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A Guide to TracVision C3 owner’s manual • Installation Instructions • User’s Guide • Technical Manual...
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TracVision C3 Owner’s Manual Addendum (ECO #s 6138, 6356, 6580, 6643) The following information applies to Revision G of the TracVision C3 Owner’s Manual (KVH Part Number 54-0159). Materials Provided with TracVision C3 The data/power cable supplied with the system is 28 ft (8.5 m) in length.
Replaceable Parts Table 5-1 has been updated to show the new part numbers for the data/power cable, RF cable, and the RF PCB. Part Name Baseplate Assembly Radome Assembly Data/Power Cable RF Cable PC Cable CPU PCB RF PCB Antenna Gyro Antenna Gyro Gasket System Fuses LNB (European system)
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TracVision C3 Owner’s Manual Addendum (ECO #6138) The following information applies to Revision G of the TracVision C3 Owner’s Manual (KVH Part Number 54-0159). Table 5-1 has been updated to show the new part number for the RF PCB. Replaceable Parts Part Name Baseplate Assembly Radome Assembly...
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Congratulations! You have selected one of the most advanced satellite tracking systems available today. KVH designed for use with European and North American DVB- compatible satellite services as well as DIRECTV provides detailed instructions on the proper installation, use, and maintenance of your TracVision C3 system.
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® ® TracVision , KVH , and TracNet™ are trademarks of KVH Industries, Inc. ® DIRECTV is an official trademark of DIRECTV, Inc., a unit of GM Hughes Electronics. ™ 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.
Table of Contents Introduction .......1-1 Digital Satellite Television ......1-1 TracVision C3 System Overview .
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Turning on the System ....... .3-1 Changing Channels and Switching Between Satellites ..3-2 3.2.1 Using the IRD Remote Control to Switch 3.2.2 Using the TV/SAT Switch to Switch 3.2.3 Using a PC to Switch Between Satellites .
Introduction Digital Satellite Television Your new TracVision C3 satellite antenna is fully compatible with the Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) satellites, which use the international standard for digital TV transmission, as well as Digital Satellite Service (DSS) services, such as DIRECTV. As a result, you will be able to receive and decode signals from your chosen satellite services with the proper programming and hardware (e.g., the IRD [satellite TV receiver]).
A Guide to TracVision C3 Table 1-2 Available N. American Satellite Pairs (U.S.-style LNB required) DSS_101 DSS_101 DSS_119 Echo_61 Echo_110 Echo_119 Echo_148 Expressvu If you are a DISH 500 customer, you can order the optional TV/SAT Switch – free of charge. Simply fill out the order form located at the back of this manual and fax it to KVH at +1 401 845-8190.
1.2.1 TracVision C3 Components The antenna unit includes the antenna positioning mechanism, signal front end, power supply, and control elements. These elements include antenna drive controls and mechanisms, the cable wrap subassembly, antenna gyro sensor, power conditioning and regulating circuits, and the RF detector. The antenna is a parabolic dish mounting a low noise block (LNB) converter with built-in preamplifier.
A Guide to TracVision C3 Before you can start watching satellite TV using your TracVision antenna, you will need to activate your IRD. Refer to Section 2.4, “Activating the IRD,” for more details. Table 1-3 TracVision C3 Packing List Cables for the TracVision C3 are stored beneath the antenna unit during shipping.
1.3.1 Additional Materials Required for TracVision C3 Use To make full use of your new TracVision C3 and receive satellite TV aboard your vessel, you will need to provide/purchase the following: • Television • Appropriate IRD for your selected satellite TV service 54-0159 Rev.
Installation TracVision C3 is designed for simple installation and setup. Just follow these easy steps: Step 1. Choose the hardware locations 2. Mount the antenna unit 3. Connect system components 4. Activate the IRD 5. Select the active satellite 6. Set the skew angle (Europe only) 7.
A Guide to TracVision C3 Table 2-2 Kitpack Contents Figure 2-1 Antenna Blockage Kitpack Contents Table 2-2 lists the materials provided in the kitpack. Part Tie-wraps ⁄ "-20 x 3" hex head cap screws ⁄ "-20 x ⁄ " hex screws ⁄...
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• The antenna unit should not be too high off the water (a height above the waterline no more than half the vessel length). • Make sure that the mounting surface is rigid so that it cannot flex when the vessel vibrates. If necessary, add a strength member to the mounting site to stiffen it.
A Guide to TracVision C3 Always lift the antenna unit by the gray baseplate, never by the radome or any portion of the antenna assembly! The antenna’s baseplate connectors may face either forward or backward along the centerline of the vessel for more convenient installation.
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5. While the antenna unit is in place, mark a location on the deck for the ⁄ " (19 mm) cable access hole to permit convenient cable access to the antenna’s baseplate connectors. 6. Cut the tie-wraps holding the antenna unit to the forward shipping restraint (see Figure 2-4).
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A Guide to TracVision C3 Figure 2-6 Forward Shipping Restraint Storage Figure 2-7 Rotating Plate Shipping Restraint Storage Figure 2-8 TracVision C3 Shipping Restraints (Storage Position) 11. Reposition the mounting plate over the drilled mounting holes, lining up the the mounting plate holes with the holes in the mounting surface.
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14. At each hole, place a ⁄ " flat washer on a ⁄ " -20 x 3" bolt (from the kitpack) and insert it into the mounting hole from above (see Figure 2-9). Bolt Flat Washer Silicone Mounting Plate Silicone Deck Flat Washer Lock Washer...
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A Guide to TracVision C3 Figure 2-11 Baseplate Connectors Facing Front of Vessel – Recommended Drain Hole Locations 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.
Connecting System Components The following sections provide instructions for properly wiring the antenna unit to belowdecks components. Locating the Switchplate A switchplate has been provided to serve as the hub of the TracVision C3 wiring (with the exception of the RF cable, which will be connected to the IRD).
A Guide to TracVision C3 Figure 2-13 Antenna Data/Power Connector Figure 2-14 Switchplate Data/Power Connector 2-10 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 2-13). Data/Power 2.
2.3.2 Connecting to Vessel Power Recommended Power Wiring Short circuits may result in severe electrical shock or burns. Turn off vessel power and test the circuit to ensure that no power is present before connecting the power cable. The switchplate requires an 11-16 VDC power input. A quick- tripping circuit breaker or fuse should be installed between the switchplate and vessel power.
A Guide to TracVision C3 Figure 2-16 Mounting the Switchplate Support Frame and Front Cover (60 mm) 2.05" Before securing the switchplate to the mounting surface, be sure to strain-relieve the wires connecting to the switchplate connectors. Several tie-wraps have been provided to aid in strain-relieving the wires.
2.3.5 Connecting the Antenna RF Signal Cable to the IRD 1. Route an RF cable up through the deck’s cable access hole. 2. Connect the RF cable to the antenna’s RF1 connector (see Figure 2-17). Once the cable is securely connected, loosen the sealing nut at the base of the RF1 connector and tighten it onto the end of the RF cable.
A Guide to TracVision C3 Figure 2-18 Installing Three or More IRDs Using an Active Multiswitch (North American Systems Only) TracVision C3 has the capability to switch from one satellite to another when you choose TV channels that are carried by your two selected satellites.
Installing More than One Multiswitch If there is a need for more than four IRDs, it is possible to carry out a multiple multiswitch installation, as illustrated in Figure 2-19. DC Power DC In RHCP VHF/UHF LHCP +13v +18v Multiswitch Out 1 Out 2 Out 3...
The satellites listed in TracVision C3’s preprogrammed satellite library will be sufficient for most users. However, if you wish to install one or two user-defined satellites, proceed to “Programming User-defined Satellites.” defined satellites, return to the satellite installation process in Section 2.5.1, “Installing Your Selected Satellites.”...
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A Guide to TracVision C3 Table 2-5 Installation Names Satellite Install Name European Satellites º ASTRA1 19.2 ASTRA1 º ASTRA2N 28.2 ASTRA2N º ASTRA2S 28.2 ASTRA2S º Hispasat 30.0 HISPASAT º Hotbird 13.0 HOTBIRD º Sirius 5.0 SIRIUS º Thor 0.8 THOR North American Satellites º...
For example, to assign Astra 2S and Hotbird for your satellite pair, and to track Astra 2S, you would enter the following data: SATINSTALL,ASTRA2S,HOTBIRD<cr> @L,A<cr> ZAP<cr> 2.5.2 Programming User-defined Satellites The TracVision C3 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 list.
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A Guide to TracVision C3 2-20 Entering User-defined Satellite Data Once the link between the PC and the TracVision C3 is established as described in Section 2.5, “Selecting the Active Satellite,” it is necessary to provide initial longitude data regarding the user-defined satellite. To do so, enter the SATCONFIG parser command via PC as follows: Command: SATCONFIG,USERX,YYY,Z,D,L<cr>...
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This information has to be entered for each of the four transponder categories: • vertical high • horizontal high • right TracVision C3 requires that the data fields for all four transponder categories be provided. 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 C3 Table 2-7 Sample User-defined Satellite Configuration (Europe) 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.
A Guide to TracVision C3 Figure 2-20 Skew Adjustment Skew Angles LNB Clamp & Wing Nut Scribe Mark 2-24 Setting the Skew Angle (European Systems Only) The Antenna LNB skew angle must be adjusted to optimize channel reception. Refer to your satellite service provider for the proper skew angle for the selected satellite service and geographical location.
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2. Open the terminal emulation software and establish the following settings: • 9600 baud • no parity • 8 data bits • 1 start bit • 1 stop bit • no flow control 3. Apply power to the TracVision C3 system and the IRD and allow the system to complete full initialization.
A Guide to TracVision C3 Table 2-9 LNB Part Numbers You may also need to replace your television when changing geographic location. In North America, your TV must support the NTSC video standard. In Europe, your TV must support the PAL video standard.
Using Your TracVision C3 For TracVision C3 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 vessel for any objects that could be blocking the signal, such as other vessels, trees, buildings, other onboard equipment, etc.
A Guide to TracVision C3 If you are a DISH 500 customer, you can order the optional TV/SAT Switch – free of charge. Simply fill out the order form located at the back of this manual and fax it to KVH at +1 401 845-8190.
3.2.2 Using the TV/SAT Switch to Switch Between Satellites - Optional If you are a DISH 500 customer, or you’re unable to switch between satellites using the IRD remote control, you can use the optional TV/SAT Switch (see Figure 3-3) to easily select between Satellite A and Satellite B.
A Guide to TracVision C3 If you are a DISH 500 customer, you can order the optional TV/SAT Switch – free of charge. Simply fill out the order form located at the back of this manual and fax it to KVH at +1 401 845-8190.
2. Open the terminal emulation software and establish the following settings: • 9600 baud • no parity • 8 data bits • 1 start bit • 1 stop bit • no flow control 3. Once the data connection is made, enter the Satellite Selection command as follows: Command: @L,x<cr>...
A Guide to TracVision C3 KVH recognizes that some customers may not want to take advantage of this convenient feature. In this case, it is possible to disable Sleep Mode using a simple software command as follows: 1. Connect a laptop computer to the system using the maintenance port and a terminal emulation program, as described in Your Selected Satellites.”...
Troubleshooting The troubleshooting matrix shown in Table 4-1 identifies some trouble symptoms, their possible causes, and references to troubleshooting solutions. 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 Picture jumbled, parts missing, freezing...
A Guide to TracVision C3 4.1.1 Blown Fuse or Improper Wiring If the antenna unit is installed but entirely non-responsive, there are two key factors to check as part of the troubleshooting process: 1. Blown Fuse – The antenna unit is equipped with two fuses mounted on its CPU Board.
4.1.4 Satellite Signal Blocked Satellite signals can be blocked or degraded by building, trees, other vessels, or equipment on the vessel itself. Refer to “Choosing the Best Location,” to make certain that the TracVision C3 unit is in the optimal location. Simply moving the vessel to clear an external obstruction will also restore signal quality.
A Guide to TracVision C3 Baseline RF levels are included as part of the startup sequence provided in Appendix 4.1.8 Incorrect or Loose RF Connectors As part of preventive maintenance (described in “Maintenance”) KVH recommends checking the antenna unit cable connections. A loose RF connector can reduce the signal quality.
Antenna Gyro and LNB Faults Section 5, “Maintenance,” provides detailed instructions for authorized service personnel who may be required to replace the TracVision C3 antenna gyro or the LNB. Computer Diagnostics TracVision C3 has been designed to provide diagnostic readouts viewed on a personal computer having an RS-232 serial communication port.
Maintenance Warranty/Service Information For information on KVH warranty, repair, and liability policies, please refer to the complete warranty statement conclusion of this manual. If you have any questions, please call your local authorized dealer/installer or distributor, or contact KVH or KVH Europe directly. Preventive Maintenance TracVision C3 requires minimal preventive maintenance.
A Guide to TracVision C3 The serial number of your TracVision C3 will be required during any troubleshooting or service calls. You will find the serial number at the front of this manual. Table 5-1 Field Replaceable Units Should a fuse ever need to be replaced, TracVision C3 uses two 5x20mm, 3.15-amp, 250-volt fast-blow fuses.
Field Replaceable Unit Procedures The following subsections provide detailed procedures for repairing or swapping out field replaceable units. The procedures refer to labeled items presented on the following diagrams. PCB Cover Rotating Plate Antenna Gyro Linear Actuator 54-0159 Rev. G RF Board Cover Pan Head Screws RF Cover...
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A Guide to TracVision C3 Figure 5-3 Antenna Assembly Locking Nuts and Washers Antenna Gyro Antenna Gyro Gasket Antenna Reflector Figure 5-4 Close-up of RF Detector and PCB Cable Clamp Screw Gyro Cable Antenna Gyro Cable Reflector Bracket RF Board Antenna Cable Clamp Wing Screw...
5.4.1 PCB Removal and Replacement Estimated Time to Repair: ⁄ hour The microprocessor PCB assembly is protected by a cover fastened to the rotating plate – removed to gain access to the main power fuses and the PCB assembly. 1. Using needle-nose pliers, remove the E-ring from one end of the connecting rod –...
A Guide to TracVision C3 Figure 5-6 PCB and RF Detector Board Connector Locations Limit Switches Gyro RF Board When replacing the PCB cover, be careful not to pinch any cables. RF Connector to IRD RF Board RF Connector to LNB Elevation Motor 7.
5. Remove the 4 standoffs – Detector PCB from the rotating plate. 6. Installation of the replacement RF Detector is the reverse of this procedure. Be sure that the RF cables are restored to their original positions. Be sure that the center conductor pin is centered in the connector before tightening the collar.
A Guide to TracVision C3 The LNB receives power from the IRD via the RF Detector PCB. Be certain that the IRD is disconnected from its power source before removing or reconnecting the LNB. Figure 5-7 LNB Skew Angle Setting (European systems only) Skew Angles LNB Clamp...
Preparation for Shipment If it is necessary to repack the antenna unit for shipment, the shipping restraints removed during installation must be replaced. Follow these steps to reinstall the restraints. 1. Rotate the antenna unit so that the LNB is facing away from the baseplate connectors.
Appendix A 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. American System: Dual output Tracking Better than 30 Maintenance Port...
Comprehensive TracVision C3 System Wiring Diagram Appendix B Comprehensive TracVision C3 System Wiring Diagram The wiring diagram is presented on the following page. 54-0159 Rev. G...
Startup Data Sequence Appendix D Startup Data Sequence The data on the following pages presents a standard startup data sequence registered by the TracVision C3. This sequence can be recorded using the data port and a PC. ?PGM KVH TracVision C3 Rev X - Version X.XX - Serial Number XXXXXXXX RF: ZAP *** Initializing RF Controller *** RF: S,A,V,U,V...
Appendix E Maintenance Port Parser Commands TracVision C3 system parser commands are parsed when the system receives an ASCII carriage return (Hex 0D). An ASCII line feed (Hex 0A) is permitted but is ignored in any transmitted command. All system responses are terminated with an ASCII carriage return followed by a line feed and ending with either an acknowledge character (ASCII >...
A Guide to TracVision C3 Table E-2 Manual Positioning Commands Calibrate Gyro Function: performs azimuth and elevation calibration Command: CALGYRO Argument: none Response: echoes command and calibrates gyro Find Skew Angle for Currently Selected Satellite Function: calculates necessary LNB skew based on latitude, longitude, and selected satellite Command: SKEWANGLE*...
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Elevation Angle Function: commands a manual elevation angle that the mechanism moves to Command: EL,xxx (range is 100-850) Argument: desired elevation angle of the mechanism relative to up, 10.0°-85.0° Response: echoes the command; mechanism moves at a fixed velocity Azimuth CW Step Function: commands a 0.1 deg CW manual step in azimuth angle...
A Guide to TracVision C3 Table E-3 Operational Commands Table E-4 Tracking and Conical Scan Commands Operational Commands To execute the following commands, first put the antenna unit in idle mode by typing HALT and pressing “ENTER.” After the system comes to a halt, type DEBUGON and press “ENTER” to enter programming mode.
Analog Signal Strength Report Function: reports signal strength from RF detector circuit in A/D counts (000-FFF Hex) Command: SIGLEVEL Argument: none Response: Signal Strength = xxxx RF Board Commands Serial Communications, Status/Polarization Report, Tone Changes Function: start serial communications, reports status & polarization/tone changes Command: Response:...
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A Guide to TracVision C3 Report RF Tracking Parameters Function: reports all RF tracking parameters for primary & secondary satellites* Command: @SATCONFIG Response: F,x,fffff,S,C,ID,P,B,D <cr> Where: Satellite (a = Primary, b = Secondary) fffff = Frequency in MHz (00000 and 10700 to 12700) S = Symbol rate in Mbit/Sec (1000 to 29999) C = FEC code rate (valid rates = 12, 23, 34, 56,...
ID Match/Decoded Network ID Function: report ID match and decoded network ID Command: @CHECKID Response: Y,0X#### N,0X#### Y,NoID N,NoID Where: Y = yes N = no 0X#### = network ID NoID = satellite unidentified Installation Commands To execute the following commands, first put the antenna unit in idle mode by typing HALT and pressing “ENTER.”...
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A Guide to TracVision C3 Report Satellite Names Function: report names for satellites A and B Command: SATINSTALL Response: SATINSTALL,<sat_a_name>,<sat_b_name> Report Configured Satellite Names Function: report names for all configured satellites Command: SATLISTA Response: SATLISTA,<sat_name1>,...,<sat_nameX> Report Valid Satellite B Selections Function: report names for all valid satellite B selections for a given satellite A selection...
Debug Commands Report Offset Angles Function: reports system offset angles Command: OFFSETS OFFSETS,XXXXX,YYYY Response: Offsets= XXXXX.X XXXXX.X Where: X = new azimuth offset (-1800 - 1800) Y = new elevation angle (-450 - 450) Applies Default Values to Default Satellites Function: updates the default satellites to the default values Command:...
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KVH Industries Limited Warranty TracVision C3 Limited Warranty on Hardware KVH Industries, Inc. warrants the KVH product purchased against defects in materials for a period of TWO (2) years and against factory labor costs for a period of ONE (1) year from the date of original retail purchase by the original purchaser.
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KVH Industries, Inc. KVH Europe A/S 50 Enterprise Center Middletown, RI 02842 U.S.A. Ved Klaedebo 12 2970 Hoersholm Denmark Phone: +1 401 847-3327 Fax: +1 401 849-0045 Phone: +45 45 160 180 Fax: +45 45 867 077 E-mail: info@kvh.com Internet: www.kvh.com E-mail: info@kvh.dk Internet: www.kvh.com ®...
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