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diggerodell - 05 Mar 2008 03:58 GMT

Maybe I'm hallucinating but whenever I need to call DirecTV on a
technical matter -- e.g., HughesNet service -- my confidence level
drops below zero. So here are my questions:

1--Is it possible yet to upload data (e.g. email) via HughesNet?
2--Do I need to replace the standard 19" DTV antenna atop my RV with a
larger oval model?

I know that Verizon, Alltel, and Sprint all have some form of wireless
internet access card which probably turns out to be less expensive.
But, until I hear some persuasive arguments against HughesNet, I'm
inclined to get it a try (depending on the answers given above).

Many thanks.
Digger

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wwemu1@mungedhughes.net - 05 Mar 2008 14:42 GMT

>Maybe I'm hallucinating but whenever I need to call DirecTV on a
>technical matter -- e.g., HughesNet service -- my confidence level
>drops below zero. So here are my questions:
>
>1--Is it possible yet to upload data (e.g. email) via HughesNet?

Of course! HughesNet is a two way satellite link. The standard
Datastorm (which I have) is not the fastest in the world but it
available anywhere I can see the sky, whereas there are places that do
not have cell phone coverage.

>2--Do I need to replace the standard 19" DTV antenna atop my RV with a
>larger oval model?

Yes, The Datastorm uses a .74 meter dish. It automatically finds the
satellite for you. It is possible to add "Bird on a Wire" an
attachment that gives you TV reception as well, and without the rain
fade that you experience with the smaller dish. If you desire, they
have larger systems that are faster - of course for more money. We
have been very happy with our Datastorm

There are two sellers/installers that I would recommend: Bill Adams
www.internetanywhere.us and Gary Swaim (I don't have his web site at
my fingertips) . Check them out. They both install the system with a
secured wifi router which is very handy. We have a desk top and two
laptops that all have access to the internet 24/7. I don't believe
that is possible with the cell phone companies without multiple cards.

YMMV,

George

>I know that Verizon, Alltel, and Sprint all have some form of wireless
>internet access card which probably turns out to be less expensive.
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
>Many thanks.
>Digger

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Dapper Dave - 05 Mar 2008 19:21 GMT

>wwemu1@mungedhughes.net wrote:

>We have a desk top and two
>laptops that all have access to the internet 24/7. I don't believe
>that is possible with the cell phone companies without multiple cards.

Many of us have cellular data cards plugged in to WiFi routers so a
single card can be shared among multiple computers. There are even a few
cell phones that some of these routers support.

Take a look at the offerings at http://www.3gstore.com, for example.

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Bob V - 05 Mar 2008 16:59 GMT

> Maybe I'm hallucinating but whenever I need to call DirecTV on a
> technical matter -- e.g., HughesNet service -- my confidence level
> drops below zero. So here are my questions:
>
> 1--Is it possible yet to upload data (e.g. email) via HughesNet?

Yes, it is a two-way system.

> 2--Do I need to replace the standard 19" DTV antenna atop my RV with a
> larger oval model?

Yes

> I know that Verizon, Alltel, and Sprint all have some form of wireless
> internet access card which probably turns out to be less expensive.
> But, until I hear some persuasive arguments against HughesNet, I'm
> inclined to get it a try (depending on the answers given above).

If cost is of no concern ($5,000 to $6,000 for equipment and $80 per month
for service), then HughesNet is the way to go for best coverage and fastest
speeds. I have an air card for my laptop (No charge for card with 2-year
contract and $60 per month for service), and also use WiFi if available. I
am a part timer that still needs to work online while on the road, and have
no complaints with the setup I have.

HTH,
-Bob

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diggerodell - 05 Mar 2008 20:25 GMT

> > Maybe I'm hallucinating but whenever I need to call DirecTV on a
> > technical matter -- e.g., HughesNet service -- my confidence level
[quoted text clipped - 23 lines]
> HTH,
> -Bob

Thanks, Bob. I didn't realize that the cost would be THAT high. Is
that air card thru Verizon? If so, must you also be a Verizon
customer (land phone)?

Thanks.

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Janet Wilder - 05 Mar 2008 23:09 GMT

> Thanks, Bob. I didn't realize that the cost would be THAT high. Is
> that air card thru Verizon? If so, must you also be a Verizon
> customer (land phone)?

The card is like a cell phone. You don't have to have any other Verizon
service to get it. It stands alone.

Sprint and AT&T also have air cards, but it's been our experience that
Verizon has better coverage.

Also, many, many RV parks and fast food restaurants now offer free WiFi.
If I were going to start looking into Internet access on the road, I'd
take a trip and check out the availability of WiFi in campgrounds and
McDonalds, ets. before spending a bunch of money or signing any
contracts with cell phone carriers.

Signature

Janet Wilder
Bad spelling. Bad punctuation
Good Friends. Good Life

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Peter Pan - 06 Mar 2008 06:25 GMT

>> Thanks, Bob. I didn't realize that the cost would be THAT high. Is
>> that air card thru Verizon? If so, must you also be a Verizon
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
> campgrounds and McDonalds, ets. before spending a bunch of money or
> signing any contracts with cell phone carriers.

You may want to look into the Kyocera KR1 router
(http://www.kyocera-wireless.com/kr1-router/features.htm) let's you put an
aircard in it, also is an access point so you can share it wirelessly with
multiple computers... Some of the newer aircards also allow you to connect
an external antenna, so you can have an antenna/directional yagi/panel/etc
on the roof of the RV.
Happen to have a cell phone? if so check out the repeaters at
http://www.cellantenna.com/ you can put the directional/yagi on the tv
antenna, turn it for the best signal, and use it for both the wireless
router and a cell phone...
As an aside, you can also use that router with some tethered cell phones so
you can have voice and data on one device with one contract.

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S. Barker - 05 Mar 2008 23:24 GMT

It's NOT that high. just check out their website for prices.

s

> Thanks, Bob. I didn't realize that the cost would be THAT high. Is
> that air card thru Verizon? If so, must you also be a Verizon
> customer (land phone)?
>
> Thanks.

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Dave Woodruff - 06 Mar 2008 02:00 GMT

>> > Maybe I'm hallucinating but whenever I need to call DirecTV on a
>> > technical matter -- e.g., HughesNet service -- my confidence level
[quoted text clipped - 33 lines]
>
> Thanks.

Digger, that system quoted is the selfpointing roof mount. A tripod system
you set up yourself is more reasonable, it used to be that Hughes Net did
not recognize do it yourself installations, and if you had a problem you had
to be sure not to tell them you were mobile. I don't know if Hughesnet has
changed that and some services go as in betweens if you will like Dusty
Foot.

I use Starband, they certify you as an installer and you set up and aim your
dish when you move. It is networkable, and I believe right now the dish,
modem, tripod and Bird Dog aiming tool are sold for around $1700 initial and
monthly service runs around $60.00. You have a cap on both systems about
how much you can send in each price range, but I get a Gig per week on mine
and never gone over. I also don't have to lie if I have a problem.

As noted by others, there are many cell phone systems out there as
air-cards. In larger metropolitan markets you can get the high speed
connections with these that is great. More remote digital areas are at
slower speeds, Someone will correct me if this is wrong, but I believe
around 100 to 200 KBPS down. We also like being out in quite remote areas
and find that service isn't even available in many of those, so we are still
on the dish for 4 years or so. We get down load speeds of 300 to 600
usually and upload speeds around 100.

So it depends what you want, the aircards are great if you will be where
they will service you to your specs. You may be able to find coverage maps
for those services on line.

Hope this helps a bit.

Dave W.

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Pepperoni - 05 Mar 2008 22:34 GMT

> Maybe I'm hallucinating but whenever I need to call DirecTV on a
> technical matter -- e.g., HughesNet service -- my confidence level
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
> Many thanks.
> Digger

A Linksys router is available for some Sprint aircards
http://tinyurl.com/39hptx
or for ATT/ Verizon
http://tinyurl.com/29ed7m

Available for select full size PCMCIA cards

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Don Bradner - 07 Mar 2008 06:40 GMT

>Maybe I'm hallucinating but whenever I need to call DirecTV on a
>technical matter -- e.g., HughesNet service -- my confidence level
>drops below zero. So here are my questions:

There is no relationship between DirecTV and HughesNet. Been a couple
of years since there was.
---
Don Bradner
donb (not don) at arcatapet.com
'90 Wanderlodge PT40 "Blue Thunder"
towing '07 Jeep Liberty

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