Installation Guide TracVision A7
TracVision A7 Installation Guide – ADDENDUM TracVision A7 Installation Guide Addendum ECO #7719 The following information applies to Revision A of the TracVision A7 Installation Guide (KVH Part Number 54-0350). Mounting the Antenna - Roof Mount Kit The parts and procedure for mounting the TracVision A7 directly to the roof have changed. This addendum explains this different procedure. 1.
2. The bottom of the antenna should rest a minimum of 1" above the vehicle’s roof. If the antenna’s base is less than 1" from the roof, you will need to add a spacer under each bracket to raise the antenna higher. If spacers are needed, follow the steps below to install a spacer under each bracket: a. Remove the #8-32 x 3⁄8" screws and washers securing the factory-installed plastic spacer to the metal bracket. b. Insert a second spacer from the kitpack between the original spacer and the bracket.
TracVision A7 Installation Guide – ADDENDUM c. Place a rubber spacer onto the end of each rubber mounting block. Adding a Rubber Spacer to the Mounting Block (If Needed) Bracket Plastic Spacer Rubber Spacer Mounting Block 3. With the antenna centered on the vehicle’s roof and resting on the four mounting blocks, mark the eight mounting hole locations. To mark the holes, you can use either a transfer punch or a 21⁄64" drill bit as shown below. Marking the Mounting Holes Using a 21⁄64" Bit 4.
6. At each of the eight mounting holes in the roof, follow the steps below to install a jack nut. a. Insert the supplied 1⁄4"-20 x 1" hex head bolt into a friction wrench, using the large hole marked “6&8JN.” Be sure to insert the bolt into the correct side of the wrench (marked “Enter Screw This Side”). Four friction wrenches are provided in the kitpack. Friction Wrench b. Screw the bolt into a jack nut.
TracVision A7 Installation Guide – ADDENDUM f. Loosen and remove the bolt, leaving the jack nut secured to the roof. Jack Nut Secured to Roof 7. Position the mounting blocks back onto the roof, aligning their holes with the jack nuts. 8. Place the antenna onto the mounting blocks, aligning the bracket holes with the mounting block holes. 9. At each mounting hole, insert a ⁄4"-20 x 3 ⁄2" hex socket screw through the antenna bracket and mounting block and into the jack nut. Tighten to secure in place.
10. Attach a protective cover onto each bracket. The covers simply snap into place at the sides of the brackets. Two different sizes of covers are provided in the kitpack. Install the two larger covers on the rear brackets and the smaller covers on the front brackets.
Welcome Page TracVision A7 Installation Guide The TracVision A7 is a state-of-the-art, actively stabilized antenna system that delivers live satellite TV to a vehicle, even while the vehicle is moving. This product must NOT be connected to any active monitor that is visible to the vehicle’s driver while the vehicle is in motion. This product is intended for rearseat entertainment only. This manual provides detailed instructions on the proper installation of the TracVision A7 system.
TracVision A7 Installation Guide Trademarks KVH and TracVision are registered trademarks of KVH Industries, Inc. Programming, pricing, terms, and conditions are subject to change. Pricing residential. Taxes not included. Receipt of DIRECTV programming is subject to the DIRECTV Customer Agreement, a copy of which is provided at DIRECTV.com/legal and in your first bill.
Important Safety Instructions Important Safety Instructions Please Read For your safety and protection, please read this entire Installation Guide before you install the TracVision system. Heed Cautions – Be sure to follow all cautions on the product and in the installation instructions. Cautions are indicated by a or icon. Follow Instructions – Be sure to follow all installation instructions as detailed in this manual.
TracVision A7 Installation Guide Technical Support If you need technical assistance when installing the TracVision A7, please call KVH Technical Support: Send Us Your Comments About This Manual If you have any comments regarding this manual, please e-mail them to manuals@kvh.com. Your feedback is greatly appreciated! Phone: 1-401-847-3327 E-mail: techs@kvh.
Table of Contents Table of Contents 1 2 Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.1 3 Installing the Receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . .3.1 1-1 Using this Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.3 3-1 Choose the Receiver Location . . . . . .3.3 1-2 System Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.4 3-2 Wire the Receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3.3 1-3 Inspect Parts and Get Tools . . . . . . . .1.6 3-3 Mount the Receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3.
Getting Started 1 Getting Started This section provides a basic overview of this manual and the TracVision A7 system. It also lists the items you will need to complete the installation. Contents 1-1 Using this Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.3 1-2 System Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.4 1-3 Inspect Parts and Get Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.6 1-4 Prepare the Activation Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Getting Started 1-1 Using this Manual This manual provides complete instructions for installing the TracVision A7 system. Throughout this manual, important information is marked for your attention by the following icons: A helpful tip that either directs you to a related area within the manual or offers suggestions on getting the highest quality out of your system. An alert to important information regarding procedures, product specifications, or product use.
TracVision A7 Installation Guide TracVision A7 System Diagram (Typical Installation) Who Should Install the TracVision A7 System KVH strongly recommends that a KVH-authorized technician and an assistant install the TracVision A7 system. Installers should have experience installing electronic equipment on a vehicle and have knowledge about satellite television. TracVision A7 Antenna Purchased Separately KVH is not liable for damage (or related expenses) caused by improper installation.
Getting Started System Components Receiver The TracVision A7 includes the following components: The receiver, mounted inside the vehicle, decodes satellite signals from the antenna unit and sends the signals to the vehicle’s audio/video system. It also powers and controls the TracVision antenna. Antenna Unit The antenna unit, mounted on the vehicle’s roof, houses the phased array, positioning mechanisms, GPS, low noise block (LNB), and control elements within a weathertight radome.
TracVision A7 Installation Guide 1-3 1. 2. Inspect Parts and Get Tools Unpack the box and ensure it contains everything shown on the antenna and receiver Contents Lists. Carefully examine all of the supplied parts to ensure nothing was damaged in shipment. Save the packaging in case you need to reship the system.
Getting Started 1-4 Prepare the Activation Card Before you install the antenna, peel off the extra serial number label (taped to the antenna) and affix it in the appropriate box on the red Activation Card. Activation Card TracVision Activation ® Before you can start enjoying satellite TV in your vehicle, the TracVision receiver must be activated. Be sure to affix the extra antenna serial number label to the red Activation Card.
Installing the Antenna 2 Installing the Antenna This section explains how to mount the antenna to the vehicle and how to connect and route the antenna cable. Contents 2-1 Remove the Shipping Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.3 2-2 Mount the Antenna - Rack Mount Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.4 2-3 Mount the Antenna - Roof Mount Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.8 2-4 Mount the Antenna - Hummer Mount Kit . . . . . . . . . . .2.12 2-5 Connect the Antenna Cable . . . . . . . . . .
Installing the Antenna 2-1 Remove the Shipping Restraints Cut and remove all of the shipping restraints from underneath the antenna. To remove the wire restraints, you will need to use heavy-duty wire cutters. Removing the Shipping Restraints Shipping Restraint Locations on Antenna Base 1 2 3 4 6 5 54-0350 2.
TracVision A7 Installation Guide 2-2 Mount the Antenna Rack Mount Kit If you are mounting the antenna to the vehicle’s roof rack, follow the steps below. If you are mounting the antenna directly to the roof, skip to page 2.8. If you are mounting to a Hummer rack, skip to page 2.12. 1. Attach each of the four mounting brackets to the antenna base using two 1⁄4"-20 x 3⁄4" hex socket screws. (A bolt is factory-installed in the base between the bracket holes.) 2.
Installing the Antenna 3. With an assistant’s help, gently place the antenna onto the roof rack with the cable connector facing the rear of the vehicle. All four brackets should rest on top of the roof rack’s crossbars. Placing the Antenna on the Crossbars 4. Each bracket contains several pairs of pegs. These pegs allow you to place two rubber cushions in different positions to best fit the vehicle’s style of crossbars.
TracVision A7 Installation Guide 5. With the cushions installed in the brackets, the bottom of the antenna should rest above the vehicle’s roof. If the antenna’s base touches the roof, you will need to add a spacer under each bracket to raise the antenna higher off the crossbars. If spacers are needed, follow Steps a and b on this page to install a spacer under each bracket. Using Spacers to Raise the Antenna Above the Roof a.
Installing the Antenna If you installed extra spacers in Step 5, and the bottom of the antenna still contacts the roof, KVH recommends that you either use the roof mount option or replace the roof rack with an aftermarket model that offers greater clearance. 6. 7. Secure each mounting bracket to the roof rack with a retaining plate, two hex socket screws, and two jam nuts, as shown in the figure. Use a 13⁄4" screw at the end of each bracket and use a 2" screw at the base of each bracket.
TracVision A7 Installation Guide 2-3 Mount the Antenna Roof Mount Kit 2. If you are mounting the antenna directly to the roof, follow the steps below. 1. Insert a nut bar into each of the metal mounting plates so that the nut bar is held suspended between the mounting plate arms. Ensure the nut bar swivels easily within the mounting plate. Metal Mounting Plate with Nut Bar Nut Bar Attach each of the four mounting brackets to the antenna base using two 1⁄4"-20 x 3⁄4" hex socket screws.
Installing the Antenna 4. With an assistant’s help, position the antenna onto the centerline of the vehicle’s roof with a mounting block and mounting plate under each bracket. Make sure the antenna’s connector faces the rear of the vehicle. 6. Make sure the antenna is positioned on the centerline of the roof in the desired location and resting firmly on the mounting blocks. With the antenna in place, mark the roof along the outside edges of the mounting plates using a pencil or scribe. 7.
TracVision A7 Installation Guide Spacer Installation Instructions – If Necessary in Step 5 If spacers are needed to raise the antenna off the roof, follow the steps below to install a spacer under each bracket*: a. Remove the #8-32 x 3⁄8" screws and washers securing the factory-installed plastic spacer to the metal bracket. b. Insert a second spacer from the kitpack between the original spacer and the bracket.
Installing the Antenna 12. At each bracket, insert two of the supplied 1 ⁄4"-20 hex socket screws through the antenna bracket and mounting block and into the mounting plate’s nut bar. If you added a spacer as explained on page 2.10, use the 21⁄2" screws supplied in the Spacers Kit. Otherwise, use the 21⁄4" screws supplied in the roof mount kit. Tighten the screws to secure in place. Securing the Antenna to the Roof Cover 13. Flip down the skirt on each rubber mounting block to hide the mounting plates. 14.
TracVision A7 Installation Guide 2-4 Mount the Antenna Hummer® Mount Kit If you are mounting the antenna to a Hummer roof rack, follow the appropriate steps in this section for your particular Hummer model: 3. Remove the long rubber strips that run along the top of the crossbars. Be sure to save these strips for future use. 4. At each crossbar, insert two T-nuts into the center channel and slide the nuts along the channel. Inserting T-nuts in Crossbar Center Channel Hummer H2 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing the Antenna 6. Attach each of the four mounting brackets to the antenna base using two of the supplied 1⁄4"-20 x 3⁄4" hex socket screws. Tighten the screws; but do not overtighten. (A bolt is factory-installed in the base between the bracket holes.) Attaching Brackets to the Antenna Base Factory-installed bolt Bracket 8. Position the T-nuts in the crossbars so that they line up with the holes in the antenna mounting brackets. 9.
TracVision A7 Installation Guide Hummer H3 Mounting Instructions 1. Position the roof rack crossbars 35" apart, measured center-to-center. Ensure that the crossbars are securely fastened to the vehicle. 4. Remove the long rubber strips that run along the top of the crossbars. Be sure to save these strips for future use. 5. At each crossbar, insert two T-nuts into the center channel and slide the nuts along the channel.
Installing the Antenna 7. Attach each of the four mounting brackets to the antenna base using two of the supplied 1⁄4"-20 x 3⁄4" hex socket screws. Tighten the screws; but do not overtighten. (A bolt is factory-installed in the base between the bracket holes.) Attaching Brackets to the Antenna Base 9. Position the T-nuts in the crossbars so that they line up with the holes in the antenna mounting brackets. 10.
TracVision A7 Installation Guide 2-5 There are two options for passing the cable into the vehicle: Connect the Antenna Cable Now that you have mounted the antenna to the vehicle’s roof, connect the supplied antenna cable (see below) to the antenna and route the cable inside the vehicle.
Installing the Antenna Option 1 - Route the Cable Through the Roof 1. 3. Connect the antenna cable to the antenna. Handtighten, then tighten with a 7⁄16" wrench for 1⁄4 turn to ensure an electrical and weatherproof connection. Choose a location on the roof for the 1⁄2"-diameter cable access hole. Inside the vehicle, remove the headliner to access the underside of the roof where you will be cutting out the hole. Techniques for removing the headliner vary from vehicle to vehicle.
TracVision A7 Installation Guide 6. Set aside the backing plate, then use a 5⁄32" drill bit to drill the three fitting mounting holes. Cable Access Hole and Fitting Mounting Holes 5 ⁄32" Fitting Mounting Hole 8. Move the fitting down the cable until it covers the cable access hole, flush to the vehicle’s roof. Line up the fitting’s three mounting holes with the three 5⁄32" holes drilled in the roof. Apply silicone sealant or RTV to the holes and insert the #6-32 x 5 ⁄8" screws supplied in the kitpack.
Installing the Antenna 9. Secure the #6-32 x 5⁄8" screws to the backing plate inside the vehicle. Backing Plate (Inside Vehicle) 11. Using the supplied tie-wraps (or equivalent), secure the antenna cable to the roof rack, if necessary. Securing the Cable to the Roof Rack Tie-wrap Backing Plate 10. Hand-tighten the fitting’s clamping nut onto the cable until you’re unable to move the cable back and forth, ensuring a watertight seal. 54-0350 Do not kink the cable.
TracVision A7 Installation Guide Option 2 - Route the Cable Behind the Hatch 1. 2. 3. Move the steel fitting down the length of the antenna cable to the end opposite the rubber boot. You’ll need to connect the end of the cable with the rubber boot to the antenna. You will not need to use the fitting; simply keep it attached to the end of the cable inside the vehicle. Connect the antenna cable to the antenna.
Installing the Receiver 3 Installing the Receiver This section explains how to connect all system cables to the mobile receiver and how to mount the receiver inside the vehicle. Contents 3-1 Choose the Receiver Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3.3 3-2 Wire the Receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3.3 3-3 Mount the Receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3.10 3-4 Install Batteries in the Remote . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing the Receiver 3-1 Choose the Receiver Location 3-2 Wire the Receiver Now that you’ve installed the antenna, you need to find a suitable location inside the vehicle for installing the receiver.
TracVision A7 Installation Guide TracVision A7 Wiring Diagram Antenna Black Red Ground DC Power Input Power (10-16 VDC) Receiver FUSE (8A) Tested to comply with FCC Standards C AU T I O N VIDEO S -VIDEO AUDIO L AUDIO R RF REMOTE INPUT DIGITAL AUDIO OUT This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules.
Installing the Receiver Prepare the Antenna Cable Connect the Antenna Cable The antenna cable should already be connected to the antenna and routed to the receiver. If the cable is too long, you may either coil the excess cable inside the vehicle or cut the end of the cable to the desired length. If you choose to cut the cable, use an LRC/ Augat T1000 crimp/strip tool to attach the supplied Snap-N-Seal® F-connector to the end of the cable.
TracVision A7 Installation Guide Connect the RF Converter Cable Connect the Audio/Video Cables To connect the RF converter cable, follow the steps below. The receiver kit includes standard audio/video cables with RCA-type connectors for connecting the receiver to your vehicle’s entertainment system. The receiver also includes S-Video and digital audio jacks, which you may use instead. Follow the procedures on the next page for your desired type of connections. 1.
Installing the Receiver Connect the Audio Cables Connect the Video Cable Option 1 – Standard Audio Cables (cables included) Option 1 – Standard Video Cable (cable included) Connect the red and white audio cables to the receiver’s “Audio L” and “Audio R” jacks. The jacks are color-coded. Connect the other ends to the entertainment system’s audio inputs. If only one audio input jack is available, connect the white cable and leave the red cable disconnected.
TracVision A7 Installation Guide Connect the Power Cable Power Wiring (Preferred) Now that you’ve connected all other cables to the receiver, follow the steps below to connect the power cable. FUSE (8A) CAUT ION AUDIO L 1. Remove the key from the ignition and remove the negative lead from the vehicle’s battery. AUDIO R RF REMOTE INPUT DIGITAL AUDIO OUT This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules.
Installing the Receiver Connect the Power Cable to the Battery (Alternative Wiring Option, Only If Necessary) If you are unable to connect the receiver power cable to switched (accessory) power as described on the previous page, you may wire the receiver to battery power if you follow the minimum requirements listed below. • Install a protective fuse (6 amps) within 18" of the battery. • Install a relay, switched from the ignition, between the battery and the receiver.
TracVision A7 Installation Guide 3-3 Mount the Receiver 3-4 Once all cables are connected, mount the receiver inside the vehicle. Do not block the receiver’s ventilation openings. These openings ensure reliable operation of the receiver and protect it from overheating. 1. Using the supplied #2-56 x 1⁄4" screws, attach the two L-shaped brackets to the sides of the receiver. 2. Using appropriate ⁄4" fasteners for your installation, secure the receiver brackets to the mounting surface.
Completing the Installation 4 Completing the Installation This section explains how to turn on and test the TracVision A7 system. It also lists important information the owner needs to know. Contents 4-1 Post-installation Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.3 4-2 Test the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.5 4-3 Educate the Customer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.7 54-0350 4.
Completing the Installation 4-1 Post-installation Checklist Congratulations! You’ve completed the TracVision A7 installation. Before you turn on and test the system, please make certain that you have completed the following important steps: Step Page # You affixed the antenna serial number label to the red Activation Card. 1.7 You removed the antenna’s shipping restraints from below. 2.3 You attached the mounting brackets to the antenna using the supplied hardware. 2.4, 2.8, 2.13, 2.
TracVision A7 Installation Guide Step Page # You secured the antenna to the vehicle using the supplied hardware. 2.7, 2.11, 2.13 2.15 After connecting the antenna cable to the antenna, you installed the rubber boot over the connector. 2.17, 2.20 If you routed the antenna cable through the roof, you used the supplied fitting and backing plate and sealed the holes. 2.18 If you cut the antenna cable, you used an LRC/Augat T1000 tool to attach the supplied F-connector to the end of the cable. 3.
Completing the Installation 4-2 Test the System Now all you need to do is turn the system on and ensure everything works properly. Follow the steps below to turn on the TracVision A7 system and verify proper operation. 1. Ensure the antenna has a clear view of the satellite. The antenna requires an unobstructed view of the southern sky to receive satellite TV signals. Trees, buildings, highway overpasses, etc., can block satellite signals. Heavy rain or snow might also interrupt satellite signals.
TracVision A7 Installation Guide 4. Wait while the antenna searches the sky for the satellite. Within a few minutes, all three status lights on the front of the receiver should be lit green. If any of these lights are not green, refer to Section 10-4, “System Status Lights,” in the User’s Guide for troubleshooting details. Receiver Status Lights 5. A progress bar will appear on the TV, indicating that the receiver is downloading the program guide.
Completing the Installation 4-3 Educate the Customer Be sure to give the manuals to the owner and explain how to use the product. The owner also needs to know the following: • The antenna must have a clear view of the southern sky to receive satellite TV. Common causes of blockage include trees, buildings, overpasses, and mountains. The TracVision antenna will not work inside a garage. • Heavy rain or snow may temporarily interrupt reception. • The antenna should be cleaned regularly.
System Specifications Appendix A System Specifications Physical Characteristics Environmental Power 10-16 volts DC, 50 watts Operating Temperature -13ºF to +131ºF (-25ºC to +55ºC) Antenna Dimensions 30.5" wide x 5.3" high Storage Temperature -20ºF to +140ºF (-29ºC to +60ºC) Antenna Weight 48 lbs Humidity to 100 percent Receiver Dimensions 11" wide x 9" long x 2.
www.kvh.com KVH Industries, Inc. 50 Enterprise Center • Middletown, RI 02842-5279 U.S.A .• Phone: (401) 847-3327 • Fax: (401) 849-0045 • E-mail: info@kvh.com © Copyright 2006, KVH Industries, Inc. KVH® and TracVision® are registered trademarks of KVH Industries, Inc.
