KVH Industries TracVision A7 User manual

TracVision A7
Installation Guide

TracVision A7
Installation Guide
The TracVision A7 is a state-of-the-art, actively
stabilized antenna system that delivers live satellite
TV to a vehicle, even while the vehicle is moving.
This manual provides detailed instructions on the
proper installation of the TracVision A7 system.
Complete instructions on how to use the system are
provided in the User’s Guide and Quick Start Guide.
Welcome Page
This product must NOT be connected to
any active monitor that is visible to the
vehicle’s driver while the vehicle is in
motion. This product is intended for rear-
seat entertainment only.
KVH Part # 54-0350 Rev. C
© 2006, KVH Industries, Inc., All rights reserved.

Trademarks
KVH and TracVision are registered trademarks of KVH Industries, Inc.
Programming, pricing, terms, and conditions are subject to change. Pricing
residential. Taxes not included. Receipt of DIRECTV programming is subject
to the DIRECTV Customer Agreement, a copy of which is provided at
DIRECTV.com/legal and in your first bill.
DIRECTV and the Cyclone Design logo, DIRECTV INTERACTIVE, TOTAL
CHOICE, DIRECTV HOME SERVICES, FREEVIEW, and DIRECT TICKET
are trademarks of DIRECTV, Inc. All trademarks, marks, names, or product
names referenced in this publication are the property of their respective
owners, and KVH neither endorses nor otherwise sponsors any such
products or services referred to herein.
Macrovision Information – Macrovision is a registered trademark of
Macrovision Corporation. This device incorporates an anticopy process
technology that is protected by U.S. patents 4,631,603; 4,577,216; 4,819,098;
and other intellectual property rights. The anticopy process is licensed for
noncommercial, home use only. Reverse engineering or disassembly is
prohibited.
StarSight Information – StarSight features licensed under one or more of the
following patents: 4,706,121; 5,151,789; 5,353,121; 5,353,277; 5,479,266;
5,479,268; and 5,532,754. Use rights reserved.
TruSurround Information – TruSurround and the symbol are trademarks
of SRS Labs, Inc. TruSurround technology is incorporated under license from
SRS Labs, Inc.
ENERGYSTAR Information – ENERGYSTAR and the ENERGYSTAR
certification mark are registered U.S. marks.
TiVo is a registered trademark of TiVo Inc., or its subsidiaries.
Software contained in the TracVision receiver and referenced in this manual
is copyright ©1995-2006 by DIRECTV, Inc. Some features are patent
pending. WatchWizard, PreSelect, TurboTune, and OneLine Guide are
trademarks of Hughes Network Systems. “NFL,” the NFL Shield, and “NFL
SUNDAY TICKET” are registered trademarks of the National Football League
and its affiliates. “NHL,” the NHL Shield, and “NHL CENTER ICE” are
registered trademarks of the National Hockey League. “MLB,” “MLB EXTRA
INNINGS,” “Major League Baseball,” and the Major League Baseball
silhouetted batter logo are service marks of Major League Baseball
Properties, Inc. Major League Baseball trademarks and copyright are used
with permission of Major League Baseball Properties, Inc. All other
trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners.
Patent Protection
TracVision A7 is protected by EU Design #000050877-0001; US patents
D493,164; 6,856,300; 6,967,619; 6,977,614; and 7,102,571.
Disclaimer
Every effort has been made to ensure the correctness and completeness of
the material in this document. No company shall be liable for errors
contained herein. The information in this document is subject to change
without notice. No warranty of any kind is made with regard to this material.
Note on recording programming
Most television programs and films are copyrighted. This means that
someone has legal rights governing the reproduction and distribution of this
material. In certain circumstances, copyright law may apply to private taping
of copyrighted materials. In most cases, it is permissible to record for your
personal use, as long as you do not sell the material. You must act
responsibly in this area–check into the matter if you are unsure.
Some pay-per-view programs may be licensed from producers as “view-only”
programs. These are copyrighted programs, and may not be copied or
reproduced for any purpose without the express written permission of the
copyright owner.
54-0350
ii
TracVision A7 Installation Guide

54-0350 iii
Important Safety Instructions
Important Safety Instructions -
Please Read
For your safety and protection, please read this entire
Installation Guide before you install the TracVision
system.
Heed Cautions – Be sure to follow all cautions on the
product and in the installation instructions. Cautions
are indicated by a or icon.
Follow Instructions – Be sure to follow all installation
instructions as detailed in this manual.
The following caution appears on the back of the
receiver:
Do not open the receiver’s cover. Opening or
removing the cover may expose you to dangerous
voltage.
To reduce the risk of fire or
electrical shock, do NOT expose the
receiver to rain or moisture and do
NOT insert any objects into the
receiver’s ventilation openings.
Avoid Driver Distraction
It is dangerous to watch television
or operate the remote control while
you are driving a vehicle. The
TracVision A7 is designed
specifically to provide entertainment to vehicle
passengers and should never be connected to
active video screens visible to the vehicle driver
while the vehicle is in motion. Failure by the
driver of a vehicle equipped with a
TracVision A7 to pay full attention to traffic and
road conditions could result in an accident or
collision with personal injury or death resulting.
WARNING!
CAUTION
CAUTION

iv
TracVision A7 Installation Guide
Technical Support
If you need technical assistance when installing the
TracVision A7, please call KVH Technical Support:
Phone: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Activation Department
Once the TracVision A7 system is installed, the user
needs to activate the receiver by calling KVH’s
Activation Department:
Phone: [phone]
(24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
Send Us Your Comments About This Manual
If you have any comments regarding this manual,
please e-mail them to [email protected]. Your
feedback is greatly appreciated!

54-0350 v
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1 Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.1
1-1 Using this Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.3
1-2 System Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.4
1-3 Inspect Parts and Get Tools . . . . . . . .1.6
1-4 Prepare the Activation Card . . . . . . . .1.7
2 Installing the Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.1
2-1 Remove the Shipping Restraints . . . . .2.3
2-2 Mount the Antenna -
Rack Mount Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.4
2-3 Mount the Antenna -
Roof Mount Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.8
2-4 Mount the Antenna -
Hummer Mount Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.12
2-5 Connect the Antenna Cable . . . . . . .2.16
3 Installing the Receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . .3.1
3-1 Choose the Receiver Location . . . . . .3.3
3-2 Wire the Receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3.3
3-3 Mount the Receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3.10
3-4 Install Batteries in the Remote . . . . .3.10
4 Completing the Installation . . . . . . . . .4.1
4-1 Post-installation Checklist . . . . . . . . . .4.3
4-2 Test the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.5
4-3 Educate the Customer . . . . . . . . . . . .4.7
Appendices
A System Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . .A.3

54-0350 1.1
Getting Started
1 Getting Started
This section provides a basic overview of this manual and the
TracVision A7 system. It also lists the items you will need to
complete the installation.
Contents
1-1 Using this Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.3
1-2 System Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.4
1-3 Inspect Parts and Get Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.6
1-4 Prepare the Activation Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.7

1-1 Using this Manual
This manual provides complete instructions for
installing the TracVision A7 system. Throughout this
manual, important information is marked for your
attention by the following icons:
Related Documentation
The following additional documents are provided
with the TracVision A7 system:
Document Description
Receiver User’s Guide Complete operation, setup, and
troubleshooting information
Quick Start Guide Handy quick reference to basic
operation
Product Registration Form Details on registering the
product with KVH
Warranty Statement Warranty terms and conditions
Contents List List of every supplied part
Activation Card Information the owner needs to
activate the receiver
54-0350 1.3
Getting Started
A helpful tip that either directs you to
a related area within the manual or
offers suggestions on getting the
highest quality out of your system.
An alert to important information
regarding procedures, product
specifications, or product use.
An electrical safety warning to help
identify electrical issues that can be a
hazard to either this KVH product or
a user.
Information about installation,
maintenance, troubleshooting, or
other mechanical issues.

Who Should Install the TracVision A7 System
KVH strongly recommends that a KVH-authorized
technician and an assistant install the TracVision A7
system. Installers should have experience installing
electronic equipment on a vehicle and have
knowledge about satellite television.
1-2 System Overview
A complete satellite TV system includes the
TracVision A7 antenna and receiver connected to the
vehicle’s audio/video entertainment system. The
remote control and RF (radio frequency) converter
allow the user to operate the system from anywhere
in the vehicle.
54-0350
1.4
TracVision A7 Installation Guide
Vehicle
Mobile Video Display(s)
TracVision A7 Antenna
Purchased Separately
Receiver
Remote Control
CH
VOL
DVDVCR AUX TV SAT
HRMC-9
GUIDE
MENU
INFO CLEAR
TURBO FAV
SELECT
MUTE CH
PREV
PROG
SEARCH
AUDIO VIDEO
123
456
789
0
INPUT
REW PLAY FF
REC STOP PAUSE
P
A
G
E
O
N
E
L
I
N
E
G
U
I
D
E
PWR
DIRECTOR
RF Converter
Vehicle Power
(12 VDC, 50 watts max)
TracVision A7 System Diagram (Typical Installation)
KVH is not liable for damage (or related
expenses) caused by improper installation.

System Components
The TracVision A7 includes the following
components:
Antenna Unit
The antenna unit, mounted on the vehicle’s roof,
houses the phased array, positioning mechanisms,
GPS, low noise block (LNB), and control elements
within a weathertight radome. A single cable
connects the antenna to the receiver inside the
vehicle.
Receiver
The receiver, mounted
inside the vehicle,
decodes satellite
signals from the
antenna unit and sends the signals to the vehicle’s
audio/video system. It also powers and controls the
TracVision antenna.
Remote Control
The backlit wireless RF remote control
allows the user to operate the system
from anywhere in the vehicle. The
remote does not need to be pointed
directly at the receiver for the signal
to be received.
RF Converter
The RF converter receives
RF commands from the
remote control, converts
them to digital signals, and sends them to the receiver
for processing.
54-0350 1.5
Getting Started

1-3 Inspect Parts and Get Tools
1. Unpack the box and ensure it contains everything
shown on the antenna and receiver Contents
Lists. Carefully examine all of the supplied parts
to ensure nothing was damaged in shipment.
Save the packaging in case you need to reship the
system.
2. Gather all of the tools and materials listed below.
You will need these items to complete the
installation.
• Hex socket drivers
• Phillips and flat-head
screwdrivers
• Stepladder
•7⁄16" open-end wrench
• Torque wrench
• Wire cutters
• Silicone sealant or RTV
• Measuring tape
If you use the roof mount kit:
• Fasteners suitable for attaching the four metal
mounting plates to the vehicle’s roof
• Pencil or scribe
If you route the antenna cable through the roof:
• Light hammer and center punch
• Drill and 5⁄32" bit
•1⁄2" hole saw
If you cut the antenna cable to length:
• LRC/Augat T1000 crimp tool
(KVH P/N 19-0242; call [phone] to order)
54-0350
1.6
TracVision A7 Installation Guide

1-4 Prepare the Activation Card
Before you install the antenna, peel off the extra serial
number label (taped to the antenna) and affix it in the
appropriate box on the red Activation Card.
54-0350 1.7
Getting Started
Be sure to affix the extra antenna serial
number label to the red Activation Card.
The user will need this number to activate
the receiver, and the receiver must be
activated in order to watch satellite TV via
the TracVision A7 system.
TracVision® Activation
Before you can start enjoying satellite TV in your vehicle,
the TracVision receiver must be activated.
To activate your receiver, please follow the steps below:
1. Call KVH’s Activation Department at:
1-866-551-8004
(24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
You will need to provide the KVH Activation Department
representative with a credit card number and the
following KVH serial numbers:
2. The KVH representative will provide you with 4 ID numbers
necessary for activation. Enter these in the boxes below:
Please save this card for future reference.
You will need these numbers whenever you call DIRECTV.
Installer: Please place antenna
serial number in box above.
54-0208-04, rev. B
Access Card Number
Receiver Serial Number Antenna Serial Number
Receiver ID Number
DIRECTV Serial Number Model Number
Activation Card
RA

54-0350 2.1
Installing the Antenna
2 Installing the
Antenna
This section explains how to mount the antenna to the vehicle and
how to connect and route the antenna cable.
Contents
2-1 Remove the Shipping Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.3
2-2 Mount the Antenna - Rack Mount Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.4
2-3 Mount the Antenna - Roof Mount Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.8
2-4 Mount the Antenna - Hummer Mount Kit . . . . . . . . . . .2.12
2-5 Connect the Antenna Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.16

2-1 Remove the Shipping Restraints
Cut and remove all of the shipping restraints from
underneath the antenna. To remove the wire
restraints, you will need to use heavy-duty wire
cutters.
54-0350
Installing the Antenna
2.3
12
3
4
6
5
Shipping Restraint Locations on Antenna Base
Removing the Shipping Restraints

54-0350
2.4
TracVision A7 Installation Guide
2-2 Mount the Antenna -
Rack Mount Kit
If you are mounting the antenna to the vehicle’s roof
rack, follow the steps below. If you are mounting the
antenna directly to the roof, skip to page 2.8. If you
are mounting to a Hummer rack, skip to page 2.12.
1. Attach each of the four mounting brackets to the
antenna base using two 1⁄4"-20 x 3⁄4" hex socket
screws. (A bolt is factory-installed in the base between
the bracket holes.)
2. Position the roof rack crossbars 351⁄2" apart,
measured center-to-center. Ensure that the
crossbars are securely fastened to the vehicle.
Be sure the roof rack’s crossbars are
secured in place and are sturdy enough to
support the 48 lb antenna.
Roof Rack Crossbars
Crossbars
351⁄2" apart
Bracket
Factory-installed bolt
1/4"-20 x 3/4" Hex Socket
Screws
(with Nylok patch)
Attaching the Mounting Brackets

3. With an assistant’s help, gently place the antenna
onto the roof rack with the cable connector facing
the rear of the vehicle. All four brackets should
rest on top of the roof rack’s crossbars.
54-0350 2.5
Installing the Antenna
4. Each bracket contains several pairs of pegs. These
pegs allow you to place two rubber cushions in
different positions to best fit the vehicle’s style of
crossbars. Try out the various cushion positions
until you find the best fit for your installation. The
more surface area of the cushions pressing against the
crossbar, the better the fit.
Placing the Antenna on the Crossbars
Antenna Connector Facing Rear of Vehicle
Rear
Roof Rack
Crossbar
Bracket
Roof Rack Crossbar
Rubber Cushions
Positioning Rubber Cushions for Best Fit
Rubber Cushion
Cable
Connector

54-0350
2.6
TracVision A7 Installation Guide
5. With the cushions installed in the brackets, the
bottom of the antenna should rest above the
vehicle’s roof. If the antenna’s base touches the
roof, you will need to add a spacer under each
bracket to raise the antenna higher off the
crossbars.
If spacers are needed, follow Steps a and b on this
page to install a spacer under each bracket.
a. Remove the #8-32 x 3⁄8" screws and washers
securing the factory-installed plastic spacer to
the metal bracket.
b. Insert a second spacer from the kitpack
between the original spacer (which holds the
rubber cushions) and the bracket. Secure both
spacers to the bracket using the #8-32 x 7⁄8"
screws supplied in the kitpack and the
original washers that you removed in Step a.
Vehicle Roof
Crossbar
Using Spacers to Raise the Antenna Above the Roof
Vehicle Roof
New Spacer
Gap Crossbar
Bracket
New Spacer
Flat Washer
Lock Washer
#8-32 Screw
Factory-installed
Spacer
Adding a Second Spacer to the Bracket (If Needed)
Without Spacer
Antenna Touching Roof
With Spacer
Gap Between Antenna and Roof

6. Secure each mounting bracket to the roof rack
with a retaining plate, two hex socket screws, and
two jam nuts, as shown in the figure. Use a 13⁄4"
screw at the end of each bracket and use a 2"
screw at the base of each bracket. Be sure to use
the supplied hardware. After securing all four
brackets to the crossbars, verify that all cushions
(two within each bracket) are pressed firmly
against the crossbars providing a solid grip.
7. Attach a protective cover onto each clamp. The
covers simply snap into place at the sides of the
brackets. Two different sizes of covers are provided in
the kitpack. Install the two larger covers on the rear
brackets and the smaller covers on the front brackets.
54-0350 2.7
Installing the Antenna
If you installed extra spacers in Step 5, and
the bottom of the antenna still contacts the
roof, KVH recommends that you either use
the roof mount option or replace the roof
rack with an aftermarket model that offers
greater clearance.
Hex Socket Screws
Cover
Roof Rack Crossbar
Retaining Plate
Jam Nuts
Mounting Bracket
2"
1.75"
Securing the Brackets to the Crossbars
Attaching the Cover
Cover
Bracket
Proceed to Section 2-5 on page 2.16.

2. Place the metal mounting plates onto the
vehicle’s roof (do not attach yet!). Ensure the nut
bar swivels easily within each mounting plate.
3. Lift the skirt on the four rubber mounting blocks,
then place the blocks onto the mounting plates.
Align with the threaded holes in the nut bar.
Metal Mounting Plate with Nut Bar
2-3 Mount the Antenna -
Roof Mount Kit
If you are mounting the antenna directly to the roof,
follow the steps below.
1. Attach each of the four mounting brackets to the
antenna base using two 1⁄4"-20 x 3⁄4" hex socket
screws. (A bolt is factory-installed in the base between
the bracket holes.)
54-0350
2.8
TracVision A7 Installation Guide
Bracket
Factory-installed bolt
1/4"-20 x 3/4" Hex Socket
Screws
(with Nylok patch)
Attaching the Mounting Brackets
Rubber Mounting Block Placed onto Mounting Plate
Nut Bar
Mounting
Plate
Mounting
Block
Nut Bar
Skirt

4. With an assistant’s help, position the antenna
onto the centerline of the vehicle’s roof with a
mounting block and mounting plate under each
bracket. Make sure the antenna’s connector faces
the rear of the vehicle.
5. The bottom of the antenna should rest above the
vehicle’s roof. If the antenna’s base is touching
the roof, you will need to add a spacer under
each bracket to raise the antenna higher. If
spacers are needed, STOP the installation.
Call KVH at 401-847-3327 to order the Spacers
Kit (P/N 72-0221). Spacer installation
instructions are provided on page 2.10.
6. Make sure the antenna is positioned on the
centerline of the roof in the desired location and
resting firmly on the mounting blocks. With the
antenna in place, mark the roof along the outside
edges of the mounting plates using a pencil or
scribe.
7. Set aside the antenna and the mounting blocks.
8. Attach the four mounting plates to the roof at the
locations you outlined in Step 6. Be sure to use
fasteners appropriate to the roof’s construction.
9. Seal all fasteners with silicone sealant or
equivalent.
10. Place the rubber mounting blocks back onto the
mounting plates.
11. Place the antenna onto the mounting blocks.
Align the holes in the antenna brackets with the
holes in the mounting blocks.
54-0350
Installing the Antenna
2.9
Bracket
Mounting Block
Positioning an Antenna Bracket Onto a Mounting Block
Due to the variation in RV roof construction,
consult with the RV manufacturer to
determine the safest fastening method.