KVH Industries TracVision R5 User Manual

A Guide to TracVision R5/R4

owner’s manual

•Installation Instructions

•User’s Guide

•Technical Manual

Satellite Television

KVH TracVision® R5/R4

TracVision R4/R5 Owner’s

Manual Addendum

(ECO #7564)

The following information applies to Revision J of the TracVision R4/R5 Owner’s Manual (KVH Part Number 54-0157).

5.3Replaceable Parts

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

Table 5-1 Field Replaceable Units

Part Name	Part Number
Baseplate Assembly (TracVision R5)	02-1498-01*
	02-1498-03**
Baseplate Assembly (TracVision R4)	02-1498-02*
	02-1498-04**
Radome Assembly (TracVision R5)	02-0953-12†
Radome Assembly (TracVision R4)	02-0953-11†
Data/Power Cable	32-0730-28
RF Cable	32-0417-28
PC Cable	32-0628-06
CPU PCB	02-1043-02
RF PCB	02-1524
Antenna Gyro (TracVision R5 only)	02-1433
Antenna Gyro Gasket (TracVision R5 only)	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 (European systems)

**Baseplate assembly with dual-output LNB (North American systems)

† Specify color when ordering

54-0157 Addendum to Rev. J

1

Congratulations!

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

TracVision® R5/R4 is designed for use with European and North American DVB®-compatible satellite services, as well as DIRECTV®. This manual provides detailed instructions on the proper installation, use, and maintenance of your

TracVision R5/R4 system. Before using this manual, be sure to check for any addenda, which might detail changes to the manual’s information.

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

TracVision R5/R4 Serial Number

Direct questions, comments, or suggestions to:

KVH Industries, Inc.	KVH Europe A/S
50 Enterprise Center	Kokkedal Industripark 2B
Middletown, RI 02842-5279 USA	2980 Kokkedal, Denmark
Tel: [phone]	Tel: +45	45 160 180
Fax: [phone]	Fax: +45	45 160 181
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 # 54-0157 Rev. J

© 2006, KVH Industries, Inc.

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

TracVision® and KVH® are registered trademarks of

KVH Industries, Inc.

The unique light-colored dome with dark contrasting base is a registered trademark of KVH Industries, Inc.

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

DIRECTV® is an official trademark of DIRECTV, Inc.

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	System Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		1-2
	1.2.1	TracVision R5/R4 Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	1-3
	1.2.2	Satellite TV Receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	1-3

1.3 Materials Provided with TracVision R5/R4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4

1.3.1 Additional Materials Required for TracVision R5/R4 Use . . .1-5

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

2.1 Choosing the Best Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3 2.2 Mounting the Antenna Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4 2.3 Connecting System Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-8

2.3.1 Connecting the Antenna Data/Power Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-9 2.3.2 Connecting to Vehicle Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-10 2.3.3 Connecting the Receiver Ground Wire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-11 2.3.4 Installing the Switchplate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-11

2.3.5Connecting the Antenna RF Signal Cable to

the Receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-12

2.3.5.1Installing Two Receivers and TVs

(North American Systems Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-12

2.3.5.2Connecting Three or More Receivers and TVs

(North American Systems Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-13 2.3.6 Sealing the Cable Access Hole . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-14

2.4 Activating the Receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-14

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

2.5.1 Installing Your Selected Satellites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-16 2.5.2 Programming User-defined Satellites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-18

2.6 Setting the Skew Angle (European Systems Only) . . . . . . . . . .2-24 2.7 Testing the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-26

2.8Configuring TracVision R5/R4 for Remote

Satellite Dish Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-27

2.9 Changing Geographic Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-28

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3 Using Your TracVision R5/R4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1

3.1 Turning On the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1 3.2 Changing Channels and Switching Between Satellites . . . . . . .3-2

	3.2.1	Using the TV/SAT Switch to Switch Between Satellites	. . . .3-4
	3.2.2	DISH 500 Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . .3-6
3.3	Watching Television . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		. . . .3-8

4	Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		4-1
4.1	Causes and Remedies for Common Operational Issues . . . . . .		4-2
	4.1.1	Improper Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	4-2
	4.1.2	Insufficient Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	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	Vehicle Turning During Startup (TracVision R5 only) . . . . . .	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
	4.1.10 Stationary Use Only (TracVision R4 only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		4-4
4.2	Receiver Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		4-4
	4.2.1	Receiver Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	4-4
	4.2.2	Receiver Faulty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	4-4

4.3 Antenna Faults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-5

4.4 Computer Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .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 Reshipping the Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-3

ii

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

Appendix B Switchplate Template . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-1

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Introduction

1 Introduction

1.1Digital Satellite Television

Your TracVision R5/R4 satellite TV antenna is fully compatible with the Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) satellites, as well as Digital Satellite Services (DSS), 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 satellite TV receiver).

Your TracVision R5/R4 comes with a pre-programmed “satellite library” of North American and European satellite services. When configuring the TracVision R5/R4, you may choose a pair of satellites from the library to be active in the system and with your receiver. 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.

Available Satellite Pairs

North America

Any two of the North American satellites listed below can be paired together, as long as the antenna is within the satellite’s coverage area (U.S.-style LNB required):

•	DSS_72	•	Echo_119
•	DSS_101	•	Echo_148
•	DSS_119	•	ExpressVu (82)
•	Echo_61	•	ExpressTV (91)

•Echo_110

You can also receive and decode signals from the DSS_110 satellite if a KVH HDTV converter

(KVH Part #01-0260-05) is installed.

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A Guide to TracVision R5/R4

Europe

Any two of the European satellites listed below can be paired together, as long as the antenna is within the satellite’s coverage area (European-style LNB required):

•	Arabsat	•	Hotbird
•	Astra1	•	Nilesat
•	Astra2N	•	Sirius
•	Astra2S	•	Thor
•	Eutel_W3A	•	Turksat1C

•Hispasat

1.2System Overview

A complete satellite TV system includes the TracVision R5/R4 connected to a receiver and a television set. The optional TV/SAT Switch allows you to select a satellite at the press of a button. A desktop or laptop computer is used to configure the system and conduct diagnostics. The complete system is illustrated in

Figure 1-1. System specifications are provided in Appendix A.

Figure 1-1 TracVision R5/R4 System Configuration

TracVision Antenna

	Radome			11-16Volts DC		TV/SAT Switch
				2.5-3.5 Amps		(optional)
	Baseplate				Vehicle
			Switchplate		Power
			Data/Power
				PC Maintenance
Second TV		RF2	RF1
and receiver
option only
available with
U.S.-style,
dual output	TV 2	Satellite Receiver 2	Satellite Receiver 1	TV 1	Laptop PC
LNB.

Options Purchased Separately

1-2

Introduction

In-motion Tracking (TracVision R5 only)

The TracVision R5 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 transmits commands to the antenna motors to keep the antenna pointed at the satellite at all times.

1.2.1 TracVision R5/R4 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 a 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 units inside the vehicle.

1.2.2 Satellite TV Receiver - Sold Separately

The receiver (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 receiver’s User’s Manual for complete operating instructions.

KVH offers an upgrade kit (KVH Part #02-1026) that adds in-motion tracking capability to the TracVision R4, allowing you to receive satellite signals while on the move.

The dual-output LNB in the North American systems allows two receiver/TV pairs to be connected directly to the antenna. Three or more pairs can be connected to the system if an active multiswitch is installed. See Section 2.3.5, “Connecting the Antenna RF Signal Cable to the Receiver” on page 2-12 for details.

Before you can start watching satellite TV using your TracVision antenna, you will need to activate your receiver. Refer to Section 2.4, “Activating the Receiver” on

page 2-14 for more details.

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A Guide to TracVision R5/R4

Cables for the TracVision R5/R4 are stored beneath the antenna unit during shipping.

In North America, you can purchase and/or activate a receiver directly from KVH. Call KVH at 1-888-584-4163 for details.

1.3Materials Provided with TracVision R5/R4

Table 1-1 lists the units, cables, and materials packed in the TracVision R5/R4 package by name and KVH part number.

Table 1-1 TracVision R5/R4 Packing List

Component	KVH Part No.
Antenna Unit (TracVision R5), comprising:	01-0266-01†
	01-0266-02††
	01-0266-03†††
	01-0266-04††††
Antenna Unit (TracVision R4), comprising:	01-0267-01†
	01-0267-02††
	01-0267-03†††
	01-0267-04††††
RF Cable (28 ft/8.5 m)	32-0417-28
Data/Power Cable (28 ft/8.5 m)	32-0730-28
PC Data Cable (6 ft/1.8 m)	32-0628-06
Kitpack*	72-0101
Owner’s Manual	54-0157
Receiver Ground Wire	32-0583-50
Switchplate	02-1023-01
TV/SAT Switch (optional)	01-0245

† North American TracVision R5/R4 system (set to DIRECTV)

†† North American TracVision R5/R4 system (set to DISH Network)

††† North American TracVision R5/R4 system (set to ExpressVu)

†††† European TracVision R5/R4 system

* A complete listing of kitpack contents is provided in Table 2-2.

1.3.1Additional Materials Required for TracVision R5/R4 Use

To make full use of your new TracVision R5/R4 and receive satellite TV on the road, you will need to provide/purchase the following:

•Television

•Appropriate receiver for your selected satellite TV service

1-4

Installation

2 Installation

Your TracVision R5/R4 is designed for simple installation and setup. Just follow these easy steps:

Table 2-1 Installation Process

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 receiver	2.4
5.	Select active satellite	2.5
6.	Set the skew angle (Europe only)	2.6
7.	Check out system	2.7
8.	Configure for remote dish use	2.8

Tools and Materials Required

•Electric drill

•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 on page 2-12 for details)

•Silicone sealant, RTV, or Sikaflex

•7⁄16" open end wrench

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

•Rivet gun and 3⁄16" (5 mm) rivets (or other fastener suitable for your specific roof construction)

•PC with Windows HyperTerminal or, if you are a KVH-authorized dealer, download the KVH Flash Update Wizard

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

The Flash Update Wizard is available to KVH-authorized dealers through the KVH Partner Portal.

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A Guide to TracVision R5/R4

Kitpack Contents

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

Table 2-2 Kitpack Contents

Part	Qty.	KVH Part No.
Tie-wraps	5	22-0013
Clamshell ventilator	1	19-0230
#6 x 3⁄4" thread-forming screws	3	14-0298-12
1⁄4"-20 x 5⁄8" hex screws	4	14-0250-10
1⁄4" flat washers	4	14-0251
3⁄8" hole plugs	2	19-0282-06

2-2

Installation

2.1Choosing 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 on the roof (e.g., air conditioners). The antenna requires a 15º to 75º look angle to receive satellite signals (see Figure 2-1).

Figure 2-1 Antenna Blockage

Blocked!

TracVision Antenna

Air Conditioner

Vehicle Roof

•Consider the location of the antenna relative to the location of any equipment or necessary wiring within the vehicle.

•Be sure to mount the antenna on a horizontal surface. When placed flat on the mounting surface, the mounting plates should be less than 7⁄16" above the mounting surface (see Figure 2-2). Any larger gap will warp the baseplate and seriously damage the antenna.

Figure 2-2 Maximum Mounting Surface Slope

716" Maximum Gap

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A Guide to TracVision R5/R4

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

The mounting plate arrows may face either forward (standard installation) or backward (alternate installation) along the centerline of the vehicle for more convenient installation.

2.2Mounting the Antenna Unit

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

Section 2.1, “Choosing the Best Location” on page 2-3.

2.Remove the antenna unit from its shipping carton.

3.Position the antenna unit in the desired location on the centerline of the vehicle with the antenna’s mounting plate arrows facing the front or rear of the vehicle. The proper orientation is illustrated in Figure 2-3.

Figure 2-3 Proper Orientation of the Antenna Unit

Vehicle

Centerline

Baseplate

Connectors

Vehicle

Centerline

		Fr
			o
		o		nt
	Mounting Plate	f			R
			V			e
Front/Rear							ar
			e
	(1 of 4)			hi
of Vehicle					cl
						e

Top View

Side View

Mounting Plate

Arrows

4.While the antenna is in place, mark a location on the roof for the 3⁄4" (19 mm) cable access hole to permit convenient cable access to the antenna’s baseplate connectors.

5.Using the four mounting plates and each set of five holes as templates, drill 20 3⁄16" (5 mm) holes through the roof of the vehicle.

6.Set aside the antenna unit and clean the roof’s surface to remove any debris.

2-4

Installation

7.Seal the two baseplate holes with the plugs provided in the kitpack (see Figure 2-4).

Figure 2-4 Antenna Baseplate (Bottom View)

Baseplate Holes

8.Apply construction adhesive to the bottom of the antenna’s four mounting plates. If using a liquid construction adhesive, apply beads to the mounting plates in a zig-zag pattern.

9.Reposition the antenna, lining up the mounting plate holes with the holes in the roof. Attach the mounting plates to the roof using 3⁄16" (5 mm)- diameter rivets (or appropriate fasteners). Seal all rivet heads and edges with silicone.

10.Remove and save the eight 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.

If the roof’s mounting surface is not perfectly flat as KVH recommends, make sure the baseplate does not warp when you attach the antenna’s mounting plates. Refer to

Section 2.1, “Choosing the Best Location” on page 2-3 for further details.

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A Guide to TracVision R5/R4

11.(Standard Installation) When the antenna unit is installed with the connectors facing the rear of the vehicle, the drain holes are located as shown in Figure 2-5.

Figure 2-5 (Standard Installation) Baseplate Connectors Facing

Rear of Vehicle - Factory-drilled Drain Holes

Front of

Vehicle

Factory-drilled

Drain Hole Positions

(Alternate Installation Only) You MUST drill out the drain holes as indicated to ensure that any moisture that enters the baseplate is able to drain. Ensure that factorydrilled holes are completely sealed.

(Alternate Installation) If the antenna unit is installed with the connectors facing the front of the vehicle, you MUST drill out 3⁄16" (5 mm)-drain holes in the rear-facing side of the baseplate (see

Figure 2-6). Then plug the existing factory-drilled drain holes with silicone sealant (shown in Figure 2-5).

Figure 2-6 (Alternate Installation) Baseplate Connectors Facing Front of Vehicle - Recommended Drain Holes

Angle of Hole, relative to front

	Front of
Recommended	Vehicle
3/16" (5 mm)
Drain Hole Positions

Drain Hole Angle (relative to baseplate)

Angle of Hole, relative to front

2-6

Installation

12.Cut the tie-wraps holding the antenna unit to the forward shipping restraint (see Figure 2-7).

Figure 2-7 Forward Shipping Restraint

13.Remove the nuts and washers securing the shipping restraints to the baseplate (see Figure 2-8).

Figure 2-8 TracVision R5/R4 Shipping Restraints (Top View)

Rotating Plate

Shipping Restraint

Forward Shipping

Restraint for

LNB Bracket

Rotating Plate

Shipping Restraint

14.Remove the shipping restraints and replace the nuts and washers into their original positions. All nuts and washers removed in Step 13 must be reinstalled. These nuts and washers secure the baseplate to the mounting plates.

15.Place the radome onto the baseplate (labels facing the sides of the vehicle) and secure in place using the eight pan head screws and flat washers removed in Step 10.

16.Drill the cable access hole (marked in Step 4) in the vehicle’s roof.

Save the shipping restraints, washers, and nuts in case the antenna unit needs to be removed and shipped to another location. Four 1⁄4˝ x 5⁄8˝ hex head screws have been provided in the kitpack for shipping as the bolts used to hold the shipping restraints during initial shipping are integral parts of the mounting plates.

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A Guide to TracVision R5/R4

Be sure to consider the 28' length of the power and data cables when choosing a location for the switchplate. If you require longer cabling, an additional power supply MUST be used. Failure to install an additional power supply can result in serious damage to the antenna unit. KVH offers several cable packages:

45' Cables with Power Supply

KVH Part #72-0143-45

60' Cables with Power Supply

KVH Part #72-0143-60

45' Cables without Power Supply

KVH Part #32-0730-45

60' Cables without Power Supply

KVH Part #32-0730-60

Power Supply

KVH Part #19-0297

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

2.3Connecting System Components

The following sections provide instructions for properly wiring the antenna unit to the components inside the vehicle.

Locating the Switchplate

A switchplate has been provided to serve as the hub of the TracVision R5/R4 wiring (with the exception of the RF cable, which will be connected to the receiver). This switchplate includes an ON/OFF switch and a DB9 maintenance port for easy access to the antenna unit’s software and diagnostics. Follow the steps below to select and prepare the switchplate mounting location.

1.Select a location to mount the TracVision R5/R4 switchplate. It should be installed in a dry, flat location within reach of the cables that will connect to the antenna unit.

2.Once you’ve decided on a suitable location, create a panel cutout in the mounting surface.

Figure 2-9 illustrates the mounting dimensions and a full-scale template has been provided in Appendix B. The connecting cables will be routed through this cutout.

Figure 2-9 Switchplate Panel Cutout Dimensions

	3.82"		3/32" (2.5 mm) dia
(97 mm)

.32" (8 mm)

2.36"	Panel Cutout	2.05"
(60 mm)		(52 mm)
.16" (4 mm)	3.19"
	(81 mm)

2-8