenna is not accurately pointed. However, it may also be a transmitter power problem. Check the power supply and make sure that it is Part #1029705-0001 (for a DW4000) or #1031105-0001 (for a DW4020).
TX 18	The transmitter is requesting a transmit pointing test	This condition normally occurs during dish deployment when the pointing software requests a transmit pointing test. This condition persists until the NOC responds that the transmitter is either actively performing the pointing test or is queued to perform the test when test resources become available in the NOC. The transmitter may also periodically go into this condition for short periods of time (normally less than 5 seconds) to perform periodic transmit pointing tests. These periodic tests are performed to ensure that the antenna is pointed accurately.
TX 19	The transmitter is queued for a transmit pointing test	This condition normally occurs during dish deployment when the pointing software requests a transmit pointing test and the NOC has responded that the transmitter is queued for the next available test time. It may also occur when the transmitter is performing periodic background transmit pointing tests at the same time that other users on the network have requested tests.
TX 20	The transmitter is performing a transmit pointing test	This condition occurs when one of the following tests are active: During dish deployment, the pointing software requests that the transmitter perform a transmit pointing test. This condition will persist until the transmit pointing request is accepted by the NOC. The unit performs a periodic background transmit pointing test to make sure that the antenna is still pointed correctly. This periodic test normally takes less than 5 seconds. If the problem persists, try power-cycling the modem stack by unplugging the wall outlet and plugging it back in.
TX 21	The transmitter is disabled because a transmit pointing test failed	This condition occurs when the transmitter fails a transmit pointing test. This indicates that the transmitter did not meet the minimum specifications required. This is likely due to an antenna pointing problem; the skew needs to be adjusted, either automatically or manually, using the DataStorm Administrator. The transmitter will not transmit until the transmit pointing test passes.
TX 22	The transmitter is disabled pending a transmit pointing test	This condition occurs when the transmitter is required to perform a periodic background transmit pointing test, but has not been able to perform the test within the time window required. The transmitter is expected to be in this condition for no more than two minutes at random periodic intervals. This condition can also occur after the transmitter is first powered on after it has been powered off for more than a day. If the unit remains in this condition for more than two minutes, then the automated transmit pointing components in the NOC are likely experiencing problems. This condition should clear in a few minutes.
TX 23	The transmitter is disabled because a transmit pointing test cannot be performed	This condition occurs when the transmitter cannot perform the transmit pointing test when initially deployed or when the transmitter is required to range. The condition indicates that the NOC components needed to perform the transmit pointing test are not operational.
TX 24	The transmit cable is not connected	This may occur if: Transmit cable is not plugged securely Transmit cable is not plugged into the antenna securely The Transmit (aka Satellite Out) connector is loose or damaged Transmit cable is damaged Antenna connector or antenna is damaged. Note: In the past, you would have seen Tx10/13. Tx 24 replaces Tx10/13 for some of the local install issues. Not seeing Tx24 doesn't guarantee that the cable or ODU/radio is good
TX 25	Uplink reset is in progress	This may occur if the uplink sequencer cannot complete the initialization process within the max time allowed.
TX 26	No inroute groups support Closed Loop Timing	This may occur if: The NOC is configured incorrectly and the available inroutes to the unit does not support CLT. The unit is configured incorrectly and should not have CLT enabled.
TX 27	The transmit cable and receive cable are switched.	This may occur if the receive cable is plugged into the SAT OUT connection and transmit cable is plugged into the SAT IN connection.

Receive Error (Rx) Codes

Numeric RxCode	Message Displayed	Comments
RX 0	The receiver is not connected	Please make sure that the Indoor Receive Unit is connected to the computer via the USB cable. If the cable is connected and you still see this message, use the following steps for troubleshooting: Make sure the power supply is correct. The power supply should be Part #1029705-0001 (for a DW4000) or #1031105-0001 (for a DW4020). Try power-cycling the Modem stack by unplugging the power cord from the wall outlet and then plugging it back in. Try using a different USB cable. If none of the above resolve the issue, you may need to replace the Indoor Receive Unit.
RX 1	The receiver is in pointing mode	This condition indicates that the installer is performing antenna pointing. In this mode, the transmitter is disabled for safety reasons since the installer is working near the dish. If this occurs during normal operation, try power-cycling the modem stack by unplugging the power cord from the wall outlet and then plugging it back in.
RX 2	The receiver is in factory or NOC mode	This status is for modem testing purposes only. You should never see it. If this occurs during normal operation, try power-cycling the modem stack by unplugging the power cord from the wall outlet and then plugging it back in.
RX 3	The receiver is not locked to a signal	This is the normal transmit code displayed when the dish is not correctly pointed at the satellite, and as such is quite common for mobile units while they are deploying or if the vehicle has shifted. If the unit had been operating previously, this status is probably due to inclement weather conditions and will be corrected when the weather improves. This condition can also indicate that the IRU is unable to receive the signal from the NOC. This is also associated with a signal level less than 30. This occurs if there is a weather outage at the user location, a NOC outage due to inclement weather or other reasons, a misaligned or faulty antenna, or faulty cabling. If this keeps happening under normal weather conditions, make sure the power supply is correct. The power supply should be Part #1029705-0001 (for a DW4000) or #1031105-0001 (for a DW4020). If the power supply is correct, try power-cycling the modem stack by unplugging the power cord from the wall outlet and then plugging it back in.
RX 4	The receiver is locked to the wrong network	This condition should only be seen during installation and occurs when the receiver is locked to a signal, but the signal ID does not match the ID that was assigned to the user during commissioning or the ID that was entered by the installer during manual pointing. If this occurs during normal operation, it may be due to the user changing acquisition parameters, including frequency and/or location of satellite, or the antenna becoming misaligned. Rarely, this can occur from the DataStorm being pointed at the wrong satellite; open the DataStorm Administrator, stow, and re-find.
RX 5	The receiver is operational	This is the normal operating state where the receiver is receiving data from the NOC. Only when the receiver is in this state will the transmitter operate correctly.
RX 6	The receiver is not detecting a signal	This condition occurs when the IRU is not detecting any type of radio signal from the antenna. This could indicate that the cabling between the receiver and the antenna is faulty or that the receiver itself is faulty. Check that the cables are firmly connected on the modems. Also, make sure that the power supply is correct. The power supply should be Part #1029705-0001 (for a DW4000) or #1031105-0001 (for a DW4020). Try power-cycling the modem stack by unplugging the power cord from the wall outlet and then plugging it back in.
RX 7	The receiver is locked to an unknown network	This condition should only be seen during installation and occurs when the receiver is locked to a signal but there is no DIRECWAY Network ID on that signal. If this occurs during pointing or commissioning, the antenna has not been pointed correctly. If it occurs during normal operation, it may be due to the user changing acquisition parameters, including frequency and/or location of satellite, or the antenna becoming misaligned. The former condition can be corrected by re-commissioning the site. The latter requires an antenna repointing.
RX 8	The receive cable and transmit cable are switched.	Indicates that the receive cable is plugged into the SAT OUT connection and transmit cable is plugged into the SAT IN connection.
RX 9	The receive cable is shorted.	Indicates that the receive cable is shorted. This occurs when the center (inner) conductor is touching the external braid (outer conductor). It could also indicate internal hardware failure.

Credits

The basis for the above tables came from Ground Control's DW4020 Installation Guide, with adjustments to reflect DataStorm-specific issues and include the more-common DW4000. Modified May 18, 2007 with newer 7000S codes by Michael Day.

Sterling Udell is a programmer who fulltimes with Teresa Petrykowski in a 2003 Lance 1121 on a 2004 Ford F-550, with Datastorm. He is the author of the popular DSLocator utility that makes updating our User's map so easy.