KVH A5 Constant Motor Running Noise

[rfe2000]

I just purchased a used KVH A5 satellite system. It works fine but you can hear the motor cycling back and forth constantly and feel the SUV wobble even when the vehicle is not moving. Is this normal? Signal meter indicates strong signal so it seems like it should just stop in one position. Worried that it's going to wear out or overheat quickly if it keeps cycling like that.

[Bill Adams]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rfe2000 I just purchased a used KVH A5 satellite system. It works fine but you can hear the motor cycling back and forth constantly and feel the SUV wobble even when the vehicle is not moving. Is this normal? Signal meter indicates strong signal so it seems like it should just stop in one position. Worried that it's going to wear out or overheat quickly if it keeps cycling like that.

Assuming I am reading this correctly, you have an in-motion KVH system installed on an SUV and not an RV. With an in-motion unit the antenna will remain in motion for 5-10 minutes after the vehicle stops in order to maintain the properly lock necessary while the vehicle is in motion. As long as no one in the vehicle moves while the car stopped the antenna should stop after a period of time. The antenna is designed to "move" as long as the antenna detects motions from the vehicle but if you stop and walk away the antenna should be stopping.

[rfe2000]

Thanks for the quick reply. You are correct it is installed on an SUV that is basically my camping/multipurpose vehicle. It's a new system to me so just getting acquainted with the features and sounds it makes. It sat in the driveway for about 20 minutes, but I kept hearing it cycling and you could actually feel it in the vehicle. Never lost the TV programming, but it just kept cycling in what sounded like small movements. The controller box was very warm from all this.

[Bill Adams]

DirecTV or Dish Network?

[rfe2000]

It's DirecTV. Someone in the RV.net forum suggested this may be a voltage issue so I'm checking that out. Apparently voltage at the dish has been an issue that KVH knows about. My cable to the dish is fairly long and I did get the low voltage warning beep. The alarm only occured once and the picture never went away so I assumed everything was ok, but maybe not. Gonna check all the connections and make sure cable runs are short as possible.

[DBeauchamp]

I assume you have 110 for TV and receiver. Why don't you try getting the KVH 110-12Volt adapter. This way your system is not subject to your battery voltage fluctuations. Just an idea...

[rfe2000]

This was kinda bugging me so being a combination of redneck and nerd I tore into the thing. Tried to include a picture with this but couldn't upload it. There was an abundance of pollen within the case which I carefully blew off without touching the array. I then cleaned all connections and shortened up the cables. Turned it on and watched the search process. It locked on very quickly, but continued to do a little dance. Surprisingly after a few minutes it sorted itself out and stopped moving! Apparently, as another poster mentioned, it takes time to optimize the signal and figure out it's location in the world. It's interesting to watch. If you step in front of the signal it gets angry and starts wobbling all over the place as if to say "Get out of the way!" Anyway, I appreciate all the help. This is a great forum!

[rfe2000]

Ah ha! One more thing: There was a distinct popping noise everytime the rotation changed directions, which on start up is often. The rotation motor was slipping on the gear ring underneath the antenna. I loosened (they were already kinda loose) the nuts holding the slotted motor mount and gently push the motor assembly more toward the ring gear while retightening the nuts. The popping noise is gone and the search is much faster without the wild wobbling. Part of the whole problem with the system was that it was confused by the jumping due to the slipping gear. Now it's very calm acting and the controller is much cooler. Wish I could post a picture!

[GaryKD]

Hi rfe2000,
Welcome to iRV2. I also have a KVH in motion unit. If stationary, once the system locks on and provides a picture, I turn the KVH off. If I leave it on, it will do similar to what you posted. Turning it off solves the problem.

[rfe2000]

Actually, after I did the various maintenance items the dish stays absolutely still now unless the vehicle (or while I was testing, a wheelbarrow!) moves. I kept the cover off while I was testing so I could watch what it was doing. At turn on it moves just ever so slightly to evaluate the signal then stops in about 90 seconds and stays stopped. Power consumption drops way down, motors are quiet, and the controller box stays cool now. Can watch TV within 10-15 seconds. In motion it works great and stays right on the satellite. I took pictures and video of my fixes and the uncovered antenna doing it's thing but can't post them here.