KVH Industries TracVision G8 - Manual (Page 26)

• To minimize tracking errors, place the antenna unit as
close as possible to the intersection of the vessel’s fore-
and-aft centerline and midships. In addition, do not
mount the antenna too high off the water (limit height
above the waterline to less than half the vessel length).
• The mounting surface should be flat and strong enough to
carry the complete assembly (85 lbs/ 38.6 kg). To prevent
warpage to the antenna baseplate, make sure that the
mounting surface is rigid so that it cannot flex when the
vessel vibrates. If necessary, add a strength member to the
mounting site to stiffen it.
• Be sure to account for the height and base dimensions (see
Figure 2-2 on the following page). Also be sure to leave
enough space outside the access hatch to allow a
technician to remove the hatch screws and perform
maintenance through the hatch.
• Maintain at least four feet (1.3 m) separation between the
antenna and any magnetized materials, large ferrous
masses, cranes, engines, derricks, other antennas, cables
carrying high amperage direct current, or battery banks.
Take extra care when mounting the antenna on a steel
vessel; use an aluminum, brass, plastic, or wood (NOT
steel or iron) platform to position the antenna at least four
feet (1.2 m) above and six feet (1.8 m) away from the steel
surface.
• Be alert for devices that change their magnetic
characteristics when in use, such as CRTs (computer and
TV screens), radar magnetrons, electric winches,
loudspeakers, windshield wipers, and other devices with
DC motors. The antenna’s internal sensor cannot
compensate for changing magnetic fields created by these
devices.
Radar Concerns
The TracVision antenna must be kept out of line with nearby
radars, as their energy levels (from both the main beam and its
side lobes) may overload the antenna’s front-end circuits. In an
ideal installation, the antenna is mounted four feet
(1.2 m) above
and four feet (1.2 m) away from the radar (measured from the
center of the antenna dome to the center of the radar).
The best placement for the TracVision antenna is above the radar.
However, if there will be a significant horizontal separation
between the radar and TracVision dome (i.e., at least 8 to 10 feet
(2.4 to 3 meters)), the TracVision antenna can be placed below the
radar as there will be little chance of signal blockage.
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TracVision G8 Owner’s Manual - Guide to Technical Information