KVH Industries TRACVISION L3 User Manual

Satellite Television

KVHTracVision

®

L3

owner’s manual

• Installation Instructions

• User’s Guide

• Technical Manual

A Guide to TracVision L3

Congratulations!

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

®

Industries’ TracVision®L3
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 L3 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: http://www.kvh.com internet: http://www.kvh.dk

KVH Part # 54-0157 Rev. C

© 2000, KVH Industries, Inc.

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®and KVH®are registered 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.

Table of Contents

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

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

1.2 TracVision L3 System Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2

1.2.1 TracVision L3 Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3

1.2.2 Integrated Receiver Decoder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4

1.3 Materials Provided with TracVision L3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4

1.3.1 Additional Materials required for TracVision L3 Use . . . . . . .1-5

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

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

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

2.3 Wiring the TracVision L3 System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-6

2.3.1 Wiring the Antenna Data Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-8

2.3.2 Wiring the Antenna Unit Power Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-9

2.3.3 Connecting to Vehicle Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-10

2.3.4 IRD Ground Wire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-11

2.3.5 Installing the Switchplate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-11

2.3.6 Connecting the Antenna RF Signal Cable to the IRD . . . .2-12

2.3.6.1 Installing Two IRDs and TVs (North Amer ican

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

2.3.6.2 Connecting Three or More IRDs and TVs

(North American Systems Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-13

2.4 Selecting the Active Satellite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-15

2.4.1 Installing Your Selected Satellites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-16

2.4.2 Programming User-defined Satellites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-17

2.5 Setting the Skew Angle (European Systems Only) . . . . . . . . .2-21

2.6 Checking Out the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-22

2.7 Configuring TracVision L3 for Remote

Satellite Dish Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-23

i

54-0157 Rev. C

ii

3 Using Your TracVision L3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1

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

3.2 Changing Channels and Switching to the Second Satellite . . .3-2

3.3 Watching TV on the Move and at Rest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3

4 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .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 Incorrect Satellite Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-2

4.1.3 Satellite Signal Blocked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-2

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

4.1.5 Outside Satellite Coverage Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3

4.1.6 Vehicle Turning During Star tup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3

4.1.7 Incorrect or Loose RF Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3

4.1.8 Using a Passive Multiswitch (North American Systems Only)4-4

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

4.2.1 IRD Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-4

4.2.2 IRD Faulty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-4

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

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

4.5 Maintenance Port Parser Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-5

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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-6

5.4.4 Antenna LNB Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-7

5.5 Preparation for Shipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-8

Appendix A System Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-1

Appendix B Functional Block Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-1

Appendix C Switchplate Template . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C-1

Appendix D Predefined Satellite Configurations . . . . . . . . .D-1

Appendix E Startup Data Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E-1

Appendix F Maintenance Port Parser Commands . . . . . . . . .F-1

F.1 System Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .F-1

F.2 Manual Positioning Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .F-2

F.3 Operational Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .F-4

F.4 Tracking and Conical Scan Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .F-4

F.5 RF Board Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .F-5

F.6 Installation Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .F-6

F.7 Debug Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .F-8

List of Figures

Figure 1-1 TracVision L3 System Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2

Figure 1-2 Primar y Components of the TracVision L3 . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3

Figure 2-1 Proper Orientation of the Antenna Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3

Figure 2-2 Elevation Shipping Restraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3

Figure 2-3 Baseplate Shipping Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3

Figure 2-4 Mounting the Unit on a Curved Surface . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4

Figure 2-5 Baseplate Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4

Figure 2-6 Connectors Facing Rear of Vehicle –

Factory-drilled Drain Hole Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-5

Figure 2-7 Connectors Facing Front of Vehicle –

Recommended Drain Hole Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-5

Figure 2-8 Proper Wire-to-Terminal Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-6

Figure 2-9 Moving the Antenna Reflector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-6

Figure 2-10 Cable Port Assignments (Exter ior of Baseplate) . . . . . . . .2-7

iii

54-0157 Rev. C

Figure 2-11 Cable Overlap within the TracVision L3 Baseplate . . . . . . .2-7

Figure 2-12 Switchplate Panel Cutout Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-8

Figure 2-13 Proper Terminal Strip Wiring Arrangement

– Data Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-8

Figure 2-14 Antenna Data Cable Wiring Arrangement . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-9

Figure 2-15 Proper Terminal Strip Wiring Arrangement

– Power Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-9

Figure 2-16 Power Cable Wiring Arrangement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-10

Figure 2-17 Vehicle Power Wiring Arrangement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-10

Figure 2-18 Mounting the Switchplate Support Frame

and Front Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-11

Figure 2-19 Connecting the RF Cable to TracVision L3 . . . . . . . . . . .2-12

Figure 2-20a-d Attaching the KVH-provided F-connector

to an RF Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-12

Figure 2-21 Installing Three or More IRDs Using an Active

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

Figure 2-22 Skew Adjustment (European Systems Only) . . . . . . . . . .2-21

Figure 2-23 Remote Dish Wiring Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-23

Figure 3-1 Be Aware of Objects that Might Block

the Satellite Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1

Figure 3-2 Turning on the TracVision L3 Using the Switchplate . . . . .3-1

Figure 5-1 Antenna, PCB, and Rotating Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-3

Figure 5-2 Close-up of Linear Actuator, Pivot Bracket, and Pin . . . . .5-3

Figure 5-3 Antenna Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-4

Figure 5-4 Close-up of RF Detector and PCB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-4

Figure 5-5 PCB and RF Detector Board Connector Locations . . . . . .5-5

Figure 5-6 LNB Skew Angle Setting (European Systems Only) . . . . .5-7

Figure 5-7 Attaching the Shipping Restraints to the

Antenna Baseplate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-8

Figure 5-8 Placing the Elevation Axis Shaft Restraint . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-8

Figure 5-9 Securing the Elevation Axis Shaft Restraint . . . . . . . . . . .5-9

Figure 5-10 Repackaging the TracVision L3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-9

iv

List of Tables

Table 1-1 Available European Satellite Pairs

(European LNB Required) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-1

Table 1-2 Available N. Amer ican Satellite Pairs

(U.S.-style LNB required0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2

Table 1-3 TracVision L3 Packing List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4

Table 2-1 Installation Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1

Table 2-2 Kitpack Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2

Table 2-3 Available European Satellite Pairs

(European LNB Required) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-15

Table 2-4 Available N. Amer ican Satellite Pairs

(U.S.-style LNB Required) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-15

Table 2-5 Satellite Installation Names . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-17

Table 2-6 Default Transponder Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-19

Table 2-7 Sample User-defined Satellite Configuration . . . . . . . .2-20

Table 4-1 Troubleshooting Matrix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1

Table 5-1 Field Replaceable Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-2

Table A-1 TracVision L3 System Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-1

Table F-1 System Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .F-1

Table F-2 Manual Positioning Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .F-2

Table F-3 Operational Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .F-4

Table F-4 Tracking and Conical Scan Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . .F-4

Table F-5 RF Board Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .F-5

Table F-6 Installation Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .F-7

Table F-7 Debug Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .F-8

v

54-0157 Rev. C

1 Introduction

1.1 Digital Satellite Television

Your new TracVision L3 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 Integrated Receiver Decoder [IRD]). Your
TracVision L3 comes with a pre-programmed “satellite library” of
European and North American satellite services. 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.

When configuring the TracVision L3 you may choose a pair of
satellites from the entire library to be active in the system and
with your IRD. Selecting one satellite or the other is as simple as
changing the television channel using the IRD remote control. For
the antenna to track and receive signals from two satellites, they
must be within 10˚ 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 in North America.

1-1

Introduction

54-0157 Rev. C

Table 1-1

Available European Satellite Pairs
(European LNB Required)

TracVision L3’s default satellite
pairs are:

Europe: Astra 1 & Hotbird
N. America: DSS_101 & DSS_119

Refer to Section 2.4 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

üü
üü

üüü ü
üüü

üü üü

ü

1.2 TracVision L3 System Over view

Your TracVision L3 employs a state-of-the-art actively stabilized
antenna system. Once the satellite is acquired, the antenna gyro
continuously measures your vehicle’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 L3 connected to an IRD, and a television
set. A desktop or laptop computer is used to configure the system
for satellite selection and conduct diagnostics. The system is
illustrated in Figure 1-1.

1-2

A Guide to TracVision L3

Figure 1-1

TracVision L3 System

Configuration

Table 1-2

Available N. American Satellite

Pairs (U.S.-style LNB required)

DSS_101 DSS_110 DSS_119 Echo_61 Echo_110 Echo_119 Echo_148 Expressvu
DSS_101
DSS_110*
DSS_119
Echo_61
Echo_110
Echo_119
Echo_148
Expressvu

ü

ü

üü ü
ü üüü
üü üü

üü ü
üüüü

* Contact KVH or DIRECTV for complete details on tracking and receiving signals from DSS_110.

Second TV
and receiver
option only
available with
U.S.-style,
dual output
LNB.

TracVision L3 Antenna

11-16 Volts DC

2.5-3.5 Amps

RF

Coaxial

Cables

Satellite Receiver 2TV 2 Laptop PC

Options Purchased Separately

Power Cable

Data Cable

Satellite Receiver 1

Switchplate

TV 1

Vehicle

Power

PC Maintenance
Port

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

1.2.1 TracVision L3 Components

The Antenna Unit includes the antenna positioning mechanism,
signal front end, power supply and control elements. The
antenna is a parabolic dish mounting a low noise block (LNB)
converter with built-in preamplifier. The European configuration
includes a single port LNB while the North American system
uses a dual-output LNB. A molded ABS radome encloses the
baseplate and is secured in place with standard fasteners. Liquid­tight (watertight) fittings located on the back of the baseplate join
the power, signal, and control cabling from below-decks units.

1-3

Introduction

54-0157 Rev. C

Figure 1-2

Primary Components of the
TracVision L3

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

System

Control

PCB

Radome

Antenna
Reflector

LNB Bracket

RF DVB
Decoder PCB

Antenna Unit

Mounting Plate

North American LNB European LNB

1.2.2 Integrated Receiver Decoder

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 L3

Table 1-3 lists the units, cables, and materials packed in the
TracVision L3 package by name and KVH part number.

Component KVH Part No.

Antenna Unit (comprising): 01-0225-03

Baseplate Assembly 02-1044-01

Radome Assembly 02-0953-03
RF Cable 32-0589-30
Power Cable 32-0590-30
Antenna Data Cable 32-0630-30
PC Cable 32-0628-06
Mounting Plate 20-0668
Kitpack* 72-0101
Installation and Operation Manual 54-0157
IRD Ground Wire 32-0583-30
Switchplate 02-1023

* A complete listing of kitpack contents is provided in Section 2.2, “Mounting the

Antenna Unit.”

1-4

A Guide to TracVision L3

Table 1-3

TracVision L3 Packing List

Cables for the TracVision L3 are
stored beneath the Antenna Unit
during shipping.

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 2.3.6, “Connecting

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

for each of these options.

1.3.1 Additional Materials Required for
TracVision L3 Use

To make full use of your new TracVision L3 and receive satellite
TV on the road, you will need to provide/purchase the
following:

• Television

• Appropriate IRD for your selected satellite

TV service, and

• Sealing materials to weatherproof cable holes and

seal mounting plate.

1-5

Introduction

54-0157 Rev. C

2-1

Installation

54-0157 Rev. C

2 Installation

TracVision L3 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. Wire system components 2.3

4. Select active satellite 2.4

5. Set the skew angle (Europe only) 2.5

6. Check out system 2.6

7. Configure for remote dish use 2.7

Installation Tools and Materials Required

• Electric drill

•

3

⁄16" (5 mm) and 3⁄32" (2 mm) drill bits and

1

⁄2" (13 mm) hole saw and auger bit

•

1

⁄

2" (13 mm) socket wrench

• #2 Phillips and #0 flat tip screwdrivers

• Augat Snap ‘n Seal Crimp/Strip Tool (Part
Number IT1000) if using the KVH-provided
F-connector

• Silicone sealant, RTV, or Sikaflex

• Thread locker (as required)

•

7

⁄16" (11 mm) open end wrench

• Wire strippers

• Construction adhesive (e.g., Liquid Nails)

• Rivet gun and

3

⁄

16" (5 mm) rivets (or other fastener

suitable for specific roof construction)

• PC with terminal emulation software such as

PROCOMM, Windows Terminal, or Windows
95/98 Hyperterminal

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

Table 2-1

Installation Process

2-2

A Guide to TracVision L3

2.1 Choosing the Best Location

• The ideal antenna site has a clear view of the

horizon/satellite all around.

• Keep the antenna clear of any obstructions on the

roof (e.g., air conditioners).

• Consider the location of the antenna relative to the

location of any equipment or necessary wiring
within the vehicle.

• For best operation, mount the antenna on a

horizontal surface.

2.2 Mounting the Antenna Unit

The following instructions will result in a secure, effective
installation and trouble-free operation of your TracVision L3.
Table 2-2 lists the materials provided in the TracVision L3
kitpack. Most of these components will be used in the installation
process.

Part Qty. KVH Part No.

RF F-Connector 1 23-0170
Tie-wrap 5 22-0013
Flash kit cable and adapter 1 02-1029

Antenna Mounting Procedure

1. Remove Antenna Unit from shipping container.

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

3. Position Antenna Unit in desired location on the
centerline of the vehicle with baseplate and
mounting plate arrows facing in the same
direction (either forward or backward). The proper
orientation is illustrated in Figure 2-1 on the
following page.

Table 2-2

Kitpack Contents

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

The liquid-tight connectors on
TracVision L3 may face either
forward or backward along the
centerline of the vehicle for more
convenient installation.

2-3

Installation

54-0157 Rev. C

4. While baseplate is in place, mark location(s) on
roof for cable access to permit convenient cable
access to the liquid-tight fittings on the back of the
baseplate.

5. Cut the tie-wraps holding the foam elevation
shipping restraint to the elevation axis motor shaft
(pictured in Figure 2-2) and remove the restraint.

6. Remove the three foam baseplate shipping
restraints securing the rotating plate, pictured in
Figure 2-3.

7. Remove six

1

⁄4-20 hex nuts and washers that secure

the Antenna Unit to the mounting plate.

8. Remove Antenna Unit from mounting plate.

9. The mounting plate allows the Antenna Unit to be
mounted on a curved roof. While the perimeter of
the mounting plate is secured to the vehicle with

Figure 2-1

Proper Orientation of
the Antenna Unit

Vehicle

Do not discard the foam shipping
restraints or shipping box.They
should be saved for future use in
case the Antenna Unit needs to be
removed and shipped to another
location.

Figure 2-3

Baseplate Shipping Restraints

Figure 2-2

Elevation Shipping Restraint

Centerline

2-4

A Guide to TracVision L3

the appropriate fasteners, two flexible wings allow
the rear mounting bolts to attach to the antenna
baseplate. These may be angled upward to ensure
a secure mounting, as shown in Figure 2-4.

10. Using the mounting plate as a template, drill four

3

⁄

16" (5 mm)-holes through the roof of the vehicle at

each of the four corners. Temporarily secure the
mounting plate at the corners with rivets or
screws.

11. With the corners secured, use the mounting plate
as a template to mark and drill the remaining
nineteen

3

⁄16" (5 mm)-holes through the roof of the
vehicle. Remove plate and clean roof surface. The
dimensions of the baseplate and locations of the
drill holes are shown in Figure 2-5.

12. Place the construction adhesive over all holes. If
using a liquid construction adhesive, apply bead
to mounting plate in a zig-zag pattern.

Figure 2-4

Mounting the Unit on a

Curved Surface

Figure 2-5

Baseplate Dimensions

Antenna Baseplate bolts to this “wing,”
which can remain horizontal.

Mounting
Plate Wing

Mounting Plate can be tightened down
to conform to a curved surface.

28.8"

(731 mm)

24.0" (610 mm)

2-5

Installation

54-0157 Rev. C

13. Reposition mounting plate over adhesive and
attach using

3

⁄16" (5 mm)-diameter rivets (or
appropriate fasteners). Seal all rivet heads and
edges with silicone.

14. Drill cable access hole(s) in vehicle.

15. When unit is installed with connectors facing the
rear of the vehicle, the drain holes are located as
shown in Figure 2-6.

Figure 2-6

Connectors Facing Rear
of Vehicle – Factory-drilled
Drain Hole Locations

Figure 2-7

Connectors Facing Front
of Vehicle – Recommended
Drain Hole Locations

You MUST dr ill out the drain holes
as indicated to ensure that any
moisture that enters the baseplate
is able to drain. Ensure that
factory-drilled holes are completely
sealed.

15a.(Alternate Drain Holes) If the Antenna Unit is

installed with the connectors facing the front of the
vehicle, drill out

3

⁄

16" (5 mm)-drain holes in rear-

facing side of baseplate as illustrated in Figure 2-7.
The existing factory-drilled drain holes shown in
Figure 2-6 must then be plugged with silicone
rubber sealant.

Factory-drilled

Drain Hole Positions

Front of
Vehicle

Angle of Hole, relative to front

Recommended

3/16" (5 mm)

Drain Hole Positions

Drain Hole Angle

(relative to baseplate)

Angle of Hole, relative to front

Front of
Vehicle

2-6

A Guide to TracVision L3

16. Place Antenna Unit on mounting plate and secure
using nuts and washers removed in Step 7.

17. Proceed to Section 2.3, “Wiring the TracVision L3
System,” to wire the TracVision L3 system. The
radome will be placed back on the baseplate using
the hardware removed in Step 2 after wiring and
initializing the system.

2.3 Wiring the TracVision L3 System

The following sections provide instructions for properly wiring
the Antenna Unit to the IRD and to vehicle power.

Tips for Safe and Successful Wiring within
the TracVision L3 Baseplate

• When attaching cables to the TracVision L3

terminal connector strips, make sure the insulation
is stripped back approximately

1

⁄4" (6 mm) as
illustrated in Figure 2-8. Twist the wires gently to
help achieve a good connection. Do not pinch
insulation inside the connector.

• After attaching the power and data cables to the

appropriate terminal connector strips, tug gently
to ensure a firm connection.

• After attaching cables within the TracVision L3

baseplate, eliminate any unnecessary slack in the
cables before tightening the liquid-tight fittings.

• Run the RF signal cable into the baseplate last. It

will help keep the power and data cables clear of
the antenna and LNB.

• After hooking up all of the wiring and removing any

slack, slowly rotate the antenna while raising and
lowering the reflector to make certain that the cables
are all clear of any moving elements as pictured in
Figure 2-9.

• Check to be certain that the elevation axis actuator

motor shaft (pictured in Section 5, Maintenance,
Figure 5-2) clears all cable connections.

• Completely seal all rooftop cable access holes.

Figure 2-9

Moving the Antenna Reflector

Figure 2-8

Proper Wire-to-Terminal

Connection

DO NOT leave an extra length of
cable within the baseplate as a
service loop. All service loops
should be stored within the
vehicle’s cable access.

Terminal Connector

Insulation

1/4" (6 mm)

2-7

Installation

54-0157 Rev. C

TracVision L3 Cable Ports

On one side of the baseplate are four liquid-tight fittings, which
serve the dual purpose of relieving strain on the cables as well as
providing a tight seal around the cable access ports.

When wiring is done properly, the sets of cables will overlap each
other, as illustrated in Figure 2-11.

A switchplate has been provided to serve as the hub of the
TracVision L3 wiring (with the exception of the RF cable, which
will be connected to the IRD). This switchplate includes an
ON/OFF switch and a DB9 maintenance port for easy access to
the Antenna Unit’s software and diagnostics. Follow these steps
to begin the wiring process.

1. Select a location to mount the TracVision L3
switchplate. It should be flat and within reach of
the cables connected to the Antenna Unit.

2. Create a panel cutout in the mounting surface.
Figure 2-12 on the following page illustrates the
mounting dimensions and a template has been
provided in Appendix C.

Figure 2-10

Cable Port Assignments
(Exterior of Baseplate)

Figure 2-11

Cable Overlap within the
TracVision L3 Baseplate

RF

(#1)

Used only with

N. American Systems

RF

(#2)

Data

(#3)

Power

(#4)

Data

Power

RF Cable

2-8

A Guide to TracVision L3

3. Run the Antenna power and data cables from the
Antenna Unit and out through the panel cutout.

4. Run a cable from vehicle’s power (11-16 Vdc)
through the panel cutout.

You are now ready to wire the TracVision L3 system to the
switchplate connectors and vehicle power.

2.3.1 Wiring the Antenna Data Cable

TracVision L3 will not function properly unless you connect the
antenna data cable (Cable #32-0630-30).

Antenna Data Cable-to-Baseplate Terminals Wiring Process

1. Feed the cable up to the roof and through the third
liquid-tight fitting (#3) from the left as pictured in
Figure 2-10.

2. Refer to Figure 2-13 for the proper arrangement of
data cable wires within the terminal strip.

3. After connecting the antenna data cable to the
TracVision L3, hook up the other end to the
switchplate as described in the next subsection.

Antenna Data Cable-to-Switchplate Wiring Process

Find the TracVision L3 antenna data cable (Cable #32-0630-30)
where it comes through the panel cutout made earlier. Wire the
antenna data cable to the switchplate connectors as indicated in
Figure 2-14 on the next page. The connector board is etched with
the wire color identification to make the wiring process easier.

Figure 2-13

Proper Terminal Strip Wiring

Arrangement – Data Cable

Figure 2-12

Switchplate Panel

Cutout Dimensions

A full-scale panel cutout template
has been provided in Appendix C.

2.36"

(60 mm)

.16" (4 mm)

3.82"

(97 mm)

.32" (8 mm)

Panel Cutout

3.19"

(81 mm)

3

/32" (3 mm) dia

2.05"

(52 mm)

Shield

Red

Black

Brown/White

Orange/White

White/Brown

White/Orange

White/Gray
Gray/White

Shield

1

2

3

4
5
6
7
8
9

10

Grnd

+12v DC

Grnd

RTN
PC_RXD
PC_TXD
RTN
RF_TXD
RF_RXD
Grnd

2-9

Installation

54-0157 Rev. C

2.3.2 Wiring the Antenna Unit Power Cable

TracVision L3 will not function properly unless you connect the
power cable (Cable #32-0590-30).

Power Cable-to-Baseplate Terminals Wiring Process

1. Feed the cable up to the roof and through the
fourth liquid-tight fitting (#4) from the left as
pictured previously in Figure 2-10.

2. Refer to Figure 2-15 for the proper arrangement of
power cable wires within the terminal strip.

3. After connecting the power cable to the
TracVision L3, hook up the other end to the
switchplate as described in the next subsection.

Figure 2-14

Antenna Data Cable Wiring
Arrangement

Figure 2-15

Proper Terminal Strip Wiring
Arrangement – Power Cable

BLU/WHT Not Used

WHT/BLU Not Used

BRN/WHT PC GND

WHT/BRN PC TXD

ORG/WHT PC RXD

WHT/ORG RF GND

GRY/WHT RF TXD

WHT/GRY RF RXD

GRN/WHT Not Used

WHT/GRN Not Used

Data Cable
to Antenna

Shield

Red

Black

Brown/White

Orange/White

White/Brown

White/Orange

1
2
3

4

5

6

7

Grnd
+12v DC
Grnd

RTN

PC_RXD

PC_TXD

RTN

White/Gray

Gray/White

Shield

10

8

9

RF_TXD

RF_RXD

Grnd