KVH Tracvision - updating firmware L3, R5sl

[DBeauchamp]

I just finished updating the firmware in a KVH L3 and a KVH R5sl. I updated both the main boards and the RF boards and I found this to be relatively easy.

You need to download the “KVH Flash Update Wizard” which had, for a while, been reserved for authorized dealers only. It is available from KVH at:
http://www.kvh.com/Pages/Flash-Wizard.aspx (Google KVH Flash Update Wizard if it moved…)

Both the L3 and the R5sl use the same wall-mounted plate with on-off switch inside your coach. This plate has two connectors, a serial 9-pin connector to access the main board (on the front) and a RJ11 connection to access the RF board (on the back side).

You can buy a serial 9 pin male to usb adapter (iogear is recommended by KVH but I think any brand will probably work) ($15-$20) and a 6-10 foot USB cable ($5-$10) to do the main board.
I made my own cable to do the RF. You will need a 9 pin female connector ($5) and a telephone handset cord ($5) which is actually a RJ9 (4PAC) cord, the connector is a little narrower than a RJ11. Try it in the connector on the back of the KVH wall plate to see that it fits.
Then cut one end of the cord and connect the wires:
Pin 1 RJ9 (yellow) to pin 5 GND of female DB9
Pin 2 RJ9 (green) to pin 2 TXD of the female DB9
Pin 3 (red) is not used
Pin 4 (black) to pin 3 RXD of the female DB9
You can then connect the DB9 female to the DB9 male of the 9pin serial to USB adapter that you used for the main board.

You need to update the main board first so hook up the main board cable and start the KVH Flash Update Wizard and turn the dome switch to On.
You should see text roll by and you should be able to type commands on the command line. Try “Halt”…
If you are not communicating with the dome at this point you may have to change the COM port # in the Flash Update Wizard:
Go to the Windows Control Panel, then got to Device Manager, then go to Ports (COM & LPT), then double click to see which COM port has been allocated to your USB to serial adapter. You can then go ahead and change the COM port # in the KVH Flash Software to match.
After you are connected to the dome, simply follow the instructions and your firmware will update. I do not know if you still need the Internet access at this point. The updated dome HEX files, I think, may be embedded in the KVH Flash Update software and are updated using the Update button.

After you’ve done the main, switch the cables and repeat in order to do the RF board.

My R5sl went from version 1.17 to 1.26 (main board) and from 1.5 to 2.2 (RF board) and the reason I needed the update is I was using a new receiver from Bell ExpressVu and I was having to switch from Sat A to Sat B using the laptop…

Note that it is also possible to reconfigure your dome for appropriate Satellite provider. I switched my L3 dome from Dish to Bell also using the KVH Flash Update Software (using the command line).
The “SATINSTALL” command is documented in the operator’s manuals. Also note that there may be a little piece of cable hooked up to the RJ11 connector on the wall plate, this is a configuration jumper to tell your dome which Sat provider you’re using. You can remove this cable to do your updates.

Hope this is complete and it helps!

[mgscott4]

Thanks, Great info. I am going to try this with my R5.

[denochs]

Nice detailed write up. Thanks for the info.

I too have the KVH Tracvision dome and just canned Direct TV because I could not get it to work while in Florida. Worked fine in NC & GA. I had just installed an new receiver too.

I was under the impression that to change mine from Direct TV to another provider I would have to get on the roof and change a "dip switch" configuration.

Could this update solve that problem?

Dave

[DBeauchamp]

Quote:

Originally Posted by denochs Nice detailed write up. Thanks for the info. I too have the KVH Tracvision dome and just canned Direct TV because I could not get it to work while in Florida. Worked fine in NC & GA. I had just installed an new receiver too. I was under the impression that to change mine from Direct TV to another provider I would have to get on the roof and change a "dip switch" configuration. Could this update solve that problem? Dave

You could try an update, what was the symptoms? If you want you could try sending KVH an email with a description of the problem. I sent them a question about the compatibility of receivers and they did give me a free answer accompanied with a note about a $40 fee for troubleshooting if I needed help. They also offer on-going support at $150. per year...

[lllkrob]

Quote:

Originally Posted by denochs Nice detailed write up. Thanks for the info. I too have the KVH Tracvision dome and just canned Direct TV because I could not get it to work while in Florida. Worked fine in NC & GA. I had just installed an new receiver too. I was under the impression that to change mine from Direct TV to another provider I would have to get on the roof and change a "dip switch" configuration. Could this update solve that problem? Dave

KVH domes do not have dip switches of any kind. Their units are completely software controlled.

If you are going to a DISH Network receiver, just hook it up and let the unit search for the correct satellites. Odds are your dome is already programmed for them. If not run the update wizard as detailed above.

[Perry White]

Is that what that box in the overhead is for? All these years.Thanks!!

[DBeauchamp]

Note that some KVH domes don't auto-switch between Sats such as the L3. Those need a KVH Sat Switch Remote. Some other domes such as the R5sl will auto-switch on the fly as you switch channels with your receiver remote. Also note that if you use more than one receiver in your RV, all receivers have to be watching channels from the same Sat as the 'primary' receiver which is the receiver hooked up to RF1 on the dish dome. The Winegard Trav'ler is a system with multiple LNB's which will link all your Sats simultaneously so any receiver can watch any channel, the downfall is it's a stationary system (not an in-motion), you have to be parked...

[DBeauchamp]

Another bit of info: The B jumper (or B key) is an RJ11 type connector with green and black shorted together. It hooks up to back of the on-off switchplate to a serial RS232 connector, basically it shorts Rx to Tx. I say an RJ11 type but it's really the RJ9 which is narrower and normally used between the phone and the mouth/ear piece. You can easily make one if you can't find your original.
I don't have an A key but suspect it is a 9 pin connector (male) with pins 2 and 3 shorted together (rx and tx).
All very inexpensive parts you can get at Radio Shack.

[Dmintzer]

daniel b you are the bomb.. I took your instructions and marched down to my friendly radio shack and made my purchases. I got db9 crimp connectors due to lazyness. I got back to the rv and went to work. I cut the phone handset cord and just like you said, red white white black---- uh oh!! Well i put thee crimp connectors on and fiddled around till it worked--- it worked. Now i have my main and rf boards updated. Downpour now so i cant tell the results but i made an a plug at your suggestion. more to follow. THANKS ALOT!! Happy Memorial day to all, Dean

[MSHappyCampers]

Daniel B, you seem to be very knowledgeable about the TracVision system. Don't know if you saw my earlier thread about problems with the TracVision S2 system on my MH, but hope you might be able to help. It won't work at all. The light on the wall control flashes three times when I turn the power switch on and then nothing happens after that. Any ideas? Thanks for your help!