RVSats - Mobile Satellite Internet - Frequently Asked Questions - DataStorm

                             Frequently Asked Questions

What is a DataStorm?
Who uses this product?
Can the DataStorm be used in a mobile environment like an RV, truck, trailer or bus?
Can I be traveling down the road and be online at the same time?
Will the DataStorm work on a Marine vessel?

How big is the dish?
Would the DataStorm fit on a small trailer?
Can anyone install the DataStorm?
Is this FCC approved?
How fast is it?

What does it cost?
Who is the ISP?
Who do I buy my monthly access from?
Does DataStorm use the Starband Network?
I have a HughesNet dish at home. Do I have to have two accounts if I buy a system?

How difficult is it to use the DataStorm?
How does the dish find the satellite?
Is the dish transmission a danger?
After parking the vehicle, how long does it take to set up?
Is it easy to stow and reconnect the satellite dish when one moves from one location to another?

Does the computer have to be on to stow the dish?
Does weather affect the dish?
What kind of visibility is required to connect to the satellite?
Can the DataStorm be used for TV as well as Internet simultaneously?
Can the dish be used as a telephone?

Do you need a telephone to get online?
What comes with the system?
What are the Minimum Computer Requirements of the DataStorm?
Does it work on Macintosh computers?
What operating systems are currently supported?

Can a local area network (LAN) be used to share Internet access?
I plan on Networking multiple computers to the DataStorm. Are there service plans that allow for higher usages and speeds?
Can I use my laptop outside the motorhome?
How often can I use the Internet connection?
Can I get a Static IP address?

Does the system support VPN (Virtual Private Network)?
Does the DataStorm work anywhere in North America?
Does the DataStorm work in Central or South America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Russia, or Asia?
What is the quality of the dish and mounts?
Where can I buy a dish?

QUESTION: What is a DataStorm?
ANSWER: The DataStorm is an automatic, mobile, computer-controlled, Internet satellite dish made by MotoSat, the industry leader. Internet access is provided by a subscribed service such as HughesNet which is used exclusively on the .74 meter dish. Several options for Internet access with the .98 meter dish and the 1.2 meter dish are provided by HughesNet, UnaSat, or iDirect.
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QUESTION: Who uses this product?
ANSWER: The Datastorm is used for communications by FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) and other disaster relief agencies, law enforcement, fire departments, mobile offices, bookmobiles, trucking fleets, service trucks, NASCAR, and of course, RV’ers.
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QUESTION: Can the DataStorm be used in a mobile environment like an RV, truck, trailer or bus?
ANSWER: Yes. It was designed for mobile use; however, the vehicle must be stationary.
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QUESTION: Can I be traveling down the road and be online at the same time?
ANSWER: No. Your vehicle must be parked. In-motion satellite transmission is not currently available and may not be for several years to come.
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QUESTION: Will the DataStorm work on a Marine vessel?
ANSWER: No. Even docked, a boat is not stable enough for the sytem to work properly. MotoSat is developing a system for marine use, but it is not yet available.
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QUESTION: How big is the dish?
ANSWER: The dish is oval in shape measuring 39.5 inches wide. When deployed, it is about three feet high. When stowed, it is 56 inches long and 10 inches high. The mounting plate is 48x22 inches, and requires 57"x40" of open roof space. The complete assembly weighs 105 lbs. Larger dishes (1 meter and 1.2 meter diameter round) are also available.
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QUESTION: Would the DataStorm fit on a small trailer?
ANSWER: Yes. The DataStorm can be mounted on any mobile platform which allows for free rotation of the dish and a clear view of the satellite in the southern sky. The bottom of the dish must be at least 6' off the ground to transmit legally.
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QUESTION: Can anyone install the DataStorm?
ANSWER: No. Certification is required for all installers by MotoSat and Hughes Network Systems according to FCC regulations.
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QUESTION: Is this FCC approved?
ANSWER: Yes. The DataStorm is approved by both Hughes and the FCC under a category of service called TFES (temporary fixed earth station). It is called that because it can only be used while stationary.
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QUESTION: How fast is it?
ANSWER: The DataStorm typically achieves download speeds of 700kbps to 1000kbsp - 20 times faster than dialup. Upload speeds are 100-150kbps.
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QUESTION: What does it cost?
ANSWER: The base sytem starts at $5,295 installed. It includes an F1 dish, D3 controller, HN7000S HughesNet Modem, and secured wireless network. The HughesNet monthly service starts at $79.99.
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QUESTION: Who is the ISP?
ANSWER: Internet service is provided by an ISP such as HughesNet, UnaSat or iDirect. However, this service must be purchased through a VAR (Value-Added Reseller). We use MotoSat exclusively to provide us with 24/7 backup technical support.
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QUESTION: Who do I buy my monthly access from?
ANSWER: RVSats will arrange for your HughesNet, UnaSat or iDirect service through MotoSat.
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QUESTION: Does DataStorm use the Starband Network?
ANSWER: No. The .74 meter DataStorm uses HughesNet satellite Internet service. The .98 and 1.2 meter DataStorms can use HughesNet, Unasat, or iDirect service.
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QUESTION: I have a HughesNet dish at home. Do I have to have two accounts if I buy a system?
ANSWER: No. The HughesNet modem can be moved from home to vehicle and back, but the HughNet account must be a mobile account.
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QUESTION: How difficult is it to use the DataStorm?
ANSWER: Turn on your computer. Turn on the DataStorm controller and push the "Search" button. The DataStorm will automatically deploy, and lock on satellite in 3 to 7 minutes for fast broadband Internet access. Once online, surf the Internet! To travel, press the "Stow" button to stow the dish.
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QUESTION: How does the dish find the satellite?
ANSWER: The DataStorm satellite dish sits on a computer-controlled, motorized mount. With the push of a button on the receiver, the dish will automatically deploy and lock on satellite in 3 to 7 minutes using motors, gears, tilt sensors, and GPS (global positioning system). The onboard GPS receiver and tilt sensors intruct the dish to elevate and spin on its axis until a satellite is located. Once that satellite is identified, it then calculates the direction it must move to find the correct satellite. When the correct signal is found, the dish is then fine-tuned for maximum signal strength.
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QUESTION: Is the dish transmission a danger?
ANSWER: No. Transmission strength is typically about 1 Watt. A cell phone is .8 watts. Satellite cell phones transmit 4 watts by comparison. This system falls under FCC regulations which state: "This device emits radio frequency energy when in the transmit mode. To avoid injury, do not place head or other body parts between feed horn and satellite antenna dish when system is operational. Unplug indoor power connection before performing maintenance or adding upgrades to any antenna components." On top of the vehicle, the dish is 6' or more above ground level, complying with FCC regulations.
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QUESTION: After parking the vehicle, how long does it take to set up?
ANSWER: It only takes 3 to 7 minutes for the dish to deploy and lock on the correct satellite.
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QUESTION: Is it easy to stow and reconnect the satellite dish when one moves from one location to another?
ANSWER: Yes. Push the Stow button for travel. Upon arrival, level the vehicle, turn on the controller, and press the Search button. The DataStorm automatically deploys. No physical labor is involved in setting up the dish.
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QUESTION: Does the computer have to be on to stow the dish?
ANSWER: No. The D3 controller is used to control the dish.
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QUESTION: Does weather affect the dish?
ANSWER: Heavy rain, snow, or strong wind can affect reception, usually for short periods of time; however, moderate rain will usually not reduce signal quality enough to affect service. If signal quality drops significantly, service may be temporarily dropped until weather conditions improve. It is recommended that the dish be stowed in winds in excess of 40 mph.
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QUESTION: What kind of visibility is required to connect to the satellite?
ANSWER: You must have a clear, unobstructed view of the satellite in the southern sky. Trees, buildings, etc. block satellite transmission.
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QUESTION: Can the DataStorm be used for TV as well as Internet simultaneously?
ANSWER: Yes, with an optional "Bird on a Wire." This bracket allows you to receive DirecTV programming at the same time you are surfing the Internet. (The DirecTV Satellite Receiver and programming are purchased separately.)
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QUESTION: Can the dish be used as a telephone?
ANSWER: Yes. VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) is commonly used, but higher bandwidth is recommended. A one-second delay for the signal to travel to and from the satellite (referred to as "latency") can make communication awkward, but it does work.
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QUESTION: Do you need a telephone to get online?
ANSWER: No. Once the dish is locked on the satellite signal, the system supplies an always-on, two-way Internet connection. There are no phone, cell phone, or per-minute fees ever!
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QUESTION: What comes with the system?
ANSWER: The F1 system includes a .74 meter satellite dish, a D3 controller, an HN7000S modem, a wireless router, and cables to connect all components.
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QUESTION: What are the Minimum Computer Requirements of the DataStorm?
ANSWER: Any network-capable computer: PC, MAC, or Linux.
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QUESTION: Does it work on Macintosh computers?
ANSWER: Yes.
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QUESTION: What operating systems are currently supported?
ANSWER: Windows XP or Windows 2000 Pro are recommended.
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QUESTION: Can a local area network (LAN) be used to share Internet access?
ANSWER: Yes. The wireless router allows for wired or wireless connections to several computers. In fact, your home computer can be networked to the wireless system in your RV parked outside.
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QUESTION: I plan on Networking multiple computers to the DataStorm. Are there service plans that allow for higher usages and speeds?
ANSWER: Yes. Multiple computers can share the Internet connection. Higher priced service plans with higher bandwidth are available for the larger .98 meter and 1.2 meter dishes.
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QUESTION: Can I use my laptop outside the motorhome?
ANSWER: Yes. With a wireless LAN connection you can sit outside your coach and surf the Internet.
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QUESTION: How often can I use the Internet connection?
ANSWER: 24/7. Once the dish is locked on the satellite, this is an always-on connection with NO "per minute" fees.
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QUESTION: Can I get a Static IP address?
ANSWER: Yes. Static (public) IP addresses are available if needed.
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QUESTION: Does the system support VPN (Virtual Private Network)?
ANSWER: Yes. The .98 or 1.2 meter dishes with higher speed packages are recommended for VPN applications.
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QUESTION: Does the DataStorm work anywhere in North America?
ANSWER: Yes. However, the .98 or 1.2 meter dishes may be required for service in northern Canada, the Carribean and southern Mexico.
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QUESTION: Does the DataStorm work in Central or South America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Russia, or Asia?
ANSWER: Contact us for up-to-date information.
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QUESTION: What is the quality of the dish and mounts?
ANSWER: All major components are custom machined out of aluminum, powder coated, and assembled with stainless steel hardware. Special DC motors are used to adjust elevation, azimuth and skew. Weather-protective covers are custom molded. Each dish is hand assembled by skilled technicians and thoroughly tested. Made in the USA!
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QUESTION: Where can I buy a dish?
ANSWER: Contact us today at (740) 541-2390 or email sales@rvsats.com to obtain additional information, without cost or obligation, on this latest technology.
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