KVH Industries TracVision S3 User manual

Satellite Television
KVHTracVision
®
S3
owner's
manual
•Installation Instructions
•User's Guide
•Technical Manual
A Guide to TracVision S3

1
A Guide to TracVision S3 – ADDENDUM
54-0182 Addendum to Rev. A1
TracVision S3 Owner’s
Manual Addendum
(ECO #5885)
The following information applies to Revision A1 of the
TracVision S3 Owner’s Manual (KVH Part Number 54-0182).
Your TracVision S3 includes four small mounting plates for mounting
the antenna unit on a vehicle. These plates replace the large mounting
plate described in the manual.
1.3 Materials Provided with
TracVision S3
Table 1-3 has been updated to remove the mounting plate.
Component KVH Part No.
Antenna Unit (comprising): 01-0225-05†
01-0225-11††
01-0225-12†††
01-0225-18††††
Baseplate Assembly 02-1044-02*
02-1044-04**
Radome Assembly 02-0953-05
RF Cable 32-0589-30
Power Cable 32-0590-30
Antenna Data Cable 32-0630-30
PC Cable 32-0628-06
Kitpack*** 72-0101
Owner’s Manual 54-0182
IRD Ground Wire 32-0583-30
Switchplate 02-1023
† European TracVision S3 system
†† North American TracVision S3 system (defaulted to US DISH Network)
††† North American TracVision S3 system (defaulted to ExpressVu)
†††† North American TracVision S3 system (defaulted to DIRECTV)
* Baseplate assembly with single-output LNB
** Baseplate assembly with dual-output LNB
*** A complete listing of kitpack contents is provided in Section 2.2, “Mounting
the Antenna Unit.”
Table 1-3
TracVision S3 Packing List
Cables for the TracVision S3 are
stored beneath the antenna unit
during shipping.

2.1 Choosing the Best Location
Anote has been added to caution against mounting the antenna on a
curved surface.
•Be sure to mount the antenna on a horizontal
surface. When placed flat on the mounting surface,
the mounting plates should be less than 7⁄16" above
the mounting surface (see Figure 2-2). Any larger
gap will warp the baseplate and seriously damage
the antenna.
2.2 Mounting the Antenna Unit
The antenna unit mounting procedure has been changed to reflect the
different mounting plates.
1. Make sure that you have chosen a suitable
mounting location based upon the guidelines in
Section 2.1, “Choosing the Best Location.”
2. Remove the antenna unit from its shipping carton.
3. Position the antenna unit in the desired location
on the centerline of the vehicle with the antenna’s
mounting plate arrows facing the front or rear of
the vehicle. The proper orientation is illustrated in
Figure 2-3 on the following page.
2
Always lift the antenna unit by the
gray baseplate, never by the
radome or any portion of the
antenna assembly!
" Maximum Gap
716
Figure 2-2
Maximum Mounting Surface Slope

4. While the antenna is in place, mark a location on
the roof for the cable access hole to permit
convenient cable access to the antenna’s baseplate
connectors.
5. Using the 4 mounting plates and each set of 5
holes as templates, drill 20 3⁄16"(5 mm) holes
through the roof of the vehicle.
6. Set aside the antenna unit and clean the roof’s
surface to remove any debris.
7. Apply construction adhesive to the bottom of the
antenna’s four mounting plates. If using a liquid
construction adhesive, apply beads to the
mounting plates in a zig-zag pattern.
8. Reposition the antenna, lining up the mounting
plate holes with the holes in the roof. Attach the
mounting plates to the roof using 3⁄16" (5 mm)-
diameter rivets (or appropriate fasteners). Seal all
rivet heads and edges with silicone.
9. Remove and save the 8 pan head screws and flat
washers that secure the radome to the baseplate.
Carefully lift the radome straight up until clear of
the antenna assembly and set aside.
3
A Guide to TracVision S3 – ADDENDUM
54-0182 Addendum to Rev. A1
Vehicle
Centerline
Vehicle
Centerline
Front/Rear
of Vehicle
Front/Rear
of Vehicle
TopView SideView
Mounting Plate
(1 of 4)
Baseplate
Connectors
Mounting Plate
Arrows
Figure 2-3
Proper Orientation of
the Antenna Unit
The mounting plate arrows may
face either forward or backward
along the centerline of the vehicle
for more convenient installation.
If the roof’s mounting surface is not
perfectly flat as KVH recommends,
make sure the baseplate does not
warp when you attach the
antenna’s mounting plates. Refer to
Section 2.1, “Choosing the Best
Location,” for further details.

10. When the antenna unit is installed with the
connectors facing the rear of the vehicle, the drain
holes are located as shown in Figure 2-4.
4
Figure 2-5
Baseplate Connectors Facing
Front of Vehicle – Recommended
Drain Hole Locations
You MUST drill out the drain holes
as indicated to ensure that any
moisture that enters the baseplate
is able to drain. Ensure that factory-
drilled holes are completely sealed.
10a.(Alternate Drain Hole Locations) If the antenna unit
is installed with the connectors facing the front of
the vehicle, drill out 3⁄16" (5 mm)-drain holes in the
rear-facing side of the baseplate as illustrated in
Figure 2-5. The existing factory-drilled drain
holes shown in Figure 2-4 must then be plugged
with silicone rubber sealant.
Figure 2-4
Baseplate Connectors Facing Rear
of Vehicle – Factory-drilled
Drain Hole Locations
Factory-drilled
Drain Hole Positions
Front of
Vehicle
Recommended
3/16" (5 mm)
Drain Hole Positions
Drain Hole Angle
(relative to baseplate)
Front of
Vehicle
Angle of Hole, relative to front
Angle of Hole, relative to front

11. Cut the tie-wraps holding the antenna unit to the
forward shipping restraint (see Figure 2-6).
12. Remove the nuts and washers securing the
shipping restraints to the baseplate. The positions
of all three shipping restraints are pictured in
Figure 2-7.
13. For convenient storage, rotate the shipping
restraints 180ºand secure them to their original
mounting bolts using the nuts and washers
removed in Step 12 (see Figures 2-8 through 2-10).
All nuts and washers removed in Step 12 must
be reinstalled. These nuts and washers secure the
baseplate to the mounting plates.
5
A Guide to TracVision S3 – ADDENDUM
54-0182 Addendum to Rev. A1
Rotating Plate
Shipping Restraint
Rotating Plate
Shipping Restraint
Forward Shipping
Restraint for
LNB Bracket
Figure 2-7
TracVision S3 Shipping Restraints
(Top View, Installed for Shipping)
Do not discard the shipping
restraints, washers, or the nuts.
They should be stowed for future
use in case the antenna unit needs
to be removed and shipped to
another location. Four 1⁄4˝ x 5⁄8˝ hex
head screws have been provided in
the kitpack for shipping as the bolts
used to hold the shipping restraints
during initial shipping are integral
parts of the mounting plates.
Forward Shipping Restraint
Installation Bolts and Washers
LNB
Figure 2-8
Forward Shipping
Restraint Storage
2 tie-wraps used
to secure LNB arm
Shipping Restraint
Shipping Restraint
Nuts and Washers
Figure 2-6
Forward Shipping Restraint
(Arranged for Shipping)

14. Drill the cable access hole (marked in Step 4) in the
vehicle’s roof.
15. Proceed to Section 2.3, “Wiring the TracVision S3
System,” to wire the TracVision S3 system. The
radome will be placed back on the baseplate using
the hardware removed in Step 9 after wiring and
initializing the system.
6
Figure 2-10
TracVision S3 Shipping Restraints
(Storage Position)
Forward
Shipping Restraint
Rotating Plate
Shipping Restraint
Rotating Plate
Shipping Restraint
Installation Bolt and Washer
Rotating Plate Shipping Restraint (1 of 2)
Figure 2-9
Rotating Plate Shipping
Restraint Storage

1
A Guide to TracVision S3 – ADDENDUM
54-0182 Addendum to Rev. A1
TracVision S3 Owner’s
Manual Addendum
(ECO #5846)
The following information applies to Revision A1 of the
TracVision S3 Owner’s Manual (KVH Part Number 54-0182).
1.2 TracVision S3 System Overview
The baseplate connectors have been changed to make installation easier.
Figure 1-1 shows the new baseplate connectors and cable routing.
11-16 Volts DC
2.5-3.5 Amps
Satellite Receiver 1
Data Cable
RF
Coaxial
Cables
Options Purchased Separately
TV 1
TracVision Antenna
Power Cable
Vehicle
Power Switchplate
PC Maintenance
Port
Satellite Receiver 2TV 2
Laptop PC
Second TV
and receiver
option only
available with
U.S.-style,
dual output
LNB.
TV/SAT Switch
Figure 1-1
TracVision S3 System
Configuration

2.3 Wiring the TracVision S3 System
The baseplate connectors have been changed to make installation easier.
TracVision S3 Cable Ports
Figure 2-14 shows the antenna unit’s exterior baseplate cable
ports, consisting of two RF connectors (ports #1 and #4) and two
liquid-tight fittings (ports #2 and #3). Figure 2-15 shows the
interior baseplate wiring. Refer to these figures when connecting
cables to the antenna unit.
2.3.1 Wiring the Antenna Data Cable
The data cable now enters the baseplate through the second liquid-tight
fitting (cable port #3). Interior baseplate wiring is unchanged.
Antenna Data Cable-to-Baseplate Terminals Wiring Process
1. Feed the cable up to the roof and through the
second liquid-tight fitting (#3) as pictured in
Figure 2-14.
2
Power
(#2) Data (#3) RF1 (#4)
RF2
(#1)
Used only with
N. American Systems
Figure 2-14
Cable Port Assignments
(Exterior of Baseplate)
RF Cable
Power
Data
Figure 2-15
Interior Baseplate Wiring

2.3.2 Wiring the Antenna Unit Power Cable
The power cable now enters the baseplate through the first liquid-tight
fitting (cable port #2). Interior baseplate wiring is unchanged.
Power Cable-to-Baseplate Terminals Wiring Process
1. Feed the cable up to the roof and through the first
liquid-tight fitting (#2) as pictured in Figure 2-14.
2.3.6 Connecting the Antenna RF Signal
Cable to the IRD
You no longer need to insert RF cables into the baseplate; they now
simply connect to the exterior baseplate connectors.
The RF signal cable is fitted with an F-type connector at only one
end and should be attached to TracVision S3 and the IRD as
follows:
1. For a single IRD installation, connect the
F-connector end of the RF signal cable to the
Antenna Unit baseplate connector labeled RF1 (see
Figure 2-14). Once the cable is securely connected,
loosen the sealing nut at the base of the RF1
connector and tighten it onto the end of the RF
cable.
2. Feed the bare end of the RF signal cable through
the cable access hole and into the vehicle.
3. Attach the provided F-connector to the end of the
RF signal cable inside the vehicle as illustrated in
Figure 2-24a-d, using an Augat Snap ‘n Seal
Crimp/Strip tool to lock the connector on the
cable.
A. Slide compression fitting onto raw cable
before beginning connector termination.
3
A Guide to TracVision S3 – ADDENDUM
54-0182 Addendum to Rev. A1
Figure 2-24a-d
Attaching the KVH-provided
F-connector to an RF Cable
When shipped from the factory, the
antenna’s RF connectors are
protected with caps. Leave the cap
installed on the RF2 connector
unless you are going to connect a
second RF cable to the
TracVision S3.

B. Twist and break off connector body.
C. Use the Augat tool to strip the center
conductor and trim back the overall jacket. Do
not cut through the braid.
D. Slide connector body onto the prepared cable.
Slide the compression fitting up into the
connector body. Use Augat tool to snap on the
connector.
4. Attach the cable to the IRD connector labeled
SATELLITE IN.
2.3.6.1 Installing Two IRDs and TVs
(North American Systems Only)
To connect a second TV and IRD to the TracVision S3 system, you
must connect a second RF cable to the Antenna Unit baseplate
connector labeled RF2. The other end of the RF cable should be
run down into the vehicle and connected directly to the second
IRD. Each IRD/TV pair can operate independently of the other,
allowing different viewers to watch different channels.
4

  
  
KVH has provided an F-connector
for use with the TracVision S3.This
connector specifically requires the
Augat Snap ‘n Seal Crimp/Strip
Tool, part number IT1000.
If you do not have this tool, you will
need to purchase a silicone-filled,
weatherproof F-connector (Radio
Shack part number 278-236 or
equivalent) to use instead.

Congratulations!
You have selected one of the most advanced automatic satellite
tracking systems available today. KVH®Industries’ TracVision®S3
is designed for use with European and North American DVB-
compatible satellite services as well as DIRECTV®. This manual
provides detailed instructions on the proper installation, use, and
maintenance of your TracVision S3 system.
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 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
A helpful tip that either directs you to
a related area within the manual or
offers suggestions on getting the
highest quality out of 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 # 54-0182 Rev. A1
© 2001, KVH Industries, Inc.
TracVision S3 Serial Number
This serial number will be required
for all troubleshooting or service
calls made regarding this product.
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®, KVH®, and TracNet™are official trademarks of
KVH Industries, Inc.
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.
DirecPC®is a registered trademark of
Hughes Network Systems, a unit of GM Hughes Electronics.

Table of Contents
1Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-1
1.1 Digital Satellite Television . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-1
1.2 TracVision S3 System Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2
1.2.1 TracVision S3 Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3
1.2.2 Integrated Receiver Decoder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3
1.3 Materials Provided with TracVision S3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4
1.3.1 Additional Materials required for TracVision S3 Use . . . . . . .1-5
2Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1
2.1 Choosing the Best Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2
2.2 Mounting the Antenna Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2
2.3 Wiring the TracVision S3 System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-8
2.3.1 Wiring the Antenna Data Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-10
2.3.2 Wiring the Antenna Unit Power Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-11
2.3.3 Connecting to Vehicle Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-12
2.3.4 Connecting the IRD Ground Wire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-13
2.3.5 Installing the Switchplate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-13
2.3.6 Connecting the Antenna RF Signal Cable to the IRD . . . .2-14
2.3.6.1 Installing Two IRDs and TVs (North American
Systems Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-15
2.3.6.2 Connecting Three or More IRDs and TVs
(North American Systems Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-15
2.4 Selecting the Active Satellite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-17
2.4.1 Installing Your Selected Satellites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-18
2.4.2 Programming User-defined Satellites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-20
2.5 Setting the Skew Angle (European Systems Only) . . . . . . . . .2-24
2.6 Checking Out the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-24
2.7 Configuring TracVision S3 for Remote
Satellite Dish Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-26
2.8 Changing Geographic Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-27
i
54-0182 Rev. A1

ii
3Using Your TracVision S3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1
3.1 Turning on the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1
3.2 Changing Channels and Switching to the Second Satellite . . .3-2
3.3 Watching Television . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3
4Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1
4.1 Causes and Remedies for Common Operational Issues . . . . . .4-1
4.1.1 Blown Fuse or Improper Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-2
4.1.2 Incorrect Satellite Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-2
4.1.3 Satellite Signal Blocked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-2
4.1.4 Dew or Rain Pooling on Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3
4.1.5 Outside Satellite Coverage Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3
4.1.6 Incorrect or Loose RF Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3
4.1.7 Type of Multiswitch Used
(North American Systems Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3
4.1.8 Stationary Use Only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-4
4.2 IRD Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-4
4.2.1 IRD Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-4
4.2.2 IRD Faulty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-4
4.3 Antenna LNB Faults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-4
4.4 Computer Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-4
4.5 Maintenance Port Parser Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-5
5Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-1
5.1 Warranty/Service Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-1
5.2 Preventive Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-1
5.3 Replaceable Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-2
5.4 Field Replaceable Unit Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-3
5.4.1 PCB Removal and Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-5
5.4.2 RF Detector/DVB Decoder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-6
5.4.3 Antenna LNB Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-7
5.5 Preparation for Shipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-8

Appendix A System Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-1
Appendix B Functional Block Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-1
Appendix C Switchplate Template . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C-1
Appendix D Startup Data Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .D-1
Appendix E Maintenance Port Parser Commands . . . . . . . . .E-1
E.1 System Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E-1
E.2 Manual Positioning Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E-2
E.3 Operational Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E-4
E.4 Tracking and Conical Scan Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E-4
E.5 RF Board Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E-5
E.6 Installation Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E-6
E.7 Debug Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E-8
List of Figures
Figure 1-1 TracVision S3 System Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2
Figure 1-2 Primary Components of the TracVision S3 . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3
Figure 2-1 Antenna Blockage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2
Figure 2-2 Proper Orientation of the Antenna Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
Figure 2-3 Forward Shipping Restraint
(Arranged for Shipping) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
Figure 2-4 TracVision S3 Shipping Restraints
(Top View, Installed for Shipping) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4
Figure 2-5 Mounting the Unit on a Curved Surface . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4
Figure 2-6 Mounting Plate Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-5
Figure 2-7 Connectors Facing Rear of Vehicle –
Factory-drilled Drain Hole Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-6
Figure 2-8 Connectors Facing Front of Vehicle –
Recommended Drain Hole Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-6
Figure 2-9 Forward Shipping Restraint Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-7
Figure 2-10 Rotating Plate Shipping Restraint Storage . . . . . . . . . . . .2-7
iii
54-0182 Rev. A1

Figure 2-11 TracVision S3 Shipping Restraints
(Storage Position) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-7
Figure 2-12 Proper Wire-to-Terminal Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-8
Figure 2-13 Moving the Antenna Reflector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-8
Figure 2-14 Cable Port Assignments (Exterior of Baseplate) . . . . . . . .2-8
Figure 2-15 Cable Overlap within the TracVision S3 Baseplate . . . . . .2-9
Figure 2-16 Switchplate Panel Cutout Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-9
Figure 2-17 Proper Terminal Strip Wiring Arrangement
– Data Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-10
Figure 2-18 Antenna Data Cable Wiring Arrangement . . . . . . . . . . . .2-11
Figure 2-19 Proper Terminal Strip Wiring Arrangement
– Power Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-11
Figure 2-20 Power Cable Wiring Arrangement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-12
Figure 2-21 Vehicle Power Wiring Arrangement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-12
Figure 2-22 Mounting the Switchplate Support Frame
and Front Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-13
Figure 2-23 Connecting the RF Cable to TracVision S3 . . . . . . . . . . .2-14
Figure 2-24a-d Attaching the KVH-provided F-connector
to an RF Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-14
Figure 2-25 Installing Three or More IRDs Using an Active
Multiswitch (North American Systems Only) . . . . . . . . . .2-16
Figure 2-26 Skew Adjustment (European Systems Only) . . . . . . . . . .2-24
Figure 2-27 Remote Dish Wiring Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-26
Figure 3-1 Be Aware of Objects that Might Block
the Satellite Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1
Figure 3-2 Turning on the TracVision S3 Using the Switchplate . . . . .3-1
Figure 5-1 Antenna, PCB, and Rotating Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-3
Figure 5-2 Close-up of Connecting Rod and E-ring . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-3
Figure 5-3 Antenna Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-4
Figure 5-4 Close-up of RF Detector and PCB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-4
Figure 5-5 Removing the PCB Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-5
Figure 5-6 PCB and RF Detector Board Connector Locations . . . . . .5-6
Figure 5-7 LNB Skew Angle Setting (European Systems Only) . . . . .5-7
iv

Figure 5-8 Attaching the Shipping Restraints to the
Antenna Baseplate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-8
Figure 5-9 Securing the Forward Shipping Restraint . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-8
Figure 5-10 Repackaging the TracVision S3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-9
List of Tables
Table 1-1 Available European Satellite Pairs
(European LNB Required) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-1
Table 1-2 Available N. American Satellite Pairs
(U.S.-style LNB Required) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2
Table 1-3 TracVision S3 Packing List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4
Table 2-1 Installation Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1
Table 2-2 Kitpack Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2
Table 2-3 Available European Satellite Pairs
(European LNB Required) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-17
Table 2-4 Available N. American Satellite Pairs
(U.S.-style LNB Required) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-17
Table 2-5 Satellite Installation Names . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-19
Table 2-6 Default Transponder Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-22
Table 2-7 Sample User-defined Satellite Configuration . . . . . . . .2-23
Table 2-8 LNB Part Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-27
Table 4-1 Troubleshooting Matrix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1
Table 5-1 Field Replaceable Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-2
Table A-1 TracVision S3 System Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-1
Table E-1 System Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E-1
Table E-2 Manual Positioning Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E-2
Table E-3 Operational Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E-4
Table E-4 Tracking and Conical Scan Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . .E-4
Table E-5 RF Board Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E-5
Table E-6 Installation Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E-7
Table E-7 Debug Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E-8
v
54-0182 Rev. A1

1Introduction
1.1 Digital Satellite Television
Your new TracVision S3 satellite antenna is fully compatible with
the Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) satellites, which use the
international standard for digital TV transmission, as well as
Digital Satellite Service (DSS) services, such as DIRECTV®. As a
result, you will be able to receive and decode signals from your
chosen satellite services with the proper programming and
hardware (e.g., the Integrated Receiver Decoder [IRD]). Your
TracVision S3 comes with a pre-programmed “satellite library” of
European and North American satellite services. If the satellite
service you wish to receive is not already in the “satellite
library,” you may also add two additional satellites of your
choice to the library.
When configuring the TracVision S3 you may choose a pair of
satellites from the entire library to be active in the system and
with your IRD. Selecting one satellite or the other can be as
simple as changing the television channel using the IRD remote
control. For the antenna to track and receive signals from two
satellites, they must be within 10˚ 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 Europe and in North America.
1-1
Introduction
54-0182 Rev. A1
Astra 1 ✓✓ ✓✓
Astra 2N ✓✓
Astra 2S ✓✓
Hispasat
Hotbird ✓✓✓ ✓
Sirius ✓✓✓
Thor ✓
Astra 1 Astra 2N Astra 2S Hispasat Hotbird Sirius Thor
Table 1-1
Available European Satellite Pairs
(European LNB Required)
TracVision S3’s default satellite
pairs are:
Europe: Astra 1 & Hotbird
N. America (ExpressVu):
Expressvu & None
or
N. America (US DISH Network):
Echo_119 & None
Refer to Section 2.4, “Selecting the
Active Satellite,” for instructions on
selecting different satellites.

1.2 TracVision S3 System Overview
Acomplete satellite TV system includes the TracVision S3
connected to an IRD, and a television set. A desktop or laptop
computer is used to configure the system for satellite selection
and conduct diagnostics. With the optional TV/SAT Switch,
satellite selection can be done at the press of a button, without
requiring a computer. The complete system is illustrated in
Figure 1-1.
System specifications and a functional block diagram are
provided in Appendices Aand B, respectively.
1-2
A Guide to TracVision S3
11-16 Volts DC
2.5-3.5 Amps
Satellite Receiver 1
Data Cable
RF
Coaxial
Cables
Options Purchased Separately
TV 1
Power Cable Vehicle
Power
Switchplate
PC Maintenance
Port
Satellite Receiver 2TV 2 Laptop PC
Second TV
and receiver
option only
available with
U.S.-style,
dual-output
LNB.
TracVision S3 Antenna
TV/SAT Switch
Figure 1-1
TracVision S3 System
Configuration
DSS_101 ✓
DSS_119 ✓
Echo_61 ✓✓ ✓
Echo_110 ✓✓✓✓
Echo_119 ✓✓ ✓✓
Echo_148 ✓✓ ✓
Expressvu ✓✓✓✓
DSS_101 DSS_119 Echo_61 Echo_110 Echo_119 Echo_148 Expressvu
Table 1-2
Available N. American Satellite
Pairs (U.S.-style LNB required)