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TracVision M3 – DX Version Circular Configuration...
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Circular Configuration User’s Guide This user’s guide provides all of the basic information you need to operate, set up, and troubleshoot the TracVision M3DX satellite TV antenna system. For detailed installation information, please refer to the TracVision M3DX Installation Guide.
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Trademark Information TracVision, KVH, and the unique light-colored dome with contrasting baseplate are registered trademarks of KVH Industries, Inc. DVB (Digital Video Broadcasting) is a registered trademark of the DVB Project. DIRECTV is an official trademark of DIRECTV, Inc. DISH Network is an official trademark of EchoStar Communications Corporation.
TracVision M3DX User’s Guide Table of Contents Table of Contents Introduction Using this Manual ................3 System Overview................5 Operation Receiving Satellite TV Signals ............11 Turning the System On/Off ..............12 Understanding the Status Screen............13 Switching Satellites.................14 Changing the Satellite Switching Mode...........16 Product Care ..................17 System Preferences Adjusting the Display Brightness.............21...
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TracVision M3DX User’s Guide Table of Contents Troubleshooting Five Simple Checks................39 System Status Lights ...............40 Error Messages................42 Running the Diagnostics Test ............43 Viewing System Information ............45 Calibrating the Gyros ...............47 Changing Tracking Parameters ............48 Technical Support................50 Wiring Diagrams Wiring Diagram - 1 Receiver............53 Wiring Diagram - 2 Receivers ............54...
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TracVision M3DX User’s Guide Chapter 1 - Introduction 1. Introduction This chapter provides a basic overview of this manual and your TracVision system. Contents Using this Manual.............. 3 System Overview............... 5...
Chapter 1 - Introduction Using this Manual This manual provides complete operation, setup, and troubleshooting information for your TracVision system. Who Should Use This Manual The user should refer to the “Operation” and “System Preferences” chapters to learn how to operate the system.
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IMPORTANT! Be sure to read these carefully to ensure proper operation and configuration of your TracVision system. NOTE: Notes contain useful information about system settings. TIP: Tips contain helpful information, allowing you to get the most out of your TracVision system.
TracVision M3DX User’s Guide Chapter 1 - Introduction System Overview Your TracVision M3DX is a state-of-the-art, actively stabilized antenna system that delivers live satellite TV to your mobile audio/video entertainment system. A basic system is illustrated below. Detailed wiring diagrams are provided in “Appendix A”...
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These receivers have all been validated by KVH to work well with the TracVision system. For information on connecting different receiver models, contact KVH Technical Support at 401-847-3327. Figure 3 KVH-Validated Receivers...
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TracVision M3DX User’s Guide Chapter 1 - Introduction DISH Network Configuration Other than a satellite TV receiver, no additional components are necessary to receive both high- definition (HD) and standard-definition N E T W O R K programming from three DISH network satellites:...
TracVision M3DX User’s Guide Chapter 2 - Operation 2. Operation This chapter explains everything you need to know to operate the TracVision M3DX system. Contents Receiving Satellite TV Signals ......... 11 Turning the System On/Off ..........12 Understanding the Status Screen........13 Switching Satellites............
Equator In addition, since TV satellites are located above the equator, the TracVision antenna must have a clear view of the sky to receive satellite TV signals. Anything that stands between the antenna and the satellite can block the signal, resulting in lost reception. Common causes of blockage include trees, buildings, and bridges.
Follow the steps below to turn on your TracVision system. 1. Make sure the antenna has a clear view of the sky. 2. Turn on your satellite TV receiver and TV. 3. Press the Power switch on the front of the TracVision interface box. Figure 6 Interface Box Components...
TracVision M3DX User’s Guide Chapter 2 - Operation Understanding the Status Screen Following startup, the interface box displays the current system status. Figure 7 Interface Box Status Screen Antenna Service Satellite State Signal Strength TRACKING DTV 119 TRI-SAT AUTO MODE...
TracVision M3DX User’s Guide Chapter 2 - Operation Switching Satellites If your system is set up to track multiple satellites, you can easily switch between them. Use the switching method that applies to your particular setup. You can identify the current satellite switching...
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How Switching Satellites Affects Additional Receivers The TracVision system tracks one satellite at a time. Therefore, if you switch satellites using the primary receiver, televisions connected to other receivers might display different programming, no programming, or an error message.
TracVision M3DX User’s Guide Chapter 2 - Operation Changing the Satellite Switching Mode Unless your system is set up in Manual mode, the antenna will automatically switch satellites as you change channels using the receiver’s remote control. However, if you want to manually select a satellite for some reason, the interface box allows you to switch from automatic to manual switching.
TracVision M3DX User’s Guide Chapter 2 - Operation Product Care Please consider the following antenna care guidelines for maintaining peak performance: • Periodically wash the exterior of the antenna dome with fresh water and mild detergent. Avoid harsh cleansers and volatile solvents (such as acetone) and do not spray the dome directly with high-pressure water.
TracVision M3DX User’s Guide Chapter 3 - System Preferences 3. System Preferences This chapter explains how to change the brightness and latitude/ longitude settings. Contents Adjusting the Display Brightness........21 Entering Latitude/Longitude ..........22...
TracVision M3DX User’s Guide Chapter 3 - System Preferences Adjusting the Display Brightness Follow the steps in the flowchart below if you need to adjust the brightness of the interface box display. Figure 9 Brightness Setting Press MENUS until BRIGHTNESS is displayed.
TracVision M3DX User’s Guide Chapter 3 - System Preferences Entering Latitude/Longitude Follow the steps in the flowchart below to enter your vessel’s latitude and longitude into the system. The antenna will use your position information to speed up satellite acquisition. (If the antenna knows where you are located, it knows where it should start looking for the satellite.)
Chapter 4 - Setup 4. Setup When you turn on the TracVision M3DX system for the first time, the interface box displays SYSTEM NEEDS SETUP. This chapter explains how to set up the system for your desired satellite TV service.
TracVision M3DX User’s Guide Chapter 4 - Setup DIRECTV Setup You can set up the system for any one of the following DIRECTV operating modes: Mode Satellites Tracked Tri-Sat Auto 101, 110, and 119 Tri-Sat Pairs 101, 110, and 119...
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TracVision M3DX User’s Guide Chapter 4 - Setup Figure 11 DIRECTV Setup TRACKING DTV 101 Press any button to begin. SYSTEM NEEDS SETUP SERVICE= DIRECTV? CHANGE ACCEPT Press CHANGE until MODE= TRI-SAT AUTO? desired mode displays; CHANGE ACCEPT then press ACCEPT.
TracVision M3DX User’s Guide Chapter 4 - Setup DISH Network Setup You can set up the system for any one of the following DISH Network operating modes: Mode Satellites Tracked N E T W O R K DISH 1000/129 119, 110, and 129...
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TracVision M3DX User’s Guide Chapter 4 - Setup Step 1 - Set the Operating Mode in the Antenna Follow the steps in Figure 13 to set up the antenna for your selected DISH Network operating mode. Then keep the antenna turned on for the next step.
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If you remove a receiver from the vessel and use it in a home setup, you will need to repeat this step to reconfigure that receiver whenever you reconnect it to the TracVision system. Primary Receiver - Run Two Check Switch Tests Follow these steps to run two Check Switch tests on the primary receiver, which is connected to the “Unstacked Output”...
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TracVision M3DX User’s Guide Chapter 4 - Setup Figure 14 Expected Check Switch Results DISH 1000/129 Results Port Satellite Trans Reception Verified Status SW64 Switch DISH 1000/61 Results Port Satellite Trans Reception Verified Status SW64 Switch DISH 500 Results Input...
TracVision M3DX User’s Guide Chapter 4 - Setup ExpressVu Setup You can set up the system for any one of the following ExpressVu operating modes: Mode Satellites Tracked Dual-Sat 91 and 82 Single-Sat 91 only Step 1 - Set the Operating Mode in the Antenna Follow the steps in Figure 15 to set up the antenna for your selected ExpressVu operating mode.
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If you remove a receiver from the vessel and use it in a home setup, you will need to repeat this step to reconfigure that receiver whenever you reconnect it to the TracVision system. Primary Receiver - Run Two Check Switch Tests Follow these steps to run two Check Switch tests on the primary receiver, which is connected to the “Unstacked Output”...
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TracVision M3DX User’s Guide Chapter 4 - Setup 8. Refer to the table in Figure 16 and verify the values displayed on your TV match those required for your selected satellite TV service. If your values match: Exit the menu and allow the receiver to download the program guide.
TracVision M3DX User’s Guide Chapter 4 - Setup Manual Mode Setup If none of the automatic modes described earlier include all of the satellites you wish to track, you can set up the system in Manual mode to track up to five satellites of your choice. You will then be able to switch between these satellites using the buttons on the interface box.
TracVision M3DX User’s Guide Chapter 4 - Setup Resetting the System to Change Setup If you need to change the antenna’s setup to receive a different satellite TV service and/or track a different satellite, follow the steps in Figure 18 to reset the system. Once the system has reset to its factory conditions, you will be able to set up the system as described earlier in this section.
TracVision M3DX User’s Guide Chapter 5 - Troubleshooting 5. Troubleshooting This chapter identifies potential problems along with their possible causes and solutions. It also explains how to get technical support. Contents Five Simple Checks ............39 System Status Lights............40 Error Messages ...............
Five Simple Checks If you are experiencing a problem receiving satellite TV with your TracVision M3DX, perform the five simple checks below. If none of these are the problem, check the status lights on the interface box and/ or perform a diagnostics test, as explained in “System Status Lights”...
TracVision M3DX User’s Guide Chapter 5 - Troubleshooting System Status Lights Three status lights on the front of the interface box indicate the current status of the system and can help you identify problems (see Figure 19). Figure 19 System Status Lights Status Lights During normal operation, all three status lights should be lit green.
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TracVision M3DX User’s Guide Chapter 5 - Troubleshooting RECEIVER Light The table below explains what the RECEIVER light indicates. Light is... Indicates Description Green Good communications with receiver No communications with receiver; Orange No comm receiver is off or disconnected...
TracVision M3DX User’s Guide Chapter 5 - Troubleshooting Error Messages The table below lists possible error messages and the appropriate corrective action. Warning Description The interface box and antenna SYSTEM SAT MISMATCH are out of sync. Just press PRESS TO FIX ACCEPT to synchronize.
TracVision M3DX User’s Guide Chapter 5 - Troubleshooting Running the Diagnostics Test In addition to the front panel status lights, the interface box includes a self-test function within its Diagnostics menu. Follow the steps in Figure 20 to perform a diagnostic test. For information on diagnostic test results, see “Diagnostic Test Results”...
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TracVision M3DX User’s Guide Chapter 5 - Troubleshooting Diagnostic Test Results The table below lists all of the status messages. Status Message Description Antenna status: Idle, Initializing, ANTENNA: TRACKING Searching, Tracking, or Error PRESS TO CONTINUE Name of the currently selected...
TracVision M3DX User’s Guide Chapter 5 - Troubleshooting Viewing System Information You can view the TracVision M3DX system’s software versions and serial numbers on the interface box display. Follow the steps in Figure 21 to display the system information. For more information on system information results, see “System Information Results”...
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TracVision M3DX User’s Guide Chapter 5 - Troubleshooting System Information Results The table below lists all of the status information messages. Information Message Description Model of TracVision Antenna TRACVISION M3 PRESS TO CONTINUE Version of antenna main SYS SW: 1.2...
Chapter 5 - Troubleshooting Calibrating the Gyros The TracVision antenna’s gyros continuously measure the motion of your vessel and send this data to the antenna’s motor control circuitry to keep the antenna pointed at the satellite. At the factory, each antenna gyro is precisely calibrated to work with the antenna’s circuit...
Changing Tracking Parameters On rare occasions, a satellite service provider may change the configuration of one of its satellites. Since your TracVision antenna identifies a satellite based on the configuration data it has stored in memory, the antenna will no longer be able to track the satellite if its configuration changes.
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TracVision M3DX User’s Guide Chapter 5 - Troubleshooting Figure 23 Tracking Parameter Changes Press MENUS until DIAGNOSTICS= NO is displayed. DIAGNOSTICS= NO SATELLITE= 119? NEXT MENU CHANGE CHANGE ACCEPT Select the satellite you need to modify. DIAGNOSTICS= YES? CHANGE ACCEPT...
Therefore, if you experience an operating problem or require technical assistance, please call or visit your local authorized TracVision dealer or distributor. You can find an authorized technician near you by visiting our website at www.kvh.com/wheretogetservice.
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TracVision M3DX User’s Guide Appendix A - Wiring Diagrams Appendix A Wiring Diagrams This appendix provides wiring diagrams for DISH Network, ExpressVu, and Dual-Sat DIRECTV configurations. NOTE: Wiring diagrams for Tri-Sat DIRECTV configurations are provided in the instructions that came with the Tri-Sat AutoSwitch kit.
TracVision M3DX User’s Guide Appendix A - Wiring Diagrams Wiring Diagram - 1 Receiver To Antenna Interface Box Satellite TV Receiver (Primary) TV ANT/CABLE IN OUT TO TV SATELLITE IN AUDIO VIDEO S-VIDEO PHONE JACK SATELLITE IN...
TracVision M3DX User’s Guide Appendix A - Wiring Diagrams Wiring Diagram - 2 Receivers To Antenna Interface Box Satellite TV Receiver (Primary) TV ANT/CABLE IN OUT TO TV SATELLITE IN AUDIO VIDEO S-VIDEO PHONE JACK SATELLITE IN This receiver controls...
TracVision M3DX User’s Guide Appendix A - Wiring Diagrams Wiring Diagram - 3 Receivers To Antenna Interface Box Satellite TV Receiver (Primary) TV ANT/CABLE IN INPUT Destacker OUT TO TV SATELLITE IN AUDIO VIDEO S-VIDEO PHONE JACK SATELLITE IN To RECEIVER...
TracVision M3DX User’s Guide Appendix A - Wiring Diagrams Wiring Diagram - 1 Receiver and 1 DVR To Antenna Interface Box Satellite TV Receiver (Primary) TV ANT/CABLE IN Destacker INPUT OUT TO TV To RECEIVER SATELLITE IN AUDIO VIDEO S-VIDEO...
TracVision M3DX User’s Guide Appendix B - Menus Quick Reference Guide Appendix B Menus Quick Reference Guide This appendix provides a quick reference guide to the interface box menu structure Contents Interface Box Menus............59...
TracVision M3DX User’s Guide Appendix B - Menus Quick Reference Guide Interface Box Menus Press EXIT at any time to exit the menu BRIGHTNESS= HIGH NEXT MENU CHANGE HIGH - MEDIUM - LOW LAT/LONG= 41N, 071W NEXT MENU CHANGE Enter your position...
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