TracVision M5, M7 User Manual

TracVision M5/M7

Switchplate Configuration

TracVision M5/M7 User’s Guide

TracVision M5/M7 User’s Guide

TracVision M5/M7

Switchplate Configuration
User’s Guide

This user’s guide provides all of the basic information you need to
operate, set up, and troubleshoot the TracVision M5/M7 satellite
TV antenna system. For detailed installation information, please
refer to the TracVision M5/M7 Installation 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 # 54-0419 Rev. D

© 2007-2009, 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.

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.

All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Table of Contents

1Introduction

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

System Overview...............................................................................5

Circular and Linear Versions..............................................................7

2Operation

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

TracVision M5/M7 User’s Guide

Table of Contents

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

Changing Channels and Switching Between Satellites

(Circular Versions)...........................................................................13

Changing Channels and Switching Between Satellites

(Linear Versions)..............................................................................19

Receiver Requirements ...................................................................21

Product Care....................................................................................23

3 Settings

Connecting a PC to the Maintenance Port.......................................27

Setting Sleep Mode .........................................................................29

Setting Latitude and Longitude........................................................30

Setting the LNB Skew Angle (Linear Versions)................................31

Determining Which Satellites are Configured for Tracking .............36

DISH 1000 Setup..............................................................................38

DISH 500/ExpressVu Setup..............................................................43

European Tri-Sat Setup...................................................................46

Configuring the Antenna to Track Different Satellites.....................48

Switching Between Installed Satellites Using a PC.........................51

i

TracVision M5/M7 User’s Guide
Table of Contents

4 Troubleshooting

A Wiring Diagrams

Five Simple Checks..........................................................................55

Troubleshooting Matrix....................................................................56

Causes and Remedies for Operational Issues..................................57

Technical Support............................................................................61

Wiring Diagram for One or Two Receivers ......................................65

Wiring Diagram for Three or Four Receivers

(Circular Version).............................................................................66

Wiring Diagram for Three or Four Receivers

(Linear Quad-Output LNB Version)...................................................67

B Position Grids

European Position Grid.....................................................................71

North American Position Grid...........................................................72

ii

1. Introduction

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

Contents

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

System Overview...............................................................5

Circular and Linear Versions..............................................7

TracVision M5/M7 User’s Guide

Chapter 1 - Introduction

1

Using this Manual

This is an important notice. Be sure to read these carefully to
ensure proper operation and configuration of your TracVision
system.

IMPORTANT!

This manual provides complete operation, setup, and troubleshooting
information for your TracVision system, as well as wiring diagrams
for various TracVision M5/M7 system configurations.

Who Should Use This Manual

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

The user, installer, or servicing technician should refer to the
“Settings” chapter for information on configuring the system and the
“Wiring Diagrams” appendix for information on connecting
additional receivers.

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

TracVision M5/M7 User’s Guide

Chapter 1 - Introduction

Notifications Used in this Manual

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

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

NOTE: Notes contain useful information about system settings.

TIP: Tips contain helpful information, allowing you to get the most out of

your TracVision system.

CAUTION

3

TracVision M5/M7 User’s Guide
Chapter 1 - Introduction

Typographical Conventions

This manual uses the following typographical conventions:

Text Example Description

HALT

X

Related Documentation

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

Document Description

Installation Guide Complete product installation

Product Registration Form Details on registering the product
Warranty Statement Warranty terms and conditions
Contents List List of every part supplied in the kit

Bold text in capital letters indicates a command
to be entered via a PC

Bold text in italicized capital letters indicates a
variable portion of a PC command

instructions

4

System Overview

TracVision Antenna

Switchplate

Purchased Separately

Vessel Power

12 - 16 VDC

Power

Data

Satellite Receiver(s)

TV(s)

RF

Your TracVision M5/M7 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.

Figure 1-1 TracVision System Diagram (Typical Installation)

TracVision M5/M7 User’s Guide

Chapter 1 - Introduction

TIP: Receiver wiring diagrams are provided in Appendix A on page 63.

Antenna Unit

The antenna unit houses the antenna positioning
mechanism, LNB (low noise block), and control
elements within a radome. Weathertight
connectors join the power, signal, and control
cabling from the belowdecks units.

Switchplate

The switchplate controls power to the antenna via
the On/Off switch. The switchplate includes a
maintenance port (DB9 connector), allowing you to
connect a PC, an optional TV/SAT Switch, or a
MultiSat Control Panel (MCP).

MAINTENANCE

5

TracVision M5/M7 User’s Guide
Chapter 1 - Introduction

System Features

Your TracVision M5/M7 system uses integrated DVB technology to
quickly acquire and track the correct satellite, switch between your
selected satellites, and send TV signals to the receiver.

In-motion Tracking

The TracVision system includes a state-of-the-art actively stabilized
antenna. Once the antenna acquires the satellite, its internal gyros
continuously measure the heading, pitch, and roll of your vessel and
send commands to the antenna motors, keeping the antenna pointed
at the satellite at all times - even while you’re on the move!

Satellite Tracking and Switching

Your TracVision M5/M7 system tracks your selected satellites as long
as the vessel is located within the selected satellites’ coverage area.
During installation, your TracVision system should have been set up
to track your desired satellites, allowing you to switch between them
quickly and easily.

Satellite Library

The TracVision M5/M7 system includes a pre-programmed library of
the most popular satellites, offering a wide variety of satellite services
to choose from. For complete information on the satellite library, see
Chapter 3 ”Settings” on page 25.

TIP: Two more satellites of your choice can also be added to the satellite
library. For complete information on adding satellites to the library, refer to
the associated Application Note on the KVH Partner Portal (KVH-authorized
technicians only).

6

Circular and Linear Versions

Ideal SkewGood SkewBad Skew

= Satellite Signal = LNB "Signal Collector"

Your TracVision system is configured for either circularly polarized
satellite signals (e.g., North America) or linearly polarized satellite
signals (e.g., Europe or Latin America). Figure 1-2 illustrates the
difference between these two polarizations.

Figure 1-2 Polarizations of Satellite Signals

Circular Linear

TracVision M5/M7 User’s Guide

Chapter 1 - Introduction

Signals transmitted in two
“corkscrew” patterns, one
running clockwise and one
running counter-clockwise

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.”
Figure 1-3 illustrates how skew determines the amount of a linear
signal the LNB collects. The more signal, the better the reception.

Figure 1-3 How Skew Works

Signals transmitted in vertical
and horizontal “waves” offset
exactly 90º from each other

7

TracVision M5/M7 User’s Guide

+70

+65

+60

+55

+50 +45 +40 +35 +30

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, if your antenna is tracking the PAS 9
satellite for Sky Mexico programming, the ideal skew setting ranges
from +30 to +70, depending upon your location within the satellite’s
coverage area (see Figure 1-4).

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

For complete details about adjusting the LNB’s skew, see “Setting the
LNB Skew Angle (Linear Versions)” on page 31.

8

2. Operation

This chapter explains everything you need to know to operate the
TracVision system.

Contents

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

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

Changing Channels and Switching Between

Satellites (Circular Versions) ...........................................13

Changing Channels and Switching Between

Satellites (Linear Versions).............................................. 19

TracVision M5/M7 User’s Guide

Chapter 2 - Operation

Receiver Requirements................................................... 21

Product Care....................................................................23

9

Receiving Satellite TV Signals

Equator

TracVision

Blocked!

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 websites that offer
satellite coverage information. Simply visit our website at www.kvh.com/
footprint.

Figure 2-1 Location and Coverage Area of DIRECTV 101 Satellite

TracVision M5/M7 User’s Guide

Chapter 2 - Operation

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 a ntenna and the
satellite can block the signal, resulting in lost reception. Common
causes of blockage include boat masts, trees, buildings, and bridges.
Heavy rain, ice, or snow might also temporarily interrupt satellite
signals.

Figure 2-2 Example of Satellite Blockage

11

TracVision M5/M7 User’s Guide

Avoid turning the vessel or changing TV channels for one
minute after turning on the system.

IMPORTANT!

MAINTENANCE

OFF

ON

Chapter 2 - Operation

Turning the System On/Off

You can turn the system on or off using the switchplate.

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. Set the switchplate’s Power switch to the On (|)

position.

Figure 2-3 Switchplate Power Switch

4. Wait one minute for system startup.

Turning Off the System

Follow the steps below to turn off your TracVision system.

1. Set the switchplate’s Power switch to the Off (O)

position.

2. Turn off your satellite TV receiver and TV.

12

TracVision M5/M7 User’s Guide

Chapter 2 - Operation

Changing Channels and Switching Between Satellites (Circular Versions)

During installation, your TracVision system should have been set up
to track the satellite(s) of your choice and the channel guide for your
selected satellite service should have been downloaded.

Since some channels might be located on another satellite, changing
channels might require switching between satellites. With most
TracVision configurations, satellite switching occurs automatically
while you change channels using the primary receiver’s remote
control. Find your selected service and configuration in the following
sections for complete details.

NOTE: The primary receiver is the receiver connected to the antenna’s RF1
connector.

DISH 1000
(Required for TurboHD Service)

When the TracVision M5/M7 system is configured for DISH 1000, you
can view the DISH HDTV programming for your geographic area. The
system can be set to either DISH 1000/61 mode or DISH 1000/129
mode.

Figure 2-4 DISH 1000 Configurations

Configuration Satellites Tracked

DISH 1000/61 DISH 110, 119, and 61
DISH 1000/129 DISH 110, 119, and 129

13

TracVision M5/M7 User’s Guide
Chapter 2 - Operation

During installation, your TracVision system should have been set to
the DISH 1000 configuration that best suits your geographic location
(see Figure 2-5) and local channels requirements. If you change
satellite coverage areas, refer to “DISH 1000 Setup” on page 38 to
change your DISH 1000 configuration.

Figure 2-5 Regional DISH 1000 Configuration Recommendations

= DISH 129 Satellite Recommended
= DISH 61 Satellite Recommended

DISH 1000 Automatic Mode - Preferred for One or Two Receivers

The antenna switches between satellites automatically as you change
channels using the primary receiver’s remote control. The primary
receiver is the receiver connected to the antenna’s RF1 cable (see
Figure 2-6). If an optional secondary receiver is connected, you can use
its remote control to switch between the channels on the currently
selected satellite.

Figure 2-6 DISH 1000 Primary Receiver/Secondary Receiver Controls

Antenna

RF2

RF2

RF1

RF1

Switchplate

Grounding
Block

Primary Receiver

14

Changes

channels on

current satellite

Secondary
Receiver
(optional)

Automatically

switches

satellites/channels

TracVision M5/M7 User’s Guide

RF2

Grounding
Block

RF1

Switchplate

Antenna

All Receivers

Changes

channels on

current satellite

Multiswitch

MCP

Used to Switch Satellites

PC

OR

Chapter 2 - Operation

DISH 1000 Manual Mode - Required for Three or More Receivers

Since multiswitches interfere with communications between the
receivers and the antenna, the system must be set up in Manual mode
when three or more receivers are installed. When manual mode is
enabled, you can switch between your selected satellites using a PC or
an optional MultiSat Control Panel (MCP) (KVH Part #01-0260-02).
You can use the receivers’ remote controls to switch between the
channels on the currently selected satellite.

NOTE: Refer to “Switching Between Installed Satellites Using a PC” on
page 51 for more information on using a PC.

Figure 2-7 DISH 1000 Manual Mode - Receiver/PC/MCP Controls

15

TracVision M5/M7 User’s Guide
Chapter 2 - Operation

Dual-Sat Mode - DISH 500, ExpressVu, DIRECTV, and Custom Service
Configurations

Several service configurations require Dual-Sat mode operation.
Figure 2-8 lists each Dual-Sat service configuration, the satellites
tracked for each service, and the available satellite switching modes.

Figure 2-8 Dual-Sat Modes

Service Satellites Tracked Switching Mode(s)

DIRECTV DIRECTV 101 and 119 Auto or Manual
DISH 500 DISH 119 and 110 Auto or Manual
ExpressVu ExpressVu 91 and 82 Auto or Manual
Custom Selected by user Manual

16

TracVision M5/M7 User’s Guide

Chapter 2 - Operation

Dual-Sat Automatic Mode - Preferred for One or Two Receivers*

The antenna switches between satellites automatically as you change
channels using the primary receiver’s remote control. The primary
receiver is the receiver connected to the antenna’s RF1 cable (see
Figure 2-9). If an optional secondary receiver is connected, you can use
its remote control to switch between the channels on the currently
selected satellite.

*NOTE: Custom service configurations must use Manual mode.

Figure 2-9 Dual-Sat Automatic Mode - Receiver Controls

Antenna

RF2

channels on

current satellite

RF1

RF2

Changes

RF1

Switchplate

Grounding
Block

Secondary
Receiver
(optional)

Primary Receiver

Automatically

switches

satellites/channels

17

TracVision M5/M7 User’s Guide

RF2

Grounding
Block

RF1

Switchplate

Antenna

Multiswitch

All Receivers

Changes

channels on

current satellite

MCP

Used to Switch Satellites

PC

OR

OR

Other Indicators:

• Both blinking
green: initializing

• Error light
blinking red:
system problem

Changing Satellites:

1. Push Select button

2. Wait while Sat A or
B blinks green

3. Ready when Sat A
or Sat B stays
solid green

Sat A

Error

Sat B

Select

TV/SAT

Switch

Chapter 2 - Operation

Dual-Sat Manual Mode - Required for Three or More Receivers and All
Custom Service Configurations

Circular TracVision M5/M7 systems with three or more receivers
require the use of a multiswitch. Since multiswitches interfere with
satellite switching communications between the receivers and the
antenna, the system must be set up in Manual mode. When manual
mode is enabled, you can switch between your selected satellites using
a PC, an optional TV/SAT Switch (KVH Part #01-0245), or an optional
MultiSat Control Panel (MCP) (KVH Part #01-0260-02). You can use
the receivers’ remote controls to switch between the channels on the
currently selected satellite.

NOTE: Refer to “Switching Between Installed Satellites Using a PC” on
page 51 for more information on using a PC.

Figure 2-10 Dual-Sat Manual Mode - Receiver/PC/TV/SAT Switch/MCP Controls

18