KVH Industries TracVision R5SL, TracVision R5, TracVision R4SL, TracVision R4, Tri-Sat AutoSwitch Kit Installation And Operation Instructions Manual

KVH Tri-Sat AutoSwitch™ Kit Installation and Operation
Instructions for TracVision® R5SL/R5/R4SL/R4

The following instructions explain how to install and operate the Tri-Sat AutoSwitch Kit on a
TracVision R5SL/R5/R4SL/R4 system.

The Tri-Sat AutoSwitch Kit allows DIRECTV HDTV subscribers to enjoy the Ku-band portion of
the overall high-definition (HD) programming package and switch automatically among the
DIRECTV 101, 110, and 119 satellites when using a DIRECTV H21-200 or H20-600 receiver.

For information on: Refer to:

Installation Page 2

Operation Page 6

Advanced Wiring
Diagrams

NOTE: This procedure requires a PC with the latest version of the KVH Flash Update Wizard installed.
The Flash Update Wizard is available to KVH-authorized dealers through the KVH Partner Portal.

Page 9

Who Should Install the System?

To ensure a safe and effective installation, KVH recommends that a KVH-authorized technician
install the Tri-Sat AutoSwitch Kit. To find a technician near you, please visit www.kvh.com/
wheretogetservice.

Technical Support

If you need technical assistance, please contact KVH Technical Support:

Phone: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]

KVH, TracVision, and the unique light-colored dome with contrasting baseplate are registered trademarks of KVH Industries, Inc.

All other trademarks are property of their respective companies. The information in this document is subject to change without notice.

No company shall be liable for errors contained herein. © 2008 KVH Industries, Inc., All rights reserved. 54-0445 Rev. F

1

Installing the Tri-Sat AutoSwitch

Antenna

RF1RF2

Grounding

Block

Vehicle

AC Ground

To Connected

Component(s)

Disconnect
Here

To Connected
Component(s)

Kit

This section explains how to install the Tri-Sat
AutoSwitch Kit. These instructions require
additional/alternate installation steps than those
specified in the TracVision Installation Guide.
These instructions supersede the TracVision
installation and operation instructions where
applicable.

Step 1 - Set Up the System

The following instructions explain how to
modify the TracVision system for Tri-Sat
AutoSwitch use.

CAUTION

For your own safety, be sure to disconnect
power from all wired components before
performing this procedure.

Figure 1 Disconnecting Components with Grounding Block

Figure 2 Disconnecting Components without Grounding Block

Antenna

Upgrading Previously Installed TracVision Systems

If you are installing the Tri-Sat AutoSwitch Kit to
upgrade a TracVision system that is already
installed on a vehicle, follow the steps below:

a. Systems with a grounding block -

Disconnect any components connected to the
grounding block’s RF1 connector (see
Figure 1).

Systems without a grounding block -
Disconnect any components connected to the
antenna’s RF1 cable (see Figure 2).

b. Proceed to “Step 2 - Connect the Tri-Sat

AutoSwitch Kit” on page 3

To Connected

Component(s)

RF1RF2

Disconnect
Here

To Connected
Component(s)

2

Upgrading New TracVision Systems

(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

Standard

Receiver

(optional)

Antenna

RF1RF2

RJ22 Connector on
Back of Switchplate

TracVision Switchplate

DB9 Connector on
Front of Switchplate

Previously Installed
TracVision Systems

From Antenna

To DIRECTV HD

Receiver Coax

USB

S-VIDEO OUT

COMPONENT OUT

AUDIO OUT

VIDEO OUT

CAUTION

OFF-AIR IN SATELLITE IN

DIGITAL AUDIO
OUT OPTICAL

HDMI OUT

PHONE JACK

RF REMOTE
ANTENNA

AC 120V, 60 Hz

Satellite In

USB

Grounding
Block

Vehicle

AC Ground

Control Output

To DIRECTV HD

Receiver USB

New TracVision Systems

If you are installing the Tri-Sat AutoSwitch Kit as
part of a new TracVision system installation, note
the following variations to the TracVision
Installation Guide.

Figure 3 Tri-Sat AutoSwitch Wiring Diagram

• Only wire the receivers as specified in
these instructions

• Do not mount the switchplate until
you have finished installing the Tri­Sat AutoSwitch Kit.

• Be sure to also wire the switchplate as
specified in the TracVision
Installation Guide.

Step 2 - Connect the Tri-Sat AutoSwitch Kit

This section explains how to connect the Tri-Sat
AutoSwitch Kit and a DIRECTV H21-200 or H20­600 receiver.

NOTE: For information on wiring additional
components, refer to the Appendix on page 9.

a. Systems with a grounding block - Connect

the RF1 cable (A) from the grounding block’s
RF1 connection to the “From Antenna”
connector on the Tri-Sat AutoSwitch (see
Figure 3).

Systems without a grounding block -
Connect the antenna’s RF1 cable (A) to the
“From Antenna” connector on the Tri-Sat
AutoSwitch (see Figure 3).

3

b. Connect the appropriate data cable (B) for

your installation type (see Figure 3 on page 3)
from the switchplate to the “Control Output”
connector on the Tri-Sat AutoSwitch.

NOTE: Switchplate wiring varies according to
installation type. The kit contains multiple data cables
to accommodate several TracVision products and
configurations. Refer to the Contents List for data
cable photos and part numbers.

If you are installing an Tri-Sat AutoSwitch
Kit to upgrade a TracVision system that is
already installed on a vehicle, be sure to use

the RJ22-to-DB9 data cable (KVH Part #32­0916-25) supplied in the kit. You will connect
the DB9 end of the cable to the front of the
TracVision switchplate (see Figure 3 on
page 3).

If you are installing an Tri-Sat AutoSwitch
Kit as part of a new TracVision system
installation, be sure to use the RJ22-to-RJ22

data cable (KVH Part #32-0724-25) supplied
in the kit. You will connect to the RJ22
connector on the back of the TracVision
switchplate (see Figure 3 on page 3).

c. Connect one end of a coaxial cable (C) to the

“To DIRECTV HD Receiver Coax” connector
on the Tri-Sat AutoSwitch. Connect the other
end to the “Satellite In” connector on the
DIRECTV H21-200 or H20-600 receiver.

d. Connect one end of the USB cable (D) to the

“To DIRECTV HD Receiver USB” connector
on the Tri-Sat AutoSwitch. Connect the other
end of the cable to the “USB” connector on
the DIRECTV H21-200 or H20-600 receiver.

4

Receiver Installation

Be sure to follow these guidelines when installing
the receiver.

• The Tri-Sat AutoSwitch Kit is
compatible only with DIRECTV
model H21 receivers that have
manufacturer ID 200 and DIRECTV
model H20 receivers that have
manufacturer ID 600.

• The DIRECTV H21-200 or H20-600
receiver must be configured as an
“Oval, 3, LNB” dish type. Refer to the
receiver manual for configuration
instructions.

• Upon startup, the receiver might take
up to 30 minutes or more to fully load
the program guide for all three
DIRECTV satellites. Be sure to only
select channels carried on the 101
satellite until the program guide is
fully loaded.

Figure 4 Check for Updates Option

Step 3 - Check for Flash Wizard Updates

You need to check for flash file updates to ensure
you have the most current software available (see
Figure 4). Follow the Flash Update Wizard’s
onscreen instructions to check for updates. This
procedure requires a PC with the latest version of
the KVH Flash Update Wizard installed and an
Internet connection.

NOTE: Refer to the Flash Update Wizard’s Help file
for details on checking for updates.

Step 4 - Flash the Main and RF Boards

Connect a PC to the RF port on your TracVision
system, as described in the Flash Update
Wizard’s Help file. Then follow the Flash Update
Wizard’s onscreen instructions to flash the
antenna’s main board and RF board.

NOTE: Refer to the Flash Update Wizard’s Help file
for details on flashing the antenna.

5

Using the Tri-Sat AutoSwitch

This section explains how to operate the
TracVision system with the Tri-Sat AutoSwitch
installed.

Switching Satellites

When the Tri-Sat AutoSwitch is coupled with a
DIRECTV H21-200 or DIRECTV H20-600
receiver, the antenna automatically switches
among the Ku-band portion of the DIRECTV 101,
110, and 119 satellites as the user changes
channels using the receiver’s remote control.

NOTE: The receiver might take up to 30 seconds to
display video when changing channels, switching
between satellites, and/or switching between
standard-definition and high-definition channels.

TIP: For your convenience, KVH lists the DIRECTV
Ku-band HDTV channels, and the DIRECTV
satellites that carry them, on the web at
www.kvh.com/HDTV. Since DIRECTV changes its
channel lineups frequently, KVH can e-mail updates
to you whenever the HDTV lineup changes. Register
for this free service when you visit the website for the
first time.

6

Using the Tri-Sat AutoSwitch Kit with Multiple
Receivers

Since the antenna can only track one satellite at a
time, all receivers can only view channels carried
by the currently tracked satellite. Therefore,
switching channels on one Tri-Sat AutoSwitch­equipped receiver might cause televisions
connected to other receivers to display different
programming, no programming, or an error
message. TV viewers can simply change the
channel until they select a channel carried by the
new satellite, or they can use any Tri-Sat
AutoSwitch-equipped receiver to switch back to
the original satellite.

NOTE: Only Tri-Sat AutoSwitch-equipped
DIRECTV H21-200 and H20-600 receivers control
satellite selection. Other receiver models and
additional DIRECTV H21-200 and H20-600
receivers without a mated Tri-Sat AutoSwitch cannot
control satellite selection, but they can change
channels on the currently selected satellite.

Using the Tri-Sat AutoSwitch Kit with Additional Tri­Sat AutoSwitch-equipped DIRECTV H21-200 or H20­600 Receivers

The Tri-Sat AutoSwitch enables automatic
satellite switching for one DIRECTV H21-200 or
H20-600 receiver. However, when two or more
Tri-Sat AutoSwitches are installed, any Tri-Sat
AutoSwitch-equipped receiver can control
satellite selection. The last Tri-Sat AutoSwitch­equipped receiver to change satellites controls
satellite selection until another Tri-Sat
AutoSwitch-equipped receiver changes satellites.

7

Appendix

A standard wiring diagram is provided in Figure 3 on page 3. However, if you need to wire
additional components, refer to the table below to determine the appropriate wiring diagram
for your configuration.

NOTE: If you need to wire additional components not supported in the following diagrams, please contact
KVH Technical Support.

To Install: Refer to:

Tri-Sat AutoSwitch Kit, 1 DIRECTV H21-200 or H20­600 Receiver, 1 DVR, and 0 or 1 Additional Receivers

Tri-Sat AutoSwitch Kit, 1 DIRECTV H21-200 or H20­600 Receiver, and 2 or 3 Additional Receivers

Tri-Sat AutoSwitch Kit, 2 DIRECTV H21-200 or H20­600 Receivers, and 1 Additional Tri-Sat AutoSwitch

Tri-Sat AutoSwitch Kit, 2 DIRECTV H21-200 or H20­600 Receivers, 1 Additional Tri-Sat AutoSwitch, and 1
or 2 Additional Receivers

Tri-Sat AutoSwitch Kit, 2 DIRECTV H21-200 or H20­600 Receivers, 1 Additional Tri-Sat AutoSwitch, and 1
DVR

NOTE: If the TracVision system is not equipped with a grounding block (see Figure 1 and Figure 2 on
page 2), simply bypass the grounding block connections shown in the following diagrams when
connecting components.

Page 10

Page 11

Page 12

Page 13

Page 14

9

Tri-Sat AutoSwitch Kit, 1 DIRECTV H21-200/
H20-600 Receiver, and 2 or 3 Additional
Receivers

Antenna

18V

18V
SAT

Rx1

Power
Supply

ANT

DC

IN

20V

MultiSwitch

Rx3

Rx2

RF1

13V

13V
SAT

Rx4

RF2

Grounding
Block

From Antenna

To DIRECTV HD

Receiver Coax

Control Output

Satellite In

Vehicle

AC Ground

To DIRECTV HD

Receiver USB

USB

OFF-AIR IN SATELLITE IN

COMPONENT OUT

CAUTION

S-VIDEO OUT

USB

DIGITAL AUDIO

RF REMOTE

OUT OPTICAL

PHONE JACK

VIDEO OUT

AUDIO OUT

ANTENNA

HDMI OUT

H21-200/H20-600 Receiver

TracVision Switchplate

New TracVision

Systems

RJ22 Connector on
Back of Switchplate

This receiver controls

AC 120V, 60 Hz

satellite selection

Previously Installed
TracVision Systems

DB9 Connector on

Front of Switchplate

Rx1

Rx2

Rx3

Rx4

Receivers, HD or Standard
(or terminate with 75 ohm blocks)

10

Tri-Sat AutoSwitch Kit, 1 DIRECTV H21-200/

Antenna

RF1

RF2

Control Output

USB

S-VIDEO OUT

COMPONENT OUT

AUDIO OUT

VIDEO OUT

CAUTION

OFF-AIR IN SATELLITE IN

DIGITAL AUDIO
OUT OPTICAL

HDMI OUT

PHONE JACK

RF REMOTE
ANTENNA

AC 120V, 60 Hz

H21-200/H20-600 Receiver

Satellite In

USB

From Antenna

RJ22 Connector on
Back of Switchplate

TracVision Switchplate

DB9 Connector on

Front of Switchplate

New TracVision

Systems

Previously Installed
TracVision Systems

Grounding
Block

Vehicle

AC Ground

To DIRECTV HD

Receiver Coax

To DIRECTV HD

Receiver USB

Receiver, HD or Standard
(or terminate with 75 ohm blocks)

USB

S-VIDEO OUT

COMPONENT OUT

AUDIO OUT

VIDEO OUT

CAUTION

OFF-AIR IN SATELLITE IN

DIGITAL AUDIO
OUT OPTICAL

HDMI OUT

PHONE JACK

RF REMOTE
ANTENNA

AC 120V, 60 Hz

DVR, HD or Standard

Satellite In

2

Satellite In

1 (FTM)

13V

13V
SAT

Rx4

ANT

IN

Rx3

DC

20V

Rx2

Rx1

18V
SAT

Power
Supply

MultiSwitch

Rx3

Rx1

Rx2

18V

Rx4

This receiver controls
satellite selection

H20-600 Receiver, 1 DVR, and 0
or 1 Additional Receivers

11

Tri-Sat AutoSwitch Kit, 2 DIRECTV H21-200/
H20-600 Receivers, and 1 Additional Tri-Sat
AutoSwitch

Antenna

From Antenna

RF1

RF2

Grounding
Block

From Antenna

To DIRECTV HD

Receiver Coax

Control Output

To DIRECTV HD

Receiver USB

Vehicle

AC Ground

Control Input

TracVision Switchplate

New TracVision

Systems

RJ22 Connector on
Back of Switchplate

Previously Installed
TracVision Systems

DB9 Connector on

Front of Switchplate

To DIRECTV HD

Receiver Coax

Control Output

Satellite In

12

To DIRECTV HD

Receiver USB

USB

OFF-AIR IN SATELLITE IN

COMPONENT OUT

CAUTION

S-VIDEO OUT

USB

DIGITAL AUDIO

RF REMOTE

OUT OPTICAL

PHONE JACK

VIDEO OUT

AUDIO OUT

ANTENNA

HDMI OUT

H21-200/H20-600 Receiver

AC 120V, 60 Hz

Satellite In

OFF-AIR IN SATELLITE IN

CAUTION

USB

H21-200/H20-600 Receiver

USB

COMPONENT OUT

DIGITAL AUDIO

RF REMOTE

OUT OPTICAL

PHONE JACK

S-VIDEO OUT

VIDEO OUT

AUDIO OUT

ANTENNA

HDMI OUT

AC 120V, 60 Hz

Tri-Sat AutoSwitch Kit, 2 DIRECTV H21-200/

Receivers, HD or Standard
(or terminate with 75 ohm blocks)

Antenna

RF1 RF2

Control Output

USB

S-VIDEO OUT

COMPONENT OUT

AUDIO OUT

VIDEO OUT

CAUTION

OFF-AIR IN SATELLITE IN

DIGITAL AUDIO
OUT OPTICAL

HDMI OUT

PHONE JACK

RF REMOTE
ANTENNA

AC 120V, 60 Hz

H21-200/H20-600 Receiver

Satellite In

USB

Control Input

From Antenna

Control Output

USB

S-VIDEO OUT

COMPONENT OUT

AUDIO OUT

VIDEO OUT

CAUTION

OFF-AIR IN SATELLITE IN

DIGITAL AUDIO

OUT OPTICAL

HDMI OUT

PHONE JACK

RF REMOTE
ANTENNA

AC 120V, 60 Hz

H21-200/H20-600 Receiver

Satellite In

USB

RJ22 Connector on
Back of Switchplate

TracVision Switchplate

DB9 Connector on

Front of Switchplate

New TracVision

Systems

Previously Installed
TracVision Systems

To DIRECTV HD

Receiver USB

Vehicle

AC Ground

Grounding
Block

To DIRECTV HD

Receiver Coax

13V

13V
SAT

Rx4

ANT

IN

Rx3

DC

20V

Rx2

Rx1

18V
SAT

Power
Supply

MultiSwitch

Rx3

Rx1

Rx2

18V

Rx4

H20-600 Receivers, 1 Additional Tri-Sat
AutoSwitch, and 1 or 2 Additional Receivers

13

Tri-Sat AutoSwitch Kit, 2 DIRECTV H21-200/

USB

S-VIDEO OUT

COMPONENT OUT

AUDIO OUT

VIDEO OUT

CAUTION

OFF-AIR IN SATELLITE IN

DIGITAL AUDIO
OUT OPTICAL

HDMI OUT

PHONE JACK

RF REMOTE
ANTENNA

AC 120V, 60 Hz

DVR, HD or Standard

Satellite In

2

Satellite In

1 (FTM)

Antenna

RF1 RF2

Control Output

USB

S-VIDEO OUT

COMPONENT OUT

AUDIO OUT

VIDEO OUT

CAUTION

OFF-AIR IN SATELLITE IN

DIGITAL AUDIO
OUT OPTICAL

HDMI OUT

PHONE JACK

RF REMOTE
ANTENNA

AC 120V, 60 Hz

H21-200/H20-600 Receiver

Satellite In

USB

Control Input

From Antenna

Control Output

USB

S-VIDEO OUT

COMPONENT OUT

AUDIO OUT

VIDEO OUT

CAUTION

OFF-AIR IN SATELLITE IN

DIGITAL AUDIO
OUT OPTICAL

HDMI OUT

PHONE JACK

RF REMOTE
ANTENNA

AC 120V, 60 Hz

H21-200/H20-600 Receiver

Satellite In

USB

RJ22 Connector on
Back of Switchplate

TracVision Switchplate

DB9 Connector on

Front of Switchplate

New TracVision

Systems

Previously Installed

TracVision Systems

To DIRECTV HD

Receiver USB

Vehicle

AC Ground

Grounding
Block

To DIRECTV HD

Receiver Coax

13V

13V
SAT

Rx4

ANT

IN

Rx3

DC
20V

Rx2

Rx1

18V
SAT

Power
Supply

MultiSwitch

Rx3

Rx1

Rx2

18V

Rx4

To DIRECTV HD

Receiver USB

H20-600 Receivers, 1 Additional Tri-Sat
AutoSwitch, and 1 DVR

14