Satellite
TV
QUESTION:
What is HD TV? ANSWER:
High-definition television (HDTV) is a digital television
broadcasting system with greater resolution than traditional
television systems.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What
kind of receivers can I hook up to the TracStar SV360-D with
DishNetwork HD? ANSWER:
One HD receiver
What
kind of receivers can I hook up to the TracStar SV360-D with
DishNetwork Standard Definition? ANSWER:
One receiver.
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.
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