| Author | Message | ||
| captain ron (207.30.240.99)
Rating: N/A |
I need info and advise on internet usage on the road. I have used cell phone but it's toooooo slooooow. any sugestions on what and who to use? also pre wiring for a satellite system. what to use and where to mount. cost of system and service. | ||
| comp1880 (68.243.139.53) Rating: N/A |
Upgrade to a 3g cellphone 114 avg dl speed using my sprint PCS with the vision plan.. Cost adds about 10.00 per month for unlimted usage that does not count against your minutes and 20.00 for cable from Radio Shack..... Satellite depends on your viewing pleasure... Direct has sports packages... Dish doesnt. Either are fine. Satelite Inet is expensive and a pain for use in the bus but is a option with great speed. | ||
| CoryDane RTSII (66.155.188.178) Rating: N/A |
I am just now trying the cell phone (Ameritech) for internet. The Satelite is great. Keep a normal antenna for when storms come so you can keep an eye on the weather around you. The Satelite has trouble getting through in a storm. I think the Wire from the dish to the recver is RG6 though I have been told that since the distance is so short, any 75ohm coax will do. From the Receiver to the rest of the coach tv's, rg6 or any 75ohm coax WILL do. Mounting is up to you, figure where you are most likely to have a "window" to get the signal from the sky. I reasoned that the bus will be backed in most times, so the space that should see the signal the most, in areas with trees, would be in the front. Carry a second dish and a tripod so you can set up remotely if the dish on the roof is unable to find a signal. I use Direct TV and I use the bedroom box, an addition of about 4.95, for use in the RV/bus. Direct tv offers a subscription for RV's but I don't know much about it. Hope I was helpful "Imagine" cd | ||
| john marbury (Jmarbury) (66.82.9.14)
Rating: N/A |
Scott Whitney, afellow Bus Nut sells Data Storm Satelite Systems and can give you all the info you need. He's a great guy and won't pressure yuo to buy but just tell you what your options are. www.dustyfoot.com Hope this helps. John | ||
| John the newbie (199.232.240.243) Rating: N/A |
We operate a web based business and use Verizon for our cellular services. All their plans include unlimited night/weekends, free 24/7 Verizon "mobile to mobile" and "free anytime minutes" from 400 to infinite depending on plan. We have the 800 anytime with their 59.95 plan. All plans also include their new "VZW" Internet connection with speeds up to 500. VERY fast! It's almost as fast as a DSL line. The benefit that I've found with using the Cell Phone, is that I can connect and use our own ISP (we kept our dial-up ISP since they host our web site). With the cell phone connection, you can have as many ISPs as you feel needed and are not limited. The satellite Internet system required a certification from the dish system provider to install their system. They required the one being certified to become a "dealer" or "installer" for their system. I'm not sure if that's changed, but the dish system did claim that since you would be transmitting signals, you had to be licensed/certified. The process of setting up and aiming the dish for Internet use is more complicated and time consuming also. The price of the DirectPc system was about $600 by the time you were finished. Most of the other satellite Internet systems were over $2k last year and did not guarantee service. We've been more than happy with Verizon Wireless. | ||
| John Rigby (24.174.238.253)
Rating: N/A |
John I switched from sprint to verison ( because verison had better coverage off the beaten track ) my bill average from sprint at $65.00per month no long distance no roeming, went to $250.00 with verizon no long distance no roeming. both nation wide. It appears that when you are traveling in and out of a verizon area the NO does not apply. Hence the large bill. John | ||
| captain Ron (207.30.240.107)
Rating: N/A |
I have verizon currently and used it last year for my internet. mabee they have improved I'll check into it. John they will deduct your roaming charges if you are on nationwide plan and bitch enough. here is a web site I saved to check on sattelite they claim to be cheapest and best for internet. any advise on this company? I also have my buisiness web sight http://www.captainronshow.com to take care of and my ebay account so I need speed. Thanks Ron http://home.comcast.net/~jacana704/directv/satelite-internet.html | ||
| Scott Whitney (69.35.62.177) Rating: N/A |
Hi Ron, The cell phone route can be a workable solution depending on your needs. I've used cellular and it works in metro areas and some rural areas. Sometimes, like in the middle of Arches National Monement Park, I was surprised to be able to surf over cell phone. But. . . for me, the Internet is critical to my business and I need a connection that is always there anytime any place. This makes satellite the only viable option for me. There are two cost effective ways of doing satellite Internet in a mobile environement. One is to use a dish mounted on a tripod that you must hand point every time you park. This method is cheaper, but kind of a hassle. The other option is an automatic system that is installed on your roof and is all computer controlled. The automatic system can do simultaneous TV as well. As for prewiring, for an automatic system, you will want to have four runs of RG6 coax and one proprietary control cable from the roof location to inside the coach. Two of the coax and the control cable would go to you computer location. The other two coax would run to front and rear TV receiver locations. (optional) Also, if you want fancier TV set-ups (Dish 500, Tivo, HDTV etc.), you may want double runs of coax to each reciever location. Run the coax now, it is cheap and easy to do before the ceiling is all buttoned up. You'd want to contact me if you want the proprietary cable in advance. Coax you can buy anywhere. If you are considering the automatic system, reserve some roof real estate. It is a BIG dish requiring 57" length. Don't fill up the roof with vents, A/Cs, solar etc. and then try to figure out as an afterthought where to put the dish. Regarding the link you pointed out. I have never heard of that company and didn't see anything on the page about mobile satellite Internet. All I can say about that, while trying to remain objective, is do your research on where to buy your equipment. You will want a reputable dealer on your side to support the total solution for the long term. Let me know if you have any questions. scott at dustyfoot dot com | ||
| John der neupie (199.232.240.243) Rating: N/A |
I'm not sure where you're traveling to, but we've used the Verizon Network from New Hampshire and Vermont to Key West, Fl and have been able (usually) to access either the Verizon Network or it's "extended" network. Verizon has greatly expanded it's network this past year, with contracts to other smaller cell companies. It's rare when you can't get to it's Network. The data connections suffer if you end up with only on the the "extended" network. In most cases, you may not be able to use the data connection at all, if on the "extended network". We did not find that to be too objectionable at all, since missing a day of "no Internet" gave us time to do other things we had been neglecting (Hi honey; wow... you sure look young and thin!) All the time you use, data or otherwise, is deducted from your plan's allowance. That was one reason we took the 800 "anytime minutes" plan. But as long as you confine your web connections to the "Nights and weekends", all the time spent surfing, etc, is free. Roaming can occur with any company, so it's important to watch the phone to insure you don't begin a call (or answer) if it's roaming. Verizon claims that if you began the call within it's network (or extended network), and go into a roaming state, you will not be billed for roaming. The charges continue as if you did not go into roaming. Our new Qualcomm LG 4400 appears to sound an alert when changing to roaming. The PC usb cable and CD of programming had cost an additional $70.00, but it allows me to use high speed connections to the Verizon provided (VZW) high speed system. Connections to our own ISP are at the slower 14.4 speed, but that's perfectly fine for uploading to our web site or sending mail through our own mail server. We use the VZW system for high speed surfing and to download all our spam....errr... mail. All in all, it was far, far less expensive to use this method than to buy and subscribe to any of the satellite systems for our Internet connection. | ||
| John the newbie (199.232.240.243) Rating: N/A |
By the way... The DirectTV satellite Internet system is now called the DirecWay system! Q: Why is there a requirement that the DIRECWAY system be professionally installed? A: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires that trained professionals install any two-way satellite system. Q: Can I put this system on a boat or in an RV? A: No. The DIRECWAY system is for fixed installs only. http://www.rapidsatellite.com/faq_dway.aspx And the cost: RIT-DW-99-18-1B DIRECWAY DW6000 with Hughes Director 1-Room Satellite TV System with Standard Professional Installation - (1 Dish for both Internet & TV) Enjoy High-Speed Internet & DIRECTV on 1 dish. For Internet, you pay price listed NOW & $99/mo for 1st 15 months, then $59/month after that. Includes a 1-Room DIRECTV Hughes Director – all w/ Std Professional Installations. DIRECTV programming additional. (Initial $199.99 cost of system reduced to $74.99) http://www.rapidsatellite.com/SearchResult.aspx?rnd=21 I'll stick with Verizon Cell Phone. | ||
| daffycanuck (66.82.9.14)
Rating: N/A |
If in fact you need a 'on all the time' internet connection, the Automatic Mobile antenna that Scott mentions is the way to go. My wife and I have the 'Motosat Datastorm' and wouldn't be without it. We considered the cell phone connection and found it was too unreliable for us, and other than the hardware costs, the monthly costs are about the same. Saying that, I must add that we also do not have a cell phone. In the six years of fulltiming, we've found it not necessary. With the addition of the 'Datastorm', we now have a 'Voice over internet' phone which does fill our needs and is very economical....'almost free'. Our system also has a LNB installed for receiving DSS TV. When the dish is tuned to the internet satellite, the TV is also tuned on the proper satellite....simple and all automatic. We have travelled from Northern Canada to the Southern tip of Baha and our Internet/e-mail/phone/TV has always there...as long as we have a southern sky exposure. The Antenna and mount are not cheap ($4495. plus instal) Justification is based on a persons needs and wants, as is everything. There are two (that I know of) main companies selling the automatic systems, both are 'Direcway' based. Motosat is US based and C-Comsat in Canada. I do not have any affiliation to either company selling these systems. I am purely a user. If anyone has a question of a user, please feel free to e-mail me. Jim | ||
| John the newbie (199.232.240.243) Rating: N/A |
'Motosat Datastorm' : http://www.datastorm.com/ "Standard mobile access fees are $99 a month.": http://www.groundcontrol.com/prod_ig2500_001.htm The MotoSat DataStorm System is $ 3995.00 + installation. Monthly Mobile Service is $ 99.98 per month + tax. (that's without TV programming) http://www.montanasatellite.com/motosat_datastorm.htm I don't know how affluent all other bus enthusiasts are, but I'm just a retired Bell System guy. I get all my cellphone usage and all I need for Internet usage for one $59.95 per month fee. My sat dish and subscription is $39 when I feel so compelled to call them to turn it on (no contract!). Since most parks have cable and TV reception with a normal antenna is OK, I figure I can take a few more trips and eat better without the elaborate satellite system. | ||
| Scott Whitney (69.35.62.177) Rating: N/A |
John, you are quoting outdated pricing information above. That dealer, or any dealer still quoting the $3995 price, apparently doesn't sell enough units to have even realized yet that their cost, and MSRP, went up on April 1. It is currently $4495, plus installation, & $99/mo. Regarding cell phone usage, with my work, I'd burn thru 800 minutes in about a day and a half of Internet usage. That would leave me high and dry for the other 28 days. Not to mention I am frequently needing to be talking on the cell phone, and reviewing a Web site at the same time. As I say, it all depends on what you need. For just casual, occasional usage, cell phone is a viable option. But if someone needs an always-on, always-available connection regardless of where they are, satellite makes more sense. As a side note, satellite also has speed advantages and the ability to be networked so two or more PCs can all be surfing at the same time. Sorry, didn't mean to turn this topic into a cell vs. satellite debate. Just felt the need to clarify some points since the original post's question eliminated the cell phone option as too slow for his needs and specifically inquired about satellite. Scott | ||
| John the newbie (199.232.240.227) Rating: N/A |
Great Scott ! I do agree, that if anyone needs a 24/7 super high-speed connection to the Internet while traversing the globe, the Satellite system is probably the better way to go. I did assume that "Captain Ron" was more of the same type user I am, where a 24/7 isn't necessary, but the ability to grab a connection from anyplace, was. Our web site doesn't require 24/7 monitoring. I check the mail in the AM, noon and PM and do any work on the site after 9pm, taking the benefit of the "free nights and weekends" of our contract. "Ron" apparently sells on Ebay, so I imagine that it isn't any more time intensive than the maintenance of any normal web site. "Ron's" problem was with the speed of the Cell Phone Internet connection. The newest Verizon Service includes their VZW high-speed network. Their claim of: "typical speeds of 40-60 kbps and bursts up to 144 kbps" is no joke; it works! http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/mobileoptions/nationalaccess/index.jsp And to really startle you: " user speeds of 300-500 kilobits per second (kbps)" http://news.vzw.com/news/2004/01/pr2004-01-07.html I've been enjoying the increased speed at absolutely no extra cost. I need a 24/7 telephone and when I need to get on the Internet, it's sitting right here waiting for me. I totally agree with your comment: "if someone needs an always-on, always-available connection regardless of where they are, satellite makes more sense." But with the caveat: "if they can also afford that amount of service". For most of us, I think the less expensive, multi-use cell phone is a better choice to provide all the needs of communication. Naw, it's not a debate; it's just the providing of facts to help a guy make a sound choice. | ||
| bruce king (24.19.15.231)
Rating: N/A |
kvh offers an internet option on their units as well. i've got the kvh l3 in-motion tv system, and i'm happy with it. http://www.kvh.com/LandMobile/index.asp | ||
| John the newbie (199.232.240.47) Rating: N/A |
The kvh antenna alone is: MSRP US $2599 The full kvh system: MSRP - North America US $6995 Not including monthly charges for Internet service and not including charges for TV service. (usually $90 service and $40 tv (phone service is not included?) I don't know anout anyone else, but that'd sure cut my retirement short. Verizon Cell Phone service with VZW Internet ability at 400kb: Service for 800 anytime, unlmtd nites/wknds and unlmtd mobile to mobile and no roaming: $59.95 per month (Service for 400 anytime with same extras: $39.95) Direct TV sat/dish and system with locals: $29.95 (system is free with contract) | ||
| bruce king (24.19.15.231)
Rating: N/A |
The differences between the dish-based solutions and the cellphone based solutions: dish works anywhere, regardless of cell phone coverage or lack thereof dish based are usually faster overall speed, provided you can live with the 500ms latency (22000 miles up, 22000 miles down) 1.5mbs or better, vs 400kbps, cell phone appears cheaper, but I don't have that service, and I can't tell you anything about it. John, are you currently using it, or are you reading a brochure? How's the latency? is it reliable? what happens when it switches between cell sites -- does it ever lose the connection, and if so, how often? KVH system is in-motion, datastorm is stationary. KVH system can be purchased as TV only, and then upgraded. datastorm is single purchase, and does not offer in-motion solution for tv. internet package prices can be changed at any time -- the fact that cellphone internet is cheaper now probably will lead to cheaper dish based rates, but it takes some time for competition to work. overall, if you really want internet anywhere you are likely to go, dish is the safer bet. think: what's the coverage in rural wyoming for your brand of cell phone? you're gonna pay more for this. but if you sticking close to urban centers, or where you travel isn't far from them, cell phone probably a good deal. in fact, i'm gonna go check it out myself. i just don't know about the reliability of the service. Bruce | ||
| John the newbie (199.232.240.190) Rating: N/A |
I use the Verizon Wireless system and have travelled from Vermont to Florida without going a day without service. The data connection is guaranteed available wherever a subscriber can connect to the Verizon network. Data service, voice mail, etc is -not- guaranteed while on the Verizon "extended network" or while roaming. The speed of the usual connection is above 100kbs (I've experienced as high as 400 (as tested via a web-based component: http://www.texan.net/speed.htm and others) You're correct that it is not always available wherever one might travel. It's entirely possible to be in an area where you will not be in the Verizon Network or possibly be without service completely. In one area where I could not connect to the Verizon Network, I took time drive about five miles to get into one of their owned towers. On the other hand, the sat system may not be available in rainy weather, when the cell phone always will be. Or if the bus is garaged, out for repair, or you are otherwise taken away from the location of the bus and it's sat system, you will also be incapable of using the system. I can take my phone and laptop anyplace. There is no latency to be concerned with. I have not tried to use it for a long distance while mobile, but the switching of cell sites is a fairly normal occurrence even while sitting in one spot; I have never lost a connection from the switching. No debate intended, but if a guy wants to have an -inexpensive- way to have reliable two-way communications while mobile for both voice and data, the choice would have to be a cell phone. If a guy's got more than a few thousand to spend initially for equipment; can deal with monthly payments that will far exceed $100 per month; feels comfortable with not being able to use his expensive system while away from the bus it's installed in and do without it when in a downpour, then I guess the sat system will be great. You already know my choice. | ||
| John The newbie (199.232.240.190) Rating: N/A |
Oh yeah... Bruce? Read this: http://www.mountainwireless.com/verizon.htm I'm not selling Verizon, but when I'm happy with something, I like sharing it. http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/CoverageLocatorController?requesttype=NEWREQUEST | ||
| Scott Whitney (69.35.62.177) Rating: N/A |
The big difference btwn HKV and a Datastorm is that the KVH is not a true two-way system. Its downlink comes from satellite while uplink is either 1) Landline, 2) Cell, 3) Sat phone. If you have option 1 available then you don't need the system to begin with. If you must use option 2 or 3, then you pay $0.79 per miniute. That is after paying several hundred per month for the account. SO KVH can get VERY expensive. PLus the TracVision with the TracNet option hardware costs considerably more too. The Datastorm is a true two-way service in that it is both sending and receiving data to the same satellite. However, it does not work in motion as the KVH does. SO while the KVH will work anywhere when using the sat phone as uplink, it just gets hideously expensive for anything beyond occasional use. I figure if you need in-motion Internet that bad, you are probably a movie star and have a hired driver anyway. So who cares what it costs. Then the KVH would be a viable option. Also, maybe you need in-motion for use on a yacht, which is what the KVH was designed for originally. I prefer a flat monthly rate for unlimited usage. What I don't understand is why someone will spend $300,000 or more on a fancy RV or bus conversion, but then think that $5k is too much for a cnc-machined, hand assembled, computer controlled, robotic, two-way, satellite system that is produced in very low volume (compared to TVs, VCRs, microwaves and other massproduced consumer electronics). Guess it is all a matter of priorities on what something is worth. Scott | ||
| Scott Whitney (69.35.62.177) Rating: N/A |
Oh, BTW, the latency of the DirecWAY platform, and all KA band stuff, is more the neighborhood of 800ms-1200ms. Not good for apps which do a lot of handshaking and forget about on-line first-person gaming. VOIP is workable, but not great. There are higher $peed $ervice$ which can bring the ping times lower, and more importantly, get them consistent, but even still satellite suffers the latency issue. Maybe in a few years new KA band stuff will reduce the latency woes. Scott | ||
| bruce king (24.19.15.231)
Rating: N/A |
so looking at the verizon stuff here in wa. state, and the prices and plans here aren't as cheap as what is being quoted. lowest price unlimited data plan i can find is $80 a month, which is 20% above the $99/month quoted for datastorm. | ||
| bruce king (24.19.15.231)
Rating: N/A |
blech. 20% below the 99 quoted for datastorm/direcway. | ||
| Sean Welsh (Sean) (64.81.73.194)
Rating: N/A |
Hey, Scott, watcha using for VOIP? I'm starting to hunt around for software/providers so we have at least some voice capability out in the boonies. Also, have you found something that will stay connected with all the propagation delay? -Sean | ||
| Scott Whitney (69.35.62.177) Rating: N/A |
Hi Sean, I don't use anything for VOIP now. I use a Wilson trucker antenna on a 15' crappie pole to usually get some sort of cell reception. (like at the Caverns where normal cell phones at ground level were SOL, I could make calls no problem) I have tested Net2Phone, the cheap consumer VOIP solution. It works marginally, at best. There may be some hardware solutions that are a little better, but not much. The best results on Satellite are from people who have a hardware VOIP and the high speed dedicated service. It is on a 256k transponder instead of 128k transponder, but costs more. ALso, you can't get it nowdays unless you have the 1.2M dish, meaning much higher hardware costs. There are few people using the dedicated bandwidth accounts on .74M dishes, but they got in as early Betas before Hughes decided it would only offer it on .98M dishes or larger, which means a 1.2M dish for we RVers as the F3 model is the only larger mobile dish that meets these requirements. But you CAN use VOIP in a pinch. But be prepared to use a CB-like protocol and be prepared to repeat youself a lot. You will be able to hear the other person pretty well. The problem is with them understanding you, as the upload is where more packets will be lossed and resent, i.e. garbled speech. .. But if all you want to do is call in for your voicemail etc. it could be fine. To conduct day-to-day normal business over it would be cumbersome. When shopping for vendors, ask them about performance on the DirecWAY platform. My guess is most will not support it and tell you good luck. But I'd be interested to hear if you find a vendor committed to supporting it. BTW, the problem on the lower service is not so much the latency, per se. You can fall into a speech pattern, once the delay is known. But the problem is that the latency varies so much. It may be 600ms for one packet and 1200ms for the next packet. The higher speed service has much more consistent ping times. However, in some of my initial testing, I have seen more consistent ping times from a DW6000 than from a DW4000 & host PC set-up. So there may be some a solution in the not-too-distant future that would at least get ping times a bit more consistant. (700-800 ave.) Scott | ||
| John the nuuuu-B (199.232.240.168) Rating: N/A |
Bruce.... The Verizon plan for Wa is no different than the one I am paying for in Florida or the one I had in Massachusetts. Their prices are the same nationwide. $59.99 for 800 anytime minutes, unlimited Verizon mobile to mobile calling, and unlimited night & weekends. (their 39.95 plan allows for 400 anytime mins but all other perks are incl) All their "America's Choice" plans include their VZW high speed Internet connection. You'll have to buy a USB cable and program to turn the phone into a modem. Radio Shack is about $20 for the cable and about $30 for the program. The Verizon cable and program is $70 one time charge. I have the Verizon one and swear by it. The data connection uses whatever time you would normally be using for a voice call. There is no "extra charge" for using it. http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/store/controller?item=planFirst&action=viewNationalPlanOverview (ok, I'm done here.) | ||
| bruce king (24.19.15.231)
Rating: N/A |
look, i don't want to argue with you, but there isn't any plan available for $59 a month from area code 98112. Not a single plan. I think you believe that a plan name is a statement about pricing and availability -- it ain't. most major markets in the us have different rates and plans, based on local conditions and competition. The $55 plan they list includes 400 minutes of voice/data combined, which I can use in a single day of web access. The $79.99 a month plan includes unlimited data, but has the following fine print: ------------------ "1) Plan does not include allowance for non-NationalAccess data usage. Rates for other data services: $0.25/minute home airtime; $0.69/minute roaming or your calling plan rate. To get home airtime rates, other data calls (Quick 2 Netsm) must be placed within designated Home Airtime Rate and Coverage Area and on a preferred carrier as defined by the preferred roaming list. Requires a NationalAccess-capable PC card or phone with its compatible Mobile Office Kit with specific software and preferred roaming list as programmed by Verizon Wireless." ----------------- So it seems that sometimes you'll be charged by the minute at some rate that might be .69 a minute ($41/hour) or at .25 a minute (15/hour) I don't know what "home airtime is", or whether random web surfing is that. what is that? | ||
| John the not-so-newbie (199.232.240.168) Rating: N/A |
You're looking at the wrong plan. http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/store/controller?item=planFirst&action=viewPlanOverview This is the correct plan that will give you both cell phone (voice) usage -and- the ability to use your phone/pc cable and program to use your cell phone and PC to access the Internet. http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/store/controller?item=planFirst&action=viewNationalPlanOverview You can use your own ISP and use the slower connection or you can use the Verizon VZW network and use their high speed connection. The "America's Choice" plan is the same price regardless where you are. | ||
| Sean Welsh (Sean) (64.81.73.194)
Rating: N/A |
John, I hate to break the bad news, but Verizon does not offer all plans in all places. I just "moved" from 95112 to 99352. Verizon will not even sell you service in 99352. I kept my 408 area-code number, and just changed my billing address, which was no problem. Which brings up a good point -- if you live on the road, as we do, there's really no reason not to just pick a ZIP code that has the plan you want at the price you want. VZW will assign you an area code in that ZIP, but they don't care where you want to get the bill. (For some, this may be cost-effective even based in a fixed location without VZW service). -Sean | ||
| John the newguy (199.232.244.117) Rating: N/A |
Hmmm... Well, I think I said: "The "America's Choice" plan is the -same price- regardless where you are". The fact they do not own towers to provide their digital service in an area and instead use leased systems, prevents them from selling you service they cannot claim to have. In the rare instances that's found, a drive to one of Verizon's stores will solve the problem. It's not that you can't use their service in that area, but that they do not own the network you will be using. I ran into that problem in Massachusetts. Franklin County was served by a local company. Under the guidelines at the time, Verizon could not sell service in that county. I secured a contract in another county, had it billed to my home address and used the phone. Big deal. Eventually Verizon had a tower close enough to access and they now sell service in that area also. DirectTv could not sell me service there either. I had to use Pegasus to buy service that DirecTv's satellite supplied. http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/dispatcher Washington Cities: Please select a city for a list of stores in that area. B | E | F | I | L | O | P | R | S | T | V | W | BELLEVUE BELLINGHAM BURLINGTON While you're still here Sean, what connect speeds have you been getting with their VZW network? Do you think it's better, dollar for dollar, than the sat system? | ||
| Gary Carter (68.25.22.118)
Rating: N/A |
I have been using Sprint Vision for 18 months and love it. I usually get at least twice land line speed and all sprint towers have it. Currently there is a $10/mn extra charge for this service, and that is for unlimited usage. I have been on the net for 90 minutes so far this morning and this is typical for me. Multiply that by 30 days and we are close to 3000 minutes per month. And this is during the day. When we purchased this system I concluded that all the vendors could talk so based my decision on data handling only. Almost went with verizon until I started reading the small print. At that time their unlimited minutes were only on weekends, so that killed them. Was reluctant to go with sprint because of all the horror stories I had heard. My experience has been just the opposite. | ||
| ChuckMC9 (Chucks) (69.3.74.31)
Rating: N/A |
Hmmm... new tires or motosat... that's a tough one. ;) Until Scott & I work out a deal, I too, am a satisfied user of Sprint's Vision plan. | ||
| Scott Whitney (69.35.62.177) Rating: N/A |
In a month or two, depending on my finances, I might be able to make someone a trade deal for a dish in exhange for an old, dually, flatbed or utility body truck of comperable value, if located within 1000 miles or so from OK. Also, might barter for category one, 3-point tractor implements or a backhoe tractor attachment. Scott | ||
| ChuckMC9 (Chucks) (69.3.74.31)
Rating: N/A |
You're giving up bussin' & communications technology to become a *farmer*?  | ||
| Scott Whitney (69.35.62.177) Rating: N/A |
Just trying to make some dagumm pull-thrus on my heavily wooeded property so my bus friends will come out off the highway to pay a visit now and again! Yee haw. Scott | ||
| Sean Welsh (Sean) (64.81.73.194)
Rating: N/A |
John, I only use my VZW for voice, although I do have the data cables just as an emergency backup. The few times I've used it the throughput has been about 12k. We went with the MotoSat because there are no cell towers where we prefer to park (waaay out in NFS and BLM land). Also, I've grown accustomed to 300 meg or so download rates, and it's really, really hard to go back. Looking forward to seeing how the MotoSat performs, whenever we get the darned bus out of the shop and onto the road... -Sean | ||
| John the newpain (199.232.240.183) Rating: N/A |
In the time we've spent talking about all this, the cell sites and coverage areas for all the cell service providers has increased, along with the technology involved. I just found out that I can run a gps mapping program on my Qualcomm LG 4400. Nice! I can get directions about as fast as I can -refold- the blasted map, without having to -unfold- the blasted map. Since the VZW network is totally digital, I wonder what's causing the slow speed? I did find that the port speed must be set to maximum (921600) and the USB line fares better than the serial line. I suppose a poor or noisy signal would result in a high error rate and a slower overall speed... Oh well.. No insult intended, but if a guy can afford to lay out those kind of bucks and let it sit in a garage, then the sat system's real nice to fool with. For the more practical minded moron like me... I don't spend it if I can't justify it. The cell phone and cell services' Internet access is all I need; it does everything (and more) than I can use at any one time, and does it with the speed I'm thrilled with. Oh... and it leaves me with enough spare change to buy the wife anything she likes and still have some for dinner. Thanks for the conversation Sean. As long as we're happy.... whaddahell? | ||
| Scott Whitney (69.35.62.177) Rating: N/A |
>>> The cell phone and cell services' Internet access is all I need; it does everything (and more) than I can use at any one time, and does it with the speed I'm thrilled with. Like everything about these busses, how you design something sooooo much depends on your needs. I am glad the cell phone solution works for you. For myself and some others, it just simply isn't adequate. Anyway. . . Sean got a good deal on a used MotoSAT unit from a friend of mine. So he made the purchase at the time the deal presented itself. I don't think it fair to assume he plunked down the cash to let it sit in a garage. Having said that, what anyone can afford is all relative anyway. I bet the guy driving a little worn out 1970 class C camper looks at your bus and makes similar comments. Scott | ||
| John -that- guy (199.232.240.68) Rating: N/A |
Similar? - Worse, I would imagine. Probably like the looks I got the time I accidentally started my generator at 4:15am in the tent section of the rv park... (I parked at night, what can I say?) "Uhhh... Good morning?" Yeah, it does boil down to whatever a guy feels he needs. But at least we can be content that we gave the options a good workout for those trying to make a decision. | ||
| john wood (209.137.231.109) Rating: N/A |
I have verizon and just tried to find out what services they offer and when I entered the zip code, got msg saying that they do not offer service in my area!! Can you beat that! | ||
| Scott Whitney (69.35.62.177) Rating: N/A |
Verizon doesn't offer service in my home area either; 74047, rural Oklahoma. But I use my Verizon cell phone here as my one and only phone. I just kept my old California area code and changed the billing address. Sometimes local people wonder why they have to dial long distance to call me, but in this day and age people are starting to get used to area codes from all over the place. So if you want Verizon, which has the best coverage for voice thru-out the US so I hear, then maybe you can just use an area code for somewhere else, (Beverly Hills, Manhatton etc??) pick a plan, and then give them a different billing address. Scott | ||
| John the newguy (199.232.240.33) Rating: N/A |
I dunno, but Bozeman, MT 59718 has the same Verizon plans as the rest of the nation. | ||
| bruce king (24.19.15.231)
Rating: N/A |
hey john. the plans are not nationwide. really. trust us. or try it yourself. Look at the plans for 98112 vs your zip code. they're different. really. | ||
| bruce king (24.19.15.231)
Rating: N/A |
So i bought one of the phones that can do this, and a cable. Out the door price was $202, with $50 rebate, so total cost of $152. got a data cable, car charger, wall charger, data-only plan. In seattle, data throughput rates of 200kbs from a couple of locations. latency between 800 and 1400, which sounds a lot like sattelite latency. Performance isn't really good enough to play online games with that require good latency or you die. The installation software is fairly good, though I was warned several times that the software hadn't been "tested for windows logo compatibility" and I might die if i continued installation. Appears to work fine in the metro area, but I am dissapointed by the latency. I had hopes it would be better. | ||
| Scott Whitney (69.35.62.177) Rating: N/A |
>>>...latency between 800 and 1400...Performance isn't really good enough to play online games with that require good latency or you die. Yikes, that is on par with satellite. I doubt game servers would even let you on with those pings times. You'd be fragged in a hearbeat. Guess you could always hang out in DC or San Diego where they have rolled out their faster service. | ||
| bruce king (24.19.15.231)
Rating: N/A |
The new service down in san diego is a bigger pipe, but I wonder if the latency is still going to be the same. I talked at length with verizon technical support about this, and to use the new broadband you'll have to get an aircard. they thought that you might be able to use it with a cell phone, but 200kbs is tolerable bandwide for me. I'm going to play with my tcpip settings to see if I can't get it a little better. Maybe playing with packet sizes will result in better performance. I'll post a note about it after I've played with it for a while. Bruce | ||
| Scott Whitney (69.35.62.177) Rating: N/A |
I'll be interested to see how it goes. I don't understand why there would be such latency either. Satellite, I can understand. Long round trip into space and back. But to the nearest cell tower should be a very quick hop. Might have more to do with the Verizon network overhead or the phone's processor speed etc. Scott | ||
| Don KS/ (66.82.9.41)
Rating: N/A |
John, tell us more about the GPS mapping program you can run off the LG 4400! EMail me at DonGeneda@direcway.com if you get a chance. | ||
| NEO/Russ (66.83.53.142) Rating: N/A |
I have a LG 4400 and can get "Mapquest Mobile" and "TeleDirections" packages for about $4 each a month, plus airtime when I use them. These aren't GPS, but do save the use of maps, IF YOUR EYES LET YOU SEE THE MAPS. The TeleDirections do seem to be better for on the road travelers, like having a navigator. If there's a GPS, I'd like to know where Verizon is hiding it in the "Get It Now - Get Going - Travel" - section. The phone has a GPS label, just means big brother can find me, not that I can find myself. | ||
| John the non-nerd (199.232.244.131) Rating: N/A |
Thanks for answering that last one, Russ! Verizon claims that there will be more commercial use of a cell phone's GPS technology, but at present it's primarily used for public emergency services. Calling "911" allows the operator to see exactly where you are and get help to that exact location. The mapping programs do work well in spite of the present lack of the GPS involvement. I'm sure we'll see some change shortly. |