KVH Industries TracNet H60 User manual

Installation Guide
TracNet™ H60

© 2022 KVH Industries, Inc., All rights reserved. 54-1403 Rev. A 1
TracNet™H60
Installation Guide
This guide explains how to install the TracNet H60 hybrid VSAT, cellular, and Wi-Fi communications system. Operation
instructions are provided in the Quick Start Guide.
Table of Contents
Important Safety Information............................................. 2
Inspect Parts and Get Tools.............................................. 3
Plan the Antenna Installation............................................. 4
Plan the BDU Installation................................................... 7
Prepare the Antenna Site .................................................. 8
Remove Shipping Restraints ............................................. 9
Prepare the Antenna Cable ............................................. 10
Wire the Antenna ............................................................. 11
Mount the Antenna .......................................................... 12
Mount the BDU................................................................ 13
Wire the BDU................................................................... 14
Connect an NMEA Talker ................................................ 15
Connect Power................................................................ 16
Turn On the System......................................................... 18
Configure the System ......................................................19
No-Transmit Zones (Optional)..........................................25
Test the System ...............................................................26
Connect Vessel Network Devices....................................27
Connect the Vessel Phones .............................................28
Educate the Customer .....................................................29
Appendices
Terminating LMR-240 Cable............................................30
Connecting Pigtail Cables to the Antenna Cable.............34
Approved Cable Types ....................................................35
Verifying the NMEA 0183 Message .................................36
Wiring Diagram ................................................................37
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
47.3 feet (14.4 m) away from the antenna. As
shown in the illustration, no hazard exists directly
below the antenna.
Who Should Install the System?
To ensure a safe and effective installation, only a KVH-
certified marine technician should install the 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]

TracNet H60 Installation Guide
2
Important Safety Information
Trademark Information
KVH, TracNet, KVH ONE, and the unique light-colored
dome with dark contrasting baseplate (Reg. No.
2,864,752) are trademarks 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 TracNet H60 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 TracNet Hub+ (or any other
electrical device) in an environment where
flammable gases, vapors, or dusts are present.
In addition, do not operate the unit 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 H60 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 6 watts of radio
frequency (RF) energy that is potentially
harmful. Whenever the system is powered on,
make sure everyone stays more than 47.3 feet
(14.4 m) away from the antenna. No hazard
exists directly below the antenna.

3
TracNet H60 Installation Guide Inspect Parts and Get Tools
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.
Figure 1: TracNet H60 System Components
Note: This manual refers to the TracNet Hub+ as the BDU
(Below Deck Unit).
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 5/8" (16 mm) bit
• Saw to cut cable access hole: either 5.5" (140 mm)
or 3.75" (95 mm) + 1.5" (38 mm)
• 5/16" hex driver (for mounting bolts) and 7/8" socket
or wrench (for mounting nuts); recommended
torque: 25-30 ft-lbs (34-41 N-m)
• Light hammer and center punch
• Adhesive tape
• Self-vulcanizing tape or equivalent
• Heat gun (for heat shrink)
• Eye protection
•Shoptowels
• Voltmeter
• Utility knife
• Flush cutters
• File
• Wire stripper/terminal crimper
• Isolation transformer, if required (see “Connect
Power” on page 16)
• Cable termination tools, if necessary (see “Prepare
the Antenna Cable” on page 10)
• NMEA 0183 or NMEA 2000 talker and interface
cable (see “Connect an NMEA Talker” on page 15)
• Laptop PC or Apple®or Android™smartphone/
tablet with the latest H-series antenna software
downloaded from the KVH Partner Portal
(www.kvh.com/partners), or a smartphone/tablet
with the KVH Connect app installed and loaded with
the latest antenna software
IMPORTANT!
Always lift the antenna by the baseplate or hoisting
eyelets on the frame and never by the radome or any
other portion of the internal antenna assembly.
IMPORTANT!
Be sure to download the AC-BDU version of software,
filename: Hxx_AC-BDU-<version no.>.bin.

TracNet H60 Installation Guide
4
Plan the Antenna Installation
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)).
• Be sure to mount the antenna near enough to the BDU
(TracNet Hub+) to allow you to connect the 100 ft
(30 m) antenna cable (supplied in kit) between them,
while still maintaining sufficient slack in the cable to
account for appropriate bend radius and service loops.
Note: If you need to use a longer cable, refer to “Prepare
the Antenna Cable” on page 10.
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 (54 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).
Recommendation: 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:
• Vertical: 35-38 Hz, 46-59 Hz, 60-63 Hz
• Horizontal: 14-20 Hz, 53-60 Hz
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
TracNet H60 Installation Guide Plan the Antenna Installation
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)
Tube OD
(B)
6.0" 
(153 mm)
6.0" 
(153 mm)
8.0" 
(203 mm)
Tube Wall
Thickness
(C)
0.38" 
(9.5 mm)
0.38" 
(9.5 mm)
0.5" 
(12.7 mm)
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 25º

TracNet H60 Installation Guide
6
Plan the Antenna Installation
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 “No-Transmit Zones (Optional)” on page 25 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
Maintain a minimum distance of at least 5 ft (1.5 m)
between the KVH antenna and any GPS/GNSS, cellular, or
VHF antennas or other electromagnetic-sensitive
equipment to avoid interference. Also maintain a minimum
distance of at least 1 ft (30 cm) between the KVH 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 transmit frequency/power,
transmitter beam properties, and the reflective properties
of nearby surfaces, consider the following general
guidelines:
• Mount the KVH 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 5 ft
(1.5 m) away from the transmitter. If mounting the
antenna directly above or below the radar, minimum
distance is 3 ft (0.9 m).
Figure 5: Avoiding RF Interference
IMPORTANT!
The interference guidelines provided in this manual
cannot possibly account for all equipment variables
and vessel conditions. Therefore, KVH recommends
testing the KVH antenna at the chosen mounting
location with the other vessel equipment in operation, if
possible, prior to finalizing the installation. If
interference occurs, relocate the antenna.
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
TracNet H60 Installation Guide Plan the BDU Installation
Plan the BDU Installation
Before you install the BDU, 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 Hub+ is designed for mounting in a standard
equipment rack. It requires 1U of available space.
• Be sure the front panel will be easily accessible to
the user.
• Leave enough room behind the rear panel to
accommodate the connecting cables with service
loops, 14" (36 cm) in diameter.
• If you plan to connect the BDU to the vessel’s
onboard local area network (LAN), choose a location
near an available Ethernet port.
• To use the supplied antenna cable, the BDU must
be located within 100 ft (30 m) of the antenna.
However, you can order a longer cable if necessary.
Note: Installation details are provided in “Mount the BDU”
on page 13.
Figure 6: Hub+ BDU Dimensions

TracNet H60 Installation Guide
8
Prepare the Antenna Site
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
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 (see Figure 8).
3. Drill a 5/8" (16 mm) hole at the four mounting hole
locations you marked in Step 2. Later, you will insert
four 1/2"-13 bolts through these holes to secure the
antenna to the mounting surface.
4. Cut out the cable access hole in the location you
marked in Step 2. Smooth the edges to protect the
cable. Later, you will route the antenna cable through
this hole and into the vessel. (You may also apply anti-
chafe material around the cable to protect it from
abrasion.)
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 it is
centered within the mounting bolt pattern (see
Figure 8).
Note: Apply the foam seal to the vessel mounting surface,
not to the antenna’s baseplate. You will have difficulty
connecting the cable to the antenna if the foam seal is
attached to the baseplate.
Figure 8: Antenna Mounting Holes Layout
IMPORTANT!
You have two options for the cable access hole:
•Option 1: 5.5" (140 mm) hole in center of bolt
pattern
•Option 2: 3.75" (95 mm) hole in center of bolt
pattern + 1.5" (38 mm) hole offset at edge of first
hole in location shown on template
Ensure adequate clearance around the antenna’s cable
connector, which extends past the mounting feet. The
metal of the connector must not come into contact with
the mounting platform or pedestal to avoid potential
grounding issues.
IMPORTANT!
Use only the KVH-supplied foam seal. Do not use any
seals that may come with a third-party antenna mount,
as they may block the drain holes in the baseplate.