Community Forums

GiddyupgoTX · 05-23-2014, 08:19 PM

Brand new to DirecTV just this week. (Previously had 2 network channels, 1 independent, and 2 Spanish-language channels in our sticks-and-bricks, using an HD antenna on a 7-foot pole.) There's an S3 KVH antenna on the roof of the motorhome that the previous owner used with his D10 receiver as recently as a few months ago. DireccTV wouldn't let me use his old receiver, though, so KVH advised that a D12 would work with the antenna, with 2 setting changes: dish and switch.

D12 works fine in the house, with the SWM system. But in going to the RV, can't seem to get any signal. Went through setup as KVH had said, but nothing. I'm just curious if anybody else had similar problems on startup. I understand from KVH that I may need to get the antenna reprogrammed, but I'd like to avoid that if possible as there's apparently nobody in the immediate area that does that. But, if I need to, I will.

Thanks for any suggestions.

FlyingDiver · 05-23-2014, 08:53 PM

First, are you reprogramming the D12 from SWM to Multi-switch when you move it to the RV?

Second, are you sure the KVH is on and locked to a satellite?

GiddyupgoTX · 05-23-2014, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlyingDiver

First, are you reprogramming the D12 from SWM to Multi-switch when you move it to the RV?

Yes. I discovered that if I tried to change the dish first (which is the order it comes up on the screen) to Option 2, the option was not available. But, if I changed the SWITCH to Option 2 FIRST, then Option 2 on the dish WAS lit and available.

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlyingDiver

Second, are you sure the KVH is on and locked to a satellite?

Well, I turned the power supply and antenna on, and put my Zip code in at the appropriate place. Other than that, I'm NOT sure, no. What are some telltale signs that all is working and well?

Tha_Rooster · 05-24-2014, 06:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlyingDiver

First, are you reprogramming the D12 from SWM to Multi-switch when you move it to the RV?

Second, are you sure the KVH is on and locked to a satellite?

And on mine you also have to change the size and shape of dish in set up menu.

docj · 05-24-2014, 06:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LandN

Well, I turned the power supply and antenna on, and put my Zip code in at the appropriate place. Other than that, I'm NOT sure, no. What are some telltale signs that all is working and well?

There should be a button on the antenna system to initiate a search for a satellite. You would normally expect to hear some sounds as the unit turns and searches. If you're not hearing anything then it's not doing anything.

FlyingDiver · 05-24-2014, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tha_Rooster

And on mine you also have to change the size and shape of dish in set up menu.

I believe that's the dish option #2 the OP referred to above, but I'm not sure.

LandN - forget the option numbers, please post the specific description of each selection you made on the receiver setup menu.

Looking at the S3 manual online, it appears to only have an on/off switch, unless you also have the satellite select switch installed (which is optional). Do you have this switch?

GiddyupgoTX · 05-24-2014, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlyingDiver

LandN - forget the option numbers, please post the specific description of each selection you made on the receiver setup menu.

Dish type 3LNB18 by 120

Switch type Multi-switch

Although the above is the order they appear on the screen, I found I had to change the Switch option before I could change the Dish option.

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlyingDiver

Looking at the S3 manual online, it appears to only have an on/off switch, unless you also have the satellite select switch installed (which is optional). Do you have this switch?

I don't believe so, no. There's a power supply switch on the right side of the overhead cabinet above the door, and the antenna switch on the left side of that same cabinet. There's nothing like the optional TV/SAT switch shown in Figure 3-3 of the manual -- at least not that I've found!

FlyingDiver · 05-24-2014, 03:06 PM

For the S3, you need to select the option for single LNB 18" round dish. The S3 is not a multi-LNB dish.

GiddyupgoTX · 05-24-2014, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlyingDiver

For the S3, you need to select the option for single LNB 18" round dish. The S3 is not a multi-LNB dish.

Interesting! The option KVH gave me was the 3LNB... noted above. I'll try to find the 18" round dish option once the weekend's over. Still munti-line switch, though?

Thanks.

FlyingDiver · 05-24-2014, 06:34 PM

There's nothing on 110 or 119 that you care about, if you're a DirecTV SD customer. Except maybe locals for some small markets, but that's pretty rare for an RV installation. The S3 might work for that setting, but it's better to go to the simplest one to get it working in the first place.

Yes, Multi-switch if the only other option is SWM. Is there some other possible setting? I've never used a D12 so I have no idea what options it has.

GiddyupgoTX · 05-26-2014, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlyingDiver

Yes, Multi-switch if the only other option is SWM. Is there some other possible setting? I've never used a D12 so I have no idea what options it has.

Yes, for switch those are the only two options. Having not had DTV before, I suspect that the D12 is just an upgraded D10, and I know it's still SD.

DTV sent me another receiver (about 3 years older than the one I had!), but it had the same failure to connect in the RV as the other one. Just as a test, I had the rig parked facing north this time (was south before) with a clear southern view, but I didn't hear any movement upstairs, so it may be an antenna issue. Guess I'll need to get with a KVH specialist to see if the antenna needs reprogramming or something. I know it worked with the D10 the previous owner had - but DTV wouldn't allow me to get an account with that receiver. Oh, well!

sirpurrcival · 05-27-2014, 04:17 AM

Can you check the settings on the previous d10?

jrcnlc · 05-27-2014, 04:59 AM

I had same problem. after 4 hrs of trying to get pict I called directv an they had to reset receiver to 18in dish then when home had to reset again to dish at home a pain in neck

bilb2765 · 05-29-2014, 09:01 AM

Get rid of Direct!
Tried that route, and found their support lacking at best.
Tried to use the recommended settings, and always had problems.
Their answer was to place a service call. Guess what, they will only go to your house.

Dish offers an RV version, that can be turned off when not in use. You can also buy the Dish box yourself. (No DVR option though).

My2cents.