Installation Manual

7
Dockmate is a registered trademark from PPA-Electronics B.V.
Leuvensesteenweg 177 – BE-3191 Boortmeerbeek – Belgium
VAT BE 0891.773.260 – Tel. [phone] – Mob. [phone]
[e-mail] – www.dockmate.eu – [e-mail] – www.ppa-electronics.com
3. Installing the modules
Always disconnect the power, before installing or removing
modules !
Usually, the Dockmate comes ready with the correct modules.
When a module needs to be changed, it has to be done with care, not to damage
anything by putting too much force.
To remove the module, use a socket wrench and a
screwdriver as a lever and lift the module gently at each
mounting point.
Then carefully mount the new module. Start with a point next
to the red connector so the connector fits perfectly. Avoid
bending the mother board or the module.
4. Connecting and installing the antenna
To connect the antenna to your Dockmate, connect the antenna directly or with the
optional extension cable to the SMA connector on the front of the Dockmate
Receiver.
For steel boats we strongly recommend mounting the antenna on the dashboard by
using our antenna extension cable.
It is very important to place the antenna (either external or internal) in the right spot
on the boat. The antenna has to be mounted as far as possible from other cables and
equipment (especially radio equipment) – minimum clearance from other electrical
cables and metal objects is 30cm.
The position of the antenna is very important.
 The antenna has to be positioned vertically, that means that the main antenna
element has to point upwards or completely downwards if mounted on the
side.
 In case of use of the dome shaped external antenna; this antenna has to be
mounted horizontally, preferably on top of the dashboard, away from all metal.
After installing the antenna, make a range test with the Dockmate transmitter.
Go slowly around the boat and on the jetty with one button pressed to see if there
are no ‘blind’ spots. Look closely to the transmitters’ led. It should be lit constantly
showing operation. If it starts to blink and the transmitter starts to beep, it indicates
that it has lost the signal.
Note that, without pressing a button, the transmitter will stop sending radio
signals after a couple of seconds (green LED still on), so it is crucial to keep
pressing one of the buttons when testing the radio range.