KVH Industries LF manual

Satellite T elevision KVH T racV ision ® LF /SF owner’ s manual • Installation Instructions • User’ s Guide • T echnical Manual A Guide to T racV ision L F / SF[...]

1 54-0194 Addendum to Re v . D T racVision LF/SF Owner’ s Manual Addendum (ECO # 6857) The following information applies to Revision D of the T racV ision LF/SF Owner ’s Manual (KVH Part Number 54-0194). The DISH 500 mode, in which the SA T SELECT button switches between the two DISH 500 satellites, has been changed to make it easier to use. Th[...]

2 54-0194 Addendum to Re v . D 4. Press the switchplate’s SA T SELECT button for 1 second. When you release the button, the Status indicator starts flashing while the antenna searches for another satellite. 5. When the switchplate’s Status indicator fully illuminates again, check the signal strength meter . If the meter turns green and indicate[...]

Congratulations! Y ou have selected one of the most advanced land-mobile satellite tracking systems available today . KVH ® Industries’ T racV ision ® LF/SF is designed for use with DIRECTV ® , DISH Network ™ , and ExpressV u. This manual provides detailed instructions on the pr oper installation, use, and maintenance of your T racV ision LF[...]

T racVision ® and KVH ® are registered trademarks of KVH Industries, Inc. DIRECTV ® is an official trademark of DIRECTV , a unit of GM Hughes Electronics Cor poration. DISH Network ™ is an official trademark of EchoStar Communications Corporation. ExpressV u is a proper ty of Bell ExpressV u, a wholly owned subsidiar y of Bell Satellite Ser vi[...]

T able of Contents 1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-1 1.1 Digital Satellite T elevision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-1 1.2 System Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-1 1.2.1 T racVision LF/SF Components ..............[...]

3.2.1 Using the IRD f or Satellite Selection ......................................3-3 3.2.2 Using the Switchplate f or Satellite Selection ..........................3-3 3.2.2.1 The Status Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4 3.3 T urning Off the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [...]

5 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-1 5.1 W arranty/Ser vice Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-1 5.2 Preventive Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-1 5.3 Replaceable Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[...]

1 Introduction 1.1 Digital Satellite T elevision DIRECTV ® , DISH Network ™ , and ExpressV u systems transmit digital audio and video data from land-based transmitters to a satellite “parked” above the equator . Each satellite relays the signals in spot beams covering the continental United States. T racV ision LF/SF automatically identifies[...]

1.2.1 T racVision LF/SF Components The antenna unit includes the antenna positioning mechanism, signal front end, power supply and contr ol elements. The antenna is a parabolic dish mounting a dual-output low noise block (LNB) converter with built-in preamplifier . A molded ABS radome encloses the baseplate and is secured in place with standard fas[...]

1.3.1 Additional Materials Required for T racVision LF/SF Use T o make full use of your new T racV ision LF/SF and receive satellite TV , you will need to provide/pur chase the following: • T elevision • Appropriate IRD for your selected satellite TV service 1-3 Introduction 54-0194 Re v . D Y ou can purchase and/or activate an IRD directly fro[...]

2-1 Installation 54-0194 Re v . D 2 Installation T racV ision LF/SF is designed for simple installation and setup. Just follow these easy steps: Step Refer to Section... 1. Choose the antenna location 2.1 2. Mount the antenna unit 2.2 3. Connect the system components 2.3 4. Activ ate the IRD 2.4 5. Check out the system 2.5 T ools and Materials Requ[...]

2-2 A Guide to T racVision LF/SF 2.1 Choosing the Best Location • Since the T racV ision 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). The anten[...]

2-3 Installation 54-0194 Re v . D 2.2 Mounting the Antenna Unit 1. Make sure that you have chosen a suitable mounting location based upon the guidelines in Section 2.1, “Choosing the Best Location.” 2. Remove the antenna unit from its shipping carton. 3. At the bottom of the antenna baseplate, cut the tie-wrap and pull it out of the baseplate. [...]

2-4 A Guide to T racVision LF/SF 5. Using the four mounting plates as templates, drill 20 3 ⁄ 16 " holes through the roof of the vehicle. 6. 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. 7. Attach the mountin[...]

2-5 Installation 54-0194 Re v . D 2.3 Connecting System Components The following sections provide instr uctions for properly wiring the antenna unit to the components inside the vehicle. Locating the Switchplate Before r unning cables, you need to determine the location for the T racV ision LF/SF switchplate. 1. The switchplate should be installed [...]

2-6 A Guide to T racVision LF/SF 2.3.1 Connecting the Antenna to the Switchplate 1. Connect one end of the antenna data/power cable to the antenna’s data/power connector and lock in place (see Figure 2-6). 2. Route the other end of the data/power cable down through the cable access hole in the vehicle’s r oof and out through the switchplate pan[...]

2-7 Installation 54-0194 Re v . D Installing T wo IRDs and TVs T o connect a second TV and IRD to the T racV ision LF/SF system, you must connect a second RF cable to the antenna’s RF2 connector (see Figure 2-6). Route the other end of the RF cable down into the vehicle and connect it directly to the second IRD. Connecting Three or More IRDs and [...]

2-8 A Guide to T racVision LF/SF 4. T erminate all unused output connectors with 75 ohm DC blocks (Channel Master #7184, Radio Shack #15-1259 or equivalent). 2.3.3 Sealing the Cable Access Hole Once the RF and data/power cables are connected to the antenna, you need to seal and cover the cable access hole to protect against leakage. 1. Completely s[...]

2-9 Installation 54-0194 Re v . D 2.3.5 Connecting the Switchplate to V ehicle Power The switchplate must be connected to a +12 VDC, 2.5-3.5 amp power supply to operate. 1. Disconnect vehicle power by removing the appropriate vehicle fuse. 2. Run a cable from vehicle’s power (1 1-16 VDC) out through the switchplate panel cutout. 3. Connect the po[...]

2.4 Activating the IRD KVH makes it easy to activate your IRD. Just call KVH at 1-888-584-4163 and ask for IRD Activation (Monday - Friday , 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. EST). For other options, please refer to the user manual that accompanied your IRD. Note that EchoStar IRDs that have not been activated within several months of manufacture r equire addi[...]

Message Definition KVH T racVision Displa ys f or 5 seconds at star tup Software V ersion Current software version Alternates with “KVH T racVision” Initializing System initializing Search Mode 1 Antenna unit in Search Mode 1 Search Mode 2 Antenna unit in Search Mode 2 Search Mode 3 Antenna unit in Search Mode 3 Reacquisition System is reacquir[...]

2.5.2 Checking Out the System Without an IRD Data Connection T o ensure that the system is configured and operating pr operly , you will need to check the data provided in the system’s startup routine. T o do so, you need to connect a PC to the antenna baseplate’s maintenance port. The diagnostics procedur e requires terminal emulation software[...]

3. Press the switchplate’s POWER button to apply power to the T racV ision LF/SF system and wait for the system to fully initialize. Data should be scrolling on the PC display to identify any system problems detected. If no data is seen, r echeck your connections and the terminal software setup. 4. After completing the review of the startup and o[...]

3 Using Y our T racVision LF/SF For T racV ision LF/SF 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 overp[...]

3. Press the switchplate’s POWER button, as pictur ed in Figure 3-2. 4. (T racV ision LF only) If the vehicle is moving, avoid turning for 60 seconds after turning on the antenna to allow the antenna gyro to initialize properly . System Startup (Connected to an IRD Low-speed Data Port) 1. Upon power-up, the system performs a set of startup routin[...]

4. If your TV does not show a clear picture, the antenna is tracking the wrong satellite. Refer to Section 3.2.2, “Using the Switchplate for Satellite Selection,” for instructions on selecting a dif ferent satellite. 3.2 T racking the Correct Satellite If your system is connected to an IRD’s low-speed data port, follow the steps in Section 3.[...]

3.2.2.1 The Status Indicator If your system is not connected to an IRD’s low-speed data port, the switchplate’s Status LED indicates the antenna’s current condition. T able 3-1 describes this LED’s four conditions. LED Condition Meaning OFF Initializing, please wait ON T racking a satellite Slow Flashing Searching f or a satellite, please w[...]

Cable Unwrap The antenna unit can rotate a full 720° befor e coming to the end of its cable. If it does so, the system automatically unwraps the cable by quickly rotating the dish in the opposite dir ection. During this process, your television transmission will be fr ozen momentarily while the cable unwraps and the antenna reacquir es the satelli[...]

3. When the switchplate’s Status indicator fully illuminates (stops flashing), check the signal strength meter on the TV . If the meter turns gr een and indicates “Locked–Echostar 1 19 W est,” skip to step 6. 4. Press and hold the switchplate’s SA T SELECT button for 1 ⁄ 2 second. The Status indicator starts flashing while the antenna s[...]

4 T roubleshooting The troubleshooting matrix shown in T able 4-1 identifies some trouble symptoms, their possible causes, and r eferences to troubleshooting solutions. 4.1 Causes and Remedies for Common Operational Issues There ar e a number of common issues that can affect the signal reception quality or the operation of the T racV ision LF/SF . [...]

4.1.1 Blown Fuse or Improper Wiring If the antenna unit is installed but entirely non-r esponsive, there are two key factors to check as part of the tr oubleshooting process: 1. Blown Fuse – The antenna unit is equipped with a fuse mounted on its CPU Board. If this fuse has blown or been broken, the antenna unit will not operate. Refer to Section[...]

4.1.4 Satellite Coverage Issue T racV ision LF/SF will provide outstanding reception thr oughout the entire coverage ar ea for your satellite television service of choice. However , signal quality can be degraded as you approach the fringe coverage areas. Refer to your satellite television service manual to check the viable coverage area. 4.1.5 V e[...]

4.2 IRD T roubleshooting The IRD that was provided with your satellite television service may also be the cause of less-than-ideal operation. 4.2.1 IRD Wiring Refer to Section 2.3, “Connecting System Components,” and your IRD user manual to confirm that the IRD is properly connected to the antenna unit and the television. 4.2.2 AC Power Fluctua[...]

4.2.5 Failed IRD Status Check As detailed in Appendix E , T racV ision LF/SF completes a detailed startup routine whenever it is turned on. One of the first checks is the IRD status test. As noted in the typical startup cycles, the expectation is that the IRD and its communications link to T racV ision LF/SF will pass this test. There are, however [...]

4.3 Antenna Gyro and LNB Faults Section 5, “Maintenance,” provides detailed instr uctions for authorized service personnel who may be requir ed to replace T racV ision LF/SF components. The T racV ision SF does not include an antenna gyro. 4.4 Computer Diagnostics T racV ision LF/SF has been designed to provide diagnostic readouts viewed on the[...]

2. Open the terminal emulation software and establish the following settings: • Bits per second: 9600 • Data bits: 8 • Parity: None • Stop bits: 1 • Flow control: None 3. Apply power to the T racV ision LF/SF system and allow the system to complete full initialization. Data should be scrolling on the PC display to identify any system prob[...]

5-1 Maintenance 54-0194 Re v . D 5 Maintenance The following sections provide details on pr eventive maintenance and field replaceable units and parts for the T racV ision LF/SF antenna unit. 5.1 W arranty/Ser vice Information For information on KVH warranty , repair , and liability policies, please refer to the complete warranty statement pr ovide[...]

5-2 A Guide to T racVision LF/SF 5.3 Replaceable Parts T racV ision LF/SF has been designed with durability and low maintenance in mind. If you experience an operating problem or otherwise requir e technical assistance, contact your local authorized T racV ision LF/SF dealer/installer first. Have the antenna unit serial number ready with a list of [...]

5-3 Maintenance 54-0194 Re v . D 5.4 Field Replaceable Unit Procedures The following subsections provide detailed pr ocedures for repairing or swapping out field r eplaceable units. The procedures refer to labeled items pr esented on the following diagrams. PCB Cover Pan Head Screws PCB Rotating Plate 3.15-amp Fuse Alwa ys lift the antenna unit b y[...]

5-4 A Guide to T racVision LF/SF Locking Nuts and W ashers Antenna Gyro Antenna Gyro Cable Reflector Brac ket Wing Screw and W asher LNB Clamp LNB Antenna Gyro Gasket T racVision LF only Figure 5-3 Antenna Assembly Azimuth Motor PCB Antenna Gyro Cable (T racVision LF only) Cable Clamp and Scre w Figure 5-4 Rotating Plate[...]

5-5 Maintenance 54-0194 Re v . D 5.4.1 PCB Removal and Replacement Estimated Time to Repair: 1 ⁄ 2 hour The micropr ocessor PCB assembly is protected by a cover fastened to the rotating plate – Fig. 5-1 . The cover must be removed to gain access to the main power fuse and the PCB assembly . 1. Using needle-nose pliers, remove the E-ring fr om o[...]

5-6 A Guide to T racVision LF/SF 7. Remove the 9 pan head screws securing the PCB to the rotating plate. 8. Reverse this process to install the r eplacement PCB. Reinstall all cable connectors removed in Step 6. 9. Carry out the LNB calibration procedur e ( Section 5.4.3 ). 5.4.2 Antenna Gyro Assembly (T racVision LF only) Estimated Time to Repair:[...]

5-7 Maintenance 54-0194 Re v . D 4. Remove 6 pan head screws fr om the PCB cover flanges. 5. Remove the PCB cover . T o get the necessary clearance, rotate the linear actuator up 90º while lifting the PCB cover – Fig. 5-5 . 6. Remove the screw and clamp holding the cable to the rotating plate; save the cable clamp for r euse – Fig. 5-4 . 7. Re[...]

5-8 A Guide to T racVision LF/SF 5.4.3 Antenna LNB Replacement Estimated Time to Repair: 1 ⁄ 2 hour The LNB receives pr eamplifier operating power from the IRD via the PCB – Fig. 5-3 and 5-4 . Be certain that the IRD is disconnected from its power sour ce before removing or r econnecting the LNB. 1. Disconnect both RF coaxial connectors at the [...]

8. Record the Cold Sky A verage and the RFGAIN value reported in Step 7. 9. T ype ZAP<cr> . The system will re-initialize using the new RFGAIN and RFOFFSET scale factors displayed following Step 7. 10. W ait for the system to perform the background noise calculation. Read the A verage Noise Level value from the messages transmitted out the ma[...]

5.5 Preparation for Shipment If you need to repack the antenna unit for shipment, you must first secure the LNB. Follow the steps below to r epack the antenna unit. 1. Remove the radome. 2. Rotate the antenna unit so that the LNB is facing forward (away fr om the connector plate) (see Figure 5-7). 3. Using a tie-wrap, secure the LNB bracket to the [...]

Appendix A System Specifications Physical Characteristics P ower 11-16 volts DC @ 2.5 amps nominal, 3.5 amps peak Dimensions/W eight 32" wide x 14.8" high, 33 lbs LNB Dual Output T racking (T racVision LF only) Better than 30 º /sec Maintenance P or t 9600 bps, 8,N,1,EIA, RS232 P ointing System Ele v ation Range 15 º to 75 º Azimuth Ra[...]

Appendix B Comprehensive System Wiring Diagram The wiring diagram is presented on the following page. B-1 Comprehensive System Wir ing Diagram 54-0194 Re v . D[...]

VEHICLE[...]

Appendix C Switchplate T emplate C-1 Switchplate T emplate 54-0194 Re v . D 2.5" 2"[...]

Appendix D EchoStar IRD Activation Procedure If you have purchased a DISH Network system, ther e is a chance that your EchoStar IRD will fail to acquire the satellite when you first activate it. This has been known to happen in IRDs that have not been activated within several months of their manufacture. The following process is a manual method of [...]

10. T ype in the elevation that you obtained in Step 6. - T ype EL,xxx<cr> (e.g., Elevation of 30.2° = EL,302<cr> ) 1 1. Using a compass, take a bearing on an object that is approximately on the azimuth obtained in Step 6. 12. T ype in an azimuth that points the antenna in the direction of the object selected in Step 1 1. - T ype AZ,xx[...]

Appendix E Startup Data Sequences The data on the following pages presents the startup data sequences register ed by the T racV ision LF/SF . The first part of each section shows the sequences register ed by a system that is connected to an IRD low-speed data port. The second part of each section shows the sequences register ed by a system that is [...]

E-2 A Guide to T racVision LF/SF Satellite Found: AZ = 62.26, EL = 36.50, RF = 1300 +POS: 53.6 36.5 449 *** Entering Tracking *** +POS: 61.8 36.5 1260 +POS: 62.2 36.3 1346 +POS: 64.0 36.5 1716 *** Entering Satellite Check *** --------Confirming proper satellite lock +POS: 64.3 36.1 1747 Satellite Located IRD Signal Quality = 54 +POS: 66.1 35.6 1522[...]

E.1.2 System Not Connected to IRD Data Standard Startup Sequence ?PGM KVH TracVision LF Rev X - Version X.XX - Serial Number XXXXXXXX Limit Switch Test Limit Switch Status: PASS-----------------PASS is expected *** Initializing IRD *** Send APG OSD On Try MPG IRD Type Send MPG OSD On Switch Back to Echostar IRD Type Send APG OSD On Try MPG IRD Type[...]

+POS: 331.7 33.4 2153 Switch held: wrong satellite--------------SAT SELECT switch pressed Exclude: No longer search AZ = 331.7, EL = 33.4 *** Entering Search Mode 1 *** -----------Searching for a different satellite Search1 decided to go to: AZ = 335.9, EL = 33.5 +POS: 23.5 33.5 518 +POS: 162.5 33.5 1105 *** Entering Search Mode 2 *** +POS: 150.5 3[...]

VEL_INDEX: Az = 1996, El = 2182 ----------Expected range is 1700-2300 RATE BIAS: PASS --------------------------Az & El values above are within valid ranges *** Initializing Finetune *** +POS: 360.0 23.1 1575 Signal Peaked: AZ = 0.00, EL = 22.50, RF = 1919 *** Tracking Satellite *** +POS: 360.0 22.5 1917 +POS: 360.0 22.5 1976 Switch held: wrong[...]

E.2 T racVision SF Sequences E.2.1 System Connected to IRD Data Standard Startup Sequence ?PGM KVH TracVision SF Rev X - Version X.XX - Serial Number XXXXXXXX Limit Switch Test Limit Switch Status: PASS-----------------PASS is expected *** Initializing IRD *** .. IRD STATUS: PASS DSS --------------------PASS is expected with successful IRD identifi[...]

“Instant On” Startup Sequence ?PGM KVH TracVision SF Rev X - Version X.XX - Serial Number XXXXXXXX Instant On --------------------------------System skips limit switch test Limit Switch Status: PASS-----------------PASS is expected *** Initializing IRD *** ... IRD STATUS: PASS DSS --------------------PASS is expected with successful IRD identif[...]

Switch Back to Echostar IRD Type IRD STATUS: FAIL None -------------------FAIL is expected with no IRD data connection Saved Sat Pos: EL = 33.5 *** Averaging Background Noise *** +POS: 45.0 26.3 762 +POS: 62.1 20.0 1111 +POS: 223.5 20.0 1082 Average Noise Level = 985 Nor = 1826 Saved Sat Pos: EL = 33.5 *** Entering Search Mode 1 *** +POS: 193.4 30.[...]

*** Tracking Satellite *** +POS: 348.8 23.3 2100 +POS: 348.8 23.3 1840 Saved Sat Pos: AZ = 348.76, EL = 23.29 +POS: 348.8 23.3 2190 +POS: 348.8 23.3 2010 “Instant On” Startup Sequence ?PGM KVH TracVision SF Rev X - Version X.XX - Serial Number XXXXXXXX Instant On --------------------------------System skips limit switch test Limit Switch Status[...]

Switch Back to Echostar IRD Type IRD STATUS: FAIL None Saved Sat Pos: EL = 22.5 *** Averaging Background Noise *** +POS: 45.0 26.3 956 +POS: 62.1 20.0 1094 +POS: 223.5 20.0 850 Average Noise Level = 965 Noise Threshold = 1794 Saved Sat Pos: EL = 22.5 *** Entering Search Mode 1 *** -----------Searching for a different satellite +POS: 193.4 22.5 869 [...]

Appendix F Maintenance Port Parser Commands T racV ision LF/SF 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 eit[...]

F .2 Manual Positioning Commands T o execute the following commands, first put the antenna unit in idle mode by typing HAL T and pressing “ENTER.” Positioning commands may be entered after the antenna comes to r est. Help on P arser Commands Function: lists parser commands Command: HELP Argument: none Response: print a list of all parser comman[...]

Azimuth CCW Step Function: commands a 0.1 deg CCW manual step in azimuth angle Command: 4 Argument: none Response: echoes the command Elev ation UP Step Function: commands a 0.1 deg UP manual step in ele vation angle Command: 8 Argument: none Response: echoes the command Elev ation DO WN Step Function: commands a 0.1 deg DO WN manual step in ele va[...]

F .4 T arget and Signal Commands Report T arget Location Function: repor ts the target (satellite) location in the baseplate frame and uses the sa v ed satellite position Command: TGTLOCA TION Argument: none Response: T arget Location = E XXX, A XXXX Report RF Signal Strength Function: repor ts the modified signal strength from the RF power detecto[...]

KVH Industries Limited W arranty T racVision LF/SF Limited Warranty on Hardware KVH Industries, Inc. warr ants the KVH product purchased against def ects in materials for a period of TWO (2) y ears and against f actor y labor costs f or a period of ONE (1) year from the date of original retail purchase by the original purchaser . It is the customer[...]

KVH Industries, Inc. 50 Enterprise Center • Middletown, RI 02842 • U.S.A. Phone: +1 401 847-3327 • Fax: +1 401 849-0045 • E-mail: info@kvh.com • Internet: www .kvh.com KVH ® and T racVision ® are registered trademarks of KVH Industries, Inc. TVLF_SF_OM_Cover_7_03 ®[...]