satellite

The HughesNet and Starband 2-way Internet satellite dishes are 1 meter wide. Commercial tripod systems are around $1400. Automated rooftop (MotoSat) systems are around $4500. Monthly fees (Internet only) are about $75/month.

I've had the MotoSat automated rooftop system for over 4 years. Although it was originally a luxury item, it's been well worth it! If it wasn't for my satellite Internet, I wouldn't have started this website. I also didn't want to carry the large dish and large tripod. "Air cards" weren't available when I started this, so I splurged on the rooftop automated system. We're connected to the Internet 24x7 when we have electric hook-ups. Connected as needed when we don't have electric. The only negative to the satellite Internet is when we're under heavy tree coverage. Since the satellite is mounted on my rooftop, I'm out of luck if trees block my view. I just to park with a view of the southern sky. The is the same as for satellite TV.

Another benefit of my system is I also have the DirectTV satellite on the same dish. The one 3 foot dish serves two purposes. I press a button which makes the automated dish find the Internet satellite. At the same time, I've also automatically found the TV satellite. Nice! We literally have satellite TV and satellite Internet within 5 minutes of parking the motor home.

Thanks Larry,
I can't find anyone who understands this when I call distributors. Do you have a contact I can talk to?
Glenn

I can't find anyone who understands this when I call distributors. Do you have a contact I can talk to?

I wouldn't recommend my installer (Phoenix, AZ). A GREAT source of information which includes a list of good installers can be found at www.datastormusers.com

Karry -- why wouldn't you recommend your installer, is it a very technical or comples install to put these dishes up??? I mean, can an installer screw it up easily.

Technically stupid me could, I know -- but it seems simple enough to connect the wires and the antenna -- the guys at my house (couple years ago) screwed four mounting bolts into the roof, ran two cables, drilled two holes through the wall into the basement, and hooked on the box (then the cable routes out of the box to a couple TVs in different rooms -- but it's still just cable -- whole thing took ten minutes and we were watching a show.

Unless it's more than that to get dish on an RV ?? I'd still hire someone from the TV shop, but it seems a simple job to me - except explanation of all the buttons and switches.

Unless it's more than that to get dish on an RV ?? I'd still hire someone from the TV shop, but it seems a simple job to me - except explanation of all the buttons and switches.

The physical installation is straight-forward, but does need to be properly aligned when installed. It's the configuration that can be complicated. This is where I had problems. My system was a new design (at the time) and my installer didn't really know how to configure it. We're not talking about a simple TV satellite system. The automated Internet dish has to be properly installed, aligned and configured correctly. Remember, we're also trying to SEND signals from a little 1.5 watt transmitter to a specific satellite thousands of miles in the sky.

LARRY QUOTE: "Remember, we're also trying to SEND signals from a little 1.5 watt transmitter to a specific satellite thousands of miles in the sky."

I that when you order some extra programs -- like PPV and things, then you send info, or is this an internet signal??

Does the satellite do internet too, or is that something separate?? From your post below, it sounds like you have everything satellite -- web and TV. So, no phone/card type internet requred ...