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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: bus05eagle on June 28, 2007, 12:24:39 PM

Title: KVH satellite
Post by: bus05eagle on June 28, 2007, 12:24:39 PM
I think i found a deal on the A7 its 2495.00 and a free receiver has anybody found a better deal and is the mobile direct TV the only system that works on this unit look at atlanticrt.com
Title: Re: KVH satellite
Post by: Nick Badame Refrig/ACC on June 28, 2007, 05:03:49 PM
Hi bus05eagle,

Yes, $2339.00 with the 12v reciever....

http://www.etailelectronics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=09969&Category_Code=SatelliteSystems&Store_Code=etail

Good Luck
Nick-
Title: Re: KVH satellite
Post by: Jerry Liebler on June 28, 2007, 06:10:20 PM
I too am shopping for a low profile satellite antenna.  A few things about the KVH disturb me.  First off I'm a dish network subscriber at home so I'd like Dish network support.  But the real bummer is the coverage maps with the A7,  basically it only works well in the south with restricted coverage in new england and most states along the Canadian border, this is due to it's limitation to 32 degree minimum elevation.  I looked at the Raysat speedray 1000 which is about the same price, it's elevation limit is 20 degrees and it fully supports Dish network as well as Direct TV.  I know it's not very well distributed but it sure looks like the better unit for me.  I'll call them tomorrow and find out why their installation manual says it raises the vehicle height 9" yet it is claimed to be 5.7" or 5.9" high.  I need to be under 8" to clear my barn door.  The recommended Dish network receiver is only $99 at Radio Shack.
Regards
Jerry 4107 1120
Title: Re: KVH satellite
Post by: H3Jim on June 28, 2007, 06:21:08 PM
Jerry, yes, do  keep us posted
Title: Re: KVH satellite
Post by: bus05eagle on June 28, 2007, 07:01:00 PM
Jerry,i think i am going with something else because of the moblie direct tv and i get different answers on how many channels you can get keep us posted about the unit you are looking at and if we can buy several units like Jim talked about get a better deal
Title: Re: KVH satellite
Post by: Jerry Liebler on June 29, 2007, 08:22:36 AM
I had a long conversation with Raysat.  They have two models with MSRPs of $2350 and $2450 the more expensive supports both Direct TV and Dish network.  I'll opt for Dish only.  The dealer costs are $1795 and $1895.  Their warranty is void unless a 'qualified' installer does the installation.  The reason it can add 9 " to the vehicle height is the RV mounting bracket kit they sell has 3" tall mounting brackets.  Obviously one can fabricate alternate mounting arrangements.  I'm thinking of 2 pieces of aluminum channel about 1  " x 1" running parallel to the bus centerline with their screws through the top of the channel and screws into the roof ribs through the bottom of the channel (this would still leave about 1/2" between the bottom of the antenna and the roof at the center).  They do have local dealers near me.  I called two of them, both have never sold one but one has been trained as an installer and will sell me a unit at a price lower than MSRP and "evaluate" my installation so if there is a problem I should still have a warranty.  Why shouldn't he, it's like found money to him.  The gentleman I spoke to at Raysat said there is no reason a receiver set up and authorised in my house can't be used in the bus so I'll simply buy the receiver from Radio Shack, set it up and get it going in the house then move it to the bus when we travel, avoiding the mobile subscription which at $29.99/month is outrageous when it's $5 for an added receiver. 
Regards
Jerry 4107 1120
Title: Re: KVH satellite
Post by: Jerry Liebler on June 29, 2007, 02:23:07 PM
When I was Talking to Raysat I had asked if I could become an approved installer.  The gentleman I was talking to said 'I don't see why not, just follow the links on the home page and see if they'll set up an account and allow you to take the test which is required.  So I did, I was given an account so I could see the training material and take the test.  For some unknown reason I couldn't get to the training but since they allow up to 20 attempts at the test I decided to take it anyway.   I have read the installation manual several times.  One of the 20 questions was 'have you read the training materials and the installation manual', I know I answered it wrong, in their view because I haven't read the training.  On another question there were what I felt were two equally good answers so I checked both, after I closed the test I remembered the instructions were 'pick the best answer', that means two wrong.  Well I am an approved installer as I got 90% on the test.  I may also be a dealer, I won't check that out for a couple of weeks, that's when my banker (wife) says I can order it.  If I'm not a dealer one of the local dealers is willing to order one in *he pays the shipping) and sell it to me for $2100+tax, I pick it up at his store.
Regards
Jerry 4107 1120