Additional Information regarding Dockside Direcway Satellite Internet for Motor Yachts

Two Way Mobile Satellite Internet, provided by DIRECWAY a Hughes Electronics Company, is now available to in dock marine and Motor Yacht customers. No telephone line is required! Note: This is not an "at sea" (under way) or "at anchor" on the boat solution. The satellite dish requires critical alignment and cannot be used on a moving vehicle. If you are looking for something like that then you are looking for Inmarsat or VSAT. If that's what you need - please let me know. If you are interested in Installion for "underway" satellite systems (such as VSAT Broadband) Please contact me by phone or email. I can integrate this to share the connection with onboard computers by Wireless and Wired Computer Networks. If you install or operate the Direcway (dish) on a yacht itself this is not supported, so you do so at your own responsibility. It isn't designed for that platform and cannot automatically align itself. There isn't currently a system for Direcway for auto-tracking antenna and system. There was available for a time something called KVH TracNet. See additional information on http://telecom.dyndns.biz/Direcway-and-Wireless-Linksys.html additional information about the demise of US KVH TracNet will be posted to that page.

This service, and being able to move it, is also popular with Recreational Vehicle Owners, here is a Direcway Satellite HowTo guide from one of them: 2way satellite Internet for Rvingw-pix.pdf the concept is the same for installing them on the dock adjacent to your yacht. We don't do RV/Motorhomes so if this is you ... you should go see: http://www.rv-anywhere.org/index.htm

It's not exactly TOP SECRET how to aim your satellite dish for DirecWay: http://www.rv-anywhere.org/howto.htm

What is Needed?

A clear view of the southern sky in North or Central America. Other than that *I* will resolve all of the other computer connection - network installation issues for you and provide you with documentation and instructions on how to use it.

Can I connect multiple computers to my Direcway internet connection?
Yes, you can connect them via Ethernet cables or by way of a WiFi [radio] network which requires no wiring.
As mentioned above, I usually do the WiFi (or wired network if you prefer?) at the time of the DirecWay installation.

Can I send and receive Fax messages and place telephone calls from my system?

Yes, but these are additional services which travel over the Internet. I can set you up with these services if desired.

Can I move the dish frequently?
Hundreds of mobile users are setting up their tripod mounted dish each week and re-aiming it. Direcway is pleased to have you use their system if you aim your dish correctly and pay your bill on time. If you can’t aim your dish, you will not be able to use the internet. They are not prepared to tell you how to aim your dish. FCC regulations require that the dish be .5 meters above the ground, or inside a 12’ fenced perimeter, for safety reasons.

What permission do I need to change my location?
No permission is required if you are traveling in North America! Just set up your dish and connect to the internet.

How will I know where to aim my antenna?
The system will tell you where to aim, after you supply it with your zip code or Longitude and Latitude.

Do I have to be certified to aim my dish?
No, FCC Regulations recommend that people aiming a Direcway dish be trained. We will train you to aim your dish with the professional aiming tools supplied with our kit. The FCC does not certify technicians. Certification for professional installers is available through the Direcway distributors and is available only for those who wish to make a business of selling and installing Direcway systems. Several Direcway VAR’s will sell you a certificate of recogniton for $500.00.

How hard is it to aim the dish?
It will probably take you more than an hour the first time and only 10 minutes after you have done it a few times. The aiming instruments make it a simple procedure.

Who will supply my technical support?
We require that your CHIEF ENGINEER or other technically capable person be present during the first installation to learn how to do it.
We will support you during your first installation. Once you get on the internet, you will have access to the Direcway technical support team who are available 24/7 to assist you. If it doesn't happen too often I myself and the satellite installer that I use doesn't mind getting a call if you are having difficulties.

What happens if Direcway finds out I am mobile?
Direcway is struggling to deal with a flood of new subscribers and their startup problems. They are not prepared to handle requests for support from people who need help aiming their dish. Their policy is simple. Dishes can only be installed by authorized installers. If you tell them you are adjusting your dish, they will not support you. If you can do it yourself, they will be happy provide you with reliable service. (See the previous paragraph above).

Does this system work in bad weather?
Yes the system works during bad weather. Heavy clouds do degrade the speed of your connection, but systems have been working reliably for a year or more with some short interruptions during severe thunderstorms that also stop DirecTV for longer periods of time.