This user’s guide provides all of the basic information you need to
operate, set up, and troubleshoot the TracVision M3/M2 satellite
TV antenna system. For detailed system installation information,
please refer to the TracVision M3/M2 Installation Guide.
Please direct questions, comments, or suggestions to:
This manual uses the following typographical conventions:
Text ExampleDescription
Press MENUS to view
the menu
SELECT SATELLITESText as it appears on the interface box
The display shows
“BRIGHTNESS”
<Satellite name>Brackets indicate a variable value
See “Switching Satellites”
on page 16
Related Documentation
In addition to this User’s Guide, the following documents are
provided with your TracVision system:
DocumentDescription
Both the icon and the name of the
button are provided
display
Text in quotes is shown on the
interface box display
Cross-reference to another chapter in
the manual or to a website
Installation GuideComplete product installation
instructions
Contents ListList of every part supplied in the kit
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TracVision M3/M2 System Overview
Vessel Power
12 VDC
Antenna
Interface Box
Satellite ReceiverTV
Options Purchased Separately
Your TracVision M3/M2 system is a state-of-the-art, actively
stabilized antenna system that delivers live satellite TV to your
vessel’s audio/video entertainment system. A basic system is
illustrated below. A receiver wiring diagram is provided in
Appendix A on page 59.
Figure 1 TracVision M3/M2 System Diagram
TracVision M3/M2 User’s Guide
Chapter 1 - Introduction
The antenna uses integrated DVB technology to
quickly acquire and track the correct satellite,
switch between satellites, and send TV signals to
the interface box. The TracVision M2 acquires and
tracks the satellite while the vessel is moored,
either at the dock or at anchor. The TracVision M3
adds the capability to track the satellite while the
vessel is underway – its gyros keep the antenna
pointed at the satellite at all times.
The interface box allows you to set up and
control the system using its four
pushbuttons and LCD display. It also
supplies power to the antenna and delivers
satellite TV signals to your satellite TV receiver.
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TracVision M3/M2 User’s Guide
Ideal SkewGood SkewBad Skew
= Satellite Signal= LNB "Signal Collector"
Chapter 1 - Introduction
Linear Satellite Signals
Your TracVision system is configured to receive linearly polarized
satellite signals. Satellites around the world (with the exception of
satellites in North America, which transmit circularly polariz ed
signals) transmit linear signals in vertical and horizontal “waves” th at
are offset exactly 90º from each other. This orientation doubles the
bandwidth, allowing the satellite to deliver hundreds of channels of
digital entertainment to your vessel.
Figure 2 Linearly Polarized Satellite Signals
LNB Skew Angle
Since linear satellite signals are oriented in a precise cross pattern, the
TracVision antenna’s receiving element, called an LNB (low-noise
block) must be oriented in the same way to optimize reception. This
orientation adjustment is referred to as the LNB’s “skew angle.” The
figure below illustrates how skew determines the amount of signal the
LNB collects. The more signal, the better the reception.
Figure 3 How Skew Works
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TracVision M3/M2 User’s Guide
+70
+65
+60
+55
+50+45+40+35 +30
Chapter 1 - Introduction
The correct skew setting varies depending on your geographic
location, since the orientation of your antenna to the satellite changes
as you move. For example, as shown in the figure below, if your
antenna is tracking the PAS 9 satellite for Sky Mexico programming,
the ideal skew setting ranges from +30 to +70, depending upon where
you’re located within the satellite’s coverage area.
Figure 4 Approximate Skew Settings for the PAS 9 Satellite
For complete details about adjusting the LNB’s skew, see “Setting the
LNB Skew Angle” on page 31.
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2.Operation
This chapter explains how to use the interface box to operate the
TracVision system. It explains how to turn the TracVision system on or
off, interpret the startup screens, and switch between satellites.
Contents
Receiving Satellite TV Signals......................................... 11
Turning the System On/Off..............................................12
System Startup................................................................ 13
Understanding the Status Screen.................................... 15
Television satellites are located in fixed positions above the Earth’s
equator and beam TV signals down to certain regions of the planet
(not worldwide). To receive TV signals from a satellite, you must be
located within that satellite’s unique coverage area.
TIP: For your convenience, KVH provides links to several web sites that offer
satellite coverage information. Simply visit our web site at www.kvh.com/
footprint.
Figure 5 Location of Astra1 Satellite
TracVision M3/M2 User’s Guide
Chapter 2 - Operation
In addition, since TV satellites are located above the equator, the
TracVision antenna must have a clear view of the sky to receive
satellite TV signals. Anything that stands between the a ntenna and the
satellite can block the signal, resulting in lost reception. Common
causes of blockage include trees, buildings, and bridges. Heavy rain,
ice, or snow may also temporarily interrupt satellite signals.
Figure 6 Example of Satellite Blockage
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TracVision M3/M2 User’s Guide
Power
Switch
Status
Lights
Display
Buttons
Chapter 2 - Operation
Turning the System On/Off
Since the interface box supplies power to the antenn a, you can turn the
antenna on or off using the interface box POWER switch.
Turning On the System
Follow the steps below to turn on your TracVision system.
1. Make sure the antenna has a clear view of the sky.
2. Turn on your satellite TV receiver and TV.
3. Press the POWER switch on the front of the
TracVision interface box.
Figure 7 Interface Box Components
12
4. Wait one minute for system startup.
Once the antenna finds the correct satellite, all three status lights on
the interface box should be lit green. If any lights are not lit green, refer
to “System Status Lights” on page 40.
Turning Off the System
Follow the steps below to turn off the TracVision system.
1. Press the POWER switch on the front of the
TracVision interface box.
2. Turn off your satellite TV receiver and TV.
Page 15
System Startup
KVH INTERFACE BOX
VERSION X.YZ
KVH TRACVISION M3
SYS SW VERSION X.YZ
KVH TRACVISION M3
RF SW VERSION X.YZ
INSTALLED SATELLITES
HOTBIRD, THOR
LAT/LONG: 55N, 012E
HOTBIRD SKEW:-12.5
CHECK LNB SETTING
AVERAGE SKEW:-12.3
CHECK LNB SETTING
INITIALIZING ANTENNA
SEARCHING HOTBIRD
The display shows the following screens during startup.
Interface Box ScreenDescription
TracVision M3/M2 User’s Guide
Chapter 2 - Operation
Interface box software version
Antenna model (M3 or M2) and
main software version
Antenna RF software version
or
Satellite(s) installed for
tracking
Latitude and longitude that
you last set in the antenna (or
factory default lat/long); see
“Entering Latitude/
Longitude” on page 22 for
details on entering your
position
Recommended LNB skew
angle setting
If only one satellite is
installed, shows the ideal skew
for that satellite;
If multiple satellites are
installed, shows the average
skew for all installed satellites
Antenna performs self-test
Antenna searches for the
selected satellite
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TracVision M3/M2 User’s Guide
WARNING!
WIDE SKEW RANGE: 14
WARNING! SATELLITE
OUT OF ANTENNA RANGE
SYSTEM SAT MISMATCH
PRESS TO FIX
SAT NOT INSTALLED
Chapter 2 - Operation
Warning Messages on Startup
During startup, make sure none of the following warning messages
appear on the display.
need to change your antenna setup to select a different set of
satellites (see “Resetting the System to Change Setup” on page 34), or
you may simply need to update the latitude/longitude stored in
the antenna (see “Entering Latitude/Longitude” on page 22).
WarningDescription
If one of these messages appears, you may
The average skew may not
provide adequate reception for
all installed satellites. The
satellites are too far apart from
each other in the sky.
The antenna is not able to track
one of your installed satellites
because your vessel is not
located within that satellite’s
coverage area, based on the
latitude/longitude you have
set in the antenna.
The interface box and antenna
are out of sync. Just press
ACCEPT to synchronize.
The receiver is tuned to a
channel carried by a satellite
that is not installed in the
antenna.
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Understanding the Status Screen
Satellite
Signal
Strength
ASTRA1
ASTRA1
SYSTEM NEEDS SETUP
Following startup, the interface box display shows the cu rrent system
status.
Figure 8 Interface Box Status Screen
Screen FieldDescription
TracVision M3/M2 User’s Guide
Chapter 2 - Operation
Satellite
Signal StrengthStrength of the satellite TV signal, as measured
NOTE: If your system is set up for manual satellite switching, the status
screen differs somewhat. See the following page.
“System Needs Setup”
If the interface box shows “System Needs Setup,” the antenna system
has not yet been configured for the satellites you wish to track. See
“Selecting Satellites to Track” on page 27 for setup instructions.
Figure 9 “System Needs Setup” Screen
Satellite that the antenna is currently tracking
by RF level
The more bars, the stronger the signal, just like a
cell phone. Three bars = good reception.
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TracVision M3/M2 User’s Guide
ASTRA1
ASTRA1 HH
PUSH TO SWITCH SAT
Chapter 2 - Operation
Switching Satellites
If your TracVision system is set up to track multiple satellites, you can
easily switch between them. For normal operation, keep the system set
to Automatic satellite switching (factory default). If you wish to
manually switch between satellites, see “Changing the Satellite
Switching Mode” on page 49.
switching method by the format of the status screen:
Status Screen ExampleSatellite Switching Method
You can identify the current satellite
Automatic
Manual
TIP: Use Automatic switching for normal operation. Manual switching is
generally used for troubleshooting only.
Automatic Satellite Switching
If your system is set up for automatic switching, the antenna
automatically switches satellites as you change channels using the
receiver’s remote control. The antenna also automatically selects the
correct signal polarization and band for the selected channel.
Manual Satellite Switching
If you selected Manual switching, follow the steps below to use the
interface box to switch between satellites. You will also need to select
the correct polarization and band for the desired channel.
1. Press CHANGE until the display shows the desired
satellite.
16
SATELLITE= HOTBIRD?
CHANGE ACCEPT
Page 19
TracVision M3/M2 User’s Guide
Chapter 2 - Operation
2. Press ACCEPT.
3. Press CHANGE until the display shows the correct
polarization and band for the desired channel.
POLARIZATION/BAND=HL
CHANGE ACCEPT
There are four possible combinations of polarization/band:
TIP: Polarization and band information for various channels is
available at www.lyngsat.com (site not affiliated with KVH).
4. Press ACCEPT.
The antenna switches to the selected satellite and polarization/
band.
NOTE: The antenna remains in manual switching mode until you
change it back to automatic switching. See “Changing the Satellite
Switching Mode” on page 49.
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TracVision M3/M2 User’s Guide
Chapter 3 - System Preferences
3.System Preferences
This chapter explains how to change the settings for display brightness
and latitude/longitude. Refer to “Interface Box Menus” on page 65 for a
quick reference guide to accessing these functions within the menu.
Contents
Adjusting the Display Brightness..................................... 21
Follow the steps below to adjust the brightness of the interface box
display.
1. Press MENUS until the display shows
“BRIGHTNESS.”
BRIGHTNESS= HIGH
NEXT MENU CHANGE
2. Press CHANGE until the display shows the desired
setting: HIGH, MEDIUM, or LOW.
TracVision M3/M2 User’s Guide
Chapter 3 - System Preferences
BRIGHTNESS= MEDIUM?
CHANGE ACCEPT
3. Press ACCEPT.
BRIGHTNESS= MEDIUM
4. Press EXIT to exit the menu.
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TracVision M3/M2 User’s Guide
Chapter 3 - System Preferences
Entering Latitude/Longitude
Follow the steps below to enter your vessel’s latitude and longitude
into the system. The antenna will use your position information to
speed up satellite acquisition. (If the antenna knows where you are
located, it knows where it should start looking for the satellite.) The
antenna will also use this position information to calculate the correct
LNB skew angle.
KVH recommends that you re-enter your latitude/longitude
whenever you travel more than 600 km (400 mi) away from the last
position you entered. (The interface box displays the last entered
position during system startup.) Once you have entered a new
position following the steps below, check the updated skew angle that
the interface box displays during restart. If the reported skew angle
differs by more than 5 degrees from the LNB’s current skew angle,
you should adjust the antenna’s LNB to the new skew angle to
optimize satellite reception. See “Setting the LNB Skew Angle” on
page 31.
1. Press MENUS until the display shows “LAT/
LONG.”
LAT/LONG= 41N, 071W
NEXT MENU CHANGE
2. Press CHANGE.
LAT/LONG= 41N, 071W?
CHANGE ACCEPT
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TracVision M3/M2 User’s Guide
Chapter 3 - System Preferences
3. Press CHANGE again. A cursor appears under the
first number in the displayed latitude.
LAT/LONG= 41N, 071W
CHANGE ACCEPT
4. Press CHANGE until the number is set to the first
digit of your vessel’s current latitude.
5. Press ACCEPT. The cursor moves to the next number.
LAT/LONG= 51N, 071W
CHANGE ACCEPT
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 to set the remaining digits (plus
North/South and East/West directions) of your
latitude and longitude. Once you have set the entire
position, the cursor disappears from the display.
LAT/LONG= 55N, 012E?
CHANGE ACCEPT
7. Press ACCEPT. The antenna restarts. Wait one
minute for system startup.
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4.Setup
When you turn on the TracVision system for the first time, the interface
box display shows “SYSTEM NEEDS SETUP.” This chapter explains how
to set up your TracVision system for the satellite(s) you wish to track.
Contents
Selecting Satellites to Track............................................ 27
Setting the LNB Skew Angle............................................ 31
Resetting the System to Change Setup........................... 34
TracVision M3/M2 User’s Guide
Chapter 4 - Setup
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Selecting Satellites to Track
Follow the steps below to set up the TracVision system to track the
satellites of your choice.
NOTE: If the status screen does not show “System Needs Setup,” follow the
steps in “Resetting the System to Change Setup” on page 34.
ASTRA1
SYSTEM NEEDS SETUP
1. Press any button to begin the setup process.
TracVision M3/M2 User’s Guide
Chapter 4 - Setup
LAT/LONG= 41N, 071W?
CHANGE ACCEPT
2. The display shows “LAT/LONG.” Press CHANGE.
LAT/LONG= 41N, 071W
CHANGE ACCEPT
Now you need to enter your vessel’s latitude and longitude so
that the antenna can calculate the proper LNB skew setting for
your position. The antenna will also use this position
information to speed up satellite acquisition.
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TracVision M3/M2 User’s Guide
LAT/LONG= 51N, 071W
CHANGE ACCEPT
Chapter 4 - Setup
3. Press CHANGE until the number at the cursor is set
4. Press ACCEPT. The cursor moves to the next number.
to the first digit of your vessel’s latitude.
LAT/LONG= 51N, 071W
CHANGE ACCEPT
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 to set the remaining digits (plus
North/South and East/West directions) of your
latitude and longitude.
LAT/LONG= 55N, 012E?
CHANGE ACCEPT
6. Once you have set each digit of latitude and longitude,
press ACCEPT.
Now you need to select the satellite(s) you want the antenna to
install and track.
SAT 1= ARABSAT?
CHANGE ACCEPT
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TracVision M3/M2 User’s Guide
You can choose up to four different satellites from the
following list:
Chapter 4 - Setup
•ARABSAT
•ASTRA 1
•ASTRA 2N
•ASTRA 2S
•EUTEL W3A
•HISPASAT
•HOTBIRD
•HOTBIRD WB
NOTE: If the satellite you wish to track is not listed above, you can
set up a special user-defined satellite (USER A or USER B). See
“Programming User-Defined Satellites” on page 67 for details.
7. Press CHANGE until the display shows the first
(primary) satellite you want to install.
•NILESAT
•OPTUS D1
•OPTUS C1
•PAS 9
•SIRIUS
•THOR
•TURKSAT 1C
SAT 1= HOTBIRD?
CHANGE ACCEPT
NOTE: The display might show additional satellites not listed above.
However, at this time, the TracVision M3/M2 system supports only
the satellites specified above.
8. Press ACCEPT.
SAT 2= NONE?
CHANGE ACCEPT
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TracVision M3/M2 User’s Guide
Be sure to adjust the antenna’s LNB to the correct skew
angle, as reported by the interface box during startup. See
“Setting the LNB Skew Angle” on page 31 for skew
adjustment instructions.
IMPORTANT!
Be sure to set up satellites in the receiver in the same order
that you set them up in the antenna. In other words, SAT 1
(or A) in the receiver must be set to the same satellite as
SAT 1 in the antenna, and SAT 2 (or B) in the receiver must
be set to the same satellite as SAT 2 in the antenna.
IMPORTANT!
Chapter 4 - Setup
9. Repeat steps 7 and 8 for the remaining satellites you
10. Pay close attention to the display during antenna
want to install. If you don’t need to install four
satellites, select NONE instead.
Once you have selected all four satellites, or you have
selected NONE, the antenna installs the selected
satellite(s) then restarts.
CONFIGURING ANTENNA
RESTARTING ANTENNA
startup. The display will show the recommended LNB
skew angle setting for your selected satellite(s) and
position. See “System Startup” on page 13.
11. Set up your satellite TV receiver for the same satellites
that you set up in the antenna. See your receiver
owner’s manual for details.
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Setting the LNB Skew Angle
LAT/LONG: 55N, 012E
AVERAGE SKEW:-12.3
CHECK LNB SETTING
To optimize reception, the antenna’s LNB (low-noise block) must be
set to the correct skew angle for the satellite(s) you want to track.
Follow the steps below to set the antenna’s LNB skew angle.
1. First determine what the correct skew angle should be
for your selected satellite(s) and position. You can find
the correct skew angle by either reading the system
startup screens (see “System Startup” on page 13) or
running the Diagnostics test (see “Running the
Diagnostics Test” on page 42).
Check the reported latitude/longitude as well. If the
interface box reports a latitude/longitude that is more
than 600 km (400 mi) away from your vessel’s actual
position, you should re-enter your position into the
interface box to obtain a more accurate skew angle. See
“Entering Latitude/Longitude” on page 22.
TracVision M3/M2 User’s Guide
Chapter 4 - Setup
Figure 10 Latitude/Longitude Reported During System Startup
Figure 11 Skew Angle Reported During System Startup
2. Turn off and unplug your satellite TV receiver.
3. Press the POWER switch on the front of the
TracVision interface box to turn off the TracVision
system. Make sure the VOLTAGE light goes out.
CAUTION
Disconnect power from the antenna before you remove the
radome. The antenna has moving parts that can cause
injury.
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TracVision M3/M2 User’s Guide
Chapter 4 - Setup
4. Remove the three #10-32 Phillips screws securing the
5. Carefully remove the radome and set it aside in a safe
radome to the antenna.
place.
Figure 12 Removing the Radome
6. Locate the LNB on the back of the anten na reflector.
Figure 13 Location of LNB on Back of Antenna Reflector
Reflector
LNB
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TracVision M3/M2 User’s Guide
Make sure the LNB is fully inserted into the choke feed. The
shaft of the LNB must be seated properly against the feed
tube to ensure optimum performance.
IMPORTANT!
7. Loosen the two wing screws securing the LNB to the
choke feed.
Figure 14 LNB Skew Angle Adjustment
Chapter 4 - Setup
Choke Feed
65
+
–
5
15
5
15
25
35
45
55
40
50
60
70
25
10
10
0
20
20
30
35
30
45
40
55
50
65
60
70
Skew Arrow
Wing Screw
(1 of 2)
LNB
8. Adjust the LNB, clockwise or counter-clockwise, until
the skew arrow on the LNB points to the correct skew
angle on the choke feed.
9. Tighten the wing screws.
10. Reinstall the radome.
11. Write down the skew angle somewhere so that you can
easily refer to it in the future.
NOTE: If you wish to learn more about how skew works, see “Linear
Satellite Signals” on page 6.
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DIAGNOSTICS= NO
NEXT MENU CHANGE
Chapter 4 - Setup
Resetting the System to Change Setup
If you need to change the antenna’s setup to track a different satellite,
follow the steps below to reset the system. Once the system has reset to
its factory condition, you will be able to complete an initial setup as
described earlier in this chapter.
1. Press MENUS until the display shows
“DIAGNOSTICS.”
2. Press CHANGE until the display shows
“DIAGNOSTICS= YES.”
DIAGNOSTICS= YES?
CHANGE ACCEPT
3. Press ACCEPT to enter the Diagnostics menu.
ENTERING DIAGNOSTICS
SYSTEM RESET= NO
NEXT MENU CHANGE
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4. Press CHANGE until the display shows “SYSTEM
RESET= YES.”
SYSTEM RESET= YES?
CHANGE ACCEPT
5. Press ACCEPT.
RESET TO FACTORY?
ACCEPT EXIT
Chapter 4 - Setup
6. Press ACCEPT again to reset the system. Wait one
minute for system startup.
SYSTEM RESET
7. When the display shows the status screen, set up the
system for the desired satellites. See “Selecting
Satellites to Track” on page 27 for details.
ASTRA1
SYSTEM NEEDS SETUP
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5.Troubleshooting
This chapter identifies basic problems along with their possible causes
and solutions. It also explains what the status lights indicate, how to use
the diagnostic functions, and how to get technical support.
Contents
Five Simple Checks......................................................... 39
System Status Lights....................................................... 40
Running the Diagnostics Test..........................................42
Viewing System Information............................................ 46
TracVision M3/M2 User’s Guide
Chapter 5 - Troubleshooting
Changing the Satellite Switching Mode........................... 49
Calibrating the Gyros.......................................................51
If you are experiencing a problem receiving satellite TV with your
TracVision system, first check the five simple things below. If none of
these are the problem, check the status lights on the interface box and/
or perform a diagnostics test, as explained later in this chapter.
TIP: You can also try resetting the satellite TV receiver. Turn off and unplug
the receiver, wait one minute, then plug it back in and turn it back on.
Can the antenna see the satellite?
The antenna requires an unobstructed view of the sky to receive
satellite TV signals. Common causes of blockage include trees,
buildings, bridges, mountains, and equipment on the vessel itself.
TracVision M3/M2 User’s Guide
Chapter 5 - Troubleshooting
Is there excessive dirt or moisture on the antenna dome?
Dirt buildup or moisture on the dome can reduce satellite reception.
Clean the exterior of the dome periodically.
Is it raining heavily?
Heavy rain or snow can weaken satellite TV signals. Reception should
improve once the inclement weather subsides.
Is everything turned on and connected properly?
Make sure the power switch on the front of the interface box is turned
on (the VOLTAGE light on the front of the interface box should be lit
green). Also make sure your TV and receiver are both turned on and
set up for the satellite input. Finally, check the cables connecting all of
these components to ensure none have come loose.
Is the antenna’s LNB set to the correct skew angle?
To optimize reception, the antenna’s LNB needs to be set to the correct
skew angle for the satellite(s) you want to track. See “Setting the LNB
In addition to the front panel status lights, the interface box includes a
self-test function within its Diagnostics menu. Follow the steps below
to run this test.
1. Press MENUS until the display shows
“DIAGNOSTICS.”
DIAGNOSTICS= NO
NEXT MENU CHANGE
2. Press CHANGE until the display shows
“DIAGNOSTICS= YES.”
DIAGNOSTICS= YES?
CHANGE ACCEPT
3. Press ACCEPT to enter the Diagnostics menu.
ENTERING DIAGNOSTICS
SYSTEM RESET= NO
NEXT MENU CHANGE
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Chapter 5 - Troubleshooting
4. Press MENUS until the display shows “RUN TEST.”
RUN TEST= NO
NEXT MENU CHANGE
5. Press CHANGE until the display shows “RUN TEST=
YES.”
RUN TEST= YES?
CHANGE ACCEPT
6. Press ACCEPT to begin the test.
RUNNING TEST
ANTENNA: TRACKING
PRESS TO CONTINUE
7. Once the test is complete, the display shows the
antenna status. Press MENUS to scroll through the
remaining status messages.
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ANTENNA: TRACKING
PRESS TO CONTINUE
SATELLITE: HOTBIRD
PRESS TO CONTINUE
BIT ERROR: OK,928
PRESS TO CONTINUE
AGC LEVEL: OK,22500
PRESS TO CONTINUE
SAT 1: HOTBIRD
PRESS TO CONTINUE
LAT/LONG: 41N, 071W
PRESS TO CONTINUE
HOTBIRD SKEW:-12.5
PRESS TO CONTINUE
AVERAGE SKEW:-10.2
PRESS TO CONTINUE
CABLE STATE: OK
PRESS TO CONTINUE
Chapter 5 - Troubleshooting
Diagnostics Test Results
The table below lists all of the status messages.
Status MessageDescription
Antenna status: Idle, Initializing,
Searching, Tracking, or Error
Name of the currently selected
satellite
Bit error rate:
OK: Less than 2001
High: Between 2001-8000
Bad: Greater than 8000
Automatic gain control level:
OK: Between 20000-25000
Bad: Less than 20000 or greater
than 25000
List of installed satellites
Press MENUS to scroll through
the list
Last latitude and longitude data
that you entered into the system
Recommended LNB skew angle
for each installed satellite;
Press MENUS to scroll through
the list
Recommended LNB skew angle if
multiple satellites are installed
Antenna cable status:
OK, Open, or Shorted
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Status MessageDescription
SYSTEM DC: OK,12.3
PRESS TO CONTINUE
ANTENNA DC: OK,41.0
PRESS TO CONTINUE
Input voltage (DC power):
OK: 10-16 VDC
Low: 9-10 VDC
Bad: Less than 9 VDC or more
than 16 VDC
Antenna voltage (DC power):
OK: 39-42 VDC
Low: 37-39 VDC
Bad: Less than 37 VDC
You can view the TracVision system’s software versions and serial
numbers on the interface box display. Follow the steps below to
display the system information.
1. Press MENUS until the display shows
“DIAGNOSTICS.”
DIAGNOSTICS= NO
NEXT MENU CHANGE
2. Press CHANGE until the display shows
“DIAGNOSTICS= YES.”
DIAGNOSTICS= YES?
CHANGE ACCEPT
3. Press ACCEPT to enter the Diagnostics menu.
ENTERING DIAGNOSTICS
SYSTEM RESET= NO
NEXT MENU CHANGE
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SHOW SYS INFO= NO
NEXT MENU CHANGE
Chapter 5 - Troubleshooting
4. Press MENUS until the display shows “SHOW SYS
INFO.”
5. Press CHANGE until the display shows “SHOW SYS
INFO= YES.”
SHOW SYS INFO= YES?
CHANGE ACCEPT
6. Press ACCEPT to begin viewing the system
information.
KVH INDUSTRIES
PRESS TO CONTINUE
7. Press MENUS to scroll through the list.
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TracVision M3/M2 User’s Guide
TRACVISION M3
PRESS TO CONTINUE
SYS SW: 1.2
PRESS TO CONTINUE
RF SW: 1.3
PRESS TO CONTINUE
MOTOR SW: 1.4
PRESS TO CONTINUE
JBOX SW: 1.5
PRESS TO CONTINUE
ANT.SER.# 061201234
PRESS TO CONTINUE
JBOX SER.# 061205678
PRESS TO CONTINUE
Chapter 5 - Troubleshooting
System Information
The table below lists all of the system information reported by the
interface box.
Information MessageDescription
Model of TracVision antenna
(M3 or M2)
Version of antenna main software
Version of antenna RF software
Version of antenna motor
controller software
Version of interface box software
Serial number of antenna
Serial number of interface box
NOTE: The first 4 digits of the serial number indicate the year and month
(YYMM) the product was manufactured. For example, if the antenna has a
serial number of 081201234, it was built in December 2008.
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Changing the Satellite Switching Mode
During normal operation, the antenna automatically switches satellites
as you change channels using the receiver’s remote control. However,
if you want to manually select a satellite instead, the interface box
allows you to switch from automatic to manual switching (you can
also switch back to automatic switching using this same menu
function).
NOTE: This function is normally used by technicians for troubleshooting
purposes only.
Follow the steps below to change the satellite switching mode.
5. Press CHANGE until the display shows the desired
SYSTEM RESET= NO
NEXT MENU CHANGE
SWITCH.”
SAT SWITCH= AUTO
NEXT MENU CHANGE
satellite switching mode: AUTO or MANUAL.
SAT SWITCH= MANUAL?
CHANGE ACCEPT
6. Press ACCEPT.
SAT SWITCH= MANUAL
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Calibrating the Gyros
Calibrate the gyros only if directed by KVH Technical Support, and
only while the vessel is stationary. A poor gyro calibration can
reduce the performance of the antenna.
IMPORTANT!
The TracVision antenna’s gyros continuously measure the motion of
your vessel and send this data to the antenna’s motor control circuitry
to keep the antenna pointed at the satellite. At the factory, each
antenna gyro is precisely calibrated to work with the antenna’s circuit
board. Therefore, if you ever replace a gyro or circuit board in your
antenna, you will need to recalibrate the gyros for the new part.
Follow the steps below to calibrate the gyros.
4. Press MENUS until the display shows “CAL GYRO.”
5. Press CHANGE until the display shows “CAL
SYSTEM RESET= NO
NEXT MENU CHANGE
CAL GYRO= NO
CHANGE ACCEPT
GYRO= YES.”
CAL GYRO= YES
CHANGE ACCEPT
6. Press ACCEPT to start gyro calibration.
CALIBRATING GYRO
AZ: EL:
7. Verify that the azimuth (AZ) and elevation (EL) gyros
both pass. If either gyro does not pass, retry the
calibration. If it continues to fail, please seek technical
support (see “Technical Support” on page 57).
CALIBRATION COMPLETE
AZ: PASS EL: PASS
52
8. Once the gyros are calibrated, the antenna restarts.
Page 49
Changing Tracking Parameters
Change tracking parameters only if directed by KVH Technical
Support. An incorrect tracking parameter can significantly reduce
the performance of the antenna.
IMPORTANT!
On rare occasions, a satellite service provider may change the
configuration of one of its satellites. Since your TracVision antenna
identifies a satellite based on the configuration data it has stored in
memory, the antenna will no longer be able to track the satellite if its
configuration changes. For this reason, the interface box allows you to
change any satellite parameter stored in the antenna’s memory.
Follow the steps below to change a tracking parameter for an installed
satellite.
7. Press CHANGE until the display shows the satellite
you need to modify.
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TracVision M3/M2 User’s Guide
8. Press ACCEPT.
POLARIZATION= HORIZ?
CHANGE ACCEPT
9. Press CHANGE until the display shows the
polarization you need to modify: Horizontal or
Vertical.
Chapter 5 - Troubleshooting
10. Press ACCEPT.
BAND= HIGH?
CHANGE ACCEPT
11. Press C HANGE until the display shows the band you
need to modify: High or Low.
12. Press ACCEPT.
FREQUENCY= 12345?
NEXT PARAM CHANGE
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TracVision M3/M2 User’s Guide
FREQUENCY= 12345?
NEXT PARAM CHANGE
SYMBOL RATE= 12345?
NEXT PARAM CHANGE
FEC CODE= 5/6?
NEXT PARAM CHANGE
NETWORK ID= 0x1234?
NEXT PARAM CHANGE
Chapter 5 - Troubleshooting
13. Press MENUS until the display shows the parameter
you want to change. See the table below.
ParameterPossible Settings
10700-12700 MHz
10000-45000 kilosymbols
per second
1/2, 2/3, 3/4, 5/6, 6/7,
or 7/8
0x0000-0xffff
(hexadecimal)
14. When the display shows the desired parameter, press
CHANGE.
15. Using the CHANGE and ACCEPT buttons, change
the parameter to the new setting.
16. Press MENUS until the display shows “DONE?”
DONE?
NEXT PARAM ACCEPT
56
17. Press ACCEPT to save your changes, or press
MENUS to repeat steps 13-16 (to correct a mistake).
Page 53
Technical Support
The TracVision antenna is a sophisticated electronic device; only KVHauthorized technicians have the specialist tools and expertise
necessary to diagnose and repair a system fault. Therefore, if you
experience an operating problem or require technical assistance,
please call or visit your local authorized TracVision dealer or
distributor. You can find an author ized technician near y ou by visiting
our website at www.kvh.com/wheretogetservice.
If you need help finding an authorized technician, please contact KVH
Technical Support:
North/South America, Australia:
Phone: +1 401 847-3327
E-mail: techs@kvh.com
(Mon.-Fri., 9 am-6 pm ET, +5 GMT)
(Sat., 9 am-2 pm ET, +5 GMT)
Please have your antenna and interface box serial numbers handy
before you call. You can get these serial numbers from the interface
box; see “Viewing System Information” on page 46.
Please consider the following antenna care guidelines to maintain
peak performance.
•Periodically wash the exterior of the antenna dome with fresh
water and mild detergent. Avoid harsh cleansers and volatile
solvents (such as acetone) and do not spray the dome directly with
high-pressure water.
•If you wish to paint the dome, use only non-metallic automotive
paint without a primer coat. Any paint that contains metal will
block satellite signals and impair reception.
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Appendix A
Wiring Diagram
This appendix provides a basic receiver wiring diagram. For detailed
installation instructions, refer to the
This appendix explains how to program a user-defined satellite (USER A
or USER B) in the antenna, if necessary. The TracVision antenna includes
a library of common satellites that you can choose from without any
programming required. You can find a list of these satellites in
“Selecting Satellites to Track” on page 27. If the satellite you wish to
track is not included in this list, then follow the instructions in this
appendix.
Contents
Connecting a Laptop to the Antenna............................... 69
Programming Your User-Defined Satellites.....................71
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Appendix C - Programming User-Defined Satellites
Connecting a Laptop to the Antenna
TracVision M3/M2 User’s Guide
To program your user-defined satellite(s), you first need to co nnect a
Windows
Windows HyperTerminal.
TIP: If you are a KVH-authorized technician, you can use the KVH Flash
Update Wizard instead of HyperTerminal. Enter commands in the wizard’s
“Antenna Comms” window. You do not need to flash the antenna to enter
commands.
®
laptop computer to the TracVision system and start
1. Turn off the TracVision antenna.
2. Using a PC serial data cable, connect your laptop to the
DB9 Maintenance port on the back of the interface box.
NOTE: If your computer does not have a DB9 serial COM port, you
can use the USB-to-RS232 adapter manufactured by IOGear
(IOGear part number GUC232A). As an alternative, you can also
use the adapter manufactured by Belkin (Belkin part number F5U109
or F5U409).
Figure C-1 Interface Box Maintenance Port
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TracVision M3/M2 User’s Guide
Appendix C - Programming User-Defined Satellites
3. Open Windows HyperTerminal and establish the
following settings for your COM port:
•Bits per second: 9600
•Data bits: 8
•Parity: None
•Stop bits: 1
•Flow control: None
Figure C-2 HyperTerminal Settings
TIP: To view characters on the screen as you type, set up HyperTerminal to
echo typed characters. Select “Properties” from the File menu; select “ASCII
Setup” at the Settings tab; then select “Echo typed characters locally” at the
ASCII Setup window.
4. Turn on the TracVision antenna. Data should soon be
scrolling in your HyperTerminal window. If no data
appears, check your connections and make sure you’re
using the correct COM port.
5. Follow the steps in the next section to program th e
antenna via the HyperTerminal window.
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Appendix C - Programming User-Defined Satellites
Programming Your User-Defined Satellites
To configure a user-defined satellite, you will need to program into the
antenna the following information about the satellite:
•Satellite name
•Satellite longitudinal position
•Transponder information for all four combinations of
polarization and band (vertical high, vertical low,
horizontal high, and horizontal low):
•Frequency
•Symbol rate
•FEC code
•Network ID
•Decoder type
NOTE: You can find this information on the web at www.lyngsat.com or
www.satcodx.com (neither website is affiliated with KVH).
To program this information into the antenna, enter the following
commands via Windows HyperTerminal (see “Connecting a Laptop to
the Antenna” on page 69).
1. Type HALT then press Enter.
2. Type the following SATCONFIG command then press
Enter:
SATCONFIG,X,A,B,C,D
FieldDescription
XUser-defined satellite stored in antenna library
(996W = User A; 997W = User B)
ALongitude (0-180)
BE (East) or W (West)
CDecoding type (1 = DSS-A, 2 = DSS-B, 3 = DVB)
DPolarization (L = linear)
3. Type @DEBUGON then press Enter.
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Appendix C - Programming User-Defined Satellites
4. Type the following @SATCONFIG command then
press Enter:
@SATCONFIG,X,E,F,G,H,I,J,K
FieldDescription
XUser-defined satellite stored in antenna library
(996W = User A; 997W = User B)
EFrequency, MHz (00000 or 10700-12700)
FSymbol rate, kilosymbols per second (10000-45000)
GFEC code (12, 23, 34, 56, 67, or 78)
HNetwork ID, hexadecimal (0x####)
IPolarization (V = vertical; H = horizontal)
JLNB down conversion frequency
(L = low; H = high; G = Latin America; S = Sinosat)
KDecoding type (1 = DSS-A; 2 = DSS-B; 3 = DVB)
5. Repeat Step 4 for each polarization/band:
•Vertical High
•Vertical Low
•Horizontal High
•Horizontal Low
If your selected satellite does not have information for
one or more of these transponder categories, you can
enter the following default values instead:
Transponder DataDefault Value
Frequency00000
Symbol rate27500
FEC codeSame value as other transponders
with valid data
Network ID0x0000
72
6. Type @DEBUGOFF then press Enter.
7. Type ZAP then press Enter. The antenna restarts. Wait
one minute for system startup.
8. Follow the steps in “Selecting Satellites to Track” on
page 27 to select your new USER A or USER B satellite.
Page 64
Example
TracVision M3/M2 User’s Guide
Appendix C - Programming User-Defined Satellites
The following is an example of programming the fictional “YOURSAT
101” as the USER A user-defined satellite.
YOURSAT 101 at 7ºW, DVB decoder, linear polarization