TracVision

[cef2lion]

I tried to use the TracVision R4 in my 04 Adventurer for the first time. This all assumes it worked prior.

I turned on the TracVision power. I can hear it moving but it never seems to quit the init process. I thought my garage might be blocking so I moved the RV into open space. Still the same. It isn't level there. Not sure if the TracVision R4 needs to be level? I'm waiting for the dealer to install a replacement jack so I can't level it right now. The bad jack will not retract.

I'm using Dish. To the left of the front TV. They ran the TracVision feed in that area. I put the receiver there. There is a coax going from there to the right of the TV to the switcher box and SAT in. With the receiver on I can see the menu of the receiver. I ran a check switch a number of times but the receiver isn't finding anything.

[Bill Adams]

Quote:

Originally Posted by cef2lion I tried to use the TracVision R4 in my 04 Adventurer for the first time. This all assumes it worked prior. I turned on the TracVision power. I can hear it moving but it never seems to quit the init process. I thought my garage might be blocking so I moved the RV into open space. Still the same. It isn't level there. Not sure if the TracVision R4 needs to be level? I'm waiting for the dealer to install a replacement jack so I can't level it right now. The bad jack will not retract. I'm using Dish. To the left of the front TV. They ran the TracVision feed in that area. I put the receiver there. There is a coax going from there to the right of the TV to the switcher box and SAT in. With the receiver on I can see the menu of the receiver. I ran a check switch a number of times but the receiver isn't finding anything.

The TracVison antennas are setup by default for DirecTV. You will need to have it programmed for Dish Network. If this is not new, you may also need a software/hardware update. These may not be the only issues but you certainly are going to need to start there.

[RJay]

I also have a TracVision R4 and don't have it hooked up presently, but I follow these post for when I do. It seems a lot of people are having problems with this antenna. Some people have some luck after they call KVH and upgrade the software. Also the antenna is setup to run on DirecTV so if your using Dish you may have to reprogram it for Dish.

[cef2lion]

Thanks. I thought the manual with it says it's setup to work with dish or direct. I have instructions on how to tap into console port with pc and serial cable. I work in IT so that isn't an issue. I searched and some some posts about hardware and software upgrades close to half the cost of the unit. I would like to have it working for fall psu football. It's a hastle with tripod and aiming.

[dsbike]

I have the tracvision dish also. I have direct tv. Every time I move the RV I need to do a reset to get the dish to receive a signal. First thing I do in this order is, turn on dish search power for 1 minute then turn it off, even if it sounds like it is moving. Then I turn off the receiver & unplug it form the 110 v outlet for 1 minute, then after I plug it in I go to the signal page in the guide. Sometimes I have to do this several times, then eventually it will come on. Sometimes this works on the 1st or 2nd try. You may want to try this. Also if you are on Direct TV your best transponder is #19.

[cef2lion]

I spent a good bit of time on the phone today with KVH about this. I have a case open. A first they said I needed 72-0317 service keys to be able to work with Dish. The keys are free. I had to call parts. They sent me back to service to have them order the keys. Service then said I needed a 72-0308 updated power supply and software update along with the keys. They refered me to a local dealer. Called there. There KVH tech no longer works there. Next closest place is a good hour away. Putting it to rest for the weekend. I did send an email to my RV dealer where I got the Winny and see what they suggest.

[cef2lion]

Called one local KVH dealer. There tech for KVH products no longer works there. Trying other dealers next week. I sent an order for the keys to KVH sales and will see what happens there. I googled the 72-0308 power supply and hot some hits. Maybe I can find that on my own. If I could get my hands on the latest software update and the firmware tool I could do this myself. I work in IT and replacing power supplies and firmware updates are second nature. The big question is how much is the software update. The power supply board update appears to be less then 100 dollars.

My RV dealer service manager says the KVH dish has become fairly obsolete. Seems like if I can extend it a bit with this process it might be worth trying.

Craig

[Bill Adams]

If your RV dealer is talking about your specific model of KVH he might have somewhat of a point but a hardware/software update should fix that. If he is referring to the KVH line of domed antennas in general then your RV dealer is an idiot.
I would like you to believe him because maybe you would come to a dealer like me, have us take off your perfectly good antenna and replace it with a non-domed antenna. While the open face dishes definitely outperform a dome (when stopped) that is not necessarily a good reason to replace a perfectly good antenna.
The only thing your KVH cannot do that an open dish can do is receive the DirecTV HDTV programming. If that's a requirement for you then you are going to need to replace the antenna. If you don't care about HD in the RV or if you are a Dish Network customer, your dome should serve you quite well.

[cef2lion]

I agree. The Hubble is still up there right. I plan to see what I can do to update it and keep it working. Thanks for all the input.

Craig

[Gary RVRoamer]

I have an KVH R4SL working on Direct TV. I'm pretty sure it has to be re-programmed for Dish - it has to know what satellite to search for and Dish is different than DTV.

As for the power supply, you need that only if you aren't on shore power or generator. And it does not have to be a KVH part - you can get one a Radio Shack if you like. The R4 needs fairly high DC voltage, around 13 vdc to operate right. You have that much when your converter is running, but on battery alone the voltage drops to around 12.6 and the dome won't seek the satellite anymore. You heard yours moving, so that's not the problem right now.

Get the "keys" they told you about and don't get distracted by the power supply concern. Just make sure you are plugged in or using the genset while you are experimenting.

The KVH R series is not at all obsolete. KVH makes and sells them every day and many coaches come with them installed.

[cef2lion]

Thanks for the info on the power supply. I'm starting to get this all sorted out. I thought at first there was a power supply upgrade board on the unit itself. I see now its to crrect and issue where dirty 12V causes the dish to reset. I will track that power supply down in time.

For now I ordered the 'keys'. I did that by sending an email to orders@kvh.com. The keys are free and a PDF document from KVH said to send an email to that address to order them. The tech was pushing me into going to a KVH dealer to get this done. I can do it myself.

I also found and downloaded the KVH flash wizard 3.23 from the KVH Web site. I need to get a USB to serial adapter for my laptop to use this. I'm not sure at this point if the flash updates are embedded into the wizard. It appears so. You can also send commands to the dish with this tool.

I'm not sure if you do the 'keys' first then the upgrades or the other way around. I'm assuming the upgrades first then the keys.


Craig

[Gary RVRoamer]

Let us know how your update works out.

[cef2lion]

Will do. The service key kit came in. Still waiting on a USB to serial cable for my laptop. My current laptop doesn't have a serial port. Most don't anymore.

Craig

[cef2lion]

I connected a laptop with serial port to the main port on the KVH. I started the flash update wizard. I then powered on the KVH. At first it said waiting to connect on com1. I was going to try another serial cable when it finally connected. You need to update the main board followed by the RF board. The wizard ran an ID on the main board to know what firmware to load. It couldn't ID the main board. I could select R4SL from the pull down. I did that and the wizard performed some operation and said to reset the KVH. I did and waited and waited. The KVH made noises but never connected back to the PC. I left it sit for 30 minutes. Nothing. I powered off the KVH. On power up the wizard will not connect to the KVH. I setup XP hyperterminal as a logging tool and powered on the KVH. Nothing is being displayed on KVH startup.

I'm starting to wonder if there are issues with the KVH main board. Going to do some more research.

Craig