TracVision TracVision M3 User manual

TracVision M3 Installation Guide
TracVision M3 – DX Version
Linear and Circular Configurations

54-0274-02 Rev. A 1© 2006 KVH Industries, Inc., All rights reserved.
These instructions explain how to install the TracVision M3 satellite TV antenna
system on a vessel. Complete instructions on how to use the system are provided in
the Quick Start Guide and User’s Guide.
TracVision®M3 Installation Guide
Who Should Install the System?
To ensure a safe and effective installation, KVH recommends that a KVH-authorized
marine technician install the TracVision M3 system. To find a technician near you, go to
www.kvh.com/wheretogetservice.
Technical Support
If you need technical assistance, please contact
KVH Technical Support:
North/South America, Australia:
Phone: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Europe, Middle East, Asia:
Phone: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
KVH and TracVision are registered trademarks of KVH Industries, Inc. U.S. patents pending.
The unique light-colored dome with dark contrasting base is a registered trademark of KVH Industries, Inc.
The information in this document is subject to change without notice. No company shall be liable for errors contained herein.
Important Safety Precaution
DO NOT apply power to the TracVision antenna with the radome removed
because the antenna has moving parts that can cause injury.
CAUTION
Installation Steps
1. Inspect parts and get tools 7. Wire the interface box
2. Plan the installation 8. Connect power
3. Prepare the mounting site 9. Install the interface box
4. Wire the antenna 10. Test & set up the system
5. Remove the restraint 11. Educate the customer
6. Mount the antenna
DX Version with Interface Box

1. Unpack the box and ensure it contains
everything shown on the Contents List.
Save the packaging in case you need to reship
the system.
2. Carefully examine all of the supplied
parts to ensure nothing was damaged in
shipment.
3. Gather all of the tools and materials listed
below. You will need these items to
complete the installation.
4. Peel off the extra serial number labels
(taped to the antenna and interface box)
and affix them in the appropriate boxes
on the Quick Start Guide.
54-0274-02 Rev. A 2© 2006 KVH Industries, Inc., All rights reserved.
Inspect Parts and Get Tools
1
• #2 Phillips-head
screwdriver
•7⁄16" open-end wrench
•7⁄16" socket wrench
•1⁄2" socket or open-end
wrench
• Electric drill
•5⁄16" (8 mm) drill bit
• Silicone sealant or
equivalent
• Hole saw of desired diameter
(for cable access hole, see page 4)
• Adhesive tape
• Light hammer
• Center punch
• Eight (8) 1⁄4" fasteners
(optional for mounting the interface
box, see page 10)
•Quick Start Guide and
User’s Guide
Affix Serial
Numbers
Antenna
Interface Box
Connector
Cover
Radome
Base
Congratulations! You have purchased the TracVision M3,
the smallest and most advanced marine satellite TV antenna
system available today. Refer to this handy quick reference
guide for basic operation and setup instructions.
Antenna
Serial Number
TracVision Antenna
TracVision M3 System Diagram
TracVision Serial Numbers
Welcome!
Interface Box
Serial Number
Alwayslift the antenna by the
silver base and never by the
radome or any portion of the
internal antenna assembly.

54-0274-02 Rev. A 3© 2006 KVH Industries, Inc., All rights reserved.
Before you begin, consider the following installation guidelines:
Plan the Installation
2
Antenna
Vessel Platform
Radar
Blocked!
4 x 0.31"
( 0.79 cm)
15.5"
(39.37 cm)
9.2"
(23.37 cm)
4.6"
(11.68 cm)
2.8"
(7.11 cm) 5.6"
(14.22 cm)
FWD
17.32"
(44 cm)
• Minimize blockage. The antenna requires a
clear view of the sky to receive satellite TV.
The fewer obstructions above decks, the
better the system will perform.
• When choosing a mounting surface, ensure
it is wide enough to accommodate the
antenna’s base. See illustrations for antenna
dimensions.
• Ensure the mounting surface is flat, level
(within ±2º), and strong enough to support
the 18-pound (8 Kg) antenna. Use a
separate mounting plate, if necessary.
• Custom mounting solutions, including
struts and masts, are available from several
third-party manufacturers. Contact your
local KVH dealer or distributor for details.
• KVH recommends that you do not mount
the antenna on the same level as the radar,
because the radar’s energy might overload
the antenna.
• Be sure to mount the antenna near enough
to the supplied interface box belowdecks to
allow you to connect the 50-ft. (15 m) coax
cable between the antenna and the interface
box, while still maintaining sufficient slack
in the cable. The antenna cable CANNOT
be extended.
• When choosing a location for the interface
box, find a dry, well-ventilated area
belowdecks away from any heat sources or
salt spray. Also be sure the interface box
front panel will be easily accessible to the
user.

54-0274-02 Rev. A 4© 2006 KVH Industries, Inc., All rights reserved.
1. Unfold the supplied template
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. You do not
need to mount the antenna exactly
on the vessel’s centerline, but the
antenna’s forward arrow must be
parallel to it.
2. Use the template to mark the
four hole locations on the
mounting surface.
3. Drill a 5⁄16" (8 mm) hole at the
four locations you marked in
Step 2. Later, you will insert four
1⁄4"-20 bolts from above to secure the
antenna to the mounting surface.
4. Mark a location for the cable access
hole, either in the center of the
antenna mounting hole pattern or in
an area aft of the antenna. Later, you
will route the antenna cable through
this hole and into the vessel.
5. Drill the cable access hole in the
location you marked in Step 4. Be
sure to size the hole appropriately
to maintain a cable bend radius of
at least 3" (75 mm). If the hole location
is in the center of the antenna
mounting hole pattern, the diameter of
the cable access hole must not exceed
3.5" (88 mm). Smooth the edges of
the hole to protect the cable.
Prepare the Mounting Site
3
15.5"
(39.4 cm)
2.8"
(7.1 cm)
5.6"
(14.2 cm)
4.6"
(11.7 cm)
9.2"
(23.4 cm)
4 x 0.31"
( 0.8 cm)
Mounting Holes
Cable Access Hole
(Suggested Location
)
Antenna Base
X
Be sure the mounting surface is
flat and level. Use a separate
mounting plate, if necessary.
Drilling Antenna
Mounting Holes

54-0274-02 Rev. A 5© 2006 KVH Industries, Inc., All rights reserved.
1. Clean and dry the antenna mounting
surface.
2. Peel off the paper backing from the donut-
shaped foam seal to expose the adhesive.
Then press the foam seal down firmly onto
the mounting surface, centered between the
antenna mounting holes.
3. Using the supplied 3 mm Allen hex key,
remove the connector cover from the
antenna’s base. Save the cover and the four
M4 cap screws for later use.
4. Route either end of the antenna cable into
the vessel. Later, you will connect this end of
the cable to the belowdecks interface box. You
will connect the other end to the antenna.
5. If you wish to route the cable beneath the
antenna, attach the right-angle connector to
the end of the cable. Hand-tighten, then
tighten with a 7⁄16" wrench for 1⁄4turn to
ensure an electrical and weather-proof
connection.
6. Connect the cable to the antenna. Hand-
tighten, then tighten with a 7⁄16" wrench for
1⁄4turn. Rigging tape is recommended to protect
the connection.
7. Reattach the cover over the connector.
Secure in place with the M4 cap screws you
removed in Step 3. The cover must be
attached before you mount the antenna.
8. Leave an adequate service loop,
approximately 8" (20 cm) of slack, in the
antenna cable for easy serviceability.
9. Weatherproof and seal the cable access hole
as required.
Wire the Antenna
Foam Seal
Antenna Cable
Connector Cover
Right-angle
Connector
Wire the Antenna
4

1. Remove the three #10-32 screws securing the
radome to the antenna. Carefully remove the
radome and set it aside in a safe place. Due
to the snug fit, some contact between the
radome’s sealing gasket and the antenna
mechanism is normal.
2. Using a 7⁄16" socket wrench, remove the
shipping restraint bolt, washer, and spacer
securing the antenna assembly to the base.
Save the restraint for future use.
3. Position the antenna onto the mounting
surface. The antenna’s base should rest
squarely atop the foam seal.
4. Align the four holes in the antenna’s base
with the four holes in the mounting surface.
Be sure that the antenna’s
“Forward” arrow points
toward the bow and is
parallel to the vessel’s
centerline.
54-0274-02 Rev. A 6© 2006 KVH Industries, Inc., All rights reserved.
Remove the Restraint
5
Antenna
Radome
Washer
Bolt
Spacer
Be sure to remove the shipping
restraint bolt, washer, and spacer.
The antenna will not work with this
hardware still installed.
“Forward” Arrow
Shipping Restraint

54-0274-02 Rev. A 7© 2006 KVH Industries, Inc., All rights reserved.
1. Secure the antenna’s base to the mounting
surface using four 1⁄4"-20 bolts, 5⁄8" washers,
1" washers, and lock nuts, as shown in the
illustration. Be sure to insert the bolts from
above and use the supplied hardware for a
secure installation.
2. Tighten the bolts until the foam seal is fully
compressed and the antenna’s four rubber
feet are bottomed against the mounting
surface.
3. Reinstall the antenna radome. The radome’s
“TracVision” labels should face fore and aft.
While pressing the radome down onto the
base, secure the radome to the base using
the three #10-32 screws you removed
earlier.
4. Install a protective plastic screw cap
(supplied in the kit) over each radome screw.
Mount the Antenna
6
1/4"-20 x 3" Bolt
1/4" Flat Washer
(5/8" diameter)
Antenna Base
Foam Seal
Mounting Surface
1/4" Flat Washer
(1" diameter)
1/4"-20 Lock Nut
Insert the mounting boltsinto
the antenna’sbase from above,
not below.
Tighten Bolts
from Above
Antenna Mounted

54-0274-02 Rev. A 8© 2006 KVH Industries, Inc., All rights reserved.
1. Connect the antenna cable (A) to the “To
KVH Antenna” jack. Do not kink the cable.
2. Connect the RG6 antenna cable (B) from the
“Unstacked Output” jack (circular version) or
“Primary Receiver” jack (linear version) on
the interface box to the “Satellite In” jack on
your satellite TV receiver.
3. Follow the instructions provided in your
receiver’s user manual to connect your
receiver to the TV.
4. Tighten all connections and leave enough
slack in the cables (service loop) for easy
serviceability.
(Circular version only) For details on connecting
additional receivers, please see Appendix A in
the User’s Guide.
Wire the Interface Box
7
Antenna
Deck
Do not shorten or extend the
antenna cable. Since the cable
carriesdata, power, and
communications, the integrity of
thiscable and itsconnectionsis
very important.
Be sure to route cableswithin
the vessel appropriately to
avoid damage. For example, do
not route any cablesthrough
wet areas(bilges) or near hot
exhaust pipes.
Circular
Version
Linear
Version
Circular or Linear?
To receive circularly polarized
satellite signals in North America,
you need a circular interface box.
To receive linearly polarized satellite
signals, you need a linear interface
box.
Special Case - Conversion System
If you have a circular/linear
conversion system (P/N 01-0279-05),
please refer to the special wiring
instructions that came with the kit.

54-0274-02 Rev. A 9© 2006 KVH Industries, Inc., All rights reserved.
Connect Power
8
The interface box requires a 10-16 volts DC
(VDC) power input supporting 50 watts
(4.2 amps @ 12 VDC).
1. Before you connect the power wires, turn off
vessel power and test the circuit to ensure no
power is present.
2. Connect the individual power wires to a
dedicated 10-amp or 15-amp circuit breaker.
Connect the negative (black) wire to ground
(power return), and connect the positive
(red) wire to +12 VDC vessel power.
3. Plug the other end of the power wires into
the “Power” jack on the rear panel of the
interface box. Do not remove the small ferrite
coil that is clamped onto the power wires. This
coil suppresses EMI (electromagnetic
interference) from the interface box.
DC Power
Ground
Vessel Power
(10-16 VDC)
Ferrite
Coil
For your own safety, shut down
vessel power before you
connect the wires.

54-0274-02 Rev. A 10 © 2006 KVH Industries, Inc., All rights reserved.
Once all cables are connected, install the
interface box inside the vessel.
1. Attach the two mounting brackets to the
sides of the interface box using three #2-56
screws. Simply screw these fasteners into the
vent slots.
2. Secure the brackets to the mounting surface
using appropriate 1⁄4" fasteners (not supplied).
Install the Interface Box
9
Bracket
#2-56 x 1⁄4" Screws (x3)
1⁄4" Fasteners (x4)
(not supplied)
To avoid overheating, do not
block the upper ventsof the
interface box.

Now that you have installed the TracVision
system, you need to verify that the antenna
works properly and set up the system for the
desired satellite TV service.
1. Ensure the antenna has a clear, unobstructed
view of the sky.
2. Apply power to the TV and the receiver.
3. Turn on the power switch on the front of the
interface box.
4. Wait one minute for system startup.
5. Verify that the VOLTAGE and RECEIVER
status lights on the interface box are lit
green. Verify that the ANTENNA status light
is either lit green or flashing green.
6. The interface box display should show
“System Needs Setup.” Follow the simple,
step-by-step instructions in the Quick Start
Guide or User’s Guide (“Setup” chapter) to
set up the system for the customer’s desired
satellite TV service.
7. (Linear version only) Set the antenna LNB to
the correct skew angle setting. Refer to the
Quick Start Guide or User’s Guide (“Setup”
chapter) for details.
54-0274-02 Rev. A 11 © 2006 KVH Industries, Inc., All rights reserved.
Test & Set Up the System
10
Status Lights
Power Switch
TRACKING DTV 101
SYSTEM NEEDS SETUP
ASTRA1
SYSTEM NEEDS SETUP
Circular Version Linear Version

•Keep the radome installed on the
antenna at all times. The radome
protects the antenna’s internal moving
parts from wind, rain, and debris.
• It is dangerous to watch TV while
piloting a vessel. The TracVision system
is intended as a passenger entertainment
product.
•The antenna must have a clear view of
the sky to receive satellite TV. Common
causes of blockage include trees,
buildings, bridges, and equipment on
the vessel itself.
• Heavy rain or snow may temporarily
interrupt reception.
54-0274-02 Rev. A 12 © 2006 KVH Industries, Inc., All rights reserved.
• The antenna should be cleaned
regularly. Dirt buildup on the radome
can affect satellite TV reception.
• The owner needs to register the system
with KVH. The registration process is
quick, easy, online, and ensures the best
possible service from KVH. Visit
www.kvh.com/register or refer to the
Product Registration Form for details.
• The vessel must be located within the
selected satellite’s coverage area in
order to receive its satellite TV signals.
To view satellite coverage maps, visit
www.kvh.com/footprint.
•(Linear version only) The antenna’s LNB
needs to be set to the correct skew
angle for the selected satellite(s) to
optimize reception. The correct skew
setting varies depending on geographic
location, so you may need to adjust the
skew when you travel to a different
region. You will also need to adjust the
skew if you change your satellite setup.
Refer to the Quick Start Guide and
User’s Guide for details.
• Refer to the Quick Start Guide and the
User’s Guide for complete operation
instructions and troubleshooting
information.
CAUTION: In the unlikely event
that you need to remove the
radome, remove power from the
antenna first because the antenna’s
moving partscan cause injury.
TracV
ision
ision
Blocked!
Educate the Customer
11

TVM3DX_InstallG_Cvr
© Copyright 2006, KVH Industries, Inc. KVH and TracVision are registered trademarks of KVH Industries, Inc.
KVH Industries, Inc.
50 Enterprise Center • Middletown, RI 02842-5279 • U.S.A.
Phone: [phone] • Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
KVH Europe A/S
Kokkedal Industripark 2B • 2980 Kokkedal • Denmark
Phone: [phone] • Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
www.kvh.com