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Installing TriSat Restarting antenna Get State? Group - Please Wait Next Return ‡ Sat Frequency Scan and Configure Satellite functions available only in Current State * TracVision 4/G4/6/G6 (including HP models) 2005, KVH Industries, Inc. * Press any button to return...
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Owner’s Manual Addendum (ECO # 7162) The following information applies to Revision A of the TracVision HDTV Converter Kit Owner’s Manual (KVH Part Number 54-0260). Upgrading the Antenna Software When you flash (upload software to) the TracVision antenna’s Main or RF board via the control panel, you need to cycle power on both the TracVision antenna and the control panel once flashing is complete.
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® ® TracVision and KVH are registered trademarks of KVH Industries, Inc. ® (Digital Video Broadcasting) is a registered trademark of the DVB Project. ® DIRECTV is a registered trademark of DIRECTV, Inc., a unit of the DIRECTV Group. Windows® is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation...
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Installation Requirements IMPORTANT Installation Requirements To ensure a safe and effective installation, this product should be installed by a KVH-authorized technician. The installer should have experience installing electronic equipment on a vessel or vehicle. If you have purchased the product and decide to install it yourself, please have a KVH-authorized technician inspect and validate your installation.
Introduction 1 – Introduction This section provides a basic overview of the TracVision HDTV converter and explains how to use this manual. Contents HDTV Converter Kit Overview ....... .3 How to Use this Manual .
Introduction HDTV Converter Kit Overview The TracVision HDTV converter enables your DVB ® -compatible TracVision satellite TV antenna to track three DIRECTV satellites, including DIRECTV’s 110ºW satellite, which offers high- definition programming. The HDTV converter also comes with an easy-to-use control panel that allows you to set up and operate your antenna system.
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TracVision HDTV Converter HDTV Converter Kit Components Your HDTV converter kit comes with the following components: HDTV Converter Whenever the DIRECTV 110ºW satellite is selected, the HDTV converter alters the frequency of the satellite signal, allowing the receiver to decode it and deliver its high-definition programming.
Introduction How to Use this Manual This owner’s manual provides all of the information you need to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot the HDTV converter and control panel. For information on installing, configuring, operating, and troubleshooting the TracVision antenna, please refer to the manual(s) that came with the antenna.
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TracVision HDTV Converter Typographical Conventions This manual uses the following typographical conventions: Text Example Description Text as it appears on the control Installing Trisat panel display Text inside brackets <> is a variable <SAT A> and <SAT B> (Example: “101 and 119 installed”)
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Introduction TracVision Product Naming Conventions For convenience, this manual uses the following product naming conventions: Product Name in Manual Associated TracVision Models TracVision 4 TracVision 4, TracVision 4-HP TracVision G4 TracVision G4, TracVision G4-HP TracVision 6 TracVision 6, TracVision 6-HP TracVision G6 TracVision G6, TracVision G6-HP TracVision L3, S3, C3...
TracVision HDTV Converter Getting Help Technical Support If you experience an operating problem and/or need technical assistance, please call your local authorized KVH TracVision dealer/installer. If an authorized dealer/installer is not located nearby, contact KVH Technical Support directly: Phone: 1-401-847-3327 E-mail: techs@kvh.com...
Installation 2 – Installation This section explains how to install, configure, and test the TracVision HDTV converter system. Follow the procedures in this section sequentially to ensure a safe and effective installation. Contents Planning the Installation ........11 Wiring System Components .
If you purchased the system and KVH strongly recommends that a KVH-authorized technician decide to install it yourself, be install the TracVision HDTV converter. Installers should have sure to read the important notice at the front of this manual experience installing electronic equipment on a vessel or vehicle.
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TracVision HDTV Converter Materials and Equipment Required for Installation Before you begin installing the TracVision HDTV converter, verify that you have all of the following tools and materials: • Electric drill • ⁄ " open-end wrench and ⁄ " nut driver/socket •...
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Installation Kitpack Contents The kitpack packaged with your HDTV converter contains hardware and other materials that will be needed to complete the installation. Ensure that the kitpack contains all of the items listed below. Table 2-2 Kitpack Contents Part Part # Qty.
TracVision HDTV Converter Choosing the Best Location for the Control Panel • The control panel should be located in a dry location, allowing enough room at the back for connecting the various cables. • Control panel dimensions: 8.2" (20.8 cm) wide x 3"...
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Installation Step 1 - Wire the Receiver(s) Two RF cables, labeled “RF1” and “RF2,” should already be connected to the TracVision antenna’s baseplate. In a standard TV configuration, these cables connect directly to the individual receivers or a multiswitch. Disconnect these RF cables from the receiver(s)/multiswitch and follow the wiring instructions for your particular configuration.
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TracVision HDTV Converter 2. Connect an RG179 cable from the HDTV converter’s “TO RECEIVER OR MULTISWITCH LHCP” connector to either of the splitter’s “OUT” connectors. Figure 2-3 Splitter To Control Panel To HDTV Converter (TONE DETECT) (TO RECEIVER OR MULTISWITCH LHCP)
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Installation Multiswitch Installed B, D, or F Follow these instructions if a multiswitch is installed and need to connect multiple HD receivers or more than one additional standard receiver. 1. Connect the antenna’s “RF1” cable to the multiswitch’s “RHCP +13V” connector. Figure 2-5 Multiswitch (Example) To HDTV Converter To Antenna...
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TracVision HDTV Converter 2. Connect the antenna’s “RF2” cable to the HDTV converter’s “TO ANTENNA LNB” connector. Figure 2-6 HDTV Converter To Antenna To Control Panel (RF2) (HDTV CONTROL) To Multiswitch (LNB LHCP +18V) 3. Connect an RG179 cable from the HDTV converter’s “TO RECEIVER OR MULTISWITCH...
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Installation 5. Connect an RG6 cable from the splitter’s “INPUT” connector to the master HD receiver’s “SATELLITE IN” connector. This receiver will control satellite selection. Figure 2-8 HD Receiver (Example) To Splitter (INPUT) TV ANT/CABLE IN OUT TO TV SATELLITE IN AUDIO VIDEO S-VIDEO...
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TracVision HDTV Converter Step 2 - Wire the Control Panel A, B, C, D, E, or F 1. Connect an RG6 cable from the HDTV converter’s “TO CONTROL PANEL” connector to the control panel’s “HDTV CONTROL” connector. Figure 2-10 Control Panel...
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Installation Step 3 - Wire the Switchplate or ADCU Now you need to connect the control panel to the TracVision antenna’s switchplate or ADCU. Follow the instructions for your particular configuration. TracVision 4/6 A or B Follow these instructions if you are connecting to a TracVision 4 or TracVision 6.
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TracVision HDTV Converter 1. Remove and discard the two jack screws securing the maintenance port assembly to the switchplate. Figure 2-12 Detaching the Old Maintenance Port Assembly Remove Jack Screws 2. Carefully disconnect the TracVision antenna’s data cable from the maintenance port assembly’s terminal board, located on the rear of the switchplate.
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Installation 3. Discard the old maintenance port assembly. 4. Wire the TracVision antenna’s data cable to the new maintenance port assembly’s terminal board. Be sure to match the wire colors with the terminal board label. Figure 2-14 Wiring the New Maintenance Port Assembly To Control Panel (RF PORT) YELLOW...
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TracVision HDTV Converter 8. Attach the new maintenance port assembly to the switchplate using two #4-24 screws supplied in the kitpack. These screws simply replace the jack screws that you removed in Step 1. Figure 2-15 Securing the New Maintenance Port Assembly to...
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Installation TracVision G4/G6 C or D Follow these instructions if you are connecting to a TracVision G4 or TracVision G6. Do not disconnect any of the cables that are already connected to the ADCU rear panel. You will simply connect additional wires.
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TracVision HDTV Converter TracVision C3/L3/S3 E or F Follow these instructions if you are connecting to a TracVision C3, L3, or S3. To connect the control panel to the switchplate, you will first need to access the back of the switchplate and replace the switchplate’s maintenance port assembly with the modified...
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Installation 2. Disconnect the TracVision antenna’s data/power cable from the maintenance port assembly’s data/power connector, located on the rear of the switchplate. You will reattach this cable later. Figure 2-19 Old Maintenance Port Assembly Old Maintenance Port Assembly Power Terminals Data/Power Connector 3.
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TracVision HDTV Converter 6. Connect the TracVision antenna’s data/power cable to the new maintenance port assembly’s data/power connector (see Figure 2-20). 7. Connect the free DB9-male end of the main control cable to the DB9 connector on the maintenance port assembly (the other end of the cable should already be connected to the control panel).
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Installation Step 4 - Connect Power The control panel requires an 11-16 VDC power input. Since it does not have a dedicated power control (ON/OFF switch), KVH recommends that you power the control panel from the Alternatively, if the TracVision switchplate or ADCU.
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TracVision HDTV Converter 3. At the control panel, first insert the power wires into the supplied power plug’s (+) and (-) terminals. Secure the wires in place by tightening the plug’s terminal screws. Tug gently to ensure that the connections are solid, and make certain that the wire insulation is not pinched in the connector.
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Installation TracVision G4/G6 C or D 1. Run a power cable from the control panel to the ADCU. See Table 2-1 on page 12 for recommended power cable specifications. 2. At the ADCU, connect the power wires to the switchplate power output terminals as shown in Figure 2-24.
TracVision HDTV Converter Mounting the Control Panel Mount the control panel using either of the following options: Option 1 - Velcro Fastening on a Horizontal Surface Option 2 - Flush Mounting The following sections describe how to mount the control panel for both of these options.
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Installation Option 2 - Flush Mounting 1. Choose a location based upon the guidelines in “Choosing the Best Location for the Control Panel” on page 14. 2. Using the template provided in Appendix B on page 85 as a guide, mark a hole for the flush mount bracket. Cut the hole in the mounting surface and make certain the bracket and control panel will fit easily.
TracVision HDTV Converter Upgrading the Antenna Software The TracVision antenna must have the following Main board and RF board software revisions installed to be compatible with the HDTV converter: Table 2-5 Antenna Software Requirements System Model Main Board Software TracVision 4, 6, G4, or G6 Rev.
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Installation Step 3 - Flash the Main and/or RF Board IMPORTANT! The flash process may take up to 30 minutes. Please make sure your computer’s battery is sufficiently charged or is plugged into a stable power source, and be sure to turn off any power-saving mode or screensaver.
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TracVision HDTV Converter Figure 2-29 Preparing the Antenna for Flashing Menu Press MENU. Install Satellite? Enter Next Return Press NEXT twice, until "Operations Mode?" screen appears. Operations mode? Next Return Press YES to enter the Operations Mode menu. Get antenna Status?
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Installation If you need to flash both boards, flash the RF board first. 4. Connect the stereo plug end of the flash adapter cable to the control panel’s RF flash port (if you want to flash the RF board) or Main flash port (if you want to flash the Main board).
TracVision HDTV Converter Configuring the Antenna Now that the antenna has the latest software installed, you need to configure the antenna to take full advantage of the system’s new HDTV functionality. Step 1 - Select TriSat Mode and Sat Select Mode...
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Installation 1. Turn on the TracVision antenna and control panel. 2. Wait two minutes for the antenna to initialize, then follow the process shown in Figure 2-34. Figure 2-34 Install TriSat and Choose Sat Select Mode Process Choose a Sat Select mode. Set Sat Select Mode Press AUTO to select Menu...
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TracVision HDTV Converter Step 2 - Enter Your Position The last thing you need to do to configure the antenna is enter the vessel’s/vehicle’s approximate position. The antenna will use this data to speed up satellite acquisition. You can find your latitude and longitude from one of the following sources: •...
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Installation Figure 2-36 Entering Latitude/Longitude Process Enter your latitude. Latitude: Use + / – to set each digit, N/S; Menu Enter press ENTER to cycle display through each digit and N/S, Press MENU. then go to the Longitude screen Enter your longitude. Set Sat Select Mode? Longitude: ###E...
TracVision HDTV Converter Configuring the HD Receiver Before the user can start enjoying high-definiton programming, the DIRECTV HD receiver must be configured for an “Oval, 3 ® LNB” dish type and must be activated for HDTV service. Changing the Receiver’s Dish Type Setting To receive channels from the three DIRECTV satellites (101, 119, and 110), the receiver needs to be configured for an “Oval, 3...
Installation Installation Checklist Congratulations! You’ve completed the HDTV converter installation! Before you test the system, please make certain that you have completed the following important steps: Step Page # Done? If you cut an RF cable, you used an Augat tool to attach an F-connector. You wired the HDTV converter, splitter, and control panel correctly, according to the wiring diagram for your configuration in Appendix C on page 87 .
TracVision HDTV Converter Testing the System Now all you need to do is turn the system on and ensure everything works properly. Follow the steps below to test the HDTV-equipped TracVision system. 1. Ensure that the antenna has a clear view of all three DIRECTV satellites.
Operation 3 – Operation This section explains how to use the control panel and switch satellites while in the TriSat mode. Contents Turning On the System ........47 Using the Control Panel .
Operation Turning On the System If the installer wired the control panel’s power to the TracVision antenna’s switchplate or ADCU, the control panel will power on For general antenna operation or off at the same time you turn the antenna on or off. information, refer to the TracVision antenna’s User’s Guide or Owner’s A Note About DIRECTV Receiver Startup...
TracVision HDTV Converter TriSat Mode When the antenna is set to TriSat mode, you can watch satellite TV programming from one of three DIRECTV satellites: • 101 (DSS_101 located at 101ºW) • 110 (DSS_110 located at 110ºW) • 119 (DSS_119 located at 119ºW)
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Operation Figure 3-2 Selecting Satellites in Automatic Mode Satellite Pair Selected Satellite With the 101-110 pair, you 101-110:Tracking 110 can switch between the Menu 101 and 110 satellites by simply changing the channel on the master receiver's remote. 101-110:Tracking 101 If you want to view channels on Menu the 119 satellite, you first need...
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TracVision HDTV Converter Manual Mode In Manual mode, you need to press a single button on the control panel whenever you need to switch to another satellite. Figure 3-3 Satellite Switching in Manual Mode Selected Satellite Tracking 101 To view channels on the...
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Operation Selecting a Sat Select Mode To select either Automatic or Manual satellite switching, follow the appropriate process shown in Figure 3-4. Figure 3-4 Set Sat Select Mode To Select AUTOMATIC To Select MANUAL Satellite Switching Satellite Switching Menu Menu Press MENU.
TracVision HDTV Converter How to Tell If You’re On the Wrong Satellite As mentioned previously, you can watch TV channels from three For your convenience, KVH DIRECTV satellites: 101, 110, and 119. But since the Program provides a list of HDTV channels,...
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Control Panel Menu Functions 4 – Control Panel Menu Functions This section explains the functions that are available through the control panel menus. Contents The Main Menu ......... .55 Setting Satellite Select Mode .
Control Panel Menu Functions The Main Menu Once the antenna has initialized, the control panel’s main display indicates which satellite the antenna is currently tracking. To enter the main menu, press the center MENU button. Then press the NEXT button to scroll through the available main menu functions.
TracVision HDTV Converter Setting Satellite Select Mode When the antenna is set to TriSat mode, use this function to select between Automatic or Manual satellite switching. For complete details about the differences between these two modes, see Section 3.4, “Switching Satellites in TriSat Mode” on page 48.
Control Panel Menu Functions Installing Satellites Use this function to select the satellites you want to track. You can program the antenna to track either the three DIRECTV satellites (located in orbital positions 101ºW, 110ºW, and 119ºW) in If you wish to track a satellite that is TriSat mode or a pair of satellites of your choice.
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TracVision HDTV Converter Figure 4-3 Install Satellite Install Satellite? Next Return Go to "Restart Antenna" Trisat mode? Return Install A <SAT NAME> USA or Europe? Next Cancel Europe Return For installing European Press NEXT to cycle the satellites only. Refer to the...
Control Panel Menu Functions Restarting the Antenna Use this function to restart the antenna. The antenna will re-initialize and reacquire the satellite. Figure 4-4 Restart Antenna Restart antenna? Next Return Go to "Operations Mode" Antenna Restarted This screen is displayed for 3 seconds before returning to startup sequence and main display.
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TracVision HDTV Converter Viewing Antenna Status The Get Antenna Status menu allows you to view errors, the software version, serial number, signal/noise levels, skew angle recommended, bit error rate, and the antenna’s current state. Figure 4-6 Get Antenna Status Menu...
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Control Panel Menu Functions Control Antenna Menu This menu allows you to adjust the antenna’s azimuth and elevation manually, turn Sleep Mode on/off, turn Instant On Mode on/off, set the latitude and longitude, update satellite frequency data, and change satellite configuration settings. Figure 4-7 Control Antenna Control antenna? Next...
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TracVision HDTV Converter Manually Controlling the Antenna Use this function to manually control the azimuth, elevation, and tracking of the TracVision antenna (used in rare instances). Wait until the antenna has fully initialized, then use the + and - buttons to manually move the dish. Azimuth measurements are reported as relative to the bearing of the front of the vessel/ vehicle.
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Control Panel Menu Functions Turning Sleep Mode On/Off Use this function to turn Sleep Mode ON or OFF. Sleep Mode turns off satellite tracking if the antenna holds the same position for one minute. As soon as the vessel/vehicle moves, the system will automatically begin tracking the satellite again.
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TracVision HDTV Converter Setting Latitude and Longitude As explained in Section 2.5, “Configuring the Antenna” on page 38, the antenna will find the satellite faster if it knows approximately where it is located. Use this function to enter your vessel’s/ vehicle’s latitude and longitude.
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Control Panel Menu Functions Updating Satellite Frequency Data This function is available only with TracVision 4/G4/6/G6. If the antenna is unable to find a satellite, the satellite’s frequency Do NOT use this function unless directed by KVH Technical Support data may have changed. The Satellite Frequency Scan feature or a KVH-authorized technician.
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TracVision HDTV Converter Figure 4-12 Satellite Frequency Scan Sat frequency Scan? Next Return To find a valid symbol rate and FEC code, refer to an up-to-date satellite Go to "Configure Satellite" information table. Data for satellites stored in the antenna’s library is...
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Control Panel Menu Functions Configuring Satellite Settings This function is available only with TracVision 4/G4/6/G6. North American satellites have two Use this function to change the configuration settings for your polarizations: installed satellites. For each polarization, you can change the •...
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TracVision HDTV Converter Figure 4-13 Configure Satellite Configure satellite? Next Return Return to "Manual Control Antenna" Configure satellite In TriSat mode, 3 satellites are configurable. Sat A Sat B Sat C In DualSat mode, 2 satellites are configurable. Configure A <SAT NAME>? Configure B <SAT NAME>?
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Control Panel Menu Functions Upgrading Software As explained in Section 2.4, “Upgrading the Antenna Software” on page 34, you can upgrade the antenna software by flashing the RF and Main boards via the control panel. Before you begin flashing, use this function to HALT (stop) the antenna. Upgrade Software Figure 4-14 Upgrade Software?
Troubleshooting 5 – Troubleshooting This section identifies basic trouble symptoms and lists their possible causes and solutions. Contents Troubleshooting Matrix ........73 Causes and Remedies for Common Operational Issues .
Troubleshooting Troubleshooting Matrix The troubleshooting matrix shown in Table 5-1 identifies some trouble symptoms, their possible causes, and references to Table 5-1 troubleshooting solutions. Troubleshooting Matrix Section 5.2 SYMPTOM System non-functional "Channel Not Available" message on TV Wrong programming shown on selected channel "Searching for Satellite Signal"...
Causes and Remedies for Common Operational Issues There are a number of common issues that can affect the operation of the TracVision HDTV converter system. The following sections address these issues and potential solutions. Wiring Problem If the HDTV components are not wired correctly, the system will not work.
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Troubleshooting Program Guide Not Fully Loaded At Startup Whenever you reboot the receiver, the receiver needs to download the complete Program Guide from the 101 satellite. Therefore, be sure the antenna is tracking the 101 satellite whenever you reboot the receiver. The receiver loads the channel Please be patient during this process –...
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TracVision HDTV Converter Antenna Set to Manual Mode If your TracVision antenna does not automatically switch between satellites when you change channels on the receiver’s remote control, the antenna might be set to Manual mode. In Manual mode, you need to press a button on the control panel to switch to the second or third satellite.
Troubleshooting Receiver Troubleshooting Your HD receiver may also be the cause of less-than-ideal operation. First check the receiver’s configuration to ensure it is set up for the desired programming, screen resolution, etc. In the case of a faulty receiver, refer to your receiver User’s Manual for service and warranty information.
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TracVision HDTV Converter 2. Connect the stereo plug end of the flash adapter cable to the control panel’s Main flash port. Be sure to insert the stereo plug fully into the flash port, as shown below. Figure 5-2 Control Panel Main Flash Port 3.
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Troubleshooting Entering Antenna Commands You can also enter antenna commands through the Main flash port (for a list of valid antenna commands, refer to your TracVision antenna’s Technical Manual or Owner’s Manual). If you’re using HyperTerminal, type the command in the HyperTerminal window then press Enter.
TracVision HDTV Converter Technical Support If you need help troubleshooting your system, please contact an authorized TracVision dealer or service center. To find an authorized dealer located near you, visit: www.kvh.com/wheretogetservice If an authorized dealer is not located nearby, contact KVH...
Appendices Appendices This section contains several appendices of supplemental information, including specifications, a flush-mounting template, and wiring diagrams. Contents Control Panel Specifications ....... .83 Control Panel Flush Mount Template .
Control Panel Specifications Appendix A Control Panel Specifications Physical Characteristics Dimensions 3" (76.2 cm) d x 8.2" (20.8 cm) w x 2.6" (6.6 cm) h Operating temperature -13°F to +130°F (-25°C to +55°C) Storage temperature -40°F to +185°F (-40°C to +85°C) Input Power Input 11-16 VDC @ 3.5 amps nominal...
Wiring Diagrams Appendix C Wiring Diagrams This appendix includes system wiring diagrams for each of the following configurations: A TracVision 4/6 with one HD receiver B TracVision 4/6 with multiswitch C TracVision G4/G6 with one HD receiver D TracVision G4/G6 with multiswitch As you connect each cable, mark an “X”...
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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Phone: (401) 847-3327 Fax: (401) 849-0045 Phone: +45 45 160 180 Fax: +45 45 160 181 E-mail: info@kvh.com Internet: www.kvh.com E-mail: info@kvh.dk Internet: www.kvh.com ® and TracVision ® are registered trademarks of KVH Industries, Inc. DIRECTV ® is a registered trademark of DIRECTV, Inc.