KVH Industries TracVision G4 User Manual

Satellite Television

KVHTracVision

®

G4

technical

manual

•

Installation

•

Configuration

•

Maintenance

A Guide to TracVision G4

TVG4_TM_cover_540147_Rev.J

12 1110987612543 13 14 232221201918 24171615 25 26 353433323130 36292827

48 47 383940414243 3744454660 59 505152535455 49565758

Green/White

White/Green

Blue/White

White/Blue

Brown/White

White/Brown

Gray/White

White/Orange

Orange/White

White/Gray

Data Cable

Black

Red

TracVision

Power

Ground

+12 VDC

Ship’s

Power

(11-16 VDC)

Not

Used

Not Used

Green/White

White/Green

White/Blue

Blue/White

White/Orange

Orange/White

GyroTrac Sensor

Module Cable

Wiring Color Code Definitions

First Color: Wire
Second Color: Tracer
Example: Red/Orange = Red Wire with Orange Tracer

TracVision G4 will suffer serious

damage if connected to power in

excess of 16 VDC. Complete details
regarding connecting TracVision G4

to ship's power have been provided in

"Connecting

the ADCU to Vessel Power" on page 37.

Gyro Power

Ground

Gyro RXD+

Gyro RXD-

Gyro TXD-

Gyro TXD+

Not Used

IRD Ground Wire
(to IRD)

TracVision G4 can either receive power

through the ADCU (as illustrated in

the diagram) or directly from ship’s
power if that is more convenient.

Refer to

"Alternate Method of Providing Power to

the Antenna" on page 32

for details.

TracVision®G4 Wiring Quick Reference Guide

GyroTrac Mode Menus

Setup display type?

Enter Next Return

Setup data outputs?

Yes Next Return

Setup configuration?

Yes Next Return

Get Antenna status?

Enter Next Return

control antenna?

Enter Next Return

Select Mag/True

Select Serial Port 1, 2, or 3

Set NMEA Outputs

Select Mag/True

Control Compass?

Enter Next Return

Autocalibration On or Off

Calibration Accuracy, Magnetic
Environment, and Calibration #

Compass Calibration Reset

Set AutoCal On/Off?

Yes Next Return

Read Cal score?

Yes Next Return

Clear Compass Cal?

Yes Next Return

The Control Compass Menus are only
available if the selected heading
reference source is INTERNAL.

Magnetic Heading

###.#°

Mag/HDG True/HDG

###.#° ###.#°

Pitch Roll Yaw

#.#° #.#° #.#°

Mag/Hdg Rate/Sec

#.#° #.#°

Tracking <Sat Name>

###.#° ##.#° ####

ANTENNA Initializing

No Antenna Information

Lat: ##
Long: ##

compass?

Yes Next Return

Pitch, Roll & Yaw?

Yes Next Return

Rate of Turn?

Yes Next Return

Latitude Longitude?

Yes Next Return

Antenna display?

Yes Next Return

Set Reference Voltage

Set Swing Voltage

Set Speed

Select Output Type

Set Data Rate

Set sine-cos levels?

Yes Next Return

Set serial outputs?

Yes Next Return

Set Furuno outputs?

Yes Next Return

Select Internal or External
Heading Reference Source

TV Antenna Communication
On or Off

Set Heading int/ext?

Yes Next Return

Set Gyro Offsets?

Yes Next Return

Default Display box?

Yes Next Return

Set TV com on/off?

Yes Next Return

Display Default

Set Offset Roll

Set Offset Yaw

Set Offset Pitch

Errors Detected

Antenna Type and Version

Antenna Serial Number

Threshold and
Signal Levels

LNB Skew Angle

Get System Errors?

Yes Next Return

Get Thres/sig level?

Yes Next Return

Get version?

Yes Next Return

Get serial number?

Yes Next Return

Get skew angle?

Yes Next Return

Bit Error Rate

Get bit error rate?

Yes Next Return

* ARE YOU SURE? *

Yes No

** WARNING **

Data will be HALTED

Alert Screens

Certain operations temporarily halt data
output. In this event, the ADCU will display a
set of alert screens. Select “Yes” to proceed,
“No” to return to the Main Data Display.

Dim or Brighten
ADCU Display

Set brightness?

Yes Next Return

Return to Selected Primary Display

GyroTrac™ Advanced Digital Control Unit (ADCU) Menu Quick Reference Guide

ADCU Primary Display Options

Pitch Roll Yaw

#.#° #.#° #.#°

Pitch, Roll, Yaw

Mag/Hdg Rate/Sec

#.#° #.#°

Rate of TurnCompass Displays*

* True North Display requires GPS data

Magnetic Heading

###.#°

Mag/HDG True/HDG

###.#° ###.#°

Antenna Displays

Tracking <Sat Name>

###.#° ##.#° ####

ANTENNA Initializing

No Antenna Information

SELECTED DISPLAY

Select Installed

Satellite A

Select Installed
Satellite B

Enter GyroTrac Mode Menus

Lat: ##
Long: ##

Latitude/Longitude

†

†

Lat/Long Display requires GPS data

See

"Alert Screens" on page 65

for more details.

See Section 3.3 for details See Section 3.4 for details See Section 3.5 for details See Section 3.6 for details See Section 3.7 for details See Section 3.8 for details

See Section 3.2 for details

Antenna Restarts

Set Latitude

Set Longitude

Select Active Satellite

Man control antenna?

Yes Next Return

Restart antenna?

Yes Next Return

Install satellite?

Yes Next Return

Set Lat/Long?

Yes Next Return

Adjust Azimuth

Adjust Elevation

Install Sat Pair

Set Latitude

Set Longitude

Restart Antenna

Sleep Mode On/Off

Set sleep on/off?

Yes Next Return

Instant On Mode On/Off

set instant on/off?

Yes Next Return

Update Frequency

Sat frequency scan?

Yes Next Return

Select Satellite?

Yes Next Return

TracVision G4

Technical Manual

This manual provides detailed instructions on the proper
installation, configuration, troubleshooting, and maintenance of
the KVH TracVision G4 system. Complete instructions on how to
use the TracVision G4 system is provided in the TracVision G4

User’s Guide.

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 02842-5279 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!

KVH Part # 54-0147 Rev. J

© 2004, KVH Industries, Inc. All rights reserved.

TracVision G4 Serial Number

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

Welcome to TracVision G4

Click here to go to our state­of-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
best performance from 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®and KVH®are registered trademarks

of KVH Industries, Inc.

GyroTrac

™

and TracNet™are trademarks of KVH Industries, Inc.

DVB

®

(Digital Video Broadcasting) is a registered trademark of the DVB Project.

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.

Cetrek

™

is a trademark of Cetrek USA.

Furuno

®

is a registered trademark of Furuno USA, Inc.

B&G®and Halcyon®are trademarks of Brooks and Gatehouse, Inc.

54-0147

i

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

1.1 TracVision G4 System Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

1.2 TracVision G4 Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

1.3 Materials Provided With the TracVision G4 . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

2 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

2.1 Planning the Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

2.2 Mounting the TracVision Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

2.3 Mounting the GyroTrac Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

2.4 Mounting the ADCU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

2.5 Connecting the IRD(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

2.6 Wiring the ADCU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

2.7 Calibrating the Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

2.8 Activating/Programming the IRD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

2.9 Installing Satellites Using the ADCU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

2.10 Setting the Skew Angle

(European Systems Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

2.11 Checking Out the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

2.12 Changing Geographic Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57

3 Using the ADCU Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59

3.1 Startup and Self-test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

3.2 Data Display and Accessing the Main Menu . . . . . . . . . . .63

3.3 Setup Display Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67

3.4 Set Data Outputs Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68

3.5 Set Configuration Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73

3.6 Control Compass Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77

3.7 Antenna Status Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79

3.8 Control Antenna Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81

4 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91

4.1 Troubleshooting Matrix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93

4.2 Causes and Remedies for Common

Operational Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94

4.3 GyroTrac-specific Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97

Introduction

54-0147

1

1 – Introduction

This section provides a basic overview of the TracVision G4 system. It
explains how the system works and describes the function of each
component.

Contents

1.1 TracVision G4 System Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

1.2 TracVision G4 Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

1.3 Materials Provided With the TracVision G4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Introduction

54-0147

3

1.1 TracVision G4 System Overview

A complete satellite TV system, illustrated in Figure 1-1, includes
the TracVision G4 antenna unit connected to the GyroTrac digital
gyro-stabilized sensor, Advanced Digital Control Unit (ADCU),
an IRD (satellite TV receiver), and a television set. A desktop or
laptop computer is used to conduct diagnostics. System

specifications are provided in Appendix A on page 123.

System Compatibility

The TracVision G4 satellite antenna is fully compatible with
Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB

®

) satellites, as well as

DIRECTV

®

‘s Digital Satellite Service (DSS) satellites. The

system is also fully compatible with KVH’s TracNet

™

2.0 Mobile

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

In-motion Tracking

The TracVision G4 uses a state-of-the-art actively stabilized
antenna system. Once the satellite is acquired, the antenna gyro
continuously measures the heading, pitch, and roll of your vessel
and sends commands to the antenna motors to keep the antenna
pointed at the satellite at all times.

Figure 1-1

TracVision G4 System Diagram

Figure 1-2

TracVision Identifies and
Compensates for Vessel Motion

Advanced Digital

Control Unit (ADCU)

PC Diagnostics

Interfaces to:

Autopilots
Radars
Plotters
Remote Displays

11-16 VDC

3.5 - 4.5 Amps

TracVision G4 Antenna

Powe r

Data

GPS or
Ship's Gyro

GyroTrac Sensor

Satellite Receiver 1

RF

RF

Satellite Receiver 2

Options Purchased Separately

TV 1

TV 2

TracVision

54-0147

4

TracVision G4 Technical Manual

Satellite Library

Your TracVision G4 includes a pre-programmed satellite library
of North American and European satellite services. When
configuring the TracVision G4, you may choose a pair of satellites
from the 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 North America and Europe. If the satellite

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

TracVision G4’s default satellite
pairs are:

N. America (US DIRECTV):

DSS_101 & DSS_119

Europe: Astra 1 & Hotbird

Table 1-2

Available Satellite Pairs - Europe

(European LNB required)

Table 1-1

Available Satellite Pairs

- North America

(North American LNB required)

DSS_101 DSS_119 Echo_61 Echo_110 Echo_119 Echo_148 Expressvu ExpressTV

DSS_101 ✓✓✓

DSS_119 ✓✓✓

Echo_61 ✓✓ ✓✓

Echo_110 ✓ ✓✓✓✓

Echo_119 ✓✓ ✓✓✓

Echo_148 ✓✓ ✓✓

Expressvu ✓✓✓✓✓✓ ✓

ExpressTV ✓✓✓✓✓✓✓

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

Astra 1 ✓✓ ✓✓

Astra 2N ✓✓

Astra 2S ✓✓

Hispasat

Hotbird ✓✓ ✓ ✓

Sirius ✓✓✓

Thor ✓

1.2 TracVision G4 Components

Your TracVision G4 system includes the following components:

Antenna Unit

The antenna unit houses the antenna positioning mechanism, low
noise block (LNB), power supply, and control elements within a
molded ABS radome. Weathertight connectors on the bottom of
the baseplate join the power, signal, and control cabling from
belowdecks units.

GyroTrac

TracVision G4 includes KVH’s GyroTrac digital gyrocompass for
three-axis attitude/heading reference, ensuring superior open
water performance in any sea conditions. GyroTrac can also
operate as a fully functional, stand-alone heading sensor.

GyroTrac includes the following two components:

Sensor Module

The sensor module houses the system’s compass/yaw sensor,
inclinometer, rate gyros, and processing electronics and is
waterproof to a depth of one meter.

Advanced Digital Control Unit (ADCU)

The ADCU is the user interface, providing access to the system
and its functions through an LCD and three soft keys. The ADCU
also serves as the system’s junction box, allowing the system to
use ship’s power, interface with the sensor module, supply and
receive data to/from the TracVision G4 system, and supply and
receive data to/from other shipboard systems.

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. Please refer to the
user’s manual provided with your selected IRD for complete
operating instructions.

Introduction

54-0147

5

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

Section 2.8,
“Activating/Programming the IRD”
on page 42

for details.

1.3 Materials Provided With the
TracVision G4

Table 1-3 lists the components and materials in the TracVision G4
shipping carton.

Component KVH Part No.

Antenna Unit 02-0989-01

†

02-0989-02

††

Installation Kitpack 72-0099

Data Cable 32-0619-50

†

32-0619-100

††

PC Cable 32-0628-06

RF Cable* 32-0417-50

Power Cable 32-0510-50

Ground Cable 32-0583-50

TracVision G4 Technical Manual

54-0147

TracVision G4 User’s Guide

54-0147-01

GyroTrac, which includes: 01-0226-01

Sensor Module 02-1154

ADCU 02-0961

Flush Mount ADCU Panel 20-0667

Horizontal Sensor Bracket 20-0658

Vertical Sensor Bracket 20-0666

Sensor to ADCU Cable 32-0623-30

Kitpack 72-0095

†

North American system

††

European system

* Not included with European systems

54-0147

6

TracVision G4 Technical Manual

Table 1-3

TracVision G4 Packing List

For lists of items supplied in the
kitpacks, see Tables 2-3 and 2-4 on
page 10.

Installation

54-0147

7

2 – Installation

This section explains how to install, configure, and test the
TracVision G4 system. Follow the simple procedures in this section
sequentially to ensure a safe and effective installation.

Contents

2.1 Planning the Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

2.2 Mounting the TracVision Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

2.3 Mounting the GyroTrac Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

2.4 Mounting the ADCU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

2.5 Connecting the IRD(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

2.6 Wiring the ADCU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

2.7 Calibrating the Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

2.8 Activating/Programming the IRD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

2.9 Installing Satellites Using the ADCU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

2.10 Setting the Skew Angle

(European Systems Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

2.11 Checking Out the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

2.12 Changing Geographic Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57

Installation

54-0147

9

2.1 Planning the Installation

Who Should Install the TracVision G4

KVH recommends that a KVH-authorized technician install the
TracVision G4 system. Installers should have experience
installing electronic equipment on a vessel.

Materials and Equipment Required for Installation

Before you begin installing the TracVision G4 system, you need to
verify that you have all of the following tools and materials:

• Electric drill

•

3

⁄8" (10 mm) drill bit and 3" (80 mm) hole saw

• Socket wrenches

•

7

⁄16" open end wrench

• Flat head and Phillips screwdrivers

• Crimp tool (Augat T1000 or equivalent)

• Light hammer; center punch; tape; scriber/pencil

• Terminal lug crimping tool; wire strippers

• A PC with terminal emulation software such as

Windows Hyperterminal or PROCOMM.

• RG-6 or RG-11 cable with F-type connectors for

extra RF signal cables as needed. Refer to Table 2-1

to determine the number of RF cables that you will
need.

Connecting to: # RF Cables

North American Systems

One IRD 1

Two or more IRDs 2*

European Systems

One IRD 1

Two IRDs 2

* Multiswitch needed for three or more IRDs. Follow multiswitch
manufacturer’s guidelines.

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

Table 2-1

Number of RF Cables to Connect
to the Antenna

RG-11 or RG-6 cable with F-type
connectors is required for all RF
wiring. Use of any other cable will
result in degraded performance.
Use RG-6 cable for distances up to
75 ft (23 m); use RG-11 cable for
distances greater than 75 ft (23 m).
The KVH warranty does not cover
degraded performance due to
improper wiring.

You may want to connect two RF
cables to the antenna in all cases.
That way, if an IRD is added in the
future, no additional RF cables will
need to be run.

• Power cable to connect the ADCU to ship’s power
(Table 2-2 provides proper gauge and length
specifications).

Cable Length Cable Gauge

to 50 ft (15 m) 14 AWG (1.5 mm2)

+50 ft (+15 m) 12 AWG (2.5 mm2)

Kitpack Contents

The kitpacks packaged with your antenna unit and GyroTrac
contain various hardware and other materials that will be needed
to complete the TracVision system installation. Ensure that the
kitpacks contain all of the items listed in Tables 2-3 and 2-4.

Part Qty.

1

⁄4"-20 x 3" hex head screws 4

1

⁄4" flat washers 8

1

⁄4"-20 self-locking nuts 4

Plastic screw covers 6

Foam seal 1

Tie-wraps 2

Core clamp (ferrite) 1

Part Qty.

#8 fiber washers 10

#8 flat washers 10

#8-32 self-locking nuts 5

#10 flat washers 5

#10 lock washers 5

#10-32 Phillips head screws 5

#8 Phillips head screws 5

#8-32 Phillips head screws 5

#8 lock washers 5

#8 Phillips head (black) screws 5

Velcro self-adhesive backings 4

Velcro washers 4

4" tie-wraps 5

54-0147

10

TracVision G4 Technical Manual

Table 2-3

Antenna Unit Kitpack Contents

Table 2-4

GyroTrac Kitpack Contents

Table 2-2

Recommended ADCU-to-Ship’s

Power Cable Specifications

Part Qty.

Tie-wrap screw mount 6

Terminal strip connectors 5

Sensor module to ADCU power wire ferrite 1

#4-24 thread-forming screws 4

Choosing Component Locations

The major considerations in locating the TracVision components
are described below.

Cable Lengths

When determining component locations, keep in mind
accessibility and cable lengths between units. Lengths of these
cables are as follows:

Cable (Function) Length

Data Cable (ADCU to Antenna Unit) 50 ft (15 m)

†

100 ft (30 m)

††

PC Cable (ADCU to PC) 6 ft (2 m)

RF Cable (Antenna to IRD)* 50 ft (15 m)

†

Power Cable (Power to Antenna Unit) 50 ft (15 m)

Sensor to ADCU Cable (GyroTrac) 30 ft (10 m)

IRD Ground to ADCU Ground Cable 50 ft (15 m)

†

North American system

††

European system

* Not included with European systems

Installation

54-0147

11

Table 2-5

Lengths of Provided
Belowdecks Cables

Table 2-4

GyroTrac Kitpack Contents
(Continued)

Choosing the Best Location for the TracVision Antenna

There are several factors to consider when choosing the location
for the TracVision antenna.

• 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. The less blockage, the
better the system performs.

• Keep the antenna clear of any obstructions above
decks. The antenna requires a 15º to 85º look angle
to receive satellite signals.

• To minimize tracking errors, place the antenna

unit as close as possible to the intersection of the
vessel’s fore-and-aft centerline and midships. The
antenna unit need not be located exactly on the
vessel’s fore-and-aft axis, but its centerline MUST
be parallel to it.

• The mounting surface should be flat and strong

enough to carry the complete assembly (30 lbs/

13.6 kg). To prevent warpage to the antenna
baseplate, 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.

• Be sure to account for the height and base
dimensions (see Figure 2-2 on the following page).

54-0147

12

TracVision G4 Technical Manual

Figure 2-1

Antenna Blockage

Blocked!

TracVision Antenna

Mast

Vessel Platform

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 (1.2 m) above and four feet (1.2 m) 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 (2.5 to
3 m)), the TracVision antenna can be placed below the radar as
there will be little chance of signal blockage.

Installation

54-0147

13

Figure 2-2

Antenna Unit Dimensions

The radome exterior is treated
with a special finish selected for
compatibility with the dome material
and transparency to the satellite
signals. Application of additional
paints or finishes WILL degrade
performance, potentially beyond
acceptable limits.

A full-size template of the baseplate
mounting holes has been provided
in

Appendix B on page 127

.

19.3"

49 cm

9"

(22.9 cm)

4.5"

(11.4 cm)

21" Max

54 cm

4.5"

(11.4 cm)

9"

(23 cm)

4 x 5/16"

( 8 mm)

19.3"

(49 cm)

Choosing the Best Location for the GyroTrac Sensor

• Ideally, the sensor module should be mounted as
low as possible in the center of the vessel – but
NOT in the bilge.

• The mounting surface should be free of excessive
vibration and flexing.

• Maintain at least four feet (1.3 m) separation

between the sensor module and any magnetized
materials, large ferrous masses, cranes, engines,
derricks, other antennas, cables carrying high
amperage direct current, or battery banks.

• Take extra care when mounting the sensor module
on a steel vessel. Enclose the sensor module in a
fiberglass container and use an aluminum, brass,
plastic, or wood (NOT steel or iron) platform to
position the sensor at least four feet (1.2 m) above
and six feet (1.8 m) away from the steel surface.

• Be alert for devices that change their magnetic

characteristics when in use, such as CRTs
(computer and TV screens), radar magnetrons,
electric winches, loudspeakers, windshield wipers,
and other devices with DC motors. GyroTrac
cannot compensate for changing magnetic fields
created by these devices.

• If you need to fabricate custom mounting brackets

for the sensor module, they should be made from
non-ferrous materials such as wood, brass,
aluminum, fiberglass, or plastic. Be sure to use
stainless steel bolts or nails.

Choosing the Best Location for the ADCU

• The ADCU should be mounted in a dry location,
allowing enough room at the back for connecting
system cables.

• The ADCU should be placed so that the LCD
display is visible and the buttons are accessible.

• The ADCU is not susceptible to magnetic
interference and does not need to be mounted on a
level surface.

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If uncertain of the best location
for the sensor module, make a
temporary installation and conduct
a calibration (as described in

Section 2.7, “Calibrating the
Sensor” on page 40

). Any
necessary adjustments to the
sensor location can be made based
on the calibration scores.

2.2 Mounting the TracVision
Antenna

1. Make sure that you have chosen a suitable
mounting location based upon the guidelines in
“Choosing the Best Location for the TracVision
Antenna” on page 12.

2. Using the template provided in Appendix B on
page 127 or the dimensions shown in Figure 2-3,
lay out the four mounting bolt holes and cable
access hole at the mounting site. Make certain that
the “FWD” arrow is parallel with the vessel’s
centerline and pointed toward the bow.

3. Drill the four

3

⁄8" (10 mm) bolt holes and cut out the
3" (80 mm) diameter cable access hole (following
the layout in Step 2). Smooth the edges of the cable
access hole to protect the cables.

4. Bring the data cable, power cable, and RF cable(s)
from belowdecks up through the cable access hole
in the mounting surface (see Table 2-1 on page 9 to
determine the number of RF cables required).

5. Remove the antenna unit from its shipping carton.

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Always lift the antenna unit by the
gray baseplate and never by the
radome or any portion of the
antenna assembly. Also be careful
not to strike the exposed
connectors extending from the
bottom of the baseplate or allow
them to carry the weight of the
antenna unit.

Figure 2-3

Antenna Mounting Holes Layout

FWD

Drill 3/8" (10 mm)

Bolt Hole

9" (229 mm)

Drill 3/8" (10 mm)

Bolt Hole

9" (229 mm)

r

o

f

t

u

o

t

u

C

3" (80 mm)

9" (229 mm)

a

C

b

l

e

A

c

c

e

s

s

9" (229 mm)

Drill 3/8" (10 mm)
Bolt Hole

Drill 3/8" (10 mm)
Bolt Hole

6. Remove and save the three screws securing the
radome to the baseplate. Carefully lift the radome
straight up until clear of the antenna assembly and
set it aside in a safe place. If you bring the radome
topside, be sure to secure it with a lanyard so that
it does not fall overboard.

7. Remove the foam shipping restraint from the
antenna unit.

8. Using a 10 mm wrench, remove the two azimuth
shipping restraint bolts, washers, and spacers from
the antenna unit, as shown in Figure 2-4.

9. Place the foam seal in position on the mounting
surface with the hole centered over the cable
access cutout. Do not remove the paper backing at
this time. Align the seal with the vessel’s centerline
and the narrow end pointing toward the bow (see
Figure 2-5). Scribe a line all around the seal.

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Figure 2-5

Baseplate/Foam Seal Orientation

(Bottom View)

Figure 2-4

Azimuth Shipping
Restraint Removal

The shipping restraints must be
removed before power is applied.
Save the restraints for reuse and be
sure to install them whenever the
antenna unit is moved from place to
place. See

Section 5.10, “Preparing

for Shipment” on page 118

for
instructions on preparing for
shipment.

Bolt

Washer

Spacer

Foam Seal

Powe r

RF1

RF2

Data

Bow

10. Position the baseplate assembly in place over the
mounting holes and cable access, with the
baseplate’s “Forward” arrow (shown in Figure 2-6)
pointing toward the bow. Ensure that all holes line
up and that the connectors are centered over the
cable access. Make any necessary adjustments
before seating the foam seal in place permanently.

11. Clean the mounting surface where the foam seal
will be placed. Remove the paper backing from the
foam seal to expose the contact cement, then lay
the foam seal in place, adhesive side down, and
press down firmly to bring the adhesive into full
contact along the bottom. Ensure the narrow end

points toward the bow.

12. Connect the data, power, and RF cables from
belowdecks to the baseplate as shown in
Figure 2-7. Turn the power and data cable
connectors down until locked in place; don’t use
excessive force. Connect the RF cable(s) using a

7

⁄16"
wrench, applying 30 pounds of torque. If you
connect more than one RF cable, label both ends of
each RF cable to match its antenna baseplate
connector (RF1 or RF2). Do NOT use teflon gel on

the cable fittings as it reduces signal strength at
higher frequencies.

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Figure 2-6

Baseplate “Forward” Arrow

Figure 2-7

Baseplate Connector Assignments
(Bottom View)

Single IRD
Installation

RF1

RF2

Second IRD

Installation

Power

Data

13. Place the antenna baseplate over the holes drilled
in the foundation, ensuring the “Forward” label
(shown in Figure 2-6) points toward the bow.

14. At each of the four baseplate mounting holes,
place a

1

⁄4" flat washer on a 1⁄4"-20 bolt and insert the
bolt into the hole from above, as shown in
Figure 2-8. Carefully rotate the azimuth
mechanism plate to expose all four mounting
holes.

15. Apply a

1

⁄4" flat washer and 1⁄4"-20 lock nut from

below, as shown in Figure 2-8.

16. Tighten securely (but do not overtighten) until the
foam seal is compressed as far as it will go and all
four feet are bottomed against the mounting
surface.

17. If you are installing a European system:
Leave the radome off for now; you will install it
later.

If you are installing a North American system:

Place the radome over the baseplate. Align the
three radome screw holes with the baseplate nut
holders, insert the #10-24 screws and tighten.
Install a protective plastic screw cap from the
kitpack over each screw.

Figure 2-8

Bolting the Antenna Unit to

the Deck (Side View)

When rotating the azimuth
mechanism by hand, go slowly.
Hitting the mechanical stops with
excessive force will damage the
azimuth limit switch.

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Bolt

Flat Washer

Antenna Unit Base

Foam Seal

Deck

Flat Washer

Lock Nut

Installation

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2.3 Mounting the GyroTrac Sensor

GyroTrac comes with the following two mounting brackets:

Horizontal Sensor Bracket

Attaches directly to the sensor module housing

and must be used in all mounting arrangements

Vertical Sensor Bracket

For mounting the sensor to a vertical surface

These two brackets should enable you to place the sensor module
as level as possible. If you are unable to place the sensor module
in a level arrangement, refer to “Entering Gyro Offset Values” on
page 75 to compensate for the offset.

To mount the GyroTrac sensor, choose either of the following
options:

Option 1 - Mounting the Sensor to a Horizontal Surface

Option 2 - Mounting the Sensor to a Vertical Surface

The following sections describe how to mount the sensor for both
of these options.

Figure 2-9

Horizontal Sensor Bracket

Figure 2-10

Vertical Sensor Bracket

Be sure to follow the guidelines in

“Choosing the Best Location for the
GyroTrac Sensor” on page 14.

Option 1 - Mounting the Sensor to a Horizontal Surface

1. Choose a mounting location based upon the

guidelines in “Choosing the Best Location for the
GyroTrac Sensor” on page 14.

2. Orient the sensor so that the forward reference on
the end cap is pointed forward and is parallel to
the vessel’s fore-and-aft axis (to ±5°). The proper
orientation is illustrated in Figure 2-11.

3. Position the horizontal sensor bracket so that the
sensor module will be properly oriented when
placed in the bracket.

4. Using the holes in the bracket feet as a template,
mark locations for the four mounting screws.
Center punch and drill the four holes with a

1

⁄8"
(3.5 mm) bit. Reposition the bracket over the
mounting holes.

Figure 2-11

Proper Orientation of

the Sensor Module

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TOWARD BOW

5¡

5¡

Installation

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5. Insert #8 fiber washers into the mounting bracket’s
four mounting holes on both sides of the
mounting bracket (see Figure 2-12).

6. Insert #8 flat washers and #8 Phillips screws into
the mounting bracket’s four mounting holes from
above. Secure the bracket to the mounting surface.

7. Place the sensor module in the bracket with the
proper orientation (up/forward).

8. Thread #10-32 screws through lock washers, flat
washers, and bracket, and then into the captive
extrusion T-nuts within the sensor module
housing, as shown in Figure 2-12.

Figure 2-12

Securing the Sensor Module and
the Horizontal Sensor Bracket

Should you ever need to replace
the #10-32 screws used to secure
the housing to the bracket, the
screws must be no longer than 3⁄8"
(10 mm) to avoid damaging the
housing.

T-nuts contained within
sensor housing track

Flat washer, lock washer,
and #10 screw

#8 screw, flat washer,
and 2 fiber washers

Option 2 - Mounting the Sensor to a Vertical Surface

1. Choose a mounting location based upon the

guidelines in “Choosing the Best Location for the
GyroTrac Sensor” on page 14.

2. The module must be oriented so that the forward
reference on the end cap is pointed forward and
parallel to the vessel’s fore-and-aft axis (see
Figure 2-11 on page 20). The brackets are designed
so that the sensor module may be mounted
perpendicular or parallel to the mounting surface,
as pictured in Figure 2-13.

3. The module must be level with the vessel’s deck.
You may fine-tune this placement using the
ADCU’s pitch and roll data. Adjust the brackets so
that the pitch and roll are 0 (zero) when the vessel
is docked and under normal load.

4. When choosing a location for the unit, make
certain that there is sufficient overhead clearance
for both brackets and the sensor module.

5. Using the holes in the vertical sensor bracket as a
template, mark locations for the four mounting
screws. Center punch and drill the four holes with
a

1

⁄8" (3.5 mm) bit.

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Figure 2-13

Bracket Orientations

Vessel

Centerline

OR

Vessel

Centerline

6. Secure the vertical sensor bracket to the mounting
surface with #8 Phillips screws and flat washers
(see Figure 2-14).

7. Position the horizontal sensor bracket over the
mounting holes in the vertical sensor bracket, as
shown in Figure 2-13.

8. Insert fiber washers into both sides of the
mounting brackets, as shown in Figure 2-15.

9. Insert #8 flat washers and #8-32 Phillips screws
into the horizontal bracket’s mounting holes from
above and through the vertical bracket. Secure in
place with #8 self-locking nuts and flat washers.

10. Place the sensor module in the horizontal bracket
with the proper orientation (up/forward).

11. Thread #10-32 machine screws through lock
washers, flat washers, and bracket, and then into
the captive extrusion T-nuts within the sensor
module housing, as shown in Figure 2-12.

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Figure 2-15

Securing the Horizontal Bracket
to the Vertical Bracket

Figure 2-14

Mounting the Vertical
Sensor Bracket

Should you ever need to replace
the #10-32 screws used to secure
the housing to the bracket, the
screws must be no longer than 3⁄8"
(10 mm) to avoid damaging the
housing.

If you do not use the supplied #8
screws, be sure to use equivalent
hardware that ensures secure
mounting and minimum vibration.

#8 screw and washer

#8 Pan Head Screw

Horizontal
Bracket

#8 Flat Washer Fiber Washer

#8 Self-locking Nut

Vertical
Bracket

2.4 Mounting the ADCU

Mount the ADCU using either of the following options:

Option 1 - Velcro Fastening on a Horizontal Surface

Option 2 - Flush-mounting

The following sections describe how to mount the sensor for both
of these options.

Option 1 - Velcro Fastening on a Horizontal Surface

1. Choose a location based upon the guidelines in

“Choosing the Best Location for the ADCU” on

page 14.

2. Remove the four squares of Velcro fabric from the
kitpack. Clean the bottom of the housing with a
mild detergent and water to remove oils, etc. Peel
the protective backing from the squares and apply
them to the bottom of the housing at each of the
four corners (see Figure 2-16).

3. Position the four Velcro hook disks where the
ADCU will be mounted. Drill screw holes for the
disks and secure in place with the #4-24 screws
supplied in the kitpack.

4. Press the ADCU firmly into place so that the loop
material engages the hook disks.

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When choosing a location, take into
account the space required to
route, position, and strain-relieve all
cables that will be attached to the
back of the ADCU. Directions for
proper wiring are presented in

Section 2.6, “Wiring the ADCU” on
page 29.

Figure 2-16

Mounting the ADCU with

Velcro Attachments

Fabric Strips

Hook Disks

Option 2 - Flush-mounting

1. Choose a location based upon the guidelines in

“Choosing the Best Location for the ADCU” on

page 14.

2. A template has been provided in Appendix C on
page 129 as a guide to mark and cut the proper

hole for the flush mount bracket. Cut the hole and
make certain the bracket and ADCU will fit easily.

3. Attach the flush mount bracket to the ADCU by
loosening the two screws on the underside of the
ADCU. Slide the flush mount bracket backward
over the ADCU until the two notches meet the
screws as shown in Figure 2-17.

4. Tighten the screws to secure the ADCU to the
bracket.

5. After completing the wiring described in
Section 2.6, “Wiring the ADCU,” insert the ADCU
and bracket into the hole and secure the unit to the
mounting surface with the #8 (black) screws and
#8 washers supplied in the kitpack.

Installation

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Figure 2-17

Securing the ADCU to the
Flush Mount Bracket