Subject: DISH Network s Reconfiguration of the 129 W Satellite

Transcription

1 Technical Bulletin Date: December 4, 2009 Subject: DISH Network s Reconfiguration of the 129 W Satellite Products Affected TracVision R4SL, R5SL TracVision R4, R5, L3, and S3 systems that have been upgraded with a Service Keys kit (KVH part # ) This problem does not affect TracVision R6DX or R6ST systems. Problem Description DISH Network will change the frequency encoding of its 129 W satellite as early as Wednesday, December 16 th. This change will affect all mobile DISH Network TurboHD subscribers in the western half of the United States, regardless of which manufacturer s antenna they are using. Once DISH Network implements this change, affected TracVision antenna systems will not be able to track the 129 W satellite without either a new hardware accessory or a software update, as described below. This DISH Network change only affects DISH 1000/129 mode. All other antenna operating modes, including DISH 1000/61, DISH 500, DIRECTV, and ExpressVu (Bell TV service), are unaffected by this problem. This problem also does not affect the 119 W and 110 W satellites; customers will still be able to enjoy standarddefinition DISH Network programming from these two satellites without any issues. Problem Solution: Option #1 KVH s Master Receiver Selector KVH has developed a new enhanced multiswitch called the Master Receiver Selector that will completely resolve any issues related to the 129 W satellite, while providing additional capabilities. The Master Receiver Selector offers the following features: Automatic satellite switching in any DISH Network mode In-motion operation in any DISH Network mode (TracVision R5SL, R5, and L3 systems only) Support for multiple receivers Capability for the user to select, at any time, which master receiver will control satellite selection KVH Part # MSRP $395 Normal dealer discounts apply. KVH is dedicated to providing outstanding support to all of our customers. So while the DISH Network change will affect only a small number of TracVision owners, we re offering a $100 discount on the Master Receiver Selector for affected KVH customers whose antennas are still under warranty. Important: Installation requires connections to both RF1 and RF2 cables from the antenna. Keep this in mind when estimating labor charges, as you might need to run another cable. Bulletin Ref #: 09_T_LND_2 Page 1 of 2

2 Problem Solution: Option #2 Software Update For customers who do not wish to purchase the Master Receiver Selector, a software update using the KVH Flash Update Wizard will modify the DISH 1000/129 mode with a workaround solution for locating the 129 satellite. There are four things customers need to know about this modified mode: 1. The Check Switch configuration process differs slightly. The installer will need to follow the applicable instructions provided in the manual s addendum (provided with this bulletin). 2. Before users turn on the antenna, they must first select satellite 119 and transponder 17 on the receiver s Point Dish/Signal Strength screen. They will need to do this every time they turn on the antenna, since the modified DISH 1000/129 mode locates the 129 satellite using the 119 satellite as a reference point. Refer to the instructions in the manual s addendum (provided with this bulletin). 3. The modified DISH 1000/129 mode is limited to stationary use only. Users will be able to switch among the 119, 110, and 129 satellites while they are parked, but they will not be able to view the 129 satellite while their vehicle is moving, even if they have a TracVision R5SL, R5, or L3. If they move the vehicle, or the antenna becomes blocked for an extended period of time, they will need to park the vehicle and restart the antenna to restore DISH 1000/129 mode. 4. The modified DISH 1000/129 mode supports only one or two receivers. The Master Receiver Selector is required for installations of three or more receivers. TracVision R4SL and R5SL systems with serial numbers later than already contain this latest software. You can update an older TracVision system in the field using the latest version of the KVH Flash Update Wizard. (Instructions are provided in the Wizard s Help menu.) How do I download the latest software? If the KVH Flash Update Wizard is installed on your PC, select About from the Help menu and make sure you have version 322 installed. Only version 322 will update correctly. If you already have version 322 installed, connect your PC to the Internet then select Check for Updates from the Wizard s Update menu. The Wizard will download the latest software files over the Internet. If you have an earlier version installed, uninstall that version first. Then download and install version 322. If you are currently logged into the KVH Partner Portal, click here to go to the Wizard s download page. If not, log into the portal at Then select Software Updates from the Support tab. KVH Contact Information To purchase a Master Receiver Selector, please submit your order to the KVH Sales Department via (orders@kvh.com) or by fax ( ). If you have any questions about this problem or its solutions, please contact KVH Technical Support by phone ( ) or by (techs@kvh.com). Note: Changes by satellite TV providers are not covered by KVH s product warranty. Customers are responsible for purchased hardware and dealer installation/labor charges for hardware and software updates. Bulletin Ref #: 09_T_LND_2 Page 2 of 2

3 DISH Network Customers - PLEASE READ! Important to Your Product Manual This addendum applies to TracVision R4SL and R5SL antenna models with serial numbers greater than IMPORTANT! This addendum only applies if you need to configure the TracVision system for DISH 1000/129 mode. This mode tracks the DISH Network 129 satellite, which provides high-definition TV service to the western half of the U.S. If you need to configure any other mode, including DISH 1000/61, DISH 500, DIRECTV, or ExpressVu (Bell TV service), disregard this addendum; those modes are unaffected. For detailed satellite coverage information, contact DISH Network at DISH. = DISH 129 Satellite Recommended = DISH 61 Satellite Recommended Older TracVision Systems The information in this addendum also applies to older TracVision systems that have been updated to the software revisions noted below: Antenna Model Main Board RF Board R4SL or R5SL Rev. F or later RF6A: Rev. C or later, or RF6: Rev. G or later R4, R5, L3, or S3 Rev. Y or later RF6: Rev. G or later A KVH-authorized technician can view the antenna s currently installed software revisions by entering the following commands using the KVH Flash Update Wizard: Command Result VERSION Displays the main board software revision Rev. Displays the RF board software revision ( 6A indicates an RF6A board is installed) 1

4 DISH 1000/129 Mode Modified Due to DISH Network s Changes DISH Network has changed the frequency encoding of its 129 satellite, affecting how all mobile satellite TV antennas find and track that satellite, regardless of manufacturer. As a result of this change, KVH has modified the TracVision system s DISH 1000/129 mode to locate the 129 satellite in a new way, using the 119 satellite as a reference. There are three things you need to know about this modified mode: The configuration process differs slightly. Follow the applicable instructions provided in this addendum. Before you turn on the antenna, you must first select satellite 119/transponder 17 on the receiver. The modified DISH 1000/129 mode is limited to stationary use only. You will be able to switch among the 119, 110, and 129 satellites while you are parked, but you will not be able to view the 129 satellite while your vehicle is moving, even if you have a TracVision R5SL, R5, or L3. However, you do have another option... New KVH Master Receiver Selector Delivers the Ideal Solution KVH has developed a new enhanced multiswitch called the Master Receiver Selector that solves this DISH Network problem, while providing more advanced capabilities. Receiver 1 Receiver 2 Receiver 3 Receiver 4 The Master Receiver Selector offers the following features: Automatic satellite switching in any DISH Network mode, including DISH 1000/129 (TracVision R5SL, R5, or L3 only) In-motion operation in any DISH Network mode, including DISH 1000/129 Support for multiple receivers Capability for you to select, at any time, which master receiver will control satellite selection For more information about this accessory, please contact your local TracVision dealer or distributor. You can find a dealer near you by visiting our website at 2

5 The remaining sections of this addendum explain how to configure and use the DISH 1000/129 mode without a Master Receiver Selector installed. Instructions on installing and using the Master Receiver Selector are provided with the accessory. Configuring DISH 1000/129 Mode Standard Procedure IMPORTANT! If your vehicle is located in the southwesten U.S. (California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, or Oklahoma), follow the steps in Configuring DISH 1000/129 Mode Southwest Procedure on page 6 to configure the antenna for the modified DISH 1000/129 mode. If your vehicle is not located in the southwestern U.S., follow the steps below to configure the antenna for the modified DISH 1000/129 mode. NOTE: You will not need to perform this procedure again unless you add additional receivers that need to be configured for DISH 1000/129 mode. NOTE: A training video explaining this process, step-by-step, is available at 1. Park the vehicle in a blockage-free area on level ground (not on a hill) away from trees or tall buildings. Ensure the antenna has an unobstructed view of the entire southern sky. 2. Ensure the receiver you wish to configure is connected to the antenna s RF1 cable. 3. Apply power to the TV and receiver. 4. If the antenna is turned off, turn it back on and wait one minute for system startup. 5. Using the receiver s remote, go to the Point Dish/ Signal Strength screen (press MENU, 6, 1, 1 on most models). 6. Choose Check Switch, then press SELECT. 7. Choose Test, then press SELECT. 8. If the TV shows a warning about finding fewer satellites, choose Cancel, then press SELECT. 9. When the TV shows that the Check Switch test is complete, choose Done, then press SELECT to return to the Point Dish/Signal Strength screen. 3

6 10. Choose Transponder 17 on Satellite 119, as shown below. 11. Wait until the Signal Strength meter turns green and shows Locked - EchoStar 119 West, as shown above (it may take up to 15 minutes). 12. Once the Signal Strength meter turns green and shows Locked - EchoStar 119 West, wait at least five minutes to make sure the antenna doesn t jump to another satellite. 13. If you are using a preconfigured DISH receiver from KVH (KVH part number ), choose Satellite 110 then Satellite 129 to make sure the antenna locks onto these satellites. If the antenna doesn t lock onto these satellites, turn the antenna off, then turn it back on and repeat this entire procedure. If the antenna locks onto these satellites, the configuration process is complete! Press VIEW LIVE TV to exit the menu and allow the receiver to download the program guide. If you are not using a preconfigured receiver, continue to the next step. 14. Once the antenna has remained locked onto EchoStar 119 West for more than five minutes, repeat Steps 6 and 7 to run a second Check Switch test. 4

7 15. When the TV shows that the Check Switch test is complete, verify that the values displayed on your TV match those shown below (119, 110, and 129 are all OK; switch type is SW64). If your values do not match, turn the antenna off, then turn it back on and repeat this entire procedure. 16. When the values match, the configuration process is complete! Press VIEW LIVE TV to exit the menu and allow the receiver to download the program guide. If you have multiple receivers that are not preconfigured by KVH, you will need to connect each receiver to the antenna s RF1 cable and repeat this procedure, one receiver at a time. Once you have configured all of the receivers, you can reconnect them as desired. 5

8 Configuring DISH 1000/129 Mode Southwest Procedure If your vehicle is located in the southwesten U.S. (California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, or Oklahoma), follow the steps below to configure the antenna for the modified DISH 1000/129 mode. NOTE: You will not need to perform this procedure again unless you add additional receivers that need to be configured for DISH 1000/129 mode. NOTE: A training video explaining this process, step-by-step, is available at 1. Park the vehicle in a blockage-free area on level ground (not on a hill) away from trees or tall buildings. Ensure the antenna has an unobstructed view of the entire southern sky. 2. Ensure the receiver you wish to configure is connected to the the antenna s RF1 cable. 3. Apply power to the TV and receiver. 4. If the antenna is turned off, turn it back on and wait two minutes for system startup. 5. Using the receiver s remote, go to the Point Dish/ Signal Strength screen (press MENU, 6, 1, 1 on most models). 6. Choose Check Switch, then press SELECT. 7. Choose Test, then press SELECT. 8. If the TV shows a warning about finding fewer satellites, choose Cancel, then press SELECT. 9. When the TV shows that the Check Switch test is complete, choose Done, then press SELECT to return to the Point Dish/Signal Strength screen. 6

9 10. Choose Transponder 17 on Satellite 119, as shown below. 11. Wait until the Signal Strength meter turns green and shows Locked - EchoStar 119 West, as shown above (it may take up to 15 minutes). 12. Once the Signal Strength meter turns green and shows Locked - EchoStar 119 West, wait at least five minutes to make sure the antenna doesn t jump to another satellite. 13. If you are using a preconfigured DISH receiver from KVH (KVH part number ), choose Satellite 110 then Satellite 129 to make sure the antenna locks onto these satellites. If the antenna doesn t lock onto these satellites, turn the antenna off, then turn it back on and repeat this entire procedure. If the antenna locks onto these satellites, the configuration process is complete! Press VIEW LIVE TV to exit the menu and allow the receiver to download the program guide. If you are not using a preconfigured receiver, continue to the next step. 14. Once the antenna has remained locked onto EchoStar 119 West for more than five minutes, turn off the TracVision antenna. 15. Wait 10 seconds, then re-apply power to the TracVision antenna. Wait two minutes for system startup. 16. Repeat Steps 5-7 to run a second Check Switch test. 7

10 17. Wait at least 15 minutes before proceeding. Disregard any messages that appear on the TV screen. 18. After you have waited 15 minutes, choose Test, then press SELECT to run a third Check Switch test. 19. When the TV shows that the Check Switch test is complete, verify that the values displayed on your TV match those shown below (119, 110, and 129 are all OK; switch type is SW64). If your values do not match, choose Test, then press SELECT to run another Check Switch test. 20. When the values match, the configuration process is complete! Press VIEW LIVE TV to exit the menu and allow the receiver to download the program guide. If you have multiple receivers that are not preconfigured by KVH, you will need to connect each receiver to the antenna s RF1 cable and repeat this procedure, one receiver at a time. Once you have configured all of the receivers, you can reconnect them as desired. 8

11 Starting Up the Antenna in Modified DISH 1000/129 Mode The modified DISH 1000/129 mode uses the location of the 119 satellite as a reference point from which to find the 129 satellite. Therefore, always follow the steps below to turn on the TracVision system. 1. Park the vehicle in a blockage-free area on level ground (not on a hill) away from trees or tall buildings. Ensure the antenna has an unobstructed view of the entire southern sky. 2. Turn on your receiver and TV, but keep the TracVision antenna turned off. 3. Using the receiver s remote, go to the Point Dish/ Signal Strength screen (press MENU, 6, 1, 1 on most models). 4. Choose Transponder 17 on Satellite 119, as shown below. 5. Turn on the TracVision antenna (set the switchplate s Power switch to the ON position). 6. Wait until the Signal Strength meter turns green and shows Locked - EchoStar 119 West, as shown above (it may take up to 15 minutes). 9

12 7. Once the Signal Strength meter turns green and shows Locked - EchoStar 119 West, wait at least five minutes to make sure the antenna doesn t jump to another satellite. 8. Once the antenna has remained locked onto EchoStar 119 West for more than five minutes, press VIEW LIVE TV to exit the menu. 9. Once the program guide has loaded, you can start watching channels carried on the 119, 110, and 129 satellites. The antenna will automatically switch satellites as you change channels using your receiver s remote control. IMPORTANT! The modified DISH 1000/129 mode is designed for stationary use only. If you move the vehicle or the antenna becomes blocked for an extended period of time, you will no longer be able to view channels on the 129 satellite. To reset the antenna and restore DISH 1000/129 mode, turn off the antenna then repeat the startup steps above. 10