After 528 days in development, 176 days in testing, and 88 days on New Zealand roads, the new Southern Cross automatic satellite dish is now ready for Kiwi RVers to enjoy. The RSE design team began the process of designing the new model 24 months ago. The result is a new antenna that is attractive, strong, fast and efficient.
“The results so far have been outstanding and reflective of the time and effort of both the RSE design team and the manufacturer in China, one of China’s largest satellite companies,” says Daryl Muir, RSE’s director.
First released in 2014, and with more than 2000 units sold, the Southern Cross series of satellite antennas has been one of RSE’s strongest in-house brands, with customers enjoying many hours of high-quality, high-definition television reception.
“It was important that the resulting dish was simple to install, and that it was built with lightweight-yet-strong alloy composites that will allow the frame to carry a 75cm dish (for future development),” says Daryl. “Along with the above features, we have designed the antenna with a very low profile when in the closed position.
I am not aware of a product with a lower closed profile. “We then set about reducing the mechanical load, and therefore direct electrical load, by having only the rotational motor assembly operating during the search process.”
In addition, the design of new electronics and software, using 3D-printer technology, has resulted in a single RF antenna cable as the sole connection required between the satellite dish and the data box. This has meant a very small hole is required via the roofline.
A new raised waterproof gland and entry plate have also been designed to ensure maximum watertight integrity, along with a new waterproof ‘twist’ connector for the dish attachment. Southern Cross continues to use a three-wire supply system, one for positive, one for ground supply, and a third for the auto shutdown function.
“We have continued with the hardwired operation for this function, which ensures we stay within the EU standards for vehicle/habitat interface where wireless shutdown is not permitted,” says Daryl.
For ease of operation, there is also a function that will allow the dish to begin its search as soon as the TV is turned on with the remote. This interface will work with all brands of satellite TV and decoders and is programmable by the operator.
To send the dish down, simply press the ‘off’ button on the new compact, slim LCD display. Alternatively, it will come down with an engine start. This allows customers using smart TVs or the RSE Smart TV box to stream without the antenna raised.
This new second-generation Southern Cross satellite antenna not only looks easy on the eye it has been built strong and durable for New Zealand’s challenging conditions. The RSE team is confident that, like all RSE products, that it will serve generations of motorhomers and caravanners.
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