Installation Guide

TracPhone V7
24" (60 cm) Configuration

TracPhone V7
TracPhone V7 Installation Guide
KVH’s Complete mini-VSAT Broadband sm System
These instructions explain how to install the TracPhone V7 mini-VSAT Broadband satellite
communications system. Instructions on how to use the system are provided in the User’s Guide.

Installation Steps
1. Inspect Parts and Get Tools... 3 9. Wire the Belowdecks Units... 13
2. Plan the Antenna Installation... 4 10. Connect Power... 15
3. Plan the Belowdecks Installation... 5 11. Configure the Computer(s)... 16
4. Prepare the Belowdecks Units... 6 12. Turn On the System... 19
5. Prepare the Antenna Site... 9 13. Set Up RF Hazard Zones (Optional)... 20
6. Remove the Restraints... 10 14. Test the System... 21
7. Wire the Antenna... 11 15. Educate the Customer... 23
8. Mount the Antenna... 12

CAUTION - RF Radiation Hazard

The antenna transmits radio frequency (RF)
energy that is potentially harmful. 80 80
Whenever the system is powered on, make
Radiation Radiation
sure everyone stays more than 36 feet Hazard Hazard
(11 m) away from the antenna within its
5-80° elevation range. No hazard exists 36
ft ( m )
directly above the antenna and anywhere 1 11
1m ft (
) 36
below the antenna’s mounting plane.
Antenna
5 5

Who Should Install the System?

To ensure a safe and effective installation, only a KVH-certified technician should install the
TracPhone system. KVH-certified technicians have the tools and electronics expertise necessary
to install the system. To find a technician near you, visit www.kvh.com/wheretogetservice.

Technical Support
North/South America, Australia: Europe, Middle East, Asia:
Phone: +1 401 847-3327 Phone: +45 45 160 180
E-mail: techs@kvh.com E-mail: support@kvh.dk
KVH, TracPhone, and the unique light-colored dome with contrasting baseplate are registered trademarks of KVH Industries, Inc.
All other trademarks are property of their respective companies. The information in this document is subject to change without notice.
No company shall be liable for errors contained herein. © 2008 KVH Industries, Inc., All rights reserved. 54-0464 Rev. D 1
U.S. Patent Pending
1 Inspect Parts and Get Tools
Before you begin, follow these steps to make sure Figure 1: TracPhone V7 System Components
you have everything you need to complete the
Antenna
installation.

a. Unpack the box and ensure it contains

everything shown in Figure 1 and on the
Kitpack Content Lists. Save the packaging for
future use. Radome

IMPORTANT!
Always lift the antenna by the baseplate and
never by the radome or any portion of the
internal antenna assembly (see Figure 1).
Baseplate

b. Carefully examine all of the supplied parts to

ensure nothing was damaged in shipment. Control Unit
c. Gather all of the tools and materials listed
below. You will need these items to complete
the installation.
• Flat-head and Phillips-head screwdrivers
• Electric drill and 1/2" (13 mm) bit
Modem
• 3" (80 mm) hole saw
• Wire cutters
• Socket wrenches and extension
• 7/16" open-end wrench
• Light hammer and center punch
Multimedia Terminal
• Adhesive tape and scriber or pencil Ethernet Switch Adapter (MTA)

• Wire strippers and terminal lug crimper

• Two RF coax cables (see Figure 20 on
page 11 for type required)
• Connector installation tools
Remote Service
• Laptop computer with Windows® Vista
& Support Module
or XP installed
NOTE: KVH offers an optional Service Selector kit for
connecting both a TracPhone V7 and a Fleet or
FleetBroadband antenna system to the onboard local
area network (LAN). Supplemental instructions are
provided in the kit (KVH part #01-0299).

3
 2 Plan the Antenna Installation
Before you begin, consider the following antenna Figure 2: Blockage from Obstruction
installation guidelines:

• Minimize blockage. The antenna requires a Blocked!

clear view of the sky to transmit and receive 5 to 80
satellite signals (see Figure 2). The fewer Look Angle
obstructions, the better the system will Antenna
perform.
• Make sure the mounting surface is wide
enough to accommodate the antenna’s base Mast
(see Figure 3). Also make sure it is flat, level
(within ±1°), strong enough to support the Vessel Platform
antenna’s weight (60 lbs, 27.2 kg), and rigid
enough to withstand heavy vibration.
• Select a location that is as close as possible to Figure 3: Antenna Dimensions
the intersection of the vessel’s fore-and-aft
centerline and midships.
• Select a location that is well above any areas
accessible to passengers and crew to reduce Side View
the risk of RF radiation exposure.

(69.5 cm)
27.36"
• Do not mount the antenna at the same level
as the radar because the radar’s energy might
overload the antenna. Ideally, you should
mount the antenna 4 ft (1.2 m) above the
radar, outside the beam path of the radar.

26.2"
(66.5 cm)

12"
(30.5 cm)
FWD
6"
(15.2 cm)
Bottom View

6"
(15.2 cm)
12"
(30.5 cm)

4 x 1/2"
( 13 mm)
26.2"
(66.5 cm)

4
3 Plan the Belowdecks Installation
Before you begin, consider the following Figure 4: Control Unit or Modem Dimensions (Identical)
installation guidelines for the belowdecks units.
2.61"
(6.6 cm)
Control Unit and Modem
• Select a mounting location in a dry, well-
ventilated area belowdecks away from any
heat sources or salt spray.
• Be sure the front panels will be easily
accessible to the user. 16.75"
(42.5 cm) 11.31"
(28.7 cm)
• Leave enough room at the rear panel for
connecting the cables.
• You have several options for mounting the
control unit and modem: Figure 5: Case Dimensions
Option 1 - Inside the optional case
Option 2 - To a horizontal surface together
using two L-brackets
Option 3 - To a horizontal surface 11.3"
separately using four L-brackets (28.7 cm)

NOTE: The control unit and modem are sized to

fit a standard 19" (482.6 mm) equipment rack.

• To use the supplied data and power cables,

the control unit must be located within 100 ft 20.5"
20.5"
(30 m) of the antenna. However, you can (52.1 cm)
(52.1 cm)
order 150 ft (45 m) cables if a longer cable run
is necessary (see Figure 20 on page 11).

Switch and MTA

• To use the supplied Ethernet cables, select a
mounting location within 25 ft (7.5 m) of the
modem (maximum length = 200 ft (60 m)).
• If you install a wireless access point (supplied
by customer), be sure the location provides
adequate WiFi reception. Do not install it in
an area surrounded by metal or near any
electrical devices that emit RF noise.

Remote Service & Support Module

• To use the supplied serial data cable, select a
mounting location within 25 ft (7.5 m) of the
control unit (maximum length = 50 ft (15 m)).
• Be sure the location provides adequate GPRS
cellular reception. 5
 4 Prepare the Belowdecks Units
If you plan to mount the control unit and modem Option 1 - Mounting in the Case
inside the optional 19" (482.6 mm) case, follow Figure 6: Assembling the Case
these steps to assemble the case.
Top Cover M4 x 12mm Screw (x4)
a. Remove the four M4 screws securing the rear 1
2
cover to the case. Discard the rear cover. 3
4
b. Attach the top cover to the case using four 5
M4 x 12 mm screws (see Figure 6). Attach the 6
7
bottom cover and the two mounting brackets 8
using four M4 x 16 mm screws. 9
10
c. Attach the four plastic feet to the bottom 11
12
cover (see Figure 6).
d. At the front of the case, insert eight cage nuts
into the following locations on the frame
(four on each side) (see Figure 6): #2, #5, #8, Plastic Foot (x4) Mounting Bracket (x2)
and #11. Bottom Cover M4 x 16mm Screw (x4)

e. At the back of the case, insert four cage nuts

into the following locations on the frame (two Figure 7: Attaching the Strain-Relief Bracket
on each side): #1 and #3 #6-32 Screw (x4) Control Unit
#6 Washer (x4)
f. Remove the four #6-32 screws and washers
securing the two retaining straps to the rear
panel of the control unit. Do not remove the
bottom screws securing the straps to the modem.
g. Attach the strain-relief bracket to the
retaining straps and control unit using the
screws and washers you removed in Step f
(see Figure 7).
Tie-Wrap Strain-Relief Retaining Modem
h. At the top 3U section of the case, insert the Holes (x12) Bracket Strap (x2)
control unit/modem assembly and secure the
front mounting brackets to the case using
Figure 8: Securing the Control Unit/Modem in the Case
four M6 screws and washers (see Figure 8).
Attach to Case
i. At the bottom 3U section of the case, attach M6 Screw (x4)
the supplied blank panel using four M6 Plastic Washer (x4)
screws and washers (see Figure 8). Attach to Control Unit
Case #6-32 Screw (x4)
j. Secure the back of the control unit to the back #6 Washer (x4)
of the case using the two supplied “Z” Control Unit
brackets. Attach the brackets to the case and Modem
frame using four M6 screws and washers. “Z” Bracket (x2)
Attach the brackets to the rear panel of the Cage Nut (x4)
control unit using four #6-32 screws and
washers (see Figure 8).
Cage Nut (x8)
k. Once you have completed all system wiring,
Blank Panel
mount the case to the vessel using fasteners
Plastic Washer (x8)
appropriate for the mounting surface.
M6 Screw (x8)
6
4 Prepare the Belowdecks Units
If you plan to mount the control unit and modem Option 2 - Mounting Units Together
together as an assembly, without using the
Figure 9: Detaching the Rack-Mount Brackets
optional case, follow these steps to detach the
rack-mount brackets, attach the strain-relief Control Unit
bracket, and attach the “L” mounting brackets. #6 Washer (x12)
a. Remove the 12 #6-32 screws and washers #6-32 Screw (x12)
securing the two rack-mount brackets to the
front of the control unit and modem (see
Figure 9). Remove the brackets.
Modem Rack-Mount Bracket (x2)
b. Remove the four #6-32 screws and washers
securing the two retaining straps to the rear
panel of the control unit. Do not remove the
bottom screws securing the straps to the modem.
c. Attach the strain-relief bracket to the Figure 10: Attaching the Strain-Relief Bracket
retaining straps and control unit using the
screws and washers you removed in Step b #6-32 Screw (x4) Control Unit
(see Figure 10). #6 Washer (x4)

d. Attach two of the supplied “L” mounting

brackets to the sides of the control unit or
modem using four #6-32 screws and washers
(see Figure 11). You can attach the brackets to
either the top of the control unit or the bottom
of the modem, depending on your desired
mounting location.
Tie-Wrap Strain-Relief Retaining Modem
e. Once you have completed all system wiring, Holes (x12) Bracket Strap (x2)
mount the modem/control unit assembly to
the vessel using fasteners appropriate for the
mounting surface.

Figure 11: Attaching the “L” Mounting Brackets (Modem Not Shown)

.156" ( 3.96 mm)

Mounting Hole (x4)

“L” Mounting
Bracket (x2)
#6 Washer (x4)
#6-32 Screw (x4)

7
 4 Prepare the Belowdecks Units
If you plan to mount the control unit and modem Option 3 - Mounting Units Separately
separately, follow these steps to detach the
Figure 12: Detaching the Retaining Straps
control unit from the modem, attach the strain-
relief brackets, and attach the “L” mounting
brackets.

a. Remove the 12 #6-32 screws and washers Co

ntro
securing the rack-mount brackets to the front l Un
it
of the control unit and modem (see Figure 9
on page 7). Remove the brackets.
Mo
dem
b. Remove the 16 #6-32 screws and washers
securing the four metal retaining straps to the
control unit and modem (see Figure 12).
Remove the straps.
#6 Washer (x16) Strap (x4)
c. Attach a strain-relief bracket to the back of #6-32 Screw (x16)
the control unit using four of the screws and
washers you removed in Step b (see
Figure 13).
Figure 13: Attaching the Bracket to the Control Unit
d. Attach a second strain-relief bracket to the
back of the modem using four of the screws
and washers you removed in Step b (see
Figure 14).
Control Unit
e. Attach two of the supplied “L” brackets to Tie-wrap
the sides of the control unit using four #6-32 Holes (x12)
screws and washers (see Figure 11 on page 7).
You can attach the brackets at either the top
or bottom of the control unit, depending on
your desired mounting location. Strain-Relief
Bracket
f. Attach the two other supplied “L” brackets to #6-32 Screw (x4)
the sides of the modem using four #6-32 #6 Washer (x4)
screws and washers (see Figure 11 on page 7).
You can attach the brackets at either the top
or bottom of the modem, depending on your
Figure 14: Attaching the Bracket to the Modem
desired mounting location.
Tie-wrap
g. Once you have completed all system wiring, Holes (x12)
mount the control unit and modem to the
vessel using fasteners appropriate for the
Modem
mounting surface.

#6-32 Screw (x4) Strain-Relief

#6 Washer (x4) Bracket

8
5 Prepare the Antenna Site
Once you have identified a suitable antenna Figure 15: Antenna Mounting Holes Layout
mounting site, according to the guidelines
provided in Step 2, follow these steps to drill the FWD
mounting holes and cable access hole to prepare
the site for installation.

a. Unfold the antenna mounting template 3" ( 80 mm)

(supplied in the Customer Welcome Kit) and Cable Access Hole
place it onto the mounting surface. Make sure 12"
the “FWD” (forward) arrow points toward (305 mm)
the bow and is parallel to the vessel’s
centerline (see Figure 15).
NOTE: You don’t need to mount the antenna
exactly on the vessel’s centerline, but the 1/2" ( 13 mm) 12"
antenna’s forward arrow must be parallel to it. Mounting Hole (x4) (305 mm)

b. Using a light hammer and center punch,

mark the locations for the four mounting
holes and cable access hole on the mounting
surface in the locations indicated on the
template.
c. Drill a 1/2" (13 mm) hole at the four Figure 16: Foam Seal
mounting hole locations you marked in
Step b. Later, you will insert four 3/8"-16
bolts through these holes to secure the
antenna to the mounting surface.
Align with
d. Cut out the 3" (80 mm) cable access hole in
Cable Access
the location you marked in Step b. Smooth Hole
the edges of the hole to protect the cables.
Later, you will route the data, power, and RF
cables through this hole and into the vessel.
e. Clean and dry the antenna mounting surface.
f. Peel off the paper backing from the supplied
foam seal to expose the adhesive. Then press
the foam seal down firmly onto the mounting
surface, ensuring the hole in the foam seal
aligns with the cable access hole in the
mounting surface (see Figure 16).
NOTE: Apply the foam seal to the vessel
mounting surface, not to the antenna’s baseplate.
You will have difficulty connecting the cables to
the antenna if the foam seal is attached to the
baseplate.

9
 6 Remove the Restraints
Inside the antenna, four shipping restraints Figure 17: Elevation Shipping Restraint
prevent the antenna assembly from moving
during shipment. Follow these steps to remove
these shipping restraints.

a. Remove the six #10-32 Phillips screws

securing the radome to the baseplate.
Carefully lift the radome straight up until Wire
clear of the antenna assembly and set it aside
in a safe place.
TIP: If you keep the radome topside, secure it with
a lanyard to prevent it from falling overboard.

b. Using wire cutters, cut and remove the

elevation shipping restraint securing the
reflector to the antenna frame (see Figure 17).
c. Cut and remove the tie-wrap securing the
antenna’s LNB to the reflector (see Figure 18). Figure 18: LNB Shipping Restraint

d. Using a 9/16" socket with 6" extension,

remove the two 3/8" bolts securing the
azimuth shipping restraints to the antenna
baseplate (see Figure 19). Remove the
restraints.
IMPORTANT!
Tie-wrap
Once you have removed the restraints,
handle the antenna very carefully. With the
restraints removed, the internal antenna
assembly rotates freely and, if not handled
properly, can damage the limit switch.

Figure 19: Azimuth Shipping Restraints

3/8" Bolts

10
7 Wire the Antenna
Follow these steps to connect the data, power, Figure 20: RF Cable Requirements
and RF cables to the antenna.

a. In addition to the data and power cables, you 15-50 ft (5-15 m) Cable Run
will need to connect two 75-ohm RF coax Cable: RG-11 (KVH part #32-0566-0050)
cables from the antenna to the belowdecks Connector: SNS11AS
equipment. Use the guidelines in Figure 20 to Installation Tools: CST596711 and L3011B
determine the type of RF cables required.
50-100 ft (15-30 m) Cable Run
IMPORTANT!
Terminate RF cables with the proper type “F” Cable: LMR-400-75
connectors (see Figure 20). Connectors are Connector: EZ-400-FMH-75
included with RG-11 cables purchased from KVH. Installation Tools: TK-400EZ-75
Instructions for terminating LMR-400-75
cable are provided in Appendix B on page 28. 100-150 ft (30-45 m) Cable Run

Cable: LMR-600-75
b. Label both ends of the two RF cables. Label Connector: EZ-600-FMH-75
one cable “TX,” and label the other “RX.” Installation Tools: TK-600EZ
c. Route the data, power, and RF cables
belowdecks through the 3" (80 mm) cable NOTE: RG-11 connectors/tools are manufactured by
access hole. Leave an adequate service loop, Thomas & Betts. LMR-400-75 and LMR-600-75 cables/
approximately 8" (20 cm) of slack, in the connectors/tools are manufactured by Times Microwave.
cables for easy serviceability. Later, you will
connect the data and power cables to the
control unit and the RF cables to the modem. NOTE: Optional 150 ft (45 m) data and power cables:
Data cable KVH part #32-0921-0150
IMPORTANT! Power cable KVH part #32-0924-0150
Do not use bulkhead connectors. It is critical
that you maintain the integrity of the cables.

d. Connect the data cable to the “Data” jack on Figure 21: Connectors on Bottom of Antenna
the bottom of the antenna (see Figure 21).
Hand-tighten until the connector locks in
place; do not use excessive force.
MRx
e. Connect the power cable to the “Power” jack
on the bottom of the antenna. Hand-tighten
until the connector locks in place; do not use Power Data
excessive force.
f. Connect the RF cable labeled “TX” to the
“MTx” jack on the bottom of the antenna. MTx
Hand-tighten, then tighten with a 7/16"
wrench for 1/4 turn to ensure an electrical
and weather-proof connection.
g. Connect the RF cable labeled “RX” to the
“MRx” jack on the bottom of the antenna.
Hand-tighten, then tighten with a 7/16"
wrench for 1/4 turn.
11
 8 Mount the Antenna
Follow these steps to mount the antenna to the Figure 22: Forward Arrow in Antenna Baseplate
mounting surface.

a. Place the antenna baseplate over the holes

drilled in the mounting surface.
b. Make sure the forward arrow inside the
baseplate points toward the bow and is
parallel to the vessel’s centerline (see
Figure 22).
c. Make sure the four holes in the baseplate line
up with the four holes in the mounting
surface.
IMPORTANT!
You will need to rotate the antenna assembly
by hand to see all four mounting holes. Rotate
the antenna assembly slowly. If it hits a Figure 23: Mounting the Antenna (Side View)
mechanical stop with excessive force, the
limit switch might become damaged.
3/8"-16 Bolt (x4)

d. At each of the four baseplate mounting holes,

3/8" Flat Washer (x4)
place a 3/8" flat washer on a 3/8"-16 bolt and
insert the bolt into the hole from above (see Antenna Baseplate
Figure 23). Foam Seal
Mounting Surface
e. Secure each mounting bolt to the mounting
3/8" Shoulder Washer (x4)
surface using a 3/8" shoulder washer, a
3/8" flat washer, a 3/8" lock washer, and a 3/8" Flat Washer (x4)
3/8"-16 hex nut from below. Tighten all four 3/8" Lock Washer (x4)
bolts until the four rubber feet on the 3/8"-16 Hex Nut (x4)
baseplate are bottomed against the mounting
surface and the foam seal is fully compressed.
Figure 24: Reinstalling the Radome
f. Reinstall the radome onto the antenna. Secure
in place with the six #10-32 screws you
removed in Step 6a (see Figure 24).
g. Install a protective plastic screw cap
(supplied in the kitpack) over each radome
screw.

#10-32 Screw (x6)

12
9 Wire the Belowdecks Units
Wire the Antenna Cables Figure 25: Antenna Power and Data Wiring
Follow these steps to connect the antenna to the
control unit and the modem. Antenna

NOTE: A system wiring diagram is provided in Terminal Strip Connector

Appendix A on page 27. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

a. First dress the data and power cables from

the antenna. Strip back the insulation of each Power
wire approximately 1/4" (6 mm) and gently Red
twist each wire to ensure a good electrical Black
connection.
Data
b. Find the terminal strip connector in the White/Gray
kitpack. Connect the antenna data cable to Gray/White
the terminal strip connector as shown in White/Orange
Figure 25. Orange/White
White/Brown
IMPORTANT!
Brown/White
The diagram refers to wires by body color/ White/Blue
stripe color. For example, “Brown/White” Blue/White
means the brown wire with the white stripe.

c. Connect the power cable from the antenna to

the terminal strip connector as shown in Figure 26: Antenna Power and Data Wiring
Figure 25. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Terminal Strip
Connector
d. Plug the terminal strip connector into the rear Control Unit
panel of the control unit (see Figure 26).
e. Connect the RF coax cable labeled “RX” Antenna
(connected to the antenna’s MRx jack) to the
“Rx RF” jack on the back of the modem (see
Figure 27).
f. Connect the RF coax cable labeled “TX” Figure 27: Antenna RF Transmit and Receive Wiring
(connected to the antenna’s MTx jack) to the
“Tx RF” jack on the back of the modem.
Antenna
IMPORTANT!
Be sure to terminate RF cables properly with
type “F” connectors.
MRx MTx

Modem

J6
BUC PWR
J1
AC PWRRxRF TxRF
J3
Rx RF
J2
Tx RF
J5
CONSOLE
J8
USER
ENET

MODEL: VMBR-1510 ArcLight J7

PART: 1234567 REV XXX ACU
J4
SERIAL: XX-XXXXXX ENET
ACU
CAGE CODE: 12345

13
 9 Continued Wire the Belowdecks Units
Wire the Control Unit to the Modem Figure 28: Modem Data and BUC Power Wiring
Follow these steps to connect the control unit to Control Unit
the modem.

Wire Colors:
Body/Stripe
Modem MODEM
RS422
BUC Power
BUC POWER
20V 2.5A

a. Connect a serial data cable from the

“Modem” jack on the control unit to the
“ACU” jack on the modem (see Figure 28).
Modem
b. Connect the BUC power cable from the “BUC
Power” jack on the control unit to the “BUC J1
AC PWR
J3
Rx RF
J2
Tx RF
J5
J6
BUC PWR
J8
USER
CONSOLE

BUC Pwr ENET CAUTION

Pwr” jack on the modem.

NO OPERATOR
MODEL: VMBR-1510 ArcLight J7 SERVICEABLE
PART: 1234567 REV XXX ACU PARTS INSIDE,
J4 DO NOT OPEN
SERIAL: XX-XXXXXX ENET
ACU
CAGE CODE: 12345

ACU

Wire the Remote Service Module

Follow these steps to connect the remote service Figure 29: Remote Service & Support Module Wiring
& support module to the control unit. Control Unit

a. Connect a serial data cable from the

“Maintenance Port” jack on the control unit Maintenance Port
to the “Serial” jack on the remote service &
support module. (see Figure 29).
b. Connect the cellular antenna to the
“Antenna” jack on the remote service & Remote Service
support module. & Support Module GP10
Serial Serial

Wire the Switch and MTA Cellular Power

Follow these steps to connect all LAN devices. Antenna SIM

Antenna Antenna On/Off Audio

a. Connect the supplied straight-through

Ethernet cable from the “User ENet” jack on
the modem to any port on the switch (see Figure 30: Switch and MTA Wiring
Figure 30). Modem

b. Connect a second straight-through Ethernet User ENet

J6
BUC PWR
J8

cable from any port on the switch to the

J5
USER
CONSOLE
ENET CAUTION
NO OPERATOR
J7 SERVICEABLE
ACU PARTS INSIDE,

“WAN” jack on the MTA.

J4 DO NOT OPEN
ENET
ACU

Switch PoE ports

c. Connect the customer’s analog phone(s), fax for optional
machine, and/or PABX to the desired RJ-11 8 7 6
7 6 5 4 3 2 1
+ devices
“Phone” jack(s) on the MTA. Each jack is 5 POE 48V

linked to a unique phone line.

Laptop
IMPORTANT! PC

Do not connect a digital phone directly to the

MTA. Its jacks are rated for analog data only. MTA Analog
Phone
d. For a wired Ethernet network, connect the
WAN Phone1
customer’s computer(s) to any port(s) on the
12V DC RSTR WAN LAN PHONE 2 PHONE 1

switch. For a wireless network, connect an

access point (customer-supplied) to the NOTE: The Ethernet and VoIP equipment supplied with the
switch (ports 1-4 support IEEE 802.3af devices). system might differ from those shown in this diagram.
14
10 Connect Power
Follow these steps to connect power to the Figure 31: Power Wiring
TracPhone V7 system.
Control Unit
a. Before you begin, disconnect vessel power. AC Input

CAUTION
Modem Power
For your own safety, disconnect vessel power AC Pwr
Strip
and make sure the circuit is dead before you
J6
BUC PWR
J1 J3 J2 J8
J5
AC PWR Rx RF Tx RF USER
CONSOLE
ENET CAUTION
NO OPERATOR
MODEL: VMBR-1510 ArcLight J7 SERVICEABLE
PART: 1234567 REV XXX ACU PARTS INSIDE,

connect any power cables.

J4 DO NOT OPEN
SERIAL: XX-XXXXXX ENET
ACU
CAGE CODE: 12345

MTA
b. Be sure the vessel is properly grounded in
12 VDC AC/DC
accordance with marine standards. 12V DC RSTR WAN LAN PHONE 2 PHONE 1
Adapter
c. Connect the control unit and modem to the
supplied AC power strip (see Figure 31 and Switch
Figure 32). Use the special adapter cables 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 48V + AC/DC
Adapter
provided in the kitpack.
POE 48V

IMPORTANT! Remote Service Module

AC/DC
Do not cut off the ground pin from the control Power
Antenna On/Off Audio
SIM
Power

Adapter
unit and modem power cable plugs, and do
not use a 3-prong to 2-prong adapter.

Vessel AC Power
d. Connect the appropriate power cord (US or (115 or 230 VAC)
European) to the power strip.
e. Connect the supplied AC/DC adapters to the
MTA, switch, and remote service & support
Figure 32: Power Strip for Control Unit and Modem
module. Then plug the adapter cables into
the vessel’s AC power supply.
f. Strain-relieve all wires at the back of the
control unit and modem by securing them to
the attached strain-relief bracket(s) using the
tie-wraps supplied in the kitpack. Be sure to
leave enough slack in the cables for easy
serviceability.
g. Plug the power strip into the vessel’s 115 or
230 VAC power supply.
IMPORTANT!
Double-check all of your wiring before
continuing. If wiring is incomplete or
incorrect, electronics may become damaged
when you apply power.

15
 11 Configure the Computer(s)
Follow these steps to configure the user’s Figure 33: Windows Vista - Local Area Connection Properties
computer(s) for a wired Ethernet connection to
the TracPhone V7. Once you have set up and
tested a wired connection, you can configure the
computer(s) for a wireless connection (wireless
access point not supplied).

IMPORTANT!
When setting up a wireless network, apply
security settings, such as encryption, to
protect the network from outside intrusion.

NOTE: The computer must have a network interface

card installed and all cabling must be 100 Mbps fast
Ethernet UTP CAT-5 with RJ45 connectors.

Windows Vista™
a. Turn on the networked computer.
b. At the Windows Control Panel, double-click
Network and Sharing Center. You can find
the control panel either through the Start menu or
“My Computer.”
c. At the Network and Sharing Center window,
double-click the View Status link for the Figure 34: Windows Vista - Internet Protocol Properties
Ethernet connection you are using for
TracPhone V7.
d. At the Local Area Connection Status window,
click Properties. This screen only displays if the
computer is currently connected to a network.
e. At the Local Area Connection Properties
window, select the Networking tab. Then
select Internet Protocol Version 4 and click
Properties (see Figure 33).
f. At the Internet Protocol Properties window,
select Obtain an IP address automatically
and Obtain DNS server address
automatically (see Figure 34). Then click OK.
g. At the Local Area Connection Properties
window, click OK.

16
11 Continued Configure the Computer(s)
Windows XP Figure 35: Windows XP - Local Area Connection Properties
a. Turn on the networked computer.
b. At the Windows Contol Panel, double-click
Network Connections. You can find the control
panel either through the Start menu or “My
Computer.”
c. At the Network Connections window,
double-click the Local Area Connection icon
for the Ethernet connection you are using for
TracPhone V7.
d. At the Local Area Connection Status window,
select the General tab. Then click Properties.
This screen only displays if the computer is
currently connected to a network.
e. At the Local Area Connection Properties
window, select the General tab. Then select
Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and click
Properties (see Figure 35).
f. At the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties
window, select the General tab. Then select
Obtain an IP address automatically and
Obtain DNS server address automatically Figure 36: Windows XP - Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties
(see Figure 36). Then click OK.
g. At the Local Area Connection Properties
window, click OK.
h. Restart the computer.

17
 11 Continued Configure the Computer(s)
Macintosh OS X Figure 37: Macintosh OS X - Network Preferences

a. Turn on the networked computer.

b. At System Preferences, click the Network
icon.
c. At the Network window, select the following:
• Show: Built-in Ethernet
• Configure: Using DHCP
• Leave all text boxes blank
d. Network: Click Apply Now.
e. Restart the computer.

18
12 Turn On the System
Follow these steps to turn on the TracPhone V7 Figure 38: Power Switches
system and check the system for proper
Power Switch
operation. Control Unit

a. Ensure the antenna has a clear, unobstructed

view of the sky.
b. Apply vessel power to the TracPhone system, Power Switch
Modem
including the switch, MTA, and remote
service & support module.
c. Turn on the power switch on the front of the STATUS

the modem (see Figure 38). The button’s light

should illuminate green.
d. Turn on the power switch on the front of the
control unit (see Figure 38). The button’s light Figure 39: Good Service Connection Indicated on Control Unit LCD
should illuminate green.
e. Wait 5 minutes for system startup.
f. Verify that the antenna finds and starts
tracking the service satellite and the modem
connects to the mini-VSAT Broadband
service, as indicated by the control unit LCD ONLINE
screen shown in Figure 39. If an error TRACKING 22W
message appears, refer to the
Troubleshooting section of the User’s Guide.
NOTE: Satellites will vary depending on your location.
g. Verify that the three status lights on the
control unit and the status light on the
modem are all lit green (see Figure 40). If any
of these lights is not lit green, refer to the Figure 40: Status Lights
Troubleshooting section of the User’s Guide.
Control Unit
h. Verify that the status lights on the MTA and
switch indicate a normal condition. Refer to
the MTA and switch manuals for details.

Modem

STATUS

19
 13 Set Up RF Hazard Zones (Optional)
To prevent exposure to RF energy, which may be Figure 41: Example of an RF Radiation Hazard Zone
harmful to people who stand within 36 feet
RF Radiation
(11 meters) of the antenna, you can configure up Hazard Zone
to two RF radiation hazard zones for areas where
crew and/or passengers frequent (see Figure 41). Antenna
The system will disable the transmitter whenever 335
the antenna is pointing within one of these zones.
025
Follow these steps to set up an RF hazard zone.

a. Determine the necessary azimuth range for

the RF hazard zone(s). You will need to enter,
in clockwise order, beginning and ending
azimuths (>4° apart) relative to the antenna’s
forward arrow, which should be pointing
toward the bow (see Figure 42).
b. At the control unit, press MENUS until the Figure 42: Azimuths Relative to Antenna’s Forward Arrow
display shows “CONFIGURATION.” Then
RF Radiation
press ACCEPT. Hazard Zone
(Example)
c. Press MENUS until the display shows “SET Beginning 335 025 Ending
000
HAZARD ZONE.” Azimuth Azimuth

d. Press CHANGE until the display shows “SET 315 Forward 045
HAZARD ZONE = YES.” Then press
ACCEPT.
e. At “ZONE 1,” press CHANGE. A cursor 270 Antenna 090
appears under the first number in the
azimuth range for RF hazard zone #1.
f. Press CHANGE until the number is set to the
first digit of the beginning azimuth for the 225 135
first hazard zone.
180
g. Press ACCEPT. The cursor moves to the next
number.
h. Repeat steps f and g to set the remaining Figure 43: Setup Process for RF Hazard Zones
digits of the desired RF radiation hazard
zone. Then press ACCEPT. ZONE 1= 335-025 Step 1:
Set Zone 1
i. At “Zone 2,” repeat steps e-h to set the range CHANGE ACCEPT Azimuth Range
for the second RF hazard zone, if desired.
j. At “XMT IN ZONES,” verify that the display Step 2:
shows “XMT IN ZONES = NO.” Then press ZONE 2= 000-000
Set Zone 2
NEXT ITEM CHANGE
MENUS. Azimuth Range

k. Press EXIT to exit the menu.

NOTE: For more details, refer to the Configuration XMT IN ZONES= NO Step 3:
Set to “NO”
section of the User’s Guide. NEXT ITEM CHANGE

20
14 Test the System
Now that you have installed the system, you can Figure 44: Technician Testing the TracPhone V7 System
test the system to verify it is ready for customer
delivery. Follow the steps below to test the
system for proper operation.

a. With the TracPhone system powered on,

restart the customer’s networked
computer(s).
b. Make sure the control unit display indicates
the system is “Online.”
c. If the customer has activated the TracPhone
system for mini-VSAT Broadband service,
verify that the system can access the Internet.
(Enter any common website address (URL)
into the browser.)
d. If the customer has activated the TracPhone
system for Enhanced VoIP service, also verify
that you can place a VoIP call via the
TracPhone system. (Using any telephone
connected to the MTA, place a call to
someone on a terrestrial or cellular network
and ask that person to call you back at the
customer’s VoIP number.)
e. Even if the customer has not yet activated the Figure 45: Welcome Page for Testing
TracPhone system for mini-VSAT Broadband
service, you can still check the modem’s
communications to the land-based hub. Open
the web browser on any networked computer
and enter the following address to access the
TracPhone V7 Welcome page:
http://208.83.165.11/mbbtest
Verify that the Welcome page appears in the
browser (see Figure 45).

21
 14 Continued Test the System
f. Open the web browser on any wired (not Figure 46: System Status Page Via Modem Web Interface
wireless) networked computer and enter the
following address to access the modem’s
system status web page: http://192.168.0.1
g. At the login window, enter the following user
name and password:
User name: KVH (all caps)
Password: None (leave blank)

h. At the system status web page, make sure

Signal Quality is at least 8 dB Eb/No (see
Figure 46).
NOTE: Refer to the User’s Guide for details about
the other status information that is available on
this web page.

22
15 Educate the Customer
The installation is complete! Before you leave the Figure 47: Customer Welcome Kit
vessel, give the Welcome Kit to the customer, and
review the following with the customer:

• Advertised data speeds and reasons why

speeds may decrease at times (refer to
Section 14 of the End User Agreement)
• VoIP service and all associated long-distance
charges (refer to the Airtime Rate Sheet)
• Fair Access Policy: streaming video and peer-
to-peer file sharing are prohibited (refer to
Section 20 of the End User Agreement)
Also explain how to use the system and be sure
the customer understands the following:

• The antenna transmits RF energy that is Figure 48: Safe Distance to Avoid Risk of RF Radiation Exposure
potentially harmful. Whenever the system is
powered on, make sure everyone stays more 80 80
than 36 feet (11 meters) away from the
Radiation Radiation
antenna within its 5-80° look angle (see
Hazard Hazard
Figure 48). No hazard exists directly above
the antenna and anywhere below the 36
ft ( m )
antenna’s mounting plane. Refer to the User’s 1 11
1m ft (
) 36
Guide for details.
Antenna
• Keep the radome installed on the antenna at 5 5
all times. The radome protects the antenna’s
moving parts from wind, rain, and debris.
• The antenna must have a clear view of the Figure 49: Example of Satellite Blockage
sky to communicate via satellite. Common
causes of blockage include masts, trees,
buildings, and bridges (see Figure 49).
• Clean the antenna regularly. Dirt buildup on
the radome can affect communications.
Heavy rain or snow may also temporarily
interrupt communications.
• The vessel must be located within the
coverage area of the satellite. To view a
coverage map, visit www.kvh.com/footprint.
• To activate the system for mini-VSAT
TracVision

Broadband service, fill out the Activation

Form in the Welcome Kit and fax it to KVH at
either of the following numbers:
North/South America, Australia:
+1 401 851-3823
Europe, Middle East, Asia:
+45 45 160 181 23
Appendices
This section provides a system wiring diagram and supplemental instructions for terminating
an LMR-400-75 cable.

Contents
A. Wiring Diagram... 27
B. Terminating LMR-400-75 Cable... 28

25
A Wiring Diagram
Appendix

Antenna

Terminal Strip Connector

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Note: Terminals #3
and #8 are not used
MRx Power Red
Black

MTx Data White/Gray

Gray/White
White/Orange
Orange/White
White/Brown
Brown/White
White/Blue
Blue/White

Control Unit

Power
GP10 Serial

Service Module
Power

Antenna On/Off Audio

SIM Power

Modem

J6
BUC PWR
J1 J3 J2 J8
J5
AC PWR Rx RF Tx RF USER
CONSOLE
ENET CAUTION
NO OPERATOR
MODEL: VMBR-1510 ArcLight J7 SERVICEABLE
PART: 1234567 REV XXX ACU PARTS INSIDE,
J4 DO NOT OPEN
SERIAL: XX-XXXXXX ENET
ACU
CAGE CODE: 12345

Power Not Used

Switch
Laptop 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
+

PC Power
POE 48V

MTA Analog
Phone
Power 27
12V DC RSTR WAN LAN PHONE 2 PHONE 1
 B Terminating LMR-400-75 Cable
These instructions explain how to terminate an Appendix
LMR-400-75 RF cable with an EZ-400-FMH-75 Figure 50: Cutting the Cable
“F” connector using the tools from the
TK-400EZ-75 tool kit. For more detailed
instructions, refer to the Times Microwave
website (www.timesmicrowave.com).

1. Using the CCT-01 cutting tool, cut the cable

evenly (see Figure 50).
2. Since cutting the cable can deform the end,
gently round the end of the cable using a pair
of needle-nose pliers (see Figure 51). Also
make sure the center conductor is centered
within the cable. Figure 51: Reshaping the Cable
3. Place the heat shrink sleeve and metal ferrule
onto the cable (see Figure 52).
4. Insert the end of the cable into the #1 end of
the ST-400EZ stripping tool (see Figure 53).
Then rotate the tool clockwise around the
cable until the tool turns easily. The end of
the cable should now be stripped to expose
the center conductor.

Figure 52: Placing the Heat Shrink Tubing and Ferrule

Figure 53: Stripping the End to Expose the Center Conductor

28
B Continued Terminating LMR-400-75 Cable
5. Using a utility knife, carefully remove any Figure 54: Removing Plastic Residue
residual plastic from the center conductor, if
necessary (see Figure 54).
6. Insert the end of the cable into the #2 end of
the ST-400EZ stripping tool (see Figure 55).
Then rotate the tool clockwise around the
cable until the tool turns easily. This removes
the cable jacket from the end of the cable,
exposing the braid and dielectric (see
Figure 56).
7. Using the DBT-02 tool, deburr and chamfer
the center conductor (see Figure 57). Avoid
nicking the aluminum tape covering the
dielectric.
Figure 55: Stripping the Cable Jacket

Figure 56: Cable Stripped, Exposing Dielectric

Figure 57: Deburring the Center Conductor

29
 B Continued Terminating LMR-400-75 Cable
8. Gently flare the braid with your fingers (see Figure 58: Flaring the Braid
Figure 58).
9. Insert the end of the cable into the connector
body until the dielectric is firmly seated
inside the connector (see Figure 59). Be sure
all braid wires remain on the outside of the
connector.
10. Trim any excess braid (see Figure 60), if
necessary. The braid should assemble flush to
within 1/16" (1.6 mm) of the connector
shoulder.
11. Slide the ferrule over the braid until it is flush
against the connector shoulder (see Figure 59: Pushing On the Connector
Figure 61).

Figure 60: Trimming the Braid

Figure 61: Sliding the Ferrule Over the Braid

30
B Continued Terminating LMR-400-75 Cable
12. Using an appropriate crimp tool (either the Figure 62: Crimping the Ferrule onto the Cable
CT-400/300 or the HX-4 with Y1719 dies),
crimp the ferrule in place (see Figure 62).
Crimp as close to the connector body as
possible.
13. Crimp the ferrule again, but further back
from the connector. However, be careful not
to crimp the cable jacket.
14. Slide the heat shrink sleeve over the
connector body and heat it to compress it into
place (see Figure 63). When you are done, the
heat shrink should extend from the rear of the
connector to the cable jacket. This forms a
weather-tight seal.
15. Using a multimeter or similar device, check
the continuity of the cable.

Figure 63: Applying the Heat Shrink Tubing

31
KVH Industries, Inc. KVH Europe A/S
50 Enterprise Center Middletown, RI 02842-5279 U.S.A. Kokkedal Industripark 2B 2980 Kokkedal Denmark
Phone: +1 401 847-3327 Fax: +1 401 849-0045 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