TracPhone V3 User manual

Installation Guide
TracPhone®V3

Rubber Connector Washers
1
Addendum
PLEASE READ!
Important Addendum to the Installation Guide
Rubber connector washers are now provided in the kitpack to help
you protect the antenna’s RF connections from the elements.
To install these rubber washers, place them over the antenna’s “MTx”
and “MRx” connectors, as shown in Figure 1, before you connect the
RG-11 cables. Then, when you connect and tighten the RG-11 cables,
be sure the washers compress against the antenna’s baseplate.
Figure 1 RG-11 Cable Connection to the Antenna
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. Refer to the Installation
Guide for details.
IMPORTANT!
Antenna Baseplate
Rubber Washer
Apply Silicone Grease
RG-11
54-0842 Rev. A

AC Power and Grounding Requirements
1
Addendum
PLEASE READ!
Important Addendum to the Installation Guide
The KVH antenna system is AC powered, just like the other onboard
equipment to which it connects. Therefore, installing the system
requires careful examination of the AC power and grounding onboard
the vessel.
Figure 1 AC Power Options
KVH Antenna System
KVH Antenna System
Ground
50-120 VAC
Shipboard
Two-Phase,
Split-Phase,
or Delta Power
50-120 VAC
Leakage Current
KVH Antenna System
Shipboard
3-Wire
Single-Phase
AC Power
Ground
Neutral
N
100-240 VAC
OR
OR
Ground
Neutral
N
100-240 VAC
Single-Phase
Power Input
Ground Fault
Monitor
(when required)
Isolation Transformer
Ground
Ground
50-120 VAC
50-120 VAC
Shipboard
Two-Phase,
Split-Phase,
or Delta Power
54-0831 Rev. A

AC Power and Grounding Requirements
2
Addendum
AC Power Requirements
The KVH antenna system is designed to run on 3-wire single-phase
AC power (hot, neutral, and ground). Voltage between hot-neutral
and hot-ground should each measure between 100-240 VAC.
Many large ships use two-phase, split-phase, or delta power instead
(3 wires: hot, hot, and ground; no neutral). In this case, voltage
between hot-hot measures the proper voltage (100-240 VAC); while
hot-ground measures only half the voltage (50-120 VAC). Although
KVH antenna systems can operate on this type of power, the excess
voltage present on the second phase will cause a small amount of
current to leak onto ship's ground. This leakage current might be
unacceptable on some vessels. So be sure to check with the customer
or ship's electrician and get permission before you run the antenna
system on two-phase power. Also be sure to ground the system, as
explained on the next page.
If two-phase power is the only available power source onboard, and if
leakage current is unacceptable, KVH recommends that you install a
suitable isolation transformer to supply single-phase power to the
antenna system and run a ground wire from the transformer to ship's
ground. In addition, since ground fault protection devices cannot
detect faults behind a transformer, you will also need to install a
ground fault monitoring device between the isolation transformer and
the antenna system if ground fault protection is required on the vessel.

AC Power and Grounding Requirements
3
Addendum
Grounding Requirements
Proper grounding of the antenna system to ship's ground is critically
important, as it protects the equipment from lightning and
electrostatic discharges (ESD). Failure to ground the chassis of the
antenna's control unit risks damage to the antenna and electric shock.
In a standard installation with a connection to single-phase AC power,
the antenna system is normally connected to ship's ground through
the ground wire of the antenna control unit's power plug. As an
alternative, you may run a separate ground wire from the antenna
equipment's chassis to ship's ground, or mount the equipment within
a grounded equipment rack.
You are responsible for the quality and safety of the system’s
installation. Be sure that it meets these critical power and grounding
requirements.
WARNING
Failure to ground the antenna system properly to ship’s ground
will cause an unsafe floating ground condition, risking damage to
the antenna and electric shock, potentially resulting in DEATH.
In a floating ground condition, the difference between the
equipment’s chassis ground and the ship’s ground can measure
well over 100 volts, when it normally should not exceed 25 volts.
Therefore, always measure the difference in potential between
chassis ground and ship’s ground to make certain that there is no
dangerous floating ground condition, even if the ground pin of the
vessel’s AC power plug appears to be intact.

RF Cable Tool Kits
1
Addendum
PLEASE READ!
Important Addendum to Your Product Manual
KVH now includes a torque wrench and silicone grease with the
LMR-400-75 and LMR-600-75 RF cable termination tool kits. The
torque wrench is set to 20 in.-lbs, which KVH has found to be the ideal
torque for external RF cable connections.
The table below lists the updated part numbers for these tool kits, as
well as the associated RF cables.
Item KVH Part # Length
One RG-11 cable (for V3) 32-1087-50 50 ft (15 m)
One RG-11 cable (for V7) 32-0566-50 50 ft (15 m)
RG-11 tool kit 72-0493 N/A
One LMR-400-75 cable 32-0944-0100 100 ft (30 m)
LMR-400-75 tool kit 72-0374-75 N/A
One LMR-600-75 cable 32-0945-0150 150 ft (45 m)
LMR-600-75 tool kit 72-0375-75 N/A
You need to run two RF coax cables (transmit and receive) for
every TracPhone antenna installation, so be sure to order a
quantity of two cables for a new installation.
IMPORTANT!
54-0815 Rev. A

RF Cable Connectors
1
Addendum
PLEASE READ!
Important Addendum to Your Product Manual
A small packet of silicone grease is supplied in the kitpack. Apply this
grease to the inner body of all RF cable connectors that you connect to
the KVH antenna and any inline feed-thru adapters above deck. This
grease will help prevent moisture from seeping into or forming inside
the connector and protect the center conductor from corrosion.
Figure 1 Silicone Grease
Directions for Use
When connecting RF cables above deck to the KVH antenna, as well as
to any inline feed-thru adapters, follow the steps below to protect and
seal each connection:
1. Clean and dry the male connector on the RF cable and the
female connector on the antenna or feed-thru adapter.
2. Fill half of the inner body of the RF cable’s connector with
silicone grease. Connecting the cable in the next step will
displace the grease to fill the entire space within the connector.
3. Connect and SLOWLY hand-tighten the RF cable to the
antenna or feed-thru adapter, allowing the grease to diffuse
and settle into the entire connector body.
4. Make sure the RF cable’s connector is tightened all the way
into the female connector of the antenna or feed-thru
adapter. Then tighten the connection with a 7/16" torque
wrench set to  in.-lbs.
5. Wipe off any excess grease from the outside of the
connector.
6. Seal the connection with silicone sealant, self-vulcanizing
tape, or equivalent. If using self-vulcanizing tape, be sure to
wrap the tape CLOCKWISE around the connector (the
same direction in which you tightened the connector). Wrapping
the tape in the opposite direction will result in tension that
might loosen the connector over time.
The procedure is complete.
54-0779 Rev. A

TracPhone V3 Installation Guide
1
KVH’s Compact mini-VSAT Broadbandsm System
KVH, TracPhone, and the unique light-colored dome with dark contrasting baseplate are registered trademarks of KVH Industries, Inc.
mini-VSAT Broadband is a service mark 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.
© 2011 KVH Industries, Inc., All rights reserved. 54-0747 Rev. B
These instructions explain how to install the TracPhone V3 mini-VSAT Broadband satellite
communications system. Instructions on how to use the system are provided in the User’s 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 Belowdecks Installation ........ 5
4. Prepare the Belowdecks Units............. 6
5. Prepare the Antenna Site...................... 9
6. Remove the Shipping Restraints....... 10
7. Prepare the RF Cables......................... 11
8. Wire the Antenna ................................ 12
9. Mount the Antenna............................. 14
10. Wire the Belowdecks Units.................15
11. Connect Power......................................17
12. Configure the Computer(s).................18
13. Turn On the System .............................21
14. Update the System Software...............22
15. Set Up RF Hazard Zones.....................23
16. Test the System.....................................24
17. Educate the Customer..........................25
The antenna transmits radio frequency (RF)
energy that is potentially harmful.
Whenever the system is powered on, make
sure everyone stays more than 32 ft (10 m)
away from the antenna within its 7.5-75°
elevation range. No hazard exists directly
above the antenna and anywhere below the
antenna’s mounting plane.
North/South America, Australia:
Phone: [phone] (U.S. only)
Phone: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Europe, Middle East, Asia, Africa:
Phone: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Radiation
Hazard
3
2
ft (10
m)
7.5°
Radiation
Hazard
32
ft
(
10
m)
75°75°
7.5° Antenna

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 Content Lists. 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 5/16" (8 mm) bit
• 3.5" (89 mm) hole saw
• 1/2" socket and 7/16" socket
• 7/16" open-end wrench and 7/16" torque
wrench set to 20 in.-lbs
• Light hammer and center punch
• Adhesive tape and scriber or pencil
• Silicone sealant or equivalent
• Wire strippers and terminal lug crimper
•Two75RF coax cables, “F” connectors,
and associated installation tools (see
page 11)
•Windows
®7, Vista™, or XP laptop with
the latest version of TracPhone V-series
Flash Wizard installed (software available
to technicians on the KVH Partner Portal)
• Isolation transformer, if required (see
page 17)
Radome
Baseplate
Figure 1: TracPhone V3 System Components
Antenna
Control Unit
Modem
Ethernet Switch Multimedia Terminal
Adapter (MTA)
(KVH part #02-1860)
(KVH part #02-1601-02)
(KVH part #19-0487)
(KVH part #19-0729) (KVH part #19-0504)
(KVH part #72-0485)
Always lift the antenna by the baseplate and
never by the radome or any portion of the
internal antenna assembly (see Figure 1).
IMPORTANT!
Inspect Parts and Get Tools
1

4
Before you begin, consider the following antenna
installation guidelines:
• Minimize blockage. The antenna requires a
clear view of the sky to transmit and receive
satellite signals (see Figure 2). 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 3). Also make sure it is flat, level,
strong enough to support the antenna’s
weight (25 lbs, 11.3 kg), and rigid enough to
withstand heavy vibration.
• Select a location that is as close as possible to
the intersection of the vessel’s centerline and
midships.
• Select a location that is well above any areas
accessible to passengers and crew to reduce
the risk of RF radiation exposure.
• Avoid placing the antenna near any magnetic
compasses or other onboard antennas to
prevent potential interference.
Blocked!
Antenna
Mast
Look Angle
Vessel Platform
7.5° to 75°
Figure 2: Blockage from Obstruction
FWD
17.6"
(447.1 mm)
15.5"
(393.7 mm)
9.2"
(233.7 mm) 4.6"
(116.8 mm)
5.6"
(142.2 mm)
2.8"
(71.1 mm)
4 x Ø.31"
(Ø7.9 mm)
Side View
Bottom View
Figure 3: Antenna Dimensions
Do not mount the antenna at the same level as
the radar because the radar’s energy can
overload the antenna and damage its internal
components. Ideally, you should mount the
antenna 4 ft (1.2 m) above the radar, outside
the beam path of the radar.
IMPORTANT!
Plan the Antenna Installation
2

5
Before you begin, consider the following
installation guidelines for the belowdecks units.
Control Unit and Modem
• Select a mounting location in a dry, well-
ventilated area belowdecks away from any
heat sources or salt spray.
• Be sure the front panels will be easily
accessible to the user.
• Leave enough room at the rear panel to
accommodate the connecting cables.
• You have several options for mounting the
control unit and modem:
Option 1 - Inside the optional case (or an
onboard equipment rack)
Option 2 - To a horizontal surface together
using two L-brackets
Option 3 - To a horizontal surface
separately using four L-brackets
NOTE: The control unit and modem are sized to
fit a standard 19" (48.26 cm) equipment rack.
• To use the supplied power/data cable, the
control unit must be located within 100 ft
(30 m) of the antenna. However, you can
order a 150 ft (45 m) cable if a longer cable
run is necessary (KVH part #32-1031-0150).
Switch and MTA
• To use the supplied Ethernet cable, select a
mounting location within 25 ft (7.5 m) of the
modem (maximum length = 200 ft (60 m)).
• If you install a wireless access point (supplied
by customer), be sure the location provides
adequate WiFi reception. Do not install it in
an area surrounded by metal or near any
electrical devices that emit RF noise.
11.31"
(28.7 cm)
2.61"
(6.6 cm)
16.75"
(42.5 cm)
Figure 4: Control Unit or Modem Dimensions (Identical)
20.5"
(52.1 cm)
11.3"
(28.7 cm)
20.5"
(52.1 cm)
Figure 5: Case Dimensions
Figure 6: Dimensions of Ancillary Components
* Dimensions may vary, as ancillary components supplied
with the system may differ from those shown in this manual.
Component Dimensions (W x D x H)
Switch 7.5" x 4.7" x 1.5"
(19 cm x 12 cm x 3.8 cm)
MTA 4.6" x 5.12" x 1.18"
(11.7 cm x 13 cm x 3 cm)
Plan the Belowdecks Installation
3

6
If you plan to mount the control unit and modem
inside the optional 19" (48.26 cm) case, follow
these steps to assemble the case.
a. Remove the four M4 screws securing the rear
cover to the case. Discard the rear cover.
b. Attach the top cover to the case using four
M4 x 12 mm screws (see Figure 7). Attach the
bottom cover and the two mounting brackets
using four M4 x 16 mm screws.
c. Attach the four plastic feet to the bottom
cover (see Figure 7).
d. At the front of the case, insert eight cage nuts
into the following locations on the frame
(four on each side) (see Figure 7): #2, #5, #8,
and #11.
e. At the back of the case, insert four cage nuts
into the following locations on the frame (two
on each side): #1 and #3.
f. Remove the four #6-32 screws and washers
securing the two retaining straps to the rear
panel of the control unit. Do not remove the
bottom screws securing the straps to the modem.
g. Attach the strain-relief bracket to the
retaining straps and control unit using the
screws and washers you removed in Step f
(see Figure 8).
h. At the top 3U section of the case, insert the
control unit/modem assembly and secure the
front mounting brackets to the case using
four M6 screws and washers (see Figure 9).
i. At the bottom 3U section of the case, attach
the supplied blank panel using four M6
screws and washers (see Figure 9).
j. Secure the back of the control unit to the back
of the case using the two supplied “Z”
brackets. Attach the brackets to the case
frame using four M6 screws and washers.
Attach the brackets to the rear panel of the
control unit using four #6-32 screws and
washers (see Figure 9).
k. Once you have completed all system wiring,
mount the case to the vessel using fasteners
appropriate for the mounting surface.
M4 x 16 mm Screw (x4)
Mounting Bracket (x2)
Top Cover
Bottom Cover
M4 x 12 mm Screw (x4)
Plastic Foot (x4)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Figure 7: Assembling the Case
#6 Washer (x4)
#6-32 Screw (x4)
Strain-Relief
Bracket
Tie-Wrap
Holes (x12)
Retaining
Strap (x2)
Control Unit
Modem
Figure 8: Attaching the Strain-Relief Bracket
M6 Screw (x4)
Plastic Washer (x4)
#6 Washer (x4)
#6-32 Screw (x4)
“Z” Bracket (x2)
Cage Nut (x4)
Attach to Case
Attach to Control Unit
M6 Screw (x8)
Plastic Washer (x8)
Cage Nut (x8)
Blank Panel
Control Unit
and Modem
Case
Figure 9: Securing the Control Unit/Modem in the Case
Prepare the Belowdecks Units
4Mounting in the Case

7
If you plan to mount the control unit and modem
together as an assembly, without using the
optional case or an equipment rack, follow these
steps to attach the strain-relief bracket and “L”
mounting brackets.
a. Remove the four #6-32 screws and washers
securing the two retaining straps to the rear
panel of the control unit. Do not remove the
bottom screws securing the straps to the modem.
b. Attach the strain-relief bracket to the
retaining straps and control unit using the
screws and washers you removed in Step a
(see Figure 10).
c. Attach two of the supplied “L” mounting
brackets to the sides of the control unit or
modem using four #6-32 screws and washers
(see Figure 11). You can attach the brackets to
either the top of the control unit or the bottom
of the modem, depending on your desired
mounting location.
d. Once you have completed all system wiring,
mount the modem/control unit assembly to
the vessel using fasteners appropriate for the
mounting surface.
Figure 10: Attaching the Strain-Relief Bracket
#6 Washer (x4)
#6-32 Screw (x4)
Strain-Relief
Bracket
Tie-Wrap
Holes (x12)
Retaining
Strap (x2)
Control Unit
Modem
#6 Washer (x4)
#6-32 Screw (x4)
Bracket (x2)
Control Unit
Modem
Ø.156" (Ø3.96 mm)
Mounting Hole (x4)
Figure 11: Attaching the Mounting Brackets
Prepare the Belowdecks Units
4Mounting Units Together

8
If you plan to mount the control unit and modem
separately, follow these steps to detach the
control unit from the modem, attach the strain-
relief brackets, and attach the “L” mounting
brackets.
a. Remove the 28 #6-32 screws and washers
securing the two rack-mount brackets and
four metal retaining straps to the control unit
and modem (see Figure 12). Remove the
brackets and straps.
b. Attach a strain-relief bracket to the back of
the control unit using four of the screws and
washers you removed in Step a (see
Figure 13).
c. Attach a second strain-relief bracket to the
back of the modem using four of the screws
and washers you removed in Step a (see
Figure 14).
d. Attach two of the supplied “L” brackets to
the sides of the control unit using four #6-32
screws and washers (see Figure 11 on page 7).
You can attach the brackets at either the top
or bottom of the control unit, depending on
your desired mounting location.
e. Attach the two other supplied “L” brackets to
the sides of the modem using four #6-32
screws and washers (see Figure 11 on page 7).
You can attach the brackets at either the top
or bottom of the modem, depending on your
desired mounting location.
f. Once you have completed all system wiring,
mount the control unit and modem to the
vessel using fasteners appropriate for the
mounting surface.
#6-32 Screw (x28)
#6 Washer (x28)
Bracket (x2)
Strap (x4)
Contr
ol U
n
i
t
M
o
dem
Figure 12: Detaching the Control Unit from the Modem
#6 Washer (x4)
#6-32 Screw (x4)
Strain-Relief
Bracket
Tie-wrap
Holes (x12)
Control Unit
Figure 13: Attaching the Bracket to the Control Unit
#6 Washer (x4)
#6-32 Screw (x4) Strain-Relief
Bracket
Tie-wrap
Holes (x12)
Modem
Figure 14: Attaching the Bracket to the Modem
Prepare the Belowdecks Units
4Mounting Units Separately

9
Once you have identified a suitable antenna
mounting site, according to the guidelines
provided in Step 2, 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 15).
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 5/16" (8 mm) hole at the four
mounting hole locations you marked in
Step b. Later, you will insert four 1/4"-20
bolts through these holes to secure the
antenna to the mounting surface.
d. Cut out the 3.5" (89 mm) cable access hole in
the location you marked in Step b. Smooth
the edges of the hole to protect the cables.
(You may also apply anti-chafe material
around the cables to protect them from
abrasion.) Later, you will route the power/
data 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 15).
NOTE: Apply the foam seal to the vessel mounting
surface, not to the antenna’s baseplate.
g. Transport the antenna to the mounting site.
9.2"
(233.7 mm) Ø5/16" (Ø8mm)
Mounting Hole (x4)
5.6"
(142.2 mm)
Ø3.5" (Ø89 mm)
Cable Access Hole
FWD
Foam Seal
Figure 15: Antenna Mounting Holes Layout
Prepare the Antenna Site
5

10
Inside the antenna, two shipping restraints
prevent the antenna assembly from moving
during shipment. Follow these steps to remove
these restraints.
a. Remove the three #10-32 Phillips screws
securing the radome to the baseplate (see
Figure 16). Carefully lift the radome straight
up until clear of the antenna assembly and set
it aside in a safe place.
NOTE: Due to the snug fit, some contact between the
radome’s sealing gasket and the antenna mechanism is
normal.
b. Remove the two #10-32 Phillips shipping
restraint screws (see Figure 17). Save the
restraints for future use.
#10-32 Screw (x3)
Figure 16: Removing the Radome
#10-32 Screw (x2)
Figure 17: Shipping Restraints
Once you have removed the restraints,
handle the antenna carefully. With the
restraint removed, the internal antenna
assembly rotates freely and, if not handled
properly, can damage the limit switch.
IMPORTANT!
Remove the Shipping Restraints
6

11
You need to connect two 75RF coax cables
from the antenna to the belowdecks equipment.
Refer to Figure 18 to determine the type of cables
and connectors required for your cable run. Then
prepare both of them as described below.
a. Terminate both ends of the cables with the
proper “F” connectors (see Figure 18 for
connector and tool part numbers).
NOTE: If you only need to run RG-11 RF cables, you
may terminate one end of each with a right-angle
connector, or use pre-terminated 50 ft (15 m) RG-11
cables from KVH (KVH part #32-1087-50), and omit
the pigtail cables described in the next section.
b. Label both ends of the two RF cables. Label
one cable “TX,” and label the other “RX.”
Figure 18: RF Cable Requirements
* Cables from KVH include the proper connectors.
15-50 ft (5-15 m) Cable Run
Cable RG-11
(KVH part #32-1087-50)
Loss: 0.084 dB/ft (0.276 dB/m)
Connector Right-angle: ICM FS11RA*
Straight: Thomas & Betts SNS11AS*
Tools Right-angle: Cable Pro PS11 and
CPLCCT-SS59/11
Straight: Thomas & Betts CST596711
and L3011B (KVH part #72-0493)
Strip
Lengths
51-100 ft (16-30 m) Cable Run
Cable LMR-400-75
(KVH part #32-0944-0100)
Loss: 0.06 dB/ft (0.195 dB/m)
Connector Times Microwave EZ-400-FMH-75*
Tools Times Microwave TK-400EZ-75
(KVH part #19-0499-0075)
Strip
Lengths
101-150 ft (31-45 m) Cable Run
Cable LMR-600-75
(KVH part #32-0945-0150)
Loss: 0.04 dB/ft (0.13 dB/m)
Connector Times Microwave EZ-600-FMH-75*
Tools Times Microwave TK-600EZ
(KVH part #19-0500-0075)
Strip
Lengths
0.25" (6.35 mm)
0.5" (12.7 mm)
0.064" (1.63 mm) dia.
0.170" (4.32 mm)
0.344" (8.74 mm)
0.065" (1.65 mm) dia.
0.610" (15.49 mm)
0.250" (6.35 mm)
0.370" (9.40 mm)
0.108" (2.74 mm) dia.
0.870" (22.10 mm)
• 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.
• Make sure the center conductor pin at
each end of the finished cables is 1/4"
(0.20"-0.28") (5-7 mm) in length, measured
from inside the nut to the tip, to ensure
proper engagement. Instructions for
terminating LMR-400-75 cable are provided
in Appendix B on page 30.
• Each RF cable run must not exceed 6.5 dB
of insertion loss. Keep in mind that an in-
line connector adds at least 0.2 dB of loss.
IMPORTANT!
Prepare the RF Cables
7

12
Follow these steps to connect the power/data
and RF cables to the antenna.
NOTE: An optional 150 ft (45 m) power/data cable is
available from KVH (KVH part #32-1031-0150).
a. Route the power/data and RF cables
belowdecks through the 3.5" (89 mm) cable
access hole. Leave an adequate service loop,
approximately 8" (20 cm) of slack, in the
cables for easy serviceability. Also be sure to
always maintain the minimum bend radius in
the RF cables (see Figure 19).
b. Connect the power/data cable to the
“Power/Data” jack on the bottom of the
antenna (see Figure 20). Hand-tighten until
the connector locks in place; do not use
excessive force.
c. Using the supplied 3 mm Allen hex key,
remove the connector cover from the
antenna’s baseplate. Save the cover and the
four M4 cap screws for later use.
d. Clean and dry the antenna’s two RF
connectors and the RF cables’ connectors.
e. Fill half of the inner body of the “TX” RF
cable’s connector with the supplied silicone
grease (to prevent moisture and corrosion).
f. Connect and SLOWLY hand-tighten the
“TX” RF cable to the feed-thru adapter of one
of the supplied RG-11 pigtail cables, allowing
the grease to diffuse and settle into the entire
space within the connector (see Figure 21).
g. 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.
h. Fill half of the inner body of the “TX” pigtail
cable’s right-angle connector with silicone
grease.
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)
RF Cables
Power/DataCable
Cover
M4 Cap
Screw (x4)
MTX MRX
Figure 20: Antenna Cable Connections
RG-11 Pigtails
(supplied in kitpack)
Feed-thru Adapters
(supplied in kitpack)
Right-Angle Connectors
(type “F”)
RF Cables
(supplied by customer)
Straight
Connectors
(type “F”)
To Modem
Figure 21: Connecting RF Cables to the Antenna
Do not connect LMR-400-75 or LMR-600-75
cables directly to the antenna’s RF connectors.
IMPORTANT!
Wire the Antenna
8

13
i. Connect and SLOWLY hand-tighten the
“TX” pigtail cable to the“MTx” jack on the
bottom of the antenna, allowing the grease to
diffuse and settle into the entire space within
the connector.
j. Make sure the “TX” pigtail cable’s connector
is tightened all the way into the antenna’s
connector. Then tighten it with a 7/16" torque
wrench set to 20 in.-lbs.
k. Repeat steps e-j to connect the “RX” RF cable
and the other pigtail cable to the “MRx” jack
on the bottom of the antenna.
l. Wipe off any excess grease from the outside
of all RF cable connectors.
m. Seal all above deck RF cable connections with
silicone sealant or equivalent.
n. Reattach the cover over the antenna’s
connectors and secure in place with the M4
cap screws.
o. Secure the cables near the antenna connectors
to prevent stress, then weatherproof and seal
the cable access hole as required.
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
8

14
Follow these steps to mount the antenna.
a. Place the antenna 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 22). 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 1/4"-20
bolts to prevent galling.
c. At each of the four baseplate mounting holes,
place a 5/8" diameter flat washer on a
1/4"-20 bolt and insert the bolt into the hole
from above (see Figure 23).
d. Secure each mounting bolt to the mounting
surface using a 1" diameter flat washer and a
1/4"-20 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 fullycompressed.
e. Reinstall the radome onto the antenna. Secure
in place with the three #10-32 screws you
removed earlier (see Figure 16 on page 10).
Then install a protective plastic cap (supplied
in the kitpack) over each radome screw.
CAUTION
Observe the safety warnings printed on the
tube of Loctite®anti-seize lubricant:
“Contains mineral oil, calcium hydroxide,
and copper. May cause skin, eye, and
respiratory irritation. Wear eye protection
and gloves. First aid: In case of eye or skin
contact, flush with water. Obtain medical
attention for any eye or internal contact.”
Figure 22: Forward Arrow in Antenna Baseplate
Be sure to insert the mounting bolts from
above and use the supplied hardware for a
secure connection.
IMPORTANT!
1/4"-20 Bolt (x4)
1/4" Flat Washer (x4)
(5/8" diameter)
Rubber
Foot (x4)
Foam Seal
Mounting
Surface
1/4"-20 Lock Nut (x4)
Antenna
Baseplate
1/4" Flat Washer (x4)
(1" diameter)
IMPORTANT! Apply
anti-seize to threads
Figure 23: Mounting the Antenna (Side View)
Use caution if you’re using power tools. High
installation speeds can damage the threads.
IMPORTANT!
Mount the Antenna
9