KVH TracVision Satellite-DirecTV

cellularSTEVE · 09-17-2008, 06:41 PM

I am looking to buy a KVH Tracvision satellite system for DirecTV.

I see a few of you have them including Blackeye and Greg. Any thoughts?

Anyone have the A5 or A7? Any problems with it?

steve

Greg In Austin · 09-17-2008, 07:16 PM

I will have to check, but I think what we have is the A7.

We are very happy with it.

It works well when in motion.

It does need a "clear view of the southern sky". We found when looking for shady spots that tree brnaches can block the view of that sky. We have always been able to reposition and get everything working. We probably will suplement the setup with a cheap dish that we can substitute so that we can park under trees and set the dish out away from the van.

We have used it across the eastern half of the USA with no problems.

Blackeye · 09-18-2008, 11:14 AM

Hey Steve,

Initially, ours worked great. During our recent trip through the Rockies, we almost felt guilty watching TV while parked in the middle of nowhere. Greg in Austin pegged itâ€¦you need to have a clear view of the southern sky. Many of our overnights were spent in amongst the trees and we didnâ€™t even attempt to use the TV.

Subsequent to using the satellite system, we drove some serious miles off-road. Once we got back onto tarmac, we were unable to get any satellite signal. Rob and Randy with Integrated Audio Solutions @ (559) 281-5500 (the A/V outfit that SMB West uses) checked out the system and determined that a replacement was warranted. They are obtaining a replacement dish and receiver for us.

When it was working, it was great. I believe that we have the A7.

I hope that this helps.

Thanks,

Blackeye

cellularSTEVE · 09-18-2008, 12:03 PM

Thanks very much Greg and Blackeye,
I called KVH and told them I intend to go offroad. The tech paused a long time and said it could possibly get the system out of allignment (he mentioned the ball bearings). Perhaps that is what happened on yours Blackeye? Did SMB or Integrated think that the offroading had something to do with it malfuncitoning?

Hmm, maybe I should rethink this purchase.

Anyone else have some longer term experience using one of these who also goes on more than just pavement/fireroads?

steve

Buji · 09-18-2008, 12:10 PM

I have not had very good long term luck with my raysat unit either. One month past the 1 year warranty and it's pretty much useless. Have a call into RaySat and am waiting to hear what they say.

**daveb** · 09-18-2008, 09:37 PM

Steve I know it takes up some space but I'm looking at this.
http://www.roadtrucker.com/12ag/satelli ... agodGmsMeA

If I can take a receiver from home and not pay an extra fee for something that gets used only while in my van, I'm going for it. They have now came out with a smaller version...Looks like you can set your beer on it while not in use

Dave

cellularSTEVE · 09-19-2008, 12:59 AM

Buji,
Do you think the problems you encountered are due to the offroading?

DaveB,
I took a look at that unit and the difference is KVH will autotrack while you drive. The cube unit is to be used while stationary.

In either one my understanding is you can just add a receiver to your house account by paying $5 extra per month.

on long drives it is nice to have DirecTV for both satellite radio (has XM built in) and to catch up on the news etc.

steve

**daveb** · 09-19-2008, 10:14 AM

I was under the assumption that KVH was a complete system you subscribe to. Didnâ€™t know it was compatible with Dish or Direct TV. Will have to re-think it now.
Dave.

Greg In Austin · 09-19-2008, 10:23 AM

We are using DirecTV. We switched the house over from cable TV to DirecTV so that the SMB would only be costing $5 extra per month for service.

We have the audio output of the system fed into an Aux input on our radio. This allows us to use the stereo as the TV sound system, but it also allows the driver to "listen" to TV channels while driving.

Although XM is available through DirecTV, we chose to get XM seperately as well. With the XM through DirecTV, you tune via the TV, That is fine for in camp when stopped, but we watned the ability to tune via the radio and see the channel name on the radio display.

The A7 itself has worked wonderfully. We have not done any heavy offroad yet, so I am not sure if that will be a problem.

Blackeye · 09-19-2008, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cellularSTEVE

Did SMB or Integrated think that the offroading had something to do with it malfuncitoning?

steve

No mention of the offroading issue. It shouldn't really matter based on the condition of some of the paved roads in California. Some of California's paved roads are worse than many of the dirt roads that we have found in the Rockies (CO, WY & MT).