KVH Industries TracVision M7 User manual

TracVision M7 Installation Guide
TracVision M7
Switchplate Configuration

TracVision®M7 Installation Guide
1
Switchplate Configuration
KVH, TracVision, and the unique light-colored dome with dark contrasting baseplate are registered trademarks of KVH Industries, Inc.
All other trademarks are 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. © 2007-2011 KVH Industries, Inc., All rights reserved. 54-0417 Rev. D
These instructions explain how to install the TracVision M7 satellite TV antenna system on a
vessel. Complete instructions on how to use the system are provided in the User’s Guide.
Installation Steps
Who Should Install the System?
To ensure a safe and effective installation, KVH recommends that a KVH-authorized marine
technician install the TracVision antenna. KVH-authorized technicians have the tools and
electronics expertise necessary to install the system. To find a technician near you, visit
www.kvh.com/wheretogetservice.
Linear vs. Circular Systems
The installation process differs slightly depending on the type of LNB (low noise block) that is
installed in the antenna (linear or circular). These differences are noted throughout this manual.
Appendix B on page 27 notes the satellites available for each LNB type and geographic region.
Technical Support
If you need technical assistance, please contact KVH Technical Support:
1. Inspect Parts and Get Tools ...............3
2. Plan the Antenna Installation............4
3. Plan the Belowdecks Installation ......5
4. Prepare the Antenna Site....................6
5. Remove the Restraint..........................7
6. Wire the Antenna ................................8
7. Mount the Antenna.............................9
8. Wire the Switchplate.........................10
9. Wire the Receiver(s)..........................11
10. Connect Power .................................. 13
11. Mount the Switchplate..................... 14
12. Connect a Laptop to the Antenna... 15
13. Select Satellites................................... 16
14. Enter Your Latitude & Longitude .. 18
15. Run Check Switch Tests................... 19
16. Set the LNB Skew Angle.................. 21
17. Educate the Customer...................... 22
North/South America, Australia:
Phone: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
(Mon.-Fri., 9 am-6 pm ET, -5 GMT)
(Sat., 9 am-2 pm ET, -5 GMT)
Europe, Middle East, Asia:
Phone: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
(Mon.-Fri., 8 am-4:30 pm, +1 GMT)

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 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 tools and materials listed
below. You will need these items to complete
the installation.
• Flat-head and Phillips-head screwdrivers
• Electric drill and 1/2" (13 mm), 5/32"
(4 mm), and 3/32" (2.25 mm) drill bits
• 3" (80 mm) hole saw
• Socket wrenches
• 7/16" open-end wrench
• Torque wrench and 2 mm allen hex key
(only required for linear systems without
Auto Skew capability)
• Light hammer and center punch
• Adhesive tape and scriber or pencil
• Wire strippers and terminal lug crimper
• RG-6 or RG-11 RF coax cable(s) with
Snap-N-Seal®F-connectors (see Step 6a)
• Augat IT1000 connector installation tool
• Power cable (see Figure 2)
• Silicone sealant, self-vulcanizing tape, or
equivalent
• Satellite TV receiver and TV (see Figure 3
for a list of validated U.S./Canadian receivers)
•Windows
®laptop PC with Windows
HyperTerminal or KVH Flash Wizard
Radome
Baseplate
Figure 1: TracVision M7 System Components
Antenna
Switchplate
Always lift the antenna by the baseplate and
never by the radome or any portion of the
internal antenna assembly (see Figure 1).
IMPORTANT!
Figure 2: Power Cable Guidelines
Cable Length Use Cable Gauge
< 40 ft (12 m) 14AWG (2.5mm2)
40-70 ft (12-21 m) 12AWG (4mm2)
Figure 3: KVH-Validated U.S./Canadian Receivers
Standard-Definition Models
DIRECTV DISH Network Bell TV
D12
D11
D10
311
211k
211
4100
3100
High-Definition (HD) Models
DIRECTV DISH Network Bell TV
HD not
supported 211k 211 6100 6131
Inspect Parts and Get Tools
1

4
Consider the following antenna installation
guidelines:
• Minimize blockage. The antenna requires a
clear view of the sky to receive satellite TV
(see Figure 4). The fewer obstructions, the
better the system will perform.
• Make sure the mounting surface is wide
enough to accommodate the antenna’s base
(see Figure 5). Also make sure it is flat, level
(within ±1°), strong enough to support the
antenna’s weight (55 lbs, 25 kg), and rigid
enough to withstand vibration.
• Select a location that is as close as possible to
the intersection of the vessel’s fore-and-aft
centerline and midships.
• Do not mount the antenna at the same level
as the radar because the radar’s energy might
overload the antenna. Ideally, you should
mount the antenna 4 ft (1.2 m) above the
radar, outside the beam path of the radar.
Blocked!
TracVision Antenna
Mast
Look Angle
Vessel Platform
Figure 4: Blockage from Obstruction
27.36"
(69.5 cm)
26.2"
(66.5 cm)
12"
(30.5 cm)
12"
(30.5 cm)
6"
(15.2 cm)
6"
(15.2 cm)
4 x 1/2"
( 13 mm)
26.2"
(66.5 cm)
Figure 5: Antenna Dimensions
Side View
Bottom View
Be sure to follow the guidelines above.
Damage caused by an improper installation is
not covered under KVH warranty.
IMPORTANT!
Plan the Antenna Installation
2

5
Consider the following switchplate installation
guidelines:
• Select a switchplate mounting location in a
dry, well-ventilated area belowdecks away
from any heat sources or salt spray.
• Be sure to leave enough room at the
switchplate’s rear panel for connecting the
cables and maintaining a service loop (see
Figure 6 for switchplate dimensions).
• The supplied data cable is 100 ft (30 m) long.
Be sure to locate the switchplate close enough
to the antenna for the cable to reach, while
allowing adequate slack for a service loop.
•(Circular and Sky Mexico only) The
grounding block should be located within
95 ft (28 m) of the antenna, within 5 ft (1.5 m)
of the primary receiver, and within 25 ft
(7.6 m) of a suitable vessel AC ground.
Prepare the Switchplate Mounting Site
Once you have identified a suitable switchplate
mounting site, follow these steps to prepare the
site for installation.
NOTE: If you prefer, you may install the switchplate
within a standard electrical panel instead.
a. Using the switchplate mounting template
provided at the end of this manual, mark and
cut out a hole in the mounting surface to
accommodate the switchplate (see Figure 7).
b. Using the same template, mark the locations
for the four switchplate mounting holes.
c. Drill a 3/32" (2.25 mm) hole at the four
mounting hole locations. Later, you will
mount the switchplate using four #6 screws.
Figure 6: Switchplate Dimensions
2.96"
(75.2 mm)
4.39"
(111.5 mm)
2.16"
(54.9 mm)
Front View
Top View
3/32" ( 2.25 mm)
Mounting Hole (x4)
3.82"
(97 mm)
.32" (8 mm)
2.36"
(60 mm)
.16" (4 mm) 3.19"
(81 mm)
2.05"
(52 mm)
Panel Cutout
Figure 7: Switchplate Mounting Holes Layout
Plan the Belowdecks Installation
3

6
Once you have identified a suitable antenna
mounting site, according to the guidelines
provided 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 8).
NOTE: You don’t need to mount the antenna exactly
on the vessel’s centerline (the closer, the better), 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 1/2" (13 mm) hole at the four
mounting hole locations you marked in
Step b. Later, you will insert four 3/8"-16
bolts through these holes to secure the
antenna to the mounting surface.
d. Cut out the 3" (80 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 data, power, and RF
cables through this hole and into the vessel.
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 9).
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.
12"
(305 mm)
FWD
1/2" ( 13mm)
Mounting Hole (x4)
12"
(305 mm)
3" ( 80 mm)
Cable Access Hole
Figure 8: Antenna Mounting Holes Layout
Figure 9: Foam Seal
Align with
Cable Access
Hole
Prepare the Antenna Site
4

7
Inside the antenna, a foam block prevents the
antenna assembly from moving during
shipment. Follow these steps to remove this
shipping restraint.
a. Remove the six #10-32 Phillips screws
securing the radome to the baseplate (see
Figure 10). Carefully lift the radome straight
up until clear of the antenna assembly and set
it aside in a safe place.
TIP: If you keep the radome topside, secure it with a
lanyard to prevent it from falling overboard.
b. Remove the foam block that is wedged
beneath the antenna’s reflector (see
Figure 11). Save this restraint for future use;
the customer will need to reinstall it if he/she
needs to relocate or reship the antenna.
#10-32 Screw (x6)
Figure 10: Removing the Radome
Figure 11: Foam Block Shipping Restraint
Shipping Restraint
Once you have removed the restraint, keep
the antenna level as much as possible and
handle the antenna very carefully. Prevent
the internal antenna assembly from rotating
freely within the baseplate to avoid damaging
the limit switch.
IMPORTANT!
Remove the Restraint
5

8
Follow these steps to connect the data, power,
and RF cables to the antenna.
a. First determine the number of RF coax cables
you need to connect to the antenna for your
particular installation (see Figure 12). (See
Figure 13 to determine the type of cable
required.)
b. Route the data, power, and RF cables
belowdecks through the 3" (80 mm) cable
access hole. Leave an adequate service loop,
approximately 8" (20 cm) of slack, in the
cables for easy serviceability. Later, you will
connect the data and power cables to the
switchplate and the RF cable(s) to the
receiver(s).
c. Connect the data cable to the “Data”
connector on the bottom of the antenna (see
Figure 14). Hand-tighten until the cable locks
in place; do not use excessive force.
d. Connect the power cable to the “Power”
connector on the bottom of the antenna.
Hand-tighten until the cable locks in place;
do not use excessive force.
e. Connect the RF coax cable(s) to the antenna.
If you need to connect just one RF cable,
connect the cable to the “RF1” connector on
the bottom of the antenna. Hand-tighten,
then tighten with a 7/16" wrench for 1/4 turn
to ensure an electrical connection. Connect
any additional RF coax cables to the
antenna’s RF2, RF3, and RF4 connectors, in
that order.
TIP: If you connect two or more RF cables, label both
ends of each cable to match the connector. This will
make it easier to identify the cables later.
f. Seal the RF cable connections with silicone
sealant, self-vulcanizing tape, or equivalent.
Figure 12: Number of RF Coax Cables to Connect to Antenna
* Multiswitch required for additional receivers.
Connecting to: # RF Cables
System with Circular Dual LNB
1 receiver 1
2 or more receivers 2*
System with Linear Dual LNB
1 receiver 1
2 receivers 2
System with Linear Quad LNB
1 receiver 1
2 receivers 2
3 receivers 3
4 or more receivers 4*
Figure 13: RF Cable Guidelines
Cable Length Use Cable Type
<= 75 ft (23 m) RG-6
> 75 ft (23 m) RG-11
Figure 14: Connectors on Bottom of Antenna
RF3
Power
RF1
RF4
Data
RF2
Wire the Antenna
6

9
Follow these steps to mount the antenna to the
mounting surface.
a. Place the antenna baseplate over the holes
drilled in the mounting surface. Ensure the
forward arrow inside the baseplate points
toward the bow and is parallel to the vessel’s
centerline (see Figure 15).
b. At each of the four baseplate mounting holes,
place a 3/8" flat washer on a 3/8"-16 bolt and
insert the bolt into the hole (with preinstalled
3/8" shoulder washer) from above (see
Figure 16).
NOTE: To enable proper grounding, ensure the
preinstalled shoulder washers are in place, and were
not dislodged during handling (see Figure 16).
c. Secure each mounting bolt to the mounting
surface using a 3/8" shoulder washer, a
3/8" flat washer, and a 3/8"-16 lock nut from
below. 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 bolts to between 12 and
16 ft-lbs (16.2 and 21.7 N-m) of torque.
TIP: If you are installing a linear system that does not
have Auto Skew capability, keep the radome off for
now. You will need to adjust the skew angle of the
antenna’s LNB.
d. Reinstall the radome onto the antenna. Secure
in place with the six #10-32 screws you
removed in Step 5a.
e. Install a protective plastic screw cap
(supplied in the kitpack) over each radome
screw.
Figure 15: Forward Arrow in Antenna Baseplate
You will need to rotate the antenna assembly
by hand to see all four mounting holes. Rotate
the antenna assembly slowly. If it hits a
mechanical stop with excessive force, the
limit switch might become damaged.
IMPORTANT!
3/8"-16 Bolt (x4)
3/8" Flat Washer (x4)
Rubber Foot (x4)
Mounting Surface
3/8" Flat Washer (x4)
3/8"-16 Lock Nut (x4)
AntennaBaseplate
3/8" Shoulder Washer (x4)
3/8" Shoulder Washer (x4)
Preinstalled
Figure 16: Mounting the Antenna (Side View)
Mount the Antenna
7

10
Follow these steps to connect the switchplate to
the antenna.
a. First dress the data and power cables from
the antenna. Strip back the insulation of each
wire approximately 1/4" (6 mm) and gently
twist each wire to ensure a good electrical
connection.
b. Connect the data cable from the antenna to
the terminal board on the back of the
switchplate (see Figure 17). Be sure to match
the wire colors with the terminal board label.
Tighten the terminal screws to secure all
wires in place.
c. Connect the power cable from the antenna to
the switchplate’s power output terminals (see
Figure 18).
Figure 17: Switchplate Wiring - Antenna Data Cable
Brown/White
White/Brown
Orange/White
White/Orange
Gray/White
White/Gray
Antenna
Data Cable
Body/Stripe
The diagram refers to wires by body color/
stripe color. For example, “Brown/White”
means the brown wire with the white stripe.
IMPORTANT!
Do not connect the data cable’s drain wire
(shield) to anything. You can simply snip it
from the cable.
IMPORTANT!
Figure 18: Switchplate Wiring - Antenna Power Cable
+12 VDC (Red)
Ground (Black)
Antenna Power Cable
+–
Wire the Switchplate
8