TracPhone v7ip User manual

Installation Guide
TracPhone® V7IP
26" (66 cm) Configuration

TracPhone V7-IP and V7 (3-axis Version)
1
Addendum
PLEASE READ!
Important Addendum to the Installation Guide
The Installation Guide recommends an inappropriate torque setting
for tightening the antenna mounting bolts. The correct torque setting is
25-30 ft-lbs (34-41 N-m). Therefore, step e of the “Mount the Antenna”
section should read as follows:
e. 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 nuts to between 25
and 30 ft-lbs (34 and 41 N-m) of torque.
Mounting the Antenna (Side View)
1/2"-13 Bolt (x4)
Rubber Foot (x4)
Mounting Surface
1/2" Flat Washer (x4)
1/2"-13 Lock Nut (x4)
Antenna Baseplate
Foam Seal
Apply anti-seize to threads,
Torque to 25-30 ft-lbs (34-41 N-m)
54-1038 Rev. A

Antenna Power/Data Cable Shroud
1
Addendum
PLEASE READ!
Important Addendum to the Installation Guide
A cable shroud is now provided in the kitpack to protect the wires of
the power/data cable. Before you connect the power/data cable to the
belowdecks equipment, follow these steps to attach the shroud.
a. Wire the power/data cable to the terminal strip
connector as directed in the Installation Guide.
b. Place the terminal strip connector into the base of the
cable shroud, as shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1 Power/Data Cable Shroud
c. Secure the end of the power/data cable to the base of
the shroud using the supplied clamp. This clamp will
help relieve stress on the cable. Secure the clamp in
place with the two screws.
d. Carefully fit all of the cable’s wires within the base of
the shroud.
e. Snap the shroud’s cover onto the base. Be sure not to
pinch any wires between the cover and the base.
f. Plug the terminal strip connector into the rear panel of
the belowdecks equipment, as directed in the
Installation Guide.
Power/Data Cable
Clamp
Terminal Strip Connector
Cover
Base
54-0896 Rev. A

TracPhone V7-IP Installation Guide
1
mini-VSAT Broadbandsm System with CommBox-ACU
KVH, TracPhone, CommBox, and the unique light-colored dome with dark contrasting baseplate are 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.
© 2012-2013 KVH Industries, Inc., All rights reserved. 54-0782 Rev. B
This guide explains how to install the TracPhone V7-IP mini-VSAT Broadband satellite
communications system. Operation instructions are provided in the Quick Start 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 ........ 6
4. Prepare the Belowdecks Units............. 7
5. Prepare the Antenna Site.................... 10
6. Remove the Shipping Restraints ....... 11
7. Prepare the RF Cables......................... 12
8. Wire the Antenna ................................ 13
9. Mount the Antenna ............................. 16
10. Wire the Belowdecks Equipment...... 18
11. Connect Power......................................20
12. Turn On the System .............................22
13. Update the System Software...............23
14. Customize the Web Interface..............24
15. Set Up No-Transmit Zones .................25
16. Test the System .....................................27
17. Connect Vessel Computers .................28
18. Connect Vessel Phones & Options.....30
19. Educate the Customer..........................31
The antenna transmits radio frequency (RF)
energy that is potentially harmful.
Whenever the system is powered on, make
sure everyone stays more than 36 feet
(11 m) away from the antenna. As shown in
the illustration, no hazard exists directly
below the antenna.
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]

CE Declaration of Conformity
The undersigned of this letter declares that the following equipment complies with the
specifications of EC directive 1999/5/EC Radio & Telecommunications Terminal Equipment.
Equipment Included in this Declaration
TracPhone V7-IP system, consisting of:
• 02-1925-XX1or 02-1926 TracPhone V7-IP Antenna
• 02-1875-02 TracPhone CommBox-ACU
• 19-0773 TracPhone Modem
1The part number is followed by two alphanumeric characters which designate non-performance-
affecting customer-specific branding.
Equipment Applicability
The TracPhone V7-IP system provides broadband Internet connectivity between a ship and any
destination in the world. The equipment is not intended for SOLAS applications.
Declaration and Certification
The TracPhone V7-IP system complies with the following harmonized standards under the
R&TTE Directive 1999/5/EC:
Manufacturer
KVH Industries, Inc.
50 Enterprise Center
Middletown, RI 02842-5279 USA
Rick Jones, Director of Corporate Quality Date
Essential Requirement Applied Standard(s)
Article 3.1(a) Health & Safety EN60950-1:2006 + A1:2009
Article 3.1(b) EMC EN 301 843-1 v1.2.1:2004-06,
EN 301 843-6 V1.1.1:2006-01,
EN61000-3-2:2006,
EN61000-3-3:1995, A1:2001 & A2:2005
EN60945:2002
Article 3.2 Spectrum Efficiency EN302 340 V1.1.1:2006-04

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 5/8" (16 mm) bit
• 3.75" (95 mm) hole saw
•5/16"hexdriver
•7/8"socket
• 7/16" open-end torque wrench set to
20 in.-lbs
• Light hammer and center punch
•Adhesivetape
• Silicone sealant, self-vulcanizing tape, or
equivalent
• Heat gun (for heat shrink)
• Eye protection
•Shoptowels
•Voltmeter
• Utility knife
•Flushcutters
Radome
Antenna
(KVH part #02-1925-SL)
Baseplate
CommBox-ACU
(KVH part #02-1875-02)
Modem
(KVH part #19-0773)
Figure 1: TracPhone V7-IP System Components
Always lift the antenna by the baseplate and
never by the radome or any portion of the
internal antenna assembly (see Figure 1).
IMPORTANT!
• Wire stripper/terminal crimper
• File
•Two75RF coax cables, “F” connectors, and
associated termination tools (see page 12)
• NMEA 0183 talker and interface cable (see
page 18)
• Isolation transformer, if required (see page 20)
• Laptop PC with the latest TracPhone V7-IP
CommBox-ACU/antenna software (.kvh) and
modem configuration files (.sscf/.sed)
downloaded from the KVH Partner Portal
(www.kvh.com/partners)
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
(within ±2º), strong enough to support the
antenna’s weight (57.6 lbs, 26.13 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.
Radar/High-Power Radio Transmitters
Although many variables determine the exact
distance required between the antenna and
radar/high-power radio transmitters, including
transmitter beam properties and the reflective
properties of nearby surfaces, consider the
following general guidelines when selecting a
safe antenna location:
• Mount the antenna as far away as possible
from the radar and high-power radio
transmitters.
Figure 2: Blockage from Obstruction
Blocked!
Antenna
Vessel Platform
-24° to 119°
Look Angle
Mast
FWD
31.17"
(791.7 mm)
26.23"
(666.3 mm)
8.49"
(215.6 mm)
4.24"
(107.7 mm)
8.49"
(215.6 mm)
4.24"
(107.7 mm)
4 x Ø.56"
(Ø14.2 mm)
Forward
Mark
Side View
Bottom View
Ø12.00"
(Ø304.8 mm)
Figure 3: Antenna Dimensions
RF emissions from radars and high-power
radio transmitters may damage the antenna
or impair its performance if it’s improperly
positioned within the beam path.
IMPORTANT!
Plan the Antenna Installation
2

5
• Do not mount the antenna at the same level
as the radar. Most radar transmitters emit RF
energy within an elevation range of -15° to
+15° (see Figure 4). Therefore, mount the
antenna outside this elevation range and at
least 10 ft (3 m) away from the transmitter.
Antenna
Antenna
+15°
-15°
Potential RF
Interference
10 ft (3m)
Minimum
Radar
Figure 4: Avoiding RF Interference
Continued Plan the Antenna Installation
2

6
Before you begin, consider the following
installation guidelines for the belowdecks units.
• 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 panels to
accommodate the connecting cables.
• There are three options for mounting the
belowdecks equipment:
Option 1 - In the optional case
Option 2 - In an onboard equipment rack
Option 3 - To a horizontal surface
NOTE: The CommBox-ACU and modem are sized to
fit a standard 19" (482.6 mm) rack, occupying 3U of
space.
• To use the supplied power/data cable, the
CommBox-ACU 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 no. 32-1031-0150).
• Be sure the location provides adequate Wi-Fi
reception. Do not install it in an area
surrounded by metal or near any electrical
devices that emit RF noise.
Figure 5: CommBox-ACU or Modem Dimensions (Identical)
Side View
Front View
19.00"
(48.26 cm)
16.75"
(42.55 cm)
2.63"
(6.68 cm)
18.31"
(46.51 cm)
1.75"
(4.45 cm)
11.18"
(28.40 cm)
16.31"
(41.43 cm)
1.30"
(3.30 cm)
4.90"
(12.45 cm)
4 x ø.25"
(0.64 cm)
Strain-Relief Bracket
(Modem Only)
Top View
0.44"
(1.12 cm)
20.5"
(52.1 cm)
11.3"
(28.7 cm)
20.5"
(52.1 cm)
Figure 6: Case Dimensions
Plan the Belowdecks Installation
3

7
If you plan to use the optional 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): no. 2, no. 5,
no. 9, and no. 12.
e. At the back of the case, insert four cage nuts
into the following locations on the frame (two
on each side): no. 1 and no. 3.
f. Remove the four #6-32 screws and washers
securing the two retaining straps to the sides
of the modem. Do not remove the top screws
securing the straps to the CommBox-ACU.
g. Attach the supplied strain-relief bracket to
the retaining straps and modem using the
screws and washers you removed in Step f
(see Figure 8).
h. At the top 3U section of the case, insert the
CommBox-ACU/modem assembly and
secure the front mounting brackets to the case
using four M6 screws and washers (see
Figure 9).
i. Secure the back of the CommBox-ACU 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
CommBox-ACU using four #6-32 screws and
washers (see Figure 9).
j. At the bottom 3U section of the case, attach
the supplied blank panel using four M6
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
Figure 8: Attaching the Strain-Relief Bracket
#6 Washer (x4)
#6-32 Screw (x4)
Strain-Relief
Bracket
Tie-Wrap
Holes (x42)
Retaining
Strap (x2)
CommBox-ACU
Modem
M6 Screw (x4)
Plastic Washer (x4)
#6 Washer (x4)
#6-32 Screw (x4)
“Z” Bracket (x2)
Cage Nut (x4)
Attach to Case
Attach to CommBox-AC
U
M6 Screw (x8)
Plastic Washer (x8)
Cage Nut (x8)
Blank Panel
CommBox-ACU
and Modem
Case
Figure 9: Securing the CommBox-ACU/Modem in the Case
Prepare the Belowdecks Units
4
Case Mount

8
If you plan to use an existing equipment rack,
follow these steps to secure the equipment in the
rack.
a. Remove the four #6-32 screws and washers
securing the two retaining straps to the sides
of the modem. Do not remove the top screws
securing the straps to the CommBox-ACU.
b. Attach the supplied strain-relief bracket to
the retaining straps and modem using the
screws and washers you removed in Step a
(see Figure 10).
c. Insert the CommBox-ACU/modem assembly
into the rack and secure the front mounting
brackets to the rack using four M6 screws and
washers (see Figure 11).
Figure 10: Attaching the Strain-Relief Bracket
#6 Washer (x4)
#6-32 Screw (x4)
Strain-Relief
Bracket
Tie-Wrap
Holes (x42)
Retaining
Strap (x2)
CommBox-ACU
Modem
Figure 11: Securing the CommBox-ACU/Modem in the Rack
M6 Screw (x4)
Plastic Washer (x4)
CommBox-ACU
Modem
Attach to Rack
Prepare the Belowdecks Units
4
Rack Mount

9
If you plan to mount the CommBox-ACU and
modem to a horizontal surface, 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 sides
of the modem. Do not remove the top screws
securing the straps to the CommBox-ACU.
b. Attach the strain-relief bracket to the
retaining straps and the modem using the
screws and washers you removed in Step a
(see Figure 12).
c. Attach the supplied “L” mounting brackets to
the sides of the modem using four #6-32
screws and washers (see Figure 13).
d. Once you have completed all system wiring,
mount the modem/CommBox-ACU
assembly to the vessel using fasteners
appropriate for the mounting surface.
Figure 12: Attaching the Strain-Relief Bracket
#6 Washer (x4)
#6-32 Screw (x4)
Strain-Relief
Bracket
Tie-Wrap
Holes (x42)
Retaining
Strap (x2)
CommBox-ACU
Modem
Figure 13: Attaching the Mounting Brackets
#6 Washer (x4)
#6-32 Screw (x4)
Bracket (x2)
CommBox-ACU
Modem
Ø.156" (Ø3.96 mm)
Mounting Hole (x4)
Prepare the Belowdecks Units
4
Horizontal Surface Mount

10
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 14).
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 5/8" (16 mm) hole at the four
mounting hole locations you marked in
Step b. Later, you will insert four 1/2"-13
bolts through these holes to secure the
antenna to the mounting surface.
d. Cut out the 3.75" (95 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 power/data and RF
cables through this hole and into the vessel.
(You may also apply anti-chafe material
around the cables to protect them from
abrasion.)
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 14).
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.
8.49"
(216 mm) Ø.63" (Ø16 mm)
Mounting Hole (x4)
8.49"
(216 mm)
Ø3.75" (Ø95 mm)
Cable Access Hole
FWD
Foam Seal
Good Bolt
Pattern
Poor Bolt
Pattern
Figure 14: Antenna Mounting Holes Layout
Prepare the Antenna Site
5

11
Inside the antenna, a foam shipping restraint
prevents the antenna assembly from moving
during shipment. In addition, four bolts secure
the antenna to the shipping pallet. Follow these
steps to remove these restraints.
a. Remove the six #10-32 screws securing the
radome to the baseplate (see Figure 15).
Carefully lift the radome straight up until
clear of the antenna assembly and set it aside
in a safe place. If you keep the radome
topside, secure it with a lanyard to prevent it
from falling overboard.
b. Carefully remove the foam shipping restraint
that is wedged underneath the reflector (see
Figure 16). Save this restraint for future use.
c. Four 1/2" bolts secure the antenna to the
shipping pallet (see Figure 16). Completely
remove the two 1/2" shipping bolts that you
can see without rotating the antenna
assembly.
d. Rotate the antenna assembly slowly by hand
to reveal the other two 1/2" shipping bolts.
Remove these bolts.
e. Transport the antenna to the mounting
location.
NOTE: The two hoisting eyelets on the antenna frame
may be used to lift the antenna, if necessary (see
Figure 17). After they have been used once, make sure
they are undamaged and free of cracks before using
them again.
#10-32 Screw (x6)
Figure 15: Removing the Radome
Foam Restraint
1/2" Bolt (x4)
Pallet
Figure 16: Foam Shipping Restraint and Bolts
Once you have removed the foam restraint,
handle the antenna carefully, as its internal
assembly will rotate freely. You will need to
rotate the antenna assembly slowly by hand
to remove the second pair of shipping bolts,
but only after you have removed the first pair
of bolts that are initially visible. If the antenna
assembly hits a mechanical stop with
excessive force, or it hits the head of a
shipping bolt that wasn’t removed, the limit
switch might become damaged.
IMPORTANT!
Hoisting
Eyelets (x2)
Figure 17: Antenna Hoisting Eyelets
Remove the Shipping Restraints
6

12
You need to connect two 75RF coax cables
from the antenna location 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).
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.
** LMR tool kits from KVH include a torque wrench.
15-50 ft (5-15 m) Cable Run
Cable RG-11
(KVH part no. 32-0566-50)
Loss: 0.084 dB/ft (0.276 dB/m)
Connector Thomas & Betts SNS11AS*
Tools Thomas & Betts CST596711, L3011B
(KVH part no. 72-0493)
Strip
Lengths
51-100 ft (16-30 m) Cable Run
Cable LMR-400-75
(KVH part no. 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 no. 72-0374-75**)
Strip
Lengths
101-150 ft (31-45 m) Cable Run
Cable LMR-600-75
(KVH part no. 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 no. 72-0375-75**)
Strip
Lengths
0.25" (6.35 mm)
0.5" (12.7 mm)
0.064" (1.63mm) 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
on page 32.
• 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

13
Follow these steps to connect the RF and power/
data cables to the antenna.
NOTE: An optional 150 ft (45 m) power/data cable is
available from KVH (KVH part no. 32-1031-0150).
Route the Cables Belowdecks
a. Route the power/data and RF cables
belowdecks through the 3.75" (95 mm) cable
access hole. Leave an adequate service loop,
approximately 8" (20 cm) of slack, at the
antenna location for easy serviceability.
b. Route the other end of the cables to the
belowdecks equipment. Be sure to always
maintain the minimum bend radius in the RF
cables (see Figure 19). Later, you will connect
the power/data cable to the CommBox-ACU
and the RF cables to the modem.
Connect the Customer’s RF Cables to the
Supplied Pigtail Cables
a. Clean and dry the RF cables’ connectors.
b. Heat shrink is supplied with each 3 ft (90 cm)
pigtail cable to protect the connection
between the customer’s RF cables and the
pigtail cables. Slide a heat shrink sleeve onto
the end of each 3 ft (90 cm) pigtail cable
(opposite the boot end) for later use.
c. Fill half of the inner body of the customer’s
“TX” RF cable’s connector with the supplied
silicone grease to prevent moisture and
corrosion.
d. Connect and SLOWLY hand-tighten the
“TX” RF cable to the feed-thru adapter of one
of the supplied LMR-400-75 pigtail cables,
allowing the grease to diffuse and settle into
the entire space within the connector (see
Figure 20).
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)
Use of the supplied pigtail cables is
mandatory.Do not connect the customer’s RF
cables directly to the antenna.
IMPORTANT!
Figure 20: Pigtail Cable Connections
Antenna Baseplate
Rubber Washer
Rubber Boot
Apply Silicone Grease
To Modem
Apply Silicone Grease
P
I
G
T
A
I
L
Feed-thruAdapter
Seal connection with
silicone sealant or
self-vulcanizing tape,
then apply heat-shrink R
F
C
A
B
L
E
Wire the Antenna
8

14
e. 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.
f. Seal the RF cable-to-pigtail connection using
silicone sealant, self-vulcanizing tape, or
equivalent. Then protect the connection with
the heat shrink (see step b).
g. Repeat steps c-f to connect the “RX” RF cable
to the other pigtail cable.
Connect the Pigtail Cables to the Antenna
a. Clean and dry the antenna’s two RF
connectors (see Figure 21).
b. Place one of the supplied rubber connector
washers over the “MTx” jack on the bottom
of the antenna, as shown in Figure 20 on
page 13.
c. Fill half of the inner body of the “TX” pigtail
cable’s male connector with silicone grease.
d. Connect and SLOWLY hand-tighten the
“TX” pigtail cable to the antenna’s “MTx”
jack, allowing the grease to diffuse and settle
into the entire space within the connector.
e. Make sure the “TX” pigtail cable’s connector
is tightened all the way into the antenna’s
connector and the rubber washer is
compressed against the antenna’s base. Then
tighten the connector with a 7/16" torque
wrench set to 20 in.-lbs.
f. Apply a thin layer of silicone grease to the
jacket of the “TX” pigtail cable, along the
wider segment at the base of the connector.
g. Slide the rubber boot up the cable until it
covers the entire connector and mates with
the rubber washer. This will protect the
connection from the elements.
h. Wipe off any excess grease from the cable.
i. Repeat steps b-h to connect the “RX” pigtail
cable to the antenna.
Power/Data
MTx
MRx
Figure 21: Connectors on Bottom of Antenna
Continued Wire the Antenna
8

15
Connect the Power/Data Cable
Connect the power/data cable to the “Power/
Data” jack on the bottom of the antenna (see
Figure 21 on page 14). Hand-tighten until the
connector locks in place; do not use excessive
force.
Protect the Cables
a. Secure the cables near the antenna connectors
to relieve stress (see Figure 22).
b. Weatherproof and seal the cable access hole,
as required.
Strain-relief
Figure 22: Strain-relief Example
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

16
Follow these steps to mount the antenna to the
mounting surface.
a. Place the antenna baseplate 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 23). 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 1/2"-13
bolts to prevent galling.
c. At each of the two baseplate mounting holes
that you can see without rotating the antenna
assembly, insert a 1/2"-13 bolt from above
and secure it to the mounting surface using a
1/2" flat washer and a 1/2"-13 lock nut from
below (see Figure 24). Make sure both bolt
heads are flush with the antenna’s mounting
plate before proceeding.
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.”
FORWARD
Figure 23: Forward Arrow in Antenna Baseplate
You will need to rotate the antenna assembly
slowly by hand to see all four mounting
holes. You will also need to fully install the
first pair of mounting bolts prior to rotating
the antenna assembly to install the second
pair of bolts. If the antenna assembly hits a
mechanical stop with excessive force, or it hits
the head of a mounting bolt that wasn’t
secured in place, the limit switch might
become damaged.
IMPORTANT!
1/2"-13 Bolt (x4)
Rubber Foot (x4)
Mounting Surface
1/2" Flat Washer (x4)
1/2"-13 Lock Nut (x4)
Antenna Baseplate
Foam Seal
IMPORTANT! Apply
anti-seize to threads
Figure 24: Mounting the Antenna (Side View)
Mount the Antenna
9

17
d. Rotate the antenna assembly slowly by hand
to reveal the other two mounting holes then
repeat step c at these two holes.
e. 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 nuts to between 35 and 40 ft-lbs
(47 and 54 N-m) of torque.
f. Reinstall the radome onto the antenna. Secure
in place with the six #10-32 screws you
removed earlier (see Figure 15 on page 11).
g. Install a protective plastic cap (supplied in
the kitpack) over each radome screw.
Continued Mount the Antenna
9