Erratic Satellite Reception?

[Wannabe]

I have a TracVision KVH R5SL in motion satellite and am using a DirecTv HDTV receiver (not trying to get HD-just have one input cable to receiver). Sometimes when connected and stationary, I loose the signal and hear the satellite hunting but it won't reconnect. At times I have to unplug the receiver, turn on the satellite for a minute, replug the receiver, and it goes through full setup before connecting. None of this happens by choice or planning. Do you think I have a Satellite or a receiver problem? Would not washing the dish cause this problem? All suggestions appreciated.

[YC1]

I think you have the typical low voltage problem. First of all after the dish locks on turn it off so it will not try to hunt anymore. The KVH R5SL which I have is sensitive to low voltage. At 11 volts it will do exactly as you describe. How does it get this low when your batteries may show 12.5 volts? The long run from the battery and the light wire they use will drop 1.5 volts. I know this from experience and as an ET I proved it to myself. I installed a power supply right up in the cabinet and use that voltage output instead. Again, once the dish is locked you can turn it off.

For example sitting in my driveway and using the inverter and watching tv the rv battery voltage would go to say 12.5 volts fairly easily. The voltage at the dish would be at 11 and it would start hunting. I called the company and they confirmed the issue. The power supply has resolved the issue for me but knowing about it will resolve it in most cases.

Start your generator and let the charger get the voltage up. Get the dish locked on and then turn the power switch off. Then you can turn the generator back off.

[Wannabe]

YC1,
I have this problem when hooked up to shore power (30 amp), but your comment sure looks possible for me if there is a power drop before the dish. I do turn the dish switch off most of the time after connecting, but I've also had a problem reconnecting the next day (with the switch off). We have about the same RV- do you use any of the stuff that was installed originally to enable receiving HD (before DirecTv had HD receivers). Monaco has said it serves no purpose now and I'm thinking about removing all of it that's in the two cabinets in the front left driver's side. Have you removed any of it? It seems that heat might have something to do with my problem because right now a cool front has come through and everything works as it should. I am amazed if the black dome wouldn't heat up all the electronics under the dome. I'm probably just mumbling right now. Thanks for your reply!

[bobinaz123]

I solved the low voltage problem by running a pair of wires from the sat to the input power terminals in the DC distribution panel bay under the driver side front. My 08 Camelot was easy. I spliced to the wires going to the roof, opened the panel along the wind shield and ran the wires down under the dash and through an existing hole in the fire wall. Then it went through an existing hole in the box holding the DC distribution panel. Mine has large cables for house and chassis battery. I connected directly to the house battery and ground lugs. Works great now. I have a Kingdome but the voltage problem is similar.

Bob F

[YC1]

I did remove all the excess stuff. Also do not use any of the old coax that is small. Mine failed and gave me some weird symptoms as well. Keep your cabinets open on warm days because the heat build up can be tremendous. My cabinet does not contain a television. There were two dividers along the inside of the front cabinet and I removed those so rearranging cables and components is much easier and there is more air flow. Ultimately I cut a hole in the bottom of the middle area and installed a nice color matched vent. A 12 volt fan helps move air out.

[Wannabe]

Quote:

Originally Posted by YC1 Keep your cabinets open on warm days because the heat build up can be tremendous. Ultimately I cut a hole in the bottom of the middle area and installed a nice color matched vent. A 12 volt fan helps move air out.

I had noticed the heat buildup in that small cabinet containing all of the electronics and had a cabinet guy remove the panel from the door frame and replace it with speaker material. I also did the other side of the TV for aesthetics. Besides working as a large vent the speaker material lets my DVD/surround remote control work with the door closed. I had already changed out my DirecTv remote to their IRF model and I'm amazed that I can use it from the outside of the RV to operate the receiver. This will be great when I add my outside TV. I will remove all the excess DirecTv stuff after talking to TracVision to make sure that it's all unnecessary.

[YC1]

Be sure to not use any of the cables that are very skinny if you have them. They ultimately became intermittent.