KVH Industries TracVision G4 User manual

Satellite Television
KVHTracVision
®
G4
technical
manual
•Installation
•Configuration
•Maintenance
A Guide to TracVision G4

TVG4_TM_cover_540147_Rev.J
12 1110987612543 13 14 232221201918 24171615 25 26 353433323130 36292827
48 47 383940414243 3744454660 59 505152535455 49565758
Green/White White/Green Blue/White White/Blue Brown/White White/Brown Gray/White White/Orange Orange/White White/Gray
Data Cable
Black
Red
TracVision
Power
Ground
+12 VDC
Ship’s
Power
(11-16 VDC)
Not
Used
Not Used
Green/White White/Green White/Blue Blue/White White/Orange Orange/White
GyroTrac Sensor
Module Cable
Wiring Color Code Definitions
First Color: Wire
Second Color: Tracer
Example: Red/Orange = Red Wire with Orange Tracer
TracVision G4 will suffer serious
damage if connected to power in
excess of 16 VDC. Complete details
regarding connecting TracVision G4
to ship's power have been provided in
"Connecting
the ADCU to Vessel Power" on page 37.
Gyro Power
Ground
Gyro RXD+
Gyro RXD-
Gyro TXD-
Gyro TXD+
Not Used
IRD Ground Wire
(to IRD)
TracVision G4 can either receive power
through the ADCU (as illustrated in
the diagram) or directly from ship’s
power if that is more convenient.
Refer to
"Alternate Method of Providing Power to
the Antenna" on page 32
for details.
TracVision®G4 Wiring Quick Reference Guide

GyroTrac Mode Menus
Setup display type?
Enter Next Return
Setup data outputs?
Yes Next Return
Setup configuration?
Yes Next Return
Get Antenna status?
Enter Next Return
control antenna?
Enter Next Return
Select Mag/True
Select Serial Port 1, 2, or 3
Set NMEA Outputs
Select Mag/True
Control Compass?
Enter Next Return
Autocalibration On or Off
Calibration Accuracy, Magnetic
Environment, and Calibration #
Compass Calibration Reset
Set AutoCal On/Off?
Yes Next Return
Read Cal score?
Yes Next Return
Clear Compass Cal?
Yes Next Return
The Control Compass Menus are only
available if the selected heading
reference source is INTERNAL.
Magnetic Heading
###.#°
Mag/HDG True/HDG
###.#° ###.#°
Pitch Roll Yaw
#.#° #.#° #.#°
Mag/Hdg Rate/Sec
#.#° #.#°
Tracking <Sat Name>
###.#° ##.#° ####
ANTENNA Initializing
No Antenna Information
Lat: ##
Long: ##
compass?
Yes Next Return
Pitch, Roll & Yaw?
Yes Next Return
Rate of Turn?
Yes Next Return
Latitude Longitude?
Yes Next Return
Antenna display?
Yes Next Return
Set Reference Voltage
Set Swing Voltage
Set Speed
Select Output Type
Set Data Rate
Set sine-cos levels?
Yes Next Return
Set serial outputs?
Yes Next Return
Set Furuno outputs?
Yes Next Return
Select Internal or External
Heading Reference Source
TV Antenna Communication
On or Off
Set Heading int/ext?
Yes Next Return
Set Gyro Offsets?
Yes Next Return
Default Display box?
Yes Next Return
Set TV com on/off?
Yes Next Return
Display Default
Set Offset Roll
Set Offset Yaw
Set Offset Pitch
Errors Detected
Antenna Type and Version
Antenna Serial Number
Threshold and
Signal Levels
LNB Skew Angle
Get System Errors?
Yes Next Return
Get Thres/sig level?
Yes Next Return
Get version?
Yes Next Return
Get serial number?
Yes Next Return
Get skew angle?
Yes Next Return
Bit Error Rate
Get bit error rate?
Yes Next Return
* ARE YOU SURE? *
Yes No
** WARNING **
Data will be HALTED
Alert Screens
Certain operations temporarily halt data
output. In this event, the ADCU will display a
set of alert screens. Select “Yes” to proceed,
“No” to return to the Main Data Display.
Dim or Brighten
ADCU Display
Set brightness?
Yes Next Return
Return to Selected Primary Display
GyroTrac™Advanced Digital Control Unit (ADCU) Menu Quick Reference Guide
ADCU Primary Display Options
Pitch Roll Yaw
#.#° #.#° #.#°
Pitch, Roll, Yaw
Mag/Hdg Rate/Sec
#.#° #.#°
Rate of TurnCompass Displays*
* True North Display requires GPS data
Magnetic Heading
###.#°
Mag/HDG True/HDG
###.#° ###.#°
Antenna Displays
Tracking <Sat Name>
###.#° ##.#° ####
ANTENNA Initializing
No Antenna Information
SELECTED DISPLAY
Select Installed
Satellite A
Select Installed
Satellite B
Enter GyroTrac Mode Menus
Lat: ##
Long: ##
Latitude/Longitude†
† Lat/Long Display requires GPS data
See "Alert Screens" on page 65
for more details.
See Section 3.3 for details See Section 3.4 for details See Section 3.5 for details See Section 3.6 for details See Section 3.7 for details See Section 3.8 for details
See Section 3.2 for details
Antenna Restarts
Set Latitude
Set Longitude
Select Active Satellite
Man control antenna?
Yes Next Return
Restart antenna?
Yes Next Return
Install satellite?
Yes Next Return
Set Lat/Long?
Yes Next Return
Adjust Azimuth
Adjust Elevation
Install Sat Pair
Set Latitude
Set Longitude
Restart Antenna
Sleep Mode On/Off
Set sleep on/off?
Yes Next Return
Instant On Mode On/Off
set instant on/off?
Yes Next Return
Update Frequency
Sat frequency scan?
Yes Next Return
Select Satellite?
Yes Next Return

TracVision G4
Technical Manual
This manual provides detailed instructions on the proper
installation, configuration, troubleshooting, and maintenance of
the KVH TracVision G4 system. Complete instructions on how to
use the TracVision G4 system is provided in the TracVision G4
User’s Guide.
Throughout this manual, important information is marked for
your attention by these icons:
Direct questions, comments, or suggestions to:
KVH Industries, Inc. KVH Europe A/S
50 Enterprise Center Ved Klaedebo 12
Middletown, RI 02842-5279 USA 2970 Hoersholm Denmark
Tel: [phone] Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone] Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]
Internet: www.kvh.com Internet: www.kvh.com
If you have any comments regarding this manual, please e-mail
them to [email protected]. Your input is greatly appreciated!
A helpful tip that either directs you to
a related area within the manual or
offers suggestions on getting the
best performance from 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.
KVH Part # 54-0147 Rev. J
© 2004, KVH Industries, Inc. All rights reserved.
TracVision G4 Serial Number
This serial number will be required
for all troubleshooting or service
calls made regarding this product.
Welcome to TracVision G4
Click here to go to our state-
of-the-art Customer Support
web page...the fastest and
easiest way to get all of your
questions answered!

TracVision®and KVH®are registered trademarks
of KVH Industries, Inc.
GyroTrac™and TracNet™are trademarks of KVH Industries, Inc.
DVB®(Digital Video Broadcasting) is a registered trademark of the DVB Project.
DIRECTV®is an official trademark of DIRECTV, Inc.,
a unit of GM Hughes Electronics.
DISH Network™is an official trademark of
EchoStar Communications Corporation.
ExpressVu is a property of Bell ExpressVu, a wholly owned
subsidiary of Bell Satellite Services.
Cetrek™is a trademark of Cetrek USA.
Furuno®is a registered trademark of Furuno USA, Inc.
B&G®and Halcyon®are trademarks of Brooks and Gatehouse, Inc.

54-0147 i
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
1.1 TracVision G4 System Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
1.2 TracVision G4 Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
1.3 Materials Provided With the TracVision G4 . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
2 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
2.1 Planning the Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
2.2 Mounting the TracVision Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
2.3 Mounting the GyroTrac Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
2.4 Mounting the ADCU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
2.5 Connecting the IRD(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
2.6 Wiring the ADCU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
2.7 Calibrating the Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
2.8 Activating/Programming the IRD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
2.9 Installing Satellites Using the ADCU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
2.10 Setting the Skew Angle
(European Systems Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
2.11 Checking Out the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
2.12 Changing Geographic Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
3 Using the ADCU Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59
3.1 Startup and Self-test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
3.2 Data Display and Accessing the Main Menu . . . . . . . . . . .63
3.3 Setup Display Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67
3.4 Set Data Outputs Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68
3.5 Set Configuration Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73
3.6 Control Compass Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77
3.7 Antenna Status Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79
3.8 Control Antenna Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81

4 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91
4.1 Troubleshooting Matrix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93
4.2 Causes and Remedies for Common
Operational Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94
4.3 GyroTrac-specific Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97

Introduction
54-0147 1
1 – Introduction
This section provides a basic overview of the TracVision G4 system. It
explains how the system works and describes the function of each
component.
Contents
1.1 TracVision G4 System Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
1.2 TracVision G4 Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
1.3 Materials Provided With the TracVision G4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Introduction
54-0147 3
1.1 TracVision G4 System Overview
A complete satellite TV system, illustrated in Figure 1-1, includes
the TracVision G4 antenna unit connected to the GyroTrac digital
gyro-stabilized sensor, Advanced Digital Control Unit (ADCU),
an IRD (satellite TV receiver), and a television set. A desktop or
laptop computer is used to conduct diagnostics. System
specifications are provided in Appendix A on page 123.
System Compatibility
The TracVision G4 satellite antenna is fully compatible with
Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB®) satellites, as well as
DIRECTV®‘s Digital Satellite Service (DSS) satellites. The
system is also fully compatible with KVH’s TracNet™2.0 Mobile
High-speed Internet System (for more information about
TracNet 2.0, please visit our web site at www.kvh.com).
In-motion Tracking
The TracVision G4 uses a state-of-the-art actively stabilized
antenna system. Once the satellite is acquired, the antenna gyro
continuously measures the heading, pitch, and roll of your vessel
and sends commands to the antenna motors to keep the antenna
pointed at the satellite at all times.
Satellite Receiver 2
Satellite Receiver 1
Options Purchased Separately
GyroTrac Sensor
Advanced Digital
Control Unit (ADCU)
TracVision G4 Antenna
Interfaces to:
Autopilots
Radars
Plotters
Remote Displays
PC Diagnostics GPS or
Ship's Gyro
11-16 VDC
3.5 - 4.5 Amps
Power
RF
TV 1
TV 2
RF
Data
Figure 1-1
TracVision G4 System Diagram
TracVision
Figure 1-2
TracVision Identifies and
Compensates for Vessel Motion

54-0147
4
TracVision G4 Technical Manual
Satellite Library
Your TracVision G4 includes a pre-programmed satellite library
of North American and European satellite services. When
configuring the TracVision G4, you may choose a pair of satellites
from the library to be active in the system and with your IRD.
For the antenna to track and receive signals from two satellites,
they must be within 10º longitude of each other in orbit. As a
result, certain satellites can be paired only with certain other
satellites. Tables 1-1 and 1-2 list the possible satellite pairs that
may be selected in North America and Europe. If the satellite
service you wish to receive is not listed in the satellite library, you may
add two additional satellites of your choice to the library.
TracVision G4’s default satellite
pairs are:
N. America (US DIRECTV):
DSS_101 & DSS_119
Europe: Astra 1 & Hotbird
Table 1-2
Available Satellite Pairs - Europe
(European LNB required)
DSS_101 ✓✓✓
DSS_119 ✓✓✓
Echo_61 ✓✓ ✓✓
Echo_110 ✓ ✓✓✓✓
Echo_119 ✓✓ ✓✓✓
Echo_148 ✓✓ ✓✓
Expressvu ✓✓✓✓✓✓ ✓
ExpressTV ✓✓✓✓✓✓✓
DSS_101 DSS_119 Echo_61 Echo_110 Echo_119 Echo_148 Expressvu ExpressTV
Table 1-1
Available Satellite Pairs
- North America
(North American LNB required)
Astra 1 ✓✓ ✓✓
Astra 2N ✓✓
Astra 2S ✓✓
Hispasat
Hotbird ✓✓ ✓ ✓
Sirius ✓✓✓
Thor ✓
Astra 1 Astra 2N Astra 2S Hispasat Hotbird Sirius Thor

1.2 TracVision G4 Components
Your TracVision G4 system includes the following components:
Antenna Unit
The antenna unit houses the antenna positioning mechanism, low
noise block (LNB), power supply, and control elements within a
molded ABS radome. Weathertight connectors on the bottom of
the baseplate join the power, signal, and control cabling from
belowdecks units.
GyroTrac
TracVision G4 includes KVH’s GyroTrac digital gyrocompass for
three-axis attitude/heading reference, ensuring superior open
water performance in any sea conditions. GyroTrac can also
operate as a fully functional, stand-alone heading sensor.
GyroTrac includes the following two components:
Sensor Module
The sensor module houses the system’s compass/yaw sensor,
inclinometer, rate gyros, and processing electronics and is
waterproof to a depth of one meter.
Advanced Digital Control Unit (ADCU)
The ADCU is the user interface, providing access to the system
and its functions through an LCD and three soft keys. The ADCU
also serves as the system’s junction box, allowing the system to
use ship’s power, interface with the sensor module, supply and
receive data to/from the TracVision G4 system, and supply and
receive data to/from other shipboard systems.
Integrated Receiver Decoder (IRD)
The IRD (purchased separately) receives satellite signals from the
antenna unit for signal processing and channel selection, and
sends the signals to the TV set for viewing. Please refer to the
user’s manual provided with your selected IRD for complete
operating instructions.
Introduction
54-0147 5
Before you can start watching
satellite TV using your TracVision
antenna, you will need to activate
your IRD. Refer to Section 2.8,
“Activating/Programming the IRD”
on page 42 for details.

1.3 Materials Provided With the
TracVision G4
Table 1-3 lists the components and materials in the TracVision G4
shipping carton.
Component KVH Part No.
Antenna Unit 02-0989-01†
02-0989-02††
Installation Kitpack 72-0099
Data Cable 32-0619-50†
32-0619-100††
PC Cable 32-0628-06
RF Cable*32-0417-50
Power Cable 32-0510-50
Ground Cable 32-0583-50
TracVision G4 Technical Manual 54-0147
TracVision G4 User’s Guide 54-0147-01
GyroTrac, which includes: 01-0226-01
Sensor Module 02-1154
ADCU 02-0961
Flush Mount ADCU Panel 20-0667
Horizontal Sensor Bracket 20-0658
Vertical Sensor Bracket 20-0666
Sensor to ADCU Cable 32-0623-30
Kitpack 72-0095
†North American system
†† European system
* Not included with European systems
54-0147
6
TracVision G4 Technical Manual
Table 1-3
TracVision G4 Packing List
For lists of items supplied in the
kitpacks, see Tables 2-3 and 2-4 on
page 10.

Installation
54-0147 7
2 – Installation
This section explains how to install, configure, and test the
TracVision G4 system. Follow the simple procedures in this section
sequentially to ensure a safe and effective installation.
Contents
2.1 Planning the Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
2.2 Mounting the TracVision Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
2.3 Mounting the GyroTrac Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
2.4 Mounting the ADCU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
2.5 Connecting the IRD(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
2.6 Wiring the ADCU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
2.7 Calibrating the Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
2.8 Activating/Programming the IRD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
2.9 Installing Satellites Using the ADCU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
2.10 Setting the Skew Angle
(European Systems Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
2.11 Checking Out the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
2.12 Changing Geographic Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57

Installation
54-0147 9
2.1 Planning the Installation
Who Should Install the TracVision G4
KVH recommends that a KVH-authorized technician install the
TracVision G4 system. Installers should have experience
installing electronic equipment on a vessel.
Materials and Equipment Required for Installation
Before you begin installing the TracVision G4 system, you need to
verify that you have all of the following tools and materials:
• Electric drill
•3⁄8" (10 mm) drill bit and 3" (80 mm) hole saw
• Socket wrenches
•7⁄16" open end wrench
• Flat head and Phillips screwdrivers
• Crimp tool (Augat T1000 or equivalent)
• Light hammer; center punch; tape; scriber/pencil
• Terminal lug crimping tool; wire strippers
•A PC with terminal emulation software such as
Windows Hyperterminal or PROCOMM.
•RG-6 or RG-11 cable with F-type connectors for
extra RF signal cables as needed. Refer to Table 2-1
to determine the number of RF cables that you will
need.
Connecting to: # RF Cables
North American Systems
One IRD 1
Two or more IRDs 2*
European Systems
One IRD 1
Two IRDs 2
* Multiswitch needed for three or more IRDs. Follow multiswitch
manufacturer’s guidelines.
Plan the entire installation before
proceeding! Take into account
antenna unit placement, cable
running distances between units,
and accessibility to the equipment
after installation.
Table 2-1
Number of RF Cables to Connect
to the Antenna
RG-11 or RG-6 cable with F-type
connectors is required for all RF
wiring. Use of any other cable will
result in degraded performance.
Use RG-6 cable for distances up to
75 ft (23 m); use RG-11 cable for
distances greater than 75 ft (23 m).
The KVH warranty does not cover
degraded performance due to
improper wiring.
You may want to connect two RF
cables to the antenna in all cases.
That way, if an IRD is added in the
future, no additional RF cables will
need to be run.

• Power cable to connect the ADCU to ship’s power
(Table 2-2 provides proper gauge and length
specifications).
Cable Length Cable Gauge
to 50 ft (15 m) 14 AWG (1.5 mm2)
+50 ft (+15 m) 12 AWG (2.5 mm2)
Kitpack Contents
The kitpacks packaged with your antenna unit and GyroTrac
contain various hardware and other materials that will be needed
to complete the TracVision system installation. Ensure that the
kitpacks contain all of the items listed in Tables 2-3 and 2-4.
Part Qty.
1⁄4"-20 x 3" hex head screws 4
1⁄4" flat washers 8
1⁄4"-20 self-locking nuts 4
Plastic screw covers 6
Foam seal 1
Tie-wraps 2
Core clamp (ferrite) 1
Part Qty.
#8 fiber washers 10
#8 flat washers 10
#8-32 self-locking nuts 5
#10 flat washers 5
#10 lock washers 5
#10-32 Phillips head screws 5
#8 Phillips head screws 5
#8-32 Phillips head screws 5
#8 lock washers 5
#8 Phillips head (black) screws 5
Velcro self-adhesive backings 4
Velcro washers 4
4" tie-wraps 5
54-0147
10
TracVision G4 Technical Manual
Table 2-3
Antenna Unit Kitpack Contents
Table 2-4
GyroTrac Kitpack Contents
Table 2-2
Recommended ADCU-to-Ship’s
Power Cable Specifications

Part Qty.
Tie-wrap screw mount 6
Terminal strip connectors 5
Sensor module to ADCU power wire ferrite 1
#4-24 thread-forming screws 4
Choosing Component Locations
The major considerations in locating the TracVision components
are described below.
Cable Lengths
When determining component locations, keep in mind
accessibility and cable lengths between units. Lengths of these
cables are as follows:
Cable (Function) Length
Data Cable (ADCU to Antenna Unit) 50 ft (15 m)†
100 ft (30 m)††
PC Cable (ADCU to PC) 6 ft (2 m)
RF Cable (Antenna to IRD)* 50 ft (15 m)†
Power Cable (Power to Antenna Unit) 50 ft (15 m)
Sensor to ADCU Cable (GyroTrac) 30 ft (10 m)
IRD Ground to ADCU Ground Cable 50 ft (15 m)
†North American system
†† European system
* Not included with European systems
Installation
54-0147 11
Table 2-5
Lengths of Provided
Belowdecks Cables
Table 2-4
GyroTrac Kitpack Contents
(Continued)

Choosing the Best Location for the TracVision Antenna
There are several factors to consider when choosing the location
for the TracVision antenna.
• Since the TracVision antenna requires a clear view
of the southern sky to receive satellite signals, the
ideal antenna site has an unobstructed view of the
horizon/satellite all around. The less blockage, the
better the system performs.
• Keep the antenna clear of any obstructions above
decks. The antenna requires a 15º to 85º look angle
to receive satellite signals.
•To minimize tracking errors, place the antenna
unit as close as possible to the intersection of the
vessel’s fore-and-aft centerline and midships. The
antenna unit need not be located exactly on the
vessel’s fore-and-aft axis, but its centerline MUST
be parallel to it.
•The mounting surface should be flat and strong
enough to carry the complete assembly (30 lbs/
13.6 kg). To prevent warpage to the antenna
baseplate, make sure that the mounting surface is
rigid so that it cannot flex when the vessel
vibrates. If necessary, add a strength member to
the mounting site to stiffen it.
• Be sure to account for the height and base
dimensions (see Figure 2-2 on the following page).
54-0147
12
TracVision G4 Technical Manual
Blocked!
TracVision Antenna
Vessel Platform
Mast
Figure 2-1
Antenna Blockage

Radar Concerns
The TracVision antenna must be kept out of line with nearby
radars, as their energy levels may overload the antenna’s front-
end circuits. In an ideal installation, the antenna is mounted four
feet (1.2 m) above and four feet (1.2 m) away from the radar
(measured from the center of the antenna dome to the center of
the radar).
The best placement for the TracVision antenna is above the radar.
However, if there will be a significant horizontal separation
between the radar and TV dome (i.e., at least 8 to 10 feet (2.5 to
3 m)), the TracVision antenna can be placed below the radar as
there will be little chance of signal blockage.
Installation
54-0147 13
Figure 2-2
Antenna Unit Dimensions
The radome exterior is treated
with a special finish selected for
compatibility with the dome material
and transparency to the satellite
signals. Application of additional
paints or finishes WILL degrade
performance, potentially beyond
acceptable limits.
A full-size template of the baseplate
mounting holes has been provided
in Appendix B on page 127 .
21" Max
54 cm
19.3"
49 cm
9"
(22.9 cm)
9"
(23 cm)
4.5"
(11.4 cm)
4.5"
(11.4 cm)
4 x 5/16"
( 8 mm)
19.3"
(49 cm)

Choosing the Best Location for the GyroTrac Sensor
• Ideally, the sensor module should be mounted as
low as possible in the center of the vessel – but
NOT in the bilge.
• The mounting surface should be free of excessive
vibration and flexing.
•Maintain at least four feet (1.3 m) separation
between the sensor module and any magnetized
materials, large ferrous masses, cranes, engines,
derricks, other antennas, cables carrying high
amperage direct current, or battery banks.
• Take extra care when mounting the sensor module
on a steel vessel. Enclose the sensor module in a
fiberglass container and use an aluminum, brass,
plastic, or wood (NOT steel or iron) platform to
position the sensor at least four feet (1.2 m) above
and six feet (1.8 m) away from the steel surface.
•Be alert for devices that change their magnetic
characteristics when in use, such as CRTs
(computer and TV screens), radar magnetrons,
electric winches, loudspeakers, windshield wipers,
and other devices with DC motors. GyroTrac
cannot compensate for changing magnetic fields
created by these devices.
•If you need to fabricate custom mounting brackets
for the sensor module, they should be made from
non-ferrous materials such as wood, brass,
aluminum, fiberglass, or plastic. Be sure to use
stainless steel bolts or nails.
Choosing the Best Location for the ADCU
• The ADCU should be mounted in a dry location,
allowing enough room at the back for connecting
system cables.
• The ADCU should be placed so that the LCD
display is visible and the buttons are accessible.
• The ADCU is not susceptible to magnetic
interference and does not need to be mounted on a
level surface.
54-0147
14
TracVision G4 Technical Manual
If uncertain of the best location
for the sensor module, make a
temporary installation and conduct
a calibration (as described in
Section 2.7, “Calibrating the
Sensor” on page 40 ). Any
necessary adjustments to the
sensor location can be made based
on the calibration scores.

2.2 Mounting the TracVision
Antenna
1. Make sure that you have chosen a suitable
mounting location based upon the guidelines in
“Choosing the Best Location for the TracVision
Antenna” on page 12.
2. Using the template provided in Appendix B on
page 127 or the dimensions shown in Figure 2-3,
lay out the four mounting bolt holes and cable
access hole at the mounting site. Make certain that
the “FWD” arrow is parallel with the vessel’s
centerline and pointed toward the bow.
3. Drill the four 3⁄8" (10 mm) bolt holes and cut out the
3" (80 mm) diameter cable access hole (following
the layout in Step 2). Smooth the edges of the cable
access hole to protect the cables.
4. Bring the data cable, power cable, and RF cable(s)
from belowdecks up through the cable access hole
in the mounting surface (see Table 2-1 on page 9 to
determine the number of RF cables required).
5. Remove the antenna unit from its shipping carton.
Installation
54-0147 15
Always lift the antenna unit by the
gray baseplate and never by the
radome or any portion of the
antenna assembly. Also be careful
not to strike the exposed
connectors extending from the
bottom of the baseplate or allow
them to carry the weight of the
antenna unit.
Drill 3/8" (10 mm)
Bolt Hole
9" (229 mm)
3" (80 mm)
Drill 3/8" (10 mm)
Bolt Hole
Drill 3/8" (10 mm)
Bolt Hole
Drill 3/8" (10 mm)
Bolt Hole
C
u
t
o
u
t
f
o
r
C
a
b
l
e
A
c
c
e
s
s
9" (229 mm)
9" (229 mm)
9" (229 mm)
FWD
Figure 2-3
Antenna Mounting Holes Layout