KVH Industries TracVision S3 User Manual

Satellite Television

KVH TracVision

®

L3/S3

owner’s

manual

•

Installation Instructions

•

User’s Guide

•

Technical Manual

A Guide to TracVision L3/S3

Congratulations!

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

®

Industries’

TracVision

®

L3/S3 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 L3/S3 system. Before using this manual, be sure to

check the inside back cover for any addenda, which may detail
changes to the manual’s information.

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

Direct questions, comments, or suggestions to:

KVH Industries, Inc. KVH Europe A/S

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

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

KVH Part # 54-0157 Rev. G

© 2003, KVH Industries, Inc.

TracVision L3/S3 Serial Number

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

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

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

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

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

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

TracVision®, KVH®, and T racNet™ 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.

DirecPC

®

is a registered trademark of

Hughes Network Systems, a unit of GM Hughes Electronics.

Table of Contents

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

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

1.2 System Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2

1.2.1 TracVision L3/S3 Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3

1.2.2 Integrated Receiver Decoder (IRD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3

1.3 Materials Provided with TracVision L3/S3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4

1.3.1 Additional Materials Required for TracVision L3/S3 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-9

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

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

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

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

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

2.3.5.1 Installing Two IRDs and TVs (North Amer ican

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

2.3.5.2 Connecting Three or More IRDs and TVs

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

2.3.6 Sealing the Cable Access Hole . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-15

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

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

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

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

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

2.7 Checking Out the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-25

2.8 Configuring TracVision L3/S3 for Remote

Satellite Dish Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-26

2.9 Changing Geographic Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-27

i

54-0157 Rev. G

ii

3 Using Your TracVision L3/S3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .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 IRD Remote Control to Switch

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

3.2.2 Using the TV/SAT Switch to Switch

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

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

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

3.4 Internet Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-7

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

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

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

4.1.2 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 Satellite Coverage Issue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3

4.1.6 Vehicle Tur ning Dur ing Star tup (TracVision L3 only) . . . . . .4-3

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

4.1.8 Type of Multiswitch Used

(North American Systems Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-4

4.1.9 Stationary Use Only (TracVision S3 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-5

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 (TracVision L3 only) . . . . . . . . . . .5-7

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

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

Appendix A System Specifications

Appendix B Comprehensive System Wiring Diagram

Appendix C Switchplate Template

Appendix D Startup Data Sequence

Appendix E Maintenance Port Parser Commands

iii

54-0157 Rev. G

1 Introduction

1.1 Digital Satellite Television

Your new TracVision L3/S3 satellite antenna is fully compatible
with the Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB

®

) satellites, which use
the international standard for digital TV transmission, as well as
Digital Satellite Service (DSS) services, such as DIRECTV

®

. As a
result, you will be able to receive and decode signals from your
chosen satellite services with the proper programming and
hardware (e.g., the IRD [satellite TV receiver]). Your
TracVision L3/S3 is also fully compatible with KVH’s TracNet

™

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

Your TracVision L3/S3 comes with a pre-programmed “satellite
library” of European and North American satellite services.
When configuring the TracVision L3/S3, you may choose a pair
of satellites from the entire library to be active in the system and
with your IRD. For the antenna to 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 already in the “satellite library,” you
may also add two additional satellites of your choice to the library.

1-1

Introduction

54-0157 Rev. G

TracVision L3/S3’s default satellite
pairs are:

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

DSS_101 & DSS_119

or

N. America (US DISH Network):

Echo_119 & None

or

N. America (ExpressVu):

Expressvu & None

Refer to Section 2.5, “Selecting the

Active Satellite,” for instructions on

selecting different satellites.

Table 1-1

Available N. American Satellite
Pairs (U.S.-style LNB required)

DSS_101 DSS_119 Echo_61 Echo_110 Echo_119 Echo_148 Expressvu

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

1.2 System Overview

A complete satellite TV system includes the TracVision L3/S3
connected to an IRD and a television set. The optional TV/SAT
Switch allows you to select a satellite at the press of a button. 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 and a wiring diagram are provided in
Appendices A and B, respectively.

1-2

A Guide to TracVision L3/S3

Figure 1-1

TracVision L3/S3 System

Configuration

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

Table 1-2

Available European Satellite Pairs

(European LNB Required)

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

Astra 1 ✓✓ ✓✓
Astra 2N ✓✓
Astra 2S ✓✓

Hispasat

Hotbird ✓✓✓ ✓
Sirius ✓✓✓
Thor ✓

Second TV

and receiver

option only

available with

U.S.-style,

dual output

LNB.

TracVision Antenna

Radome

Baseplate

11-16 Volts DC

2.5-3.5 Amps

Data/Power

PC Maintenance

RF2

Satellite Receiver 2TV 2 Laptop PC

RF1

Satellite Receiver 1

TV 1

Options Purchased Separately

TV/SAT Switch

Vehicle

PowerSwitchplate

(optional)

E

rr

o

r

S

a

t A

S

a

t

B

S

e

le

c

t

C

ha

ng

ing

S

atellite

s:

1.Pu
s

h

S

ele

ct bu

tto

n

2.W
ait w

h

ile

S

at A or
B

blinks g

reen

3.R
eady w

hen

Sat A

o

r S

at B

stays

so

lid g

reen

O

ther Indicators

:

•Bo

th

blinking

green: initia

lizin
g

•Error lig

ht

blinking

red

:

system

pro

blem

In-motion Tracking (TracVision L3 only)

The 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.

1.2.1 TracVision L3/S3 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-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 Integrated Receiver Decoder (IRD)

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

1-3

Introduction

54-0157 Rev. G

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

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

for each of these options.

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

“Activating the IRD,” for more

details.

KVH offers an upgrade kit (KVH
Part #02-1026) that adds in-motion
tracking capability to the
TracVision S3, allowing you to
receive satellite signals while on
the move.

1.3 Materials Provided with
TracVision L3/S3

Table 1-3 lists the units, cables, and materials packed in the
TracVision L3/S3 package by name and KVH part number.

Component KVH Part No.

Antenna Unit (TracVision L3), comprising: 01-0225-19

†

01-0225-22

††

01-0225-25

†††

01-0225-28

††††

Baseplate Assembly (TracVision L3) 02-1245-01*

02-1245-03**

Radome Assembly (TracVision L3) 02-0953-03

Antenna Unit (TracVision S3), comprising: 01-0225-21

†

01-0225-27

†††

01-0225-30

††††

01-0225-24

††

Baseplate Assembly (TracVision S3) 02-1245-02*

02-1245-04**

Radome Assembly (TracVision S3) 02-0953-05
RF Cable (28 ft/8.5 m) 32-0417-28
Data/Power Cable (28 ft/8.5 m) 32-0730-28
PC Cable (6 ft/1.8 m) 32-0628-06
Kitpack*** 72-0101
Owner’s Manual 54-0157
IRD Ground Wire 32-0583-50
Switchplate 02-1023-01
TV/SAT Switch (optional) 01-0245

†

European TracVision L3/S3 system

††

North American TracVision L3/S3 system (defaulted to DIRECTV)

†††

North American TracVision L3/S3 system (defaulted to DISH Network)

††††

North American TracVision L3/S3 system (defaulted to ExpressVu)
* Baseplate assembly with single-output LNB
** Baseplate assembly with dual-output LNB
*** A complete listing of kitpack contents is provided in Table 2-2.

1-4

A Guide to TracVision L3/S3

Table 1-3

TracVision L3/S3 Packing List

Cables for the TracVision L3/S3 are
stored beneath the antenna unit
during shipping.

1.3.1 Additional Materials Required for
TracVision L3/S3 Use

To make full use of your new TracVision L3/S3 and receive
satellite TV on the road, you will need to provide/purchase the
following:

• Television

• Appropriate IRD for your selected satellite

TV service

1-5

Introduction

54-0157 Rev. G

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

2-1

Installation

54-0157 Rev. G

2 Installation

TracVision L3/S3 is designed for simple installation and setup.
Just follow these easy steps:

Step Refer to Section...

1. Choose the hardware locations 2.1

2. Mount the antenna unit 2.2

3. Connect system components 2.3

4. Activate the IRD 2.4

5. Select 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 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 terminal emulation software such as

PROCOMM or Windows Terminal or
Hyperterminal

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

Table 2-1

Installation Process

2-2

A Guide to TracVision L3/S3

Kitpack Contents

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

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 14-0250-0010

1

⁄

4" flat washers 4 14-0251

Switchplate bulb assembly (spare) 1 19-0193

3

⁄8" hole plugs 2 19-0282-06

Table 2-2

Kitpack Contents

2-3

Installation

54-0157 Rev. G

2.1 Choosing the Best Location

• Since the TracVision antenna requires a clear view

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

• Keep the antenna clear of any obstructions on the

roof (e.g., air conditioners). The antenna requires a

15º to 75º look angle to receive satellite signals.

• 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 2-1

Antenna Blockage

Figure 2-2

Maximum Mounting Surface Slope

Blocked!

Air Conditioner

Vehicle Roof

TracVision Antenna

7

" Maximum Gap

16

2-4

A Guide to TracVision L3/S3

2.2 Mounting 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.”

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.

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 4 mounting plates and each set of 5
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.

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 or backward
along the centerline of the vehicle
for more convenient installation.

Figure 2-3

Proper Orientation of

the Antenna Unit

Vehicle

Centerline

Baseplate
Connectors

Vehicle

Centerline

Mounting Plate

Arrows

Front/Rear

Front/Rear

of Vehicle

Mounting Plate

(1 of 4)

of Vehicle

Top View Side View

2-5

Installation

54-0157 Rev. G

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

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

11. 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

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

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,” for further details.

Figure 2-4

Antenna Baseplate (Bottom View)

Baseplate Holes

Factory-drilled

Drain Hole Positions

Front of
Vehicle

2-6

A Guide to TracVision L3/S3

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

Figure 2-7

Forward Shipping Restraint

(Arranged for Shipping)

Figure 2-6

Baseplate Connectors Facing

Front of Vehicle – Recommended

Drain Hole Locations

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.

11a.(Alternate Drain Hole Locations) If the antenna unit

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

3

⁄16

" (5 mm)-drain holes in the
rear-facing side of the baseplate as illustrated in
Figure 2-6. The existing factory-drilled drain
holes shown in Figure 2-5 must then be plugged
with silicone rubber sealant.

Recommended

3/16" (5 mm)

Drain Hole Positions

Drain Hole Angle

(relative to baseplate)

Front of
Vehicle

Angle of Hole, relative to front

Angle of Hole, relative to front

2 tie-wraps used
to secure LNB arm

Shipping Restraint

Shipping Restraint
Nuts and Washers

2-7

Installation

54-0157 Rev. G

13. Remove the nuts and washers securing the
shipping restraints to the baseplate. The positions
of all three shipping restraints are pictured in
Figure 2-8.

14. For convenient storage, rotate the shipping
restraints 180º and secure them to their original
mounting bolts using the nuts and washers
removed in Step 13 (see Figures 2-9 through 2-11).

All nuts and washers removed in Step 13 must
be reinstalled. These nuts and washers secure the
baseplate to the mounting plates.

Figure 2-10

Rotating Plate Shipping
Restraint Storage

Figure 2-8

TracVision L3/S3 Shipping
Restraints (Top View,
Installed for Shipping)

Do not discard the shipping
restraints, washers, or the nuts.
They should be stowed for future
use 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.

Figure 2-9

Forward Shipping
Restraint Storage

Rotating Plate

Shipping Restraint

Forward Shipping
Restraint for
LNB Bracket

Rotating Plate

Shipping Restraint

LNB

Installation Bolts and Washers

Rotating Plate Shipping Restraint (1 of 2)

Installation Bolt and Washer

Forward Shipping Restraint

2-8

A Guide to TracVision L3/S3

15. Place the radome onto the baseplate (labels facing
the sides of the vehicle) and secure in place using
the 8 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.

Figure 2-11

TracVision L3/S3 Shipping

Restraints (Storage Position)

Rotating Plate

Shipping Restraint

Forward
Shipping Restraint

Rotating Plate

Shipping Restraint

2-9

Installation

54-0157 Rev. G

2.3 Connecting 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 L3/S3 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 the steps
below to select and prepare the switchplate mounting location.

1. Select a location to mount the TracVision L3/S3
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 2-12 illustrates the mounting dimensions
and a template has been provided in Appendix C.
The connecting cables will be routed through this
cutout.

Figure 2-12

Switchplate Panel
Cutout Dimensions

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

3.82"

(97 mm)

.32" (8 mm)

2.36"

(60 mm)

.16" (4 mm)

Panel Cutout

3.19"

(81 mm)

(52 mm)

3

/32" (2.5 mm) dia

2.05"

2-10

A Guide to TracVision L3/S3

2.3.1 Connecting the Antenna Data/Power
Cable

1. Connect one end of the antenna data/power cable
to the antenna’s data/power connector and lock in
place (see Figure 2-13).

2. Route the other end of the data/power cable down
through the cable access hole in the vehicle’s roof
and out through the switchplate panel cutout.

3. Connect the data/power cable to the switchplate’s
data/power connector and lock in place (see
Figure 2-14).

Figure 2-14

Switchplate Data/Power Connector

Figure 2-13

Antenna Data/Power Connector

Data/Power

Data/Power

2-11

Installation

54-0157 Rev. G

2.3.2 Connecting to Vehicle Power

Recommended Power Wiring

Short circuits may result in severe electrical shock or burns.
Remove the appropriate vehicle fuse and test the circuit to ensure
that no power is present before connecting the power cable.

The switchplate requires an 11-16 VDC power input. A quick­tripping circuit breaker or fuse should be installed between the
switchplate and vehicle power. Circuit overload protection
should be rated for 5 amperes. If vehicle power fluctuates widely
or is noisy, a 12 VDC 5-amp AC/DC power supply or a wide­range DC/DC converter power supply should be installed. Test

the voltage and polarity before making connections to vehicle power.

Connecting the Power Cable to the Switchplate

1. Disconnect vehicle power by removing the
appropriate vehicle fuse.

2. Connect the switchplate to vehicle power as
pictured in Figure 2-15.

Before connecting the antenna unit
to vehicle power, remove the
appropriate vehicle fuse to prevent
a short circuit.

Figure 2-15

Switchplate Power Wiring

+12 VDC – Vehicle Power

Ground

IRD Ground Wire
(to IRD)

2-12

A Guide to TracVision L3/S3

2.3.3 Connecting the IRD Ground Wire

Agrounding wire (Cable #32-0583-50) has been provided to
connect your IRD to a suitable ground and protect the system.
Attach the grounding wire to any suitable screw on the rear
panel of the IRD with a good contact with the IRD chassis. The
other end should be connected to a suitable ground, ideally the
ground connector on the switchplate (see Figure 2-15).

2.3.4 Installing the Switchplate

After completing the switchplate wiring process, you must install
the switchplate itself. This process, detailed in the following
steps, is illustrated in Figure 2-16.

1. Fit the switchplate assembly and support frame

into the panel cutout made in Step 2 of Section 2.3,

“Connecting System Components,” and flush to the

mounting surface.

2. Drill out four

5

⁄32" (4 mm) holes in the countersunk

settings in the switchplate support frame.

3. Drill four

3

⁄32" (2.5 mm) holes in the mounting
surface using the countersunk holes in the support
frame as the template. Secure the support frame
and switchplate assembly to the mounting surface
using four #6 self-cutting screws.

4. Snap the front cover into place to cover the screws
and support frame.

5. Reinstall the vehicle fuse removed in Step 1 of

Section 2.3.2, “Connecting to Vehicle Power.”

Figure 2-16

Mounting the Switchplate

Support Frame and Front Cover

Before securing the switchplate to
the mounting surface, be sure to
strain-relieve the wires connecting
to the switchplate connectors.
Several tie-wraps have been
provided to aid in strain-relieving
the wires.

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2-13

Installation

54-0157 Rev. G

2.3.5 Connecting the Antenna RF Signal
Cable to the IRD

1. Route an RF cable up through the roof’s cable
access hole.

2. Connect the RF cable to the antenna’s RF1
connector (see Figure 2-17). Once the cable is
securely connected, loosen the sealing nut at the
base of the RF1 connector and tighten it onto the
end of the RF cable.

3. Connect the other end of the RF cable to the IRD’s
SATELLITE IN connector.

2.3.5.1 Installing Two IRDs and TVs

(North American Systems Only)

To connect a second TV and IRD to the TracVision L3/S3 system,
you must connect a second RF cable to the antenna’s RF2
connector (see Figure 2-17). Route the other end of the RF cable
down into the vehicle and connect it directly to the second IRD.

KVH recommends the use of
RG-6 or RG-11 (75 ohms) cable
for RF wiring. Use of non-RG-6
or RG-11 (75 ohms) cables will
result in degraded performance.
The KVH warranty does not cover
degraded performance due to
improper wiring.

When shipped from the factory, the
antenna’s RF connectors are
protected with caps. Leave the cap
installed on the RF2 connector
unless you are going to connect a
second RF cable to the
TracVision L3/S3.

Figure 2-17

Antenna RF Connectors

RF2 RF1