What system do you use for your on-the-road Internet connection?
Old Snipe said
08:00 PM Aug 31, 2006
There are many types of systems to connect to the Internet, Datastorm, aircards, WiFi, cell phone adapters.
What type do you use and why did you choose that system?
Best Regards!
Howard said
10:33 PM Aug 31, 2006
I think everyone knows we have satellite internet through Hughes (formerly Direcway) and a rooftop automatic Datastorm dish. Here is the link to our Frequently Asked Questions which explains our decision to go this route in more detail:
We also seek out Wi-Fi hotspots in those rare circumstances when we cannot get satellite connection, but only as a back-up.
Tom N Gina said
10:35 PM Aug 31, 2006
verizon air card works great even going down the road.
RVDude said
08:48 AM Sep 1, 2006
It is really all about coverage – here's some very broad guidelines
Satellite (given a clear view of whichever bird you chose) has coverage everywhere (roughly) in North America. You are limited only by line-of-sight to your bird in the sky. Can be used only when very stationary. Your satellite provider is your ISP. See your satellite provider for each bird's coverage map. (very roughly $5,000 dish + $60/month)
Cell/PCS/AirCard/CDPD systems have coverage only where your cell carrier has DATA coverage which is typically a far smaller footprint than the voice footprint (except for PCS/GSM). Can be used while moving on the road. Your cell carrier is your ISP. If you are frequently off the beaten path then you know you are also frequently out of cell range be it voice and especially data. You are limited to cell/data-cell coverage areas. Your cell provider has coverage maps; just make sure to use the data service coverage maps. (very roughly $300 for phone/cables or card + $60/month + voice/month)
WiFi coverage is limited to you being in a WiFi Hotspot, typically a hundred feet or so within someone's WiFi antenna. You use whatever ISP the WiFi owner has the WiFi connected to. You are limited to being right near a WiFi setup. Can be used walking around your Hotspot picnic table. Today with so many unsecured home WiFi setups, just drive down any street until you find a signal and you are set! (very roughly $30 for WiFi card if not already built-in to your laptop)
Note that satellite systems can also be set up to provide a WiFi Hotspot for you and your camping neighbors.
Darrell and Judy said
12:03 PM Sep 1, 2006
We use Cingular wireless broadband. Looking forward in seeing how it will work out west, works good east of the Mississippi. One note, it is not really compatable with AOL (AOL keeps booting us off line) but once you've installed it you can switch search engines - the problem is our email is currently with AOL so we'll need to change our email address.
Darrell
mikeway said
12:36 PM Sep 1, 2006
We use Motosat/Hughes. Our datastorm number is 3561.
In the past. most far distant, we have tried cell phone ( slooooow ) and wireless cafes like Panera. Most happy with the motosat dish. Especially since I use a Mac and the other solutions are mostly no go for a Mac.
Mike
simonsrf said
02:45 PM Sep 18, 2006
Bought a tripod dish system so I could have more freedom on where to be able to park.
Hughes Nework Satellite.
PortaSat DW7000
Professional Service Plan Download Speed: 1 Mbps Upload Speed: up to 200 kbps $69.99
Bought the system through: http://www.maxwellsatellite.com/
I am very pleased with the performance. I just set it up last week in the RV, setup was a snap, configuration was mostly easy. Satellite connection is NOT broadband, but this seems like a very workable replacement for our needs.
Judy said
04:04 PM Sep 18, 2006
We use Verizon air card also.
Southwest Judy & Bob & 2blackdogs
bjoyce said
04:31 PM Sep 18, 2006
We also have a Hughes.net tripod system. We bought ours a long time ago and have made many upgrades. We like to deal with Glenn Simpson for service, http://www.businesswebsupport.com/ , who hangs out in Yuma, AZ in the winter. Off his website the price is $1650 with two $100 rebates so $1450 after rebates (and taxes on the $200). We have a DW6000 with the $60/month consumer plan. We are thinking of upgrading to the Pro plan and a DW7000 for $70/month pro plan. On the consumer plan a DW6000 and DW7000 perform the same.
Anyway we used ours all through BC, Yukon and Alaska in addition to the lower 48. Try that with a cell phone.
What you gain by going with a Datastorm are ease of use, ease of storage (we have friends who decided that was important after getting in fights over the space the tripod took from their storage), ease of changing satellites to go into Mexico, the Maritimes and Alaska if the satellite you are assigned won't cover that area. What you gain with a tripod is a fatter wallet and having some places you can get on since you can find a hole in the trees for the tripod but not your RV.
Darrell and Judy said
04:45 AM Sep 19, 2006
As I stated before, we use a wireless (air card) from Cingular for our internet. I am contemplating having a KVH automatic satellite system installed to link to DirectTV. Has anyone had any experiences with these systems? I know that they use them on motorhomes, but have never seen them on fifthwheels.
Darrell
mikeway said
08:43 AM Sep 19, 2006
We had a KVH system on our first motor home. It was quite easy to use and did a great job.
There is no reason that it can not be used on a 5'er. Just make sure that it is mounted on a spot that will be level when the rig is level. Automatic search is the least painfill. We now have a Winegard system (pop up dish) that is semi-automatic. That is; I select a city, it sets the elevation and searches through the myriad of satellites up there. Some times the first signal is right, sometimes the second is correct, currently the 5th choice is correct.
When the Winegard is replaced, it WILL BE with a domed system. Recent high winds ( 70 plus ) forced us to park both dishes and we were relegated to repeater TV. A dome does not have to be parked.
I have beem cautioned about the newer flatter domes, as their performance in the rain may not be as good. Apparently. pooling rain water on the dome will block the signal. The manufacters now sell a coating to alleviate that condition. The only problem we ever had with the rounder dome was a buildup of snow, one early June in Yellowstone. A thawed hose fixed that though.
Consider a dual lnb model. That allows 2 receivers and different shows front and back. More choices in a small space are good. Motosat (another pop up system) is the only dish system I know of that has 3 lnbs and receives HD signals although there may be others.
Mike
Darrell and Judy said
10:19 AM Sep 19, 2006
Thanks Mike. It will be interesting to see if the area that we have to install the unit is level enough, might have to add some sort of mounting plate to get it level. I'm sure Camping World will know once we get there.
bjoyce said
11:00 AM Sep 19, 2006
I realized that most of us are not answering your deeper questions about internet service.
We have satellite internet because we came out of the computer business and need/want fast internet every day possible. We tried the old and slow Verizon Mobile Office, 14.4K, and it didn't work many places, was too slow, was too unreliable forcing reloading web pages, etc. High-speed cell phone systems did not exist at the time. We went with satellite internet and on rare occasions will use Wi-Fi at campgrounds or coffee shops when the trees or other issues keep us offline with our satellite.
At the Spring Escapade was a seminar on broadband internet for RVers. The presenter sold cell phone accessories, like trucker antennas and internet cards. The presenter also sold wi-fi equipment. The presenter also had a tripod internet dish. He knew all three systems.
He used a two year time frame on costs since the cell phone companies wanted a two year contract and satellite is a 15 month contract. He also did not cover dial-up or slow cellular services in the dial-up range like Verizon Mobile Office since he was covering broadband. Only satellite provides you with an email address, but there are many free ways to get email addresses.
Wi-Fi - two year cost is about $500-1000 (from memory) for equipment and paying daily/weekly rates at campgrounds and other providers. Availability is scattered and the service varies a bunch depending on the campground. Definately a service for notebook computers since you will need to take the computer to the service. Can be used on Macs and Linux machines.
Cellular - two year cost is about $1500 for equipment and the $60/month. Available in the US in cities and by highways, more sporadic everywhere else in the US. Best speeds and service use internet cards that work with notebook computers. Not easy for two computers to share, only for Windows computers, only in the US (different companies in Canada and Mexico).
Satellite tripod - two year cost is $2500-3000 for equipment, training and $60-70/month depending on service level. Whereever you have a view of the southern sky in most of North America. Can be shared, can be used with desktop computers, can be used with Macs and Linux machines though you might want a Windows machine around for initial setup (neighbor or installers machine). Can be used with Wi-Fi, in fact many campground Wi-Fi's use satellite internet. Add about $3000-4000 for the Datastorm equipment and install, but from then on the service is the same.
Now you have to decide how important internet is to you and how often you need it. Are you just using email that is mostly text, Pocketmail might work for you. If your friends and family send you videos and pictures you need broadband. Do you need to be on most days, once a week? Do you want to use a desktop computer? Do you want to run Linux or use a Mac? Do you want to run more than one computer at a time? Are you using online bill pay? Are you uploading to a website or blog? Are you travelling in Mexico or Canada (or a Canadian travelling in the US)? Are you going to boondock or be in rural areas with limited cell phone service?
Everyone's situation is different and how much they want to spend is different.
If you are unsure of your needs I would recommend the Windows notebook with Wi-fi (wireless) route to start with. Then you can ask your neighbors with cell phone internet how well it is working in the campgrounds you are staying in. Walk around and find those internet dishes and find out how happy those users are.
ahoweth said
06:12 AM Oct 12, 2006
We use the cingular phone card. I guess it all depends on how much you rely on the internet. We have been many places where there is either no coverage or the data service is slooooooow. We use the internet mostly for e-mail so we can do without it for some periods of time without any heart burn. That is just us. Again the choice is yours to make and depends on how you value and use the internet as to which would be most advantageous and cost effective for your circumstances.
Like full timing itself, it is all up to you. You have to make the decision
Delaine and Lindy said
08:07 AM Oct 12, 2006
Hi to All, we use Cingular wire less edge card, works very well as long as we have a good signal. I think it cost $59.00 month unlimited use. We also have a Hughes DW 7000 still in a box, haven't set it up yet. It's $69.00 a month unlimited use. It has a Tri-pod mount because of the problems with tree's we think it will serve us better being able to move to a clear view of the Southern Sky. The cost was around $1,800 with tax, shipping etc. It's the cheapest system we could find. But we haven't used the system yet. We have seen the system work in another Rver's 5th wheel. We didn't get the Bird on a wire, will keep Direct Tv because of HDTV. We are still in Clarksville Tn and I was released from my Dr yesterday and was suppose to move back to our Home Base site on the Tennessee River but DW needed to stay a few more days with our new grand son. Will set up the Hughes next week, wish us luck. GBY...All...
simonsrf said
09:27 AM Oct 12, 2006
I also have the Hughes Network DW 7000. I bought it from Maxwell Satellite, they have been a tremendous help in setting it up, etc. We pay for the upgrade signal and it is very fast for satellite.
The biggest problem we had was trying to get it sighted in. Well, last weekend, we remedied that problem with the "Align-a-Site" that we bought from Camping World. This little unit does exactly what we wanted it to do. We like to camp in the trees and this tool allows you to look at the sky with the azimuth, elevation and the skew already set to see if this would be a good location for the dish. The cost is high, (about $150) but well worth it for us.
Here's a link: http://tinyurl.com/sdx7g
emeacham said
02:44 PM Oct 12, 2006
I recently got a Verizon Broadband card. It seems to work fairly well although it's a little slow at times. One place in Oklahoma I couldn't get connected, but time and distance will tell how wide the coverage is since we haven't traveled too far since I got this. Eventually I hope to be able to afford the satelite system.
Ellie
Luvglass said
03:34 PM Oct 12, 2006
Hi, We have the automatic Datastorm and it's OK, when it works, but it definitely is not broadband speed. We've just gone through a 3 week period with little or no service while they figured out what's wrong. It turned out to be a bad transmitter. Even though the system is only 5 months old, we had to pay shipping for the parts and for a technician to make the swap. After spending $5K, I wasn't too happy to have to spend another $400 to get it fixed. Also we had to travel over 300 miles to get near a technician that could fix it.
Even though we went to the company recommended by Datastrom at the Daytona RV Show for purchase and installation - Mobile Satellite Technologies, they've turned out to be marginal at best in technical service. There's never anyone that answers the phone and you sometimes have to call them multiple times before you get a call back.
If we had it to do over I think we might opt for the manual system. We've had to move a number of times because the trailer position wasn't exactly right, and in general when you ask for a satellite friendly campsite, they tend to put you in the middle of a field. With the manual system you could tuck back in the woods and just put the dish outside. People that are familiar with it seem to get it set up in about 10 minutes. And it's about $3k cheaper. Oh well - next time!
Fred
DAFT said
06:27 PM Oct 13, 2006
After research and depending on what many of you have said about the Hughes system from Maxwell, we have ordered it and will meet the installer in Little Rock next week for training and installation. Are there any particular questions or things I need to be sure are answered by the installer?
simonsrf said
08:04 AM Oct 14, 2006
DAFT,
Margo and Glenn are the greatest to work with IF you have any problems. My suggestion is to read the entire manual, cover-to-cover, then setup the tripod and system. You will find that if you follow the manual, you'll be successful. They have done a great job of putting the "Training Manual" together. In some places I think it could have been put together in better setup order, but all the information that you need is in that little book.
Make sure that the first few times you setup that you have a clean southern sky to aim the dish. We bought an "Align-a-site" at CW, well worth the money for our two dishes. We've been very surprised where we've been able to get the signal, it makes the choosing a parking place very easy and quick.
We love our Maxwell system, and I am confident you will too.
If there are any questions we can help with, please let us know.
Jack Mayer said
08:20 AM Oct 15, 2006
Just a comment on setup times of tripod systems.
First, we do not have one, so I have no direct knowledge. But we have talked to, and observed, inumerable people with them, and have talked to lots of sellers of the systems.
Although it is "possible" to set up in 15 minutes, figure on a 30 minute setup time, by the time you get everything out, attach everything, etc. May times you might be a little less, but figure on 30 minutes.
simonsrf said
09:14 AM Oct 15, 2006
Jack is right, it takes about 30 minutes to setup the tripod, mount the dish , run the cables and do the pointing. The tripod and the dish and the arm are easily taken apart which makes it easier to store, but..........yes, it can be a hassle to figure out the best way to store it so that it can be easily removed from storage without moving to many other things.....Did I mention "learning curve".
Another draw-back that has not been mentioned about satellite systems is that there is no instant access to the internet, you HAVE TO SETUP THE DISH each time.
We like the system, and wish it were easier like the dome mounts, but then, there are trade-offs, you just need to figure out which ones are best for your needs and pocketbook.
Jack Mayer said
09:53 AM Oct 15, 2006
If money was no object I'd have the roof top system, like Howard and Linda. And I'd ALSO have a tripod, for those times when I needed it. However, money is an object, so I have nothing
Right now I'm parked next to Howard and LInda, so I have their wifi feed...sure is nice on a rainy day....
Joan On The Road said
11:33 AM Oct 16, 2006
We've had our DataStorm roof mounted satellite since June 2003. Overall we're very glad we made this choice. I think in 3.5 years there's only been 2 places we didn't connect. We recently upgraded DW 7000 modem and D3 controller. Bill Adams did the upgrade in Yuma. We could not be happier with his installation and support. Now we push one button to stow and one to search. GPS finds the satellite and voila we are on. It is also substantially faster and has a stronger signal. We also changed our ISP to Motosat (we had GroundControl) and we're very happy with that change. Now everything is with one vendor...easier to manage.
I'd recommend anyone considering the satellite system (or any owners) to check out the Datastorm users group at www.datastormusers.com. There's lots of info and help available from users.
We also have TV (the bird on a wire) on our satellite. Everynow and then this is an issue. If the satellite service goes out for some reason we have no tv (because we stupidly took off our Wineguard antenna to make room for solar panels :) But that's just our problem.
Darrell and Judy said
02:10 PM Oct 16, 2006
We are currently in Nashville, TN (right next to the Camping World). On Wednesday I have an apporintment to have the Winegard Movin' On satellite system installed with two receivers. Before I do that, is there anyone out there who objects to this idea (speak now of forever hold your peace). I would really like to hear from anyone who has used these systems (KVH or Winegard). This is a big investment and I need a little comforting. Will I be happy for evermore?
Darrell
Luvglass said
02:49 PM Oct 16, 2006
Hi Darrell,
I think what you're getting is just for tv. I don't think it will give you internet access.
Fred
DAFT said
08:45 PM Oct 16, 2006
Hi Darrell & Judy:
You just never know how close we were to meeting you two! Passed through Nashville this afternoon, thought about stopping off at Camping World, but pushed on west where tonight we are parked on at Walmart lot in Dickson, TN just about 40 miles from Nashville. Storming here tonight.
We had the KVH installed a few years ago (at that same store in Nashville) and have had no particular problems with it. BUT...we have had problems with DISH network. So I hope you have DirectTV.
Darrell and Judy said
06:53 AM Oct 17, 2006
Fred,
You're right, we are talking about TV and not internet - I'm on the wrong subject. Ya'll have to forgive me, I'm getting senile and all of the is technology has too many moving parts.
DAFT - wished we'd have met yesterday. How'd ya like all of that rain? Yes, we have Direct-TV. Just read Jo and Fred's website about their tribulations with Direct-TV - sounds like ours with Cingular phones. Thanks for the input.
Anyway, sorry Howard for getting off the subject.
Darrell
Delaine and Lindy said
06:41 PM Oct 20, 2006
Hi All, just set up the DW 7000 by Hughes Net on thetri-pod. Must admit we had a problem setting the dish, didn't realize how sensitive gettingit locked on. However with the help of the tech support we got it up and running. Wow very impressed with the speed. The Cingular wireless card is ok if the signal is good. But so for the DW 7000 is great. I really believe if your going to full time, it's a must have system.. GBY....
Tmcblane said
07:17 AM Oct 21, 2006
Currently we use the tripod system with 7000 modem. While not blazing speed it is internet access and available anywhere in the US. Having said that, there are some really promissing options coming up in the future. Cingular is marketing an air card 875 I believe it is that is capable of 3.6m download, now you have to remember that is reserved for large cities and it is doubtful that anyone will get that type of service so early in the use of this card, but it only gets better with time as they add more coverage. Our tripod system gets us usually 8-900 down and 130 up in the mornings but it slows way down in the afternoon and evening. Sometimes 2-300 down and as low as 25 up. The more you set it up the easier it gets and certainly there is more time setting up and taking down then aiming (under most circumstances)
As a side note, those who have the datastorm and are concerned about where they have to park to get the signal, if you think the tripod system would be an advantage you can buy the dish and arm off of ebay from someone's home system and when you want to park in the trees you could set up the portable system. Of course you still need a tripod and arm but those can be found easy enough. I bought an additional system (no modem) for $30 off ebay. Obvioulsy you have to have room to carry it.
RickC said
07:42 PM Oct 24, 2006
I use a Verizon Motorola 730 phone with a USB connector to the notebook. This way, I can use my cellphone external antenna and amp which makes a huge difference (I tried the notebook card and without the external antenna, had poor coverage in the boonies where we travel). This system has worked well -- I get about 110 - 140kb speeds in virtually all places I have been. Last summer, we went to the Oregon and Washington coast and had great coverage in all spots except on night near Mt. St. Helens. Last spring, I used it while snowbirding in Florida and had great results from South Dakota to Florida and while in the state.
Cost is about $60 a month with unlimited use (in addition to your voice plan). One thing I have really liked is that I can stop at a rest area and almost instantly be online. You can even stay online while traveling, but since I do the driving and the computer use (wife is blind), I have not tried that!
Rick
Dick Nason said
09:11 PM Nov 28, 2006
I am currently at Borrego Springs, Calif. It's about 1 1/2 hours from SanDiego and about the same from the Palm Springs area. We will be moving to Tucson in February. We have just started full timing and would like to get a Datastorm .74 meter dish with a D3 controller and a 7000 modem. My question is does anyone have any experience with any dealer in the area?
We have a tripod, but know Bill will help you out.
mikeway said
09:49 PM Nov 29, 2006
Seconding Bill's recommendation.
Bill Adams and his wife did our install last June and it has been trouble free. They work well and quickly. I believe his Datastorm number is 24, he was a very early adopter. Email him and I am sure he will respond.
Mike
Dick Nason said
04:32 PM Nov 30, 2006
I got on the datastorm users forum as suggested and Bill Adam's name kept coming up. I sent him an e-mail and he responded very quickly. After a lengthly phone convcersation I decided to use his services. Bill will be in Borrego Springs the first part of January to install my new system.
kevinpvb said
08:47 AM Dec 3, 2006
I'm using the Sprint wireless card for service. I'm only posting this because no one else has mentioned Sprint. I also have a post on this board regarding RV LANs. I have only camped in the southest portion of the US (FL, GA, SC). As long as I'm in Sprint's EVDO area and connectivity is good, I get speeds close to my DSL at home. In non EVDO areas, the service is slower. In roaming areas, it a roll of the dice regarding service for mobile phone or data.
I'd like to get a Datastorm system. But, the cost is too high for my uses.
Coyatee said
10:16 PM Dec 11, 2006
Howard -
Where did you get your Datastorm system installed?
Thanks -
Howard said
06:02 AM Dec 14, 2006
My original install was done at our stick house right before we went on the road. Roger Odom with Global Satellite Solutions out of the Dallas area came to Louisville to do our installation. That was back in May 2005.
In January 2006, we upgraded equipment at the Florida RV Supershow in Tampa. Bud Burton's company Mobil Satellite Technologies out of Virginia installed the new equipment and moved our dish on the roof to a spot they thought was better.
MotoSAT is the manufacturer of the Datastorm technology, so here is a link to the MotoSAT Dealers Page. They used to have an actual list of dealers by area that included the ones that installed nationwide or regionally. Now it looks like you have to fill out an email form or call an 800 number.
Both of the companies we used are authorized dealers for MotoSAT. There is one slight difference in pricing of the internet service between the two. Hughes (formerly Direcway) is the satellite internet service provider (ISP) for all Datastorm systems. But Hughes does not support mobile users. Therefore, us RVers have to buy the service through an authorized Hughes Value Added Reseller (VAR) that does support mobile users.
MotoSAT is a VAR and most of their Datastorm dealers go through them when they set up your service. MotoSAT pays those dealers $10 a month commission to set up the internet service through them. So your service plan will cost you $10 more a month if you go through a MotoSAT dealer that is not a VAR themselves - most are not. However, Mobil Satellite Technologies is a VAR on their own, so I save that $10 a month. Not really a big deal, but we are often asked why the internet service price varies between dealers - that's why.
If you want an installer that will come to you, there are lots of them out there. It may just take some time for them to get to you and work out a schedule. You can find an installer at almost any major RV show or rally and they will typically do an installation right there on site.
Another good way to find a dealer is to get familiar with DatastormUsers.com. The forum includes a "Dealer" topic and you can find some recommendations there. Bill Adams with Internet Anywhere is a frequent contributor on the forum and is a highly recommended installer. It is hard to work out a schedule with him sometimes and the internet service will be $10 more a month since he goes through MotoSAT, but his customer satisfaction ratings are very high.
Another option for finding a dealer currently in your area is to check out the DatastormUsers Map. All the little lime green dishes on the map are installers. You can drill down to their listings and they will usually have a website and email address.
I use DatastormUsers.com to research everything related to satellites - you can even find information about other alternatives to the Datastorm.
Prices for the dish equipment and the installation should not vary all that much between dealers. It will be about $1,500 cheaper for re-conditioned equipment rather than new. And all Datastorm installers should be able to help you get satellite TV using the Datastorm dish for very little additional cost in the installation. However, you do have to set up satellite TV service separately and it is NOT part of the monthly internet service charge.
A long answer to a short question, but I've tried to include all the little details we have been asked by others. Hope it helps.
P.S. "Datastorm" refers ONLY to the automatic rooftop dish technology. There are many tripod satellite internet set-ups that use Hughes as an ISP. Tripod users and other automatic satellite internet systems are welcome on the DatastormUsers website. But "Datastorm" is a trademarked name and refers to MotoSAT automatic products.
bjoyce said
10:17 AM Dec 14, 2006
I will throw in one advantage you get if Motosat is your VAR, you can change satellites better. The other VARs sometimes have slots on different satellites, but Motosat puts an effort out to help people out. This summer they bought a bunch of Horizons-1 (127 west) slots and every customer who went to Alaska could change to that satellite and be online in Alaska. No other VAR had Horizons-1 slots for their customers and I heard a couple changed VARs while in Alaska for that reason. Most of the time you will not have to change satellites, but if you range far, like Mexico, the Maritimes, into Canada and Alaska, you will want to be able to change satellites. Since each satellite has areas they work in well, places they work weakly and places they do not work. Of course this messes up your TV signal if you use the same dish for TV, but that is the way it works. Some good friends were on the same satellite as Linda and Howard (AMC-9), changed to Horizons-1 for Alaska and lost their TV for the trip but changed back once they were back and had TV again.
RVDude said
01:33 PM Dec 14, 2006
The company Howard used to install his MotoSat, Bud Burton's company Mobil Satellite Technologies out of Virginia, is currently ofering a special. Here's the email I just received 14Dec2006.
Mobil Satellite Technologies MotoSAT DataStorm F1 Christmas Special ! $3,795* *after mail in rebate Complete system including D3 controller and new HN7000S modem For additional details please call 757.312.8300, Option 1 to speak to a Sales Engineer www.mobilsat.com Offer valid until Friday December 22, 2006
-- Edited by RVDude at 16:25, 2006-12-14
Tmcblane said
01:05 PM Jan 4, 2007
I have a complete system, tripod, 7000 modem, align a site and dish for sale. We used it for 15 months but currently are land locked and am using DSL. Includes all the cables and OPI with instructions. Cost $1500, sell for $1000 plus shipping. Email me at tmcblane@rvhappenings.com or post here. Also includes the Bird on a Wire and LNB to receive Directv channels.
Typical Speeds are 900-1000k Down and 100-130k upload.
System Sold 4/2/07 but 7000 modem still available if you need one
-- Edited by Tmcblane at 14:30, 2007-01-04
-- Edited by Tmcblane at 12:20, 2007-04-04
-- Edited by Tmcblane at 12:20, 2007-04-04
Thom said
05:37 PM Mar 20, 2007
The only reason I am replying to this thread is to answer the stated question and give pricing info. We bought a Dustyfoot.com system in December while we were in Quartzite from one of his dealers for 1300 before taxes and the training was included so was the alignasight and everything else needed to get it setup and running. There are other dealers out there that are good as well and a some that are requiring the buyer to buy more than you need to get going and others that leave you hanging out to dry as well. There are even dealers that are buying keywords from the search engines to take buisiness from other dealers by redirecting your searches to them
Off the soapbox for now
Thom
-- Edited by Thom at 19:09, 2007-03-20
Old Snipe said
07:37 PM Apr 2, 2007
Well, I gave in and bought a Cingular Air Card for my laptop. I had the store install the software and took it on the road.
It is really, really, really...AWFUL!!! I am taking it back, it barely works at all.
I have a Cingular cellphone and at my campground, the phone showed 5 bars of signal strength, the aircard never more than 3. Tried it in the camper, outside, etc. When I could connect, it was really slow, then would freeze, causing me to have to log off and log back in. I played with it all day, to no avail. I could never load more that 2 or 3 pages before it froze up. I could sometimes log into RV Dreams, then eventually get to the forum and not get beyond that to open a forum topic. Same thing with other websites, even Google, so it is not limited to just one website causing issues.
I tried it at my house, same issues. AWFUL! So I tried the WiFi option, and it could not detect any signal. That's funny, I had the laptop sitting right next to my wireless router that is connected to my PC and runs several laptops located throughout my house.
I'm done with this piece of JUNK! If I can't connect in good situations with a strong cellphone signal, what good would it be on the road?
Glad I have a 30 day test drive, made the decision to take it back before the very first day of the test drive was over.
Back to the drawing board!
Best Regards!
-- Edited by Old Snipe at 20:38, 2007-04-02
Tmcblane said
11:19 AM Apr 4, 2007
Paul, that really sucks! I don't know anyone using the cingular aircard but several of the 05 class members were using the verizon aircard I believe it was. Teachers pet Terry and Bill and Helen Moll. They seemed to have pretty good luck with theirs. Funny you would think they would all share the same towers. I don't know what I am going to do in a couple of years as I have sold my setup now. I still have the modem and a spare dish but I think I will wait till we are ready to go and see what the options are then. Hopefully some new horizon technologies will be available. If you decide to go with satellite, don't buy one of the packages, get in touch with me and I'll help you save some money. :)Take care buddy
Old Snipe said
07:12 PM Apr 4, 2007
Thanks, Tab. I will take you up on that offer when we hit the road FT. I originally visited with Verizon, but they wouldn't hook me up unless I bought one of their cellphones first.
Oh well, I dislike this electronic stuff. I can't fix any of it with a hammer!
Take care, my friend. Hope your Ohio weather is getting better. All the cherry blossoms have popped down here in DC and with all the tourists, you can't get anywhere. Boy do I miss Quartzsite's wide open spaces!
Best Regards!
Speedhitch said
07:51 AM Apr 5, 2007
We have land line now but when we start traveling on my budget I will have to have the least expensive I can find. May end up with a string and a can! The $1000 are out of the question for us. I hope that we can stay in touch.
simonsrf said
08:58 AM Apr 5, 2007
Tmcblane is right, there are deals out there where you should be able to pickup the internet dish or whatever you need at a very reduced price....then, all you need is a reliable internet provider.
Old Snipe said
12:34 PM Apr 5, 2007
I took my Cingular Aircard back this morning, they gave me full credit for retuning it, no problem. The salesman said that yes, Cingular has been having many problems with their aircards and they developed an new, improved one that will be on the market in the next month or two.
Wish they had told me that in the first place, I would have waited, but then they are into sales, after all.
So I guess maybe I'll give one another try in about 6 months or so, give them time to work out the bugs.
Best Regtards!
-- Edited by Old Snipe at 13:35, 2007-04-05
BaxtersMom said
11:29 PM Apr 21, 2007
We are officially going fulltime in 2 weeks and need to make a decision about our internet access. Has anyone heard of Internet-in-Motion? I don't totally understand the technology, but the sales guy has us almost sold on it with nearly 24/7 coverage anywhere we go. Would appreciate all comments if there's any out there. Thanks!
There are many types of systems to connect to the Internet, Datastorm, aircards, WiFi, cell phone adapters.
What type do you use and why did you choose that system?
Best Regards!
I think everyone knows we have satellite internet through Hughes (formerly Direcway) and a rooftop automatic Datastorm dish. Here is the link to our Frequently Asked Questions which explains our decision to go this route in more detail:
http://www.rv-dreams.com/faq.html#Q17
We also seek out Wi-Fi hotspots in those rare circumstances when we cannot get satellite connection, but only as a back-up.
It is really all about coverage – here's some very broad guidelines
Satellite (given a clear view of whichever bird you chose) has coverage everywhere (roughly) in North America. You are limited only by line-of-sight to your bird in the sky. Can be used only when very stationary. Your satellite provider is your ISP. See your satellite provider for each bird's coverage map. (very roughly $5,000 dish + $60/month)
Cell/PCS/AirCard/CDPD systems have coverage only where your cell carrier has DATA coverage which is typically a far smaller footprint than the voice footprint (except for PCS/GSM). Can be used while moving on the road. Your cell carrier is your ISP. If you are frequently off the beaten path then you know you are also frequently out of cell range be it voice and especially data. You are limited to cell/data-cell coverage areas. Your cell provider has coverage maps; just make sure to use the data service coverage maps. (very roughly $300 for phone/cables or card + $60/month + voice/month)
WiFi coverage is limited to you being in a WiFi Hotspot, typically a hundred feet or so within someone's WiFi antenna. You use whatever ISP the WiFi owner has the WiFi connected to. You are limited to being right near a WiFi setup. Can be used walking around your Hotspot picnic table. Today with so many unsecured home WiFi setups, just drive down any street until you find a signal and you are set! (very roughly $30 for WiFi card if not already built-in to your laptop)
Note that satellite systems can also be set up to provide a WiFi Hotspot for you and your camping neighbors.
We use Cingular wireless broadband. Looking forward in seeing how it will work out west, works good east of the Mississippi. One note, it is not really compatable with AOL (AOL keeps booting us off line) but once you've installed it you can switch search engines - the problem is our email is currently with AOL so we'll need to change our email address.
Darrell
In the past. most far distant, we have tried cell phone ( slooooow ) and wireless cafes like Panera. Most happy with the motosat dish. Especially since I use a Mac and the other solutions are mostly no go for a Mac.
Mike
Hughes Nework Satellite.
PortaSat DW7000
Professional Service Plan
Download Speed: 1 Mbps
Upload Speed: up to 200 kbps
$69.99
Bought the system through:
http://www.maxwellsatellite.com/
I am very pleased with the performance. I just set it up last week in the RV, setup was a snap, configuration was mostly easy. Satellite connection is NOT broadband, but this seems like a very workable replacement for our needs.
We use Verizon air card also.
Southwest Judy & Bob & 2blackdogs
We also have a Hughes.net tripod system. We bought ours a long time ago and have made many upgrades. We like to deal with Glenn Simpson for service, http://www.businesswebsupport.com/ , who hangs out in Yuma, AZ in the winter. Off his website the price is $1650 with two $100 rebates so $1450 after rebates (and taxes on the $200). We have a DW6000 with the $60/month consumer plan. We are thinking of upgrading to the Pro plan and a DW7000 for $70/month pro plan. On the consumer plan a DW6000 and DW7000 perform the same.
Anyway we used ours all through BC, Yukon and Alaska in addition to the lower 48. Try that with a cell phone.
What you gain by going with a Datastorm are ease of use, ease of storage (we have friends who decided that was important after getting in fights over the space the tripod took from their storage), ease of changing satellites to go into Mexico, the Maritimes and Alaska if the satellite you are assigned won't cover that area. What you gain with a tripod is a fatter wallet and having some places you can get on since you can find a hole in the trees for the tripod but not your RV.
As I stated before, we use a wireless (air card) from Cingular for our internet. I am contemplating having a KVH automatic satellite system installed to link to DirectTV. Has anyone had any experiences with these systems? I know that they use them on motorhomes, but have never seen them on fifthwheels.
Darrell
There is no reason that it can not be used on a 5'er. Just make sure that it is mounted on a spot that will be level when the rig is level. Automatic search is the least painfill. We now have a Winegard system (pop up dish) that is semi-automatic. That is; I select a city, it sets the elevation and searches through the myriad of satellites up there. Some times the first signal is right, sometimes the second is correct, currently the 5th choice is correct.
When the Winegard is replaced, it WILL BE with a domed system. Recent high winds ( 70 plus ) forced us to park both dishes and we were relegated to repeater TV. A dome does not have to be parked.
I have beem cautioned about the newer flatter domes, as their performance in the rain may not be as good. Apparently. pooling rain water on the dome will block the signal. The manufacters now sell a coating to alleviate that condition. The only problem we ever had with the rounder dome was a buildup of snow, one early June in Yellowstone. A thawed hose fixed that though.
Consider a dual lnb model. That allows 2 receivers and different shows front and back. More choices in a small space are good. Motosat (another pop up system) is the only dish system I know of that has 3 lnbs and receives HD signals although there may be others.
Mike
I realized that most of us are not answering your deeper questions about internet service.
We have satellite internet because we came out of the computer business and need/want fast internet every day possible. We tried the old and slow Verizon Mobile Office, 14.4K, and it didn't work many places, was too slow, was too unreliable forcing reloading web pages, etc. High-speed cell phone systems did not exist at the time. We went with satellite internet and on rare occasions will use Wi-Fi at campgrounds or coffee shops when the trees or other issues keep us offline with our satellite.
At the Spring Escapade was a seminar on broadband internet for RVers. The presenter sold cell phone accessories, like trucker antennas and internet cards. The presenter also sold wi-fi equipment. The presenter also had a tripod internet dish. He knew all three systems.
He used a two year time frame on costs since the cell phone companies wanted a two year contract and satellite is a 15 month contract. He also did not cover dial-up or slow cellular services in the dial-up range like Verizon Mobile Office since he was covering broadband. Only satellite provides you with an email address, but there are many free ways to get email addresses.
Wi-Fi - two year cost is about $500-1000 (from memory) for equipment and paying daily/weekly rates at campgrounds and other providers. Availability is scattered and the service varies a bunch depending on the campground. Definately a service for notebook computers since you will need to take the computer to the service. Can be used on Macs and Linux machines.
Cellular - two year cost is about $1500 for equipment and the $60/month. Available in the US in cities and by highways, more sporadic everywhere else in the US. Best speeds and service use internet cards that work with notebook computers. Not easy for two computers to share, only for Windows computers, only in the US (different companies in Canada and Mexico).
Satellite tripod - two year cost is $2500-3000 for equipment, training and $60-70/month depending on service level. Whereever you have a view of the southern sky in most of North America. Can be shared, can be used with desktop computers, can be used with Macs and Linux machines though you might want a Windows machine around for initial setup (neighbor or installers machine). Can be used with Wi-Fi, in fact many campground Wi-Fi's use satellite internet. Add about $3000-4000 for the Datastorm equipment and install, but from then on the service is the same.
Now you have to decide how important internet is to you and how often you need it. Are you just using email that is mostly text, Pocketmail might work for you. If your friends and family send you videos and pictures you need broadband. Do you need to be on most days, once a week? Do you want to use a desktop computer? Do you want to run Linux or use a Mac? Do you want to run more than one computer at a time? Are you using online bill pay? Are you uploading to a website or blog? Are you travelling in Mexico or Canada (or a Canadian travelling in the US)? Are you going to boondock or be in rural areas with limited cell phone service?
Everyone's situation is different and how much they want to spend is different.
If you are unsure of your needs I would recommend the Windows notebook with Wi-fi (wireless) route to start with. Then you can ask your neighbors with cell phone internet how well it is working in the campgrounds you are staying in. Walk around and find those internet dishes and find out how happy those users are.
Like full timing itself, it is all up to you. You have to make the decision
Hi to All, we use Cingular wire less edge card, works very well as long as we have a good signal. I think it cost $59.00 month unlimited use. We also have a Hughes DW 7000 still in a box, haven't set it up yet. It's $69.00 a month unlimited use. It has a Tri-pod mount because of the problems with tree's we think it will serve us better being able to move to a clear view of the Southern Sky. The cost was around $1,800 with tax, shipping etc. It's the cheapest system we could find. But we haven't used the system yet. We have seen the system work in another Rver's 5th wheel. We didn't get the Bird on a wire, will keep Direct Tv because of HDTV. We are still in Clarksville Tn and I was released from my Dr yesterday and was suppose to move back to our Home Base site on the Tennessee River but DW needed to stay a few more days with our new grand son. Will set up the Hughes next week, wish us luck. GBY...All...
The biggest problem we had was trying to get it sighted in. Well, last weekend, we remedied that problem with the "Align-a-Site" that we bought from Camping World. This little unit does exactly what we wanted it to do. We like to camp in the trees and this tool allows you to look at the sky with the azimuth, elevation and the skew already set to see if this would be a good location for the dish. The cost is high, (about $150) but well worth it for us.
Here's a link: http://tinyurl.com/sdx7g
I recently got a Verizon Broadband card. It seems to work fairly well although it's a little slow at times. One place in Oklahoma I couldn't get connected, but time and distance will tell how wide the coverage is since we haven't traveled too far since I got this. Eventually I hope to be able to afford the satelite system.
Ellie
We have the automatic Datastorm and it's OK, when it works, but it definitely is not broadband speed. We've just gone through a 3 week period with little or no service while they figured out what's wrong. It turned out to be a bad transmitter. Even though the system is only 5 months old, we had to pay shipping for the parts and for a technician to make the swap. After spending $5K, I wasn't too happy to have to spend another $400 to get it fixed. Also we had to travel over 300 miles to get near a technician that could fix it.
Even though we went to the company recommended by Datastrom at the Daytona RV Show for purchase and installation - Mobile Satellite Technologies, they've turned out to be marginal at best in technical service. There's never anyone that answers the phone and you sometimes have to call them multiple times before you get a call back.
If we had it to do over I think we might opt for the manual system. We've had to move a number of times because the trailer position wasn't exactly right, and in general when you ask for a satellite friendly campsite, they tend to put you in the middle of a field. With the manual system you could tuck back in the woods and just put the dish outside. People that are familiar with it seem to get it set up in about 10 minutes. And it's about $3k cheaper.
Oh well - next time!
Fred
Margo and Glenn are the greatest to work with IF you have any problems. My suggestion is to read the entire manual, cover-to-cover, then setup the tripod and system. You will find that if you follow the manual, you'll be successful. They have done a great job of putting the "Training Manual" together. In some places I think it could have been put together in better setup order, but all the information that you need is in that little book.
Make sure that the first few times you setup that you have a clean southern sky to aim the dish. We bought an "Align-a-site" at CW, well worth the money for our two dishes. We've been very surprised where we've been able to get the signal, it makes the choosing a parking place very easy and quick.
We love our Maxwell system, and I am confident you will too.
If there are any questions we can help with, please let us know.
First, we do not have one, so I have no direct knowledge. But we have talked to, and observed, inumerable people with them, and have talked to lots of sellers of the systems.
Although it is "possible" to set up in 15 minutes, figure on a 30 minute setup time, by the time you get everything out, attach everything, etc. May times you might be a little less, but figure on 30 minutes.
Another draw-back that has not been mentioned about satellite systems is that there is no instant access to the internet, you HAVE TO SETUP THE DISH each time.
We like the system, and wish it were easier like the dome mounts, but then, there are trade-offs, you just need to figure out which ones are best for your needs and pocketbook.
Right now I'm parked next to Howard and LInda, so I have their wifi feed...sure is nice on a rainy day....
We've had our DataStorm roof mounted satellite since June 2003. Overall we're very glad we made this choice. I think in 3.5 years there's only been 2 places we didn't connect. We recently upgraded DW 7000 modem and D3 controller. Bill Adams did the upgrade in Yuma. We could not be happier with his installation and support. Now we push one button to stow and one to search. GPS finds the satellite and voila we are on. It is also substantially faster and has a stronger signal. We also changed our ISP to Motosat (we had GroundControl) and we're very happy with that change. Now everything is with one vendor...easier to manage.
I'd recommend anyone considering the satellite system (or any owners) to check out the Datastorm users group at www.datastormusers.com. There's lots of info and help available from users.
We also have TV (the bird on a wire) on our satellite. Everynow and then this is an issue. If the satellite service goes out for some reason we have no tv (because we stupidly took off our Wineguard antenna to make room for solar panels :) But that's just our problem.
We are currently in Nashville, TN (right next to the Camping World). On Wednesday I have an apporintment to have the Winegard Movin' On satellite system installed with two receivers. Before I do that, is there anyone out there who objects to this idea (speak now of forever hold your peace). I would really like to hear from anyone who has used these systems (KVH or Winegard). This is a big investment and I need a little comforting. Will I be happy for evermore?
Darrell
I think what you're getting is just for tv. I don't think it will give you internet access.
Fred
Hi Darrell & Judy:
You just never know how close we were to meeting you two! Passed through Nashville this afternoon, thought about stopping off at Camping World, but pushed on west where tonight we are parked on at Walmart lot in Dickson, TN just about 40 miles from Nashville. Storming here tonight.
We had the KVH installed a few years ago (at that same store in Nashville) and have had no particular problems with it. BUT...we have had problems with DISH network. So I hope you have DirectTV.
Fred,
You're right, we are talking about TV and not internet - I'm on the wrong subject. Ya'll have to forgive me, I'm getting senile and all of the is technology has too many moving parts.
DAFT - wished we'd have met yesterday. How'd ya like all of that rain? Yes, we have Direct-TV. Just read Jo and Fred's website about their tribulations with Direct-TV - sounds like ours with Cingular phones. Thanks for the input.
Anyway, sorry Howard for getting off the subject.
Darrell
Our tripod system gets us usually 8-900 down and 130 up in the mornings but it slows way down in the afternoon and evening. Sometimes 2-300 down and as low as 25 up. The more you set it up the easier it gets and certainly there is more time setting up and taking down then aiming (under most circumstances)
As a side note, those who have the datastorm and are concerned about where they have to park to get the signal, if you think the tripod system would be an advantage you can buy the dish and arm off of ebay from someone's home system and when you want to park in the trees you could set up the portable system. Of course you still need a tripod and arm but those can be found easy enough. I bought an additional system (no modem) for $30 off ebay. Obvioulsy you have to have room to carry it.
Cost is about $60 a month with unlimited use (in addition to your voice plan). One thing I have really liked is that I can stop at a rest area and almost instantly be online. You can even stay online while traveling, but since I do the driving and the computer use (wife is blind), I have not tried that!
Rick
Dick Nason: I just looked at the Datastorm Users map that includes your area, http://map.datastormusers.com/level2.cfm?mapnum=2035300 , and Bill Adams of http://www.internetanywhere.us/ (user #24) is in California right now. Bill is always there to help out users both on http://www.datastormusers.com and the Yahoo group, http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/RVInternetBySatellite/ , that covers all internet dishes for RVs. He is a good installer if you want a Datastorm and he probably can come to you if you are patient.
We have a tripod, but know Bill will help you out.
Bill Adams and his wife did our install last June and it has been trouble free. They work well and quickly. I believe his Datastorm number is 24, he was a very early adopter. Email him and I am sure he will respond.
Mike
I got on the datastorm users forum as suggested and Bill Adam's name kept coming up. I sent him an e-mail and he responded very quickly. After a lengthly phone convcersation I decided to use his services. Bill will be in Borrego Springs the first part of January to install my new system.
I'm using the Sprint wireless card for service. I'm only posting this because no one else has mentioned Sprint. I also have a post on this board regarding RV LANs. I have only camped in the southest portion of the US (FL, GA, SC). As long as I'm in Sprint's EVDO area and connectivity is good, I get speeds close to my DSL at home. In non EVDO areas, the service is slower. In roaming areas, it a roll of the dice regarding service for mobile phone or data.
I'd like to get a Datastorm system. But, the cost is too high for my uses.
Howard -
Where did you get your Datastorm system installed?
Thanks -
My original install was done at our stick house right before we went on the road. Roger Odom with Global Satellite Solutions out of the Dallas area came to Louisville to do our installation. That was back in May 2005.
In January 2006, we upgraded equipment at the Florida RV Supershow in Tampa. Bud Burton's company Mobil Satellite Technologies out of Virginia installed the new equipment and moved our dish on the roof to a spot they thought was better.
MotoSAT is the manufacturer of the Datastorm technology, so here is a link to the MotoSAT Dealers Page. They used to have an actual list of dealers by area that included the ones that installed nationwide or regionally. Now it looks like you have to fill out an email form or call an 800 number.
Both of the companies we used are authorized dealers for MotoSAT. There is one slight difference in pricing of the internet service between the two. Hughes (formerly Direcway) is the satellite internet service provider (ISP) for all Datastorm systems. But Hughes does not support mobile users. Therefore, us RVers have to buy the service through an authorized Hughes Value Added Reseller (VAR) that does support mobile users.
MotoSAT is a VAR and most of their Datastorm dealers go through them when they set up your service. MotoSAT pays those dealers $10 a month commission to set up the internet service through them. So your service plan will cost you $10 more a month if you go through a MotoSAT dealer that is not a VAR themselves - most are not. However, Mobil Satellite Technologies is a VAR on their own, so I save that $10 a month. Not really a big deal, but we are often asked why the internet service price varies between dealers - that's why.
If you want an installer that will come to you, there are lots of them out there. It may just take some time for them to get to you and work out a schedule. You can find an installer at almost any major RV show or rally and they will typically do an installation right there on site.
Another good way to find a dealer is to get familiar with DatastormUsers.com. The forum includes a "Dealer" topic and you can find some recommendations there. Bill Adams with Internet Anywhere is a frequent contributor on the forum and is a highly recommended installer. It is hard to work out a schedule with him sometimes and the internet service will be $10 more a month since he goes through MotoSAT, but his customer satisfaction ratings are very high.
Another option for finding a dealer currently in your area is to check out the DatastormUsers Map. All the little lime green dishes on the map are installers. You can drill down to their listings and they will usually have a website and email address.
I use DatastormUsers.com to research everything related to satellites - you can even find information about other alternatives to the Datastorm.
Prices for the dish equipment and the installation should not vary all that much between dealers. It will be about $1,500 cheaper for re-conditioned equipment rather than new. And all Datastorm installers should be able to help you get satellite TV using the Datastorm dish for very little additional cost in the installation. However, you do have to set up satellite TV service separately and it is NOT part of the monthly internet service charge.
A long answer to a short question, but I've tried to include all the little details we have been asked by others. Hope it helps.
P.S. "Datastorm" refers ONLY to the automatic rooftop dish technology. There are many tripod satellite internet set-ups that use Hughes as an ISP. Tripod users and other automatic satellite internet systems are welcome on the DatastormUsers website. But "Datastorm" is a trademarked name and refers to MotoSAT automatic products.
The company Howard used to install his MotoSat, Bud Burton's company Mobil Satellite Technologies out of Virginia, is currently ofering a special. Here's the email I just received 14Dec2006.
Mobil Satellite Technologies
MotoSAT DataStorm F1 Christmas Special !
$3,795* *after mail in rebate
Complete system including D3 controller and new HN7000S modem
For additional details please call 757.312.8300, Option 1 to speak to a Sales Engineer
www.mobilsat.com
Offer valid until Friday December 22, 2006
-- Edited by RVDude at 16:25, 2006-12-14
Typical Speeds are 900-1000k Down and 100-130k upload.
System Sold 4/2/07 but 7000 modem still available if you need one
-- Edited by Tmcblane at 14:30, 2007-01-04
-- Edited by Tmcblane at 12:20, 2007-04-04
-- Edited by Tmcblane at 12:20, 2007-04-04
Off the soapbox for now
Thom
-- Edited by Thom at 19:09, 2007-03-20
It is really, really, really...AWFUL!!!
I have a Cingular cellphone and at my campground, the phone showed 5 bars of signal strength, the aircard never more than 3. Tried it in the camper, outside, etc. When I could connect, it was really slow, then would freeze, causing me to have to log off and log back in. I played with it all day, to no avail.
I tried it at my house, same issues. AWFUL! So I tried the WiFi option, and it could not detect any signal. That's funny, I had the laptop sitting right next to my wireless router that is connected to my PC and runs several laptops located throughout my house.
I'm done with this piece of JUNK! If I can't connect in good situations with a strong cellphone signal, what good would it be on the road?
Glad I have a 30 day test drive, made the decision to take it back before the very first day of the test drive was over.
Back to the drawing board!
Best Regards!
-- Edited by Old Snipe at 20:38, 2007-04-02
Oh well, I dislike this electronic stuff. I can't fix any of it with a hammer!
Take care, my friend. Hope your Ohio weather is getting better. All the cherry blossoms have popped down here in DC and with all the tourists, you can't get anywhere. Boy do I miss Quartzsite's wide open spaces!
Best Regards!
Wish they had told me that in the first place, I would have waited, but then they are into sales, after all.
So I guess maybe I'll give one another try in about 6 months or so, give them time to work out the bugs.
Best Regtards!
-- Edited by Old Snipe at 13:35, 2007-04-05
http://www.internetinmotion.net/