KVH Tracvision SF

N5IIG · 04-07-2007, 11:46 AM

Just recently added a Tracvision SF dome to the coach. With the use of two A/B switches and some good low loss cable I now have a lazy man's satelite TV system. I can also setup my tripod dish if It is necessary because of trees, etc blocking signal. With the push of a button I can swith to my local crankup antenna. I am getting signals of 90-95 on the Directv test screen. The biggest problem that I had was holding back the tears as I drilled holes in the roof of my coach. If I can be of any help to anyone on a project like this please let me know and I will do what I can to assist you. I am also a Ham Operator and get no RF interference in my TV or any of the electronic systems in the coach. Safe travels to all.............Jim

Chandler · 04-07-2007, 12:34 PM

Thanks Jim! We just had a discussion regarding the location of the satellite cable. We know where Damon puts it in the front cabinet but there were major discrepancies as to where the cable is stored on the roof. Some folks have a decal, I have an aluminum plate and some have nothing. Where or how did you find yours?

Chandler

N5IIG · 04-07-2007, 12:42 PM

Hi Chandler. I could not find the cable or anyone that could tell me where it was so I removed my TV and just drilled a hole just behind the fiberglass nose cap down in to the TV cabinet. The factory cable is supposed to be in the general area of the fridge cap but if you don't know for sure its not worth drilling and fishing. The roof had no markings or labels at all. I also got lucky when I drilled and missed the metal roof support. (at least I did something right huh). All I could get out of this is that it is a mystery as to where the cable end is on roof................Jim

Chandler · 04-07-2007, 02:34 PM

Hi Jim! Ok, so you mounted the TracVision dome right behind the roof cap? A very short run to the Dbox and that's that?
My question regarding a crank up dish is how do you secure the top heavy dish? I figured that Damon recommended the specific location because of the roof structure.
Your dome needs no support. It sounds like a win-win, situation.
Can you send us a picture when you get a chance?

Chandler

N5IIG · 04-07-2007, 02:38 PM

I sure will Chandler. Give me a few days as it is cold here in Louisiana. (45F) I know that is not cold to you but what can I say - the old blood is thin - Ha

Chandler · 04-07-2007, 02:48 PM

LOL! Yeah, thanks...We were spoiled here a week ago, temps in the upper 60's..Then came the snow, (sigh) Oh well, I've had time to get the inside cleaned and polished.
I'm going to post about some of my little projects..maybe give someone an idea or two.

Thanks again!

Chandler

Chandler · 04-09-2007, 03:47 PM

Hi Jim! Only one picture came out but I see where it is. It a straight shot to the cabinet. Makes a lot of sense. I still think Damon wanted the dish back where there was more support, but if I was to install a dome, that's where I would put it. Nice job!

Chandler

N5IIG · 04-09-2007, 04:33 PM

Chandler, I am going to try this again. For some reason my keyboard doesn't spell correctly-Ha...............Jim

Chandler · 04-09-2007, 05:26 PM

Jim, how's the reception? Is it as good as a stand alone dish? I wonder if I need another project?
All your satellite stuff is in the drivers side compartment, right?

Chandler

N5IIG · 04-10-2007, 04:05 PM

Chandler, the recepton is super. 90 - 97 on the signal meter on tv, of course depending on trees, clouds just like with stand alone dish. I still carry my tripod with me just in case. Yes the reciever, a/b switches and dome power switch is in the driversside cabinet. The project took me about 4-5 hours on a nice saturday. I sealed all holes and screws with the Dicor self leveling sealant.

Chandler, my pics disn't come out to suit me. They are stacked right to left rather than top to bottom like the ones you posted and it also wiped out my signature line somehow. I posted them from the irv photo gallery. Could you give me some tips on what you did to get yours to come out so nice. Sorry for the long post, but I seem to learn slow. Been around computers for 40 or so years and still hit snags. Thanks much.................Jim

Chandler · 04-10-2007, 04:18 PM

Hi Jim! Thanks for the info! As far as the pictures go, I joined a picture sharing website called PhotoBucket. Download your pictures or even videos, then when you want to post a picture, click on the picture icon on the tool bar. It asks for an url. Open another browser and go to PhotoBucket., select your picture, highlight the url and copy it. Go back to the irv2 page and paste it. Click ok and you're done. You have to watch your size but they can resize it right there on the site.
It's photobucket.com. No cost, btw.

Provelogear · 04-12-2007, 05:03 AM

I installed a dome dish just in back of the front cap as well.

Later I did located the DSS prewire that came with the coach. It is located in one of the plastic circular vents. This one was located towards the center of the coach.

Eventhough I did find it it really would not have worked for me as I need two cables so I could have two receivers and there was only one cable that ran to the front overhead cabinet.

Chandler · 04-12-2007, 04:17 PM

Provelogear, when you found the wire in one of the vents, did you just remove it from the ceiling and there was the wire, or did you have to reach around to find it. We're trying to find a way to locate the wire if the coach didn't have a decal on the roof saying where it is.

Chandler