Upgrade to TracVision R5/R4 Satelite system

[grahase66]

We just purchased a 2007 Fleetwood Southwind that has an auto-tracking Satellite system. However, upon trying to install a new Directv service to it, we find out that since it is over 5 years old, it needs a system upgrade. Is it possible to get an upgrade from somewhere online, or must I take it to a dealership somewhere and pay to have it done?

[texnet]

Not sure who told you that you needed an upgrade, but If it needs an upgrade, they are most likely talking about a software upgrade that KVH will not sell to an end user. It requires a special program to upload the new firmware. I found the program online but like I said you can't order the necessary file/cd to upload.

[pcurt23]

I have a 2007 bounder with trac vision and Direct TV. I have a dvr and a regular receiver set up. We also have DNS service for local chanels. Works fine although we can not receive HDTV from the satellight.

[Mr_D]

We have a KVH (factory installed in 2002) and DirectTV. Have never needed a software upgrade and it works just fine but we don't have HDTV at the house or in the MH.

[texnet]

HDTV with Directv is not possible with the current technology roof-top dish antennas. It is possible with Dish.

Added... I stand corrected.. what I should have said HD with Directv is not available with a roof mounted DOME antenna

[173dave]

Quote:

Originally Posted by texnet HDTV with Directv is not possible with the current technology roof-top dish antennas. It is possible with Dish.

It is available for Direct TV with the roof mounted dish. It is different than the standard dish, but it does get HD.

[texnet]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 173dave It is available for Direct TV with the roof mounted dish. It is different than the standard dish, but it does get HD.

I stand corrected.. what I should have said HD with Directv is not available with a roof mounted DOME antenna

[lllkrob]

Quote:

Originally Posted by grahase66 We just purchased a 2007 Fleetwood Southwind that has an auto-tracking Satellite system. However, upon trying to install a new Directv service to it, we find out that since it is over 5 years old, it needs a system upgrade. Is it possible to get an upgrade from somewhere online, or must I take it to a dealership somewhere and pay to have it done?

If you are really computer literate and have a laptop computer you can download the update software from KVH. Just Google "KVH Flash Update Wizard". You will need to purchase two special cables to connect to the Main board and the RF board. Also pay very close attention to the procedure outlined on the KVH website with regard to updating your unit.

If your not computer savy, call a KVH dealer to arrange for an update. It will cost approx $150. That's about what the special cables would cost to buy in the first place.

[173dave]

Quote:

Originally Posted by texnet I stand corrected.. what I should have said HD with Directv is not available with a roof mounted DOME antenna

They actually have HD converter for king dome now.

[texnet]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lllkrob If you are really computer literate and have a laptop computer you can download the update software from KVH. Just Google "KVH Flash Update Wizard". You will need to purchase two special cables to connect to the Main board and the RF board. Also pay very close attention to the procedure outlined on the KVH website with regard to updating your unit.

I found the software several months ago just like you said... google it. I am very surprised that they haven't input the proper code on the download page so search engines don't list that page

I have an older unit, Tracvision LF, and need the DVB upgrade board/firmware to make it an R5 but it has been discontinued. I have checked with several dealers but no one has it. Any idea where I might find the upgrade?

[hamguy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lllkrob If you are really computer literate and have a laptop computer you can download the update software from KVH. Just Google "KVH Flash Update Wizard". You will need to purchase two special cables to connect to the Main board and the RF board. Also pay very close attention to the procedure outlined on the KVH website with regard to updating your unit. If your not computer savy, call a KVH dealer to arrange for an update. It will cost approx $150. That's about what the special cables would cost to buy in the first place.

I have updated my firmware 2 times. It took a USB to RS232 cable and an update package from KVH in one instance and typing some simple code in the second. The last update I did was in about 2006 or 7. Haven't checked since but AFAIK, I get all the stuff I should.

[lllkrob]

Texnet:
I have an older unit, Tracvision LF, and need the DVB upgrade board/firmware to make it an R5 but it has been discontinued. I have checked with several dealers but no one has it. Any idea where I might find the upgrade?


Sorry, I have no idea other than calling every KVH dealer around you.

[173dave]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lllkrob Texnet: I have an older unit, Tracvision LF, and need the DVB upgrade board/firmware to make it an R5 but it has been discontinued. I have checked with several dealers but no one has it. Any idea where I might find the upgrade? Sorry, I have no idea other than calling every KVH dealer around you.

Look at posts 1 thru 12

[grahase66]

Quote:

Originally Posted by texnet HDTV with Directv is not possible with the current technology roof-top dish antennas. It is possible with Dish. Added... I stand corrected.. what I should have said HD with Directv is not available with a roof mounted DOME antenna

We did go ahead and take our RV over to SouthHaven, Miss. where they did an upgrade on our program software and we now get directv (with HDTV) wherever we go. Costly ($220) but was worth it.
Thanks for the comments.
grahase66