KVH Industries TracVision C3 User Manual

Satellite Television

KVHTracVision

®

C3

owner’s manual

• Installation Instructions

• User’s Guide

• Technical Manual

A Guide to TracVision C3

54-0159 Addendum to Rev. G

TracVision C3 Owner’s
Manual Addendum

(ECO #s 6138, 6356, 6580, 6643, 7132, 7564)

The following information applies to Revision G of the
TracVision C3 Owner’s Manual (KVH Part Number 54-0159).

1.3 Materials Provided with
TracVision C3

The data/power cable supplied with the system is 28 ft (8.5 m) in
length. The RF cable supplied with the system is 50 ft (15 m) in length.
Table 1-3 has been updated to show the correct cable lengths.

Component KVH Part No.

Antenna Unit (comprising): 01-0225-20

†

01-0225-23

††

01-0225-26

†††

01-0225-29

††††

Baseplate Assembly 02-1245-01*

02-1245-03**

Radome Assembly 02-0953-04

RF Cable (50 ft/15 m) 32-0417-50

Data/Power Cable (28 ft/8.5 m) 32-0730-28

PC Cable (6 ft/1.8 m) 32-0628-06

Mounting Plate 20-0684

Kitpack*** 72-0102

Owner’s Manual 54-0159

IRD Ground Wire 32-0583-50

Switchplate 02-1023-01

TV/SAT Switch

(optional)

01-0245

†

European TracVision C3 system

††

North American TracVision C3 system (defaulted to DIRECTV)

†††

North American TracVision C3 system (defaulted to DISH Network)

††††

North American TracVision C3 system (defaulted to ExpressVu)
* Baseplate assembly with single-output LNB
** Baseplate assembly with dual-output LNB
*** A complete listing of kitpack contents is provided in Table 2-2.

1

Table 1-3

TracVision C3 Packing List

Cables for the TracVision C3 are
stored beneath the antenna unit
during shipping.

5.3 Replaceable Parts

Table 5-1 has been updated to show the new part numbers for the
data/power cable, RF cable, RF PCB, and European LNB.

Part Name Part Number

Baseplate Assembly 02-1245-01*

02-1245-03**

Radome Assembly 02-0953-04

Data/Power Cable 32-0730-28

RF Cable 32-0417-50

PC Cable 32-0628-06

CPU PCB 02-1043-02

RF PCB 02-1524

Antenna Gyro 02-1035

Antenna Gyro Gasket 24-0139

System Fuses 16-0017-3150

LNB (European system) 19-0346

LNB (N. American system) 19-0056

Switchplate 02-1023-01

TV/SAT Switch

(optional)

01-0245

* Baseplate assembly with single-output LNB
** Baseplate assembly with dual-output LNB

2

54-0159 Addendum to Rev. G

Table 5-1

Field Replaceable Units

1

54-0159 Addendum to Rev. G

TracVision C3 Owner’s
Manual Addendum

(ECO #7173)

The following information applies to Revision G of the
TracVision C3 Owner’s Manual (KVH Part Number 54-0159).

Your TracVision C3 system has the capability to automatically switch
between the Echo 119 and Echo 110 satellites in DISH 500 mode.

DISH 500 Mode

When a compatible DISH Network™receiver* is connected to the
TracVision antenna’s RF1 connector, and the antenna is
configured for DISH 500 mode, you can switch between the
Echo 119 and Echo 110 satellites using the receiver’s remote
control.

* All new DISH Network receiver models should be compatible with the
TracVision antenna’s DISH 500 mode. The following models have been
proven compatible by KVH: DishPro 301, 311, and 811.

Configuring the Antenna for DISH 500 Mode

To configure the TracVision antenna for DISH 500 mode, you will
need to run the receiver’s Check Switch function twice. You do
not need a laptop computer.

To configure the TracVision antenna for DISH 500 mode, follow
the steps below.

1. Stop your vessel in a blockage-free area and do not
move the vessel until you have completed the
entire configuration process.

2. Turn on the master receiver (the receiver that is
connected to the antenna’s RF1 connector) and the
television.

3. Turn on the TracVision antenna using the
switchplate’s power switch.

4. Wait one minute for the antenna to initialize.

NETWORK

5. Using the receiver’s remote control, go to the

2

54-0159 Addendum to Rev. G

“Point Dish/Signal Strength” screen (press Menu,
6, 1, 1 (on most models)).

6. Using the remote control’s arrow buttons,
highlight “Check Switch” and press the Select
button.

7. Highlight “Test” and press Select.

8. Wait a minimum of 15 minutes for the Check

Switch function to complete and for the antenna to
restart and configure itself for DISH 500 mode.

If the Check Switch function fails (the receiver locks
up), disconnect power from the receiver, restart the
antenna, then restore power to the receiver and try the
Check Switch function again.

9. Run the Check Switch function a second time. This
allows the receiver to configure itself for automatic
satellite switching.

10. Wait until the Check Switch function is complete
(it will take a couple minutes).

11. Ensure that the following is displayed on the TV:

Installed Switch: SW42

Input: 1 1 2 2

Satellite: 119 119 110 110

Polarity: Odd Even Odd Even

Status: Satellite reception verified

This indicates that the receiver is configured
properly. If this information is not displayed
exactly as shown above, try running the Check
Switch function again.

12. Exit the menu and allow the receiver to download
the program guide.

13. Once the program guide has loaded, you can start
enjoying satellite TV. The antenna will switch
between satellites automatically as you change
channels using the receiver’s remote control.

54-0159 Addendum to Rev. G

TracVision C3 Owner’s
Manual Addendum

(ECO #s 6138, 6356, 6580, 6643, 7132)

The following information applies to Revision G of the
TracVision C3 Owner’s Manual (KVH Part Number 54-0159).

1.3 Materials Provided with
TracVision C3

The data/power cable supplied with the system is 28 ft (8.5 m) in
length. The RF cable supplied with the system is 50 ft (15 m) in length.
Table 1-3 has been updated to show the correct cable lengths.

Component KVH Part No.

Antenna Unit (comprising): 01-0225-20

†

01-0225-23

††

01-0225-26

†††

01-0225-29

††††

Baseplate Assembly 02-1245-01*

02-1245-03**

Radome Assembly 02-0953-04

RF Cable (50 ft/15 m) 32-0417-50

Data/Power Cable (28 ft/8.5 m) 32-0730-28

PC Cable (6 ft/1.8 m) 32-0628-06

Mounting Plate 20-0684

Kitpack*** 72-0102

Owner’s Manual 54-0159

IRD Ground Wire 32-0583-50

Switchplate 02-1023-01

TV/SAT Switch

(optional)

01-0245

†

European TracVision C3 system

††

North American TracVision C3 system (defaulted to DIRECTV)

†††

North American TracVision C3 system (defaulted to DISH Network)

††††

North American TracVision C3 system (defaulted to ExpressVu)
* Baseplate assembly with single-output LNB
** Baseplate assembly with dual-output LNB
*** A complete listing of kitpack contents is provided in Table 2-2.

1

Table 1-3

TracVision C3 Packing List

Cables for the TracVision C3 are
stored beneath the antenna unit
during shipping.

5.3 Replaceable Parts

Table 5-1 has been updated to show the new part numbers for the
data/power cable, RF cable, RF PCB, and European LNB.

Part Name Part Number

Baseplate Assembly 02-1245-01*

02-1245-03**

Radome Assembly 02-0953-04

Data/Power Cable 32-0730-28

RF Cable 32-0417-50

PC Cable 32-0628-06

CPU PCB 02-1043-02

RF PCB 02-1342

Antenna Gyro 02-1035

Antenna Gyro Gasket 24-0139

System Fuses 16-0017-3150

LNB (European system) 19-0346

LNB (N. American system) 19-0056

Switchplate 02-1023-01

TV/SAT Switch

(optional)

01-0245

* Baseplate assembly with single-output LNB
** Baseplate assembly with dual-output LNB

2

54-0159 Addendum to Rev. G

Table 5-1

Field Replaceable Units

54-0159 Addendum to Rev. G

TracVision C3 Owner’s
Manual Addendum

(ECO #6138)

The following information applies to Revision G of the
TracVision C3 Owner’s Manual (KVH Part Number 54-0159).

Table 5-1 has been updated to show the new part number for the RF
PCB.

5.3 Replaceable Parts

Par t N a me Part Number

Baseplate Assembly 02-1245-01*

02-1245-03**

Radome Assembly 02-0953-04

†

Data/Power Cable 32-0730-45
RF Cable 32-0417-45
PC Cable 32-0628-06
CPU PCB 02-1043-02

RF PCB 02-1237

Antenna Gyro 02-1035
Antenna Gyro Gasket 24-0139
System Fuses 16-0017-3150
LNB (European system) 19-0196
LNB (N. American system) 19-0056
Switchplate 02-1023-01
TV/SAT Switch (optional) 01-0245

* Baseplate assembly with single-output LNB
** Baseplate assembly with dual-output LNB

†

Specify color when ordering

1

Table 5-1

Field Replaceable Units

Congratulations!

You have selected one of the most advanced satellite tracking
systems available today. KVH

®

Industries’ TracVision®C3 is
designed for use with European and North American DVB­compatible satellite services as well as DIRECTV

®

. This manual
provides detailed instructions on the proper installation, use, and
maintenance of your TracVision C3 system.

Throughout this manual, important information is marked for
your attention by these icons:

Direct questions, comments, or suggestions to:

KVH Industries, Inc. KVH Europe A/S

50 Enterprise Center Ved Klaedebo 12
Middletown, RI 02842 USA 2970 Hoersholm Denmark
Tel: [phone] Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone] Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail] E-mail: [e-mail]
Internet: www.kvh.com Internet: www.kvh.com

If you have any comments regarding this manual, please e-mail
them to [e-mail]. Your input is greatly appreciated!

TracVision C3 Serial Number

This serial number will be required
for all troubleshooting or service
calls made regarding this product.

KVH Part # 54-0159 Rev. G

© 2003, KVH Industries, Inc.

Click here to go to our 
state-of-the-art 
Customer Support web 
page...the fastest and 
easiest way to get all of 
your questions 
answered!

A helpful tip that either directs you to
a related area within the manual or
offers suggestions on getting the
highest quality out of your system.

An alert to important information
regarding procedures, product
specifications, or product use.

Information about installation,
maintenance, troubleshooting, or
other mechanical issues.

An electrical safety warning to help
identify electrical issues that can be a
hazard to either this KVH product or
a user.

TracVision®, KVH®, and TracNet™ are trademarks of

KVH Industries, Inc.

DIRECTV

®

is an official trademark of DIRECTV, Inc.,

a unit of GM Hughes Electronics.

DISH Network

™

is an official trademark of

EchoStar Communications Corporation.

ExpressVu is a property of Bell ExpressVu, a wholly owned

subsidiary of Bell Satellite Services.

DirecPC®is a registered trademark of

Hughes Network Systems, a unit of GM Hughes Electronics.

Table of Contents

1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-1

1.1 Digital Satellite Television . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-1

1.2 TracVision C3 System Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2

1.2.1 TracVision C3 Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3

1.2.2 Integrated Receiver Decoder (IRD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4

1.3 Materials Provided with TracVision C3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4

1.3.1 Additional Materials Required for TracVision C3 Use . . . . . .1-5

2 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1

2.1 Choosing the Best Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2

2.2 Mounting the Antenna Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4

2.3 Connecting System Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-9

2.3.1 Connecting the Antenna Data/Power Cable . . . . . . . . . . . .2-10

2.3.2 Connecting to Vessel Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-11

2.3.3 Connecting the IRD Ground Wire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-12

2.3.4 Installing the Switchplate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-12

2.3.5 Connecting the Antenna RF Signal Cable to the IRD . . . .2-13

2.3.5.1 Installing Two IRDs and TVs (North Amer ican

Systems Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-13

2.3.5.2 Connecting Three or More IRDs and TVs

(North American Systems Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-14

2.4 Activating the IRD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-15

2.5 Selecting the Active Satellite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-16

2.5.1 Installing Your Selected Satellites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-17

2.5.2 Programming User-defined Satellites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-19

2.6 Setting the Skew Angle (European Systems Only) . . . . . . . . .2-24

2.7 Checking Out the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-24

2.8 Changing Geographic Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-36

3 Using Your TracVision C3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1

i

54-0159 Rev. G

ii

3.1 Turning on the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1

3.2 Changing Channels and Switching Between Satellites . . . . . . .3-2

3.2.1 Using the IRD Remote Control to Switch

Between Satellites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-2

3.2.2 Using the TV/SAT Switch to Switch

Between Satellites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3

3.2.3 Using a PC to Switch Between Satellites . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4

3.3 Watching Television . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-5

3.4 Internet Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-6

4Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1

4.1 Causes and Remedies for Common Operational Issues . . . . . .4-1

4.1.1 Blown Fuse or Improper Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-2

4.1.2 Vessel Turning During Star tup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-2

4.1.3 Incorrect Satellite Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-2

4.1.4 Satellite Signal Blocked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3

4.1.5 Dew or Rain Pooling on Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3

4.1.6 Satellite Coverage Issue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3

4.1.7 Radar Interference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3

4.1.8 Incorrect or Loose RF Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-4

4.1.9 Type of Multiswitch Used (North

American Systems Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-4

4.2 IRD Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-4

4.3 Antenna Gyro and LNB Faults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-5

4.4 Computer Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-5

4.5 Maintenance Port Parser Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-6

5 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-1

5.1 Warranty/Service Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-1

5.2 Preventive Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-1

5.3 Replaceable Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-2

5.4 Field Replaceable Unit Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-3

5.4.1 PCB Removal and Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-5

5.4.2 RF Detector/DVB Decoder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-6

5.4.3 Antenna Gyro Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-7

5.4.4 Antenna LNB Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-8

5.5 Preparation for Shipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-9

Appendix A System Specifications
Appendix B Comprehensive TracVision C3 System Wiring Diagram
Appendix C Switchplate Template
Appendix D Startup Data Sequence
Appendix E Maintenance Port Parser Commands

iii

54-0159 Rev. G

1 Introduction

1.1 Digital Satellite Television

Your new TracVision C3 satellite antenna is fully compatible with
the Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) satellites, which use the
international standard for digital TV transmission, as well as
Digital Satellite Service (DSS) services, such as DIRECTV. As a
result, you will be able to receive and decode signals from your
chosen satellite services with the proper programming and
hardware (e.g., the IRD [satellite TV receiver]). Your
TracVision C3 is also fully compatible with KVH’s TracNet

™

2.0
Mobile High-speed Internet System (for more information, please
visit our web site at www.kvh.com).

Your TracVision C3 comes with a pre-programmed “satellite
library” of European and North American satellite services.
When configuring the TracVision C3 you may choose a pair of
satellites from the entire library to be active in the system and
with your IRD. For the antenna to track and receive signals from
two satellites, they must be within 10º longitude of each other in
orbit. As a result, certain satellites can be paired only with certain
other satellites. Tables 1-1 and 1-2 list the possible satellite pairs
that may be selected in Europe and North America. If the satellite

service you wish to receive is not already in the “satellite library,” you
may also add two additional satellites of your choice to the library.

1-1

Introduction

54-0159 Rev. G

Table 1-1

Available European Satellite Pairs
(European LNB required)

TracVision C3’s default satellite
pairs are:

Europe: Astra 1 & Hotbird
N. America (US DIRECTV):

DSS_101 & DSS_119

or

N. America (US DISH Network):

Echo_119 & None

or

N. America (ExpressVu):

Expressvu & None

Refer to Section 2.5, “Selecting the

Active Satellite,” for instructions on

selecting different satellites.

Astra 1 Astra 2N Astra 2S Hispasat Hotbird Sirius Thor

Astra 1 ✓✓ ✓✓
Astra 2N ✓✓
Astra 2S ✓✓
Hispasat
Hotbird ✓✓✓ ✓
Sirius ✓✓✓
Thor ✓

1.2 TracVision C3 System Over view

Your KVH TracVision C3 employs a state-of-the-art actively
stabilized antenna system. Once the satellite is acquired, the
antenna gyro continuously measures your vessel’s motion and
position, and transmits commands to the antenna motors to keep
the antenna pointed at the satellite at all times. A complete
satellite TV system includes the TracVision C3 connected to an
IRD and a television set. The optional TV/SAT Switch allows you
to select a satellite at the press of a button. Adesktop or laptop
computer is used to configure the system for satellite selection
and conduct diagnostics. The complete system is illustrated in
Figure 1-1.

System specifications and a wiring diagram are provided in
Appendices A and B, respectively.

1-2

A Guide to TracVision C3

Table 1-2

Available N. American Satellite

Pairs (U.S.-style LNB required)

Figure 1-1

TracVision C3 System

Configuration

If you are a DISH 500 customer,
you can order the optional TV/SAT
Switch – free of charge. Simply fill
out the order form located at the
back of this manual and fax it to
KVH at [phone].

DSS_101 DSS_119 Echo_61 Echo_110 Echo_119 Echo_148 Expressvu
DSS_101 ✓
DSS_119 ✓
Echo_61 ✓✓ ✓
Echo_110 ✓ ✓✓✓
Echo_119 ✓✓ ✓✓
Echo_148 ✓✓ ✓
Expressvu ✓✓✓✓

Second TV

and receiver

option only

available with

U.S.-style,

dual output

LNB.

TracVision Antenna

Radome

Baseplate

Data/Power

RF2

Satellite Receiver 2TV 2 Laptop PC

RF1

Satellite Receiver 1

Options Purchased Separately

11-16 Volts DC

2.5-3.5 Amps

Vessel
PowerSwitchplate

PC Maintenance

TV 1

TV/SAT Switch

(optional)

E

r

r

o

r

S

a

t

A

S

a

t

B

S

e

l

e

c

t

Ch

an

gin

g Sa

tellites:

1.Pus
h S

elec

t b

utton

2.W

ait w

hile Sat A

or
B

blinks green

3.Read
y w

hen Sat A

or Sat B

stays

solid green

Other In

dicators:

•B

oth blin

king

green

: ini

tializing

•E

rror light

blink

ing red:

system

p

roblem

1.2.1 TracVision C3 Components

The antenna unit includes the antenna positioning mechanism,
signal front end, power supply, and control elements. These
elements include antenna drive controls and mechanisms, the
cable wrap subassembly, antenna gyro sensor, power
conditioning and regulating circuits, and the RF detector. The
antenna is a parabolic dish mounting a low noise block (LNB)
converter with built-in preamplifier. The European configuration
includes a single-output LNB while the North American system
uses a dual-output LNB. A molded ABS radome encloses the
fiberglass baseplate and is secured in place with standard
fasteners. Connectors on the back of the baseplate join the power,
signal, and control cabling from below-decks units.

1-3

Introduction

54-0159 Rev. G

The dual-output LNB in the North
American systems allows two
IRD/TV pairs to be connected
directly to the antenna.Three or
more pairs can be connected to the
system if an active multiswitch is
used. Section 2.3.5, “Connecting

the Antenna RF Signal Cable to the
IRD,” provides installation directions

for each of these options.

Figure 1-2

Primary Components of the
TracVision C3

Always lift the antenna unit by the
gray baseplate and not the radome,
antenna reflector, or internal
mechanical assemblies.

NEVER pick up the unit by the

LNB or the gyro!

Gyro

Main PCB

Radome

Antenna
Reflector

LNB Bracket
RF PCB

Antenna Unit

Mounting Plate

North American LNB European LNB

1.2.2 Integrated Receiver Decoder (IRD)

The IRD (purchased separately) receives satellite signals from the
antenna unit for signal processing and channel selection, and
sends the signals to the TV set for viewing. The IRD also
provides the interface for the user to activate authorization for
reception. Please refer to the User’s Manual provided with your
selected IRD for complete operating instructions.

1.3 Materials Provided with
TracVision C3

Table 1-3 lists the units, cables, and materials packed in the
TracVision C3 package by name and KVH part number.

Component KVH Part No.

Antenna Unit (comprising): 01-0225-20

†

01-0225-23

††

01-0225-26

†††

01-0225-29

††††

Baseplate Assembly 02-1245-01*

02-1245-03**

Radome Assembly 02-953-04
RF Cable (45 ft/14 m) 32-0417-45
Data/Power Cable (45 ft/14 m) 32-0730-45
PC Cable (6 ft/1.8 m) 32-0628-06
Mounting Plate 20-0684
Kitpack*** 72-0102
Owner’s Manual 54-0159
IRD Ground Wire 32-0583-50
Switchplate 02-1023-01
TV/SAT Switch (optional) 01-0245

†

European TracVision C3 system

††

North American TracVision C3 system (defaulted to DIRECTV)

†††

North American TracVision C3 system (defaulted to DISH Network)

††††

North American TracVision C3 system (defaulted to ExpressVu)
* Baseplate assembly with single-output LNB
** Baseplate assembly with dual-output LNB
*** A complete listing of kitpack contents is provided in Table 2-2.

1-4

A Guide to TracVision C3

Table 1-3

TracVision C3 Packing List

Cables for the TracVision C3 are
stored beneath the antenna unit
during shipping.

Before you can start watching
satellite TV using your TracVision
antenna, you will need to activate
your IRD. Refer to Section 2.4,

“Activating the IRD,” for more

details.

1.3.1 Additional Materials Required for
TracVision C3 Use

To make full use of your new TracVision C3 and receive satellite
TV aboard your vessel, you will need to provide/purchase the
following:

• Television

• Appropriate IRD for your selected satellite

TV service

1-5

Introduction

54-0159 Rev. G

In North America, you can
purchase and activate an IRD
directly from KVH. Call KVH at
1-888-584-4163 for details.

2-1

Installation

54-0159 Rev. G

2 Installation

TracVision C3 is designed for simple installation and setup. Just
follow these easy steps:

Step Refer to Section...

1. Choose the hardware locations 2.1

2. Mount the antenna unit 2.2

3. Connect system components 2.3

4. Activate the IRD 2.4

5. Select the active satellite 2.5

6. Set the skew angle (Europe only) 2.6

7. Check out the system 2.7

Installation Tools and Materials Required

• Electric drill

•

3

⁄

8" (9.5 mm),

3

⁄

16" (5 mm),

5

⁄

32" (4 mm), and

3

⁄

32" (2.5 mm) drill bits and

3

⁄

4" (19 mm) hole saw

and auger bit

•

1

⁄2" wrench

• #2 Phillips and #0 flat tip screwdrivers

• RG-6 or RG-11 (75 ohms) RF cable (if installing
two RF cables - refer to Section 2.3.5 for details)

• Silicone sealant, RTV, or Sikaflex

•

7

⁄16" open end wrench

• PC with terminal emulation software such as

PROCOMM or Windows Terminal or
Hyperterminal

Plan the entire installation before
proceeding! Take into account
component placement, cable
running distances between units,
and accessibility to the equipment
after installation.

Table 2-1

Installation Process

2-2

A Guide to TracVision C3

Kitpack Contents

Table 2-2 lists the materials provided in the kitpack.

Part Qty. KVH Part No.

Tie-wraps 5 22-0013

1

⁄4"-20 x 3" hex head cap screws 6 14-0250-48

1

⁄4"-20 x 5⁄8" hex screws 4 14-0250-0010

1

⁄4" flat washers 10 14-0251

Switchplate bulb assembly (spare) 1 19-0193

2.1 Choosing the Best Location

• Since the TracVision antenna requires a clear view

of the southern sky to receive satellite signals, the
ideal antenna site has an unobstructed view of the
horizon/satellite all around.

• Keep the antenna clear of any obstructions above
decks. The antenna requires a 15º to 75º look angle
to receive satellite signals.

• The closer the antenna reference is aligned with

the vessel’s centerline, the smaller the pool of
tracking errors will be.

• Place the antenna unit as close as possible to the

intersection of the vessel’s fore-and-aft centerline
and midships.

Figure 2-1

Antenna Blockage

Table 2-2

Kitpack Contents

Blocked!

TracVision Antenna

Mast

Vessel Platform

2-3

Installation

54-0159 Rev. G

• The antenna unit should not be too high off the

water (a height above the waterline no more than
half the vessel length).

• Make sure that the mounting surface is rigid so

that it cannot flex when the vessel vibrates. If
necessary, add a strength member to the mounting
site to stiffen it.

Radar Concerns

The TracVision antenna must be kept out of line with nearby
radars, as their energy levels may overload the antenna’s front­end circuits. In an ideal installation, the antenna is mounted four
feet above and four feet away from the radar (measured from the
center of the antenna dome to the center of the radar).

The best placement for the TracVision antenna is above the radar.
However, if there will be a significant horizontal separation
between the radar and TV dome (i.e., at least 8 to 10 feet), the
TracVision antenna can be placed below the radar as there will be
little chance of signal blockage.

2-4

A Guide to TracVision C3

2.2 Mounting the Antenna Unit

The following instructions will result in a secure, effective
installation and trouble-free operation of your TracVision C3.

Antenna Mounting Procedure

1. Make sure that you have chosen a suitable
mounting location based upon the guidelines in

Section 2.1, “Choosing the Best Location.”

2. Remove the antenna unit from its shipping carton.

3. Remove and save the 8 pan head screws and flat
washers that secure the radome to the baseplate.
Carefully lift the radome straight up until clear of
the antenna assembly and set aside.

4. Position the antenna unit in the desired location
on the centerline of the vessel with the baseplate
and mounting plate arrows facing in the same
direction (either forward or aft). The mounting
plate dimensions and ideal orientation of the
system are illustrated in Figures 2-2 and 2-3,
respectively.

Figure 2-2

Mounting Plate Dimensions

Figure 2-3

Proper Orientation of

the Antenna Unit

The antenna’s baseplate
connectors may face either forward
or backward along the centerline of
the vessel for more convenient
installation.

Always lift the antenna unit by the
gray baseplate, never by the
radome or any portion of the
antenna assembly!

Vessel

Centerline

2-5

Installation

54-0159 Rev. G

5. While the antenna unit is in place, mark a location
on the deck for the

3

⁄4" (19 mm) cable access hole to
permit convenient cable access to the antenna’s
baseplate connectors.

6. Cut the tie-wraps holding the antenna unit to the
forward shipping restraint (see Figure 2-4).

7. Remove the nuts and washers that secure the
antenna baseplate and shipping restraints to the
mounting plate. The positions of all the shipping
restraints are pictured in Figure 2-5.

8. Remove the antenna unit from the mounting
plate.

9. Reposition the mounting plate in the desired
location on the centerline of the vessel.

10. Using the mounting plate as a template, lay out
the locations of the six mounting holes (also
pictured in Figure 2-2). Drill the six

3

⁄8" (9.5 mm)
holes in the mounting surface and apply a bead of
silicone sealant around each hole.

Figure 2-4

Forward Shipping Restraint
(Arranged for Shipping)

Do not discard the shipping
restraints.They should be stowed
for future use in case the antenna
unit needs to be removed and
shipped to another location.

Figure 2-5

TracVision C3 Shipping Restraints
(Top View, Installed for Shipping)

2 tie-wraps used
to secure LNB arm

Shipping Restraint

Shipping Restraint
Nuts and Washers

Rotating Plate

Shipping Restraint

Forward Shipping
Restraint for
LNB Bracket

Rotating Plate

Shipping Restraint

2-6

A Guide to TracVision C3

11.Reposition the mounting plate over the drilled
mounting holes, lining up the the mounting plate
holes with the holes in the mounting surface.
Apply a bead of silicone sealant around each of
the six mounting holes on the top surface of the
mounting plate.

12. Place the antenna unit on top of the mounting
plate, making sure all holes are aligned.

13. (Optional) For convenient storage, the shipping
restraints may be rotated 180º and secured to the
mounting bolts (see Figures 2-6 through 2-8).

Figure 2-8

TracVision C3 Shipping Restraints

(Storage Position)

Figure 2-6

Forward Shipping

Restraint Storage

Figure 2-7

Rotating Plate Shipping

Restraint Storage

LNB

Forward Shipping Restraint

Installation Bolts and Washers

Rotating Plate Shipping Restraint (1 of 2)

Installation Bolt and Washer

Rotating Plate

Shipping Restraint

Forward
Shipping Restraint

Rotating Plate

Shipping Restraint

2-7

Installation

54-0159 Rev. G

14. At each hole, place a 1⁄4" flat washer on a

1

⁄4"-20 x 3" bolt (from the kitpack) and insert it into

the mounting hole from above (see Figure 2-9).

15. Apply a flat washer, lock washer, and nut
(removed in Step 7) to each mounting bolt from
below decks and tighten securely.

16. When the antenna unit is installed with the
baseplate connectors facing the stern of the vessel,
the drain holes are located as shown in
Figure 2-10.

Figure 2-10

Baseplate Connectors Facing Rear
of Vessel – Factory-drilled
Drain Hole Locations

Figure 2-9

Securing TracVision C3
to the Deck

Bolt

TracVision

Flat Washer

Silicone

Mounting Plate

Silicone

Deck

Flat Washer

Lock Washer

Hex Nut

Baseplate

Factory-drilled

Drain Hole Positions

Bow