TracPhone V7 User Manual

TracPhone V7 User’s Guide

TracPhone V7

TracPhone V7

mini-VSAT Broadbandsm System

User’s Guide

This user’s guide provides all of the basic information you need to
operate, set up, and troubleshoot the TracPhone V7 system. For
detailed installation information, please refer to the TracPhone V7
Installation Guide.

TracPhone V7 User’s Guide

Serial Numbers

Please 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: [phone]
Fax: [phone] Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail] E-mail: [e-mail]
Internet: www.kvh.com Internet: www.kvh.com

Antenna

Control Unit

Modem

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

KVH Part # 54-0465 Rev. A

© 2007, KVH Industries, Inc., All rights reserved.

Trademark Information

TracPhone, KVH, and the unique light-colored dome with contrasting baseplate are registered
trademarks of KVH Industries, Inc.
mini-VSAT Broadband is a service mark of KVH Industries, Inc.
SES AMERICOM is a registered trademark of SES AMERICOM.
ViaSat and the ViaSat logo are registered trademarks of ViaSat, Inc.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure the correctness and completeness of the material in this
document. No company shall be liable for errors contained herein. The information in this
document is subject to change without notice. No warranty of any kind is made with regard to
this material, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness
for a particular purpose.

CE Declaration of Conformity

The undersigned declares that the following equipment complies with the specifications
of EMC Directive 1999/5/EC Radio & Telecommunications Equipment. The general
safety requirements in EMC Directive 2006/95/EC have not been tested.

Equipment Included in this Declaration

• TracPhone V7 Antenna (02-1563)

• TracPhone V7 Control Unit (02-1601)

• TracPhone V7 Modem (19-0487)

Equipment Applicability

The TracPhone V7 system provides broadband Internet connectivity and voice services
between a ship and any destination in the world. The equipment is intended to be used
on non-SOLAS vessels outside of GMDSS.

Declaration and Certification

KVH declares that the protection requirements with respect to the EMC Directive
2004/108/EC, and the effective use of spectrum as shown by 301-427, are fulfilled in
conformity with the following standards:

• EN 301 427 V1.2.1

• EN 301 843-1 V1.2.1

• EN 301 843-6 V1.1.1

• EN 61000-3-2:2000

• EN 61000-3-3:1995

• EN 60945:2002

Manufacturer

KVH Industries, Inc.
50 Enterprise Center
Middletown, RI 02842 USA

Authority

Brian Arthur, Director of Program Management Date

Table of Contents

1Introduction

Using this Manual ..............................................................................3

Important Safety Information.............................................................5

System Overview ...............................................................................6

2Operation

Satellite Communication Basics ......................................................11

TracPhone V7 User’s Guide

Table of Contents

Turning On the System ....................................................................12

System Startup ................................................................................13

Using the mini-VSAT Broadband Service.........................................14

Using KVH’s Enhanced VoIP Service ................................................15

3 Configuration

Adjusting the Control Unit Display Brightness .................................21

Configuring RF Radiation Hazard Zones ..........................................23

Resetting the System to Factory Conditions....................................31

Configuring Your Computer for mini-VSAT Broadband ....................33

4 Troubleshooting

Five Simple Checks..........................................................................43

Control Unit Status Lights ................................................................44

Modem Status Light.........................................................................46

Error Messages................................................................................47

Troubleshooting an Enhanced VoIP Service Problem ......................50

Viewing Status Information on Your Web Browser ..........................51

Viewing Status Information on the Control Unit...............................57

i

TracPhone V7 User’s Guide
Table of Contents

A Wiring Diagram

B Menus Quick Reference Guide

CGlossary

Calibrating the Antenna Gyros .........................................................63

Technical Support............................................................................65

Wiring Diagram ................................................................................69

Menus Quick Reference Guide.........................................................73

Glossary ...........................................................................................77

ii

1. Introduction

This chapter provides a basic overview of this manual and your
TracPhone system. It also provides important safety information you
need to know before using the product.

Contents

Using this Manual.............................................................. 3

Important Safety Information ............................................ 5

System Overview............................................................... 6

TracPhone V7 User’s Guide

Chapter 1 - Introduction

1

Using this Manual

This manual provides complete operation, configuration, and
troubleshooting information for your TracPhone V7 system.

Who Should Use this Manual

The user should refer to the “Operation” chapter to learn how to
operate the system.

The user or installer should refer to the “Configuration” chapter for
information on setting up the system for the desired preferences.

The user and/or servicing technician should refer to the
“Troubleshooting” chapter to help identify the cause of a system
problem.

TracPhone V7 User’s Guide

Chapter 1 - Introduction

Icons Used in this Manual

This manual uses the following icons:

Icon Description

Icon

Description

This is an illustration of the buttons on the control unit. Gray
shading indicates which button the user should press.

This is a danger, warning, or caution notice. Be sure
to read these carefully to avoid injury!

3

TracPhone V7 User’s Guide
Chapter 1 - Introduction

Typographical Conventions

This manual uses the following typographical conventions:

Text Example Description

Press MENUS to view
the menu

SELECT SATELLITES Text as it appears on the control unit

The display shows
“BRIGHTNESS”

See “Switching Satellites”

on page 14.

Related Documentation

In addition to this User’s Guide, the following documents are
provided with your TracPhone system:

Document Description

Installation Guide Complete installation instructions

Both the icon and the name of the
button are provided

display

Text in quotes is shown on the
control unit display

Cross-reference to another chapter in
the manual or to a website

Service Activation Form Details on activating the system for

mini-VSAT Broadband service

Antenna Mounting
Template

Warranty Statement Warranty terms and conditions

Contents List List of every part supplied in the kit

4

Template that the installer uses to lay
out the antenna mounting holes

Important Safety Information

For your own safety, and for the safety of your passengers and/or
crew, be sure to read the following important notices.

Warning - Risk of Electric Shock

Potentially lethal voltages are present within the control unit and the
modem. To avoid electric shock, do not open the chassis enclosures of
the belowdecks equipment. They contain no user-serviceable parts,
and opening the enclosure(s) will void the product’s warranty.

Caution - RF Radiation Hazard

The antenna transmits radio frequency (RF) energy that is potentially
harmful. Whenever the system is powered on, make sure all personnel
stay more than 36 feet (11 m) away from the antenna within its 5°-80°
elevation range. No hazard exists 2 feet (0.6 m) directly above the
antenna and 2 feet (0.6 m) below the antenna’s centerline.

TracPhone V7 User’s Guide

Chapter 1 - Introduction

Figure 1-1 Safe Distances from the Antenna to Avoid Risk of RF Radiation Exposure

Radiation

Hazard

3

6

ft

(1

1

m)

Antenna

Radiation

Hazard

(1

t

f

6

3

2 ft (0.6 m)

1

m)

NOTE: Using the control unit, you can set up RF radiation hazard zones to
inhibit transmissions within areas frequented by your passengers and/or
crew. See “Configuring RF Radiation Hazard Zones” on page 23 for
details.

5

TracPhone V7 User’s Guide
Chapter 1 - Introduction

System Overview

Your TracPhone V7 is a complete mini-VSAT Broadband
communications system for mariners on the move. Using cutting-edge
spread spectrum technology, which was previously only available to
the military and corporate jets, the TracPhone V7 delivers a seamless
and consistent Internet experience. And it all comes with an antenna
that is 85% smaller and 75% lighter than traditional VSAT antennas.

As shown in the basic diagram below, the system consists of an
antenna system, control unit, and modem that connect to a land-based
hub via a Ku-band satellite. The hub then provides the Internet link, as
managed by the Network Operations Center. A brief description of
each system component is provided on the following page. A detailed
wiring diagram is provided in “Wiring Diagram” on page 69.

Figure 1-2 TracPhone V7 mini-VSAT Network Diagram

TracPhone

Antenna

Control Unit

& Modem

Routing & VoIP

Devices

Wireless or Wired

Ethernet Connection

Laptop

PC

Ku-Band Satellite

mini-VSAT

Connection

Hub

Internet

Network Operations

Center (NOC)

VoIP Connection

Customer-Supplied

Analog
Phone

6

System Components

The TracPhone V7 system includes the following components:

The antenna unit provides the satellite link
between the onboard modem and the land­based hub. Using its integrated GPS,
advanced reflector technology, and gyro
stabilization, the antenna automatically
locates and tracks the correct satellite, even
while your vessel is on the move.

The control unit supplies power to the
antenna unit, links the antenna to the
modem, and allows you to operate and
configure all aspects of the system.

TracPhone V7 User’s Guide

Chapter 1 - Introduction

The modem, manufactured by ViaSat, is the
transceiver and “brain” of the system. It
processes all incoming and outgoing TCP/
IP data between the antenna and the router
using its proprietary spread spectrum
technologies. It also powers the antenna’s
transmit and receive components (BUC and
LNB).

The multimedia terminal adapter (MTA) is
a Voice over IP (VoIP) device that allows
you to connect up to two analog telephones
and make and receive calls over the mini­VSAT Broadband connection.

The router links the system to your onboard
local area network (LAN) via both wireless
(WiFi) and wired Ethernet connections. It
also offers several security options,
including encryption, to protect your
wireless network from outside intrusion.

The remote service and support module is a
compact GPRS cellular modem. This unit
allows KVH Technical Support to “dial in”
to your system for troubleshooting
purposes.

7

TracPhone V7 User’s Guide
Chapter 1 - Introduction

Service Activation

Before you can start using the TracPhone V7, you need to activate the
system for mini-VSAT Broadband service. To activate, simply fill out
the Activation Form provided in your Customer Welcome Kit. Then
fax the completed form to KVH at one of the following numbers:

Once KVH processes the form, a representative will call you to
confirm your system is activated and ready for use.

North/South America, Australia:

Fax: [phone]

Europe, Middle East, Asia:

Fax: [phone]

8

2. Operation

This chapter explains how to turn on and use the TracPhone V7 system.
It also explains how to interpret the startup screens.

Contents

Satellite Communication Basics...................................... 11

Turning On the System.................................................... 12

System Startup................................................................ 13

Using the mini-VSAT Broadband Service......................... 14

TracPhone V7 User’s Guide

Chapter 2 - Operation

Using KVH’s Enhanced VoIP Service................................ 15

9

Satellite Communication Basics

Ku-band communications satellites are located in fixed positions
above the Earth’s equator and relay data to/from the earth within the
regions that they serve. Therefore, to communicate via a given
satellite, you must be located within that satellite’s unique coverage
area, also known as its “footprint.”

TIP: To view the latest mini-VSAT Broadband satellite coverage map, visit
our website at www.kvh.com/footprint.

Figure 2-1 Example of a Satellite Footprint

TracPhone V7 User’s Guide

Chapter 2 - Operation

Equator

In addition, since satellites are located 22,300 miles (35,900 km) above
the equator, the TracPhone antenna must have a clear view of the sky
to transmit and receive signals. Anything that stands between the
antenna and the satellite can block signals, resulting in lost data.
Common causes of blockage include trees, buildings, and bridges.
Heavy rain, ice, or snow may also temporarily interrupt reception.

Figure 2-2 Example of Satellite Blockage

Blocked!

TracVision

11

TracPhone V7 User’s Guide
Chapter 2 - Operation

Turning On the System

Follow the steps below to turn on your TracPhone system.

The antenna transmits RF
energy that is potentially
harmful. All personnel
must stay more than 36 feet
(11 m) away from the
antenna within its 5°-80°
elevation range. No hazard
exists 2 feet (0.6 m) above
the antenna and 2 feet
(0.6 m) below its centerline.

CAUTION

Radiation

3

6

Hazard

f

t (

1

1

m)

Antenna

Radiation

Hazard

(1

t

f

6

3

2 ft (0.6 m)

1 m

)

1. Make sure the antenna has a clear view of the sky.

2. Make sure power is applied to the modem, control unit,

router, MTA, and computer(s).

3. Press the power button on the modem. The button’s
light should illuminate green.

Figure 2-3 Modem Front Panel Power Switch

STATUS

4. Press the power button on the control unit. The button’s
light should illuminate green. The control unit supplies
power to the antenna.

Figure 2-4 Control Unit Front Panel Power Switch

12

5. Turn on your networked computer(s).

6. Wait five minutes for system startup (see the next

section for details).

Once the antenna finds the correct service satellite, all status lights on
the control unit and the modem should be lit green. If any lights are
not lit green, refer to “Troubleshooting” on page 41.

System Startup

The control unit shows the following screens during startup. If the
display shows an error message, see “Error Messages” on page 47.

Control Unit Screen Description

TracPhone V7 User’s Guide

Chapter 2 - Operation

ANTENNA INITIALIZING

GPS: ACQUIRED

41.1N, 72.3W

WAITING FOR MODEM

MODEM COMMS: OK

RECEIVING SATELLITE
INFO FROM MODEM

SEARCHING FOR 72W
DVB-ASSIST SATELLITE

Note: Satellites will vary

The antenna is running a self test
routine

When GPS acquires a fix,
momentarily displays your
latitude/longitude

The antenna is waiting for the
modem to initialize

The modem is communicating
with the control unit

The modem is providing satellite
identification data to the antenna

The antenna is searching for the
DVB-assist satellite, which helps
it find the correct service satellite

TRACKING 72W
DVB-ASSIST SATELLITE

SEARCHING FOR 22W
SERVICE SATELLITE

Note: Satellites will vary

TRACKING 22W
SERVICE SATELLITE

ONLINE
TRACKING 22W

The antenna has found the DVB­assist satellite

The antenna is shifting to point at
the mini-VSAT Broadband
service satellite

The antenna is now tracking the
service satellite

The modem has accessed the
mini-VSAT Broadband service;
the system is ready for use!

13

TracPhone V7 User’s Guide
Chapter 2 - Operation

Using the mini-VSAT Broadband Service

Once the TracPhone V7 modem establishes a connection with the
mini-VSAT Broadband service, you can perform all of the same
Internet tasks you perform at home:

•E-mail

• Video conferencing

• Internet browsing

• Weather and chart updates

• Instant messaging

• Accessing corporate networks (VPNs)

• Data transfers

IMPORTANT!

Certain applications, such as continuous streaming video, web
cams, and high-speed gaming, are not supported by fixed-rate
service plans. For details, be sure to read all of the service terms
and conditions, which can be found at www.kvh.com/

Your_Account, under “mini-VSAT Broadband Documents.”

NOTE: The system must be activated before you can use it. See “Service

Activation” on page 8 for details.

14

Using KVH’s Enhanced VoIP Service

The MTA and Enhanced Voice over IP (VoIP) Service allow you to
make/receive telephone and fax calls via the mini-VSAT Broadband
service. This section explains how to use basic VoIP functions.

IMPORTANT!

The TracPhone V7 VoIP service will not provide Automatic
Number Identification or Automatic Location Information
capabilities associated with emergency 911 or E911 services. In
addition, the VoIP service will not work in the event of either a
network service outage or a power failure. Therefore, it is critical
that you maintain your vessel’s separate distress and safety
communications system for emergency calls. Be sure to inform
anyone who may use the TracPhone V7 of the limitations of 911
and E911 emergency services. The manufacturer, distributor, and

service provider shall not be liable for, and expressly disclaim, any direct
or indirect damages, claims, losses, expenses, liabilities, actions, risks, or
harms arising out of or related to the services provided through this
equipment, including without limitation, emergency 911 or E911
services.

TracPhone V7 User’s Guide

Chapter 2 - Operation

Turning On the MTA

The MTA has no on/off switch; simply make sure its power supply is
plugged into vessel AC power. When you turn on the TracPhone V7
system, the MTA initializes, which may take up to 15 minutes. The
MTA is ready once its “RUN” light is lit steady green (see Figure 2-5).

For complete details about the MTA device, refer to the MTA User’s Guide.

Figure 2-5 MTA Status Lights

POWER

VOIP

PHONE 2

PHONE 1

POWER

RUN

RUN

WAN

LAN

WAN

LAN

VOIP

PHONE 2

PHONE 1

15

TracPhone V7 User’s Guide
Chapter 2 - Operation

Placing a Voice Call

Calls originating from a TracPhone V7 system are terminated in the
United States. Therefore, to place a call, you will need to dial as if you
are calling from the U.S., regardless of your vessel’s location. Follow
the steps below to place a call via the TracPhone V7.

1. Make sure the TracPhone V7 system is turned on and
connected to the mini-VSAT Broadband service (the
control unit shows “Online”). Also make sure the
“RUN” light on the MTA is lit green.

2. Pick up the handset on any phone connected to the
MTA. You should hear a dial tone.

3. Dial the phone number you wish to call.

If you are calling within the U.S.:
Dial 1 + Area Code + Local Phone Number

If you are calling outside of the U.S.:
Dial 011 + Country Code + Area Code + Local Phone Number

For example, if the country code is 99, the city code is 77, and
the local number is 555-8888, dial 01199775558888.

NOTE: When you make a VoIP call via the mini-VSAT Broadband service,
your voice travels 22,300 miles (35,900 km) into space, then 22,300 miles
(35,900 km) back to Earth, just like any other satellite voice service. This
lengthy transit will necessarily cause a brief delay (approximately 0.5 second)
in your telephone conversations, even at the fastest speeds.

Recording a VoiceMail Personal Greeting

Follow the steps below to record your VoiceMail personal greeting.

1. Pick up the handset on any phone connected to the
MTA. You should hear a dial tone.

2. Dial 123 on the telephone keypad to connect to the
VoiceMail system.

3. Press 2 to access your mailbox.

16

4. Press 1 to access your personal greeting.

5. Press 2 to change your greeting. You will be prompted

to record your greeting.

6. Press 1 to listen to your personal greeting.

7. When you are satisfied with your greeting, press 3 to

accept and activate your greeting. You will hear the
message “Your personal greeting has been activated.”

Listening to Your VoiceMail Messages

If the “PHONE 1” or “PHONE 2” light on the MTA is blinking orange
when the telephone handset is on the hook, you have new VoiceMail
messages (see Figure 2-5 on page 15). Follow the steps below to listen
to your VoiceMail messages.

1. Pick up the handset on any phone connected to the

MTA. You should hear a dial tone.

2. Dial 123 on the telephone keypad to connect to the

VoiceMail system.

3. Press 1 to listen to your messages.

4. Follow the spoken instructions to listen to, save, and/or

delete your messages.

NOTE: You can also listen to your messages online at your VoIP account
web page (see “Managing Your VoIP Account Online” on page 18). In
addition, you can access VoiceMail from any regular landline telephone.
Simply dial the number for your main U.S. VoIP phone line, press *, then
enter your PIN (provided during service activation).

TracPhone V7 User’s Guide

Chapter 2 - Operation

Sending or Receiving a Fax

Faxing is easy via the TracPhone V7 Enhanced VoIP Service. Simply
connect a fax machine to either “PHONE” jack on the MTA and dial as
you would a voice call (see “Placing a Voice Call” on page 16).

NOTE: Faxing requires 70k bandwidth for sending and up to 90k bandwidth
for receiving. When fax and voice are used simultaneously on both MTA
ports, the bandwidth requirement increases to between 100k and 170k.

17

TracPhone V7 User’s Guide
Chapter 2 - Operation

Managing Your VoIP Account Online

You can manage your account online at your Enhanced VoIP account
web page. You can view and configure all of the various calling
features available to you, as well as view account information and
listen to VoiceMails. To log onto the site, follow the steps below:

1. Go to www.kvh.com/Your_Account.

2. At the Your Satellite Services Account web page, select

“mini-VSAT Broadband” from the drop-down menu.

3. At the login page, enter your user name and password
for the mini-VSAT Broadband service (provided during
service activation).

4. At your mini-VSAT Broadband account web page, click
the “Enhanced VoIP Account” tab in the sidebar.

5. At the login page, enter your primary VoIP phone
number and PIN (provided during service activation).

NOTE: You can also contact Customer Support by dialing 611 on your
telephone handset.

18

3. Configuration

This chapter explains how to change the brightness of the control unit’s
display, set up an RF radiation hazard zone, and reset the system to its
factory configuration. It also explains how to configure your computer
for a wired Ethernet connection to the TracPhone V7 system. For details
on setting up a wireless network, refer to the instructions provided with
the router.

Contents

Adjusting the Control Unit Display Brightness................. 21

TracPhone V7 User’s Guide

Chapter 3 - Configuration

Configuring RF Radiation Hazard Zones .......................... 23

Resetting the System to Factory Conditions.................... 31

Configuring Your Computer for mini-VSAT Broadband.... 33

19

TracPhone V7 User’s Guide

Chapter 3 - Configuration

Adjusting the Control Unit Display Brightness

Follow the steps below to adjust the brightness of the control unit’s
front panel display.

1. Press MENUS until the display shows
“CONFIGURATION.”

CONFIGURATION
NEXT MENU ACCEPT

2. Press ACCEPT.

BRIGHTNESS= HIGH
NEXT ITEM CHANGE

3. Press CHANGE until the display shows the desired
brightness setting: HIGH, MEDIUM, or LOW.

BRIGHTNESS= MEDIUM?
CHANGE ACCEPT

4. Press ACCEPT.

BRIGHTNESS= MEDIUM

21

TracPhone V7 User’s Guide
Chapter 3 - Configuration

5. Press EXIT to exit the menu.

22