Q:
Can anyone install the @PORT Internet?
A:
No. You must employ a professional installer that has been specially trained
and certified according to FCC regulations and that has the tools and
resources to put the dish in place.
Q:
How does the dish find the satellite?
A:
The @PORT 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!
Q:
Is the dish transmission a danger?
A:
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...
Q:
Can I be traveling under way and be online at the same time?
A:
No. You must be docked. 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 marine environment.
Q:
How does weather affect the dish?
A:
As with any KU Satellite Signal, heavy rain storms and strong wind gust
can affect reception. This only occurs on the @PORT Dish when the Signal
Quality falls below 31. These kinds of storms are very occasional and
short lived.
Q:
Can @PORT dish be used in a mobile environment like an oil rig, workboat
or passenger vessel?
A:
Yes, it was designed from the ground up for mobile application, but only
when docked.
Q:
Would the @PORT Internet fit on a smaller vessel?
A:
The @PORT Internet 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 mounting can be found on our web
site.
Q:
Does the @PORT Internet work on a Marine Vessel?
A:
Yes, but only
when docked and relatively still. The @PORT system cannot be used while
underway. If your needs are communication while underway, we have other
systems that will work for you. Click here to see them.
Q:
How difficult is it to set up the dish?
A:
Turn on your computer…Turn on the Main Satellite Controller. Open
up the @PORT software, click on “Find Satellite”…The
dish will automatically go up and lock onto the correct satellite in about
4 to 8 minutes.
Q:
Is it easy to stow and reconnect the satellite dish when one moves from
one location to another?
A:
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.
Q:
After moving the vessel, how long does it take to set up?
A:
It takes about 10 minutes on average to boot the computer, turn things
on, run software and find the satellite.
Q:
Can the dish be used as a telephone?
A:
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.
Q:
What else comes with the system?
A:
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.
Q:
Who is the ISP?
A:
"ISP stands for Internet service Provider."Multicom does not
provide ISP service. This is a matter between the end user and the Dealer
who installs the @PORT Internet. It is required that the ISP be provided
by a Hughes Network Systems approved value added reseller (VAR) who uses
the DirecWay platform.
Q:
Does @PORT Internet use the StarBand Network?
A:
No. @PORT Internet uses the DirecWay platform provided by Hughes Network
Systems.
Q:
Is this FCC Compliant?
A:
Yes.
Q:
I understand that the DirecWay systems are aimed automatically, but how
is cross pole accounted for?
A:
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 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.
Q:
Do you have to dial up by phone to get on-line?
A:
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.
Q:
When will be @PORT Internet be available to the public?
A:
It is currently available to the public.
Q:
Can the dish be used for TV as well as Internet simultaneously?
A:
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 Multicom.
Q:
Can a local area network be used to share Internet access?
A:
Yes. It is important to note that while many of our customers
have success with this Multicom does not support your network.
Q:
Does it work on Macintosh computers?
A:
Yes
Q:
What operating systems are currently supported?
A:
Multicom recommends Windows 2000 Professional or Windows XP. Even though
it works with Windows Millennium it is not recommended. Multicom does
not support Windows 98 or 98SE.
Q:
How fast is it?
A:
The @PORT Internet 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.
Q:
Are there other Beta Test positions available?
A:
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.
Q:
What is the demand for such a product?
A:
The demand is limitless right now. From passenger vessels, workboats,
oil platforms, as well as use on land based vehicles, interest is great.
The demand is high for use on both mobile land based vehicles as well
as vessels that dock for any period of time who would love to install
such a product.
Q:
How often can I use the dish?
A:
Always. If the dish is locked on satellite, and your computer is turned
on, you can use it. There are no “per minute” fees.
Q:
Does the computer have to be on to stow the dish?
A:
No. You may stow the dish by pressing on the main controller ON button
for 10 seconds.
Q:
Can I get a Static IP address?
A:
Yes. Contact your ISP for further details.
Q:
I plan on networking in multiple computers to the @PORT Internet. Are
there allowances for higher usage?
A:
Yes. You have the option of two higher priced packages that allow multiple
usages. Visit www.multi.com or call us at
314-968-9800 for more information.
Q:
Does the @PORT Internet work anywhere in North America?
A:
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.
Q:
What other choices are out there?
A:
The @PORT 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.
Q:
Where can I buy a dish?
A:
Please contact @PORT Internet at 314-968-9800 for dealer information.
Q:
Will the @PORT Internet work behind trees and cliffs or bridges?
A:
Yes and no. As long as there is a clear view between the @PORT Internet
and the Satellite in the sky, you will receive the signal. Trees. bridges
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 @PORT Internet then it probably can block
the signal. |
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