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FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
RE: MOBILE INSTALLATIONS
Q: Can anyone install these satellite systems?
A:
It is not recommended. Most systems are fairly complicated and quite heavy. A professional installer has the tools and
resources to put the system in place. Certification is normally required for all installers.
Q: How does the
antenna find the satellite?
A: Most systems are electrically operated and electronically controlled. The "Find Satellite"
button starts the action, and it locates and locks onto the satellite automatically.
Q: Is the antenna's transmission
a danger?
A: No. When properly mounted on the roof of a vehicle at least 6' off the ground. The transmission is 1, 2,
4 or 6 Watts. Ground units less than 6' off the ground are dangerous and illegal.
Q: Will it work
while I am moving?
A: No. You must be parked and preferably stabilized for the system to achieve a good lock and pass
the ACP (Automatic Cross-Pole).
Q: How does weather affect these systems?
A: Even in heavy rain the system
should remain operational. Most systems electronics will detect severe rocking, such as heavy winds, and will stow the dish
if winds exceed 40 mph.
Q: Can these systems be used in a mobile environment like an RV, Bus, Command Center or
trailer?
A: Yes. All mobile systems were designed from the ground up for mobile applications.
Q: What
are the weight and size dimensions of these mobile systems?
A: Depending upon which mount you are speaking of they are
bewteen 105 - 160 lbs., and can require up to a 60" x 60" (footprint) of clear space.
Q: How difficult
is it to set up the dish?
A: Turn on your modems, your controller and press the Search button. When your controller reports
"Ready" your ON!
Q: How difficult is it to stow and redeploy the satellite dish when one moves from one
location to another?
A: A child can do it (as mine have) Just point and click. It is completely automatic.
Q:
After moving the vehicle, how long does it take to set up?
A: It takes less than 10 minutes, on average, depending upon
which direction you are facing when you stop.
Q: What kind of visibility is required to connect to the satellite?
A: A clear view of the south-eastern sky is best. If there are objects between the antenna and the satellite, such as power
lines, it will have difficulty locking.
Q: Can the antenna be used as a telephone?
A: Just like any Internet
Connection, there are applications that allow you to talk over the Internet. Some of these programs are i-net Phone and NetToPhone.
There is a delay inherent in satellite technology, (known as latency,) which makes talking on the phone over the Internet
a little difficult to get used to, but it can be done.
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MORE
- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What equipment comes with the system?
A: In addition to the antenna there
is a controller, and a modem. The BUC (block up convertor) is the transmit portion of your antenna and can vary in wattage
from 2 to 10.
Q: Who is the ISP?
A: There are several ISP's (internet service provider). They can also
provide backup technical support.
Q: Do you have to dial up by phone to get on-line?
A: No, phones are no
longer needed. There are no cell phones, no landlines and no "per minute" fees, ever again!
Q: Can a
local area network be used to share Internet access (ICS)?
A: Yes. The some modems now have DHCP standard which
make routers and WIFI systems virtually plug and play.
Q: Does it work on Macintosh computers?
A: Yes... Now
that most systems provide DHCP any system can now work effectively.
Q: What speeds may I expect?
A: That
answer depends upon the service package you get from your ISP. Ask your installer/sales person for additional info.
Q: How are the Mobile Satellite systems built?
A: All major components are custom machined out of aluminum and powder
coated. All stainless steel hardware is used. It uses DC motors to raise the antenna, adjust elevation, azimuth and skew.
Plastic covers are custom molded.
Q: How often can I use my satellite system?
A: Always. 24/7. If the
antenna is locked on to the satellite, and your computer is turned on, you are online. There are never any "per minute"
fees.
Q: Does the computer have to be on to stow the antenna?
A: No. You may stow the antenna by pressing
the "Stow Button" on the controller.
Q: Can I get a Static IP address?
A: Yes. A Static IP address
is available.
Q: I plan on networking multiple computers to the satellite system. Are there service plans that
allow for higher usages?
A: Yes. 2-4 computers can use the Internet at the same time on the basic plan. You have the
option of two higher priced packages that allow for more multiple users.
Q: Do the satellite systems work anywhere
in North America?
A: Yes, they work anywhere... it's the normally the actual Satellite you are using, that may give you
trouble depending on your geographic location. Some areas farther North in Canada start to fade, as well as areas in Mexico,
but on average, you should have no problem getting online.
Q: Where can I buy a satellite system?
A: Click
on "Contact Info" for contact information, and then Michael@impactinstalls.com, We can sell and/or arrange for installation
anywhere in North America. |
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Letters
from past customers:
Ground Control,
Thank you for putting Michael Lewis on our problem, and for the
help of Sue Graham (Tech. Support) who spent a great deal of time with Michael working with him through the nuances of the
new One Touch NAP and DataStorm.
Michael was incredibly patient, professional, tenacious, and calm in tracking
down problems in our system. I can easily understand why you regard Michael highly. As my wife is fond of saying, "Give
this man a raise!"
As was the case for the last One Touch NAP we received, this one did NOT have the RS232
terminal block plug (but did have the smaller three-terminal block). Fortunately Michael had brought a spare based on our
phone conversation of previous days.
It was interesting that after a certain point Michael seemed to be getting
the same inadequate signal strength (or was it signal quality?) as had the original installer back in September (Dylan something).
This measure never went over about 29; Michael said we needed a measure quite a bit higher for the system to operate.
Michael re-ran the two receive/transmit coax cables. In the process he dramatically cleaned up the wiring installation.
The topside wiring job is now quite professional looking, as well as nicely "packaged" with protective split loom
harnessing (in place of a tangle of bare cable). It now looks like something you would be proud to show as a representative
sample of your work (which is, of course, how folks will view it).
Thanks again in resolving this situation. I
am sure that all of the "re-do's" were as costly and frustrating for you as for us.
We are now happily
online. We miss our cable modem speeds, but are very happy to have download speeds of roughly twelve times what we have had
over dial-up, when we could get a dial-up at all.
Best regards,
Tom Donaldson
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