Most Frequently asked questions 

QUESTION: What are the Minimum Computer Requirements for the DataStorm?

ANSWER: Pentium III with at least 500 MHz in speed.
. 128 Megs RAM
. 120 Megs hard drive space
. CD-ROM Drive
. Windows 2000 Pro, and XP
. Available USB Port *
. Available Serial Port
. Dial-up Modem (for one time connection to activate dish)

* May Use Belkin F5U103 USB to Serial Adapter.


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QUESTION: Can anyone install the DataStorm?

ANSWER: No. You must employ a professional installer that has been Hughes Network Systems and MotoSat Certified according to FCC regulations and that has the tools and resources to put the dish in place.

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QUESTION: How does the dish find the satellite?

ANSWER: The DataStorm Dish is mounted on a motorized 3 axis computer controlled platform... One button selection from your PC initiates an automatic search and peak to lock onto the Satellite. Ready to surf the internet!

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QUESTION: Is the dish transmission a danger?

ANSWER: No. The transmission power from the DataStorm Dish is typically 1 Watt. Satellite Cell phones transmit 4 watts in comparison. There is a much greater danger using your daily cell phone...

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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. In-Motion 2-Way satellite transmission will not be approved for many years to come. But we find that this is not a major problem with many that are seeking Internet Connectivity in a mobile environment.

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QUESTION: How does weather affect the dish?

ANSWER: As with any KU Satellite Signal, heavy rain storms and strong wind gust can affect reception. This only occurs on the DataStorm when the Signal Quality falls below 31. These kinds of storms are very occasional and short lived.

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QUESTION: Can DataStorm be used in a mobile environment like an RV or bus?

ANSWER: Yes, it was designed from the ground up for mobile application.

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QUESTION: Would the DataStorm fit on a small trailer?

ANSWER: The DataStorm can be mounted on any mobile platform that allows space for Dish rotation 56” radius and a clear line of sight view to the Satellite. More information concerning small trailer mounting can be found on our web site.

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QUESTION: Does the DataStorm work on a Marine Vessel?

ANSWER: Not at this time. MotoSAT is developing a system specifically for the marine environment but at this time has no release date.

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QUESTION: How difficult is it to set up the dish?

ANSWER: Turn on your computer…Turn on the Main Satellite Controller. Open up the DataStorm software, click on “Find Satellite”…The DataStorm will automatically go up and lock onto the correct satellite in about 4 to 8 minutes.

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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. Point and Click. It is completely motorized and finds the satellite automatically. So 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 e-mail program.

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QUESTION: After moving the RV, how long does it take to set up?

ANSWER: It takes about 10 minutes on average to boot the computer, turn things on, run software and find the satellite.

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QUESTION: Will the DataStorm work behind trees and buildings?

ANSWER: Yes and no. As long as there is a clear view between the DataStorm and the Satellite in the sky, you will receive the signal. Trees and buildings can be on both sides of this line of sight, but not directly in between. A general rule of thumb that works most of the time is, if the tree fell and could hit the DataStorm then it probably can block the signal.

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QUESTION: Can the dish be used as a telephone?

ANSWER: Just like any Internet Connection, there are applications that allow you to verbally talk over the Internet. Some of these programs are i-net Phone and Net-To-Phone. There is the slight delay inherent to satellite technology that makes talking on the phone over the Internet a bit strange. However, technically speaking, it can be done.

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QUESTION: What else comes with the system?

ANSWER: In addition to the dish there is a control board spec size 1 “h x 11”w x 9” d, which is smaller than the size of a laptop computer. It runs on 12 volts and drives the dish motors. It connects to the PC via serial port and is controlled by software. The other part of the system is the DirecWay modems spec size 3 ¼”h x 6”w x 9”d (one for transmit, one for receive). These are stock from Hughes Network Systems and connect to the dish LNB and to the PC by USB.

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QUESTION: Who is the ISP?

ANSWER: "ISP stands for Internet service Provider." MotoSAT does not provide ISP service. This is a matter between the end user and the Dealer who installs the DataStorm. It is required that the ISP be provided by a Hughes Network Systems approved value added reseller (VAR) who uses the DirecWay platform.

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QUESTION: Does DataStorm use the StarBand Network?

ANSWER: No. DataStorm uses the DirecWay platform provided by Hughes Network Systems.

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QUESTION: Is this FCC Approved?

ANSWER: Yes as of June 2002.

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QUESTION: I understand that the DirecWay systems are aimed automatically, but how is cross pole accounted for?

ANSWER: Cross Pole is the skew of the dish in relation to the satellite. This skew is very important and must be accurate for proper functionality of the DirecWay system. If it is not accurate you have the possibility of interfering with the data transmissions of other satellite users. The onboard tilt sensors assure the cross pole to be within 2 degrees of perfect. Hughes has been working closely with MotoSAT to develop an automated Cross Pole routine that will communicate with the Satellite for automatic conformation of the Cross Pole every time the dish locks on satellite.

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

ANSWER: No phones are needed after the initial, one time set-up. Once dish is aligned to the signal, it supplies an always-on Internet connection. There are no “per minute” fees.

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QUESTION: When will DataStorm be available to the public?

ANSWER: It is currently available to the public as of June 2002.

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QUESTION: Can the dish be used for TV as well as Internet simultaneously?

ANSWER: Yes. To have this, you will need a Satellite TV receiver and service plan to receive TV service. This service is offered through DirecTV and Dish Network not MotoSat.

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QUESTION: Can a local area network be used to share Internet access?

ANSWER: Yes. You can use ICS (internet connection sharing) in a small network environment. It is important to note that while many of our customers have success with this MotoSAT does not support your network.

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QUESTION: Does it work on Macintosh computers?

ANSWER: Not at this time. MotoSAT and Hughes Network Systems are working on solutions for this and there may be many options available soon. However, a Macintosh Computer can be networked through a standard Ethernet connection via a PC compatible router.

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QUESTION: What operating systems are currently supported?

ANSWER: MotoSAT recommends Windows 2000 Professional or Windows XP. Even though it works with Windows Millennium it is not recommended. MotoSAT does not support Windows 98 or 98SE.

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QUESTION: How much does it all cost?

ANSWER: The suggested retail price for the DataStorm System is $4795.00. Installation is a fixed fee of $1000.00. Custom services can be performed at $125/hr. Once installed you can purchase unlimited monthly ISP service for as little as $99.00 min. per month with a 12 month term.

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QUESTION: How fast is it?

ANSWER: The DATASTORM achieves download speed of 400kbps and higher. Download a 1 MegaByte file in about 10 seconds. Upload speeds are between 30 to 90Kbps. About twice to three times as fast as a 56K modem.

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QUESTION: Why is it so expensive?

ANSWER: This is not your father’s satellite dish. All major components are custom made aluminum and powder coated. All stainless steel hardware is used. It uses DC motors to adjust elevation, azimuth, skew and has very sophisticated electronic hardware. Plastic covers are custom molded. Every part is molded in house. Each dish is hand assembled by skilled technicians.

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QUESTION: Are there other Beta Test positions available?

ANSWER: Slots become available from time to time. It is wise to write us and get on the list. We will notify you as slots become available.

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QUESTION: What is the demand for such a product?

ANSWER: The demand is Limitless right now. >From Library Bookmobiles to FEMA, interest is great. Certainly there are a lot of RV owners who would love to install such a product.

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QUESTION: How often can I use the dish?

ANSWER: Always. If the dish is locked on satellite, and your computer is turned on, you can use it. There are no “per minute” fees.

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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 on the main controller ON button for 10 seconds.

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QUESTION: Can I get a Static IP address?

ANSWER: Yes. Contact your ISP for further details.

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QUESTION: I plan on networking in multiple computers to the DataStorm. Are there allowances for higher usage?

ANSWER: Yes. There are no constraints on bandwidth, enabling you to network as many computers as required.

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QUESTION: Does the DataStorm work anywhere in North America?

ANSWER: Currently 2 satellites provide coverage from several hundred miles south of the US border to several hundred miles north of the US border. Because when a service is activated on one satellite there may be places in the southern regions or northern regions that service may be spotty. If you are staying in a region where service is not available on the Satellite you are activated on, for a fee you can switch your billing to the other satellite.

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QUESTION: What other choices are out there?

ANSWER: The DataStorm dish is truly one of a kind. There is no other mobile 2-way on the market that is as reasonably priced…Next step up is over $15,000 and monthly fees are astronomical

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QUESTION: Where can I buy a dish?

ANSWER: Please contact DataStorm Direct

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