Satelite info. needed pro & con

[white-eagle]

too bad you weren't at THE Rally in Arcadia.  Lots of examples and experts.

We provided the satellite Internet for the live broadcast.  We have an automatic satellite finding system that locks on in about 10 minutes.  Cost for a unit new is about $5000.  i know of a used system, still working, that we just sold for $350.  the new owner will need to spend about $200 for the plate and cables to mount it on top.  used units should be under or around $1000 depending on how old.  Monthly is $60-$180 per month with a possible contract required.  i also know of another that may be going up for sale in the next few months.

if you stay in civilized areas, cellular may be better and is certainly easier.  buy a MiFi from Verizon for aobut $50 wtih a new contract, the $50 per month.  but it has a low limit of 5gb.  so you have to evaluate where you go and how much you need.

Satellite TV is similar.  decide if you want Dish or Direct, have them install a ground unit (free), then take it down and build a mount you can shove in the bay for when you are under trees.  Buy a wingard bubble for the roof, about $1000 at camping world, but don't let them install it unless you don't mind poor installations cheaply done.

if you are full time, you don't need the clutter in your bays for the cube.  it only take 5 min to aim a sat dish for tv, once you get the hang of it.

[papatony]

Tom :: Everbody I thank all of you for so much info. I know now I can make an informed decisions. papa T

[Cary and Don]

We just got the winegard movin view.  We had the old wingard semi automatic.  It was a pain finding the satellite. Took forever of hunt and try again.  Love the movin view.  Easy to install.  Handles two receiver hook ups. The best part,  the first time we parked, turned on the on switch and there it was.  We had to reset our satellite settings because we have an hd receiver, but that was all. We haven't tried the in motion. Also bought it used and customer support still would talk to me.

Don and Cary
GMC4107
Neoplan AN340

[rv_safetyman]

Tom, you are in the business, so I will defer to your recommendations. 

However, we avoided the Verizon MiFi because it does not have the ability to attach an external antenna for the marginal areas.  Instead, we selected a USB modem that has a port for an antenna and then network with a CradlePoint MBR-1000.  That allows us to switch between the satellite and Verizon. 

At home we have the satellite, but when it snows we sometimes loose our signal.    We then use the Verizon as a backup.  However, we are in a marginal area and have to use a Wilson antenna in the window to get enough of a signal to have reasonable bandwidth.

Jim