Community Forums

**Lt Dan** · 09-20-2020, 02:24 PM

For those of us that missed out on the color LCD panels that started with the 2018 coaches, Spyder now has a limited supply of upgrades for the 2017 Phaetons and Buses. It's a simple install, just screw a mounting bracket to the wall, plug it in and snap it in place. It can be recessed by cutting into the wall if there is an open cavity behind but mine had a wall stud in the way. The touch controls work great and visibility is much better than the original panel. It goes dark after an adjustable amount of time but all you have to do is touch the screen and it lights up. Contact them at Spyder Controls for details. I have no affiliation with them, just a satisfied customer.

les.warden · 09-20-2020, 07:17 PM

Another Happy Camper here! 2017 Phaeton.

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**NLOVNIT** · 09-20-2020, 07:22 PM

Welcome to the big league, boys.

Lori-

BobGed · 09-20-2020, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lt Dan

For those of us that missed out on the color LCD panels that started with the 2018 coaches, Spyder now has a limited supply of upgrades for the 2017 Phaetons and Buses. It's a simple install, just screw a mounting bracket to the wall, plug it in and snap it in place. It can be recessed by cutting into the wall if there is an open cavity behind but mine had a wall stud in the way. The touch controls work great and visibility is much better than the original panel. It goes dark after an adjustable amount of time but all you have to do is touch the screen and it lights up. Contact them at Spyder Controls for details. I have no affiliation with them, just a satisfied customer.

Dan,
I know you also installed the SeeLevel modification as I did. Are your tank readings solid or do they fluctuate between the actual reading and empty?

**Lt Dan** · 09-21-2020, 06:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobGed

Dan,
I know you also installed the SeeLevel modification as I did. Are your tank readings solid or do they fluctuate between the actual reading and empty?

Bob, they did until I changed the SeeLevel panel. The original one I used had LP display and the Spyder panel would change between full and the actual level. I changed the panel to the "NLP" model which does not have the LP levels and everything's been stable since.

BobGed · 09-21-2020, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lt Dan

Bob, they did until I changed the SeeLevel panel. The original one I used had LP display and the Spyder panel would change between full and the actual level. I changed the panel to the "NLP" model which does not have the LP levels and everything's been stable since.

With the old panel my LP level reading would fluctuate but not the fresh, grey and black. Now with the upgraded panel all four are fluctuating which I have a feeling is because the new panel is so sensitive. I'm going to disconnect the LP connection and see what happens.

Thanks for the info.

**Lt Dan** · 09-21-2020, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobGed

With the old panel my LP level reading would fluctuate but not the fresh, grey and black. Now with the upgraded panel all four are fluctuating which I have a feeling is because the new panel is so sensitive. I'm going to disconnect the LP connection and see what happens.
Thanks for the info.

I tried that on mine and it didn't work, as well as disabling the LP function on the SeeLevel panel. I even tried connecting the LP gauge line directly to the SeeLevel panel instead of the Spyder and could not get a reading that way on the Spyder. The only solution I finally came up with was to change the SL panel out for the NLP model which doesn't have the LP tank readings. With that change the LP readings were steady. I don't think the NLP model was available when we made the change to the SL system a couple of years ago. I contacted both SeeLevel (Garnet) and Spyder and neither one of them could give an explanation. Apparently there is still some kind of signal still being sent to the Spyder from the SL panel even with the LP function disabled.

Here is the one I finally installed.
https://www.rvupgradestore.com/Garne...rvc-nlp-mo.htm

BobGed · 09-21-2020, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lt Dan

I tried that on mine and it didn't work, as well as disabling the LP function on the SeeLevel panel. I even tried connecting the LP gauge line directly to the SeeLevel panel instead of the Spyder and could not get a reading that way on the Spyder. The only solution I finally came up with was to change the SL panel out for the NLP model which doesn't have the LP tank readings. With that change the LP readings were steady. I don't think the NLP model was available when we made the change to the SL system a couple of years ago. I contacted both SeeLevel (Garnet) and Spyder and neither one of them could give an explanation. Apparently there is still some kind of signal still being sent to the Spyder from the SL panel even with the LP function disabled.

Here is the one I finally installed.
https://www.rvupgradestore.com/Garne...rvc-nlp-mo.htm

Well it didn't work for me either. I just ordered the 709-RVC-NLP from RV Upgrades. It was the last one in stock so thank you for the timely link.

les.warden · 09-21-2020, 12:51 PM

Sooooo, since you’re talking about it, does the Sealevel tie into the Spyder system? IOW, can I read the Sealevel levels off my newly installed Spyder panel or do you have to read it off its own panel? Curious minds want to know!

BobGed · 09-21-2020, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by les.warden

Sooooo, since you’re talking about it, does the Sealevel tie into the Spyder system? IOW, can I read the Sealevel levels off my newly installed Spyder panel or do you have to read it off its own panel? Curious minds want to know!

Yes it can be done but it requires a modification to the Spyder system. Attached is a write-up I did that may be helpful, but of course based on Dan's info you should get the 709-RVC-NLP panel.

Ddubya · 09-23-2020, 07:56 AM

Installed the new Spyder panel a couple of days ago. It is a great improvement over the stock panel.

SargeW · 09-24-2020, 11:38 AM

Yep, I got mine installed too. Huge difference over the original screen. Now I just have to get used to the locations of the new buttons. I even called Spyder with a few questions about the new panel and Christian was very helpful sorting a few things out. Now I am considering adding the Bluetooth functionality at some point in the future. I think it's a bit pricey, but might be worth in in the long run. The parts for the Bluetooth function are made by Firefly.

**Lt Dan** · 09-24-2020, 11:51 AM

Marty, you might do a search for CoachProxy on Facebook. There is a gentleman on Facebook that is selling the open source version with hardware. The original developers of CoachProxy have stopped production and placed the software into public domain. I have been a CP user since beta testing it back in 2015 and am very happy with it. It's much less expensive than the Firefly version and works through your coach WiFi. It gives you total control of all Spyder functions through your smartphone, tablet or computer.

Elf · 09-24-2020, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lt Dan

Marty, you might do a search for CoachProxy on Facebook. There is a gentleman on Facebook that is selling the open source version with hardware. The original developers of CoachProxy have stopped production and placed the software into public domain. I have been a CP user since beta testing it back in 2015 and am very happy with it. It's much less expensive than the Firefly version and works through your coach WiFi. It gives you total control of all Spyder functions through your smartphone, tablet or computer.

I know this is getting away from the original post but we are considering a new coach. I like having the CoachProxy with our current coach. Do you have any information on the ability to program it for use with a newer coach?