[A/S] 2-way sattelite internet.

["Don" <cantrade_1@xxxxxxxxx>]

I have used a two way Direcway sattelite system for over a year and 
find that it works very well.  High download speeds (1,940 kbs was 
the best measured speed) and fairly slow upload speeds.  The system 
was fairly easy to install but the antenna weighs much more than 
does the conventional 18" dish for t.v.  The professional installers 
had to configure my computer system at a remote site since it 
requires a land line phone and we have only a cell phone. They then 
brought it to the house and used a laptop computer to complete the 
final tweaking of the dish.  

Since installation I have tried to adjust the dish twice to improve 
signal strength and found it to be fiddly at best.  Very small 
movements toss the thing out of the signal path which makes me 
wonder about RV mounting or temporary ground supports at camp 
groungs, etc.  The signal strength is always in the 30 - 60 range as 
reported by the system software.

I would not even consider using this system with my A/S.  We are not 
full timers and do not stay in one spot much over a few days.  The 
hassle of getting this thing to work seems to be a real draw-back. 
Also taking the heavy thing down and transporting it would be a 
problem, too.  I think a dial-up to a local number of your ISP is a 
cleaner way to check mail, etc.  The speeds are not for surfing or 
downloads but I know lots of folks keep in touch using library 
systems and internet cafes.  

The professional installation question is one that I accepted 
without consideration.  Transmitter installation and control usually 
require some sort of licensing. It may be a scheme to get $200 extra 
dollars for the supplier but they did guarantee it and will come 
back out if anything goes wrong.  In my case that trip alone would 
eat up any extra profit.

The prices of these things will drop as more folks get into the 
business.  I think there is a new company call "Blue Sky" or 
something like that.  It is coming out with a system soon.

That's my story about 2-way internet systems.

Don