June 8, 2021 - KVH V30 Antenna Install and getting a HANDLE on things from Jet-Tern

June 8, 2021 -  KVH V30 Antenna Install and getting a HANDLE on things from Jet-Tern

At the end of April, I learned that our KVH V3IP SatPhone will be retired. Yay!... However, there is a replacement offer for existing customers which expires at the end of June. Yay!... KVH has two new SatPhone systems offered as a replacement.  I contacted KVH and checked out their two options: V30 or V3HTS.  


Cool new V30 Antenna


With a small hub replacing the bulky ICM


Given our V3IP has an ICM that is noisy, generates heat under the dash and uses AC, it did not take long for me to chose the V30 option with a compact DC hub instead of a 120 volt V3HTS with ICM.  Since the V30 is such a very new offering, they were not yet readily available.  I did learn that we could order the unit and install it when we return home later this year from our cruise.

Well as fate would have it we are delayed on our cruise start and KVH expedited a V30 to S-3 Maritime for us.  The install went smoothly and the system is up and running thanks to the efforts of Troy and Carl.


Comparison chart

While I was sorting out the KVH antenna situation, I also tackled another issue.  The handle on our starboard gate had failed and would not lock into position and barely engaged into the catch.  A week after I started e-mail exchanges with Jet-Tern I had a new handle shipped to me, even before completing payment!  I was disappointed to find that the tang was longer than mine and would not clear the catch.  Recommendation from Jet-Tern was to grind it down as mine must have been a custom fit.


Tang of new handle would not clear the catch

So while I was at S-3 Maritime having the new antenna installed, I stumbled onto some gracious help.  I came across a water jet company and had asked if they could trim it down for me.  I explained I was at S-3 getting work done - and presto.  I was told by Zach that they were now owned by S-3 and would be glad to trim it for me.  I went to the boat measured and marked, and brought the handle right back.  Within 30 minutes I had a smoothly trimmed tang with a nice radius.  And I was told that the guys back at the S-3 shop would polish it up!  And sure enough while Troy and Carl installed my antenna, Chris took my handle and polished it up!


Old failed handle and new replacement (that has a longer tang)

New replacement installed after reducing the tang

TIME TO GO CRUISING!



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