Data/Power Cable RF Cable PC Cable CPU PCB RF PCB Antenna Gyro (TracVision R5 only) Antenna Gyro Gasket (TracVision R5 only) System Fuses LNB (European System) LNB (N. American System) Switchplate TV/SAT Switch (optional) * Baseplate assembly with single-output LNB (European systems) ** Baseplate assembly with dual-output LNB (North American systems) †...
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. This manual provides detailed instructions on the ® proper installation, use, and maintenance of your TracVision R5/R4 system. Before using this manual, be sure to check for any addenda, which might detail changes to the manual’s information. Throughout this manual, important information is marked for...
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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. ® (Digital Video Broadcasting) is a registered trademark of the DVB Project. ® DIRECTV is an official trademark of DIRECTV, Inc.
Your TracVision R5/R4 comes with a pre-programmed “satellite library” of North American and European satellite services. When configuring the TracVision R5/R4, you may choose a pair of satellites from the library to be active in the system and with your receiver. If the satellite service you wish to receive is not already in the satellite library, you may also add two additional satellites of your choice to the library.
• Eutel_W3A • Hispasat System Overview A complete satellite TV system includes the TracVision R5/R4 connected to a receiver and a television set. The optional TV/SAT Switch allows you to select a satellite at the press of a button. A desktop or laptop computer is used to configure the system and conduct diagnostics.
In-motion Tracking (TracVision R5 only) The TracVision R5 employs a state-of-the-art actively stabilized antenna system. Once the satellite is acquired, the antenna gyro continuously measures your vehicle’s motion and transmits commands to the antenna motors to keep the antenna pointed at the satellite at all times.
* A complete listing of kitpack contents is provided in Table 2-2. 1.3.1 Additional Materials Required for TracVision R5/R4 Use To make full use of your new TracVision R5/R4 and receive satellite TV on the road, you will need to provide/purchase the following: •...
Installation Your TracVision R5/R4 is designed for simple installation and setup. Just follow these easy steps: Table 2-1 Installation Process Step 1. Choose the hardware locations 2. Mount the antenna unit 3. Connect system components 4. Activate the receiver 5. Select active satellite 6.
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A Guide to TracVision R5/R4 Kitpack Contents Table 2-2 lists the materials provided in the kitpack. Table 2-2 Kitpack Contents Part Tie-wraps Clamshell ventilator #6 x ⁄ " thread-forming screws ⁄ "-20 x ⁄ " hex screws ⁄ " flat washers ⁄...
Choosing the Best Location • Since the TracVision antenna requires a clear view of the southern sky to receive satellite signals, the ideal antenna site has an unobstructed view of the horizon/satellite all around. • Keep the antenna clear of any obstructions on the roof (e.g., air conditioners).
A Guide to TracVision R5/R4 Always lift the antenna unit by the gray baseplate, never by the radome or any portion of the antenna assembly! The mounting plate arrows may face either forward (standard installation) or backward (alternate installation) along the centerline of the vehicle for more convenient installation.
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7. Seal the two baseplate holes with the plugs provided in the kitpack (see Figure 2-4). Figure 2-4 Antenna Baseplate (Bottom View) Baseplate Holes 8. Apply construction adhesive to the bottom of the antenna’s four mounting plates. If using a liquid construction adhesive, apply beads to the mounting plates in a zig-zag pattern.
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A Guide to TracVision R5/R4 (Alternate Installation Only) You MUST drill out the drain holes as indicated to ensure that any moisture that enters the baseplate is able to drain. Ensure that factory- drilled holes are completely sealed. 11. (Standard Installation) When the antenna unit is...
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LNB arm Shipping Restraint 13. Remove the nuts and washers securing the shipping restraints to the baseplate (see Figure 2-8). Figure 2-8 TracVision R5/R4 Shipping Restraints (Top View) Rotating Plate Shipping Restraint Rotating Plate Shipping Restraint 14. Remove the shipping restraints and replace the nuts and washers into their original positions.
Locating the Switchplate A switchplate has been provided to serve as the hub of the TracVision R5/R4 wiring (with the exception of the RF cable, which will be connected to the receiver). This switchplate includes an ON/OFF switch and a DB9 maintenance port for easy access to the antenna unit’s software and diagnostics.
2.3.1 Connecting the Antenna Data/Power Cable 1. Connect one end of the antenna data/power cable to the antenna’s data/power connector and lock in place (see Figure 2-10). Figure 2-10 Antenna Data/Power Connector Data/Power 2. Route the other end of the data/power cable down through the cable access hole in the vehicle’s roof and out through the switchplate panel cutout.
A Guide to TracVision R5/R4 Before connecting the antenna unit to vehicle power, remove the appropriate vehicle fuse to prevent a short circuit. 2-10 2.3.2 Connecting to Vehicle Power Recommended Power Wiring Short circuits may result in severe electrical shock or burns.
2.3.3 Connecting the Receiver Ground Wire A grounding wire (Cable #32-0583-50) has been provided to connect your receiver to a suitable ground and protect the system. Attach the grounding wire to any suitable screw on the rear panel of the receiver with a good contact with the receiver chassis.
Connecting Two Receivers (North American Systems Only) To connect a second receiver and TV to the TracVision R5/R4 system, you must connect a second RF cable to the antenna’s RF2 connector (see Figure 2-14). Route the other end of the RF cable down into the vehicle and connect it directly to the second receiver.
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Out 3 Out 4 Receiver #3 Receiver #4 Installation TracVision R5/R4 has the capability to switch from one satellite to another when you choose TV channels that are carried by your two selected satellites. However, the use of an active multiswitch may interfere with communication from the receivers to the antenna.
A Guide to TracVision R5/R4 Ensure the clamshell mounting screws do not puncture the cables inside the vehicle. 2-14 4. Terminate all unused output connectors with 75 ohm DC blocks (Channel Master #7184, Radio Shack #15-1259 or equivalent). 2.3.6 Sealing the Cable Access Hole...
Selecting the Active Satellite As noted previously, TracVision R5/R4 can track a variety of DVB-compatible and DSS (DIRECTV) satellites. The system contains a preprogrammed library of North American and European satellites. The satellites listed in the TracVision R5/R4 satellite library will be sufficient for most users. However, you can install up to two user-defined satellites.
Connecting to the TracVision R5/R4 Maintenance Port To do so, you need to connect a PC to the maintenance port on the front of the switchplate.
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Installing the Satellite of Choice from the Satellite Library Once the data connection has been made between the PC and the TracVision R5/R4, you must assign the satellites you wish to have in the satellite pair by entering the following commands.
ZAP then press Enter. 2.5.2 Programming User-defined Satellites The TracVision R5/R4 satellite library has two open slots that you may use to program two user-defined satellites in case you want to install/watch a satellite that is not in the KVH predefined satellite library.
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Entering User-defined Satellite Data Once the link between the PC and the TracVision R5/R4 is established as described in Section 2.5.1, “Installing your Selected Satellites” on page 2-16, follow the steps below to begin entering the data for your user-defined satellite.
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A Guide to TracVision R5/R4 2-20 3. Type @DEBUGON then press Enter. 4. Type the following command (see the Key below) then press Enter. @SATCONFIG,X,N,F,S,C,ID,P,B,D Key: @SATCONFIG = directs data to the RF Board X = satellite location A or B N = satellite table # (98 &...
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TracVision R5/R4 requires that the data fields for all transponder categories be filled in. If the selected satellite does not have information for one or more of the transponder categories, default information should be entered in the fields as follows:...
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A Guide to TracVision R5/R4 2-22 An Example of Configuring a User-defined Satellite (Europe) The following is an example of configuring the fictional YOURSAT 101 as the USER1 configured satellite. Prior to configuring this satellite or any others, be certain to get the most up-to-date information from one of the sources previously discussed.
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An Example of Configuring a User-defined Satellite (N. America) The following is an example of configuring the fictional YOURSAT 101 as the USER1 configured satellite. Prior to configuring this satellite or any others, be certain to get the most up-to-date information from one of the sources previously discussed.
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Finding the Skew Angle for a Predefined Satellite 1. Type HALT then press Enter. 2. Type DEBUGON then press Enter. 3. Type the following command (see the Key below) then press Enter. GPS,XX,D,YYY,E Key: XX = latitude (0 - 90) D = S (South) or N (North) YYY = longitude (0 - 180) E = E (East) or W (West)
3. Turn on the TracVision antenna. 4. Within a few minutes, a picture should appear on the TV. 5. (TracVision R5 only) Take a road test and verify that the antenna tracks the satellite while the vehicle is moving. 6. When you have finished testing, shut down the...
The wiring option for the remote dish is very simple and should be installed when the TracVision R5/R4 is installed. A high- quality “A/B switch” should be used to change from TracVision R5/R4 dish reception to remote antenna operation.
Changing Geographic Location If you move from Europe to the U.S., or from the U.S. to Europe, you will need to modify your TracVision R5/R4 system to receive satellite TV signals in the new geographic area. To begin receiving satellite signals in the new area, perform the following steps.
Using Your TracVision R5/R4 For TracVision R5/R4 to receive the satellite signals, the antenna must have a clear line of sight to the satellite. If you only receive intermittent signals or the antenna cannot find the satellite, check around your vehicle for any objects that could be blocking the signal, such as trees, buildings, highway overpasses, etc.
Figure 3-2 Turning on the TracVision R5/R4 ntenna On/Off Switch 4. (TracVision R5 only) If the vehicle is moving, avoid turning the vehicle for 60 seconds after turning on the antenna to allow the antenna gyro to initialize properly. Changing Channels and...
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TracVision R5/R4 will automatically switch from Satellite A to B and back again as necessary to receive your selected channel.
A Guide to TracVision R5/R4 To order a TV/SAT Switch (KVH Part Number 01-0245), please call +1 401 847-3327. 3.2.1 Using the TV/SAT Switch to Switch Between Satellites If you’re unable to switch between satellites using the receiver remote control, you can use the optional TV/SAT Switch to easily select between Satellite A and Satellite B (see Figure 3-3).
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54-0157 Rev. J Meaning Wait – Searching for satellite Tracking Satellite A System problem – Refer to Section 4, “Troubleshooting,” to find the possible cause Wait – Searching for satellite Tracking Satellite B Maintenance Port (DB9 Connector) Using Your TracVision R5/R4...
A Guide to TracVision R5/R4 N E T W O R K Using the TV/SAT Switch The TV/SAT Switch is very easy to use. All operations are controlled through a single button. To select the second satellite, perform the following steps: 1.
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13. Once the program guide has loaded, you can start enjoying satellite TV. The antenna will now switch between satellites automatically as you change channels using the receiver’s remote control. 54-0157 Rev. J Even Even Using Your TracVision R5/R4...
TV signal. Watching Television TracVision R5 is designed to operate whether your vehicle is in motion or parked. TracVision R4 is designed to operate only while your vehicle is parked. Using Your TracVision R5/R4 When Parked When your vehicle is stopped, it is not necessary for the TracVision R5/R4 to be turned on.
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To reactivate Sleep Mode, follow this same process, typing SLEEPON instead of SLEEPOFF during Step c. Using your TracVision R5 While Moving (TracVision R5 Only) The antenna unit uses conical scanning to maintain peak signal strength to the receiver and to update the satellite’s position.
Troubleshooting The troubleshooting matrix shown in Table 4-1 identifies some trouble symptoms, their possible causes, and references to troubleshooting solutions. Table 4-1 Troubleshooting Matrix SYMPTOM Antenna non-functional Antenna not switching channels/satellites No picture on TV set Intermittent picture for short intervals System works at rest but not on the move System will not find satellite Snowy television picture...
Causes and Remedies for Common Operational Issues There are a number of common issues that can affect the signal reception quality or the operation of the TracVision R5/R4. The following sections address these issues and potential solutions. 4.1.1 Improper Wiring...
Refer to Section 2.1, “Choosing the Best Location” on page 2-3 to make certain that the TracVision R5/R4 unit is in the optimal location. Simply moving the vehicle to clear an external obstruction will also restore signal quality.
(North American Systems Only) An active multiswitch must always be used to connect the TracVision R5/R4 system to more than two receivers. Refer to Section 2.3.5.2, “Connecting Three or More Receivers” on page 2-13 for directions on proper multiswitch/multiple receiver cabling.
Contact KVH Technical Support for details. Computer Diagnostics TracVision R5/R4 has been designed to provide diagnostic readouts on a PC with a RS-232 serial communication port. If you are unable to isolate a system problem with the foregoing troubleshooting tools, set up a laptop to carry out computer diagnostics as described below.
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You do not need to flash the antenna to view diagnostic readouts; you will simply view the data in the “TracVision Antenna Comms” window. 3. Apply power to the TracVision R5/R4 system and allow the system to complete full initialization. Observe the data scrolling on the PC display to identify any system problems detected.
KVH product. If you have any questions, please call your local authorized dealer/installer or distributor, or contact KVH or KVH Europe directly. Preventive Maintenance TracVision R5/R4 requires minimal preventive maintenance. The following tasks are sufficient to maintain peak performance. Monthly •...
Replaceable Parts TracVision R5/R4 has been designed with durability and low maintenance in mind. If you experience an operating problem or otherwise require technical assistance, contact your local authorized TracVision R5/R4 dealer/distributor first.
Reshipping the Antenna If you need to repack the antenna unit for shipment, the shipping restraints removed during installation must be reinstalled. Follow these steps to reinstall the restraints. 1. Remove the radome. 2. Rotate the antenna unit so that the LNB is facing away from the baseplate connectors.
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A Guide to TracVision R5/R4 IMPORTANT! Before returning the antenna, be sure to obtain an RMA number from KVH’s Technical Support Department and write the number on the outside of the box. Shipments received without an RMA number will be returned to you at your expense.
Appendix A System Specifications Table A-1 TracVision R5/R4 System Specifications Physical Characteristics Power 11-16 volts DC @ 2.5 amps nominal, 3.5 amps peak Dimensions/Weight 32" (81 cm) wide x 14.8" (38 cm) high, 33 lbs (15 kg) European system: Single output N.