KVH vs Intellian

[seasalt]

I am seriously considering putting a new satellite TV dish on Hi Spirits. Does anyone have anything good or bad to say about KVH or Intellian's smaller dishes?

Any recommendations on where to purchase? KVH, for one, does not have good things to say about the eBay sellers that sell new KVH equipment but are not "authorized" dealers.

Thanks

[DestinSteve]

Did you purchase a unit? I am having the same discussion. Am told the Intellian is slightly easier to install and set up but looking at the manuals can not see much difference. Same for pricing. I do want HD and have to keep the dome under the radar so will probably order the TV2 . My local West Marine has said they would match any online price on this item so i plan to take them up on the offer.

[seasalt]

I have not done anything yet. Keep us posted. Thanks

[DestinSteve]

Well the install took forever at about an hour a week. The good news is it works as advertised. Will find out this summer how far offshore it works on our trip to the Abacos. Looks a bit strange at the edge of the hardtop but had to either be above or below the radar and this location made pulling wires much easier. It is so small it is still well within the rub rail. Like most projects the second one would take about half the time. Using Dish Network have lots of HD channels. Switching between satellites is automatic but has a pause that makes you think it stopped working.

[Pitou]

A nice addition and looks good.

I see a Wirie mounted aft of the Sat. How has that performed for you. I ask because I just picked up the new Wirie Pro with WiFi and G service this past Saturday!

[ScubaPete]

The satellite dish/dome looks good. I like your hard-top too.
I also noticed the Wirie you have. I am undecided about which long range WiFi setup to purchase, and am interested in comments from you and Pitou.

[DestinSteve]

The Wirie has been a good addition for about 2 years now. Liked the idea of a all in one install with no router or other wires in the cabin. Did have a loss of software about a year ago and support was very good. They sent a file with good instructions that had it working again on the first attempt.

The range for a good open signal is about 2 miles. Not nearly as much as some ads i have seen. At our dock went from no open signals with a ipad to maybe 20 including the one at our condo which is about 600' away. We are located on a busy harbor so results may vary. Traveling the interface used to pick and search for signals is cumbersome but works fine. It makes a big difference picking up free marina internet when traveling. We have been to several marinas that have service but it is weak or only sometimes reached the slip we were in. Were able to give out boat neighbors internet by sharing our onboard broadcast password.

Expensive but i would do it again.