TracVision R5SL, R4SL Installation Manual

®

TracVision

These instructions explain how to install the satellite TV antenna system on an RV or motor
coach. Complete instructions on how to use the system are provided in the User’s Guide.

R5SL/R4SL Installation Guide

Installation Steps

1. Inspect Parts and Get Tools...3 9. Ground the System...11

2. Plan the Installation...4 10. Wire the Switchplate...12

3. Remove the Restraints...5 11. Configure for the Selected Service...13

4. Mount the Antenna...6 12. Mount the Switchplate...14

5. Cut Out the Switchplate Mounting

Hole...7

6. Wire the Antenna...8 14. Test the System...16

7. Seal the Cable Access Hole...9 15. Educate the Customer...17

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

13. Run Two Check Switch Tests (non-DIRECTV

only)...15

Who Should Install the System?

To ensure a safe and effective installation, KVH recommends that a KVH-authorized technician
install the TracVision R5SL/R4SL system. To find a technician near you, please visit
www.kvh.com/wheretogetservice. If you purchased the product and decide to install it
yourself, please see the enclosed warranty statement for warranty implications.

Related Documentation

The following additional documents are provided with the TracVision R5SL/R4SL system:

Document

User’s Guide Operation, setup, and troubleshooting information

Description

Product Registration Form Details on registering the product with KVH

Warranty Statement Warranty terms and conditions

Contents List List of every part supplied in the kit

Technical Support

If you need technical assistance, contact KVH Technical Support:

Phone: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

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

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

No company shall be liable for errors contained herein. © 2008 KVH Industries, Inc., All rights reserved. 54-0438 Rev. B

1

TracVision R4SL, R5SL

This addendum only applies if the vehicle is located in the
southwestern U.S. (California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico,
Texas, or Oklahoma) and you need to configure the system for

DISH Network

®

service.

IMPORTANT!

Addendum

PLEASE READ!
Important Addendum to Your Product Manual

This addendum applies to the following TracVision® antenna models:
R4SL and R5SL.

Running Check Switch Tests for DISH Network in the Southwest

Due to the higher elevation angle in the Southwest to the 119 satellite,
follow the modified steps below to run the receiver Check Switch tests
for a DISH Network configuration.

1. Park the vehicle in a blockage-free area. Ensure the
antenna has an unobstructed view of the entire
southern sky.

2. Ensure the receiver you wish to configure is connected
to the the antenna’s RF1 cable.

3. Apply power to the TV and receiver.

4. If the antenna is turned off, turn it back on and wait two

minutes for system startup.

5. Using the receiver’s remote, go to the “Point Dish/
Signal Strength” screen (press MENU, 6, 1, 1 on most
models).

6. Choose Check Switch, then press SELECT.

7. Choose Test, then press SELECT.

ECO #8505

1

TracVision R4SL, R5SL

8. Once the TV shows that the Check Switch test is
complete, return to the “Point Dish/Signal Strength”
screen and choose transponder 15 on satellite 119.

9. Wait until the Signal Strength meter turns green and
shows “Locked - EchoStar 119 West,” as shown below
(it may take up to 30 minutes).

Addendum

10. When the Signal Strength meter turns green and shows
“Locked - EchoStar 119 West,” wait 2 minutes, then
turn off the TracVision antenna.

11. Wait 10 seconds, then re-apply power to the TracVision
antenna. Wait two minutes for system startup.

12. Repeat Steps 5-7 to run a second Check Switch test.

13. Wait at least 15 minutes before proceeding. Disregard

any messages that appear on the TV screen.

14. After you have waited 15 minutes, repeat Steps 5-7 to
run a third Check Switch test.

15. Refer to the tables on page 3 to verify the values
displayed on your TV match those required for your
selected service. If your values do not match, repeat
Steps 5-7 to run another Check Switch test.

16. When the values match, exit the menu and allow the
receiver to download the program guide.

2

DISH 1000/129 Results

TracVision R4SL, R5SL

Addendum

Port

Satellite

Trans

Status

Switch

123

119 110 129

OK OK OK

Reception Verified

SW64

DISH 1000/61 Results

Port

Satellite

Trans

Status

Switch

123

119 110 61

OK OK OK

Reception Verified

SW64

DISH 500 Results

Input

Satellite

Polarity

Status

Switch

All other installation and operation steps remain the same as described
in the manual.

1122

119 119 110 110

Odd Even Odd Even

Reception Verified

SW42

3

Always lift the antenna by the baseplate,
never by the radome (see Figure 1).

IMPORTANT!

Standard-definition receivers

DIRECTV DISH ExpressVu

D12

D11

D10

311 3100

High-definition receivers

DIRECTV** DISH ExpressVu

H21-200

H20-600

211k

211

6100

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 supplied Contents
List. Cables are stored beneath the antenna
unit during shipping.

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.

• Electric drill

Figure 1 TracVision R5SL/R4SL Antenna

Radome

Baseplate

Figure 2 KVH-Validated Receivers*

• 3/16" (5 mm), 5/32" (4 mm), and
3/32" (2.5 mm) drill bits

• 3/4" (19 mm) hole saw and auger bit

• Phillips and Flat-head screwdrivers

•Cutting pliers

• RG-6 or RG-11 (75 ohms) RF cable, if
installing two RF cables

• Silicone sealant, RTV, or equivalent

• 7/16" open-end wrench

• Construction adhesive suitable for the
roof

• Fasteners suitable for mounting the
antenna to the roof

• Augat IT1000 connector installation tool
(KVH Part #19-0242)

*NOTE: For information on connecting different
receiver models, contact KVH Technical Support at
1-401-847-3327. Additional hardware is required for
high-definition service/receiver support.

**NOTE: DIRECTV H21 receivers must have
manufacturer ID 200; H20 receivers must have
manufacturer ID 600.

• Satellite TV receiver(s) (see Figure 2)

3

2

Obstruction

Height (A)

Min. Distance from

Antenna (B)

8" 6"

10" 12"

12" 17"

14" 23"

16" 28"

Plan the Installation

Before you begin, consider the following
installation guidelines:

• Minimize blockage. The antenna needs a
clear view of the southern sky to receive
satellite TV. Use the guidelines in Figure 3 to
mount the antenna a suitable distance away
from obstructions on the roof, such as air
conditioners.

• Ensure the mounting surface is flat and
strong enough to support the 28-lb antenna.
When placed on the mounting surface, all
three mounting plates must lay flat against
the roof (within 7/16") to avoid warping the
base and damaging the antenna.

• The antenna must be mounted on the
centerline of the vehicle with the antenna’s
cable connector facing the rear of the vehicle
(see Figure 4).

• Identify a location for the 3/4" (19 mm) cable
access hole in the roof. The cable access hole
should be located at least 6" (15 cm) away
from the antenna’s baseplate connectors (see
Figure 4). Make sure you will not drill into
any existing wires or aesthetic structures
inside the vehicle

Figure 3 Blockage from Obstruction

Blocked!

AA

Vehicle Roof

Figure 4 Antenna Orientation

Front of Vehicle

Obstruction

Antenna

B

• Choose a dry, flat location for the switchplate
that will be easily accessible to the user. Take
into account the 28-foot length of the
power/data cable that connects from the
antenna to the switchplate, the power
supply’s six-foot power cord, as well as
accessibility to the equipment after
installation.

NOTE: If you need a longer power/data cable,
KVH offers 45-foot (KVH Part #32-0730-45) and
60-foot (KVH Part #32-0730-60).

• The grounding block must be mounted
within 27 feet of the antenna, within 5 feet of
the receiver(s), and within 25 feet of a suitable
chassis ground location.

4

Vehicle

Centerline

Front Mounting
Plate

Antenna,
Top View

Baseplate
Connectors

Exercise caution when handling the antenna
after removing the shipping restraints.
Improper handling might damage the unit.

IMPORTANT!

3

Remove the Restraints

Follow the steps below to remove the shipping
restraints.

a. Carefully carry the antenna to the roof of the

vehicle.

b. Using cutting pliers, cut and remove the two

tie-wrap shipping restraints, located on the
bottom of the antenna’s baseplate (see
Figure 5). You do not need to remove the

radome.

c. After removing the tie-wraps, seal the four

tie-wrap holes with the plugs provided in the
kitpack (see Figure 6).

Figure 5 Removing the Shipping Restraints

Figure 6 Tie-wrap Hole Locations

Forward Tie-wrap

Holes

Rear Tie-wrap

Holes

5