Broadband via Satellite

Table of Contents

Overview - This Page

Antenna Pointing Via the Registration Process

Antenna Pointing Using DSSatTool - Simpler

OPI Meter Instructions

Utilities for Pointing and Status

November 2009 - I ditched my HughesNet equipment. I closed out a storage locker where the equipment was being stored. I thought of selling the equipment on eBay but there is no market for it. The Verizon broadband is working well. And most RV Parks now have 'free' Wi-Fi.

November 2008 - I cancelled my HughesNet service. I have been using the Verizon broadband service since April 2008. It has worked well. Although I setup the HughesNet system a few times while traveling this past summer I never really needed it. But with the advent of broadband cell service and Wi-Fi availability I no longer need the HughesNet service.

March 2005 - With Glenn Simpson's help, I converted from the DW4000 to DW6000 system. And I installed a Linksys Wi-Fi system at the same time. Some of the upgrade information is shown below. I purchased a new tripod and mounting arm from Glenn. See his web site [www.dish-on-a-stick.com] for details.

January 2003 - I've been using the HughesNet [was DirecWay] service since January 2003. The dish was initially located on the roof of my condo. In April 2004 I became a 'full timer' living in my motor coach. At the condo, two coax cables ran from the roof to my 'computer' room. Those cables connected to a transmitter and receiver. The transmitter/receiver connected to a laptop via a USB connection. Software supplied by DirecWay provides a 'LAN' connection to the service. The two way service receives information very quickly and transmits at about the same speed as a good telephone dial up connection. While on the road I mount the dish on a surveyor's tripod. The roof mounted and tripod mounted installation is described below. Click here to view a field installation checklist. Click here to view photos of my 'new' Beaver Patriot. In April 2008 I started using the Verizon Broadband service - click here for more information.

HughesNet - Field Installation
April 22, 2008, Pechanga RV Park, Temecula, CA, space G23.
Where is the motor coach today? Click here to find it on a map.

Why HughesNet

Why use HughesNet rather than DSL or Cable? In prior years I traveled in my motor coach in the summer - now I'm 'full timing'. Before using the system I had to rely on the RV Park allowing me to use a phone line to get e-mail and to surf the web. Some parks have a 'modem connection' in a separate room. And there is usually only one phone line which means there is sometimes a line of people waiting to use it. A few parks have phone service 'on the pad' and charge $3 or so per day to use the phone line. Now, some parks provide a free or for fee Wi-Fi connection.

Advantages of the HughesNet system:

• I used the same service at home and on the road. Fee is about $60 per month. I have upgraded to the professional service level which costs about $90 per month.
• While parked I 'stay connected' for as long as I want. I'm not dependent on the good graces of the RV Park.
• The download speed is very fast. Upload is about the same as telephone dial up.

Home Installation Roof Mount

DirecWay installers only support 'fixed' installation sites. They will not install the system on a mobile unit [motor coach]. They will install the dish on a roof, exterior wall or on a pole. The installer runs dual coax cable from the dish to a location inside the residence. This system was installed on my condo's roof in LaQuinta, CA. Click any photo for an enlargement. Note: the elevation and polarity setting pictures show the settings for my location.

Field Installation Tripod Mounted

I purchased a second dish from PriceShock.com, about $90 including shipping. The second dish comes with a receiver - no transmitter. I mounted the dish on a surveyor's tripod that I bought on e-Bay for about $150 plus shipping. Some nuts, bolts and chain were purchased from the local ACE Hardware store, about $15. You can buy a complete DirecWay system with transmitter on e-Bay for about $250.  Click here to view a field installation checklist.

March 2005 - New Tripod and Mounting Arm - I purchased a new tripod with mounting arm.

Assembled HughesNet System

The entire arm swivels around the center bolt. Teflon washers make turning the arm very easy.
Bubble levels on the mounting arm eliminate the need for the pole level I was previously using.

Connectors on the mount simplify the setup.

I had coax connectors installed in the motorhomes' utility compartment.
Coax cable runs under the coach and a connection near my laptop allows easy access.

The DW6000 sits in a hidden space under my workstation.
For a photo of the workstation click here.

I purchased 33 and 66 foot lengths of dual coax with connectors from Skyrealm. About $50.
Only once have I had to use both cables. I can usually get by with the 33 foot one.

I wrap red electrical tape around the transmit coax line to identify it
and prevent connecting the transmitter line to the receiver.
Purchased at Home Depot for $3.27.

Cable Cuffs from Home Depot - 2 sizes - $1.50 and $1.00
Useful for holding any cable together.
I also found these at Wal*Mart called Cable Clamp in 3 sizes.

Switch from Sat 117 [Satmex 5] to Sat 99 [G4R, now G16]

In May 2004 I switched from Satellite 117 to 99. I plan to travel during the summer of 2004 in the Northwest United States. The SatMex 117 footprint does not extend into the far Northwest. The sat 99 footprint extends well into Alaska. Adrian Rendon, Next Generation Electronics - an installer who works with Ron Brundage, helped facilitate the move. It only took about 1 hour to make the switch. The configuration file identifies the satellite as G16GTN_1350_20K.

Resources - Links

Link	Site	Comment
2WaySatLink	Ron Brundage's Site	I bought my first dish from Ron Brundage. Glenn Simpson installed it on the condo. Cost was $650 installed. Adrian Rendon helped my move from Sat 117 to Sat 99.
RoughriderTech	Glenn Simpson's Site	Glenn Simpson provides a complete mobile system. See his web site for details. Glenn helped me convert from the DW4000 to DW6000. Link: RoughriderTech.
HughesNet.Com		HughesNet's commercial web site. HughesNet service is about $60 per month. Processional service about $90.
MotoSat.Com	DataStorm	The high priced HughesNet solution.
	Click to Join	A Yahoo group for Internet RV Satellite Users.
DataStorm Users	Users Forum	The DataStorm user's forum is open to user's with tripod mounted antennas. My user ID is 1602. The site is maintained by Don Bradner. A number of useful utilities can be downloaded from the site.
Groups.Yahoo.Com	Users Group	This user group's membership is by invitation only - but is invaluable.
e-Bay	Auction	Used and new systems. Search for "HughesNet", "DirecWay" or "satellite".
Skyrealm.Com	Kelly Curtis	I purchased a 33 foot and 66 foot dual coax cable with connectors. Together they will make a 100 foot cable. Cost about $50.
Empire Levels	Levels	Post/Pipe and BullsEye levels from Home Depot.

Updated 2009/11/24