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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
RE: THE HNS7000 PLATFORM
& MOBILE INSTALLATIONS
Q: Can anyone install the DataStorm or DirecStar?
A: It is not recommended. Both the DataStorm
and DirecStar are fairly complicated and quite heavy. A professional installer has the tools and resources to put the system
in place. Certification by Hughes Network, MotoSAT and/or DirecStar is required for all installers.
Q: How does the
antenna find the satellite?
A: The DataStorm and DirecStar are electrically operated and electronically controlled. The
"Find Satellite" button starts the action, and it locates and locks onto the satellite automatically.
Q: Is the antenna's
transmission a danger?
A: No. When properly mounted on the roof of a vehicle at least 6' off the ground. The transmission
is 1 or 2 Watts. Similar ground operated units are dangerous and illegal.
Q: Will it work while I am moving?
A:
No. You must be parked and preferably stabilized for the system to achieve a good lock and pass the ACP (Automatic Cross-Pole).
Q:
How does weather affect the DataStorm or DirecStar?
A: Even in heavy rain the system should remain operational. The DataStorm
and DirecStar's electronics will detect severe rocking, such as heavy winds, and will stow the dish if winds exceed 40 mph.
Q:
Can the DataStorm or DirecStar be used in a mobile environment like an RV, Bus, Command Center or trailer?
A: Yes. Both
were designed from the ground up for mobile applications.
Q: What are the weight and size dimensions of the DataStorm?
A:
Depending upon which mount you are speaking of they are bewteen 105 - 117 lbs., and requires 54" x 40" of clear space.
Q:
How difficult is it to set up the dish?
A: Turn on your modems, your controller and press the Search button. When your
controller reports "Ready" your ON!
Q: How difficult is it to stow and redeploy the satellite dish when one moves from
one location to another?
A: A child can do it (as mine have) Just point and click. It is completely automatic.
Q:
After moving the vehicle, how long does it take to set up?
A: It takes less than 10 minutes, on average, depending upon
which direction you are facing when you stop.
Q: What kind of visibility is required to connect to the satellite?
A:
A clear view of the southern sky is best. If there are objects between the antenna and the satellite, it will have difficulty
locking.
Q: Can the antenna be used as a telephone?
A: Just like any Internet Connection, there are applications
that allow you to talk over the Internet. Some of these programs are i-netPhone and NetToPhone. There is a delay inherent
in satellite technology, (known as latency,) which makes talking on the phone over the Internet a little difficult to get
used to, but it can be done.
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MORE - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What equipment
comes with the system?
A: In addition to the antenna there is a controller, which is about size of a cigar box. The DataStorm
runs on 12 volts and the DirecStar runs on 24 volts and drives the antenna motors with a draw of less than 3 amps. The other
part of the system is the HughesNet 7000 modem.
Q: Who is the ISP?
A: There are several ISP's including MotoSat
and DataTech to name a few. They provide backup technical support to our own along with the 5 HughesNet e-mail addresses available
to you as a HughesNet user.
Q: Does the DataStorm or the DirecStar use any other network than HughesNet?
A: Yes,
there are other options now available.
Q: Do you have to dial up by phone to get on-line?
A: No, phones are no longer
needed. There are no cell phones, no landlines and no "per minute" fees, ever again!
Q: Can a local area network be
used to share Internet access (ICS)?
A: Yes. The HughesNet modems now have DHCP standard which make routers and WIFI systems
virtually plug and play.
Q: Does it work on Macintosh computers?
A: Yes... Now that the HughesNet modem provides
DHCP any system can now work effectively.
Q: What speeds may I expect?
A: That answer depends upon the service package
you get from HughesNet. Ask your installer/sales person for additional info.
Q: How are the Mobile Satellite systems
built?
A: 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!
Q: How often can I use my DataStorm or DirectStar?
A: 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.
Q: Does
the computer have to be on to stow the antenna?
A: No. You may stow the antenna by pressing the "Stow Button" on the controller.
Q:
Can I get a Static IP address?
A: Yes. A Static IP address is available.
Q: I plan on networking multiple computers
to the DataStorm or DirecStar. Are there service plans that allow for higher usages?
A: Yes. 2-4 computers can use the
Internet at the same time on the basic plan. You have the option of two higher priced packages that allow for more multiple
users.
Q: Do the DataStorm and DirecStar work anywhere in North America?
A: Yes, they work anywhere... it's the
Satellite you are using that may give you trouble depending on your geographic location. Some areas farther North in Canada
start to fade, as well as areas in Mexico, but on average, you should have no problem getting online.
Q: Where can
I buy a DataStorm or DirecStar?
A: Click on "Contact Info" for contact information, and then Michael@impactinstalls.com,
We can sell and/or arrange for installation anywhere in North America.
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Letters from past customers:
Ground Control,
Thank
you for putting Michael Lewis on our problem, and for the help of Sue Graham (Tech. Support) who spent a great deal of time
with Michael working with him through the nuances of the new One Touch NAP and DataStorm.
Michael was incredibly patient,
professional, tenacious, and calm in tracking down problems in our system. I can easily understand why you regard Michael
highly. As my wife is fond of saying, "Give this man a raise!"
As was the case for the last One Touch NAP we received,
this one did NOT have the RS232 terminal block plug (but did have the smaller three-terminal block). Fortunately Michael had
brought a spare based on our phone conversation of previous days.
It was interesting that after a certain point Michael
seemed to be getting the same inadequate signal strength (or was it signal quality?) as had the original installer back in
September (Dylan something). This measure never went over about 29; Michael said we needed a measure quite a bit higher for
the system to operate.
Michael re-ran the two receive/transmit coax cables. In the process he dramatically cleaned
up the wiring installation. The topside wiring job is now quite professional looking, as well as nicely "packaged" with protective
split loom harnessing (in place of a tangle of bare cable). It now looks like something you would be proud to show as a representative
sample of your work (which is, of course, how folks will view it).
Thanks again in resolving this situation. I am sure
that all of the "re-do's" were as costly and frustrating for you as for us.
We are now happily online. We miss our
cable modem speeds, but are very happy to have download speeds of roughly twelve times what we have had over dial-up, when
we could get a dial-up at all.
Best regards,
Tom Donaldson
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