KVH Industries TracVision A5 Install guide

54-0239 Rev. B TracVision A5 Shop Manual © 2005 KVH Industries, Inc., All rights reserved.
• Provides excellent satellite TV reception while driving along the
open road.
•Antenna tracks the DIRECTV 101°W satellite, which is located in
the southern sky.
•System includes an integrated DIRECTV receiver (with picture-in-
guide APG), an RF converter, and an RF remote control.
• For detailed installation instructions, refer to the TracVision A5
Installation Guide. For complete operation instructions, refer to the
TracVision A5 User’s Guide.
TracVision A5 Overview
Effective April 2005
Subject to change without notice

54-0239 TracVision A5 Shop Manual © 2005 KVH Industries, Inc., All rights reserved.
• Two people are required to lift the antenna. Do not try to install the
antenna by yourself.
• Remove all six shipping restraints, as shown in the photos above.
Safe Handling
Effective April 2005
Subject to change without notice

54-0239 TracVision A5 Shop Manual © 2005 KVH Industries, Inc., All rights reserved.
• Position the roof rack crossbars 351/2" apart, measured center-to-
center.
•At least 1" clearance is required between the underside of the
antenna and the roof. To raise the antenna higher, use the spacers
supplied in the kitpack(seepage2.7oftheInstallationGuidefor
details).
• Always use the TORX hardware supplied in the kitpack. Do not
use any substitutes.
Mounting to a Roof Rack
Effective April 2005
Subject to change without notice

54-0239 TracVision A5 Shop Manual © 2005 KVH Industries, Inc., All rights reserved.
• KVH’s roof-mount kit is designed only for flat metal roofs up to
3/16" thick.
•Install a jack nut in all eight 7/16" mounting holes.Ensure the jack
nuts are securely attached to the roof.
•At least 1" clearance is required between the underside of the
antenna and the roof. To raise the antenna higher, use the spacers
supplied in the kitpack(seepage2.11oftheInstallationGuidefor
details).
• Always use the TORX hardware supplied in the kitpack. Do not
use any substitutes.
Mounting to the Roof
Effective April 2005
Subject to change without notice

54-0239 TracVision A5 Shop Manual © 2005 KVH Industries, Inc., All rights reserved.
• KVH’s Hummer kit is designed only for standard 2"-thick Hummer
H2 roof rack crossbars.
• Position the roof rack crossbars 391/2" apart, measured center-to-
center.
•Cut each crossbar’s rubber strip into three pieces as shown
above. These measurements are critical to position the T-nuts
properly.
• Always use the TORX and pin-in-hex hardware supplied in the
kitpack. Do not use any substitutes.
Mounting to Hummer H2 Rack
Effective April 2005
Subject to change without notice

Augat Tool
54-0239 TracVision A5 Shop Manual © 2005 KVH Industries, Inc., All rights reserved.
•If you must cut the antenna cable, terminate the cable with the
supplied Snap-N-Seal®F-connector. Low-quality connectors will
degrade system performance.
• Always use an Augat tool (KVH P/N 19-0242)
to attach F-connectors.
•Do not kink or stress the antenna cable.
•Tighten all connections adequately.
•Use high-quality video cable between receiver and monitor(s).
•Place the RF converter at least 3 feet away from the receiver and
other electronic devices.
Proper Wiring
Effective April 2005
Subject to change without notice

54-0239 TracVision A5 Shop Manual © 2005 KVH Industries, Inc., All rights reserved.
Before you start:
• Before connecting the power cable, remove the key from the
ignition and remove the negative lead from the vehicle battery.
Connecting the receiver power cable’s red (positive) wire:
•Connect the red wire to +12 VDC switched (accessory) power.
Withthevehiclerunningandthereceiverturnedon,poweratthe
receivermustmeasureatleast11VDC.
•Do not wire any other device to the same power circuit.
Connecting the receiver power cable’s black (negative) wire:
•Connect the black wire to its own dedicated chassis ground (such
as a pillar ground screw) within 18" of the receiver.
•The black wire must make contact between the metal of the
ground screw and the metal of the vehicle frame.
Connecting to Power
Effective April 2005
Subject to change without notice

54-0239 TracVision A5 Shop Manual © 2005 KVH Industries, Inc., All rights reserved.
Do not connect the receiver directly to the vehicle’s battery
without following these additional steps:
•Install a protective fuse (6 amps) within 18" of the battery.
•Install a relay, switched from the ignition, between the battery and
the receiver.
•Use fire-resistant AWG 8 wire from the relay to the battery.
Connecting to Power (cont’d)
Effective April 2005
Subject to change without notice

54-0239 TracVision A5 Shop Manual © 2005 KVH Industries, Inc., All rights reserved.
You affixed the antenna serial number label to the red
Activation Card.
You removed all 6 of the antenna’s shipping restraints.
You used the proper TORX mounting hardware.
You allowed at least 1" of clearance between the antenna
and the vehicle’s roof.
You verified the antenna is securely attached to the vehicle.
You used an Augat tool to attach the F-connector to the
antenna cable (if you cut the cable).
You connected the antenna cable, high-quality audio/video
cables, and RF converter cable securely to the receiver.
You connected the receiver’s power cable to +12 VDC
switched (accessory) power.
You placed the RF converter 3 feet away from the receiver and
other electronic devices.
You installed the receiver in a dry location away from any heat
sources, allowing 2 inches of empty space for ventilation.
You installed 2 “AAA” batteries in the remote control.
You completed an Installation Report(provided at the back of this
manual) and faxed it to KVH at 401-849-0045.
Installation Checklist
Effective April 2005
Subject to change without notice

PLEASE NOTE!
If the TracVision system was left on when the vehicle was last turned
off, TracVision will automatically turn on when you start up the
vehicle. DO NOT DO ANYTHING! Wait 30-60 seconds for the
Program Guide to load and you are ready to watch TV – if the
Program Guide doesn’t load, check for blockage as noted in step 6.
1. Start the car.
2. Ensure that the power switch
on the receiver’s rear panel is
turned on and lit green. The
Voltage light should be also
be lit. (The receiver beeps 2
or 3 times.)
3. Turn on the video screen and select the satellite input (not the
VCR input).
4. If the TracVision system was left on when the vehicle was last
turned off,Message1then Message2will appear on the screen.
54-0239 TracVision A5 Shop Manual © 2005 KVH Industries, Inc., All rights reserved.
Proper Operation
Effective April 2005
Subject to change without notice
Message 1 Message 2
then
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE...
Voltage
Light
Power
Switch

54-0239 TracVision A5 Shop Manual © 2005 KVH Industries, Inc., All rights reserved.
5. If Message 1 does not appear after 30 seconds,
press the remote control’s SAT button. Then
press the PWR button. The receiver beeps
twice. (A singlebeepindicatesthatthesystem
isturnedoff.)
6. If Message 2 does not appear after Message 1, ensure that the
antenna has a clear view of the satellite and there is no standing
water (rain, dew, or ice) on the dome.The antenna requires an
unobstructed view of the southern sky to receive satellite TV
signals. Once the antenna finds the satellite, and the receiver
downloads the Program Guide (itmaytake60seconds), you can
start watching TV.
Note:
Only the DIRECTV preview channels (such as channels 100
and 201) are viewable until the customer activates the receiver.
Proper Operation (cont’d)
Effective April 2005
Subject to change without notice

54-0239 TracVision A5 Shop Manual © 2005 KVH Industries, Inc., All rights reserved.
Activating a Receiver
• Before the customer can start enjoying satellite TV, he/she must
activate the receiver (after the system has been installed).
•Don’t forget to give the customer the red Activation Card, which
comes attached to the back of the receiver. The customer needs
this card in order to activate the receiver.
•Be sure to affix the antenna serial number label to the Activation
Card.
• KVH’s Activation Department: 1-866-551-8004
Replacing a Receiver
•First complete the TracVision A5 Service Worksheet, provided at
the back of this manual. KVH needs this information before it can
ship a replacement.
•Call KVH Technical Support at 1-888-584-5714 and ask for an
RMA number. Write this number on the outside of the box.
•Be sure to tell the customer that he/she must call KVH to activate
the new receiver and deactivate the old receiver. Activation and
deactivation activity is governed by a contractual agreement
between the customer and DIRECTV.Only the customer can call
to activate/deactivate a receiver.
•If the old receiver is not deactivated prior to return, DIRECTV
will continue to bill the customer for the service and KVH will
invoice the dealer for the full cost of the receiver.
Using the Receiver
Effective April 2005
Subject to change without notice

54-0239 TracVision A5 Shop Manual © 2005 KVH Industries, Inc., All rights reserved.
•Don’t forget to give the customer the Activation Card! The
customer must call KVH at 1-866-551-8004 to activate.
• Make sure the customer understands how to use the remote
control and how to turn on and operate the TracVision A5. Refer to
the QuickStartGuide and User’sGuide.
•Let the customer know the new height of the vehicle with the
antenna installed.
•It is dangerous to watch television or operate the remote control
while driving a vehicle. The TracVision A5 is designed for rear-seat
entertainment only.
•The antenna tracks the DIRECTV 101°W satellite.It cannot
receive channels on other satellites.
•The antenna must have a clear view
of the southern sky to receive
satellite signals.Common causes of
blockage include trees, buildings,
overpasses, tunnels, and mountains.
The system will not work inside a
garage.
• Heavy rain, dew, snow, or ice may temporarily interrupt reception
or, if starting up, impair the antenna’s ability to find the satellite.
What to Tell the Customer
Effective April 2005
Subject to change without notice

54-0239 TracVision A5 Shop Manual © 2005 KVH Industries, Inc., All rights reserved.
DO...
•DO remove all 6 wire shipping restraints.
•DO get another person’s help to lift the antenna.
•DO install all three TORX screws at each mounting bracket.
•DO apply threadlocker (Loctite 425) to the threads of the mounting
screws if you are reusing them. Be careful not to drip threadlocker
on the vehicle.
•DO allow at least 1" clearance between antenna and roof.
•DO make sure the antenna is securely attached to the vehicle.
•DO make sure the roof rack crossbars are securely fastened to
the vehicle, if you are mounting the antenna to the roof rack.
•DO inform the customer of the vehicle’s height with the antenna
installed.
• DO call KVH Technical Support at 1-888-584-5714 before you
paint the antenna. Certain types of paint will affect reception.
DO NOT...
• DO NOT attempt to lift the antenna by yourself.
• DO NOT use any substitute mounting hardware.
• DO NOT mount the antenna to a sloped surface.
Do’s and Don’ts - Antenna
Effective April 2005
Subject to change without notice

54-0239 TracVision A5 Shop Manual © 2005 KVH Industries, Inc., All rights reserved.
DO NOT...
• DO NOT twist or bend the antenna frame.
• DO NOT paint the antenna without calling KVH Technical Support
first at 1-888-584-5714. Painting the antenna with certain types of
paint will reduce satellite signal reception.
• DO NOT use KVH’s roof-mount kit if the roof is greater than 3/16"
thick.
• DO NOT install the antenna on an 18-wheel, commercial truck.
The excessive vibration experienced on these vehicles will impair
the antenna’s ability to track the satellite.
• DO NOT mount the antenna sideways on the vehicle’s roof. Be
sure the connector is facing the rear of the vehicle. The front of
the antenna is aerodynamically designed for the least noise and
best moisture protection.
• DO NOT use abrasive cleaners, volatile solvents (such as methyl
alcohol), or compounds that react with plastic when cleaning the
antenna.
Do’s and Don’ts - Antenna (cont’d)
Effective April 2005
Subject to change without notice

54-0239 TracVision A5 Shop Manual © 2005 KVH Industries, Inc., All rights reserved.
DO...
•DO install the receiver in a dry, well-ventilated area away from any
heat sources.
•DO allow at least 2 inches of empty space around the receiver for
ventilation.
•DO place the RF converter at least 3 feet away from the receiver
and other electronic devices.
•DO set up the program guide for the customer’s time zone (see
page4.8oftheTracVisionA5InstallationGuide).
•DO give the Activation Card to the customer.Besuretoaffixthe
antennaserialnumberlabeltothecard.
•DO order an additional A5 receiver from KVH if the customer
requests two receivers.
•DO be sure to read carefully the “Power” Do’s and Don’ts.
DO NOT...
•DO NOT install the receiver near a heat vent.
• DO NOT install the receiver in an enclosed space with no
ventilation.
• DO NOT place the RF converter behind a metal surface or in an
area surrounded by metal (e.g., under a seat).
Do’s and Don’ts - Receiver
Effective April 2005
Subject to change without notice

54-0239 TracVision A5 Shop Manual © 2005 KVH Industries, Inc., All rights reserved.
DO...
•DO terminate the antenna cable with the supplied Snap-N-Seal
F-connector.
•DO use an Augat tool to install F-connectors.
•DO check the integrity of the F-connectors.Resistance measured
between center conductor and shield should indicate an open
circuit.
•DO maintain a bend radius of at least 3" when routing the antenna
cable.
•DO use high-quality video cables between receiver and
monitor(s).
•DO tighten all connections adequately.
•DO use the rubber boot to protect the antenna connector.
DO NOT...
• DO NOT use a screw-on, push-on, twist-on, or any other over-the-
counter connector to terminate the antenna cable. Low-quality
connectors will degrade system performance and may damage
the TracVision equipment.
• DO NOT kink or stress the antenna cable.
Do’s and Don’ts - Wiring
Effective April 2005
Subject to change without notice

54-0239 TracVision A5 Shop Manual © 2005 KVH Industries, Inc., All rights reserved.
DO NOT...
• DO NOT route the antenna cable where it may become chafed.
• DO NOT disconnect the short cable that connects from one jack
to another on the receiver’s rear panel. The system will not work if
this cable is disconnected.
• DO NOT connect any other type of receiver to the TracVision
system.
Do’s and Don’ts - Wiring (cont’d)
Effective April 2005
Subject to change without notice

54-0239 TracVision A5 Shop Manual © 2005 KVH Industries, Inc., All rights reserved.
DO...
•DO remove the key from the ignition and remove the negative
lead from the vehicle’s batterybefore connecting the receiver
power cable.
•DO connect the receiver power cable’s red (positive) wire to
+12 VDC switched (accessory) power.
•DO connect the receiver power cable’s black (negative) wire to a
bare metal chassis ground (such as a pillar ground screw) within
18" of the receiver.
•DO use fire-resistant AWG 8 wire, install a protective fuse (rated
for 6 amps) within 18" of the battery, and install a relay, switched
from the ignition, between the battery and the receiver, ifyouare
connectingthereceivertothebattery.
DO NOT...
• DO NOT connect the receiver to unswitched power.
• DO NOT wire any other device to the same power circuit.
• DO NOT connect the receiver directly to the battery without
following the additional steps described above.
• DO NOT use inadequate AWG wiring.
• DO NOT ground any other device at the same grounding point as
the receiver.
Do’s and Don’ts - Power
Effective April 2005
Subject to change without notice