Advantages
- Coverage anywhere in North America where you can "see" the satellite - this is a major advantage
- Faster than many park wi-fi systems which are often overloaded
- Manual systems can be inexpensive
Disadvantages
- Expensive relative to other access methods
- Requires parking with a view of the satellite, so you have to carefully select campsites without obstructing trees, buildings, etc.
- Manual systems require setup at each location
- Upload speeds are slow, only a problem if you upload large files, email many large photos, etc.
- Latency (time for the signal to travel to/from the satellite) is a problem when heavily using secure (https) websites.
- Daily download limits, only a problem if you download large files, movies or full length TV shows for example. For business use, you may pay a higher fee and obtain increased download limits.
Satellite internet systems all include a dish with LNB and amplifier, a mount the dish is attached to, and a modem. Automatic systems also include a controller that points the dish for you. The cost of these can vary widely. Manual systems range in cost from $300 dollars for a "do it yourself" tripod system that you piece together on e-Bay to $1500 for a new, professionally built system such as the one from Maxwell Satellite. Automatic systems might be purchased used for as little as $1000, and new units run $5000 to $20000 or more depending on the performance level you need and how much you're willing to spend. This article is only a basic introduction. You can learn much more by researching online, especially at the Datastorm Users Group website and forum.
My system, the Datastorm, is a fully automated satellite internet system from the MotoSat company. MotoSat originally used the dish and modem from HughesNet, along with their own mount and controller. Now I believe the dish is of their own design. When it works right, all you need to do is push a button and walk away, come back in 6 or 7 minutes and you're online. Over the years HughesNet (DirecWay) has upgraded the service and equipment, and MotoSat has upgraded their hardware. At this time I'm two generations behind. I have the F1 Datastorm, a 7000 series modem and a D2 controller. We pay $79/mo and get download speeds in the 900 - 1600 kbps range, typically around 1200 kbps, and upload in the 90 to 180 kbps range, about 1/2 the time around 120kbps.
Three photos, click for larger view below. First two are the dish, 3rd photo shows the modem, controller (on bottom) and the Linksys Router (old photos of our original modem and router)
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Motosat Datastorm dish
If you're considering purchase of an automatic satellite internet system DO NOT buy a unit directly from Motosat or from Ground Control. They will have your system installed by a random installer who happens to be close to your location. After the install your service and support will be via the corporate call center: When you buy from a good dealer, as I did, you'll know each other by first name, and you'll have his cell phone number for support issues.
My dealer is Bill Adams, his web site: http://www.internetanywhere.us If you call him, tell him Mac McClellan sent you. No, I don't get a kickback, I just want him to know that I appreciate him.
The photo on the left is the new MotoSat G74. On the right is a manual tripod system from Maxwell Satellite.
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