KVH Industries TracPhone V11 hts User manual

The Belden Snap N Seal connectors (SNS11AS), used to
terminate RG-11 RF cables as described in your antenna
installation manual, are no longer available. KVH has
validated the PPC Belden-brand EX® series 11 universal
compression cable connectors as a suitable replacement
(see Figure 1).
Prepare your cables with the tools provided in the RG-11
crimp tool kit (KVH part no. 72-0493) to ensure that the
cables are stripped to the correct length for proper
engagement between the cable and connector (see
Figure 3). Use the Belden CST596711 cable stripper tool
(KVH part no. 19-0719) to prepare your cables, then
compress the connectors with the new VT200 compression
tool (KVH part no. 19-1141-0200) (see Figure 4). When
compression is complete, the center conductor should be
rigid. If the pin can move in or out, cable performance
may be degraded.
The EX series 11 universal connectors differ slightly
from the Snap N Seal connectors, so it is critical that
you follow the installation instructions provided at the
manufacturers website and watch the short video
demonstration: https://www.ppc-online.com/
ex-series-7-11-compression-connectors.
Be sure to adhere to the following steps, in particular:
1. After folding back your cables braid, align the
center conductor with the grooves on the new
connectors body. Then mark the cable where it
aligns with the base of the connector (see Figure 2).
2. Insert the cable into the connector. Then push
firmly, while rotating clockwise, until the
connector reaches the mark you made in step 1.
The center conductor should protrude from the
connector nut.
IMPORTANT!

The Times Microwave EZ-600-FMH-75 connectors, used
to terminate LMR-600 cables as described in your antenna
installation manual, have been replaced with the new
functionally identical EZ-600-FM-75 connectors. The new
connector version no longer requires that you trim the
braid prior to securing the ferrule. Simply slide the ferrule
over the braid, as you would have previously, to crimp the
braid beneath the ferrule (see Figure 5).

KVH, TracPhone, CommBox, IP-MobileCast, and the unique light-colored dome with dark contrasting baseplate (Reg. No. 2,864,752)
are trademarks, and mini-VSAT Broadband is a service mark, of KVH Industries, Inc. All other trademarks are property of their
respective companies. The information in this document is subject to change without notice. No company shall be liable for errors
contained herein. TracPhone V11-HTS is protected by U.S. patents #8,866,564, #9,520,637, and #9,966,648.
©2019-2020 KVH Industries, Inc., All rights reserved. 54-1289 Rev. C
This guide explains how to install the TracPhone V11-HTS mini-VSAT Broadband satellite
communications system. Operation instructions are provided in the Quick Start Guide.
To ensure a safe and effective installation, only a KVH-certified technician should install the
TracPhone system. To find a technician near you, visit www.kvh.com/wheretogetservice.
1. Inspect Parts and Get Tools ................. 3
2. Plan the Antenna Installation .............. 4
3. Plan the ICM Installation...................... 7
4. Mount the ICM ...................................... 8
5. Prepare the Antenna Site...................... 9
6. Prepare the Antenna Cables .............. 10
7. Rig and Hoist the Antenna................. 14
8. Wire the Antenna ................................ 15
9. Mount the Antenna ............................. 18
10. Prepare the Data Cable ....................... 20
11. Wire the ICM........................................ 22
12. Connect Power......................................25
13. Turn On the System .............................27
14. Update the System Software...............28
15. Customize the Web Interface..............29
16. Set Up No-Transmit Zones .................30
17. Commission the Modem .....................32
18. Test the System .....................................33
19. Configure the Network .......................34
20. Connect Voice Line Equipment..........40
21. Educate the Customer..........................41
The antenna transmits radio frequency
(RF) energy that is potentially harmful.
While the system is powered on, make
sure everyone stays more than 42 feet
(13 m) away from the antenna. As
shown in the illustration, this distance
increases to 101 feet (31 m) if a person
is more than 6.5 ft (2 m) above the
plane of the antennas base.
North/South America, Australasia:
Phone: [phone] (U.S. only)
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific:
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Be sure to read these warning and caution notices carefully to avoid injury.
Risk of Electric Shock
Potentially lethal voltages are present within the antenna and the ICM when the system is connected to
AC power. To avoid electric shock, do not enter the antennas hatch or remove the radome while the
system is powered on. Also do not open the ICM chassis enclosure for any reason; there are no
user-serviceable parts inside.
Risk of Electric Shock
If any component of the TracPhone system becomes damaged and/or no longer functions normally,
disconnect it from vessel power, secure it from unintended operation, and contact KVH Technical
Support (see Technical Support on page 1). All repairs or modifications must be performed by a
trained, KVH-certified technician. If you are a KVH-certified technician, you still must contact KVH
Technical Support prior to conducting any repairs or modifications to the equipment.
Risk of Explosion
Do not operate the ICM (or any other electrical device) in an environment where flammable gases,
vapors, or dusts are present. In addition, do not operate the ICM in an environment with a temperature
outside its 5º F to 131º F (-15º C to 55º C) temperature range.
Risk of Electric Shock
Failure to ground the TracPhone system properly to ships ground will cause an unsafe floating ground
condition, risking potentially lethal electric shock. See Connect Power on page 25 for details on the
proper grounding of the equipment.
RF Radiation Hazard
The antenna transmits up to 22 watts of radio frequency (RF) energy that is potentially harmful.
Whenever the system is powered on, make sure everyone stays more than 42 feet (13 m) away from the
antenna. The minimum safe distance increases to 101 feet (31 m) if a person is more than 6.5 feet (2 m)
above the plane of the antennas base. No hazard exists directly below the antenna.
Crushing Hazard
The antenna contains moving parts that can cause injury. Do not enter the hatch while the system is
connected to AC power.

Before you begin, follow these steps to make sure
you have everything you need for installation.
a. Unpack the box and ensure it contains
everything shown in Figure 1 and on the
Kitpack Contents List. Save the packaging.
b. Carefully examine all of the supplied parts to
ensure nothing was damaged in shipment.
c. Gather all of the following tools and
materials that you will need:
 Flat-head and Phillips-head screwdrivers
 Electric drill and 5/8" (16 mm) bit
 3.75" (95 mm) hole saw (for cable access
hole, if needed)
 5/32" hex key
 7/16" open-end torque wrench set to
20 in.-lbs (2.25 N-m)
 1/2" open-end wrench
 3/4" socket/ratchet or wrench
 1/4" socket/ratchet or nut driver
 7/16" socket/ratchet or nut driver
 3/4" socket/torque ratchet capable of
settings between 35 and 40 ft-lbs (47 and
54 N-m) of torque
 Light hammer and center punch
 Adhesive tape
 Eye protection
 Shop towels
 Silicone sealant, self-vulcanizing tape, or
equivalent
 Two 75 RF coax cables, F connectors,
and termination tools (see page 10)
 Power cable (see page 12)
 Heat gun (for heat shrink)
 Wire stripper/terminal crimper
 Forehead light
 NMEA 0183 talker and interface cable (see
page 23)
 RS422-to-USB adapter
 Isolation transformer, if required (see page 25)
 Utility knife
 Flush cutters
 File
 Ruler or tape measure
 Voltmeter
 Laptop PC with the latest TracPhone V11-HTS
ICM/antenna software downloaded from the
KVH Partner Portal (www.kvh.com/partners)

Before you begin, consider the following antenna
installation guidelines.
 Select a location that is as close as possible to
the intersection of the vessels centerline and
midships.
 Both service hatches should be fully
accessible for installation and service.
 Temperature must be within the operating
range (-30ºC to 55ºC (-22ºF to 131ºF)).
 Avoid placing the antenna near any magnetic
compasses or other onboard antennas to
prevent potential interference.
If available, install the antenna on a platform or
pedestal, rather than on a deck, and ensure the
diameter of the mounting surface matches the
antennas base (19.01" (48.29 cm)) (see Figure 2).
Make sure the mounting surface is flat and level
(within ±1º). Also make sure the mounting
structure is strong enough to withstand the
weight of the antenna (240 lbs (109 kg), excluding
cables) as well as other cumulative forces related
to expected operating conditions, such as ice,
snow, wash down, and maximum expected
values of pitch, roll, and wind pressure
(including gusts).
Vibration of the mounting surface should
measure less than 0.51 gRMS total, and also less
than 0.11 gRMS at the following resonant
frequencies and axes:
 14.93 Hz and 60.89 Hz in Horizontal Forward
X-Direction
 16.07 Hz and 71.02 Hz in Horizontal Side
Y-Direction
 37.7 Hz and 79.89 Hz in Vertical Z-Direction
Please consult with your shipyard to assure that
the antenna mounting surface vibration never
exceeds the above stated conditions at any time
during its life.

If a pedestal is going to be used, it must meet the
following minimum requirements. Refer to
Figure 3.
NOTE: If the pedestal exceeds 3.28 ft (1 m), braces
must be placed at 120° intervals. Sizing is based on
Structural Steel Tubing 60,000 psi (415 MPa)
minimum yield. For more details, refer to the Antenna
Pedestal Specs Wizard (go to www.kvh.com/
pedestalspecs).
Pedestal
Height
(A)
3.28 ft
1 m
6.56 ft
2 m
9.84 ft
3 m
Tube OD
(B)
9.0"
230 mm
8.0"
203.2 mm
10.0"
254 mm
Tube Wall
Thickness
(C)
0.5"
12.7 mm
Brace
Height
(D)
N/A 5.56 ft
1.7 m
7.34 ft
2.24 m
Brace OD
(E)
N/A 3.0"
76.2 mm
6.0"
152.4 mm
Brace
Thickness
(F)
N/A 0.25"
6.35 mm
0.5"
12.7 mm
Brace
Angle
(G)
N/A 30°25°

Select a location that is well above any areas
accessible to passengers and crew to reduce the
risk of RF radiation exposure. (See page 1 for an
illustration of the hazard area.)
If mounting the antenna near an accessible area is
unavoidable, you may configure one or two no-
transmit zones to prevent transmissions in
hazardous directions. (See Set Up No-Transmit
Zones on page 30 for details.)
The antenna requires a clear view of the sky to
transmit and receive satellite signals (see
Figure 4). The fewer obstructions, the better the
system will perform.
Although many variables determine the exact
distance required between the antenna and
radar/high-power radio transmitters, including
transmitter beam properties and the reflective
properties of nearby surfaces, consider the
following general requirements when selecting a
safe antenna location:
 Mount the antenna as far away as possible
from the radar and any high-power radio
transmitters.
 The minimum safe distance and vertical
separation between the antenna and the radar
varies depending on the type and power level
of the radar. Using the table in Figure 5,
mount the antenna at least the minimum
distance away from the radar and maintain at
least the minimum vertical separation above/
below the radar. If mounting the antenna
directly above or below the radar, minimum
distance is 3 ft (0.9 m).
RF emissions from radars and high-power
radio transmitters may damage the antenna
or impair its performance if its improperly
positioned within the beam path.
IMPORTANT!
Radar
Type
Radar
Power
Minimum
vertical
separation
(±xxº)
Minimum
distance
away (d or e)
X-band Up to
50 KW
±15º 3 ft (0.9 m)
S-band Up to
10 KW
±20º 6 ft (2 m)
30 KW ±30º 9 ft (3 m)
50 KW ±30º 14 ft (4.5 m)

Before you begin, consider the following
installation guidelines for the ICM.
 Select a mounting location in a dry, well-
ventilated area belowdecks away from any
heat sources or salt spray.
 Temperature must be within the operating
range (-15ºC to 55ºC (5ºF to 131ºF)).
 Be sure the front panel will be easily
accessible to the user.
 Leave enough room at the rear panel to
accommodate the connecting cables.
 To use the supplied power/data cable, the
ICM must be located within 100 ft (30 m) of
the antenna. However, you can order a
1onger cable run if necessary.
 Be sure the location provides adequate Wi-Fi
reception. Do not install it in an area
surrounded by metal or near any electrical
devices that emit RF noise.

There are two options for mounting the ICM:
Option 1 - Inside an equipment rack
Option 2 - To a horizontal surface
NOTE: You may choose to wait to mount the ICM
until after you have completed all system wiring.
The ICM is sized to fit a standard 19" (48.26 cm)
rack, occupying 2U of space. Follow these steps
to secure the ICM in an equipment rack.
a. Attach the supplied strain-relief bracket to
the back of the ICM using four supplied #6-32
screws and washers (see Figure 7).
b. Insert the ICM into the rack and secure its
front mounting brackets to the rack using
four M6 screws and washers (see Figure 8).
Follow these steps to mount the ICM to a
horizontal surface.
a. Remove the six #6-32 screws and washers
securing the two rack-mount brackets to the
front of the ICM (see Figure 9). Remove the
brackets.
b. Attach the supplied strain-relief bracket to
the back of the ICM, and attach the supplied
L mounting brackets to the sides of the
ICM, using six supplied #6-32 screws and
washers (see Figure 10).
c. Mount the ICM to the vessel using fasteners
appropriate for the mounting surface.

Once you have identified a suitable antenna
mounting site, follow these steps to prepare the
site for installation.
a. Unfold the antenna mounting template
(supplied in the Customer Welcome Kit) and
place it onto the mounting surface. Make sure
the FWD (forward) arrow points toward
the bow and is parallel to the vessels
centerline (see Figure 11).
NOTE: You dont need to mount the antenna exactly
on the vessels centerline, but the antennas forward
arrow must be parallel to it.
b. Using a light hammer and center punch,
mark the locations for the four mounting
holes on the mounting surface in the
locations indicated on the template.
c. Drill a 5/8" (16 mm) hole at the four
mounting hole locations. Later, you will
insert four 1/2"-13 bolts through these holes
to mount the antenna.
If you plan to route the antenna cables
belowdecks through a hole directly underneath
the antenna, follow the steps below.
a. Using the supplied template, mark the
location of the cable access hole in the center
of the mounting hole pattern (see Figure 11).
b. Cut out the 3.75" (95 mm) cable access hole in
the location you marked in Step a. Smooth
the edges of the hole to protect the cables.
(You may also apply anti-chafe material
around the cables to prevent abrasion.)
c. Clean and dry the antenna mounting surface.
d. Peel off the paper backing from one of the
supplied foam seals to expose the adhesive.
Then press the foam seal down firmly onto
the mounting surface, ensuring the hole in
the foam seal aligns with the cable access hole
in the mounting surface (see Figure 11).

Follow these steps to prepare and route the RF,
power, and data cables to the antenna location.
You need to connect two 75 RF coax cables
from the antenna location to the ICM. Refer to
Figure 12 to determine the type of cables and
connectors you can use for your cable run. Then
prepare the cables as described below.
* Cables from KVH include the proper connectors.
** LMR tool kits from KVH include a torque wrench.
RG-11
Max. length 100 ft (30 m)
KVH part no. 50 ft (15 m): S32-0566-50
100 ft (30 m): S32-0566-0100
Connector Belden SNS11AS*
Tools Belden CST596711, L3011B
(KVH part no. 72-0493)
Strip lengths
LMR-400-75
Max. length 200 ft (60 m)
KVH part no. 100 ft (30 m): S32-0944-0100
150 ft (45 m): S32-0944-0150
200 ft (60 m): S32-0944-0200
Connector Times Microwave EZ-400-FMH-75*
Tools Times Microwave TK-400EZ-75
(KVH part no. 72-0374-75**)
Strip lengths
LMR-600-75
Max. length 325 ft (100 m)
KVH part no. 150 ft (45 m): S32-0945-0150
200 ft (60 m): S32-0945-0200
300 ft (90 m): S32-0945-0300
Connector Times Microwave EZ-600-FMH-75*
Tools Times Microwave TK-600EZ
(KVH part no. 72-0375-75**)
Strip lengths
 If you use RG-11 RF cables 80-100 ft (25-
30 m) in length, you can avoid the modem
commissioning step. See Commission
the Modem on page 32.
 RF cables must be rated for 75 , not 50 .
 Low-quality, poorly terminated, or
improperly installed RF cables are the
most common cause of system problems.
Terminate all RF cables with high-quality
F connectors using the proper
stripping/crimping tools, exactly to the
manufacturers specifications. See page 48
for instructions on terminating LMR cables.
 Do not use RG-6 cable, as it will damage
the system. Use of any cables not specified
in Figure 12 will void the warranty.
 Make sure the center conductor pin at
each end of the finished cables is free of
burrs and 1/4" (0.20"-0.28") (5-7 mm) in
length, measured from inside the nut to
the tip, to ensure proper engagement.
(LMR cables only) Make sure there is no
gap between the end of the cable jacket
and the start of the connector.
 When determining cable lengths, dont
forget to account for service loops, 14"
(35 cm) in diameter, at each end.
IMPORTANT!

a. Clean and dry the RF cables connectors.
b. Label both ends of the customers RF cables.
Label one cable TX, and label the other
RX.
c. Heat shrink is supplied with each 3 ft (90 cm)
pigtail cable to protect the connection
between the customers RF cables and the
pigtail cables. Slide a heat shrink sleeve onto
the end of each 3 ft (90 cm) pigtail cable
(opposite the boot end) for later use.
d. Fill half of the inner body of the customers
TX RF cables connector with the supplied
silicone grease to prevent moisture and
corrosion.
e. Connect and SLOWLY hand-tighten the
TX RF cable to the feed-thru adapter of one
of the supplied LMR-400-75 pigtail cables,
allowing the grease to diffuse and settle into
the entire space within the connector (see
Figure 13).
f. Make sure the RF cables connector is
tightened all the way into the pigtail cables
feed-thru adapter. Then tighten it with a
7/16" torque wrench set to 20 in.-lbs.
g. Seal the RF cable-to-pigtail connection using
silicone sealant, self-vulcanizing tape, or
equivalent. Then protect the connection with
the heat shrink (see step c).
h. Repeat steps d-g to connect the RX RF cable
to the other pigtail cable.
Use of the supplied pigtail cables is
mandatory. Do not connect the customers RF
cables directly to the antenna.
IMPORTANT!

You will need to connect a power cable from the
antenna to the vessels 100-240 VAC power
supply. The cable must be an above deck,
marine-grade, 3-conductor, stranded (flexible,
bend radius of at least 3" (8 cm)) power cable
suitable for carrying 500 watts AC power to the
antenna with less than a 5% voltage drop across
its length. Refer to Figure 14 for the suggested
cable gauge for your cable run.
Follow these steps to attach the supplied AC
power connector to the end of your power cable.
This female connector mates with the male
connector at the antenna.
a. Pass the end of the power cable through the
connectors nut and housing as shown in
Figure 15.
b. Strip the jacket from the end of the power
cable 7/8" (22.2 mm). Then strip back the
insulation of all three wires between 1/4"
(6 mm) and 5/16" (8 mm).
c. Connect the wires to the connector as shown
in Figure 15.
d. Slide the housing over the connector and
snap it into place.
e. Tighten the nut onto the end of the housing.
Tighten to approximately 3 ft-lbs (4 N-m) of
torque.
Cable Length Suggested Gauge
Up to 100 ft (30 m) 14 AWG
101-300 ft (31-90 m) 12 AWG
Be sure to comply with all applicable
electrical codes and safety standards for the
vessels country of origin and vessel type.
IMPORTANT!

a. Keep the ends of the data, power, and RF
cables shown in Figure 16 at the antenna
location.
b. Route the opposite ends of the cables
belowdecks through the cable access hole.
Leave an adequate service loop, at least 14"
(35 cm) in diameter, in all of the cables at the
antenna location for easy serviceability.
(Total extra length of RF cables should not
exceed 6.5 ft (2 m) at each end.)
c. Route the cables to the belowdecks
equipment. Be sure to always maintain the
minimum bend radius in the RF cables (see
Figure 17). Later, you will connect the data
and RF cables to the ICM, and the power
cable to the vessels AC power supply.
Do not connect the power cable to vessel AC
power yet. You will connect power in Step 12
on page 25.
Cable Type Minimum Bend Radius
RG-11 4.5" (11.5 cm)
LMR-400-75 4.5" (11.5 cm)
LMR-600-75 6" (15.3 cm)

Follow these steps to detach the antenna from the
pallet and safely rig the antenna for crane
hoisting.
a. Using a 7/16" socket/ratchet or nut driver,
unlock the three hex latches securing each of
the antennas service hatches (see Figure 18).
Then gently lower the hatches. You can now
access the four shipping bolts securing the
antennas baseplate to the pallet.
b. Using a 3/4" socket/ratchet or wrench,
remove the four outer 1/2"-13 bolts securing
the antenna to the pallet (see Figure 19). Do
not remove the four inner bolts that secure
the internal antenna assembly to the
baseplate.
c. Close both antenna service hatches. Secure
each hatch using the three hex latches.
d. Secure the crane rigging to the antennas four
lift brackets (see Figure 20). Be sure the
rigging and crane are suitably rated to safely
lift the 240 lbs (109 kg) antenna.
e. Carefully hoist the antenna to its mounting
location.
Be sure no personnel stand underneath the
antenna at any time while it is suspended in
the air.
Take protective measures to avoid gouging or
scratching the radome during the rigging
operation.
IMPORTANT!

Follow these steps to connect the antenna cables.
To access the antennas connectors, you first need
to detach the cable cover. Loosen the six #6-32
captive screws securing the cable cover to the
base (see Figure 21). Then set the cable cover
aside in a safe place.
If you routed the cables through a hole directly
underneath the antenna (see Cut Out the Cable
Access Hole, If Needed on page 9), follow these
steps to attach the second foam seal to the base of
the antenna.
a. Clean and dry the bottom of the antenna.
b. Peel off the paper backing from the second
foam seal to expose the adhesive. Align the
foam seal so it is centered on the antenna (see
Figure 22). Then press the foam seal firmly
onto the underside of the antenna.

a. Clean and dry the antennas two RF
connectors, labeled MTX and MRX (see
Figure 23).
b. Place one of the supplied rubber connector
washers over the MTX jack on the bottom
of the antenna, as shown in Figure 24.
c. Fill half of the inner body of the TX pigtail
cables male connector with silicone grease.
d. Connect and SLOWLY hand-tighten the
TX pigtail cable to the antennas MTX
jack, allowing the grease to diffuse and settle
into the entire space within the connector.
e. Make sure the TX pigtail cables connector
is tightened all the way into the antennas
connector and the rubber washer is
compressed against the antennas base. Then
tighten the connector with a 7/16" torque
wrench set to 20 in.-lbs.
f. Apply a thin layer of silicone grease to the
jacket of the TX pigtail cable, along the
wider segment at the base of the connector.
g. Slide the rubber boot up the cable until it
covers the entire connector and mates with
the rubber washer. This will protect the
connection from the elements.
h. Wipe off any excess grease from the cable.
i. Repeat steps b-h to connect the RX pigtail
cable to the antenna.
Connect the data cable to the Data jack on the
base of the antenna (see Figure 23). Hand-tighten
until the connector locks in place; do not use
excessive force.
Connect the customers power cable to the AC
power pigtail cable on the base of the antenna
(see Figure 23). Be sure the connector locks in
place.

a. Position the cable cover over the antennas
cable connectors and secure in place with the
six #6-32 captive screws and washers (see
Figure 25).
b. Secure the cables near the antenna connectors
to relieve stress (such as the example in
Figure 26). The cable cover is designed for
aesthetics only  it does not provide any
support for the cables and may become
damaged if cables are not properly strain-
relieved.
c. Weatherproof and seal the cable access hole,
as required.
The integrity and reliability of the RF cables is
critically important. Make certain that these
cables are properly terminated, sealed against
seawater and corrosion, strain-relieved,
protected from abrasion, and free of stress.
IMPORTANT!