I just purchased a new KVH M1 satellite TV system. Its a relatively small dome type TV dish that is marketed for small boats. Those of you who don’t watch much TV and don’t really care if they get good reception and program selection can stop reading now. I spend quite a lot of time on my boat during the summer season and enjoy watching TV at night so its important to me.

I previously bought a track-it (aka follow-me) TV system three years ago. This is a one-axis tracking system that uses a standard TV dish and receiver. It worked, but didn’t provide in-motion service and didn’t work too well if the mooring area was choppy. At the time, the KVH systems were pretty expensive so it was a practical compromise. KVH came out with their new M1 about two years ago and lowered the price-bar considerably. While still expensive (lowest price Defender $2169), its now within my boating budget. I purchased one this week and received it last night.

Its a little bigger than I expected but still small enough to mount to the pushpit. I plan to use a small extension pole to raise it above the Bimini. It appears to be very well made and well thought out. It comes with a 12v receiver box that includes mounting hardware for under-counter mounting. The package includes all required cables and hardware though a separate pole-mount kit must be purchased if you wish to mount it to a standard antenna mount. Only standard definition is available in this model but that’s fine with me.

Inside the dome is a small dish with two-axis motor controls. I hooked it up on my workbench and tested it last night. When it initializes, it slews the antenna through a search patter and hunts for the satellite. Since I tested this indoors, I couldn’t observe it lock onto the satellite. It is supposed to maintain lock while in motion. I’m not sure how well it will track but reports indicate that it functions well. In theory, I could hook up a TV in the cockpit and watch TV while under way. I might watch a ballgame or catch the local weather report. This will help pass some of those long passages when I don’t feel like reading. I might use my notebook computer for a TV in the cockpit or perhaps my Ipad. I already have a broadcast receiver antenna on my mast, but reception is sketchy in some of the more remote cruising areas.

Included is an integral GPS receiver. I assume it uses it to help find the initial satellite location. I have more than enough GPSs. I see no need to hook-up another.

I’m looking forward to getting it permanently mounted on my boat. I’ll let folks know if I have problems.

Regards
Rich

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