TracVision R5/R4

DingDong · 11-06-2010, 09:37 PM

Hi Everyone

I have a Fleetwood Excursion, we've had for about two years now and I am trying to get our Dish Network to work in the motorhome when we go camping. My question is, is there a way to know if my system has been updated to configure it for Dish? I am a total newbie to all this and I feel completely lost.

Thanks for any help!

chiefdave · 11-06-2010, 10:06 PM

You would have to have a computer and a serial cable to connect to the sat dish.

DingDong · 11-06-2010, 10:29 PM

Hi Dave, thanks for responding

Are there instructions anywhere on how to do this? I tried using the KVH website, but I only get to the point where they ask if it has been updated and if it has not that a tech has to come out...

I have a laptop, what type of serial cable?

Thanks for your help, again, I'm a total newbie and my member name is DingDong for a reason

chiefdave · 11-07-2010, 06:21 AM

DingDong
KVH recommends one of the following
models…
USB to Serial Adapters
1. IO Gear GUC232A
2. Belkin F5U109 or F5U409
They can sometimes be found in stock at Walmart or Staples. Or, you can
purchase one online at…
Belkin or
IOGEAR - GUC232A - USB to Serial RS-232 Adapter
or
http://www.amazon.com/
or, go to the following website and enter one of the above model
numbers to compare prices online…
NexTag - Compare Prices Before You Buy
USB to Serial Adapters will come with an installation CD ROM, sometimes the
miniature version. Please be sure to locate this disk and carefully follow the
installation instructions. During installation, try to make note of what COM
port number the adapter gets assigned. After installing the drivers with the
installation disk, please reboot your computer with the USB to Serial Adapter
plugged in prior to calling KVH Tech Support for further assistance.

USB to Serial Adapters typically have short cables, around 2 feet. If you think
you will need a longer cable, you can purchase an extender cable from either
Radio Shack or KVH. Here are the part numbers for the extender cables…
1. KVH: P/N 32-0628-06
2. Radio Shack: P/N 26-117
Next, you need to consider what Windows operating system you have installed in
your computer. If you have Windows XP or an earlier version (i.e. 98, ME,
2000), a terminal emulation program (Hyper Terminal) is already built in. We
will give you instructions on how to use and configure it. Basic instructions
are also in your Owner’s Manual. If your operating system is Window Vista, you
will need to download ‘Hyper Terminal for Vista Version 7.0 (NOTE: DOWNLOADING
FREE SOFTWARE IS AT YOUR OWN RISK). The link for downloading this program
follows (click on “Free Download”)…

Free HyperTerminal Private Edition Download

In order to check the installation and the COM port number for your USB to
Serial adapter, go to Start, and right click on My Computer and left click on
properties. Click on the Hardware tab and then click on the Device Manager
button. Click on the plus sign next to Ports (COM & LPT). Under this heading you
should see your USB Serial port (Belkin or IO Gear) with a number. This would be
the COM port number that you would choose in your application.

Next, you will need to start Hyper Terminal (usually ‘Start->All
Programs->Accessories->Communications->Hyper Terminal), choose the COM port
number that was assigned to the USB to Serial adapter (note this during driver
installation), then configure the port settings as follows (shortcut is to click
on ‘Restore Defaults’): Bits per second – 9600, Data bits – 8, Parity – None,
Stop bits – 1, Flow control – None. Once you turn on the KVH antenna, data
should start to scroll in your Hyper Terminal window.

For customers who are still covered under KVH warranty, additional help over the
phone is complimentary. For customers out of KVH warranty, additional help is
also available over the phone. The charge for successful resolution of a
non-warranty issue is $85.

If you run into trouble trying to connect a computer to your antenna, or if you
have decided that you’re not comfortable in doing so, my advice at this point
would be to seek the assistance of a KVH-certified dealer who can diagnose any
issues you may have and upgrade the antenna software.
Dealers can be located at…
Where to Get Service

You might try contacting one of the installers for Dish and see if they have any additional instructions.

Good Luck!

cef2lion · 11-08-2010, 12:42 PM

I went through this with this past summer. I had the R4SL and I wanted to get up and running with Dish. I went through a process and there is a thread I started in this forum on the topic.

First thing I did was buy the KVH AC power supply. If your KVH is feed by 12V coach power you could see KVH resets. The KVH power supply corrected that.

Second I did a firmware update for the system and RF board using a KVH flash tool. The system update is via the 9 pin connector on the ON/OFF switch. The RF update is via a RJ6 jack on the back of the KVH ON/OFF switch. I made the cables but KVH sells them.

I then clear the RF board config and typed in a few commands I got from KVH to program for Dish standard def. I have the commands for HD. I had to set the KVH type as it defaulted to R5 and I was getting a gyro error.

I ordered service keys from KVH. For standard def you use both keys. One in the 9 pin and the other in the RJ6 on the back of the switch. You then do two Dish check switch commands. that sets up the KVH for dish. Pull the keys and you should be done.

Mine has been working good ever since.

Craig