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WiFi Savvy Satellite Internet
question: What good is a computer without the Internet??
answer: No good at all!!
If you live in a motorhome like we do ... you can't have a DSL line installed. WiFi is becoming much more prevalent in RV parks across the country, but it's still not everywhere, and it doesn't always work! If you need the Internet, like we do, the only dependable answer is satellite. We have the Datastorm 2-way internet satellite dish. With this automatic, roof-mount dish, we are able to pull over at a rest stop and be on the Internet within minutes! A true geek's dream!
Geeks on Tour can sell and install a Datastorm satellite for you! A less expensive option is the manual, tripod-mount dish. Read the frequently asked questions below for all the details.
See more photos on our datastorm web album.
Satellite Dish Frequently Asked Questions:
What exactly do I get when I purchase a Datastorm system?
How much does the Datastorm automatic, roof-mount dish cost?
How big is the Datastorm and how much does it weigh?
How much does a manual, tripod mount dish cost?
Where does it work? Can I get Internet in Mexico? Alaska?
How do I convince my wife/husband that we need it?
How do I arrange for Installation?
Do you need to drill holes in my roof?
Who is my ISP when I use a satellite dish?
Are there other options besides Motosat/Hughes?
Can I get the Internet while I'm driving?
Can trees prevent it from getting the Internet?
How about weather? Will storms prevent me from getting Internet?
Do I have to reconnect every time I turn my computer on?
How do I get support once I own a Datastorm?
What exactly do I get when I purchase a Datastorm system?
There are actually several choices that you have, for example, you can
get a .74 (F1)meter dish or a .98 meter dish (F2) or a 1.2 meter dish
(F3). See the Motosat
product line brochure for more details. You also have power
choices of a 1 watt transmitter or a 2 watt. The dish itself, and the
modem,
come
from
Hughes.
The
controller
and the mount are made by Motosat. Motosat puts it all together and
calls
it
Datastorm. We install it for you. For more technical information
on all of
the
above,
see Motosat.com. The
current popular system we are installing is:
F1: .74 meter dish
Motosat D3 controller
1 watt transmitter
Hughes DW7000S modem
There is no computer required in the operation of the above system.
You don't need to run a program to get the dish to deploy. You just
press a button. For a computer to attach to the Datastorm
and access the Internet, you can either use a wired ethernet connection,
or we can install a wireless router so that WiFi-enabled computers
can connect - no extra charge other than the cost of the Linksys router.
How much does the Datastorm automatic, roof-mount dish cost?
There are multiple configurations availble. The retail price of the configuration
described above *including installation* is $5,295 plus tax. (7/1/07)
How big is the Datastorm and how much does it weigh?
It weighs 110 pounds. When the dish is stowed it adds 10.5 inches to
your rig's height and it is 54.5 inches long. When raised, it is 39
inches high. See complete specs here.
How much does a manual, tripod mount dish cost?
We recommend and sell the Dustyfoot system. The complete system, including the dish retails for $1,395 plus tax (7/1/07). There is
no installation involved. It comes with a manual and a video to show you how
to set it up and find the satellite. We can ship it to you anywhere, but we prefer to deliver it in person and show you how to set it up the first time.
Where does it work? Can I get Internet in Mexico? Alaska?
Where you can get signal depends on which satellite your modem is commissioned.
You can see the signal 'footprints' of the different satellite dishes here.
Coverage is available for all of the US, including Alaska, and Mexico.
Specify what coverage you want when you order your system.
Can I get TV on it?
Yes, but you need to purchase some extra equipment. It's called a 'Bird-on-a-Wire'
and costs $150 including the installation. Whether you can receive DirecTV, Dish or High Definition depends on which satellite you are using. See details in these Motosat Tech Notes.
Can I get the Internet while I'm driving?
No. The satellite dish will be in a stowed position while you're driving.
To lock on to the satellite signal, you simply press a button. It takes
just a few minutes, normally, to acquire the signal and get online. Cellular aircards are the only way to be online while you're moving.
How do I arrange for Installation?
We live full-time in our motorhome and are always traveling. When you
purchase the Datastorm from us, we will try to arrange a rendezvous
to wherever you are. If that is not feasible, we will make arrangements
with another installer in your area.
Do you have to drill holes in my roof?
Yes and no. Several small holes must be made in order to screw the mounting plate to the roof. These are all covered with self-leveling 'dicor' caulk to make them waterproof. If possible, the cabling is run from the dish inside the coach by way of an existing roof vent. This eliminates the need to drill a big hole. See photos on our web album.
Who is my ISP when I use a satellite dish?
We use Motosat as the ISP when we install your Datastorm system. The
fee for their standard monthly plan is $79.99/mo.
How do I convince my wife/husband that we need it?
uuhhhh ... It's a business expense ... yeah, that's it
or, how about ...
It's the
only way you can always be able to Instant Message with the grandkids
...
or, ...
It's got a cool blue light so we can find our way home at night
.
Bottom line is, "I won't go RVing without it!"
Are there other options besides Motosat/Hughes?
The Datastorm, by Motosat, is by far the most popular, most
proven, and cost effective option. They are the only ones that specifically
target - and support - the RV market. If you really want to do your
research (we like customers who do their research) other choices
are:
InetVu
Tracstar
KVH
Magellan
Starband
Where can I read more?
We like to get our information from other users. There can be some misinformation
there, you need to read enough to learn which users know what they're
talking about ... but, overall we think users forums are a great source
of information.
Datastorm
Users Group - THE users group for folks with Datastorms or Tripod mount HughesNet dishes.
RV Internet
by Satellite - general discussion on Yahoo Groups
RV Travel
and Satellite Internet: an article by our favorite satellite
GURU, Don Bradner
Satellite
Internet: An encyclopedia type article to learn how satellite internet
works
How do I get support once I own a Datastorm?
If Geeks on Tour installed your system, you can email us, or call Jim at 954-551-9139. Motosat provides phone support at
800-247-7486. If you have any Internet access, the forums at DatastormUsers.com is the best place for help.
