KVH Industries TracVision M5 User Manual

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Before you begin, consider the following antenna 
installation guidelines:

• Minimize blockage. The antenna requires a 

clear view of the sky to receive satellite TV 

(see Figure 3). The fewer obstructions, the 

better the system will perform.

• Make sure the mounting surface is wide 

enough to accommodate the antenna’s base 

(see Figure 4). Also make sure it is flat, level, 

strong enough to support the antenna’s 

weight (30 lbs, 13.6 kg), and rigid enough to 

withstand vibration.

• Select a location that is as close as possible to 

the intersection of the vessel’s fore-and-aft 

centerline and midships. 

• 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 and 4 ft 

(1.2 m) away from the radar.

Blocked!

TracVision Antenna

Mast

Look Angle

Vessel Platform

Figure 3:  Blockage from Obstruction

21"

(54 cm)

19.3"

(49 cm)

9"

(22.9 cm)

9"

(23 cm)

4.5"

(11.4 cm)

4.5"

(11.4 cm)

4 x    5/16"

(  8 mm)

19.3"

(49 cm)

Figure 4:  Antenna Dimensions

Plan the Antenna Installation

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