TracVision M3, M3-DX User Manual

TracVision M3 User’s Guide

TracVision M3 – DX Version

Linear Configuration

TracVision M3

DX Version - Linear
User’s Guide

This user’s guide provides all of the basic information you need to
operate, set up, and troubleshoot the TracVision M3 satellite TV
antenna system. For detailed system installation information,
please refer to the TracVision M3 Installation Guide.

TracVision M3 User’s Guide

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

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

KVH Part # 54-0385-01 Rev. B

© 2006, KVH Industries, Inc., All rights reserved.

U.S. Patents Pending

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.

All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Table of Contents

1Introduction

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

TracVision M3 System Overview........................................................5

Linear Satellite Signals ......................................................................6

2Operation

Receiving Satellite TV Signals..........................................................11

TracVision M3 User’s Guide

Table of Contents

Turning the System On/Off ..............................................................12

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

Understanding the Status Screen ....................................................15

Switching Satellites .........................................................................16

3 System Preferences

Adjusting the Display Brightness .....................................................21

Entering Latitude/Longitude ............................................................22

4Setup

Selecting Satellites to Track ............................................................27

Setting the LNB Skew Angle ............................................................31

Resetting the System to Change Setup ...........................................34

5 Troubleshooting

Five Simple Checks..........................................................................39

System Status Lights .......................................................................40

Running the Diagnostics Test ..........................................................42

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TracVision M3 User’s Guide
Table of Contents

A Wiring Diagram

B Menus Quick Reference Guide

Viewing System Information............................................................46

Changing the Satellite Switching Mode...........................................49

Calibrating the Gyros .......................................................................51

Changing Tracking Parameters .......................................................53

Technical Support............................................................................57

Product Care ....................................................................................58

Wiring Diagram ................................................................................61

Interface Box Menus........................................................................65

C Programming User-Defined Satellites

Connecting a Laptop to the Antenna................................................69

Programming Your User-Defined Satellites .....................................71

ii

1. Introduction

This chapter provides a basic overview of this manual and your
TracVision system.

Contents

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

TracVision M3 System Overview ....................................... 5

Linear Satellite Signals...................................................... 6

TracVision M3 User’s Guide

Chapter 1 - Introduction

1

Using this Manual

This manual provides complete operation, setup, and troubleshooting
information for your TracVision system.

Who Should Use This Manual

The user should refer to the “Operation” and “System Preferences”
chapters to learn how to operate the system using the interface box.

The user or installer should refer to the “Setup” chapter and “Wiring
Diagrams” appendix for information on configuring the system for the
desired satellite(s).

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

TracVision M3 User’s Guide

Chapter 1 - Introduction

Icons Used in this Manual

This manual uses the following icons to call attention to important
information:

Icon Description

Icon

Description

This is an illustration of the buttons on the interface box. 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

TracVision M3 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 interface box

The display shows
“BRIGHTNESS”

<Satellite name> Brackets indicate a variable value

See “Switching Satellites”

on page 16

Related Documentation

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

Document Description

Both the icon and the name of the
button are provided.

display

Text in quotes is shown on the
interface box display

Cross-reference to another chapter in
the manual or to a web site

Installation Guide Complete product installation

instructions

Quick Start Guide Handy quick reference to basic

operation and setup

Contents List List of every part supplied in the kit

4

TracVision M3 System Overview

Your TracVision M3 system is a state-of-the-art, actively stabilized
antenna system that delivers live satellite TV to your vessel’s audio/
video entertainment system. A basic system is illustrated below. A
receiver wiring diagram is provided in Appendix A on page 59.

Figure 1-1 TracVision M3 System Diagram

Antenna

TracVision M3 User’s Guide

Chapter 1 - Introduction

Interface Box

Satellite Receiver TV

Options Purchased Separately

The antenna uses integrated DVB technology to
quickly acquire and track the correct satellite,
switch between satellites, and send TV signals to
the interface box. Internal gyros allow the antenna
to track the satellite at all times, even while you’re
on the move! And its advanced 37 cm (14.5")
antenna design delivers signal strength, reception,
and coverage comparable to larger 45 cm (18")
antennas.

Vessel Power
12 VDC

The interface box allows you to set up and
control the system using its four
pushbuttons and LCD display. It also
supplies power to the antenna and delivers
satellite TV signals to your satellite TV receiver.

5

TracVision M3 User’s Guide
Chapter 1 - Introduction

Linear Satellite Signals

Your TracVision system is configured to receive linearly polarized
satellite signals. Satellites around the world (with the exception of
satellites in North America, which transmit circularly polarized
signals) transmit linear signals in vertical and horizontal “waves” that
are offset exactly 90º from each other. This orientation doubles the
bandwidth, allowing the satellite to deliver hundreds of channels of
digital entertainment to your vessel.

Figure 1-2 Linearly Polarized Satellite Signals

LNB Skew Angle

Since linear satellite signals are oriented in a precise cross pattern, the
TracVision antenna’s receiving element, called an LNB (low-noise
block) must be oriented in the same way to optimize reception. This
orientation adjustment is referred to as the LNB’s “skew angle.” The
figure below illustrates how skew determines the amount of signal the
LNB collects. The more signal, the better the reception.

Figure 1-3 How Skew Works

Ideal SkewGood SkewBad Skew

= Satellite Signal = LNB "Signal Collector"

6

TracVision M3 User’s Guide

Chapter 1 - Introduction

The correct skew setting varies depending on your geographic
location, since the orientation of your antenna to the satellite changes
as you move. For example, as shown in the figure below, if your
antenna is tracking the PAS 9 satellite for Sky Mexico programming,
the ideal skew setting ranges from +30 to +70, depending upon where
you’re located within the satellite’s coverage area.

Figure 1-4 Approximate Skew Settings for the PAS 9 Satellite

+50 +45 +40 +35 +30

+55

+60

+65

+70

For complete details about adjusting the LNB’s skew, see “Setting the

LNB Skew Angle” on page 31.

7

2. Operation

This chapter explains how to use the interface box to operate the
TracVision system. It explains how to turn the TracVision system on or
off, interpret the startup screens, and switch between satellites.

Contents

Receiving Satellite TV Signals ......................................... 11

Turning the System On/Off .............................................. 12

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

Understanding the Status Screen.................................... 15

TracVision M3 User’s Guide

Chapter 2 - Operation

Switching Satellites......................................................... 16

9

Receiving Satellite TV Signals

Television satellites are located in fixed positions above the Earth’s
equator and beam TV signals down to certain regions of the planet
(not worldwide). To receive TV signals from a satellite, you must be
located within that satellite’s unique coverage area.

TIP: For your convenience, KVH provides links to several web sites that offer
satellite coverage information. Simply visit our web site at www.kvh.com/

footprint.

Figure 2-1 Location of Astra1 Satellite

TracVision M3 User’s Guide

Chapter 2 - Operation

Equator

In addition, since TV satellites are located above the equator, the
TracVision antenna must have a clear view of the sky to receive
satellite TV signals. Anything that stands between the antenna and the
satellite can block the signal, resulting in lost reception. Common
causes of blockage include trees, buildings, and bridges. Heavy rain,
ice, or snow may also temporarily interrupt satellite signals.

Figure 2-2 Example of Satellite Blockage

TracVision

11

TracVision M3 User’s Guide
Chapter 2 - Operation

Turning the System On/Off

Since the interface box supplies power to the antenna, you can turn the
antenna on or off using the interface box POWER switch.

Turning On the System

Follow the steps below to turn on your TracVision system.

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

2. Turn on your satellite TV receiver and TV.

3. Press the POWER switch on the front of the

TracVision interface box.

4. Wait one minute for system startup.

Once the antenna finds the correct satellite, all three status lights on
the interface box should be lit green. If any lights are not lit green, refer
to “System Status Lights” on page 40.

Figure 2-3 Interface Box Components

Power

Switch

Turning Off the System

Follow the steps below to turn off the TracVision system.

1. Press the POWER switch on the front of the
TracVision interface box.

2. Turn off your satellite TV receiver and TV.

Display

Buttons

Status
Lights

12

System Startup

The display shows the following screens during startup.

Interface Box Screen Description

TracVision M3 User’s Guide

Chapter 2 - Operation

KVH INTERFACE BOX
VERSION X.YZ

KVH TRACVISION M3
SYS SW VERSION X.YZ

KVH TRACVISION M3
RF SW VERSION X.YZ

INSTALLED SATELLITES
HOTBIRD, THOR

LAT/LONG: 55N, 012E

Interface box software version

Antenna model and main
software version

Antenna RF software version

Satellite(s) installed for
tracking

Latitude and longitude that
you last set in the antenna (or
factory default lat/long); see

“Entering Latitude/Longitude”
on page 22 for details on

entering your position

HOTBIRD SKEW:-12.5
CHECK LNB SETTING

or

AVERAGE SKEW:-12.3
CHECK LNB SETTING

INITIALIZING ANTENNA

SEARCHING HOTBIRD

Recommended LNB skew
angle setting

If only one satellite is
installed, shows the ideal skew

for that satellite;

If multiple satellites are
installed, shows the average

skew for all installed satellites

Antenna performs self-test

Antenna searches for the
selected satellite

13

TracVision M3 User’s Guide
Chapter 2 - Operation

Warning Messages on Startup

During startup, make sure none of the following warning messages
appear on the display.

to change your antenna setup to select a different set of satellites (see

“Resetting the System to Change Setup” on page 34), or you may

simply need to update the latitude/longitude stored in the antenna (see

“Entering Latitude/Longitude” on page 22).

Warning Description

If one of these messages appears, you may need

WARNING!
WIDE SKEW RANGE: 14

WARNING! SATELLITE
OUT OF ANTENNA RANGE

SYSTEM SAT MISMATCH

PRESS TO FIX

SAT NOT INSTALLED

The average skew may not
provide adequate reception for
all installed satellites. The
satellites are too far apart from
each other in the sky.

The antenna is not able to track
one of your installed satellites
because your vessel is not
located within that satellite’s
coverage area, based on the
latitude/longitude you have
set in the antenna.

The interface box and antenna
are out of sync. Just press

ACCEPT to synchronize.

The receiver is tuned to a
channel carried by a satellite
that is not installed in the
antenna.

14

Understanding the Status Screen

Following startup, the interface box display shows the current system
status.

Figure 2-4 Interface Box Status Screen

ASTRA1

Satellite

Signal Strength

Screen Field Description

TracVision M3 User’s Guide

Chapter 2 - Operation

Satellite

Signal Strength Strength of the satellite TV signal, as measured

NOTE: If your system is set up for manual satellite switching, the status
screen differs somewhat. See the following page.

“System Needs Setup”

If the interface box shows “System Needs Setup,” the antenna system
has not yet been configured for the satellites you wish to track. See

“Selecting Satellites to Track” on page 27 for setup instructions.

Figure 2-5 “System Needs Setup” Screen

ASTRA1
SYSTEM NEEDS SETUP

Satellite that the antenna is currently tracking

by RF level

The more bars, the stronger the signal, just like a
cell phone. Three bars = good reception.

15

TracVision M3 User’s Guide
Chapter 2 - Operation

Switching Satellites

If your TracVision system is set up to track multiple satellites, you can
easily switch between them. For normal operation, keep the system set
to Automatic satellite switching (factory default). If you wish to
manually switch between satellites, see “Changing the Satellite

Switching Mode” on page 49.

switching method by the format of the status screen:

Status Screen Example Satellite Switching Method

You can identify the current satellite

ASTRA1

ASTRA1 HH
PUSH TO SWITCH SAT

TIP: Use Automatic switching for normal operation. Manual switching is
generally used for troubleshooting only.

Automatic Satellite Switching

If your system is set up for automatic switching, the antenna
automatically switches satellites as you change channels using the
receiver’s remote control. The antenna also automatically selects the
correct signal polarization and band for the selected channel.

Manual Satellite Switching

If you selected Manual switching, follow the steps below to use the
interface box to switch between satellites. You will also need to select
the correct polarization and band for the desired channel.

Automatic

Manual

16

1. Press CHANGE until the display shows the desired
satellite.

SATELLITE= HOTBIRD?
CHANGE ACCEPT

TracVision M3 User’s Guide

Chapter 2 - Operation

2. Press ACCEPT.

3. Press CHANGE until the display shows the correct

polarization and band for the desired channel.

POLARIZATION/BAND=HL
CHANGE ACCEPT

There are four possible combinations of polarization/band:

Code Polarization Band

HL Horizontal Low

HH Horizontal High

VL Vertical Low

VH Vertical High

TIP: Polarization and band information for various channels is
available at www.lyngsat.com (site not affiliated with KVH).

4. Press ACCEPT.

The antenna switches to the selected satellite and polarization/
band.

NOTE: The antenna remains in manual switching mode until you
change it back to automatic switching. See “Changing the Satellite

Switching Mode” on page 49.

17

TracVision M3 User’s Guide

Chapter 3 - System Preferences

3. System Preferences

This chapter explains how to change the settings for display brightness
and latitude/longitude. Refer to “Interface Box Menus” on page 65 for a
quick reference guide to accessing these functions within the menu.

Contents

Adjusting the Display Brightness..................................... 21

Entering Latitude/Longitude ............................................ 22

19