KVH Industries TracPhone V7-HTS User manual

with Integrated CommBox Modem (ICM)
KVH Industries, Inc.
Installation Guide
TracPhone®V7HTS

TracPhone Antenna Systems
1
Addendum
Figure 1: New EX Series 11 Connectors for RG-11
KVH Part No. 23-0917
Figure 2: Align the Cable With the Connector
Align with
the end of
the center
conductor
Align with the
base of the
connector
Align with
the end of
the cable
Figure 3: Cable Strip Lengths
0.312" (7.93 mm)
0.562" (14.3 mm)
0.064" (1.63 mm) dia.
Figure 4: New Compression Tool
PLEASE READ!
Important Addendum to the Installation Guide
New RG-11 Cable Connectors
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).
New RG-11 Compression Tool
Prepare your cables with the tools provided in theRG-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). Usethe 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.
54-1339Rev. A
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!

TracPhone Antenna Systems
2
Addendum
54-1339 Rev. A
Updated LMR-600 Connectors
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).
Figure 5: New LMR-600-FM-75 “No Trim” Connector
The braid is crimped
beneath the ferrule.
Slide the ferrule
over the braid.
1.
2.

TracPhone V7-HTS Installation Guide
1
mini-VSAT BroadbandSM System with Integrated CommBoxTM Modem
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 the 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. © 2017-2020 KVH Industries, Inc., All rights reserved. 54-1217 Rev. F
nds.This guide explains how to install the TracPhone V7-HTS mini-VSAT Broadband satellite
communications system. Operation instructions are provided in the Quick Start Guide.
Installation Steps
CAUTION - RF Radiation Hazard
Who Should Install the System?
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.
Technical Support
1. Inspect Parts and Get Tools ................. 3
2. Plan the Antenna Installation .............. 4
3. Plan the ICM Installation...................... 7
4. Prepare the ICM..................................... 8
5. Mount the ICM ...................................... 9
6. Prepare the Antenna Site.................... 10
7. Remove the Shipping Restraints ....... 11
8. Prepare the Antenna Cables .............. 12
9. Wire the Antenna ................................ 15
10. Mount the Antenna ............................. 17
11. Prepare the Power/Data Cable ......... 19
12. Wire the ICM.........................................21
13. Connect Power......................................24
14. Turn On the System .............................26
15. Update the System Software...............27
16. Customize the Web Interface..............28
17. Set Up No-Transmit Zones .................29
18. Commission the Modem .....................31
19. Test the System .....................................32
20. Configure the Network .......................33
21. Connect Voice Line Equipment..........39
22. Educate the Customer..........................40
The antenna transmits radio frequency (RF)
energy that is potentially harmful. Whenever
the system is powered on, make sure
everyone stays more than 36 feet (11 m)
away from the antenna. As shown in the
illustration, no hazard exists directly below
the antenna.
North/South America, Australasia:
Phone: [phone] (U.S. only)
Phone: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific:
Phone: [phone]
Email: mvbsu[email protected]

2
This icon indicates a danger, warning, or caution notice. Be sure to read these carefully to avoid
injury.
WARNING
Risk of Electric Shock
Potentially lethal voltages are present within the ICM when it is connected to AC power. To avoid
electric shock, do not open the chassis enclosure. There are no user-serviceable parts inside.
WARNING
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.
WARNING
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.
WARNING
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 24 for details on the
proper grounding of the equipment.
CAUTION
RF Radiation Hazard
The antenna transmits up to 4 watts of radio frequency (RF) energy that is potentially harmful.
Whenever the system is powered on, make sure everyone stays more than 36 feet (11 m) away from the
antenna. No hazard exists directly below the antenna. See illustration on page 1.
Important Safety Information

3
Before you begin, follow these steps to make sure
you have everything you need to complete the
installation.
a. Unpack the box and ensure it contains
everything shown in Figure 1 and on the
Kitpack Contents List. Save the packaging for
future use.
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
•5/16"hexdriver
•7/8"socket
• 7/16" open-end torque wrench set to
20 in.-lbs
• Light hammer and center punch
•Adhesivetape
• Silicone sealant, self-vulcanizing tape, or
equivalent
•Heat gun (for heat shrink)
• Eye protection
•Shoptowels
•Voltmeter
• Utility knife
•Flushcutters
•Needle-nosepliers
Figure 1: TracPhone V7-HTS System Components
Radome
Antenna
(KVH part no. 02-1925-01SL)
Baseplate
Integrated CommBox Modem (ICM)
(KVH part no. 02-2204-02)
Always lift the antenna by the baseplate and
never by the radome or any portion of the
internal antenna assembly (see Figure 1).
IMPORTANT!
• Wire stripper/terminal crimper
• File
•Two75RF coax cables, “F” connectors, and
associated termination tools (see page 12)
•NMEA 0183 talker and interface cable (see
page 22)
• Isolation transformer, if required (see page 24)
• Laptop PC with the latest TracPhone V7-HTS
ICM/antenna software downloaded from the
KVH Partner Portal (www.kvh.com/partners)
Inspect Parts and Get Tools
1

4
Before you begin, consider the following antenna
installation 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.
Meet Mounting Structure Requirements
Make sure the mounting surface is flat, level
(within ±2º), and wide enough to accommodate
the antenna’s base (see Figure 2). Also make sure
the mounting structure is strong enough to
withstand the weight of the antenna (55 lbs,
25 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:
• 19.67 Hz and 36.03 Hz in Horizontal Forward
X-Direction
• 17.09 Hz and 46.7 Hz in Horizontal Side
Y-Direction
• 63.31 Hz in Vertical Z-Direction
Please consult with your shipyard to ensure that
the antenna mounting surface vibration never
exceeds the above stated conditions at any time
during its life.
FWD
31.17"
(791.7 mm)
26.23"
(666.3 mm)
8.49"
(215.6 mm)
4.24"
(107.7 mm)
8.49"
(215.6 mm)
4.24"
(107.7 mm)
4 x Ø.56"
(Ø14.2 mm)
Forward
Mark
Side View
Bottom View
Ø12.00"
(Ø304.8 mm)
Figure 2: Antenna Dimensions
Plan the Antenna Installation
2

5
Meet Pedestal Structure Requirements
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.
Pedestal
Height
(A)
3.28 ft
1 m
6.56 ft
2 m
9.84 ft
3 m
Tube OD
(B)
5.0"
127 mm
5.0"
127 mm
5.0"
127 mm
Tube
Wall
Thickness
(C)
0.38"
9.5 mm
0.38"
9.5 mm
0.5"
12.7mm
Brace
Height
(D)
N/A 5.56 ft
1.7 m
7.38 ft
2.25 m
Brace OD
(E)
N/A 2.0"
50.8 mm
4.0"
101.6 mm
Brace
Thickness
(F)
N/A 0.25"
6.35 mm
Brace
Angle
(G)
N/A 25°
Figure 3: Pedestal and Brace Dimensions
E
F
Brace
Pedestal
B
C
120°
A
D
G
Continued Plan the Antenna Installation
2

6
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” on page 29 for
details.)
Minimize Satellite Blockage
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.
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 when selecting a
safe antenna location:
• 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° (see Figure 5). Therefore, mount the
antenna outside this elevation range and at
least 10 ft (3 m) away from the transmitter.
Figure 4: Blockage from Obstruction
Blocked!
Antenna
Vessel Platform
-24° to 119°
Look Angle
Mast
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!
Figure 5: Avoiding RF Interference
Antenna
Antenna
+15°
-15°
Potential RF
Interference Antenna
10 ft (3 m)
Minimum
Radar
Never place the antenna in the beam path of
the radar regardless of distance. Radar energy
may damage the antenna.
IMPORTANT!
Continued Plan the Antenna Installation
2

7
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.
Figure 6: ICM Dimensions
Side View
Front View
19.00"
(48.26 cm)
16.75"
(42.55 cm)
3.49"
(8.85 cm)
18.31"
(46.51 cm)
3.00"
(7.62 cm)
11.17"
(28.37 cm)
16.31"
(41.43 cm)
5.99"
(15.22 cm)
4 x ø.25"
(0.64 cm)
Strain-Relief Bracket
Top View
Plan the ICM Installation
3

8
Follow these steps to prepare the ICM for
installation.
Connect the ICM Jumper Cable
Connect the supplied straight-through Ethernet
jumper cable from the “B1” jack to the “B2” jack
on the rear panel of the ICM (see Figure 7).
Attach the Wi-Fi Antennas
Connect the two supplied Wi-Fi antennas to the
rear panel of the ICM (see Figure 7).
Figure 7: Jumper Cable and Wi-Fi Antenna Connection
ICM
B2
Wi-Fi Antenna (x2)
B1
B2
Prepare the ICM
4

9
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.
Option 1 – Rack Mount
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 8).
b. Insert the ICM into the rack and secure its
front mounting brackets to the rack using
four M6 screws and washers (see Figure 9).
Option 2 – Horizontal Surface Mount
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 10). 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 11).
c. Mount the ICM to the vessel using fasteners
appropriate for the mounting surface.
Figure 8: Attaching the Strain-Relief Bracket
#6-32 Screw (x4)
#6 Washer (x4)
Strain-Relief
Bracket
Tie-Wrap
Holes (x42)
Figure 9: Securing the ICM in the Rack
Plastic Washer (x4)
M6 Screw (x4)
Figure 10: Removing the Rack-Mount Brackets
#6-32 Screw (x6)
#6 Washer (x6)
Bracket (x2)
Figure 11: Attaching the Mounting and Strain-Relief Brackets
#6 Washer (x6)
#6-32 Screw (x6)
Mounting Bracket (x2)
Ø.156" (Ø3.96 mm)
Mounting Hole (x4)
Strain-Relief Bracket
Mount the ICM
5

10
Once you have identified a suitable antenna
mounting site, according to the guidelines
provided in Step 2 on page 4, follow these steps
to drill the mounting holes and cable access hole
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 12).
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 and cable access hole 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 you marked in
Step b. Later, you will insert four 1/2"-13
bolts through these holes to secure the
antenna to the mounting surface.
d. Cut out the 3.75" (95 mm) cable access hole in
the location you marked in Step b. Smooth
the edges of the hole to protect the cables.
Later, you will route the power/data and RF
cables through this hole and into the vessel.
(You may also apply anti-chafe material
around the cables to protect them from
abrasion.)
e. Clean and dry the antenna mounting surface.
f. 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 (see Figure 12).
NOTE: Apply the foam seal to the vessel mounting
surface, not to the antenna’s baseplate. You will have
difficulty connecting the cables to the antenna if the
foam seal is attached to the baseplate.
8.49"
(216 mm) Ø.63" (Ø16 mm)
Mounting Hole (x4)
8.49"
(216 mm)
Ø3.75" (Ø95 mm)
Cable Access Hole
FWD
Foam Seal
Good Bolt
Pattern
Poor Bolt
Pattern
Figure 12: Antenna Mounting Holes Layout
Prepare the Antenna Site
6

11
Inside the antenna, a foam shipping restraint
prevents the antenna assembly from moving
during shipment. In addition, four bolts secure
the antenna to the shipping pallet. Follow these
steps to remove these restraints.
a. Remove the six #10-32 screws securing the
radome to the baseplate (see Figure 13).
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.
b. Carefully remove the foam shipping restraint
that is wedged underneath the reflector (see
Figure 14). Save this restraint for future use.
c. Four 1/2" bolts secure the antenna to the
shipping pallet (see Figure 14). Completely
remove the two 1/2" shipping bolts that you
can see without rotating the antenna
assembly.
d. Rotate the antenna assembly slowly by hand
to reveal the other two 1/2" shipping bolts.
Remove these bolts.
e. Transport the antenna to the mounting
location.
NOTE: The two hoisting eyelets on the antenna frame
may be used to lift the antenna, if necessary (see
Figure 15). After they have been used once, make sure
they are undamaged and free of cracks before using
them again.
#10-32 Screw (x6)
Figure 13: Removing the Radome
Figure 14: Foam Shipping Restraint and Bolts
Foam
Restraint
1/2" Bolt (x4)
Pallet
Notch
Once you have removed the foam restraint,
handle the antenna carefully, as its internal
assembly will rotate freely. You will need to
rotate the antenna assembly slowly by hand
to remove the second pair of shipping bolts,
but only after you have removed the first pair
of bolts that are initially visible. If the antenna
assembly hits a mechanical stop with
excessive force, or it hits the head of a
shipping bolt that wasn’t removed, the limit
switch might become damaged.
IMPORTANT!
Hoisting
Eyelets (x2)
Figure 15: Antenna Hoisting Eyelets
Remove the Shipping Restraints
7

12
Follow these steps to prepare and route the RF
and power/data cables.
Prepare the Customer’s RF Cables
You need to connect two 75RF coax cables
from the antenna location to the ICM. Refer to
Figure 16 to determine the type of cables and
connectors you can use for your cable run. Then
prepare the cables as described below.
Figure 16: RF Cable Options
* 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
0.25" (6.35 mm)
0.5" (12.7 mm)
0.064" (1.63 mm) dia.
0.170" (4.32 mm)
0.340" (8.64 mm)
0.065" (1.65 mm) dia.
0.790" (20.07 mm)
0.250" (6.35 mm)
0.375" (9.53 mm)
0.108" (2.74 mm) dia.
0.870" (22.10 mm)
• 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 31.
• 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 47
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 16 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!
Prepare the Antenna Cables
8

13
Connect the Customer’s RF Cables to the
Supplied Pigtail Cables
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 17).
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!
To ICM
Apply Silicone Grease
P
I
G
T
A
I
L
Feed-thru Adapter
Seal connection with
silicone sealant or
self-vulcanizing tape,
then apply heat-shrink
R
F
C
A
B
L
E
Figure 17: Connecting the Pigtail Cables to the RF Cables
Continued Prepare the Antenna Cables
8

14
Route the Cables Belowdecks
a. Keep the connector end of the power/data
cable and the pigtail ends of the RF cables at
the antenna location.
NOTE: Longer cables are available from KVH (see
Figure 18).
b. Route the opposite ends of the power/data
and RF cables belowdecks through the 3.75"
(95 mm) cable access hole. Leave an adequate
service loop, at least 14" (35 cm) in diameter,
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 ICM. Be sure to
always maintain the minimum bend radius in
the RF cables (see Figure 19). Later, you will
connect these cables to the ICM.
Figure 18: Longer Power/Data Cable Options
Length Part Number
150 ft (45 m) 32-1178-0150
200 ft (60 m) 32-1178-0200
300 ft (90 m) 32-1178-0300
Figure 19: Minimum Bend Radius of RF Cables
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)
Continued Prepare the Antenna Cables
8

15
Follow these steps to connect the antenna cables.
Connect the RF Pigtail Cables
a. Clean and dry the antenna’s two RF
connectors, labeled “MTX” and “MRX” (see
Figure 20).
b. Place one of the supplied rubber connector
washers over the “MTX” jack on the bottom
of the antenna, as shown in Figure 21.
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.
Power/Data
MTx
MRx
Figure 20: Connectors on Bottom of Antenna
Connector Plate
Rubber Washer
Rubber Boot
Apply Silicone Grease
To ICM
P
I
G
T
A
I
L
R
F
C
A
B
L
E
Weather-sealed Connection
Figure 21: Connecting the RF Pigtail Cables to the Antenna
Wire the Antenna
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16
Connect the Power/Data Cable
a. Connect the power/data cable to the
“Power/Data” jack on the bottom of the
antenna (see Figure 22). Hand-tighten until
the connector locks in place; do not use
excessive force.
b. Connect the power/data cable’s ground strap
to the 1/4"-20 ground screw on the bottom of
the antenna (see Figure 22). Be sure to secure
the ground strap’s ring terminal between the
screw and the washer.
Protect the Cables
a. Secure the cables near the antenna connectors
to relieve stress (see Figure 23).
b. Weatherproof and seal the cable access hole,
as required.
Power/Data
1/4"-20 Screw
Figure 22: Antenna Power/Data Cable Connections
Figure 23: Strain-relief Example
Service Loops
Deck
Through-deck
Protection
Gooseneck
To ICM Belowdecks
Welded or Bolted to
Ship’s Steel Structure
Strain Relief
The integrity and reliability of the RF cables
and their connections are 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!
Continued Wire the Antenna
9

17
Follow these steps to mount the antenna to the
mounting surface.
a. 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 (see Figure 24). The
antenna’s baseplate should rest squarely atop
the foam seal.
b. Apply a thin layer of the supplied anti-seize
lubricant to the threads of the four 1/2"-13
bolts to prevent galling.
c. At each of the two baseplate mounting holes
that you can see without rotating the antenna
assembly, insert a 1/2"-13 bolt from above
and secure it to the mounting surface using a
1/2" flat washer and a 1/2"-13 lock nut from
below (see Figure 25). Make sure both bolt
heads are flush with the antenna’s mounting
plate before proceeding.
d. Rotate the antenna assembly slowly by hand
to reveal the other two mounting holes then
repeat step c at these two holes.
CAUTION
Be sure to observe the safe handling
instructions in the Material Safety Data Sheet
(MSDS) provided with the anti-seize
lubricant.
Figure 24: Forward Arrow in Antenna Baseplate
FORWARD
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!
Figure 25: Mounting the Antenna (Side View)
1/2"-13 Bolt (x4)
Rubber Foot (x4)
Mounting Surface
1/2" Flat Washer (x4)
1/2"-13 Lock Nut (x4)
Antenna Baseplate
Foam Seal
Apply anti-seize to threads
Torque to 25-30 ft-lbs
(34-41 N-m)
Mount the Antenna
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