KVH Trac Vision 4 ...DirectTV box settings

Sum Escape

Sum Escape

Member
Apr 7, 2009
393
West Florida
Boat Info
2020 Tiara 53 Flybridge
Engines
CAT C 12.9 1000 HP Straight Shaft
Been having issues with KVH to DirectTV. KVH guy came out, ran diagnostics, billed me and says it is functioning correctly. But it again didn't work when I got to the boat. To eliminate both parties "pointing at the other guy" I will be installing a new DirectTV box. Does anyone know the correct "satellite type" to set up the new box? Any other configuration advice? Thanks
 
Can you give us more details about your issue?

I just had a tech fix mine. My issue was taking way too long to find the signal when lost. KVH thought I have some software corruption. Recalibration, reconfiguring the "home port" at the satellite level (not directtv box) and securing loose ground wire was the fix. I reset the home zip on the box earlier, but it didn't make a difference b/c satellite doesn't use it and has to be configured via laptop or special monitor board (i forgot what's it called).

If I recall, ROUND has few options, so if you look at the specs for your dish you'll be able to find closer match. Although, this may not matter that much in making your setup functioning.
 
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Alex F said:
Can you give us more details about your issue?

I just had a tech fix mine. My issue was taking way too long to find the signal when lost. KVH thought I have some software corruption. Recalibration, reconfiguring the "home port" at the satellite level (not directtv box) and securing loose ground wire was the fix. I reset the home zip on the box earlier, but it didn't make a difference b/c satellite doesn't use it and has to be configured via laptop or special monitor board (i forgot what's it called).If I recall, ROUND has few options, so if you look at the specs for your dish you'll be able to find closer match. Although, this may not matter that much in making your setup functioning.
Click to expand...


Sounds like I have a similar issue Alex. System was taking a long time to find signal and now never finds it (although the transponder signal strengths are detected and show "to spec") My KVH rotates and searches and appears to "lock" onto a signal but I continue to get the dreaded "searching for satellite (771) message". Kvh guy was out, ran computer diagnostics and said he got a signal (at the dock). We went on the hook this weekend and couldn't get it to work. Ran some DirectTV tests and the results showed "tuner failed" a couple times. That is why I then called them to get a new box (current one is the original that came with the boat in 2006). So once I have a new box, if that doesn't fix it, at least I am then sure it is a KVH issue. I hate it when they point at each other!!!
I'll post results in a few days. Hopefully the box "auto configures" and I won't need a satellite type to input (as there were many, many choices in the setup menu)
 
Sum Escape said:
Sounds like I have a similar issue Alex. System was taking a long time to find signal and now never finds it (although the transponder signal strengths are detected and show "to spec") My KVH rotates and searches and appears to "lock" onto a signal but I continue to get the dreaded "searching for satellite (771) message". Kvh guy was out, ran computer diagnostics and said he got a signal (at the dock). We went on the hook this weekend and couldn't get it to work. Ran some DirectTV tests and the results showed "tuner failed" a couple times. That is why I then called them to get a new box (current one is the original that came with the boat in 2006). So once I have a new box, if that doesn't fix it, at least I am then sure it is a KVH issue. I hate it when they point at each other!!!
I'll post results in a few days. Hopefully the box "auto configures" and I won't need a satellite type to input (as there were many, many choices in the setup menu)
Click to expand...

This could be quite different and simpler issue you have there. Mine was spinning but failed to lock the signal for a long time. If your KVH tech conformed that the gyro locked the signal in a matter of couple of minutes, then I would agree that KVH is fine and the issue is between the run from the dish to the directtv box. This could also be as simple as bad/loose wire connection.

The directtv box has nice a quick test feature to test signal strength. It's in menu->parent...favorites...setup (going of memory here). Then on the left side you'll see number of options like satellite test, choose it and then on the bottom right there's an option for a signal strength. It'll give you the beeping sound with progress bar. This is how you'll know if your directtv box gets a signal and how strong.

If you have multiswitch I would suggest bypassing it and connect the cable for the KVH directly to the box.

Again, the main thing for you is to verify that KVH locks the signal. If it does, your problem is way much simpler. BTW, I'm running regular D12 (home version) box. If you have the fancy 12vdc version you can simply bring the D12 from home (if your house gets direct tv as well) and do the test to rule out the bad box scenario.
 
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Alex,
Sounds reasonable. I did run the signal strength test which is what was giving me the transponder readings I listed in previous post. I have to turn on the glomex switch and put tv to channel four to watch satellite. That's how the direct tv guy hooked it up for whatever reason (found a solid satellite signal I guess) I'll have to get that Sea Ray wiring diagram out and try your suggestion. It does sound like a connection somewhere given your explantion.
I am running a regular home box (120 v AC) too but have cable at our condo so I can't swap it as you suggest. New box on the way. More to come....Thanks.
 
Don't have a KVH but have an Intellian with DirecTV. My Intellian box reverts to Europe as the region from time to time. Just need to reset to North America and New York and it works. Not sure if you would having the same issue.
 
I have been having similar problems to the point of considering throwing the thing in the water and going to Raymarine. There is a setting for stacked or unstacked signal. I do not remember which you need but your manual will tell. I also learned on my system at least, if I get to the boat and am turning on all breakers etc if I switch on the breaker to the system without turning on the box and let it set while I am doing other things it will lock on when I try to use it. This makes no sense at all but it works for me in Illinois.

Good Luck
 
Alex was on the right track a few posts ago with a connection/ cabling problem.
Spent lots of time with KVH and Directv. Consensus is a bad cable or connection somewhere between the dish and the receiver. First step will be to run a temporary cable to "test" set up. Won't be able to complete this test until Friday the 15th.
So does anyone know the exact routing of cabling from the KVH to the salon TV receiver on a hartop 44DA? SR technical support sent me the same schematics that are in my manual....but they don' show the routing. Stay tuned.
 
Wow, we have the M3 Tracvision and it has been rock solid since we boat the boat. The P.O. had it installed summer 2006 and we bought the boat in May '07 and other paying the PO's final bill with Direct TV it has been great !!
 
I have a M3DX and had simular problems it turned out to be bad board in dome from lightning not a hit but charged air. KVH reparied it a year ago and has been 100% ever since was $350.00 min labor plus parts for around $600.00 best money spent no more playing around and getting no progress. They also up graded every thing and turn around was 5 days.
 
vandal said:
I have a M3DX and had simular problems it turned out to be bad board in dome from lightning not a hit but charged air. KVH reparied it a year ago and has been 100% ever since was $350.00 min labor plus parts for around $600.00 best money spent no more playing around and getting no progress. They also up graded every thing and turn around was 5 days.
Click to expand...

Agreed, my June 15 date is to be able to be there when the KVH rep is there. He was there once before and it all ran fine (according to him). Now with a new Directv box, it has to be KVH or cabling. More to come after June 15.....
 
KVH rep showed up. Started Direct TV and all was fine. Only difference to what I was doing to start up was he had his PC plugged in to the diagnostic/maintence port. So all was well....until 10 mins after he left!!! "Searching for signal 771". Called KVH and they recommended grounding chassis of receiver to AC ground. Did that, no change. Have call in to KVH rep...again.... Will also call KVY (between 90 and 4 of course) to see what they recommend as next step. Saga continues....
Thanks vandal for the tip, I will pass it on the the KVH rep. If anyone has experienced a similar problem with an issue different than vandal, please advise. Thanks
 
I'll give you my 2 cents as I own a KVH TracVision 4 like you. I used to have all kinds of problems with signal loss and there were several issues that I fixed that solved the problem. The system now always works (knock on wood) and I haven't had any problems in years.

First is to check the coax cable. Mine had a connector/splice in it (I assume so the hardtop could be removed for transport on land?) and the connectors on this splice degraded over time and where loose. Not loose in the screw tighten sense... but loose in that it looked like a 7-year old crimped the connectors on the cable using a nut cracker. I put new coax connectors on and that fixed the signal loss problem. (I ended up replacing the whole cable later as discussed next).

Second is to check the voltage at the dish. That thing needs 12+ volts. Not 11.9... but 12+. If you have a weak battery the first thing to start acting stupid is the KVH... That can happen if you turn on a light in the boat and then the voltage at the dish drops below 12v. The voltage drop on the wire can be pretty extreme as well. Sea Ray, on my boat, put a 50 foot extension cable part on the thing and if I remember right, it was something like 18g wire. The voltage drop on the wire by the time it got to the dish put it below 12v when various other things in the cabin were turned on. It made it seem unstable... You need to get a voltmeter up on the dish itself and measure the voltage with lights on in the boat, fridge running, vacuflush running, etc...

I ended up running new coax (2 of them) and 12g wire up to the dish with no splices in any of the wire. That eliminates the coax splice signal loss and the voltage drop on the power wire and since then, it's been great.

Also, you may want to turn off the "sleep" option on the antenna. You'll need a pc hooked to the thing to do that. The gyro on back of the antenna turns off after about 10 minutes and if your boat moves 3 millimeters in the slip, you'll loose signal...

One other thing... I notice your radar is next to your dish. The local KVH dealer has replaced several fried boards in our marina due to the dish pointing into the radar's + or - 12 degree cone. The install on your boat appears to violate the KVH install guidelines.
 
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Four Suns said:
I'll give you my 2 cents as I own a KVH TracVision 4 like you. I used to have all kinds of problems with signal loss and there were several issues that I fixed that solved the problem. The system now always works (knock on wood) and I haven't had any problems in years.

First is to check the coax cable. Mine had a connector/splice in it (I assume so the hardtop could be removed for transport on land?) and the connectors on this splice degraded over time and where loose. Not loose in the screw tighten sense... but loose in that it looked like a 7-year old crimped the connectors on the cable using a nut cracker. I put new coax connectors on and that fixed the signal loss problem. (I ended up replacing the whole cable later as discussed next).

Second is to check the voltage at the dish. That thing needs 12+ volts. Not 11.9... but 12+. If you have a weak battery the first thing to start acting stupid is the KVH... That can happen if you turn on a light in the boat and then the voltage at the dish drops below 12v. The voltage drop on the wire can be pretty extreme as well. Sea Ray, on my boat, put a 50 foot extension cable part on the thing and if I remember right, it was something like 18g wire. The voltage drop on the wire by the time it got to the dish put it below 12v when various other things in the cabin were turned on. It made it seem unstable... You need to get a voltmeter up on the dish itself and measure the voltage with lights on in the boat, fridge running, vacuflush running, etc...

I ended up running new coax (2 of them) and 12g wire up to the dish with no splices in any of the wire. That eliminates the coax splice signal loss and the voltage drop on the power wire and since then, it's been great.

Also, you may want to turn off the "sleep" option on the antenna. You'll need a pc hooked to the thing to do that. The gyro on back of the antenna turns off after about 10 minutes and if your boat moves 3 millimeters in the slip, you'll loose signal...

One other thing... I notice your radar is next to your dish. The local KVH dealer has replaced several fried boards in our marina due to the dish pointing into the radar's + or - 12 degree cone. The install on your boat appears to violate the KVH install guidelines.
Click to expand...

Thanks. Yes Sea Ray installed the KVH at the factory so I am sure some of the same issues likely exist. And it has been brought to my atttention before that I am likely in violation of installation guidelines. It has worked flawlesly until this year though. Tonight I am installing a AC grounding block in line in the coax cable per KVH technical support recommendation. If that doesn't work, I will start down the list you provided. I really appreciate the heads up.
Will keep all posted with final results (although if I don't get it fixed tonight it may be a couple weeks because I will be on vacation and the liklihood of a fix during that period is nil!)
 
No luck with grounding block last night. Will start down Four Suns recommendations list when I am home from vacation after the fourth of July as I cannot get a KVH service rep out before I leave on Friday for a Door County 10 day trip. I guess no Directv until after that....
 
As previously stated, SeaRay tends to run too small of wires to the system.
i would check the voltage at the switch plate while the system is running (preferably right at start up)
Make sure the connections are good also on the coax. seaRay tends to use twist on connectors on all their coax cables... Not recommended. I would replace them with snap and seal connectors.
how many receivers are on the boat? Is there a multiswitch installed?
 
I am in the same boat...no pun intended. Tracvision 4 worked well last year. Installed all new TV's and receivers this year and nothing.....I have a feeling this is going to be expensive.
 
OK end of thread for now. Voltage at unit fine. Ran temporary RG6 cable to see if it was bad coax. No change. Field tech now cannot even get a response from the antenna through the maintenance port, thus KVH technical support has determined it needs to be shipped to KVH for further diagnostics. $500 minimum charge plus shipping. Board is $650 plus if it is bad.
So .... Over air digital is free. Trying that low tech answer for now. Maybe ship and fix it over winter storage season.
Thanks to all who contibuted input.
 
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