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Satellite TV | Satellite Internet | WiFi

Satellite TV

  1. QUESTION: What is HD TV?
    ANSWER: High-definition television (HDTV) is a digital television broadcasting system with greater resolution than traditional television systems.

  2. What kind of receivers can I hook up to the MotoSAT HD Universal Mount wth DirecTV HD?
    ANSWER: Up to 2 DVRs or 1 DVR and 2 receivers.

  3. What kind of receivers can I hook up to the MotoSAT HD Universal Mount wth DishNetwork HD?
    ANSWER:
    Up to 2 DVRs or 1 DVR and 2 receivers.

  4. What kind of receivers can I hook up to the MotoSAT HD Universal Mount wth StarChoice HD?
    ANSWER:
    Up to 2 DVRs or 1 DVR and 2 receivers.

  5. What kind of receivers can I hook up to the TracStar SV-360-D with DirecTV Standard Defintion?
    ANSWER: Up to 2 DVRs or 1 DVR and 2 receivers.

  6. What kind of receivers can I hook up to the TracStar SV360-D with DishNetwork HD?
    ANSWER: One HD receiver

  7. What kind of receivers can I hook up to the TracStar SV360-D with DishNetwork Standard Definition?
    ANSWER: One receiver.

  8. What kind of receivers can I hook up to the TracStar SV360-D with Bell Express Vue Standard Definition?
    ANSWER: Two receivers.

Satellite Internet

QUESTION: What is available for my car, truck or RV to get to the Internet?
ANSWER: The DataStorm fully automatic 2-way Internet satellite systems are the best solution. MotoSAT, the maker of the DataStorm produces three models of the DataStorm. The F1 is the most common system and works well for small office multiple computer application with the ability of 1000K (1MB) download & 200K upload as well as TV satellite reception for two receivers. The F2 is capable of 5000K (5MB) down & 256K up as well as providing 2 phone lines. The F3 is capable of 5000K (5MB) down and 768K up with four phone lines.

QUESTION: What are the Minimum Requirements for the DataStorm?
ANSWER: Works with nearly any computer; PC, MAC or Linux.
With the introduction of the MotoSAT Antenna Controller and the Hughes Net HNS7000 series modems, the DataStorm will work with most any computer. The DataStorm is now fully compatible with the Macintosh platform and NO PC is required for proper operation.

QUESTION: Can anyone install the DataStorm?
ANSWER: Not really. The DataStorm is fairly complicated and quite heavy. A professional installer has the tools and resources to put the dish in place. Certification by Hughes Network and MotoSAT is required for all installers.

QUESTION: How does the antenna find the satellite?
ANSWER: The DataStorm is completely motorized and computer controlled. One button starts the action, and it finds and locks onto the satellite automatically.

QUESTION: Is the antenna's transmission a danger?
ANSWER: No. When properly mounted on the roof of a vehicle at least 6' off the ground. The transmission is 1 Watt. (A cell phone is .8 watts). Similar ground operated units are dangerous and illegal.

QUESTION: Can I be traveling down the road and be online at the same time?
ANSWER: No. You must be parked. In-Motion 2-Way satellite transmission will not be approved for many years to come.

QUESTION: How does weather affect the DataStorm?
ANSWER: Even in heavy rain the system should remain operational. The DataStorm's electronics will detect sever rocking, such as heavy winds, and will stow the dish. The antenna should be stowed if winds in excess of 40 mph are expected.

QUESTION: Can the Datastorm be used in a mobile environment like an RV, Bus, Command Center or trailer?
ANSWER: Yes, it was designed from the ground up for mobile applications.

QUESTION: Would the DataStorm fit on a small trailer?
ANSWER: The Datastorm can fit on any mobile platform that gives it room to turn around in place. The antenna weighs 105 lbs., requires 54" x40" of clear space.

QUESTION: Does the DataStorm work on a Marine Vessel?
ANSWER: No.  Even at dock a boat does not remain stable enough for proper operation.

QUESTION: How difficult is it to set up the dish?
ANSWER: Simply click the "Search" button on the Antenna Controller and the DataStorm will automatically raise up and lock onto the correct satellite in 5-10 minutes.  No computer even has to be turned on.

QUESTION: Is it easy to stow and redeploy the satellite dish when one moves from one location to another?
ANSWER: Yes.  Push "Stow" to leave and "Search" to locate. It is completely motorized and finds the satellite automatically. There is no physical labor involved in setting up or stowing the antenna. Once the satellite is found, you are online. Simply run your web browser or e-mail program.

QUESTION: After moving the vehicle, how long does it take to set up?
ANSWER: It takes about 5-10 minutes to find the satellite and be on-line.

QUESTION: What kind of visibility is required to connect to the satellite?
ANSWER: A view of the Southern Sky. If there are objects between the antenna and the satellite, it will not lock onto the satellite.

QUESTION: Can the antenna be used as a telephone?
ANSWER: Just like any Internet Connection, there are applications that allow you to talk over the Internet.  There is a delay inherent in satellite technology, (known as latency,) The F2/F3 model of Datastorm with UNASAT has proven to make this latency minimal.

QUESTION: What else comes with the system?
ANSWER: In addition to the antenna there is an antenna controller which is about size of a laptop computer. It runs on 12 volt power and drives the antenna motors with a draw of less than 3 amps.  The other part of the system is the Hughes Net 7000 modem. These are connected to a wireless router so that you can share you network with one or more computers.

QUESTION: Who is the ISP?
ANSWER: Hughes Net, UNASAT or iDirect all can be your ISP, but mobile ISP service must be purchased through a VAR (Value Added Reseller).  We use MotoSAT exclusively for all of our activations. They provide backup technical support to our own tech support along with the 5 @Direcway e-mail addresses available to you.

QUESTION: Does Datastorm use the Starband Network?
ANSWER: No, Datastorm uses the two-way satellite services of Hughes Net, UNASAT or iDirect.

QUESTION: Do you have to dial up by phone to get on-line?
ANSWER: No phone lines are needed either during setup or while surfing. Once the antenna is aligned and locked on to the signal, it supplies an always-on Internet connection. There are no cell phones, no land lines and no "per minute" fees, ever!

QUESTION: Can the antenna be used for TV as well as Internet simultaneously?
ANSWER: Yes, there is a bracket that will allow you to receive DirecTV or Dish Network with the F1 antenna. You will still need a satellite TV receiver and a DirecTV or Dish Network service plan to receive satellite television.

QUESTION: Can a local area network be used to share Internet access?
ANSWER: Yes. The standard installation includes a wireless router to connect multiple computers to the Internet either wired or wireless.

QUESTION: Does it work on Macintosh computers?
ANSWER: Yes!  With the introduction of the MotoSAT D-2 controller and the Hughes Net 7000 modem, the DataStorm is fully compatible with the Macintosh platform.

QUESTION: How fast is it?
ANSWER: The DataStorm system is capable of reaching download speeds of about 5000K (5MB) & upload speeds of 3000K (3MB) for business use.  The typical F1 DataStorm speed is 1000K (1MB) down and 200K up. This is much faster than any other mobile Internet connection available.

QUESTION: How is the DataStorm built?
ANSWER: All major components are custom machined out of aluminum and powder coated. All stainless steel hardware is used. It uses DC motors to raise the antenna, adjust elevation, azimuth and skew. Plastic covers are custom molded. Every part is proudly made in the USA. Each dish is hand assembled by skilled technicians right here in the USA!

QUESTION: How often can I use my DataStorm?
ANSWER: Always. 24/7. If the antenna is locked on to the satellite, and your computer is turned on, you are online. There are never any "per minute" fees.

QUESTION: Does the computer have to be on to stow the antenna?
ANSWER: No. The computer does not need to be on to raise or lower the antenna.  Simply push the buttons on the front of the Antenna Controller.

QUESTION: Can I get a Static IP address?
ANSWER: Yes. A Static (Public) IP address is available for an additional $20/month for those that need one.

QUESTION: I plan on networking multiple computers to the DataStorm. Are there service plans that allow for higher usages?
ANSWER: Yes. Multiple computers can use the Internet at the same time on the basic plan. You have the option of higher priced packages and more bandwidth with the larger F-2 or F-3 antennas.

QUESTION: Does the DataStorm work anywhere in North America?
ANSWER: Yes, pretty much, and Mexico, too. Some areas farther North in Canada start to fade, as well as areas in extreme Southern Mexico, but on average, you should have no problem getting online. The bigger F2 & F3 DataStorms can cover all of North America.

QUESTION: How much does the DataStorm cost?
ANSWER: Our price is $4800 including installation, a LinkSys wired/wireless router and properly securing your network from other users.

QUESTION: What other choices are out there?
ANSWER: The Datastorm antenna is truly one of a kind. There are no other mobile 2-way satellite antennas on the market that are as reasonably priced and affordable to operate. The next competitor is nearly $7,000 and simply has not proven itself in the field.  There are over 7000 DataStorms if use today.

QUESTION: Where can I buy a DataStorm?
ANSWER: We always have DataStorm F1s in stock and will install them nationwide. Look at our locater map to see when we will be in your area. For F2 & F3 DataStorm installation,s we have the equipment shipped directly to you then we arrive on a rescheduled appointment for installation.

WiFi

QUESTION: What is Wifi and how can I get Internet with it?
Wifi is a way to transmit data using FM radio transmissions. You get Internet through Wifi by connection to someone else’s Internet connection if the Access Point they are using is unsecured.

QUESTION: When I see an “unsecured Wifi connection” in the available wireless connections window is it safe to connect to it and use it to transmit my email and do banking?
Yes it is safe. All access points have a firewall between the Internet gateway and the local area network sections of the unit. This means you don’t see the other users’ when connected to the access point and they don’t see your computer. This is also prevented by the Windows operating system firewall so your computer is safe. Although any connection to the Internet can be hacked if you ensure you are on a secure website by seeing the lock icon on the bottom of your browser you are relatively safe to transmit confidential information or do banking.

QUESTION: Can I use Wifi to connect to the Internet while going down the road?
No, this is not practical because of the short range of Wifi. A cellular connection will need to be used to do this. We offer an long range cellular solution called Internet In Motion that has the longest range of any cellular appliance on the market and is wirelessy connected to your laptop for added convenience.

QUESTION: What kind of antenna is the best to get long range omni-directional coverage?
I would like to reach out at least a mile, the farther the better. Wifi is designed to reach typically up to 1200 feet. You can extend a laptops ability to reach farther but you run the risk of the wireless access point you’re connecting to not being capable of responding back to you. A mile is what we have seen as a maximum range even when the Access Point is a commercial grade unit.

QUESTION: What is the difference in the 802.11b and 802.11G?
The B Wifi protocol has a maximum transmit speed of 11Mbts/sec where as the G is 54Mbts/sec so speed obviously separates the two, but how that speed is realized also affects things. My understanding of G versus B is that to be G compliant, transmit power is around 30mW as opposed to the 100mW allowed for the B standard. As a result, you are going to get less wall and dense object penetration using a G card and Access point than a B. Now to get a bit more technical, G realizes its speeds by dumping a fair bit of the effective error correction redundancy you see built into B. Under ideal circumstances, you will get better G performance because you won't need the error correction. Under less than ideal circumstances, you will still do better because it is transmitting with a higher rate, so it can do more retries with the bandwidth. Under crap conditions, you sometimes won't get it to work at all though. The answer is at short range G is better. B will outperform G on long range conditions almost every time.

Satellite TV | Satellite Internet | WiFi

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