For some time now, I've been wanting to build a PVR and the only option for me was to use an IR blaster to have the PVR change my Dish 2700 when it wants to record. This setup is kinda ghetto (that's the impression I got from others who use IR blasters). A more preferred option is to have the computer interface with the 2700 via some sort of data cable, but as the 2700 doesn't have an accessory port, this is unlikely.

Today, I discovered an old EchoStar 3000 receiver. Albeit old, it is a nice piece of kit. I noticed there's a high speed data port on the back and I thought this is the answer I've been looking for. I quickly opened up the metal cover to discover it's not so much a port, as it looks like the bottom of a PCI card. Anyway, I've been scouring the net for some type of adapter that would allow a computer to interface with it. The closest thing I could find was in a TracVision manual that tells of an accessory to add a DB9 connector to the high speed data port:

The manual can be found here: http://www.turbosurf.com/TVSAman.pdf

Further reading suggests you can issue commands to the receiver via this adapter via a console application.

Okay, I want to purchase one (if it doesn't cost too much). I then scoured the net again and... Nope. I cannot find the KVH 02-0889 anywhere.

So, has anyone else tried any of this? Any suggestions/recommendations?

Thanks.