|
FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
RE: THE HNS7000 PLATFORM & MOBILE INSTALLATIONS
Q: Can anyone install these satellite
systems?
A: It is not recommended. Most systems 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, DirecStar and others are
required for all installers.
Q: How does the antenna find the satellite?
A: MOst systems 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, 2, 4 or 6 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
these systems?
A: Even in heavy rain the system should remain operational. Most systems electronics will detect severe
rocking, such as heavy winds, and will stow the dish if winds exceed 40 mph.
Q: Can these systems be used in a
mobile environment like an RV, Bus, Command Center or trailer?
A: Yes. All mobile systems were designed from the
ground up for mobile applications.
Q: What are the weight and size dimensions of these mobile systems?
A:
Depending upon which mount you are speaking of they are bewteen 105 - 122 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 south-eastern 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.
|
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. Most systems run on 12 volts and drives the antenna motors
with a draw of less than 3 amps. The other part of the system is the 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 most systems provide DHCP any system can now work effectively.
Q: What speeds may I expect?
A: That answer depends upon the service package you get from your ISP. 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.
Q: How often can I use my
satellite system?
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 satellite
system. 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 satellite systems 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 satellite system?
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.
|
|
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
|
|
