Frequently Asked Questions
You have questions? We have answers!
Provider Advice
Trying to decide which provider to use? Let us help you with that decision.
If you don’t currently have satellite service at home, then I would recommend starting with Dish Network. The equipment is less expensive. Month to month flexibility, local channels on the move and cheaper monthly prices are also a plus!
If I already have satellite service at home, can I use it in my RV? If you have DIRECTV or Dish Network, you can! You can stay with either of these companies, and purchase the proper antenna from us, for your vehicle.
If you are not happy with your current service, we can switch you to another provider.
Please read the following carefully, not all satellite TV services are the same when it comes to mobile systems!
Dish Network
Dish is RV friendly!
Dish has a Mobile app to change local channels and programming. Very user friendly for mobile use.
Dish also offers Month to month service. Buy your equipment and pay for the service only when you need it. No contracts turn off and on monthly.
Dish is very cost effective to get an Automatic portable satellite system. Dish Network prices are stable.
DIRECTV
Not RV friendly. Hard to get local channels while traveling.
More expensive monthly after their 2 year discount. They also don’t offer any month to month plans. Also to get HD on your RV it cost more than Dish Network.
DTV does offer NFL sunday ticket and great HD programming. They have good equipment as well.
DTV is a cheaper options for two receivers than dish.
Contract Questions
Month to month or annual contract?
Which length contract is best for me?
Most of my customers find that if they use their service for seven months or more, per year, it is better to go with a two year contract. If you use the service less than seven months per year, then the month to month contract is a better value. It all depends on your individual needs. If you require more than 2 receivers, then the contract options get better and less expensive. Call me for details!
- Paul
Month to Month Contract
Average cost is 300.00 to $700.00
Higher fees of at least 10.00
Thirty day commitment
Two Year Contract
Average cost is 0 to $400.00
Lower monthly fees
Two-year commitment
Internet Questions
Will you need access to the internet with your dish?
Can I get Internet with my satellite system?
Yes! We offer satellite and all new Cellular options that are very affordable.
Do I need to have a cell phone for internet in my RV?
No, we now offer Togo service though ATT. Togo is an Unlimited service that can stream video and all your other needs, at 4g speeds, for only $350 per year.
Can I use my own Cellular service?
Yes, I offer products that REALLY boost your data. (You will need a new SIM card from your carrier) It will also boost WiFi. Very affordable!
How fast is satellite Internet? And what about Latency?
Speeds vary but a good average is 756k up and 4000K down. These are real world numbers. Latency exists because of the time it takes for the data signal to travel 22,000 miles up to the satellite & back down to the Control Center.
What are the monthly fees?
Monthly fees for Internet start at $79 per month.
Can I get TV service with an Internet dish?
Unfortunately no.
Where do I get support?
We support all of our customers personally. And you get my cell phone number! RV Datasat is available for technical support as well.
How many computers can I hook up to the Internet?
You can have up to 5 to 10 without any issues. More than that it really slows the system down. Higher bandwidth packages are available to handle as many users as may be needed.
Can I use a wireless connection to my laptop?
Yes! All our systems come with wireless routers for all of your internet connected devices.
What about using VoIP on my internet satellite system?
VOIP will work, but with some limitations on satellite. You must have enough upload speed to work without a lot of trouble. 256 kbps consistent upload speed is what gets the job done. Currently, Our systems will do VOIP and we can get you your own phone number.
What about using VPN on my internet satellite system?
Yes. A VPN connection can slow down your system by as much as 75%. The best advice we can give is to try to use SSL (Secure Socket Layer) or "web based" VPN solutions…they work far better than IPsec VPN.
How can I get a system?
You can call or email and order a system. We can arrange installation almost anywhere in the country. We can ship most systems to you if you want to install it yourself.
Television Questions
What you need to know about satellite TV.
For TV Service, can I get all Three providers on just one dish?
Yes! The Winegard Travler 1000 will get all three at the same time.
Can I get HDTV via satellite?
Yes. Most Satellite systems are HD now.
Will a Dome system get HDTV?
Yes but, for Dish Network only. There are no domes that will pick up the DTV HD signal.
Will my satellite receiver work with Winegard product?
All the Travler systems have no limitations on what receiver you use for your system, Dish, DTV or Shaw. you just have to buy the correct Travler for the Satellite services you have.
Can I use my Hopper for Dish Network or Genie for DTV
Yes, but only with the Winegard Travler. None of the dome systems will work with either system. There is a work around for DTV but requires a separate switch to be installed and still will not receive HD signal. If you have those receivers look to the Travler Systems.
Antenna Questions
What you should to know about satellite antennas.
How do they work?
All automatic systems require pressing just one button. The dish does everything on it's own.
Dome or open face system, which is better?
Open face systems give you higher signal and work much better in wet conditions (heavy dew, rain and snow). High winds (above 50mph) a dome system works much better and you don't have to stow the dishes when you are done, just drive away! Domes are also the best value for a fully automatic system.