The MobiSet 4 CAP 900 is a new mobile satellite reception system from Kathrein that automatically points a motorized antenna to satellites. It includes a GPS system to track the vehicle's position and recalculate antenna positioning when the vehicle moves. When the vehicle is started, the antenna retracts until it is stopped again, at which point the system finds the satellite within 30 seconds using the last known position and GPS data. The all-in-one package provides easy satellite TV and radio reception for RVs and motorhomes without the need to manually realign the antenna at each new location.

1. SYSTEM TEST Fully Automatic Mobile Reception System
MobiSet 4 CAP 900
Kathrein’s New GPS
Antenna Package for RV’s
Heinz Koppitz
We knew it would happen: positioners can precisely point an
antenna to a satellite while a GPS unit can provide geographical data.
Users of mobile receivers such as RV owners have been waiting for
quite some time for manufacturers to combine these two systems. It
would end the time-consuming and sometimes aggravating task of
aligning to your favorite satellite every time you move to a new loca-
tion. The inauguration of the digital satellite age made this job even
more difficult.
The day we’ve all been wait- active and checks its position
ing for has finally come. Kathrein every ten minutes, storing the
has developed a new package for new data.
campers. Kathrein has always
catered to this target group with The antenna can only be reac-
such products as 12-Volt boxes tivated when the vehicles ignition
and the exceptional BAS 60 flat has been turned off. The receiver
antenna that date back to the then takes the most recent
analog age. Their new CAP family position and current GPS data,
of products was developed by recalculates the new elevation
Kathrein specifically with digital and skew angles and drives the
technology in mind. Antenna, antenna precisely to the correct The MobiSet 4 CAP 900 in its operational position…
tuner and receiver are now bun- the only one capable of providing
dled into a single package that the necessary Kathrein-specific
makes it possible to automatically CAP commands for the antenna.
search for satellites. The second receiver can be what-
ever you want; it could even be
The new MobiSet 4 CAP 900 an HDTV box or MPEG-4 receiver.
has been completely redesigned. This system won’t become obso-
The flat antenna was replaced by lete anytime soon.
a 90 cm offset dish mounted on
the antenna motor. The antenna The package includes an
is controlled by the receiver and assortment of cables, mount-
will automatically retract into its ing hardware and even a special
stowed position when the vehi- polyurethane sealant. The only
cle’s motor is started. Protection additional items you really need
is included to guarantee that the …and here in its stowed position when not in use, such as while driving. are a TV and radio. The antenna
antenna stays in this stowed posi- satellite. The correct azimuth can be parked in any position. The is designed for use on 12-Volt DC
tion while the vehicle is in motion. is found by rotating the antenna correlation between the GPS data systems although the receiver
But even while the antenna itself on its vertical axis. Thanks to its and the last known location makes can even be plugged into a wall if
it idle, the GPS system remains ability to turn a full 360°, the RV realignment of the antenna so fast needed using the included power
that in most cases the satellite can supply. If you also want to run the
be found within 30 seconds. In antenna itself from a wall socket,
this way a selected channel can be you would need a power supply
very quickly accessed – assuming that can deliver 12V/15A.
of course that there is a clear view
to the satellite. The motorized antenna is
mounted on the roof of the
The MobiSet 4 CAP 900 pack- vehicle with relative ease using
age includes a motorized antenna, five screws. The included seal-
a retractable dish plus a twin LNB ant helps to guarantee a secure
all integrated into one unit. It bond to the roof. Our tests were
weighs in at 19 Kg and is mounted successful in every aspect. The
on the roof of the vehicle. This motorized antenna operated
increases the overall height of the quickly and reliably. After turning
vehicle by 23cm with the antenna on the receiver (with the vehicles
in its stowed position. Three ignition turned off), the antenna
cables from the antenna are moved to the correct position in
routed through a 38mm hole in just a few seconds. Even the dif-
the vehicle’s roof to the inside of ficult-to-receive BBC transpond-
the vehicle where a maximum of ers on Astra at 28.5° east could
two receivers (and two TV’s) can be viewed without any problems.
An all-in-one package. The MobiSet 4 CAP 900 comes with everything you be connected. The first receiver The skew for the Turksat bird was
see here. must be the UFS 740sw since it is also properly set.
TELE-satellite & Broadband — 06-07/2007 — www.TELE-satellite.com