Datastorm Mobile Satellite Internet Service in Atlanta Georgia GA hughesnet, idirect, motosat

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DataStorm System?

How fast is it when you're connected to the Internet?

How expensive is it?

Who do I buy my monthly access from?

What are the Minimum Computer Requirements of the DataStorm?

Can anyone install the DataStorm Mobile Dish?

How does the dish find the satellite?

Is the dish transmission a danger?

Can I be traveling down the road and be online at the same time?

How does weather affect the dish?

Can the DataStorm be used in a mobile environment like an RV, truck, trailer or bus?

Would the DataStorm fit on a small trailer?

How difficult is it to use the DataStorm?

Is it easy to stow and reconnect the satellite dish when one moves from one location to another?

After parking the rig, how long does it take to set up?

What kind of visibility is required to connect to the satellite?

Can the DataStorm be used for TV as well as Internet simultaneously?

I have a HughesNet dish at home... Do I have to have two accounts if I buy a system?

Can the dish be used as a telephone?

What else comes with the system?

Do you have to dial-up by phone to get on-line?

Can the wireless local area network be used to share Internet access?

Does it work on Macintosh computers?

What operating systems are currently supported?

How often can I use the Internet connection?

Does the computer have to be on to stow the dish?

Can I get a Static IP address?

I plan on Networking in multiple computers to the DataStorm. Are there service plans that allow for higher usages and speeds?

Does the system support VPN (Virtual Private Network)?

Does the DataStorm work anywhere in North America?

QUESTION: What is the DataStorm System?
ANSWER: The DataStorm system is an automatic, mobile satellite Internet dish made by MotoSAT, the market leader. It provides Internet access by means of a subscribed service. The HughesNet service is used exclusively on the .74 meter dish. "HughesNet" is a satellite Internet service provided by Hughes Network Systems (HNS) to consumer and commercial markets.
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QUESTION: How fast is it when you're connected to the Internet?
ANSWER: Speeds of the Internet connection for the base system are typically 1000 Kbps (kilobits per second) download or about 20 times faster than a dial-up modem. Larger systems are capable of speeds up to 9 Mbps.
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QUESTION: How expensive is it?
ANSWER: System prices range from just over $5,000, installed in your vehicle, to almost $30,000. Systems are available to meet the specific requirements of any entity needing mobile Internet access. Internet access service starts at just $79.99 per month for unlimited use.
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QUESTION: Who do I buy my monthly access from?
ANSWER: Indyne Mobile Satellite will arrange for your HughesNet, LinkStar, EchoSat, or iDirect service through MotoSAT.
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QUESTION: What are the Minimum Computer Requirements of the DataStorm?
ANSWER: Any network capable computer will work.
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QUESTION: Can anyone install the DataStorm Mobile Dish?
ANSWER: No. Only a DataStorm certified installer may install the system. This is a requirement from Hughes Network Systems and the FCC.
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QUESTION: How does the dish find the satellite?
ANSWER: The dish is on a completely motorized and computer-controlled platform. One button causes it to find and lock onto the satellite automatically in 3 to 7 minutes. An onboard GPS (global positioning satellite) receiver and tilt sensors let the DataStorm know the elevation of the satellite band. The dish moves along that band until it encounters a satellite. It identifies that satellite and then calculates how it must move to find the correct satellite for service. Once the correct satellite signal is sensed, the dish position is fine-tuned for maximum signal strength.
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QUESTION: Is the dish transmission a danger?
ANSWER: The system is a "transmitting" device, therefore, falls under FCC regulations. The FCC states "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." Transmission strength is about 1 Watt, (a cell phone is .8 watts). Being on top of the vehicle or 6' above ground level (per regulation) will comply with the FCC warning.
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QUESTION: Can I be traveling down the road and be online at the same time?
ANSWER: No. You must be parked. True 2-Way in-motion satellite transmission (transmit to and receive from the same satellite) is not possible at this time and may not be approved for several years to come.
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QUESTION: How does weather affect the dish?
ANSWER: High winds or heavy rain can affect usability of the DataStorm. Transmission will be suspended if signal quality dips below 31, which is rare, but can happen in excessive conditions.
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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 from the ground up for mobile application. However, the vehicle must be parked in order for the DataStorm to operate.
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QUESTION: Would the DataStorm fit on a small trailer?
ANSWER: The DataStorm can fit on most any mobile platform. Statistics of size can be found on this web site. The bottom of the dish rim must be at least 6' off the ground to legally transmit.
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QUESTION: How difficult is it to use the DataStorm?
ANSWER: Turn on the DataStorm controller and push the Search button. The DataStorm will automatically rise and lock onto the correct satellite within 3 to 7 minutes. When you are ready to move the vehicle, simply press the Stow button and the dish will fold flat to the roof.
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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. Simply push the Stow button to prepare for travel. When you arrive at your new location and have leveled the vehicle, simply press the Search button. The DataStorm is completely motorized and finds the satellite automatically. There is no physical labor involved in setting up the dish. Once the satellite is found, you are online. Simply run your Web browser or email program.
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QUESTION: After parking the rig, how long does it take to set up?
ANSWER: It takes 3 to 7 minutes for the dish to rise and lock onto the correct satellite.
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QUESTION: What kind of visibility is required to connect to the satellite?
ANSWER: You must have an unobstructed view of the Southern sky. If there are objects (trees, buildings, very nearby tall mountains) between the dish and the satellite, it will not find the satellite.
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QUESTION: Can the DataStorm be used for TV as well as Internet simultaneously?
ANSWER: Yes, on .74 meter systems. You may purchase an optional accessory from Indyne (Bird on a Wire). It comes with a standard TV LNB and is mounted directly to the HughesNet dish. This bracket allows you to receive DirecTV programming at the same time you are surfing the Internet. The appropriate DirecTV Satellite Receiver and programming is purchased seperately.
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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. You only need to have one HughesNet account for both your Mobile System and your Home system, but the account must be a mobile account. It is against Hughes policy to use a non-mobile HughesNet modems in a mobile environment. The modem can be moved from vehicle to home as appropriate.
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QUESTION: Can the dish be used as a telephone?
ANSWER: Yes... Voice Over Internet Protocol (telephone communication is commonly called VOIP when used over the Internet) is being used by many customers. Remember that you are speaking over a satellite connection which is very far away, so there will be a delay of a little over 1 second as your voice reaches the person you are talking with. Indyne can recommend and provide a VOIP solution. Expanded bandwidth is highly recommended.
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QUESTION: What else comes with the system?
ANSWER: In addition to the dish, there is a DataStorm controller, which is smaller than a notebook computer. The controller runs on 12 volts or 110AC power and drives the dish motors with less than 2 amp draw when the dish is moving. The other part of the system is the modem, which communicates with the satellite and provides the Internet service. The electronics are connected to one another and the computer through a wireless router. Cables connect the electronics to the dish.
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QUESTION: Do you have to dial-up by phone to get on-line?
ANSWER: No. Once dish is aligned and locked on to the signal, it supplies an always-on, two-way, send-and-receive Internet satellite connection.
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QUESTION: Can the wireless local area network be used to share Internet access?
ANSWER: Yes. Indyne can supply you with everything you need to expand your wireless coverage to any range you wish. Because the network is wireless, the computer or computers can be located anywhere in the vehicle or nearby outside the vehicle. The network is secured to allow only you and others you authorize to use your network. Some users use the wireless network to have Internet access in their homes via the DataStorm system on their vehicle parked outside.
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QUESTION: Does it work on Macintosh computers?
ANSWER: Yes, but the unit must be able to communicate through the wireless Ethernet connection and have a web browser.
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QUESTION: What operating systems are currently supported?
ANSWER: The operating system is immaterial so long as the computer has Ethernet networking capability and can run a web browser. The computer does not have to be on for the DataStorm dish to operate.
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QUESTION: How often can I use the Internet connection?
ANSWER: Always. If the dish is locked on satellite, and your computer is turned on, you are online. There are no "per minute" fees, and no "idle disconnects".
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QUESTION: Does the computer have to be on to stow the dish?
ANSWER: No. You may stow the dish by pressing the Stow button.
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QUESTION: Can I get a Static IP address?
ANSWER: Yes. Public Routable IP addresses are available. Indyne will determine this requirement during our initial survey.
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QUESTION: I plan on Networking in multiple computers to the DataStorm. Are there service plans that allow for higher usages and speeds?
ANSWER: Yes. All users share the system bandwidth. The activities of the users determine bandwidth requirements. The base .74 meter system, for example, can support two average users with good performance. You have the option of higher priced packages that are faster and allow more users on the system. These packages will require upgrading to a .98 or 1.2 meter dish.
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QUESTION: Does the system support VPN (Virtual Private Network)?
ANSWER: Sometimes... Most VPN applications are very slow over a satellite connection because of latency issues that are inherent to Satellite communication. Higher speed packages from Indyne are recommended if this is going to be a major use of the system. Thin-client connection to a secured server is the preferable connection means. Indyne can advise you on the best package for your particular situation.
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QUESTION: Does the DataStorm work anywhere in North America?
ANSWER: Currently there are 8 different HughesNet satellites with different foot prints for geographic coverage. Coverage maps are located on this web site in the HughesNet service section. The maps show the "footprints" of these HughesNet satellites directed at North America, which includes the Caribbean, Alaska, Canada, and Mexico. Note that larger dishes are required for service in some areas. Indyne will determine the best satellite for your intended travel area.
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