Preventative Maintenance

Your TracPhoneTracNet system is likely subjected to heavy use and exposed to harsh marine environmental conditions. Therefore, like any sophisticated electronic equipment installed on the vessel, it needs to be cleaned, inspected, and updated on a regular basis to maintain its peak performance and reliable service.

The following tasks should be performed periodically to help maintain peak performance:

Clean the outside of the antenna with fresh water to remove grime. Dirt buildup can affect reception of satellite signals. You may use mild detergent, but avoid abrasive cleansers and high-pressure water.
Protect the radome with a high-quality marine-grade wax or sealant every six months to prevent oxidation.
Inspect the cable connections at the BDU for any wear and tear. Repair any damaged cables.
Ensure the system is running the latest software version. See Software Updates for details.
Vacuum the BDU's inlet vents with the BDU powered off. Air needs to flow through these vents to cool the electronic components and prevent overheating.

Inlet Vents on BDU

Annual Preventative Maintenance Check

In addition to the routine care that you do yourself, KVH recommends that you have your antenna system checked by a KVH-certified technician on an annual basis. During this service call, the technician will conduct a thorough inspection of the entire system. Some of the items on the preventative maintenance checklist include:

Measure the input voltage and verify the system is properly grounded
Verify that the antenna is securely and safely mounted and meets all installation best practices
Check cables, both inside and outside the dome, for loose connections, frayed wires, corroded connectors, kinks, or other damage
Inspect the internal antenna mechanism inside the dome, looking for any signs of wear and tear or potential points of failure
Check all motors, belts, and limit switches and verify antenna has full range of motion
Update the system software to the currently released version, ensuring the system has all of the latest features and enhancements
Test the system for proper operation and capture antenna diagnostics information

To schedule a preventative maintenance check, contact KVH Technical Support.

Note: If you are subscribed to a KVH OneCare Technical Assistance Package, KVH will contact you every year when it is nearing the time for your next annual preventative maintenance check. At your option, you can then schedule the check at a convenient time for your vessel.

Was this topic helpful? Please share your feedback.