Satellite Systems

[Melbo]

I am sure this has been discussed many times.

In fact I have seen several threads concerning this topic

BUT Technology changes and I am about to part with some cash so I want the latest information.

What are the thoughts on Kingdome and Winegard antennae systems.

I am mostly concerned with the in motion systems.

They both seem to be priced at about 1600 dollars.

Thanks for any info

Melbo

[Nick Badame Refrig/ACC]

Hi Melbo,

If you want the best of the best, follow this link. This system is far superior to ordinary in motion units.

http://www.kvh.com/products/Product.asp?id=92

Nick-

[Melbo]

Nick

Thanks for the response but I am a dish network guy not direct tv.

Melbo

[sivrtnge2]

I've said this once... and I will say it again!!! TRACVISION...TRACVISION...TRACVISION...I am bias to TRACVISION because I have both KVH and TRACVISION. When you have a problem and you will, KVH will require you to go to an authorize service center. Minimal service fee is approximately 75.00. just to diagnose the problem because you have to hook up to a pc. TRACVISION on the other hand, will put you through to a service tech and they will troubleshoot with you as long as it takes to find and correct the problem. They will also send you test equipment to test the boards, gyros and cables. They sent me all the equipment I needed and I rebuilt my entire system for less than 200.00. Then they offered me a job as a field rep. 
--
BILL

[Hartley]

If you don't want to go the hi-line then most in-motion is still gonna be from about $1,500 up to $6,000

All have some inherent problems at some point.

I use a KingDome semi-auto @ $700 but it is a stationary system. I use Dish also
and that switching between satellites can be a pain. ( 110 & 119 )

Note: The LNB's are the same for either service since the satellites are on the same frequencies.
Most systems will have a configuration for either service.

Winegard is supposed to have a lower priced entry into the full motion arena but they are still expensive.
I actually don't know if any of the new technology systems are multi-satellite capable yet. Haven't
looked this week.

[Nick Badame Refrig/ACC]

I've said this once... and I will say it again!!! TRACVISION...TRACVISION...TRACVISION...I am bias to TRACVISION because I have both KVH and TRACVISION. When you have a problem and you will, KVH will require you to go to an authorize service center. Minimal service fee is approximately 75.00. just to diagnose the problem because you have to hook up to a pc. TRACVISION on the other hand, will put you through to a service tech and they will troubleshoot with you as long as it takes to find and correct the problem. They will also send you test equipment to test the boards, gyros and cables. They sent me all the equipment I needed and I rebuilt my entire system for less than 200.00. Then they offered me a job as a field rep. 
--
BILL

Hay Bill,

Funny, thats what my neighbor says about TrackVision... He has problems about once a month with it locking up and
there are no service centers here in NJ.. ~To Each His Own~
Nick-

[H3Jim]

What am I missing?  (hopefullly not my brain)

I went to the KVH website listed below, and it seems that KVH makes TracVision -  so how is one better than the other when they are the same?  It looks like they make R4, R5, R6 and R7 units, all seem pretty good and are TracVision

[Nick Badame Refrig/ACC]

Hi Jim,

I think we both ment to say TrackStar.  Well, thats what I thought anyway..

Nick-

[H3Jim]

Thanks for the clarification. 

Getting a satellite system is on my list, but I am waiting for the technology to mature a litte.  I like the idea of the in motion, little or no setup, and the possibility of getting satellite radio with it.  Everytime I look at the systems, it seems they have gotten better. So when to get wet and jump in.  What seems to stop me is  that I still choke on the idea of creating another monthly expense. Although I don't mind spending a wad one time to get a great system.

[Nick Badame Refrig/ACC]

Hi Jim,

Do you have satelite at home?

If so, like me, my recievers in my bus cost me $5 each a month to maintain from Direct TV. They are added to my home account.

There are no monthly charges incurred with the in-motion roof dish if that is your concern.

The only short comming with the recievers in the bus is, I'm not able to order Pay Per View movies with my remote. I'm forced to

either order them on line or call by phone. [not a bad inconvience]

The KVH A-7 looks at the satelite in a different way then regular dishes. They use technolagy from the millitary thats called

hybrid phased-array technology

This  system picks up the signal in a "funnel shaped" way. This eliminates blockage from tall trees and buildings that dish type

antennas have lots of trouble with.

Nick-

[H3Jim]

That's pretty cool about the flat dish being able to "see" through or around trees.  I'd have thought it would be less good at that than the others.  More reason to order it!  Is this a brand new unit and is there any history of its reliability?

My sister's son lives with me, and he works for  Cox.  I get free cable, so I guess my protests sound a little weak.  I haven't found a way to get a cable long enough to hook it to the bus...

Does it look ilke there are other competing systems about ready to come out?  This is the best unit I've seen. The installation instruction manual seems to think its market is SUV's and Hummers.

It seems to be set up the work with Direct TV the best.

[JackConrad]

I installed a Wingard phased array- in motion antenna on a bus.  On the test drive, when I came to a place where there was a row of tall australian pines along the south side of the road, I lost the signal until I was past the trees. Maybe the other brands work better.  Jack

[Nick Badame Refrig/ACC]

That's pretty cool about the flat dish being able to "see" through or around trees.  I'd have thought it would be less good at that than the others.  More reason to order it!  Is this a brand new unit and is there any history of its reliability?

My sister's son lives with me, and he works for  Cox.  I get free cable, so I guess my protests sound a little weak.  I haven't found a way to get a cable long enough to hook it to the bus...

Does it look ilke there are other competing systems about ready to come out?  This is the best unit I've seen. The installation instruction manual seems to think its market is SUV's and Hummers.

It seems to be set up the work with Direct TV the best.

Hi Jim,
Here is another artical that details more about the A-7
http://www.kvh.com/inthenews/pdf/110306_abcnews.pdf
Our Military uses KVH too
04/2007 U.S. Army TACOM chooses KVH TACNAV navigation systems for combat vehicles
"U.S. Army Tank and Automotive Command (TACOM) personnel in Warren, Mich., needed a navigation system for Army combat vehicles, for which they turned to KVH Industries." (pdf link) 

Nick-

[Ncbob]

IMHO, unless you have children who can't live without TV while traveling the 'in motion' system is pie in the sky.  Even as far as a roof mounted system is concerned I've yet to find someone who enjoys manually tuning their system, and retuning after the bus settles.

So, being basically conservative (read cheap) I'm still in the dark ages...using my tripod for the dish and the road map instead of the GPS.

Though I do admire those who are brave enough to venture into the 21st Century.....

NCbob

[HighTechRedneck]

As much as I love high tech toys, I'm with NCBob on this one.  I don't have any children on board and there is a lot of other things $5000 can do for my bus.  And if sometime I did have children on a long trip, a dvd player and a video game box should keep them occupied most of the time.

But that is part of the allure of bus conversion, make it your own by putting in the features that are important to you.