KVH Industries TracPhone V30 User manual

TracPhone®V30
Installation Guide

© 2021 KVH Industries, Inc., All rights reserved. 54-1371 Rev. A 1
TracPhone®V30
Installation Guide
This guide explains how to install the TracPhone V30 mini-VSAT Broadband satellite communications system. Operation
instructions are provided in the Quick Start Guide.
Table of Contents
Inspect Parts and Get Tools.............................................. 3
Plan the Antenna Installation............................................. 4
Plan the VSAT-Hub Installation ......................................... 7
Prepare the Antenna Site .................................................. 8
Prepare the Antenna Cable ............................................... 9
Wire the Antenna ............................................................. 10
Mount the Antenna .......................................................... 11
Mount the VSAT-Hub ...................................................... 13
Wire the VSAT-Hub ......................................................... 14
Connect an NMEA Talker ................................................ 15
Connect Power ................................................................16
Turn On the System .........................................................18
Set Up the System ...........................................................19
Set Up No-Transmit Zones (Optional)..............................23
Test the System ...............................................................24
Configure the Network.....................................................25
Connect the Vessel Phone...............................................26
Educate the Customer .....................................................27
Appendices ......................................................................28
CAUTION - RF Radiation Hazard
The antenna transmits radio frequency (RF) energy
that is potentially harmful. Whenever the system is
powered on, make sure everyone stays more than
32 ft (10 m) away from the antenna within its
7.7-75° elevation range. No hazard exists directly
above the antenna and anywhere below the
antenna’s mounting plane.
Who Should Install the System?
To ensure a safe and effective installation, KVH
recommends that a KVH-authorized marine technician
install the TracPhone V30 system. To find a technician near
you, visit www.kvh.com/wheretogetservice.
Technical Support
Within Continental U.S.A.: 1 866 701-7103
Worldwide: [phone]
Email: [email protected]

2
TracPhone V30 Installation Guide
Trademark Information
KVH, TracPhone, and the unique light-colored dome with
dark contrasting baseplate (Reg. No. 2,864,752) are
registered trademarks, and mini-VSAT Broadband is a
service mark, of KVH Industries, Inc.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective
companies.
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, including, but not limited to, the implied
warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular
purpose.
Feedback
If you have any comments regarding this manual, please
email them to [email protected]. Your input is greatly
appreciated!
Important Safety Information
This icon indicates a danger, warning, or caution
notice. Be sure to read these carefully to avoid
injury.
WARNING Risk of Electric Shock
If any component of the TracPhone V30
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.
WARNING Risk of Explosion
Do not operate the VSAT-Hub (or any other
electrical device) in an environment where
flammable gases, vapors, or dusts are present.
In addition, do not operate the VSAT-Hub in an
environment with a temperature outside its
5º F to 131º F (-15º C to 55º C) temperature
range.
CAUTION Risk of Electric Shock
Failure to ground the TracPhone V30 system
properly to ship’s ground will cause an unsafe
floating ground condition, risking potentially
lethal electric shock. See “Connect Power” on
page 16 for details on the proper grounding of
the equipment.
CAUTION RF Radiation Hazard
The antenna transmits up to 3 watts of radio
frequency (RF) energy that is potentially
harmful. Whenever the system is powered on,
make sure everyone stays more than 32 feet
(10 m) away from the antenna. No hazard
exists directly below the antenna.

3
Inspect Parts and Get Tools TracPhone V30 Installation Guide
Inspect Parts and Get Tools
Before you begin, follow these steps to ensure you have
everything needed to complete the installation.
1. Unpack the box and ensure it contains everything
shown in Figure 1 and on the Kitpack Contents List.
Save the packaging for future use.
2. Carefully examine all of the supplied parts to ensure
nothing was damaged in shipment.
3. Gather the following tools and materials:
• Flat-head and Phillips-head screwdrivers
• Electric drill and 5/16" (8 mm) bit
• 1.5" (38 mm) hole saw
• 1/2" socket and 7/16" socket
• 5/8" open-end torque wrench set to 23 in.-lbs
• Light hammer and center punch
• Adhesive tape
• Silicone sealant, self-vulcanizing tape, or equivalent
• Eye protection
•Shoptowels
• Voltmeter
• Utility knife
• Flush cutters
• Wire stripper/terminal crimper
• File
• Wi-Fi-enabled laptop PC, or Apple®or Android™
smartphone/tablet with the latest software
downloaded from the KVH Partner Portal
(www.kvh.com/partners), or a smartphone/tablet
with the KVH TracPhone V30 app installed and
loaded with the latest antenna software
• NMEA 0183 or NMEA 2000 talker and interface
cable (see “Connect an NMEA Talker” on page 15)
Figure 1: TracPhone V30 System Components
IMPORTANT!
Always lift the antenna by the baseplate and never by
the radome or any portion of the internal antenna
assembly.

Plan the Antenna Installation
4
TracPhone V30 Installation Guide
Plan the Antenna Installation
Before you begin, be sure the designated install location
meets the following guidelines.
Choose a Suitable Location
• Select a location that is as close as possible to the
intersection of the vessel’s centerline and midships.
• 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.
• Be sure to mount the antenna near enough to the VSAT-
Hub to allow you to connect the 50 ft (15 m) antenna
cable (supplied in kit) between them, while still
maintaining sufficient slack in the cable.
Note: If you need to use a longer cable, refer to “Prepare
the Antenna Cable” on page 9).
Mounting Structure Requirements
Make sure the mounting surface is flat, level (within ±2º),
and wide enough to accommodate the antenna’s base.
Also make sure that the structure is strong enough to
withstand the weight of the antenna (23.4 lbs, 10.6 kg), 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:
• 23.0 Hz and 43.0 Hz in Horizontal Forward X-Direction
• 26.0 Hz and 66.0 Hz in Horizontal Side Y-Direction
• 50.0 Hz and 76.0 Hz in Vertical Z-Direction
Note: Ship’s crew should consult with the shipyard to
ensure that the antenna mounting surface vibration never
exceeds the above stated conditions at any time during its
life.
Figure 2: Antenna Dimensions
IMPORTANT!
Damage caused by an improper installation is not
covered under KVH warranty.

5
Plan the Antenna Installation TracPhone V30 Installation Guide
Pedestal Structure Requirements
If a pedestal is going to be used, it must meet the following
minimum requirements.
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 Pedestal Specs Wizard (www.kvh.com/
pedestalspecs)
Note: The ship’s crew is responsible for fabricating and
installing the pedestal.
Figure 3: Pedestal and Brace Dimensions
Pedestal
Height (A)
3.28 ft
(1 m)
6.56 ft
(2 m)
9.84 ft
(3 m)
13.12 ft
(4 m)
Tube OD
(B)
5.0"
(127
mm)
5.0"
(127
mm)
5.0"
(127
mm)
8.0"
(203.2
mm)
Tube Wall
Thickness
(C)
0.25"
(6.35
mm)
0.25"
(6.35
mm)
0.25"
(6.35
mm)
0.5"
(12.7
mm)
Brace
Height (D)
N/A 5.25 ft
(1.6 m)
7.35 ft
(2.24
m)
9.12 ft
(2.78
m)
Brace OD
(E)
N/A 2.25"
(57.15
mm)
4.5"
(114.3
mm)
7.0"
(177.8
mm)
Brace
Thickness
(F)
N/A 0.25"
(6.35
mm)
0.25"
(6.35
mm)
0.25"
(6.35
mm)
Brace
Angle (G)
N/A 25º 25º 25º

Plan the Antenna Installation
6
TracPhone V30 Installation Guide
Prevent RF Radiation Exposure
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 (Optional)” on page 23
for details.)
Minimize Satellite Blockage
The antenna requires a clear view of the sky to transmit
and receive satellite signals. The fewer obstructions, the
better the system will perform.
Figure 4: Blockage from Obstruction
Prevent Electromagnetic Interference
To prevent the antenna from interfering with any
electromagnetic-sensitive compasses or equipment,
maintain a minimum distance of at least 5 ft (1.5 m)
between the antenna and any compasses.
Avoid RF Interference
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 guidelines:
• Mount the antenna as far away as possible from the
radar and high-power radio transmitters.
• Do not mount the antenna at the same level as the
radar. Most radar transmitters emit RF energy within an
elevation range of -15° to +15°. Therefore, mount the
antenna outside this elevation range and at least 10 ft
(3 m) away from the transmitter.
Figure 5: Avoiding RF Interference
IMPORTANT!
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!
Never place the antenna in the beam path of the radar
regardless of distance. Radar energy may damage the
antenna or impair its performance.

7
Plan the VSAT-Hub Installation TracPhone V30 Installation Guide
Plan the VSAT-Hub Installation
Before you install the VSAT-Hub, be sure the designated
install location meets the following guidelines:
• Select a mounting location in a dry, well-ventilated
area belowdecks away from any heat sources or salt
spray.
• 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.
• The VSAT-Hub can be mounted horizontally or
vertically on a flat surface.
• Be sure the front panel LEDs will be visible to the
user.
• Select a location that will provide adequate
clearance for the VSAT-Hub dimensions.
• Leave enough room behind the rear panel
(horizontal mount) or below the rear panel (vertical
mount) to accommodate connecting cables and
making service loops, 14" (36 cm) in diameter,
within the proper bend radius.
• If you plan to connect the VSAT-Hub to the vessel’s
onboard local area network (LAN), choose a location
near an available Ethernet port.
• To use the supplied antenna cable, the VSAT-Hub
must be located within 50 ft (15 m) of the antenna.
However, you can order a longer cable if necessary.
Note: A template showing the exact locations of the VSAT-
Hub mounting holes and the dimensions between them is
provided in the Welcome Kit. Installation details are
provided in “Mount the VSAT-Hub” on page 13.
Figure 6: VSAT-Hub Dimensions

Prepare the Antenna Site
8
TracPhone V30 Installation Guide
Prepare the Antenna Site
Once you have identified a suitable antenna mounting site,
according to the guidelines provided in “Plan the Antenna
Installation” on page 4, follow these steps to prepare the
site for installation.
1. 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.
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.
Figure 7: Mounting Bolt Hole Pattern Examples
2. Using a light hammer and center punch, mark the
locations for the four mounting holes and cable access
hole on the mounting surface in the locations indicated
on the template.
3. Drill a 5/16" (8 mm) hole at the four mounting hole
locations you marked in step 2. Later, you will insert
four 1/4"-20 bolts through these holes to secure the
antenna to the mounting surface.
4. Cut out the 1.5" (38 mm) cable access hole in the
location you marked in step 2. Smooth the edges of
the hole to protect the antenna cable. (You may also
apply anti-chafe material around the antenna cable to
prevent abrasion.) Later, you will route the antenna
cable through this hole and into the vessel.
5. Clean and dry the antenna mounting surface.
6. Peel off the paper backing from the supplied foam seal
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, as shown in Figure 8.
Note: Apply the foam seal to the vessel mounting surface,
not to the antenna’s baseplate. You will have difficulty
connecting the antenna cable to the antenna if the foam
seal is attached to the baseplate.
Figure 8: Antenna Mounting Holes Layout

9
Prepare the Antenna Cable TracPhone V30 Installation Guide
Prepare the Antenna Cable
You need to connect one 50RF coax cable from the
antenna to the belowdecks VSAT-Hub. KVH recommends
using the supplied 50 ft (15 m) LMR-240 RF cable.
However, there are other options. You may purchase
another RF cable for a longer run or even use a
preinstalled, KVH-approved RF cable (refer to “Wiring the
Antenna Using a Preinstalled Cable” on page 33 for
details). Refer to Figure 9 to determine the type of cable
and connector required for your run, noting the following:
• A low-quality, poorly terminated, or improperly installed
RF cable is the most common cause of system
problems. The 50 ft (15 m) RF cable supplied by KVH is
terminated at both ends with the correct high-quality
“TNC” connectors. If, for any reason, the cable is
modified, it must be terminated again with new
connectors, using the proper stripping/crimping tools,
exactly to the manufacturer’s specifications. See
“Terminating the Antenna Cable” on page 29.
• Only KVH-authorized marine technicians, following the
guidelines in “Terminating the Antenna Cable” on
page 29, should modify the antenna cable, if necessary.
• A new RF cable must be rated for 50, not 75.
• Use of any cable not specified in Figure 9 or pre-
approved by KVH (refer to “Wiring the Antenna Using a
Preinstalled Cable” on page 33) will void the warranty.
• Make sure the center conductor pin at each end of the
finished cable is free of burrs, as well as the correct
length and diameter specified in Figure 9, to ensure
proper engagement.
• 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" (36 cm) in diameter, and
minimum bend radius (which differs per cable), at each
end. If you cannot maintain minimum bend radius, or
your preinstalled cable cannot be terminated using
male TNC connectors, KVH offers a conversion kit
(KVH part no. 72-0947) with six 3 ft (1 m) pigtail cable
adapters to connect F-type, N-type, or female TNC
connectors to the system (refer to “Wiring the Antenna
Using Pigtail Cables” on page 34).
Note: Cables purchased from KVH include the proper
connectors.
Figure 9: Long Run RF Cable Options
IMPORTANT!
The integrity and reliability of the antenna cable is
critically important. Make certain that the cable is
properly terminated, sealed against seawater and
corrosion, strain-relieved, protected from abrasion, and
free of stress.
LMR-240 (50
Max. length 200 ft (60 m)
KVH part no. 100 ft (30 m): S32-1439-0100
150 ft (45 m): S32-1439-0150
200 ft (60 m): S32-1439-0200
Connector EZ-240-TM-X
Tools Times Microwave CT-240 Crimp
Tool, CST-240 Stripping Tool, and
DBT-U Debur Tool (KVH part no.
72-0949)
Strip lengths
LMR-400 (50
Max. length 400 ft (120 m)
KVH part no. 300 ft (100 m): S32-1441-0300
400 ft (120 m): S32-1441-0400
Connector EZ-400-TM-X
Tools Times Microwave CT-400 Crimp
Tool, CST-400 Stripping Tool, and
DBT-U Debur Tool (KVH part no.
72-0950)
Strip lengths

Wire the Antenna
10
TracPhone V30 Installation Guide
Wire the Antenna
Follow these steps to connect the coax cable to the
antenna’s power/data baseplate connector.
Route the Cable Belowdecks
1. Route the opposite end of the antenna cable
belowdecks through the 1.5" (3.8 cm) cable access
hole. Leave an adequate service loop, 14" (36 cm) in
diameter, at the antenna location for easy
serviceability.
2. Route the cable to the VSAT-Hub. Be sure to always
maintain the minimum bend radius in the cable. If you
cannot maintain the minimum bend radius, refer to
“Wiring the Antenna Using Pigtail Cables” on page 34.
Later, you will connect the cable to the VSAT-Hub.
Figure 10: Minimum Bend Radius of RF Cables (Examples)
Connect the Cable to the Antenna
1. Clean and dry the antenna cable’s connector and the
power/data connector on the bottom of the baseplate.
Figure 11: Antenna Baseplate Connector
2. Fill half of the inner body of the cable’s male connector
with the supplied silicone grease.
3. Connect and SLOWLY hand-tighten the cable to the
baseplate connector, allowing the grease to diffuse
and settle into the entire space within the connector.
4. Make sure the cable connector is tightened all the way
into the antenna’s connector. Then tighten the
connector with a 5/8" torque wrench set to 23 in.-lbs.
5. Seal the cable connection with silicone sealant or
equivalent.
Figure 12: Connecting the RF Cable to the Antenna
6. Secure the antenna cable near the antenna connector
to relieve stress.
7. Weatherproof and seal the cable access hole.
Figure 13: Strain-relief (Finished Installation Example)
Cable Type Minimum Bend
Radius
LMR-240 (including pigtails) 2.5" (6.4 cm)
LMR-400 4.5" (11.5 cm)
CAUTION
Be sure to observe the safe handling
instructions in the Material Safety Data Sheet
(MSDS) provided with the silicone grease.

11
Mount the Antenna TracPhone V30 Installation Guide
Mount the Antenna
Follow these steps to first remove the radome and foam
shipping restraint, and then mount the antenna to the
mounting surface.
1. Remove the three #10-32 Phillips screws securing the
radome to the baseplate. Carefully lift the radome
straight up until clear of the antenna assembly and set
it aside in a safe place. If you keep the radome
topside, secure it with a lanyard to prevent it from
falling overboard.
Note: Due to the snug fit, some contact between the
radome’s sealing gasket and the antenna mechanism is
normal.
Figure 14: Remove the Radome
2. Remove the foam shipping restraint(s) and save for
future use.
3. Transport the antenna to the mounting site.
4. Place the antenna baseplate over the holes drilled in
the mounting surface and make sure the forward arrow
inside the baseplate points toward the bow and is
parallel to the vessel’s centerline. The antenna’s
baseplate should rest squarely atop the foam seal.
Figure 15: Forward Arrow in Antenna Baseplate
IMPORTANT!
Once you have removed the restraint(s), handle the
antenna carefully, as its internal assembly will rotate
freely. If the antenna assembly hits a mechanical stop
with excessive force, the limit switch might become
damaged.

Mount the Antenna
12
TracPhone V30 Installation Guide
5. Apply a thin layer of the supplied anti-seize lubricant to
the threads of the four 1/4"-20 bolts to prevent galling.
6. At each of the two baseplate mounting holes that you
can see without rotating the antenna assembly, place a
5/8" diameter flat washer on a 1/4"-20 bolt and insert
the bolt into the hole from above.
7. Secure each mounting bolt to the mounting surface
using a 1" diameter flat washer and a 1/4"-20 lock nut
from below.
8. Rotate the antenna assembly slowly by hand to reveal
the other two mounting holes then repeat steps 3-4 at
these two holes.
9. Tighten all four bolts until the four rubber feet on the
baseplate are bottomed against the mounting surface
and the foam seal is fully compressed. KVH
recommends that you tighten the nuts to between 25
and 40 ft-lbs (34 and 41 N-m) of torque.
Figure 16: Mounting the Antenna (Side View)
10. Reinstall the radome onto the antenna. Secure in place
with the three #10-32 screws you removed earlier (see
Figure 14 on page 11).
11. Install a protective plastic cap (supplied in kit) over
each radome screw.
CAUTION
Be sure to observe the safe handling
instructions in the Material Safety Data Sheet
(MSDS) provided with the anti-seize lubricant.
IMPORTANT!
You will need to rotate the antenna assembly slowly by
hand to see all four mounting holes. You will also need
to fully install the first pair of mounting bolts prior to
rotating the antenna assembly to install the second pair
of bolts. If the antenna assembly hits a mechanical stop
with excessive force, or it hits the head of a mounting
bolt that wasn’t secured in place, the limit switch might
become damaged.
IMPORTANT!
Use caution if you’re using power tools. High
installation speeds can damage the threads.

13
Mount the VSAT-Hub TracPhone V30 Installation Guide
Mount the VSAT-Hub
Follow these steps to install the VSAT-Hub inside the
vessel.
1. Tape the mounting template in the location selected
for the VSAT-Hub. Punch holes at each of the two
keyhole locations and at the mounting tab location.
Figure 17: VSAT-Hub Mounting Template
2. Remove the template.
3. Drill a 1/8" (3 mm) hole at the three hole locations you
marked in step 1.
4. Install a #8 Phillips thread-forming screw partway into
one of the keyhole holes leaving a small gap for
hooking the VSAT-Hub onto it. Use the thickness
(2.5 mm) of the M10 washer (supplied in kit) as a gauge
for the size gap to leave.
5. Repeat step 4for the other keyhole.
6. Peel off the backing on the adhesive-backed washer
(supplied in kit) and place it over the mounting tab
hole.
7. Align the wide part of the VSAT-Hub’s keyholes, as
shown in Figure 17, over the screws, then slide
downwards to secure the screws into the narrow part
of the keyholes.
8. Press the rear mounting tab of the VSAT-Hub onto the
adhesive washer and install the third #8 Phillips
thread-forming screw in the mounting tab hole.

Wire the VSAT-Hub
14
TracPhone V30 Installation Guide
Wire the VSAT-Hub
Follow these steps to wire the VSAT-Hub (see page 36 for
a complete wiring diagram).
1. Clean and dry the VSAT-Hub’s “Antenna” connector.
2. Fill half of the inner body of the antenna cable’s male
connector with the supplied silicone grease.
3. Connect and SLOWLY hand-tighten the cable to the
VSAT-Hub connector, allowing the grease to diffuse
and settle into the entire space within the connector.
Then tighten the connector with a 5/8" torque wrench
set to 23 in.-lbs.
Figure 18: Antenna Wiring
Attach the Wi-Fi Antennas
Connect the two supplied Wi-Fi antennas to the rear panel
of the VSAT-Hub.
Figure 19: Wi-Fi Antenna Connection
IMPORTANT!
Do not connect anything other than the antenna cable
to the VSAT-Hub’s “Antenna” connector. The VSAT-Hub
supplies voltage that will damage other devices.

15
Connect an NMEA Talker TracPhone V30 Installation Guide
Connect an NMEA Talker
The antenna requires a vessel heading input from a
customer-supplied NMEA 0183 or NMEA 2000 talker.
Optionally, you can also provide a vessel position input to
serve as a backup to the antenna’s built-in GPS.
NMEA 0183
1. Connect the NMEA 0183 talker to the 2-position
terminal strip connector (supplied in kit), as shown in
Figure 22. Then plug the connector into the rear panel
of the VSAT-Hub.
2. Configure the NMEA device to transmit one or more of
the supported NMEA 0183 messages at 4800 baud.
3. Make sure the data message(s) includes the
checksum, identifiable by a *xx field at the end of the
data sentence (e.g., $HEHDT,123.4, T*1F). Do not
exceed a 10 Hz input rate.
Note: To supply both the required heading and the
optional position to the VSAT-Hub, you can either connect
an NMEA 0183 talker that transmits both messages, or
connect two devices using an NMEA data multiplexer, such
as Actisense®model NDC-4.
Figure 20: Supported NMEA 0183 Messages
NMEA 2000
1. Connect the VSAT-Hub to the vessel’s NMEA 2000
CAN network backbone via a “T” connector. Be sure
to use a standard drop cable: 5-wire (4 conductors +
shield) twisted pair with micro-C connectors.
2. Configure the NMEA device to transmit one or more of
the supported NMEA 2000 messages.
Figure 21: Supported NMEA 2000 Messages
Figure 22: NMEA Talker Wiring
NMEA 0183 $--XXX Description
Heading Messages
HDG Heading, Deviation & Variation
HDM Heading, Magnetic
HDT Heading, True
OSD Own Ship Data
THS True Heading & Status
VHW Water Speed and Heading
Position Message (Optional)
RMC Position (Optional)
PGN Description
Heading Messages
127250 Vessel Heading
Position Message (Optional)
129029 GNSS Position Data (Optional)

Connect Power
16
TracPhone V30 Installation Guide
Connect Power
Follow the steps in this section to properly ground the
TracPhone V30 system and connect power.
Grounding Requirements
Proper grounding of the TracPhone system to ship’s
ground is mandatory for electromagnetic compatibility
(EMC) and safety regulatory compliance. It protects the
equipment from electrostatic discharges (ESD) and
prevents interference with other electronic equipment.
Follow these steps to ground the system.
1. Connect the hoop of the grounding wire (supplied in
kit) to the “GND” screw on the rear panel of the VSAT-
Hub.
2. Connect the other end of the grounding wire to ship’s
common ground.
Figure 23: Grounding the VSAT-Hub Example
WARNING
Failure to ground the TracPhone system
properly to the vessel’s ground will cause
an unsafe floating ground condition, risking
damage to the antenna and electric shock,
potentially resulting in DEATH. In a floating
ground condition, the difference between the
equipment's chassis ground and the vessel’s
ground can measure well over 100 volts, when
it normally should not exceed 2 volts.
Therefore, always measure the difference in
potential between chassis ground and the
vessel’s ground to make certain that there is
no dangerous floating ground condition.

17
Connect Power TracPhone V30 Installation Guide
Connect Power to the VSAT-Hub
Follow these steps to connect power to the TracPhone
V30 system.
1. Before you begin, disconnect vessel power and be
sure the vessel is properly grounded in accordance
with marine standards.
2. Connect the supplied power cable wires to the
supplied 2-position terminal strip connector as
described:
• Connect the black wire from “Vin-” on the terminal
strip connector to DC Return.
• Connect the red wire from “Vin+” on the terminal
strip connector to the vessel’s 12 or 24 VDC (5A,
160 W max.) power source.
Note: To connect to AC vessel power, an optional 24 VDC
AC-DC power supply (5A, 160 W) is available from KVH
(part no. 72-0953). Consider installing an uninterruptible
power supply (UPS) between the AC-DC power supply and
vessel power to avoid service interruptions during power
outages and transitions to/from shore power.
3. Insert a fuse (supplied in kit) into the in-line fuse holder.
If vessel power supplies 12 volts, use the blue 15A
fuse. If vessel power supplies 24 volts, use the orange
5A fuse.
4. Connect the terminal strip connector to the
VSAT-Hub’s Power connector.
5. Check for proper grounding by using a multimeter to
measure the AC and DC voltages between the ground
stud on the rear of the VSAT-Hub and ship’s ground.
The measured voltage should be less than
2 VAC and 2 VDC. A higher voltage indicates a
dangerous floating ground condition.
6. Repeat step 5 with the VSAT-Hub powered on, looking
for the same measured result.
Figure 24: Power Wiring
IMPORTANT!
All power connections must be hard wired.
WARNING
If you measure 2 volts or greater between
the ground stud on the rear of the VSAT-
Hub and ship’s ground, notify the ship’s
electrician or authorized vessel
representative immediately. This is a
dangerous condition. Do not touch the
VSAT-Hub rear panel or connect anything to
it until the problem is fixed.

18
TracPhone V30 Installation Guide Turn On the System
Turn On the System
Follow these steps to turn on the system.
1. Ensure the antenna has a clear, unobstructed view of
the sky.
2. Apply vessel power to the TracPhone V30 system.
3. Press the power button on the back of the VSAT-Hub.
The button’s light should illuminate blue.
Figure 25: Power Button
4. Within a minute, the “VSAT-Hub” light will glow green.
Within a few minutes, the “Antenna” light will be
flashing green, indicating the antenna is searching for
the satellite.
Figure 26: Status Lights
IMPORTANT!
During startup, the VSAT-Hub checks the software
versions installed in the antenna and updates them if
necessary to match the versions it has stored for the
model. All three status lights will alternate orange while
this update is in progress. Do not turn off the system
during this time. Updates might take up to 30 minutes.

19
Set Up the System TracPhone V30 Installation Guide
Set Up the System
Follow the steps on the next few pages to access the
setup wizard and configure system for use.
Access the Setup Wizard
Follow the steps for either option below to access the
VSAT-Hub’s setup wizard.
Option 1: Using the Wireless Connection
1. Select the KVHVSAT-<last 3 digits of VSAT-Hub
serial no.> network from your mobile device’s Wi-Fi
settings to connect to the VSAT-Hub.
2. Enter the default password: <full 9-digit VSAT-Hub
serial no.>.
3. Start the web browser and enter
https://kvhonboard.com.
Note: If the setup wizard is not displayed, try entering
http://192.168.5.1, which is the default IP address of the
VSAT-Hub.
Figure 27: Wi-Fi Connection
Option 2: Using the Ethernet Connection
1. Connect a laptop PC configured for DHCP directly to
any “Ethernet” port on the VSAT-Hub.
2. Start the web browser and enter
https://kvhonboard.com.
3. Enter the default password: <full 9-digit VSAT-Hub
serial no.>.
Note: If the setup wizard is not displayed, try entering
http://192.168.5.1, which is the default IP address of the
VSAT-Hub.
Figure 28: Wired Ethernet Connection