Item |
Required |
Description |
Outside Equipment |
|
StarBand
HughesNet |
The outside Internet satellite equipment consists of:
- Dish or Reflector - This item will be of either glass fiber reinforced polyester or metal construction. The surface area of the standard dish is either .74 or .75 meter.
- Feed Arm - The feed arm consists of a feed horn, wave guide, LNB (low noise block) and 1-watt or 2-watt transmitter.
- Mounting Bracket - This mounts to the back of the dish and slides onto the tripod mast.
- Cabling - 50' is the most common length.
See comparison page for more detail.
|
InsideEquipment |
|
StarBand
HughesNet |
The inside Internet satellite equipment consists of:
- Satellite Modem
- Power Supply
- Cabling
See comparison page for more detail. |
|
Item |
Recommended |
Description |
Click For More Detail |
Tripod |
|
|
A good high quality tripod is very important for any mobile setup. The tripod should be of aluminum construction, to withstand the outside elements of the RV lifestyle. The tripod legs should have adequate length to allow for a wide and stable "footprint" while maintaining a recommended installed height (minimum of 5 feet) for the outside satellite dish and feed arm assembly. |
Tripod Offset Adapter |
|
StarBand
HughesNet |
The tripod offset adapter is another integral component of a mobile setup. The adapter puts the center of gravity of the satellite dish and feed arm assembly toward the center point of the tripod. A typical Internet dish and arm weighs 25-35 lbs, so it's very important to have that weight centered over the tripod, for a safe and stable mobile setup. |
Adapter Hardware Set |
|
StarBand
HughesNet |
The adapter hardware set attaches the tripod offset adapter to the top of the tripod. This hardware set consists primarily of an eyebolt (for attaching ballast weight), centering plate, mylar gasket (for smooth movement of the adapter when pointing to the azimuth) and knob. |
Elevation Adjustment Tool
|
|
HughesNet |
The elevation tool allows for the precise adjustment of elevation, for obtaining the strongest signal from the satellite.
Note: The elevation adjustment tool for StarBand Nova systems is built into the StarBand mounting assembly. |
Knob Sets |
|
|
Optional knob sets allow for "tool-less" attachment and adjustment of the outside equipment. |
Signal Meter- HughesNet |
|
HughesNet |
The OPI (Outdoor Pointing Interface) meter is economical choice for pointing a HughesNet system. This meter will identify the correct HughesNet satellite, so you can peak to the strongest signal. It will also help you perform the important cross-pol tuning and adjustment. No longer available, however software version is available |
Signal Meter - StarBand |
|
StarBand |
The Digisat III Pro Multimeter is an excellent signal meter for StarBand Nova systems. Although it will not positively identify the assigned StarBand satellite, with a simple pointing procedure the correct satellite can easily be found. |
|
|
StarBand
HughesNet
(Optional)
|
The BIRDOG™ meter is a programmable meter that will positively identify almost all satellites used for satellite Internet and TV.
|
Compass |
|
StarBand
HughesNet |
A good quality compass is important for accurate pointing of the outside equipment. A "clean line-of-sight" is critical for tripod and dish positioning. Often trees, building, and other obstacles can block the signal coming from the satellite and prevent a successful mobile installation. |
Cables and Cabling |
|
StarBand
HughesNet
(Required) |
Cabling is very important for a good, reliable connection. Therefore, a high quality 75-ohm 3 GHz solid copper core RG6 DUAL coaxial cable with compression fittings is recommended for all satellite Internet systems. The system requires both transmit (Satellite Out) and receive (Satellite In) cables. A typical mobile cabling system should include an outside dual cable (25' to 75'), outside connection points or pass through, and inside cables that stay connected to the satellite modem. |
Tripod Ballast |
|
StarBand
HughesNet |
Ballast for the outside equipment is crucial. The satellite dish can blow over and be seriously damaged in heavy winds. Therefore, it is essential that the tripod be weighted down with ballast or properly anchored. |
|
Item |
Recommended |
Description |
Account Setup |
 |
|
Account setup includes reviewing the various service plans, to ensure the proper bandwidth for your Internet connection needs. In addition, all billing and installation information is submitted to the satellite provider. |
System Assembly/Commissioning |
 |
StarBand
HughesNet |
Internet satellite systems are shipped as separate components, so assembly is required. Once the system has been assembled it then must be commissioned. Commissioning consists of configuring the satellite modem with the account parameters and establishing the initial connection with the satellite and NOC. This process will also test all components to ensure that the system will "go online". |
Hands-on Training |
 |
StarBand
HughesNet |
Hands-on training is very important to ensure all future set-ups will be trouble-free. This includes the proper order and techniques for the setup of all outside equipment, as well as the inside connection of the modem to the computer. |
Followup Support |
 |
StarBand
HughesNet |
First-line followup support (Call First) is very important. Most issues with either the pointing of the outside equipment or some modem/computer integration problems can be addressed at this level. However, certain issues with the satellite equipment or service must be re-directed to the satellite provider. |
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