question: What good is a computer without the Internet??

answer: No good at all!!

If you live in a motorhome like we do ... you can't have a DSL line installed. That is why we are on a mission to convince all RV Parks to install high-speed wireless internet connections. Our home park, where we stayed for 9 months had wireless installed by CoachConnect and it was fabulous! As we travel across the country, we represent Coach Connect as the commercial vendor for WiFi.

But, for those times when we are not in a Coach Connect park, we still need the internet! The only dependable answer is the Datastorm 2-way internet satellite dish. With the Datastorm dish, we are able to pull over a a rest stop and be on the internet within minutes! A true geek's dream!

Now, also through Coach Connect, we can sell and install a Datastorm satellite for you! Read the frequently asked questions below for all the details.

Satellite Dish Frequently Asked Questions:

What exactly do I get when I purchase a Datastorm system?

How much does the Datastorm automatic, roof-mount dish cost?

How big is the Datastorm and how much does it weigh?

How much does a manual, tripod mount dish cost?

Where does it work? Can I get Internet in Mexico? Alaska?

Can I get TV on it?

How do I convince my wife/husband that we need it?

How do I arrange for Installation?

Who is my ISP when I use a satellite dish?

Are there other options besides Motosat/Direcway?

Can I get the Internet while I'm driving?

Where can I read more?

What exactly do I get when I purchase a Datastorm system?
There are actually several choices that you have, for example, you can get a .74 (F1)meter dish or a .98 meter dish (F2) or a 1.2 meter dish (F3). See the Motosat product line brochure for more details. You also have power choices of a 1 watt transmitter or a 2 watt. The dish itself, and the modem, come from Hughes/Direcway. The controller and the mount are made by Motosat. Motosat puts it all together and calls it Datastorm. We install it for you. For more technical information on all of the above, see Motosat.com. The current popular system we are installing is:
F1: .74 meter dish
Motosat D3 controller
1 watt transmitter
Hughes DW7000 modem
There is no computer required in the operation of the above system. You don't need to run a program to get the dish to deploy. You just press a button. For a computer to attach to the Datastorm and access the Internet, you can either use a wired ethernet connection, or we can install a wireless router so that WiFi-enabled computers can connect.

How much does the Datastorm automatic, roof-mount dish cost?
There are multiple configurations availble. The retail price of the configuration described above *including installation* is $5,500 plus tax. (11/1/06)

How big is the Datastorm and how much does it weigh?
It weighs 110 pounds. When the dish is stowed it adds 10.5 inches to your rig's height and it is 54.5 inches long. When raised, it is 39 inches high. See complete specs here.

How much does a manual, tripod mount dish cost?
We recommend and sell the Dustyfoot system. The complete system, including the dish retails for $1500 plus tax (11/1/06). There is no installation involved. It comes with a manual and a video to show you how to set it up and find the satellite.

Where does it work? Can I get Internet in Mexico? Alaska?
Where you can get signal depends on which satellite your modem is commissioned. You can see the signal 'footprints' of the different satellite dishes here. Coverage is available for all of the US, including Alaska, and Mexico. Specify what coverage you want when you order your system.

Can I get TV on it?
Yes, but you need to purchase some extra equipment. It's called a 'Bird-on-a-Wire' and costs $150 including the installation.

Can I get the Internet while I'm driving?
No. The Datastorm will be in a stowed position while you're driving. To lock on to the satellite signal, you simply press a button. It takes just a few minutes, normally, to acquire the signal and get online.

How do I arrange for Installation?
We live full-time in our motorhome and are always traveling. When you purchase the Datastorm from us, we will try to arrange a rendezvous to wherever you are. If that is not feasible, we will make arrangements with another installer in your area.

Who is my ISP when I use a satellite dish?
We use Motosat as the ISP when we install your Datastorm system. The fee for their standard monthly plan is $79.99/mo.

How do I convince my wife/husband that we need it?
uuhhhh ... It's a business expense ... yeah, that's it
or, how about ...
It's the only way you can always be able to Instant Message with the grandkids
... or, ...
It's got a cool blue light so we can find our way home at night .
Bottom line is, "I won't go RVing without it!"

Are there other options besides Motosat/Direcway?
The Datastorm, by Motosat, is by far the most popular, most proven, and cost effective option. They are the only ones that specifically target - and support - the RV market. If you really want to do your research (we like customers who do their research) the other choices are:
InetVu
Tracstar
KVH
Magellan
Starband

Where can I read more?
We like to get our information from other users. There can be some misinformation there, you need to read enough to learn which users know what they're talking about ... but, overall we think users forums are a great source of information.
Datastorm Users Group - THE users group for folks with Datastorms
RV Internet by Satellite - general discussion on Yahoo Groups
RV Travel and Satellite Internet: an article by our favorite satellite GURU, Don Bradner
Satellite Internet: An encyclopedia type article to learn how satellite internet works