TracVision M9 Installation Manual

TracVision M9 Installation Guide

TracVision M9

Standard Configuration

TracVision® M9 Installation Guide

These instructions explain how to install the TracVision M9 satellite TV antenna system on a
vessel. Complete instructions on how to use the system are provided in the User’s Guide.

Installation Steps

1. Inspect Parts and Get Tools .......................3

2. Plan the Antenna Installation ....................4

3. Plan the MCU Installation..........................5

4. Prepare the Antenna Site............................6

5. Wire the Antenna ........................................7

6. Mount the Antenna .....................................8

7. Remove the Restraints ................................9

8. Wire the Receiver(s) and MCU................10

9. Connect Power...........................................12

10. Mount the MCU.........................................13

11. Select Satellites...........................................14

12. Calibrate the Internal Sensor ...................15

13. Run Two Check Switch Tests ..................17

14. Educate the Customer...............................18

Who Should Install the System?

To ensure a safe and effective installation, KVH recommends that a KVH-authorized marine
technician install the TracVision antenna. KVH-authorized technicians have the tools and
electronics expertise necessary to install the system. To find a technician near you, visit

www.kvh.com/wheretogetservice.

Technical Support

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

North/South America, Australia:

Phone: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
(Mon.-Fri., 9 am-6 pm ET, -5 GMT)
(Sat., 9 am-2 pm ET, -5 GMT)

KVH, TracVision, and the unique light-colored dome with dark 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. © 2010 KVH Industries, Inc., All rights reserved.

Europe, Middle East, Asia:

Phone: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
(Mon.-Fri., 8 am-4:30 pm, +1
GMT)

54-0418 Rev. D

1

Always lift the antenna by the baseplate and
never by the radome or any portion of the
internal antenna assembly (see Figure 1).

IMPORTANT!

Radome

Baseplate

Connectors
(with Logo Plate)

1

Inspect Parts and Get Tools

Before you begin, follow these steps to make sure
you have everything you need to complete the
installation.

a. Unpack the box and ensure it contains

everything shown on the Kitpack Contents
List. Save the packaging for future use.

b. Carefully examine all of the supplied parts to

ensure nothing was damaged in shipment.

c. Gather all of the tools and materials listed

below. You will need these items to complete
the installation.

• Flat-head and Phillips-head screwdrivers

• Electric drill and 1/2" (13 mm) and #29
drill bits

•17 mm socket wrench

Figure 1 TracVision M9 Antenna

Figure 2 Master Control Unit (MCU)

Display

• 9/16" open-end wrench

• Light hammer and center punch

•Adhesive tape

• Scriber or pencil

• Wire strippers

• 15-amp quick-tripping circuit breaker

• RG-6 or RG-11 RF coax cable(s) with
Snap-N-Seal
connecting the antenna to the receiver(s)
(see Step 4e on page 6 to determine the
number and type of cables required)

• Connector installation tool (Augat IT1000

- KVH part #19-0242 for RG-6 cable
installations)

• Power cable for connecting vessel power
to the MCU (see Figure 3)

®

F-connectors for

Buttons

Figure 3 Power Cable Guidelines

Cable Length Use Cable Gauge

< 40 ft (12 m)

40-70 ft (12-21 m)

12AWG (4mm

10AWG (6mm

2

)

2

)

• Satellite TV receiver(s) and TV(s)

3

Be sure to follow the guidelines below.
Damage caused by an improper installation is
not covered under KVH warranty.

IMPORTANT!

FWD

38.86"

(98.7 cm)

4x ø.50"

(4x ø13 mm)

ø35"

(ø88.9 cm)

12"

(30.5 cm)

6"

(15.2 cm)

6"

(15.2 cm)

12"

(30.5 cm)

Access Hatch

17"

(43.2 cm)

2

Plan the Antenna Installation

Before you begin, consider the following antenna
installation guidelines:

• Minimize blockage. The antenna requires a
clear view of the sky to receive satellite TV
(see Figure 4). The fewer obstructions, the
better the system will perform.

• Make sure the mounting surface is wide
enough to accommodate the antenna’s base
(see Figure 5). Also make sure it is flat, level,
strong enough to support the antenna’s
weight (85 lbs, 38.6 kg), and rigid enough to
withstand vibration.

• Be sure to preserve enough free space outside
the access hatch to allow a technician to
remove the hatch and perform maintenance.

Figure 4 Blockage from Obstruction

-20° to 85°
Look Angle

Blocked!

Mast

Figure 5 Antenna Dimensions

Antenna

Vessel Platform

• Select a location that is as close as possible to
the intersection of the vessel’s fore-and-aft
centerline and midships.

• Select a location that is not too high above the
waterline. Limit the height above the
waterline to less than 1/2 the vessel’s length.

• Do not mount the antenna at the same level
as the radar because the radar’s energy might
overload the antenna. Ideally, you should
mount the antenna 4 ft (1.2 m) above the
radar, and outside the beam path of the radar.

• Select a location that is at least 4 ft (1.2 m)
away from any magnetized materials, large
ferrous masses, cranes, engines, derricks,
other antennas, devices with DC motors,
electric winches, high-amperage cables, or
battery banks. The antenna’s internal
compass sensor performs best in a benign
magnetic environment.

• If you are mounting the antenna on a steel
vessel, use an aluminum, brass, plastic, or
wood platform (NOT steel or iron) to position
the antenna at least 4 ft (1.2 m) above and 6 ft
(1.8 m) away from the steel surface.

4

2.52"

(64.1 mm)

8.1"

(205.7 mm)

9.18"

(233.2 mm)

0.66"

(16.7 mm)

3

Plan the MCU Installation

Before you begin, consider the following MCU
installation guidelines:

• Select an MCU mounting location in a dry,
well-ventilated area belowdecks away from
any heat sources or salt spray.

• Be sure the MCU’s front panel will be easily
accessible to the user. The owner will use the
MCU’s buttons to control the antenna.

• Be sure to leave enough room at the MCU’s
rear panel for connecting the cables and
maintaining a service loop (see Figure 6 for
MCU dimensions).

• Since the supplied data/power cable is 100 ft
(30 m) long, the MCU should be located
within 100 ft (30 m) of the antenna. Allow an
adequate service loop, approximately 8"
(20 cm) of slack, at each end of the cable for
easy serviceability.

• The kitpack contains parts for mounting the
MCU either to a horizontal surface (using
Velcro) or to a vertical surface (using the
supplied flush mount bracket).

Figure 6 MCU Dimensions

Prepare the MCU Mounting Site
(Flush Mount only)

NOTE: Skip this step if you plan to mount the MCU
to a horizontal surface instead.

a. Using the MCU flush mounting template

provided at the end of this manual, mark and
cut out a hole in the mounting surface to
accommodate the flush mount bracket (see

Figure 7).

b. Using the same template, mark the locations

for the four MCU mounting holes.

c. Using a #29 drill bit, drill a 0.136" (3.45 mm)

hole at the four mounting hole locations.
Later, you will mount the MCU using four #8
screws.

Figure 7 MCU Mounting Holes Layout

7.62"

(194 mm)

.136" ( 3.45 mm)
Mounting Hole (x4)

3.08"

(78 mm)

.63"

(16 mm)

1.83"

(46 mm)

.63"

(16 mm)

8.87"

(225 mm)

5

If you wish to route the cables through the
bottom of the antenna’s baseplate, rather than
connecting at the side, you will need to
modify the antenna’s baseplate. See

Appendix A on page 23 for details.

IMPORTANT!

4

Prepare the Antenna Site

Once you have identified a suitable antenna
mounting site, according to the guidelines
provided in Step 2 on page 4, follow these steps
to drill the mounting holes and cable access hole
to prepare the site for installation.

a. Unfold the antenna mounting template

(supplied in the Customer Welcome Kit) and
place it onto the mounting surface. Make sure
the “FWD” (forward) arrow points toward
the bow and is parallel to the vessel’s
centerline (see Figure 8).

NOTE: You don’t need to mount the antenna exactly
on the vessel’s centerline, but the antenna’s forward
arrow must be parallel to it (the closer, the better).

b. Use the template to mark the locations for the

four mounting holes on the mounting
surface.

c. Drill a 1/2" (13 mm) hole at the four

mounting hole locations you marked in
Step 4b. Later, you will insert four M10 bolts
from below to secure the antenna to the
mounting surface.

d. Mark a location for the cable access hole,

either in the center of the antenna mounting
hole pattern or in an area aft of the antenna.
Later, you will route the data/power and RF
cables through this hole and into the vessel.

Figure 8 Antenna Mounting Holes Layout

Figure 9 Number of RF Cables Required

Connecting to: # RF Cables

Circular/Linear Sky Mexico Versions

1 receiver 1

2 or more receivers 2*

Linear Quad LNB Version

1 receiver 1

2 receivers 2

3 receivers 3

4 or more receivers 4**

e. Drill the cable access hole in the location you

marked in Step 4d. Be sure to size the hole
appropriately to accommodate the data/
power cable and all required RF cables (see

Figure 9 and Figure 10 to determine the

number and type of RF cables required).
Smooth the edges of the hole to protect the

6

cables.

* Multiswitch required for 3 or more receivers.
** Multiswitch required for 5 or more receivers.
See Appendix B on page 25 for details.

Figure 10 RF Cable Guidelines

Cable Length Use Cable Type

 75 ft (23 m) RG-6

> 75 ft (23 m) RG-11

If you wish to route the cables through the
bottom of the antenna’s baseplate, rather than
connecting at the side, see Appendix A on

page 23 for supplemental instructions.

IMPORTANT!

Be sure to properly align the data/power
cable with the antenna’s baseplate connector
before tightening. Connecting the cable at an
angle may damage the cable’s center lines.

IMPORTANT!

Connectors

Data/

Power

RF3 RF1 RF2 RF4

Data/

Power

RF1

M4 Screw (x6)

5

Wire the Antenna

Follow these steps to connect the data/power
and RF cables to the antenna.

a. Route the data/power and RF cables

belowdecks through the cable access hole.
Leave an adequate service loop,
approximately 8" (20 cm) of slack, in the
cables for easy serviceability. Later, you will
connect the data/power cable to the MCU
and the RF cable(s) to the receiver(s).

b. Position the antenna in place over the

mounting holes with the baseplate’s
connectors (see Figure 11) facing the stern.

c. Connect the data/power cable to the antenna

(see Figure 12 and Figure 13); hand-tighten.

Figure 11 Antenna Connectors

Figure 12 Data/power Cable Connections

MCU Antenna

F-type Connector N-type Connector

Figure 13 Antenna Baseplate Cable Connections

d. Using a 9/16" wrench, connect the RF cable(s)

to the antenna. If you need to connect only
one RF cable, connect the cable to the
antenna’s RF1 connector (see Figure 13).
Connect any additional RF cables to the RF2,
RF3, and RF4 connectors.

TIP: If you connect two or more RF cables, label
both ends of each cable to match the connector.
This will make it easier to identify the cables later.

e. Place the rear logo plate over the cables, so

each cable exits the proper opening (see

Figure 14). Using six M4 screws, attach the

logo plate to the baseplate.

Figure 14 Rear Logo Plate Installed

7

Be sure to use metric (not standard) bolts to
avoid stripping the inserts. To prevent
damage, do not extend the bolts further than

0.4" (10 mm) into the antenna’s baseplate.

IMPORTANT!

Do not block the four small drain holes in the
bottom of the antenna. These drain holes
ensure that any moisture within the antenna
will be able to escape.

IMPORTANT!

M10 x 50 mm Bolt (x4)

Antenna Base

Mount Surface

M10 Flat Washer (x4)

M10 Lock Washer (x4)

10 mm max.

6

Mount the Antenna

Follow these steps to mount the antenna to the
mounting surface.

a. Place the antenna baseplate over the holes

drilled in the mounting surface.

b. Make sure the four holes in the baseplate line

up with the four holes in the mounting
surface and the antenna’s connectors face the
stern.

c. At each of the four baseplate mounting holes,

place an M10 lock washer and flat washer on
an M10 bolt and insert the bolt into the hole
from below (see Figure 15).

d. Tighten all four bolts until the four rubber

feet are bottomed against the mounting
surface.

Figure 15 Mounting the Antenna (side view)

8

Tie-wrap

Tie-wrap

Tie-wrap

Tie-wrap

Sensor

Bracket

7

Remove the Restraints

Inside the antenna, three heavy-duty tie-wraps
prevent the antenna assembly from moving
during shipment. Follow these steps to remove
these shipping restraints.

a. Remove the eight #10-32 Phillips-head screws

securing the radome to the baseplate (see

Figure 16). Carefully lift the radome straight

up until clear of the antenna assembly and set
it aside in a safe place.

TIP: If you keep the radome topside, secure it with a
lanyard to prevent it from falling overboard.

b. Unfasten the two tie-wraps securing the

reflector to the antenna frame (see Figure 17).
To unfasten the tie-wraps, release the tab
with a flat-head screwdriver.

c. Unfasten the tie-wrap securing the antenna

frame to the sensor bracket (see Figure 18).

d. Save the tie-wraps for future use; the

customer will need to reinstall them if he/she
needs to relocate or reship the antenna.

Figure 16 Removing the Radome

Radome

Antenna

#10-32 Screw (x8)

Baseplate

Figure 17 Locations of Shipping Restraints

e. Reinstall the radome onto the antenna. Secure

in place with the eight #10-32 screws you
removed in Step 7a.

f. Install a protective plastic screw cap

(supplied in the kitpack) over each radome
screw.

Figure 18 Close-up of Antenna Frame Shipping Restraint

9

If you wish to connect three or more receivers
to the antenna, see Appendix B on page 25.

IMPORTANT!

8

Wire the Receiver(s) and MCU

Circular/Sky Mexico Version Only

Follow these steps to connect the MCU and one
or two receivers

a. Connect the data/power cable from the

antenna to the “Output to Antenna” jack on
the MCU (see Figure 19). Do not overtighten
the connection; finger-tight is sufficient.

b. Connect the RF1 cable from the antenna to

the grounding block, as shown in Figure 19.
Label this grounding block connector “RF1.”

c. If you are connecting two receivers, connect

the RF2 cable from the antenna to the
grounding block, as shown in Figure 19.
Label this grounding block connector “RF2.”

d. Attach the supplied ground wire to either

ground screw on the grounding block.
Connect the other end of the wire to a
suitable vessel AC ground.

e. Using the two supplied #6 screws, mount the

grounding block inside the vessel.

.

Figure 19 Wiring Diagram - Circular/Sky Mexico Version

Antenna

RF2

RF2

RF2

AC Ground

Data/

Powe r

Grounding
Block

Vessel

Satellite In

SATELLITE IN

Satellite In

SATELLITE IN

Output to

Antenna

OUTPUT TO

ANTENNA

MAINTENANCE PORT RF PORT

+24 VDC

Vessel Power

Secondary Receiver

(optional)

R AUDIO VIDEO

L

DIGITAL AUDIO

OUTPUT

USB

ETHERNET

S-VIDEO

Pr Pb Y

Primary Receiver

R AUDIO VIDEO

L

DIGITAL AUDIO

OUTPUT

USB

ETHERNET

S-VIDEO

Pr Pb Y

Power In

RF1

RF1

RF1

MCU

POWER IN

f. Connect an RF cable from the “RF1”

connector on the grounding block to the
“Satellite In” connector on the primary
receiver. The primary receiver controls
satellite selection if the antenna is set up for
automatic switching.

g. If you are connecting two receivers, connect

an RF cable from the “RF2” connector on the
grounding block to the “Satellite In”
connector on the secondary receiver.

h. Connect the receiver(s) to the customer’s

television(s). Follow the instructions in the
receiver’s manual.

10

If you wish to connect three or more receivers
to the antenna, see Appendix B on page 25.

IMPORTANT!

Be sure all receivers are grounded. If the
receiver has a 2-prong power plug, run a
ground wire from the receiver’s chassis to a
suitable ground point. If a potential exists
between AC and DC grounds, connect the
wire to the MCU’s DC return instead.

IMPORTANT!

MCU

OUTPUT TO

ANTENNA

MAINTENANCE PORT RF PORT

POWER IN

+24 VDC

Vessel Power

Power In

Output to

Antenna

Antenna

Receiver #4

(optional)

SATELLITE IN

S-VIDEO

DIGITAL AUDIO

OUTPUT

R AUDIO VIDEO

USB

ETHERNET

L

Pr Pb Y

Satellite In

Receiver #3

(optional)

SATELLITE IN

S-VIDEO

DIGITAL AUDIO

OUTPUT

R AUDIO VIDEO

USB

ETHERNET

L

Pr Pb Y

Satellite In

Receiver #2

(optional)

Receiver #1

(primary)

SATELLITE IN

S-VIDEO

DIGITAL AUDIO

OUTPUT

R AUDIO VIDEO

USB

ETHERNET

L

Pr Pb Y

Satellite In

SATELLITE IN

S-VIDEO

DIGITAL AUDIO

OUTPUT

R AUDIO VIDEO

USB

ETHERNET

L

Pr Pb Y

Satellite In

Data/

Powe r

RF3 RF4RF1 RF2

8

Continued Wire the Receiver(s) and MCU

Linear Quad Version Only

Follow these steps to connect the MCU and up to
four receivers.

a. Connect the data/power cable from the

antenna to the “Output to Antenna” jack on
the MCU (see Figure 20). Do not overtighten
the connection; finger-tight is sufficient.

b. Connect the RF1 cable from the antenna to

the “Satellite In” connector on the primary
receiver. The primary receiver controls
satellite selection if the antenna is set up for
automatic switching.

c. If you are connecting two, three, or four

receivers, connect RF cables to the “Satellite
In” connectors on these receivers.

Figure 20 Wiring Diagram - Linear Quad Version

d. Connect the receiver(s) to the customer’s

television(s). Follow the instructions in the
receiver’s manual.

11

Ferrite Coil

Power In

9

Connect Power

Follow these steps to connect power to the MCU.
The MCU supplies power to the antenna.

a. Before you begin, disconnect vessel power.

CAUTION

For your own safety, disconnect vessel power
and make sure the circuit is dead before you
connect any power wires.

b. Connect a power cable to 24 VDC (2.5 amps

continuous) vessel power (for power cable
specifications, see Figure 3 on page 3).
supplied to the antenna MUST NOT fall
below 18 VDC or exceed 30 VDC.

NOTE: If a 24 VDC power supply is not available,
install an AC/DC converter that supplies 24 VDC
(KVH part #19-0488 or equivalent).

c. KVH recommends you install a 15-amp

circuit breaker between power and the MCU.
The MCU does not have an on/off switch.

Power

Figure 21 Ferrite Coil Clamped onto Power Cable

Figure 22 Power Plug

Terminal
Screw (x2)

d. Install the ferrite coil, supplied in the kitpack,

e. Find the plastic power plug supplied in the

f. Plug the plastic power plug into the “Power

onto your vessel power cable (close to the
MCU) to help reduce conducted emissions.
Make two loops in the cable and clamp the
coil around the loops (see Figure 21). This
ferrite coil must be installed to comply with
the CE standard.

kitpack (see Figure 22). Insert your vessel
power wires into the plug’s power (+) and
ground (-) terminals. Tighten the plug’s
terminal screws to secure the wires in place.

In” jack on the MCU (see Figure 23). Secure in
place with the two retaining screws.

Positive Ground

Figure 23 MCU Power Connection

Retaining
Screw (x2)

12

Fabric Strip (x4)

Hook Disk (x4)

#4-24 Screw (x4)

#8 Screws and
Washers (x4)

10

Mount the MCU

In Step 3 on page 5, you identified a suitable
MCU mounting location. Now follow these steps
to mount the MCU using one of the following
options:

Option 1 - Velcro mount to a horizontal surface

Option 2 - Flush mount to a vertical surface

Option 1 - Velcro Mount

a. Clean the bottom of the MCU and the

mounting surface using a mild detergent.

b. Peel the backing from the four supplied

Velcro fabric squares and stick them to the
bottom corners of the MCU (see Figure 24).

c. Position the four Velcro hook disks onto the

mounting surface. Drill screw holes for the
disks and secure in place with #4-24 screws.

d. Press the MCU firmly into place so the

fabric’s loop material engages the hook disks.

Figure 24 Velcro Mounting

Figure 25 Flush Mount Bracket

Option 2 - Flush Mount

a. At the two holes in the bottom of the MCU,

place a #6 flat washer on a #6-32 screw and
insert the screw from below (see Figure 25).
Do not tighten the screws yet.

b. Slide the flush mount bracket backward onto

the MCU until the two notches in the bracket
engage the screws at the bottom of the MCU.

c. Tighten the screws to secure the bracket to

the MCU.

d. In Step 3 on page 5, you cut out the mounting

hole in the mounting surface. Insert the MCU
and bracket assembly into this mounting hole
and secure in place with four #8 screws and
washers (see Figure 26).

#6-32 x 1/2"
and Washer (x2)

Figure 26 Flush Mounting the MCU to a Vertical Surface

Screw

13

Trac kin g Sa tel lit e A

Sat B Menu Sat C

Yes N e x t R e t u r n

Install Satellite?

11

Select Satellites

Follow these steps to turn on the system and
select satellites for tracking.

a. Ensure the antenna has a clear, unobstructed

view of the sky.

b. Apply power to the receiver(s), TV(s), and

MCU. Wait two minutes for system startup.

c. Press the center MENU button on the MCU to

access the Install Satellite menu (see

Figure 27).

d. At “Install Satellite?”, press YES.

e. Now you need to set the MCU to track the

satellites of your choice. You can select from
preset satellite groups of three satellites, or
you can choose up to three satellites from
over 70 satellites in the satellite library. Please
refer to “Setting the MCU to Track Satellites”
in the TracVision M9 User’s Guide for
complete information.

NOTE: DISH 1000 customers with the DISH 129
satellite installed must have a multiswitch installed to
enable manual switching, or a Master Receiver
Selector (MRS) (KVH Part #72-0412) to enable
automatic (or manual) switching. The MRS also
allows you to select which receiver is the master
receiver.

Figure 27 Install Satellite Menu

Figure 28 Linear Receiver Settings

Antenna Receiver DiSEqC

Sat. A Alternative 1 or A DiSEqC 1

Sat. B Alternative 2 or B DiSEqC 2

Sat. C Alternative 3 or C DiSEqC 3

f. Linear Versions - Set up the receiver(s) for the

same satellites, and in the same order, as the
antenna. “Sat. A” is the first satellite you
selected for tracking; “Sat. B” is the second;
“Sat. C” is the third (see Figure 28).

14

”

12

Calibrate the Internal Sensor

The antenna’s internal compass sensor is
calibrated at the factory for a perfect-world
environment. However, hard and soft iron effects
on your vessel can distort the magnetic field
around the antenna, causing errors in the
sensor’s reported heading. To compensate for
these magnetic distortions, follow these steps to
calibrate the internal sensor.

Turn On Autocalibration

Follow these steps to turn on the system’s
Autocalibration function. The Autocalibration
function will allow the sensor to calibrate itself
automatically.

a. Press the center MENU button on the MCU to

access the onscreen menu (see Figure 29).

b. At “Install Satellite?”, press NEXT until the

display shows “Operations Mode?” Then
press YES.

c. At “Get Antenna Status?”, press NEXT until

the display shows “Control Compass?” Then
press YES.

d. At “Set Autocal on/off?”, press YES.

e. At “Autocal is: OFF”, press ON.

Figure 29 Turning On Autocalibration at the MCU

Tracking Satellite A

Sat B Menu Sat C

Install Satellite?

Yes Next Return

Operations Mode?

Yes Next Return

Get Antenna Status?

Yes Next Return

Control Compass?

Yes Next Return

Set Autocal On/Off?

Yes Next Return

Autocal is: On

On Return Off

Select NEXT until
“Operations Mode?”
is displayed.

Select NEXT until
“Control Compass?
is displayed.

f. At “Autocal is: ON”, press RETURN.

Run the Autocalibration Function

Follow these steps to steer the vessel through a
complete circle to ensure the Autocalibration
function effectively calibrates the sensor.

NOTE: If the antenna is installed on a large vessel,
such as a tanker or cargo ship, you may omit this step.
Simply leave the Autocalibration function set to ON.

a. Select a calm day and navigate the vessel to a

clear area. Excessive pitching and rolling can
distort calibration data.

b. Apply power to the TracVision system.

c. Just before you begin, note the vessel’s

heading.

15

30 Seconds

1 Minute

1 Minute,

30 Seconds

2 Minutes

12

Continued

Calibrate the Internal Sensor

d. Steer the vessel at a slow, steady speed

through a complete circle that takes at least
two minutes to complete (see Figure 30). Use
the heading you noted in Step c to confirm
when you have completed a full circle.

Check the Calibration Score

Once you have completed the circle, follow these
steps to check the calibration “score.”

a. Press the center MENU button on the MCU to

access the onscreen menu.

b. At “Install Satellite?”, press NEXT until the

display shows “Operations Mode?” Then
press YES.

c. At “Get Antenna Status?”, press NEXT until

the display shows “Control Compass?” Then
press YES.

d. At “Set Autocal on/off?”, press NEXT until

the display shows “Get Cal Score?” Then
press YES.

e. The display shows the score for the

calibration you performed (see Figure 31).

Figure 30 Running Autocalibration

Figure 31 Calibration Score Example

Acc MagEnv Cal

Cal<1° Good 1

Accuracy

Rating

Magnetic

Environment

Calibration
Number

f. If Accuracy = “BAD CAL”:

Recalibrate the sensor by navigating through
an additional circle. Repeat until you achieve
a suitable accuracy rating.

g. If Mag. Environment = “POOR” or “BAD”:

Check the area around the antenna for
materials that might cause magnetic
interference. Relocate the materials, if
possible, or relocate the antenna to a more
favorable magnetic environment (see Step 2

on page 4 for details). Then clear the

calibration score (see Appendix C on page 29)
and recalibrate the sensor.

h. Press any button. The display returns to the

i. Press RETURN until you exit the menu.

NOTE: The Autocalibration function turns off
automatically once the system achieves a good
calibration score.

“Get Cal score?” screen.

Figure 32 Calibration Details

Data Field Description

Accuracy
Rating

Magnetic
Environment

Calibration
Number

Degree of accuracy the
sensor will provide
(CAL<1º = within 1º)

Quality of the antenna’s
installation site (Good,
Poor, or Bad)

Number of times the
sensor was calibrated

16

Please be patient. The Check Switch test takes
approximately 15 minutes to complete.
Disregard any messages on the TV stating the
test is complete; the antenna must perform
additional operations before proceeding.

IMPORTANT!

13

If you set up the TracVision M9 system for DISH
Network or Bell TV service, follow the steps
below to run the receiver’s Check Switch test
twice.

Run Two Check Switch Tests

Dish Network or Bell TV Only

Figure 33 DISH 1000/129 Check Switch Results

NOTE: If you are connecting multiple receivers,
repeat this process for each additional receiver.
Connect each receiver, one at a time, to the RF1 cable
and perform the steps below. Then, once you have
completed this process for each receiver, you can
reconnect them as desired.

a. Dock the vessel in a blockage-free area in

calm water.

b. Ensure the receiver you wish to configure is

connected to the TracVision system’s RF1
cable.

c. Turn on the TV and receiver.

d. Apply power to the TracVision system then

wait two minutes for system startup.

e. Using the receiver’s remote, go to the “point

Dish/Signal Strength” screen (press MENU,
6, 1, 1 on most models).

f. Choose Check Switch, then press SELECT.

g. Choose Test, then press SELECT.

h. Wait at least 15 minutes before proceeding.

Port

Satellite

Trans

Status

Switch

Figure 34 DISH 1000/61 Check Switch Results

Port

Satellite

Trans

Status

Switch

Figure 35 DISH 500 Check Switch Results

Port

123

119 110 129

OK OK OK

Reception Verified

SW64

123

119 110 61

OK OK OK

Reception Verified

SW64

1122

i. After waiting 15 minutes, repeat Steps e

through g to run a second Check Switch test.

j. Verify the values on your TV match those

required for your satellite service and
configuration. Refer to the figures at right for
details. If your values do not match, turn off
the antenna, then turn it back on and repeat
Steps d through g.

k. Exit the menu and allow the receiver to

download the program guide.

Satellite

Trans

Status

Switch

Figure 36 Bell TV Check Switch Results

Port

Satellite

Trans

Status

Switch

119 119 110 110

Odd Even Odd Even

Reception Verified

SW42

1122

91 91 82 82

Odd Even Odd Even

Reception Verified

SW21

17

TracVision

14

Educate the Customer

The installation process is complete!

Before you depart the vessel, test the system to
verify the antenna works properly. Then give the
Customer Welcome Kit to the customer and
explain how to use the system. Also be sure the
customer understands the following:

• Keep the radome installed on the antenna at
all times. The radome protects the antenna’s
moving parts from wind, rain, and debris.

WARNING

It is dangerous to watch TV while piloting a
vessel. The TracVision system is intended as
a passenger entertainment product only.

• The antenna must have a clear view of the
sky to receive satellite TV. Common causes of
blockage include trees, buildings, bridges,
and onboard equipment (see Figure 37).

Figure 37 Example of Satellite Blockage

• Heavy rain or snow may temporarily
interrupt reception.

• Clean the antenna regularly. Dirt buildup on
the radome can affect reception.

• The vessel must be located within the
selected satellite’s coverage area to receive its
satellite TV signals. To view satellite coverage
maps, visit www.kvh.com/footprint.

• Please register the system with KVH. The
registration process is quick, easy, online, and
ensures the best possible service from KVH.
Visit www.kvh.com/register or refer to the
Product Registration Form for details.

18

Appendices

This section provides supplemental instructions for special or advanced configurations. It also
provides system wiring diagrams and a mounting template for the belowdecks equipment.

Contents

A. Bottom Cable Entry Kit.................................................... 21

B. Connecting Additional Receivers .................................. 25

C. Clearing the Calibration Score........................................ 29

D. MCU Flush Mounting Template .................................... 31

19

Once you have removed the restraints,
handle the antenna very carefully. With the
restraints removed, the internal antenna
assembly rotates freely and, if not handled
properly, can damage the limit switch.

IMPORTANT!

A

Baseplate
Hatch

Original Location
for Cable PCB

Small

Cover Plate

Alternate Location
for Cable PCB

Cable

Brackets

#4-40 Screws (x5)

Tie-wrap

Original Location

Alternate

Location

#4-40

Screw (x5)

Bottom Cable Entry Kit

If you wish to route the system cables through
the bottom of the antenna’s baseplate, rather than
connect the cables at the side of the baseplate,
follow these steps to modify the antenna for
bottom cable entry. Figure 38 shows the relevant
parts of the antenna baseplate; refer to this figure
throughout the procedure.

Remove the Radome and Restraints

1. Perform Steps 7a through 7d on page 9 to
remove the antenna’s radome and shipping
restraints. You will need to rotate the antenna
assembly by hand to access various parts of
the baseplate.

Appendix

Figure 38 Interior Baseplate (Antenna Not Shown)

Figure 39 Cable PCB in Original Location

Relocate the Cable PCB

1. Remove the tie-wrap securing the cable PCB
(printed circuit board) wires to the baseplate
access hatch (see Figure 39).

2. Remove the five #4-40 screws, washers, and
nuts securing the cable PCB to the access
hatch (see Figure 39).

3. Attach the cable PCB to the alternate cable
PCB bracket (see Figure 40) using the five
#4-40 screws and washers supplied in the
kitpack. Apply a small amount of Loctite
threadlocker to the screw threads before
securing.

Figure 40 Cable PCB in Alternate Location

21

#4-40 Screw (x5)

Large Cover
Plate and Gasket

Antenna
Assembly

M4 Screw (x2)

Small Cover

Plate and Gasket

Rubber Seal

Note: You will route

these cables later

in the procedure.

A

Continued Bottom Cable Entry Kit

Seal the Original Cable PCB Location

1. Peel off the paper backing from the large
cover plate gasket supplied in the kitpack.
Attach the gasket to the supplied cover plate,
making sure all holes are aligned. Also make
sure all of the holes will align with the holes
at the original PCB location, gasket side
facing down.

2. Position the large cover plate and gasket
(gasket side facing down) over the original
cable PCB location. Secure in place with the
five #4-40 screws and washers you removed
earlier. Apply a small amount of Loctite
threadlocker to the screw threads before
securing (see Figure 41).

Prepare the Bottom Cable Access Hole

1. Remove the two M4 screws from the small
cover plate and gasket inside the antenna
baseplate. Remove the small cover plate and
gasket (see Figure 42).

Appendix

Figure 41 Large Cover Plate and Gasket

Figure 42 Small Cover Plate and Gasket

2. Peel off the paper backing from the rubber
seal and carefully attach the rubber seal to the
underside of the baseplate, ensuring a good
seal around the rim of the bottom cable access
hole (see Figure 43).

Figure 43 Rubber Seal on Underside of Baseplate

22

Be sure to properly align the data/power
cable with the PCB connector before
tightening. Connecting the cable at an angle
may damage the cable’s center tines.

IMPORTANT!

A

M4 Screw (x4)

Data/

Power

RF1 RF3RF4 RF2

Continued Bottom Cable Entry Kit

Route and Secure the Cables

1. Remove the four M4 screws securing the
cable brackets to the inside rim of the
baseplate (see Figure 44). Remove and save
the cable brackets.

2. Route the data/power (F-type connector end)
(see Figure 45) and RF cables belowdecks
through the cable access hole. Leave an
adequate service loop, approximately 8"
(20 cm) of slack, in the cables for easy
serviceability. Later, you will connect the
data/power cable to the MCU and the RF
cable(s) to the receiver(s).

3. Route the N-type connector end of the data/
power cable (see Figure 45) through the
baseplate’s bottom cable access hole. Connect
the data/power cable to the center connector
on the cable PCB (see Figure 46).

Appendix

Figure 44 Cable Brackets on Inside Rim of Baseplate

Figure 45 Data/Power Cable Connections

MCU Antenna

F-type Connector N-type Connector

Figure 46 Cable Connections on PCB

4. Route the RF cable(s) through the baseplate’s
bottom cable access hole. Using a 9/16"
wrench, connect the RF cable(s) to the cable
PCB (see Figure 46). If you need to connect
only one RF cable, connect the cable to the
RF1 connector. Connect any additional RF
cables to the RF2, RF3, and RF4 connectors.
See Figure 9 on page 6 to determine the
number of RF cables required.

TIP: If you connect two or more RF cables, label both
ends of each cable to match the connector. This will
make it easier to identify the cables later.

23

A

M4 Screw (x4)

M4 Screw (x2)

Cable Exit

Shroud

M4 Screw

(x6)

Blank Logo

Plate

Continued Bottom Cable Entry Kit

5. Secure the data/power and RF cables to the
inside rim of the baseplate, using the two
cable brackets. Secure the brackets in place
using the four M4 screws you removed
earlier (see Figure 47).

6. Attach the supplied cable exit shroud over
the cable access hole inside the baseplate,
using the two M4 screws you removed earlier
from the cover plate (see Figure 48).

Replace the Logo Plate

1. Attach the supplied blank logo plate using six
M4 screws (see Figure 49).

2. Discard the old logo plate, or save it in case
you need to change the cable routing in the
future.

3. The baseplate conversion process is
complete! Complete the remaining system
installation steps starting with Step 6 on

page 8.

Appendix

Figure 47 Cables Secured by Brackets

Figure 48 Cable Exit Shroud Installed Over Cables

24

Figure 49 Blank Logo Plate (No Cable Slots)

Multiswitches block a receiver’s 22 KHz tone
needed to switch satellites automatically.
Therefore, the customer will need to
manually switch satellites using the buttons
on the MCU.

IMPORTANT!

B

Connecting Additional Receivers

This appendix explains how to connect
additional receivers to the TracVision M9 system.

Antenna Version See

Circular Below

Linear Quad Page 26

Linear Sky Mexico Page 27

Circular Version Only

Use the wiring diagram in Figure 50 if you wish
to connect three or four receivers to the
TracVision M9 system. If you wish to connect
five or more receivers, please refer to the
TracVision M9 User’s Guide.

Appendix

Figure 50 Antenna Wiring - Antenna with Circular Dual LNB

Antenna

RF2

RF2

RF2

Data/

Powe r

Grounding
Block

Powe r
Supply

Vessel
AC Ground

Output to

Antenna

OUTPUT TO

ANTENNA

MAINTENANCE PORT RF PORT

POWER IN

Power In

RF1

RF1

RF1

MCU

NOTE: You can purchase an Eagle Aspen active
multiswitch, shown in Figure 50, from KVH (order
part #72-0310).

18V

SAT

18V

SAT

Rx1

Rx1

ANT

DC

IN

20V

Multiswitch

Rx3

Rx2

Rx2 Rx3

13V

Not Used

SAT

13V
SAT

Rx4

Rx4

+24 VDC

Vessel Power

Satellite In

SATELLITE IN

Satellite In

SATELLITE IN

Satellite In

SATELLITE IN

Satellite In

SATELLITE IN

Receiver #4

L

R AUDIO VIDEO

Pr Pb Y

Receiver #3

R AUDIO VIDEO

L

Pr Pb Y

Receiver #2

R AUDIO VIDEO

L

Pr Pb Y

Receiver #1

R AUDIO VIDEO

L

Pr Pb Y

(optional)

DIGITAL AUDIO

OUTPUT

USB

ETHERNET

S-VIDEO

(optional)

DIGITAL AUDIO

OUTPUT

USB

ETHERNET

S-VIDEO

(optional)

DIGITAL AUDIO

OUTPUT

USB

ETHERNET

S-VIDEO

DIGITAL AUDIO

OUTPUT

USB

ETHERNET

S-VIDEO

25

Be sure all receivers are grounded. If the
receiver has a 2-prong power plug, run a
ground wire from the receiver’s chassis to a
suitable ground point. If a potential exists
between AC and DC grounds, connect the
wire to the MCU’s DC return instead.

IMPORTANT!

B

MCU

OUTPUT TO

ANTENNA

MAINTENANCE PORT RF PORT

POWER IN

+24 VDC

Vessel Power

Power In

Output to

Antenna

Antenna

Data/

Powe r

RF3 RF4RF1 RF2

Receiver #8

(optional)

SATELLITE IN

S-VIDEO

DIGITAL AUDIO

OUTPUT

R AUDIO VIDEO

USB

ETHERNET

L

Pr Pb Y

Satellite In

Receiver #7

(optional)

SATELLITE IN

S-VIDEO

DIGITAL AUDIO

OUTPUT

R AUDIO VIDEO

USB

ETHERNET

L

Pr Pb Y

Satellite In

Receiver #6

(optional)

SATELLITE IN

S-VIDEO

DIGITAL AUDIO

OUTPUT

R AUDIO VIDEO

USB

ETHERNET

L

Pr Pb Y

Satellite In

Receiver #4

(optional)

SATELLITE IN

S-VIDEO

DIGITAL AUDIO

OUTPUT

R AUDIO VIDEO

USB

ETHERNET

L

Pr Pb Y

Satellite In

Receiver #5

(optional)

SATELLITE IN

S-VIDEO

DIGITAL AUDIO

OUTPUT

R AUDIO VIDEO

USB

ETHERNET

L

Pr Pb Y

Satellite In

Receiver #3

(optional)

SATELLITE IN

S-VIDEO

DIGITAL AUDIO

OUTPUT

R AUDIO VIDEO

USB

ETHERNET

L

Pr Pb Y

Satellite In

Receiver #2

(optional)

SATELLITE IN

S-VIDEO

DIGITAL AUDIO

OUTPUT

R AUDIO VIDEO

USB

ETHERNET

L

Pr Pb Y

Satellite In

Receiver #1

SATELLITE IN

S-VIDEO

DIGITAL AUDIO

OUTPUT

R AUDIO VIDEO

USB

ETHERNET

L

Pr Pb Y

Satellite In

Multiswitch

Powe r

Supply

Sat A

18V

Sat A

13V

Sat B
13V

Sat B
18V

Not Used

Rx1

Rx8Rx2

Rx7Rx3

Rx6Rx4

Rx5

22 KHz Tone

Continued Connecting Additional Receivers

Linear Quad Version Only

Use the wiring diagram in Figure 51 if you wish
to connect up to eight receivers to the TracVision
M9 system.

NOTE: You can purchase a Terk BMS-58 active
multiswitch, shown in Figure 51, from KVH (order
part #19-0573).

Appendix

Figure 51 Antenna Wiring - Antenna with Linear Quad LNB

26

Be sure all receivers are grounded. If the
receiver has a 2-prong power plug, run a
ground wire from the receiver’s chassis to a
suitable ground point. If a potential exists
between AC and DC grounds, connect the
wire to the MCU’s DC return instead.

IMPORTANT!

B

Continued Connecting Additional Receivers

Linear Sky Mexico Version Only

Use the wiring diagram in Figure 52 if you wish
to connect up to eight receivers to the TracVision
M9 system.

NOTE: You can purchase a Terk BMS-58 active
multiswitch, shown in Figure 52, from KVH (order
part #19-0573).

Appendix

Figure 52 Wiring Diagram - Linear Sky Mexico Version

Antenna

RF1 RF2

Sat A

18V

Data/

Powe r

Sat A

13V

Multiswitch

Sat B
18V

22 KHz Tone

Sat B
13V

Output to

Antenna

OUTPUT TO
ANTENNA

Vessel Power

MAINTENANCE PORT RF PORT

+24 VDC

Powe r

Supply

POWER IN

Power In

MCU

Rx1

Rx5

Rx7Rx3

Rx8Rx2

Rx6Rx4

Receiver #8

(optional)

R AUDIO VIDEO

L

Satellite In

SATELLITE IN

Pr Pb Y

DIGITAL AUDIO

OUTPUT

USB

ETHERNET

S-VIDEO

Receiver #7

(optional)

R AUDIO VIDEO

L

Satellite In

SATELLITE IN

Pr Pb Y

DIGITAL AUDIO

OUTPUT

USB

ETHERNET

S-VIDEO

Receiver #6

(optional)

R AUDIO VIDEO

L

Satellite In

SATELLITE IN

Pr Pb Y

DIGITAL AUDIO

OUTPUT

USB

ETHERNET

S-VIDEO

Receiver #5

(optional)

R AUDIO VIDEO

L

Satellite In

SATELLITE IN

Pr Pb Y

DIGITAL AUDIO

OUTPUT

USB

ETHERNET

S-VIDEO

Receiver #4

(optional)

R AUDIO VIDEO

L

Satellite In

SATELLITE IN

Pr Pb Y

DIGITAL AUDIO

OUTPUT

USB

ETHERNET

S-VIDEO

Receiver #3

(optional)

R AUDIO VIDEO

L

Satellite In

SATELLITE IN

Pr Pb Y

DIGITAL AUDIO

OUTPUT

USB

ETHERNET

S-VIDEO

Receiver #2

(optional)

R AUDIO VIDEO

L

Satellite In

SATELLITE IN

Satellite In

SATELLITE IN

Pr Pb Y

Receiver #1

R AUDIO VIDEO

L

Pr Pb Y

DIGITAL AUDIO

OUTPUT

USB

ETHERNET

S-VIDEO

DIGITAL AUDIO

OUTPUT

USB

ETHERNET

S-VIDEO

27

Yes Next Return

Install Satellite?

Yes Next Return

Operations Mode?

Yes Next Return

Get Antenna Status?

Yes Next Return

Control Compass?

Yes Next Return

Set Autocal On/Off?

Yes Next Return

Clear Cal Score?

Select NEXT until
“Operations Mode?”
is displayed.

Select NEXT until
“Clear Cal Score?”
is displayed.

Select NEXT until
“Control Compass?”
is displayed.

Tracking Satellite A

Sat B Menu Sat C

C

Clearing the Calibration Score

If you needed to relocate magnetic materials near
the antenna, or you relocated the antenna itself,
follow these steps to clear the calibration score.
You need to clear the system’s stored calibration
data before you can calibrate the internal sensor
for a different magnetic environment.

1. Press the center MENU button on the MCU to
access the onscreen menu (see Figure 53).

2. At “Install Satellite?”, press NEXT until the
display shows “Operations Mode?” Then
press YES.

3. At “Get Antenna Status?”, press NEXT until
the display shows “Control Compass?” Then
press YES.

4. At “Set Autocal on/off?”, press NEXT until
the display shows “Clear Cal Score?” Then
press YES.

5. Wait a few seconds while the Autocalibration
function resets.

Appendix

Figure 53 Clearing the Calibration Score

6. When the display shows “Cal Score Cleared”,
turn off the TracVision system.

7. Wait 10 seconds, then turn on the TracVision
system.

You can now calibrate the sensor for the new
magnetic environment. See Step 12 on page 15
for calibration instructions.

29

D

MCU Flush
Mounting
Template

4x .136" (3.45 mm)

8.87"
(225 mm)

4x R .63" (16 mm)

7.62"
(194 mm)

.63"

(16 mm)

1.83"
(46 mm)

3.08"
(78 mm)

.63"

(16 mm)

31

KVH Industries, Inc.

50 Enterprise Center Middletown, RI 02842-5279 U.S.A.
Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail] Internet: www.kvh.com

© Copyright 2010 KVH Industries Inc. KVH, TracVision, and TracPhone are registered trademarks of KVH Industries Inc.

Kokkedal Industripark 2B 2980 Kokkedal Denmark

Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]

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

KVH Europe A/S